[OA/FR] Rokugan - Updated 12/13/03

[Black Omega]

Once the area was secure, the proper spot was found and the command invoked the tear away the veil protecting the temple. Sunlight streamed down as it shimmered into view, a small open area around it free of trees, a crumbling wall surrounding it though the Gate remained, standing high. Toshiro remained outside to guard the horses [DM Note: The player had to leave early] as the others pressed on. Inside the temple, there were signs of an ancient fight, a last door remaining sealed and locked. Verick showed surprisingly skills in opening the lock, though it took a few tries, but then was nearly crushed by a trap, pillars of stone capped with jade that shot out from either side.

Volar and Mir jumped past the trap agilely, not waiting on Verick who insisted he could solve the trap. Finally, after several minutes, he disarmed the trap and the others passed. Deeper into the temple, they found golden decorations of the sun, rooms with moldering furniture and scrolls. And finally, deep inside, a room filled with a golden glow. Kanji around the door glowed golden as well, an inscription that read 'Only those of honorable intent may pass.' Bravely, Verick stepped forward into the glow, a flash of fire searing him, sending the boy stumbling back smoldering. After some discussion, Volar and Mir both firm that they weren't going to be the one's trying to go inside, Shiko stepped forward. The young samurai-ko passed by the ward without trouble. Inside a chest inside, the golden Obi was discovered, the golden glow from it filling the room.

Shiko reverently slide the Obi inside a lacquered case specially prepared to carry it. After some discussion, with Volar absolutely unwilling to carry the Obi in his Handy Haversack, Shiko kept the case. A soft glow surrounding her, and then surrounding the horse it was placed on.

Outside the temple, Toshiro and Yukiyo heard the one drum off in the distance become two..three..then four, closing in steadily. The booming growing louder, more frenzied. Then they began to see goblin's lurking in the trees again. Eight goblins finally came out into full view, huddling a little. Toshiro and Yukiyo both sent arrow shots out at the goblins, then immediately afterwards an arrow the size of a halfspear came shooting back from a hidden location, skewering Toshiro through the shoulder and almost pinning him to the wall.

The two retreated by deeper into the temple to hook up with the others and a slow battle of snipers began, Yukiyo shooting down one of the goblins as with each shot she took another of the large arrows came sailing back. With the one goblin down, another leapt. or perhaps was tossed, out to join the others in plain view. Low on healing spells, the group planned out an attack plan, Volar casting a spell on Sho to protect him from arrows. Shiko, Sho and Toshiro would ride out to rush the goblins in plain view, with Sho peeling off to attack whoever was firing the huge arrows.

With Mir, Volar, Verick and Yukiyo providing support, firing volleys of arrows as the Samurai and Sho charged on horseback. The figure firing the arrows from cover finally stepped into view, a ten foot tall ogre in partial armor, with a bow matched to his size. Another of the massive arrows was fired, piecing through Sho, overpowering the protective spell as it found a weak point in the Ronin's armor. [DM Note: Nat 20 for the Ogre's arrow shot, then confirmed critical, then max damage rolled, tripling to 30 points.]

Toshiro and Shiko engaged the goblins, slashing through a couple before they were surrounded. Into view on a twisted riding lizard, a new goblin came into view, charging Toshiro. Dressed in bloodied armor carrying the crab mon, the large bakemono snarled at the samurai, slashing with a chipped katana and leering "Love to crab the crab out of their shellscsooo tasty!"

Bravely, Sho charged on to the Ogre according the plan, slashing at him and drawing blood. The ogre retreated and snarled out something, four smaller goblins marching into view, carrying a huge tetsubo over their shoulders. The ogre snatched up his weapon whirling it menacingly around him.

Toshiro slashed into Goblin warlord, scoring one hit then another as Shiko was surrounded, all three goblins scoring bites, ripping into her before she cut one down, blood spattering over her horse. Toshiro took a hit from the Armored Goblin as Verick swung down from his sniping position on the roof, dropping his bow and riding out to charge into battle as Volar, Yukiyo and Mir started to focus their arrow fire on the ogre, arrows sparking off his armor.

Sho scored another hit as he chased the ogre relentlessly, then the hulking figure lifting the ten foot club studded with black metal and with a mighty blow hammered Sho's head down into his body, crushing his helmet. Sho wavered in the saddle, and then fell slowly back off the horse to thump limply to the ground. [The ogre's second attack on Sho was a second straight natural 20, crit confirmed, then nearly max damage rolled, tripled to 63!]

No longer in melee, the ogre was struck by arrows from Yukiyo and Mir scored a hit, an arrow piercing the ogre's eye. Toshiro hacked into the goblin warlord once more, that last strike enough to send the creature running for his life on that weird riding lizard. Shiko cut down another of the goblins, though she was wavering in the saddle, blood trickling from under her armor.

Verick's charge carried him to the ogre as more arrows struck the ogre, his double sword adding to the damage until the creature finally fell. With the fall of the ogre and the flight of the warlord, the other goblins began to flee as well, though the samurai and arrows cut down most before they could escape.

Verick took off after the goblin warlord, chasing him deeper into the forest, gaining on him steadily until the goblin was forced to leap up into the trees, scuttling from view, even though Verick tried to climb after him.

Finally admitting defeat, Verick returned to the group. With great sadness, Sho's broken body was wrapped up in a cloth to be carried back to the castle. The case holding the obi was placed on a horse, a glow surrounding the animal, turning into a truly impressive picture of an animal.

The group's meager remaining healing spells and their healing salves were used, a little healing for Verick and Toshiro but mostly for Shiko who was barely able to stay on her horse, blood staining her armor's purple nearly to black.

Bloodied and battered, the group started the journey back to Shiro Ide. Warily watching out for further attacks and ambushes. They began to see other goblins, slain by strange arrows, isolated individuals with arrows through their eyes or pinned to trees by the wooden shafts.

A few minutes later without warning three arrows thunked into the ground before them, identical to the arrows that had killed the goblins. As the group paused, bows out and ready, a large figure slithered into view. A Naga, a creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a large snake, 20 feet long.

The creature's bow was at ready, arrow nocked but pointed toward the ground. The group remained still, watching, but not causing trouble. Verick and Yukiyo glanced around for more Naga, but there was no sign of them. The Naga looked over the group, his slitted eyes sliding from one to another before it focuses intensely on Mindra. Softly, it hissed, "It'sss presssence called to usss. We sssought it. Now, it is found."

After a moment, the monkey sighed and produced the pearl he had taken in his last visit to Shinomen forest. It glowed softly now, light playing over the engraved runes. Mindra offered it toward the Naga, but the scaled creature drew back. "How did it come to find you." The creature asked.

"I came through a abandoned city here. I found it laying in the overgrowth of the city. It's gleam caught my eye." The monkey replied.

The Naga nods "It did not ssseem ssstrange to you to find thisss? It'sss presssence left usss a little while ago. It ssseems it has chosen you. Do you ssserve the ssspirits?"

Mindra's tail waved back and forth nervously "I speak to them. What do you mean it's chosen me?"

The Naga looked up and away from the monkey, as if in contemplation or meditation. Then it's golden eyes returned to the monkey "We have consulted. We will honor it's choice. Return it too usss if it rejects you. We have hunting to do." then without another word the creature slithered away, disappearing into the forest without a trace, much to Mindra's frustration.

The group glanced around, but the Naga had totally disappeared. Moving on, the group moved quickly to the edge of the forest. The waystation the workers had been working on had become a watch tower. Suspicious, the group paused. Through the spyglasses, Yukiyo spotted a couple of masked figures with bow and arrow already on top of the tower.

Further searching at range revealed covered pit traps along the sides of the road and other traps, areas on the road where the dirt was stirred up a little still. After only a brief discussion the group retreated, circling around to the side, bypassing the apparent trap through the countryside.

Somberly, the group returned to the castle finally, exhausted and still much bloodied. Arrangements were made for Sho's body, the local Crab Diplomatic delegation having a Shugenja available for the services. That evening Mir started things off with the story of the battle at the temple and Sho's bravery in it. An epic tale that left many of the listeners quite impressed. [DM Note: A +23 was rolled for the tale by Mir's player, a memorable story indeed.]

Afterwards, in a solemn ceremony Sho's body was blessed, then burned. A greatly saddened Toshiro made arrangements for Sho's personal effects, armor and sword to be sent back to his family. As a token of respect from the Ide, the group was healed of their wounds by the castle healers.

[DM Note: A somber night with Sho coming face to face with an Ogre then Death. I'm told by friends my group is weird since they didn't loot Sho's body and wasted healing spells on the NPC (Shiko). It's worth noting this is only the second PC who's died in ten years of my GM'ing with this group.]

 

[Tokiwong]

A Hero's Death

All I can say never good... but it was handled well... and yikes I have to agree ogres are nasty... as are bakemono... Very good story... I wonder what little toy Mindra has.... the pearl I mean...

 

[Black Omega]

Re: A Hero's Death

All I can say never good... but it was handled well... and yikes I have to agree ogres are nasty... as are bakemono... Very good story... I wonder what little toy Mindra has.... the pearl I mean...

The bad part is I was thinking that day "A maxed critical would be bad here, but what are the odds of that." then I rolled two in a row on the same character.

I like the Bakemono and plan to use them more. Ogre's might wait a bit but other shadowlands elements will have their chance to shine soon.

And Mindra's been wondering about the pearl also. After the Naga were gone he started coming up with all sorts of questions he wished he'd have asked about it. Now he's a little worried.

Next up, a little much needed R&R for some of the group, a little romance and a little politics. And ninja! Can't forget Ninja!

 

[Black Omega]

The 25th Day of the Dog

The next morning over breakfast the group was greeted by Shinjo O-Hisa, still dusty from riding. Grinning, she let Toshiro and the others know she was part of a unit of 20 samurai sent first to distract the Scorpions from Toshiro's, then to follow and officially claim the temple in the name of the Unicorn.

O-Hisa, still clad in her riding outfit of leathers, fringes of fur and horsehair plume, her usual barbarian chic, discussed the ride that brought her and the others to Shiro Ide. A couple Scorpion ambushes along the way, but nothing they could not handle. As O-Hisa joked "how do you handle a Scorpion? Hard for them to lie with their heads smashed down between their shoulder blades."

That drew a sorrowful look from Toshiro as he flashed back to when the ogre smashed Sho. Contrite, O-Hisa tugged Toshiro off to the side to apologize as Mindra was asked away by a Unicorn for a meeting. Left alone, O-Hisa murmured, "Hey, I have a gift for you. Brandy from the West. It's expensive but great, nice burn on the way down."

Still somewhat saddened, Toshiro just nodded for a moment before finally speaking "Thanks. Do me a favor, please. There was a Goblin back at the Temple. He was wearing Crab armor. He escaped from the battle where Sho...died. We killed all the others but not him. When you ride on to the Temple, make sure to find to. To kill him. I need to know that creature is dead."

He held O-Hisa's hands as he looked to her and the young woman nodded quickly "I'll do my best, Toshiro-san. We'll find the creature and I'll bring you it's head. I promise." A tiny little grin "I was looking forward to a chance to smash Goblins."

The two stared into each other's eyes before the moment was broken by Ide Masaaki, there to take O-Hisa off to a meeting with Ide Tadaji, Daimyo of the Ide. Regretfully she made her farewell and promised to talk to Toshiro again before she left Shiro Ide.

A note was brought to Mir by a servant, an invitation to lunch with Doji Shiima, the Crane samurai who had taught her Go not so many days previously. The invitation also hinted her had other news she might find interesting. Mir sent back her acceptance with the servant.

Verick did a little exploring, drawn to the Lion diplomatic section to ask more news of the Lions and the Akodo. Attentively, the Lion Cub listened in closely, already plotting his next move. Gathering information for his eventual return to the Lion Clan.

Back in the wing of the castle the group was staying in, Volar was out exploring a little when a hulking Crab Samurai accosted him. Tall and muscular, the Crab marched over "Hey, you! The one with the pointed ears! Hey, you are an elf, aren't you?"

Taken a little off guard, but amused, Volar nodded and the Crab went right on "I'm Hida Toshiaki, I'm here looking for Hiruma Toshiro." The brash Crab revealed he was distantly related to Toshiro, while asking Volar all sorts of questions about his homeland, in particular "so, what are the women like there?"

It wasn't long before the muscular Crab Samurai and the delicate elf were chatting away in a friendly fashion, the Crab asking finally "You are a guy, right? Ah, thought so. Elves are life Cranes though, so hard to tell. You sit there thinking "He? She?"

Amused, Volar just chuckled then started talking about Toshiro. About how honorable he was. And Polite. How he spent all of his time training with Unicorn's and never went out drinking or gambling. As he listened, Hida Toshiaki scowled a little, then growled "what kind of Crab is he?? Sounds like he's already spent just a little too much time in Unicorn lands. He needs a lesson on what being a Crab is!"

Toshiro had stayed back to keep an eye on the box containing the Obi, Shiko there as well, dutifully making sure as well. Guard duty was interrupted as Ide Masaaki returned, looking for Toshiro this time. Ever so polite as he mentioned the Lord of the Ide wished to speak to him, no doubt to hear about his heroism. Perhaps even to hand over the letter he was to return to Lord Shinjo Jyaku. Unsuspecting, Toshiro followed.

After leaving his sword with the guard outside ("After all, only the bodyguards of the Lord are allowed in his presence armed", Masaaki explained.), Toshiro was shown in to see Ide Tadaji, an older Rokugani, totally bald, his eyes bright and alert. The Lord was not alone though. Two armed guards knelt by the door. Another two kneeling slightly behind Tadaji-sama. And one is kneeling on either side of Toshiro. All six looked mean, glaring at the young Crab. Despite the bodyguards, Tadaji seemed delighted to see Toshiro.

"I've been hearing so much about you." The Lord of the Ide confided "About your battles in the forest and the temple there. The loss of your friend. My sincerest condolences, Toshiro-san. But he died bravely, as a samurai should." Tadaji coughed lightly before continuing "Now, there is a small matter I hope you can help me with."

Slightly puzzled, Toshiro agreed he would help if he could. Satisfed, Tadaji-sama went on "I've been talking to the daughter of your Lord Jyaku as well as to your talking monkeycoh, what was his namec" One of the bodyguards leaned over to whisper something and the Lord of the Ide nodded "Oh yes, Mindra, that's it. I know all the facts now, I think. There are just a few things I hope you can verify for me."

Tadaji-sama fixed a sharp eye on Toshiro as he proceeded "You did know the temple was there when you went into the forest. Didn't you, Toshiroc" he murmured softly.

Uncomfortable, Toshiro looked side to side to the two guards by him before stating firmly "We were just out hunting and stumbled onto it. A fortunate accident, Tadaji-sama."

Tadaji frowned a little "You went to a spot we've patrolled before yet somehow found a temple no one had seen in who knows how long. It must have been hidden somehow. Don't take me for an old fool, Toshiro. I simply wish to verify what I already know. That's why I'm speaking to the three of you separately, to compare stories."

That feeling of unease growing fast, Toshiro swallowed then repeated "No, truly. We were on a hunting trip. Nothing more." His gaze met Tadaji's stubbornly.

After a moment Tadaji sighed "I see. You serve a Unicorn, but you still are a Crab Samurai, right?" at Toshiro's nod he continued "You might enjoy a history lesson then. For a thousand years it has been an ironclad rule, no unicorn may attack or kill another. We traveled long over dangerous paths in the Hordelands and this was done so we would not lose much needed samurai in duels. Even now so many years later this rule holds. No Unicorn will harm another." Tadaji fixed the Crab with a piecing stare "Being a Crab I'm sure you can appreciate this lesson."

Toshiro certainly got the message, sweat trickling down along his scalp as he nodded mutely, eyes casting to either side, weighing his chances against the six armed guards and not liking it a bit. Smooth and calm, Tadaji just went on "Now, your monkey told me about what you took from the Temple, but I have a little trouble believing him. Tell me, Toshiro, you didn't just go to the temple by chance, did you. You went there to find somethingc" the old man already nodding as he spoke to help encourage Toshiro.

Determined, Toshiro just shook his head again. And so it went. Tadaji alternately offering threats veiled in many layers of silk with questions and offers. "We're the chief diplomats of the Unicorn, we have great influence over relations with the Crab Clan." "I'm simply trying to help you help your lord, he could be getting involved in something that would bring his ruin. As a loyal Samurai you can't allow that, can you?" and so on.

Steadfastly, Toshiro stuck to his original story, finally murmuring with grim determination "Tadaji-sama, I've said all there is to say. If you require my life, simply give the order and let me have my sword and I will do what needs to be done. But that is all I have to say. It was a hunting trip."

The Lord of the Ide fixed a steely glare on Toshiro but he refused to wilt and finally Tadaji nodded in respect "Very well. I wish we could have worked together on this butc" the old man shrugged "I should have the letter done for you in the morning to take back to Lord Jyaku. Understand this, you are under my protection while you are here at Shiro Ide. You are perfectly safe. Once you leavecwellcit's a long and dangerous road. I cannot speak for your safety then. Farewell, Toshiro-san."

[DM Note: A fun scene. About the time of the history lesson you could just about see the sweat beading on Toshiro's forehead.]

Toshiro wasted no time in bowing and departing, meeting Mindra and Shinjo O-Hisa out in the waiting area as they were released from separate waiting rooms. Quickly the three came together to compare notes.

Meanwhile, it was noon and Doji Shiima met with Mir over tea and sushi. He began by recalling the enjoyable time they had with the game of Go. The friendly chat meandered, Shiima asking Mir to come along to a festival that evening, an event featuring storytelling and poetry. After Mir agreed to accompany him, he finally got more serious. The patrol had returned from watchtower, he revealed, but nothing further had been mentioned about what the patrol found. "They'll probably pass it off as a bandit attack if anyone asksc" he speculated in a languid tone "Interesting thoughcI know a certain high ranking scorpion who was gone that entire day from the castle without any explanation. Funny, but this same Scorpion sent messages out to the south not long before you arrived. And somehow bands of Goblins found their way past Scorpion patrols in time to find this temple. I know Toshiro would never accept any help from me, but I'd appreciate if you passed this information along to him." Mir agreed, though with more reluctance that he had hoped for.

Back in the upper halls of Shiro Ide, Mindra, Toshiro and O-Hisa found a spot to talk. Mindra quietly implied he had not given anything away and Toshiro accepted that at face value. O-Hisa had been more defiant, phrasing her refusal to cooperate in not to polite terms and admitting her own willingness, even eagerness, to match her hammer against the katana of whomever Tadaji might choose if he had insisted on a duel. Content no one had given away anything they should have, Toshiro and Mindra headed back to their rooms while O-Hisa took off to join the Unicorns getting ready to liberate the temple.

Toshiro and Mindra arrived about the same time as Verick returned from his Lion watching, the three a little surprised to see Volar chatting with a hulking Crab Samurai. The moment Toshiaki spotted Toshiro he bowed then roared out "Toshiro-san, I've been looking for you! Volar here has just been telling me how much of a Unicorn you've become!"

Toshiro was a little taken back by this greeting, though Mindra and Verick, who had just arrived as well, seemed more amused. "Yes." Toshiaki continued "Volar's told me you fight honorably, haven't shown your friends any of the good sake houses. Come on, you are a crab! Fight dirty! Drink! Gamble! Honor your duty, then enjoy life the rest of the time!"

Toshiro simply replied, "It's not honorable to cheat in fighting. My life is devoted to duty and honor, as a Crab's should. I fight, but the right way. My training takes precedence over carousing." The younger Crab very serious, even somber.

"Damn, you wouldn't last a day on the Wall." Toshiaki teased, more good natured now "Besides, I've heard you are getting close with one of the Unicorn girlsclet's hear details!" The quiet Hiruma parried the macho Hida's questions though, some things he just wasn't going to talk about.

By the time Mir arrived, Verick and Volar had already made a point of telling Toshiaki about the lovely young Aasimar traveling with them. The Hida Samurai was suitably delighted to meet her, though she was not as annoyed by the attention as Verick may have wished.

Finally Hida Toshiaki gave a slight bow to the group "Well, duty calls. There is a festival tonight so a lot of the bodyguards have some time off. Since Toshiro's forgotten to show you the more interesting side of the Emerald Empire, I'd be happy to show you all around. There's a sake house in the licensed quarter that's pretty friendly toward barbarians. Any of you who want to come along, just meet me here at sundown."

[DM Note: Hiruma Toshiro is hardly your typical Crab so it was fun to contrast him with a more stereotypical one. Easier and easier to see why Toshiro was the one sent to Unicorn Lands.]

Though Toshiro bowed out, claiming pressing duty to his lord that took precedence, the others agreed to meet him for the tour. Even Mir said that while she'd be at the festival for a time, she'd find the group at the sake house. Toshiaki offered to make sure whoever Mir was meeting for the festival wasn't in any shape to attend, but Mir wouldn't tell him who. She promised to meet them later though.

Toshiro related to the group details of his and Mindra's meetings with Lord Ide Tadaji and stated matter-of-factly, "He said we're safe in the castle under his protection. So until we leave as a group tomorrow, I'm not setting foot outside the castle. I'll guard the 'item' tonight with Shiko."

That evening Mir went off on her 'date' while Toshiro and Shiko stayed behind to guard the Obi. And Hida Toshiaki took Mindra, Volar and Verick to the Licensed Quarter out in town. A section where their swords must be left with the guards by the gate, a tradition with much practical value in an area specializing in sake, gambling and women.

Toshiaki took them to the best Sake House in the area, ordering each of his friends a bottle of sake, just to start. He then started showing them Crab Clan drinking games and songs [DM Note: Think Shanghai Noon and you are on target.] Moving on to gambling once they were on their second bottles of sake. He also began pointing out certain ladies in the sake house, exchanging knowing winks with his friends. After the tough battles in the forest it was just what the certain people needed, a chance to unwind and cut loose a little while seeing a side of Rokugan the outlanders had not encountered yet.

The festival commemorated the founding of the Ide and was a sophisticated affair attended by courtiers from all the clans, though the crane and Scorpion were the best represented. The entertainment was just as sophisticated, a bamboo flute solo by the Scorpion Ambassador. Storytelling recounting great moments in Unicorn history. And a poetry contest, featuring Haikus. Doji Shiima was more than happy to chat with Mir, explaining the significance of each bit of the ceremony while listening politely and asking questions now and then when Mir wanted to talk about her own land and The Oak Father. When his turn came around in the Haiku contest, Doji winked to Mir before beginning:

Autumn flees the cold
Beauty shines out of the west
Shall it warm my winter?
[DM Note: This is my own bad haiku, I might have been better off stealing something more classic but this was more fun.]

Mir froze for a moment then suddenly remembered. "I'm supposed to meet friends now, but thanks for taking me to the Festival, it was very interesting, sorry, have to go!" And with that Mir beat a hasty retreat from the festival.

By the time Mir joined up with the group they had been through several bottles of sake and plum brandy, the frail elf especially having fallen under the sway of the potent alcohol. Mir's appearance was all the excuse Toshiaki needed to start showing Crab drinking songs all over again.

The young silver haired Aasimar did her best to keep up and was rather quickly as 'happy' as the rest, the group getting their first practical education in the fine art of carousing, Rokugani style. As the evening turned to early morning Toshiaki took a long drink from his bottle of Plum Brandy and grinned "I've been asking you guys about the women in your lands. It's only fair I answer that question in return, if you are interestedc" he asks, glancing to Volar and then Verick. The two nodded after a moment and Toshiaki summoned over two courtesans he'd spoken to earlier in the evening. An arrangement was quickly reached, Toshiaki smiling to the four, a brief word of advice to the two "Take your time, have fun. It's on me."

As the four departed Toshiaki glanced to Mindra and offered a shrug "Hey, sorry fuzzy. But there's nothing really I can arrange for you. None of your kind around or I'd be happy to set you upc"

Mindra sipped his sake and smiled "Oh, I can change a littlec" a twinkle in his eye as he activated the amulet that had been taken from Malthorn and suddenly looked like a native Rokugani.

Toshiaki was suitably impressed, grinning "Very impressive! There's no end to your surprises, fuzzy. Hmm, must get kinda frustrating out here away from your kind though, huh? Lonely?"

Mindra simply smiled "This is where I am meant to be, I am content."

The big Crab Samurai took him at his word, nodding pleasantly. Then he turned his gaze to Mir more softly, his hand held out "I suppose you've never seen the wing of the castle devoted to the Crab. It would be an honor to show youc", Toshiaki giving a playful wink to the young woman.

"I would be delighted." Mir answered softly, a gentle smile on her face as she laid her hand in his. The two rose together, a brief question from Toshiaki to Mindra affirming that the magic monkey would be ok here by himself. Then the Crab and the Aasimar departed for the castle, a tour that would somehow take all night.

Meanwhile, Toshiro and Shiko remained with the artifact, taking turns keeping close watch over it that night while keeping an eye on the inordinate number of guards 'helpfully' watching their wing of the castle.

 

[Tokiwong]

Awesome Story

Sheesh alot of fun indeed... Toshiro and O-Hisa who would have thunk... LOL and Mir and the Hida... wow... again... very interesting... alot of craziness abounding I like it... gives me ideas on how to play out the New Years celebration coming up this week...

 

[Black Omega]

Re: Awesome Story

Sheesh alot of fun indeed... Toshiro and O-Hisa who would have thunk... LOL and Mir and the Hida... wow... again... very interesting... alot of craziness abounding I like it... gives me ideas on how to play out the New Years celebration coming up this week...

Well, Toshiro and O-Hisa is more samurai love. You know...

Toshiro: Baby, I can't hang around here. My duty is drawing me back home. Will you kill the bakemono that helped kill my friend for me?

O-Hisa: Oh Toshiro, that's so romantic..



A pleasantly smooth running session. Toshiro getting grilled went about as well as I'd hoped. And Hida Toshiaki worked out better than I expected. I just thought it would be amusing to show a rougher Crab and him meeting the elf was perfect. It kinda snowballed from there. After a few tough battles, a little down time is nice, however brief.

 

[Tokiwong]

Re: Re: Awesome Story

Well, Toshiro and O-Hisa is more samurai love. You know...

Toshiro: Baby, I can't hang around here. My duty is drawing me back home. Will you kill the bakemono that helped kill my friend for me?

O-Hisa: Oh Toshiro, that's so romantic..

Yeah I hear yah... LOL Samurai love is good stuff...

A pleasantly smooth running session. Toshiro getting grilled went about as well as I'd hoped. And Hida Toshiaki worked out better than I expected. I just thought it would be amusing to show a rougher Crab and him meeting the elf was perfect. It kinda snowballed from there. After a few tough battles, a little down time is nice, however brief.

What I plan to do for this week I think... a breif respite before I bring down the fires of Jigoku upon my oh so unsuspecting players... oh the joys of being a purely Artificial-Evil DM...

 

[Black Omega]

The 26th Day of the Dog

The group slowly came together the next morning; somewhat the worse for wear from the previous night's activities, but with morale greatly raised. Finally they set out on the return trip to Bugaisha, taking their time as they recovered on the road. At the very first checkpoint they got a clue of what was to come. Their papers were checked and double-checked, every little detail studied, delaying them on the trip by 20 minutes before they were finally waved on. And at every stop it was the same, delays and distractions slowing their progress.

Meanwhile, back in the castle Hida Toshiaki was deep in thought. Many of his thoughts were pleasant remembering, but one thing still bothered him, gnawing away at him. Finally he summoned another Crab Samurai named Toritaka Kazu, thundering "Kaz-san! I have an important mission for you! There is a Crab Samurai named Hiruma Toshiro, he just left this morning with that group of barbarians." The muscular Samurai shook his head sadly "Toshiro is serving with a Unicorn Lord and totally forgetting what it is to be a Crab. He needs a reminder life is not just fighting and duty but also sake houses, women and gambling! You can't miss the group he is with, he has a talking monkey with him." Kazu accepted this 'mission' and road out later that day, trying to make up for lost time. [DM Note: Kaz is Sho's player's new PC. He wanted to try a Crab this time and this seemed a good way to add him.]

The 1st Day of the Boar

A few days later the group arrived in a small village, dealing with the usual flood of red tape. They did the usual set up, one large room for the group. The lacquered container with the obi set in the middle of the room with people sleeping around it and two revolving on watch.

The second watch was Toshiro and Mindra. The alert monkey heard movement in the hallway some two and a half hours after midnight, the Hour of the Goat. Mindra crouched down low, preparing to wake the others as Toshiro crept closer to listen, getting between the door and the box, remaining eight feet back from the paper and wood door, out of reach.

Then suddenly through the door a pole arm, a wood shaft and metal bars and tines, snagging into Toshiro's armor and yanking him forward into the flanking attacks of two others with kusari-gama. The figures were masked and shrouded in black, classic Ninja garb.

With a piercing monkey shriek, Mindra woke the others as another two ninja charged into the room. Shiko was up in a flash, katana out as she engaged one of the ninja in a fight. Deviously, Mir lay where she was, pretending to sleep as she slide out her Wand of Magic Missiles.

Volar snapped out of his trance, taking a moment to size up the situation before he gestured, words flowing from his lips, conjuring a huge Web that filled the hallway and spilled out into the room, tangling up one of the ninja and slowing the others.

Toshiro was also slowed by the web as well as by the Sleevecatcher, the ninja keeping him held at a distance as the other two kept slashing at him with their kusari-gama. Verick stood over the box, shooting arrows at the ninja at the edge of the web.

Suddenly, from behind a volley of arrows from the windows behind the group, Mir, Verick and Shiko all struck. Toshiro struck down one of the ninja trying to slip past him, his katana chopping the ninja's head off as the burly samurai freed himself from the Sleevecatcher. Volar took cover against the wall where the windows where so the archers could not shoot him while casting a sleep spell that had no effect.

As one of the ninja escaped the web Mir zapped him with a magic missile. Already hacked once by Toshiro, the ninja fell. With the frontal assault failing, one of the ninja at the windows tossed a smoke grenade into the room, over the box Verick was guarding. Smoke filled the area, just as a blood stained Shiko finally slashed through the ninja she was fighting.

Alertly, Verick saw what was coming and grabbed the box, sneaking off to the side through the smoke and into the corner. Noticing this, Volar made Verick (and the box) invisible. A couple of ninja moved through the smoke, following the noise from Verick but only one got a attack on the boy and that missed badly. Then they totally lost track of him.

Volar cast a grease spell that caused one of the ninja to fall. At this moment everyone head a bamboo flute, a string of notes and then the remaining ninja fled, using the smoke as cover. The ninja that had fallen in the grease was arrowed before he could rise and Mir added a minor healing spell to keep him alive. The ninja left dangling in the web had been unable to escape for the entire combat [DM Note: Something like 9 rounds, with me rolling single digits for his checks to escape.] Unable to escape, he killed himself. Mir leaned out the window to zap a ninja with a Magic Missile, but the figure swiftly joined the rest, blending into the early morning darkness.

The group searched the dead ninja, recovering various weapons, a few smoke bombs, and discovering each ninja had a tattoo behind their left should of a spider in a web, ironically enough.

As they were searching they heard voices in the hallway, the innkeeper yelling out to them "are you ok? Is anyone hurt in there? Should I summon a healer?" The group answered they were ok, then got a little chuckle as they heard a less loud "Ok, let's get to work on this web, no don't touch.. Sigh, ok, someone help get him free..."

The group tied the ninja up securely, revealing the masked figure to be a she, silent and glaring at each and every one of them. Toshiro took his turn first, a snarl and glare of his own, making himself a truly menacing figure as he growled out his questions "Who sent you!" Though clearly frightened, the ninja didn't say a word, her glare gone.

Mir stepped in at this point to play 'good interrogator', introducing herself and being far more pleasant while Toshiro talked around in the background. Verick chimed in with various comments about how they skin people alive out in the Hordelands. And Volar was in the background, with off hand comments about how he had a spell that could turn the ninja girl into his love slave.

Under all this pressure, the girl did let slip she had been warned the elf had a spell that could make him like her and that the orders had come from the palace, Shiro Ide. But she had not been told whom; she was just given orders to get the box and to -not- touch what was inside.

There was some brief discussion over waiting until the morning and Charming her but Volar and Verick though they'd probably gotten all they would get out of the girl. Finally Verick went over to free the girl's hands and left a dagger there in front of her, the rest of the group pulling back well out of reach, suspecting some sort of ninja trick would follow. But the girl settled for grabbing the dagger and stabbing herself through the heart.

By this point the Web was melting away, allowing in the local authorities. The Yoriki simply took down their accounts of what happened and accepted it, mentioning there were already search parties out looking for the ninja that had escaped. A little suspicious of that, Toshiro and Verick were quick to volunteer to hang around and help with the search. Then they started talking about how to do it, going door to door, tearing the village apart from one end to the other. Talking about how it might take a day or more. Perhaps too quickly, the Yoriki agreed! In fact he went a step further, mentioning there were a couple of spots and ruins outside the town that might be worth looking over, it shouldn't take longer than a couple of days to clear up though.

At this point the group did a fast 180, both samurai and barbarians alike just getting more suspicious. When the Yoriki went to get Toshiro's agreement to helping this, the Crab Samurai back tracked quickly, admitting his duty didn't allow him to linger, much to the evident disappointment of the Yoriki.

The 3rd Day of the Boar
As the group was settling in at their inn a Samurai in Crab colors approached, looking them over before nodding to himself "You must be who I'm looking for. I'm Toritaka Kazu. I bring greetings from Hida Toshiaki, he asked me to follow you, Toshiro. To help remind you what real Crabs act like."

The 4th Day of the Boar

A few days passed without any additional trouble beyond the usual. Stops, delays, and red tape slowing them down. Finally they reached the Plum Blossom pass, marking a third of the way back to Bugaisha. As they made their way along the pass, three riders came into view ahead of them. Clad in dark gray armor with a symbol in white that they could not quite make out. As they rode slowly into view, the unarmored rider was already casting a spell over himself and his companions, a burly Samurai with his katana already drawn, and another Ronin carrying a bow.

In a loud voice the lead Ronin shouted "you have something that belongs to the Sun. Give it up or perish!" The group's answer was blunt and to the point, Toshiro shooting an arrow at the Ronin. "Challenge accepted!" the lead Ronin roared back and charged, the battle begun.

Mir was first, casting Mage Armor on herself before starting her bardic song, a Crab War Chant. Kaz took a shot at the Ronin Bowman but missed. Toshiro and Shiko formed a line, letting the Ronin make the first move. Volar dismounted, making Mindra invisible with a wave of his hands before the nimble monkey ran up behind Toshiro. The Ronin with katana out charged forward, closing the 100 foot gap toward the group at a gallop. The Bowman let fly with a shaft, the arrow sinking into Toshiro's shoulder through the armor. The Ronin Shugenja chanted, summoning spirits of sleep, to no avail, Toshiro and Shiko were both unaffected.

Keeping her chant up, Mir climbed up the slope along the side of the pass, drawing her Wand of Magic Missiles, just to be ready. The exchange of arrows continued, the Ronin bowman hitting Toshiro again with a glancing shot to the arm and taking a glancing shot from Kaz for his troubles. The satisfied look on Kaz's face didn't last long however, as the Shugenja waved his hands and a rolling ball of fire formed around him, taking him off guard and burning him badly. The charging Ronin reached Shiko and sparks flashed as their swords crossed, neither breaking the other's guard. Toshiro rushed in from the side, slashing a minor cut into the Ronin's leg. Volar remained in back, casting Mage Armor on himself next as the now invisible Mindra cast Bull Strength on Toshiro, the already powerful Samurai nearly bursting out of his armor with raw power. Verick joined in the archery duel, hitting the charging Ronin with an arrow.

Mir's song ceased as she activated the Wand, zapping for Shugenja for a little damage. Volar brought his own sleep spell into play, but it failed just as totally as the Shugenja's had. Obviously everyone had gotten a good night's sleep. Verick's next shot was toward the Shugenja but missed badly wide. Pissed off over the Sphere of fire, Kaz charged forward, running toward the two horsemen and hitting the Shugenja with an arrow. The ball of fire followed, though this time Kaz did a better job staying away from the flames. Perhaps distracted by that, a gush of blood was drawn by a well placed arrow from the mounted bowman. Invisibly, Mindra stayed in close to Toshiro, healing him of his wounds. Refreshed, Toshiro slashed powerfully upward, hacking through the Ronin's armor and drawing a gout of crimson as the warrior wavered a moment, then his sword flashed back, two strikes though only the first hit, slicing down into Toshiro's shoulder. Not having a very good day, Shiko's slash missed as well.

Mir settled back on the slope, biding her time, then when the Shugenja was ready to cast again, he was zapped with another Magic Missile. The Shugenja was unfazed however, holding his concentration, the flaming sphere sizzling Kaz and then fire's swept up around the robed rider, sweeping out in a wave over Kaz, followed a moment later by another arrow from the Ronin bowman. Alertly, Mindra ran forward invisibly to heal the overdone Samurai, only to watch in surprise as Kaz turned and ran past him, choosing that moment for a tactical withdrawal. Helping gang up on the Ronin in front, Volar cast Acid Orb, the acid sizzling into the Ronin's armor. Now was he the only one, the Ronin in front picking that moment to turn and flee, riding fast and easily outdistancing the pursuing Toshiro. Riding fast, Shiko kept up but missed once again.

As Mir readied to zap the Shugenja when next he invoked the spirits, Volar did a chant of his own, waving his hands and crafting a web nearly across the entire pass. Though the bowman escaped, the horse of the Shugenja and the fleeing Ronin were caught in the troublesome Web. Shiko charged on in, missing a strike on the held Ronin but Verick's arrow struck true, piecing in through the man's eye, leaving him quivering in the web, lifeless. Kaz finally held up to watch the battle, when moment's later he head a vaguely familiar voice out of thin air, saying "Hold still." Then he suddenly felt better, the invisible monkey healing him.

Shiko rode nimbly around the web, getting in a slash that draw blood from the Shugenja before the two remaining riders fled, wavering a moment as Volar shot an arrow past them that hit a rock, spouting out in Common "Come on men, this way!" the ruse didn't slow them though, flight firmly on their minds.

The group gathered back together once Shiko gave up the chase and after nearly deciding to go on, Volar was asked about Detecting Magic. On the dead Ronin two Magic, or perhaps one should say Spirit Blessed, items were found. An Amulet bearing the symbol of the Lion Clan, and a kimono under his armor in the golden brown of the Lion. After a brief discussion Verick claimed both items by simply putting them one, then waiting to see if anything happened. Volar suggested they could throw rocks at him and see if they hurt less, but Verick wasn't very agreeable to that. The body of the Ronin was collected, Toshiro tossing it over the Ronin's horse before leading it on with the group toward the next town.

Onota was a town at the end of the Plum Blossom Pass and the group's greeting there was the same as all the other. An officious guard checking over their papers carefully, point by point, not letting a single detail slip by unverified. This guard was even more careful though, glancing with distaste over the body of the Ronin and asking, "Your papers give leave to seven, but he makes eight."

"He was a bandit who attacked us!" Toshiro growled.

"Ah. I see. And the horse then, it's his? Or did you pick up another horse someplace?" The guard whined on, haggling over each point one at a time. The undue delay soon explained when the local magistrate came riding up, smiling as he saw the party.

"Ah, Toshiro-san! And friends. I've been waiting on you!" he explained "I'm sorry for all the delays, we've received some special instructions for you. I'm Ide Naoya. I'll be happy to explain later, but if you all would do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight at my home, I'll be happy to explain all. And if you are interested...I have a guesthouse that visitors often use. I understand there has been trouble on your travels so far, this would spare our local Inn and probably be more comfortable as well. You would be under my protection, of course, guards will be posted to make sure nothing happens."

A little warily, the group accepted. Their horses were housed in the stables, but just to be safe, Verick kept the box with the Golden Obi with him, strapping it over his back. The dinner was as fine as would be expected from a important local official. Excellent sake and tea, good food and all tastefully arranged. Kaz started with his first bottle of sake enthusiastically, with a little urging from Volar and soon moved on to his second and third bottles as the conversation meandered politely at first.

Then Ide Naoya started to get to the point, murmuring, "There have been rumors about you, Toshiro. Scandalous how such things get around, they can do such damage to a Samurai's reputation. My Lord Tadaji-sama asked me to do my very best to clear you and your friends of these rumors."

As Kaz moved on to his fourth bottle of sake Toshiro and Verick both began to look annoyed, Toshiro demanding, "What are these rumors?"

Ide Naoya coughed politely, ignoring the increasingly drunk Kaz as he said "Rumors of banditry and smuggling. False of course, I cannot imagine a Samurai such as you being involved in such things. Though one wonders about your friendsc"

Suspicious looks started to go around the table between the group as they went on heightened awareness. Except for Kaz, who was on his fifth bottle of sake and trying to drag a servant girl into his lap. Ide Naoya went on to explain that it would be a simple matter to solve these rumors. A fast search through the group's possessions could quickly enough confirm that the group wasn't smuggling anything. A suggestion greeted with icy stares from nearly everyone. Verick began playing provocateur, prodding Toshiro about the implied insult to his honor and Toshiro was quick to state that he was not involved in any such activity and he would not allow any searches, he would vouch for all his friends. Verick was right there with him, suggesting Toshiro might consider demanding a duel over such an insult. Meanwhile Kaz was leering drunkenly at some of the women at the table while they did their best to ignore him.

Ide Naoya turned his attention to Verick at this point, gazing over the 16 year old boy coolly before murmuring "You are not a Samurai, what concept do you have of honor?"

Verick, glaring "I am Akodo."

Naoya smiling slightly, an expression that never reaches his eyes "But have you sworn yourself to a Lord of the Akodo? If so, whom?"

Verick's glare simply grew angrier "I don't need to, I am Akodo. Through my dad I continue to serve the clan. Do you keep track of every single samurai?"

Naoya, sniffing in disdain "Yes, as a matter of fact we do. When someone is born there is a record of that. When they die that is noted as well. As is who is sworn as Samurai. I can show papers for every samurai in my service. Who do you serve, Verick?"

Verick's glare just grew, his anger threatening to rage out of control before he calmed himself "I am Akodo. Their Honor is my Honor. Their way is my way. I am Akodo by training and by blood!"

Verick would not back down. Ide Naoya would not back down. Toshiro would not back down. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife before a squeak from a servant girl Kaz had grabbed distracted everyone from the confrontation. While Naoya tried to guide the conversation back to quieter territory, Verick and Volar started to chat in Common, insulting Naoya in no uncertain terms. Though Ide Naoya gave no indication he knew what was being discussed, a couple of his samurai did, though they did their best to hide that they understand the barbarian language.

Finally the dinner was cut a little short, the unruly Crab providing the excuse Ide Naoya needed. Guards were assigned to show the group to the guest house and to patrol around the outside.

 

[Tokiwong]

looks good

I like it... good stuff... especially with Ide... hmm... wonder what is to come

 

[Black Omega]

Re: looks good

I like it... good stuff... especially with Ide... hmm... wonder what is to come

It was a good thing Toshiro stood up as strongly as he did againstthe search. The group still has jade plundered from the temple and Yukiyo has that opium still. A search would have been bad because some people really do have illegal stuff.

And I know one place it's going. Verick's player even more wants to work out something with the Akodo, so Verick can officially be a Samurai.

Mostly what I'm messing with now though it adjusting stuff for Wizards in the game. It's a lower gold game with everyone using divine magic. So it's tougher to pick up arcane goodies from combats. Even more with the magic item rules from Magic of Rokugan. So I'm probably nerfing spell scribing costs at the very least. I hadn't thought about this element at all when merging FR and Rokugan...