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Time's Backstage

Spoilers

This page reveals the preparation for the game. It contains no Debrief: the elements below are those that existed before Peek acted.

Forces​

  • Ostar Varenis, surveyor from the Moonbroth garrison. He wants a water station for the Imperial road. He is not malicious: he does not perceive the spirit and sees an inconvenient stone where Peek sees a presence.
  • Hirrak and the Sable escort. They want to honor Paak's word and bring home the promised money. Hirrak loves his sister, but he gave his word before the Khan.
  • Mother-of-Reeds. She tolerates drinking, but not touching the stones. If the stone is moved, she will leave or take revenge.
  • The other tribes. The spring is shared under Praxian custom. A guarded Lunar cistern would change who may drink there.

Pressures​

  • Work begins at dawn.
  • It is the full moon, and the sacrifice to the ancestors cannot wait.
  • The animals already refuse to drink.

If Peek does nothing, the porters move the stone in the morning. The spring turns foul for days, and a neighboring tribe accuses the Sables of defiling a spirit place.

What may matter if Peek acts​

Without presupposing her Intention:

  • Her taboo, "never defile a place inhabited by a spirit," may become a Frame Factor: she cannot take part in the works, whatever her father says.
  • Many Bets are possible: Daughter of the Khan, Bargain with spirits, Customs of Prax, Sense of superiority — which may also count against her with Ostar —, Strong opinions, Impulsive.
  • Opposite her stand Paak's word to the Empire, the armed escort, and Hirrak himself.
  • Her Worldview is Animism. And that night, if her relationship to the Moon truly matters — her tribe believes itself "chosen to protect the Moon" —, the Full Moon Lunar Influence applies outside the Glowline: two 1s forming a Spirit Pact are worth 2 Successes.

Promise​

This Promise belongs to the world, not to Peek. Under the full moon, tradition says Mother-of-Reeds shows two moons in the water, the red and a white one. No one knows what the second means.

The moment would remain remarkable with any other Protagonist present.