"That makes sense. It seems like if they're so resistant to overhunting then it would be possible for Amentans to make a little industry out of hunting them for the stones."

"Aha. Well, if you have the skills to successfully hunt them, then you deserve magic! There's nothing really wrong with selling your prizes, though it's unusual."

"I suppose it's possible the monsters would - become more difficult to hunt, somehow? If they were frequently taken down with advanced weapons?"

"Hmm. If there's no challenge, there's no reward. I'm no theologian, but that does sound plausible. If Amentans regularly hunted magic beasts - a task that is considered sacred by many - with no real challenge or risk, that would be wrong."

"I think it would still be challenging and risky, I believe that hunting giant sea turtles on our own planet is both, but perhaps not as much so as the locals' methods."

"It's probably fine as long as you don't drop bombs on them from above with no chance of a return threat or something like that!"

"I'll include that in my report! Do you have bombs, here?"

"I'm not quite sure what you're asking. Do people make them? Yes, of course? Unwieldy, but excellent weapons for niche situations. Do we have any in the city? No. Do we have any as a military? Yes."

"It was the first thing I was asking, I'm still adjusting to the technology mix here."

The king nods. "Reasonable. I'm curious if the grey who ate salkstones has figured out their magic yet. I'm happy to talk about mine, though they're individual enough that it doesn't tend to help."

"The last I heard she thought she had the inklings of something. What's yours?"

"I have a... Volume of space centered on me, but which I can move slowly in any direction as long as I remain within. I am aware of things within that volume in a hard to describe extra sense a bit like knowing where your hand is. And I can apply force to things in that volume, though complex tricks take all my focus."

"That sounds so convenient! How many salkstones did that take?"

"I've eaten about two pounds worth. Three handfuls, from three animals. It was much smaller with the first and got larger and stronger with both additional doses. Some people's grow broader instead. I don't intend to hunt any more, leave that for others to reap the rewards. Besides, I have a land to govern while we await the Architect and his love to return."

"Is that expected soon?"

"It's been twenty six years, and in the past has taken anywhere from six years to a hundred years, though generally closer to ten, fifteen. So, yes. And you can bet that there will be the mother of all festivals when it happens."

"What are festivals here like?"

"Music, feasting, contests with huge prizes, speeches and street shows, displays of new art and talent shows, religious ceremonies..."

"Sounds like a great time! What should we know about the religious ceremonies?"

"Well, don't interrupt! They're very important to the people doing them. If you'd like to learn more or participate I think you should talk with a priest about that."

"How will we recognize them so we know what not to interrupt?"

"Oh, good point. The main one for the summer festival that's coming up is the Procession of the Blood. People who have regrets especially for causing impulsive harm cut their own forehead and don't bandage it, and take a hike to the highest place they can reach in a few hours, and confess their regrets to a priest, and then perform a ritual bath."

"All right, I'll let everyone know not to be alarmed by people cutting their foreheads!"

"What are Amentan festivals like, I wonder?"

"A lot of the same elements are there, mixed and matched depending on the occasion! Though I can't think of any with ritual cutting. But we love food and dancing and decorations and music and art and shows and contests too."