Table of Content
Matiki Matiki Matiki Matiki Matiki Matiki Matiki Matiki Matiki Matiki
Matiki on Ancestors
Matiki on Ancestors
Matiki
When we speak of our ancestors and their wisdom, it’s not just poetic. All Karui since the time of Tukohama linger here still, in the Halls of the Dead. Their advice and counsel is our greatest source of strength.
Warrior
Elder… please tell me, do I have ancestors here?
Matiki
Of course. Do you know their names? Their song?
Warrior
I… do not.
Matiki
I’m sorry, child, but there are countless souls here. Without a name and a tribe, we cannot find them. Would they recognise your face?
Warrior
No. I was lost as a boy.
Matiki
That is most unfortunate. My heart goes out to you. When this time of trouble is over… I’ll ask around on your behalf.
Witch
I underestimated the Karui. Necromancy is woven into the fabric of your culture.
Sorceress
We have something like this, the {barya.} Not on this scale, of course. We mainly use them as punishment for criminals…
Ranger
It seems wrong to keep souls out of the natural order.
Huntress
When we Azmeri die, we rejoin the Spirit. Our voices become one.
Monk
Ah, that is how your Way can be enforced so strongly. The knowledge is not lost.
Mercenary
Think I’d rather take a dirt nap. Imagine never getting a break from being {you.}
Druid
Ye speak as though none are ever truly gone. Yet… I cannae help but wonder if some losses cut too deep, even for these Halls.
Matiki
Necro what now? Well… I don’t know about that.
Matiki
This place is no punishment… It is a blessing!
Matiki
For us, this is natural.
Matiki
One voice for all your people? That’d never work for the Karui…
Matiki
Yes. No teaching is lost if the teacher lives on!
Matiki
It is a curious thought. But… you can always strive to keep learning something new!
Matiki
Grief is heavy. But even the deepest cut leaves a scar, not an absence.
Matiki
In anycase, my feelings on all this {are} complicated, but the Way was established long before my time. Sometimes it really just is… what it is.
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Matiki on Being an Elder
Matiki on Being an Elder
Warrior
How does one become an Elder?
Witch
So, are you just well aged, or is there a ritual required to become an Elder?
Sorceress
Is your title of Elder a special duty? How does one become such a thing?
Ranger
Tell me - how did you become an Elder?
Huntress
We’ve Elders, too. How’d you become one?
Monk
Why do they call you Elder? Is it a title? How did you earn it?
Mercenary
Is Elder a rank? Did you work your way up or somethin’?
Druid
So what makes an Elder? Just the number o’ wrinkles, or what ye’ve learned from them?
Matiki
Becoming an Elder… hmm. Good question.
Kaimana
It simply requires being old… and not dead yet.
Tavakai
Oh come now, Kaimana. A bit of wisdom as well.
Matiki
Yes! I have plenty of {all} that.
Kaimana
I am just making fun, yes? Matiki became an Elder during the worst plague of Blood Fever these shores have ever seen… Hmmm. He gave himself. All of himself. Without a care, yes? I still don’t know how he survived. But many would not have, had he not been so brave… and well, so… wise.
Matiki
You honour me, Kaimana.
Kaimana
Yes. Deserved.
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Matiki on Eye of Hinekora
Matiki on Eye of Hinekora
Makoru
You want to take them to the Karui’s most sacred place? Were you hit on the head?
Matiki
Trust me. My hero here… is special. They deserve a chance to prove themselves to our ancestors.
Makoru
Tavakai will lose his mind if he finds out about this…
Matiki
Ah. Well, perhaps in this case it’s best for him to only hear what he needs to hear.
Makoru
Alright, but after this I’m taking you back to Ngakanu.
Matiki
Yes, yes… that’s fine.
Matiki
Ah, Makoru! It is good to see you.
Makoru
Matiki! You’re alive! I’d heard you were missing.
Matiki
Yes. They told me I was too old to keep taking out my canoe… maybe they were right.
Witch
You went out on a canoe… and ended up {there?}
Ranger
Sounds like you had a rough day at sea.
Matiki
It is quite the tale… … and I was weak. I admit. When the fog swept over the water… I should’ve known what I saw wasn’t real! But there she was. My Rakana. Sweet and strong as the day we met. She plowed on through the fog. And I chased her like she was alive! Like we were young again. Then… crash! Next thing I know… I’m wet as anything and preparing to be bird food!
Makoru
Good thing our patron here got there when they did.
Matiki
Yes! And about that… There is the small matter of what I’ve promised our hero here…
Makoru
Why do I get the feeling this involves me?
Matiki
Show me your map, Makoru. There’s a place I want to take our friend, when they have the time.
Matiki
Yes… there it is. The Eye of Hinekora. Gateway… to the Halls of the Dead!
Matiki
We call this place… the Eye of Hinekora. Far below, Hinekora herself resides. She, The Mother of Death, sees the choices we have made, and from that… has foresight of the path ahead. Now. This here… this is Navali. She is the Speaker. The word of the will of Hinekora. Oh! And that on her shoulder… that’s Yama. He’s a good boy.
Warrior
I am honoured to meet you, Navali. And Yama.
Witch
Greetings, Speaker. I cannot wait to meet your goddess. And hello, monkey.
Sorceress
Good day, Navali. Greetings, Yama.
Monk
You are a curious sort, Navali. I am intrigued to know more about your master. And… Yes, hello Yama.
Ranger
Hello, Navali and Yama. If I get the chance, I look forward to asking Hinekora some rather… personal questions.
Huntress
Spirit watch over you, Navali. And monkey.
Mercenary
Well, pleased to meet you Navali. Also, nice monkey.
Druid
Well met, lass. And the wee lad on yer shoulder too.
Navali
The Elder’s tale of your victory is well received. He vouches for you. But that is not quite enough… The Mother of Death must decide if you may enter. Step forth. Look into the bowl. Hinekora will see you. All of you.
Matiki
{Tala moana}! Oh… you’re one of us but from somewhere else. Hmm.
Warrior
Yes. Born Karui. Traded as property. Then left to the tide to wash ashore. And finally… raised an Ezomyte.
Matiki
You have lived many lives. Hard though, it is true. But now… your skin is thicker than most.
Warrior
Some scars never heal.
Matiki
Well… on this day, by your actions, you have honoured an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. My name is Matiki. And I owe you a debt of thanks.
Warrior
You need not thank me, Matiki. I am just glad I got here in time to help you.
Matiki
Humble too! Hmm… Well, I shall thank you. I would honour you in the best way I can. I offer you the blessing of our ancestors. They know the true merit of a warrior!
Matiki
{Tala moana}, my dear! You have travelled far, haven’t you!
Witch
Well, you’re awfully cheery for someone who was almost eaten alive.
Matiki
Ah, yes… almost! It seems old Matiki has more to do in life before he is summoned to the Halls of the Dead.
Witch
Halls of the Dead? Okay, you have my attention.
Matiki
You see, I’m an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. And I have something in mind for you… I would honour you the best way I can, dear lady. With the blessing of our ancestors! They can tell if someone is worthy of their honour, and you have strength in you.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, tale-woman! It’s been many a year since old Matiki has seen one of your kind in the flesh!
Sorceress
Not quite a tale-woman but… it is a fair assumption. Greetings to you, Matiki.
Matiki
There is always more to the story. I knew that even before I was an Elder of the Tukohama tribe! Now… I must honour you the best way that I can. With the blessing of our ancestors! If you are worthy, they will see you for who you are… and more. Quite clever really.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, young man! An impressive display you put on there.
Monk
Well… that display saved your life, it seems.
Matiki
Indeed it did! My name is Matiki, an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. And I must thank you for saving my life.
Monk
I accept your thanks.
Matiki
Oh, no, no! I can’t leave that debt unpaid. I would honour you the best way that I can… With the blessing of our ancestors! Prove yourself to them. Show them your might.
Monk
I’m unfamiliar with Karui traditions. Enlighten me.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, stranger! My eyes could barely keep up with you. Remarkable!
Ranger
You are safe, for now. Best you get going.
Matiki
Oh, no. I must thank you first. As an Elder of the Tukohama tribe, I have something in mind…
Ranger
Please. It isn’t necessary… I can just be on my way and then you never have to–
Matiki
You’ll have the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors!
Ranger
But I really don’t–
Matiki
Yes! A perfect reward, indeed.
Ranger
Guess there’s no way around this. Go on, then.
Matiki
Do my eyes tell lies? Do I see an Azmeri before me?
Huntress
Your eyes tell the truth.
Matiki
Wow. What a sight for Matiki’s old eyes. As an Elder of the Tukohama tribe, age tends to reveal fewer surprises as the years pass.
Huntress
Elder? I’m truly honoured to meet you. Even more so to have saved you.
Matiki
Ah, the grace of the Azmeri. Not something often spoken of. But your people and mine, have an abundance of similarities. Now… I must thank you for what you’ve done this day.
Huntress
It’s not needed, you know…
Matiki
You shall have the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors! Prove your worth to them. Show them what you showed me here.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, outsider! I can’t quite make out your origins… hmm…
Mercenary
Just out here doing what I can. Doesn’t really matter where I’m from.
Matiki
True enough. Old Matiki can’t help his curiosity. I’ve been an Elder of the Tukohama tribe for many years and it’s not often I get stumped like this.
Mercenary
An Elder, eh? Tavakai would likely be pleased for you to be returned in one piece…
Matiki
Oh, yes. I’m sure the Chieftain had concerns. But first…
Matiki
I must thank you for your good deed here. You’ve honoured me. I must honour you back. I will give you the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors! Show them your prowess. They will see you for who you are.
Mercenary
Uhh… hopefully they don’t see too much.
Matiki
{Tala moana!} Do my eyes deceive me, or is that a Druid of Skothe I see?
Druid
Aye. Of… Caer Tarth.
Matiki
Thought your kind were all but wiped out.
Druid
We were.
Matiki
Then lucky me - one of the last Druids of Skothe on Wraeclast, here to rescue me. I am an Elder of the Tukohama Tribe. It grieves me, what became of your people.
Druid
You heard about that?
Matiki
Of course I did! We Karui may keep to ourselves, but that does not mean we close our eyes to the world beyond our shores. Now allow me to repay you. Old Matiki offers you the chance to earn the blessing of our ancestors!
Matiki
Let us return to your ship. I will show you the way to our most sacred place… the Eye of Hinekora. From there… I will speak for you to enter our Halls of the Dead. You will be tested. But also, rewarded.
Matiki
{Tala moana}! Oh… you’re one of us but from somewhere else. Hmm.
Warrior
Yes. Born Karui. Traded as property. Then left to the tide to wash ashore. And finally… raised an Ezomyte.
Matiki
You have lived many lives. Hard though, it is true. But now… your skin is thicker than most.
Warrior
Some scars never heal.
Matiki
Well… on this day, by your actions, you have honoured an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. My name is Matiki. And I owe you a debt of thanks.
Warrior
You need not thank me, Matiki. I am just glad I got here in time to help you.
Matiki
Humble too! Hmm… Well, I shall thank you. I would honour you in the best way I can. I offer you the blessing of our ancestors. They know the true merit of a warrior!
Matiki
{Tala moana}, my dear! You have travelled far, haven’t you!
Witch
Well, you’re awfully cheery for someone who was almost eaten alive.
Matiki
Ah, yes… almost! It seems old Matiki has more to do in life before he is summoned to the Halls of the Dead.
Witch
Halls of the Dead? Okay, you have my attention.
Matiki
You see, I’m an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. And I have something in mind for you… I would honour you the best way I can, dear lady. With the blessing of our ancestors! They can tell if someone is worthy of their honour, and you have strength in you.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, tale-woman! It’s been many a year since old Matiki has seen one of your kind in the flesh!
Sorceress
Not quite a tale-woman but… it is a fair assumption. Greetings to you, Matiki.
Matiki
There is always more to the story. I knew that even before I was an Elder of the Tukohama tribe! Now… I must honour you the best way that I can. With the blessing of our ancestors! If you are worthy, they will see you for who you are… and more. Quite clever really.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, young man! An impressive display you put on there.
Monk
Well… that display saved your life, it seems.
Matiki
Indeed it did! My name is Matiki, an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. And I must thank you for saving my life.
Monk
I accept your thanks.
Matiki
Oh, no, no! I can’t leave that debt unpaid. I would honour you the best way that I can… With the blessing of our ancestors! Prove yourself to them. Show them your might.
Monk
I’m unfamiliar with Karui traditions. Enlighten me.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, stranger! My eyes could barely keep up with you. Remarkable!
Ranger
You are safe, for now. Best you get going.
Matiki
Oh, no. I must thank you first. As an Elder of the Tukohama tribe, I have something in mind…
Ranger
Please. It isn’t necessary… I can just be on my way and then you never have to–
Matiki
You’ll have the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors!
Ranger
But I really don’t–
Matiki
Yes! A perfect reward, indeed.
Ranger
Guess there’s no way around this. Go on, then.
Matiki
Do my eyes tell lies? Do I see an Azmeri before me?
Huntress
Your eyes tell the truth.
Matiki
Wow. What a sight for Matiki’s old eyes. As an Elder of the Tukohama tribe, age tends to reveal fewer surprises as the years pass.
Huntress
Elder? I’m truly honoured to meet you. Even more so to have saved you.
Matiki
Ah, the grace of the Azmeri. Not something often spoken of. But your people and mine, have an abundance of similarities. Now… I must thank you for what you’ve done this day.
Huntress
It’s not needed, you know…
Matiki
You shall have the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors! Prove your worth to them. Show them what you showed me here.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, outsider! I can’t quite make out your origins… hmm…
Mercenary
Just out here doing what I can. Doesn’t really matter where I’m from.
Matiki
True enough. Old Matiki can’t help his curiosity. I’ve been an Elder of the Tukohama tribe for many years and it’s not often I get stumped like this.
Mercenary
An Elder, eh? Tavakai would likely be pleased for you to be returned in one piece…
Matiki
Oh, yes. I’m sure the Chieftain had concerns. But first…
Matiki
I must thank you for your good deed here. You’ve honoured me. I must honour you back. I will give you the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors! Show them your prowess. They will see you for who you are.
Mercenary
Uhh… hopefully they don’t see too much.
Matiki
{Tala moana!} Do my eyes deceive me, or is that a Druid of Skothe I see?
Druid
Aye. Of… Caer Tarth.
Matiki
Thought your kind were all but wiped out.
Druid
We were.
Matiki
Then lucky me - one of the last Druids of Skothe on Wraeclast, here to rescue me. I am an Elder of the Tukohama Tribe. It grieves me, what became of your people.
Druid
You heard about that?
Matiki
Of course I did! We Karui may keep to ourselves, but that does not mean we close our eyes to the world beyond our shores. Now allow me to repay you. Old Matiki offers you the chance to earn the blessing of our ancestors!
Matiki
Let us return to your ship. I will show you the way to our most sacred place… the Eye of Hinekora. From there… I will speak for you to enter our Halls of the Dead. You will be tested. But also, rewarded.
Matiki
{Tala moana}! Oh… you’re one of us but from somewhere else. Hmm.
Warrior
Yes. Born Karui. Traded as property. Then left to the tide to wash ashore. And finally… raised an Ezomyte.
Matiki
You have lived many lives. Hard though, it is true. But now… your skin is thicker than most.
Warrior
Some scars never heal.
Matiki
Well… on this day, by your actions, you have honoured an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. My name is Matiki. And I owe you a debt of thanks.
Warrior
You need not thank me, Matiki. I am just glad I got here in time to help you.
Matiki
Humble too! Hmm… Well, I shall thank you. I would honour you in the best way I can. I offer you the blessing of our ancestors. They know the true merit of a warrior!
Matiki
{Tala moana}, my dear! You have travelled far, haven’t you!
Witch
Well, you’re awfully cheery for someone who was almost eaten alive.
Matiki
Ah, yes… almost! It seems old Matiki has more to do in life before he is summoned to the Halls of the Dead.
Witch
Halls of the Dead? Okay, you have my attention.
Matiki
You see, I’m an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. And I have something in mind for you… I would honour you the best way I can, dear lady. With the blessing of our ancestors! They can tell if someone is worthy of their honour, and you have strength in you.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, tale-woman! It’s been many a year since old Matiki has seen one of your kind in the flesh!
Sorceress
Not quite a tale-woman but… it is a fair assumption. Greetings to you, Matiki.
Matiki
There is always more to the story. I knew that even before I was an Elder of the Tukohama tribe! Now… I must honour you the best way that I can. With the blessing of our ancestors! If you are worthy, they will see you for who you are… and more. Quite clever really.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, young man! An impressive display you put on there.
Monk
Well… that display saved your life, it seems.
Matiki
Indeed it did! My name is Matiki, an Elder of the Tukohama tribe. And I must thank you for saving my life.
Monk
I accept your thanks.
Matiki
Oh, no, no! I can’t leave that debt unpaid. I would honour you the best way that I can… With the blessing of our ancestors! Prove yourself to them. Show them your might.
Monk
I’m unfamiliar with Karui traditions. Enlighten me.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, stranger! My eyes could barely keep up with you. Remarkable!
Ranger
You are safe, for now. Best you get going.
Matiki
Oh, no. I must thank you first. As an Elder of the Tukohama tribe, I have something in mind…
Ranger
Please. It isn’t necessary… I can just be on my way and then you never have to–
Matiki
You’ll have the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors!
Ranger
But I really don’t–
Matiki
Yes! A perfect reward, indeed.
Ranger
Guess there’s no way around this. Go on, then.
Matiki
Do my eyes tell lies? Do I see an Azmeri before me?
Huntress
Your eyes tell the truth.
Matiki
Wow. What a sight for Matiki’s old eyes. As an Elder of the Tukohama tribe, age tends to reveal fewer surprises as the years pass.
Huntress
Elder? I’m truly honoured to meet you. Even more so to have saved you.
Matiki
Ah, the grace of the Azmeri. Not something often spoken of. But your people and mine, have an abundance of similarities. Now… I must thank you for what you’ve done this day.
Huntress
It’s not needed, you know…
Matiki
You shall have the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors! Prove your worth to them. Show them what you showed me here.
Matiki
{Tala moana}, outsider! I can’t quite make out your origins… hmm…
Mercenary
Just out here doing what I can. Doesn’t really matter where I’m from.
Matiki
True enough. Old Matiki can’t help his curiosity. I’ve been an Elder of the Tukohama tribe for many years and it’s not often I get stumped like this.
Mercenary
An Elder, eh? Tavakai would likely be pleased for you to be returned in one piece…
Matiki
Oh, yes. I’m sure the Chieftain had concerns. But first…
Matiki
I must thank you for your good deed here. You’ve honoured me. I must honour you back. I will give you the opportunity to gain the blessing of our ancestors! Show them your prowess. They will see you for who you are.
Mercenary
Uhh… hopefully they don’t see too much.
Matiki
{Tala moana!} Do my eyes deceive me, or is that a Druid of Skothe I see?
Druid
Aye. Of… Caer Tarth.
Matiki
Thought your kind were all but wiped out.
Druid
We were.
Matiki
Then lucky me - one of the last Druids of Skothe on Wraeclast, here to rescue me. I am an Elder of the Tukohama Tribe. It grieves me, what became of your people.
Druid
You heard about that?
Matiki
Of course I did! We Karui may keep to ourselves, but that does not mean we close our eyes to the world beyond our shores. Now allow me to repay you. Old Matiki offers you the chance to earn the blessing of our ancestors!
Matiki
Let us return to your ship. I will show you the way to our most sacred place… the Eye of Hinekora. From there… I will speak for you to enter our Halls of the Dead. You will be tested. But also, rewarded.
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Matiki on The Mother of Death
Matiki on The Mother of Death
Matiki
Hinekora… has spoken. You are worthy! Prove to our ancestors that which I already know to be true.
Warrior
Wait… am I dead?
Witch
What… What just happened? Am I dead?
Sorceress
Why am I on the ground!?
Monk
I… am dead, aren’t I?
Ranger
What just happened? Why is my body {there}?
Huntress
What in the Spirit is goin’ on here?!
Mercenary
Well blimey. I’m bloody well dead, aren’t I?
Druid
If that’s {me} lyin’ {there}… then I’m… dead?
Matiki
Oh… in a manner of speaking… yes. You are dead. But do not worry. The Mother of Death has you in her embrace.
Matiki
Well… put simply… you are dead. But do not worry. The Mother of Death has you in her embrace.
Matiki
Your body will be safe here, while your spirit moves forward to prove yourself to our ancestors.
Warrior
You might have told me that this was going to happen!
Witch
So this is what Death feels like from the other side…
Sorceress
Matiki… you might have told me I was about to die.
Monk
Death is not nearly so fearsome an experience as I expected.
Ranger
Dying was not exactly what I was expecting to happen.
Huntress
I guess I’ve no choice but to trust in Hinekora.
Mercenary
I should be mad at ya… But dying ain’t so bad, is it? I feel like I lost a bit of weight.
Druid
Just the ancestors, is it? Or might I see… others?
Matiki
I didn’t want to worry you about it!
Matiki
Not too bad, eh?
Matiki
Hmm… maybe I should have, yes. Oh well!
Matiki
Surprise! Heheh.
Matiki
She will look after your soul. Do not worry.
Matiki
Quite soothing really, isn’t it?
Matiki
Hah! Yes, lighter on your feet, perhaps?
Matiki
Only the ancestors, I’m afraid. The rest remain beyond our sight.
Navali
You may enter. We will be watching.
Matiki
So… you did it! I knew you could. I knew… you would.
Warrior
This has been exhilarating. It was an honour to meet Hinekora.
Witch
The old woman’s got true power. I wouldn’t mind picking her brain someday.
Sorceress
Hinekora… is the true tale-woman of this world and beyond. It is… humbling.
Ranger
I see now. I’m part of something bigger. Hinekora has shown me that.
Huntress
It’s wondrous. As if, somehow, maybe… the Spirit knew I would end up here. Seeing her.
Monk
I was destined for this. To be here, witnessing all I have seen. I am now certain of it.
Mercenary
Not much impresses me anymore, but Miss Hinekora… now that’s someone worth believing in.
Druid
Saw right through me, she did. Spirit, scars and all.
Matiki
Ah, yes. The Mother of Death is truly a wonder. I hope you have enjoyed your time here… And perhaps learned a little along the way. I look forward to seeing what you achieve next.
Matiki
So… you did it! I knew you could. I knew… you would. I am proud of you!
Tavakai
Did what?
Matiki
Oh… no matter. Not really anything significant. Hah.
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Matiki on Great Wasting
Matiki on Great Wasting
Matiki
Each tribe has its own story of the Great Wasting. Some call it a Great Fire, or the Barren Centuries. Others, an Endless Winter. The truth lies buried in all these tales. There was an ancient time of horror and famine. But in those dark years, our gods first stepped forward. Tukohama, Hinekora, Tawhoa, and the rest.
Warrior
The Karui had no gods before that?
Witch
{All} your gods appeared then? There weren’t any before that?
Sorceress
We call it the Winter of the World… The Maraketh had no gods before that. Did you?
Ranger
You had no gods before the Great Wasting?
Huntress
We know the Winter. Did you not have gods before then?
Monk
Curious. All your gods arose in the same era? None before that?
Mercenary
You telling me you didn’t have gods before these bad times?
Druid
And afore that? Ye had no gods at all?
Matiki
No. For us, history begins there. The Great Wasting erased all that came before. Maybe… there wasn’t even a {before,} for us. When did the first Karui emerge from that volcano? Something to ask Hinekora, Navali.
Navali
The Mother of Death can recall only her own memories. History begins at the rise of the gods, because that is when Hinekora was born.
Matiki
Hmm. Curious. So the End of Time, as she recalls it, is really… her death.
Navali
Yes.
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Matiki on Halls of the Dead
Matiki on Halls of the Dead
Matiki
The Halls of the Dead are open to the worthy, and their children. We come here to consult with our ancestors in times of great need.
Navali
Your ancestors take heart from seeing their descendants.
Matiki
It’s good to hear that, but it’s not all so kindhearted. When the sky permits, we come to watch the Trials of the Ancestors. The living may only see it properly under the light of a full moon.
Warrior
The light of the moon? Why is that needed?
Witch
The light of a full moon? This deep?
Sorceress
Why is that?
Huntress
The moon, eh? How’s that work?
Monk
How does the light reach them down here?
Mercenary
How’s that then?
Druid
Moonlight reachin’ all the way down here? That’s a wonder I’d like to see.
Matiki
Well, you see… great crystal veins guide the light down on certain nights of the year. Warrior souls can be seen by the grace of Lani Hua.
Navali
It is a gift from a goddess who cannot be with us in person.
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Matiki on Kanu and Makoru
Matiki on Kanu and Makoru
Matiki
It was wonderful to see those Makoru and Kanu again… it has been some time.
Warrior
What keeps them away?
Witch
I assumed they weren’t welcome here.
Sorceress
Are they forbidden to enter this place?
Ranger
They’re allowed to come here?
Huntress
What keeps them away?
Monk
Too long, perhaps? I wonder what keeps them from visiting.
Mercenary
Do they have permission to visit?
Druid
Are they not welcome here?
Matiki
We don’t stop them.
Tavakai
That’s right. We don’t. It is their choice not to come.
Kaimana
But that is not the whole story, mmm? They left the tribe. They bear that burden. They know where your heart is, Tavakai.
Matiki
Yes. Though they {know} they can come, it does not mean they {feel} they can.
Tavakai
It is still their choice. And they have made it.
Kaimana
Yes. They have. For now.
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Matiki on Hinekora
Matiki on Hinekora
Matiki
At the end of our lives, Hinekora catches the {Ngakuramakoi} in her embrace.
Navali
Death is not the end. The Halls of the Dead are merely the first rest on a long journey.
Warrior
A journey? To where?
Witch
Tell me what you know of Death, sister.
Sorceress
The first rest? What lies after?
Ranger
What natural journey is your ‘first rest’ interfering with?
Huntress
You don’t rejoin the Spirit? What’s next, then?
Monk
What do you believe happens after?
Mercenary
How long a journey? Further than Trarthus? Kalguur?
Druid
If ye speak true… then {where} has their journey taken them?
Navali
That is not for man or god to know.
Matiki
Ah, in other words, we have no idea, hahaha! But the Halls give us some comfort from total oblivion, at least.
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Matiki on Trial of the Ancestors
Matiki on Trial of the Ancestors
Matiki
You’ll never see anything like it as long as you live! All of our greatest warriors from history on the same field, no holding back. After all, why pull punches? They’re already dead!
Navali
The Trial is not a sport. It is a sacred tradition.
Matiki
Can’t it be both? Different tribes shoulder-to-shoulder, cheering on their heroes. We bring meat and ale. We make a real night of it.
Navali
I suppose there is joy in community and competition. Just don’t speak this way in front of Hinekora.
Matiki
I wouldn’t dream of it.
Warrior
Surely she hears us here…
Witch
Can she hear us? Here?
Sorceress
Can your goddess hear us now?
Ranger
Does she hear us here?
Huntress
Can she hear us?
Monk
Can Hinekora hear us now?
Mercenary
What, I thought she could hear us in here.
Druid
If this is her hall, then surely she hears every word?
Hinekora
I do.
Matiki
Praise the Mother of Death!
Navali
Indeed.
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Matiki on Tukohama
Matiki on Tukohama
Matiki
The gods were once mortal. They hunted, fished, and ate like we do. Many of Tukohama’s deeds were achieved {before} his ascension.
Warrior
What were his deeds?
Witch
I suppose one must achieve great things to become divine.
Sorceress
Tell me. I’ll carry his tale.
Ranger
As just a man? What did he do?
Huntress
And what did he achieve, as a mortal?
Monk
What exactly was he capable of doing as a mere mortal?
Mercenary
Ah yeah. What’d that fella get up to then?
Druid
And what were his deeds?
Matiki
Yes. Indeed.
Matiki
During the Great Wasting, he united the tribes. He put axes in our hands, and taught us to survive. But he was not just a… bringer of violence. No. He was a bringer of hope. Hope among all the tribes. Some forget that.
Navali
Some {choose} to forget.
Matiki
Exactly.
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