To further sum up the Cerebrum (an subsequent expulsion)...

[Coden Rokos (Jesse H.)]

"Yes, we might as well do what we can," says Coden to Laakh. "I'll help in whatever way I might."

He gravely accepts the missive and, with his metal knife, slides open the wax seal and checks the letter.

"Surprised they actually sent something written," he notes. "Then again, we're not really in a place where templars are going to make a big issue of it, at the moment."

[Attilius]

[Merry Christmas fellas!]

[DM Bob]

The letter simply states in flowing script:

Nephew Coden,

I regret to inform you of your youngest cousin, Khad and his wife Tatia's sudden and unexpected passing. I expect your presence soon, where you can properly pay your respects at the familial crypt and we can discuss your newly required duties and position.

Malikon Rokos

Nobility simply does not follow the same rules of the underclass. Malikon's missive is not strange at his position, especially in his home state. Some things are better left in confidence than with trusted spoken word.

***

Dormus is a sleepy chap. "U-um, uh, hello?" Yawn. The talisman grows slightly warm as contact is made.

[Attilius]

If Coden let's the group know it's contents, HurK will give his condolences and offer to go with him should he wish his support and want to be among friends in this difficult time.

[Deleted]

Mak looks to Coden. "You are from here, yes? Best deal with your business first. I have a feeling if we leave this place we may not return for some time."

"We leave once your business is settled. Would you like an escort?"

[Niachi]

Laakh will not press it if Coden needs privacy, he is used to data discretion. While he is en route or during this last downtime before we spilit up, he cradles the skull relic tucked in his tunic and attempts Contact:

<"Chieftain Kripnar, I am Laakh, a human user of the Clairvoyant path. I know you were a respected leader and may I continue this respect. You are now among friends. Your former owners are far away and pose us no immediate threat. My friends Coden and HurK will also reach you with their minds. We wish to fill your vessel with our mental strength  We will soon ask you for guidance during the next few hours. Rest easy now.">

[Attilius]

Dec 26, 2020 4:11:58 GMT -12 DM Bob said:

Dormus is a sleepy chap. "U-um, uh, hello?" Yawn. The talisman grows slightly warm as contact is made.

<Well met Tyrian. I'm HurK. My Balican Team and I have rescued you from the worm men. Do you have any nexus strength left within you or have you been emptied and require filling?>

[DM Bob]

You learn from Dormus that without an active hold on mental power - there is nothing to hold in reserve.

"Simply pour your strength into this vessel. Maybe hum something gentle when you do so. I, YAWN, can give you some of that back later if you holler. Each day you don't, I need a bit of your energy to keep a hold on it, eh? G'night."

Kripnar is energic by comparison. His being bottled up mentally causes him to spew an almost incomprehensible strand of syllables in the common tongue. Like giving a hyperactive child an espresso and a teddy bear.

He had little contact with his former owner it seemed...

Perhaps he just never shut up.

Coden cousins, while blood relatives, were young and childless themselves. He was not particularly close. These two in particular were given a small portion of his father's property - a small home within the City's walls that his Dad used as an office when there was work to be done in town proper. Adjoining that building was an oven that the Rokos family owned and rented time to various businesses throughout the week. Potters, bakers and egg roasters to name a few. While not a huge portion of the family business, there was always a small flow of ceramic and steady stream of gossip to be had - and in his Uncle's case? Possibly a decent way to hide profits from the templars. There was always money in the oven, so-to-speak.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuHILqDIvis&feature=emb_logo

[Niachi]

Laakh interjects

<Easy, my friend. Focus your pent up energy on our coming inquiries...>

[Attilius]

HurK hums a song he's heard in his past at the Cerebrum while he focuses his nexus into a river, pouring his will into the Tyrian.
[-50 psp]

[Coden Rokos (Jesse H.)]

Coden reads the letter aloud carefully, reads it again silently, then folds it back up.

He lets out a sigh, then runs a hand over his face.

"It's a trap."

He licks his lips and then says, "That isn't to say that my uncle arranged the death of my cousin just to get to me. But he will certainly take advantage of the situation, if he can get me into a vulnerable position."

"Still... I need to go. Not least because of the social obligations. Since the letter reached me, if word got out in society that I had simply ignored a family obligation like this, it would seriously damage my credibility. And also... my cousin deserves my respect. They're still family."

"I may... need to take a little time."

(( DM is this a hint for me to swap to someone else on the tree? 'cuz I don't think this is an "adventure" for the team per se, and I don't think Coden would be able to bring other people to such a close family affair anyway. ))

[DM Bob]

[No hint. Just enjoy fleshing out Balic a bit. ]

[Attilius]

Dec 26, 2020 22:23:58 GMT -12 Coden Rokos (Jesse H.) said:

"I may... need to take a little time."

HurK pats Coden on the back "Whatever you need, little brother."

[DM Bob]

As far as Athasian funeral customs? There is not much. For Coden to bring a few friends no one would probably bat an eye since backstabbing is such the norm.

[Niachi]

When Coden is ready, Laakh will amble alongside without a care in the world until reaching the family business, chit chatting, will power up All Round Vision to see who's following them.

Rolled 4 success.