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"Return of the Rod of the Seven Parts" - D&D
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 440584" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chinese Take-out</strong></p><p></p><p>Chapter 7, "The Senior Citizen Signs Up", September 15, 1018, 6:30 A.M. </p><p></p><p>[DM's Note: The map referenced in this chapter is the Forgotten Realms orient map for the Land of T'u Lung included with TSR's 1988 AD&D Kara-Tur Volume 1 (also in the Kara-Tur boxed set). This map will be used for the remainder of the "Chinese Take-out" story.] </p><p></p><p>Several members of the party find Hiroshi, and ask him about what he knows of the city of Shosun. He says that it is located on the continent to the west, and that he had traveled to it over a hundred times. He retrieves for them a western continent map showing the region that Shosun is in. They see that Shosun is located in a large area with several rivers. Hiroshi says that this area, approximately five hundred miles in diameter, is where the majority of the food for the western continent is grown, namely rice and wheat,. The cities in this region are therefore major agricultural trading centers.</p><p></p><p>Shosun itself is located at a main crossroad, where three major roads meet along a major river. He says that for this region most east/west as well as at least half of the north/south trade goes through this particular city, which has a population of over a million people. They ask him how long it takes to travel to this city, to which he replies “around three weeks, by boat.” The group decide that they want to teleport there instead, however Toshiro has never been there, and has not ventured any closer to it than the coastal city of Chunming, over five hundred miles to the east of Shosun. This has the group decide to ask Hiroshi to accompany them. To say that Hiroshi is totally thrilled with that idea would be an understatement. He says that they will first need to request permission from the family elders, as he has responsibilities in Miyako. There will be another family meeting following the morning meal, and they can then announce their pending departure as well as request his services as a guide.</p><p></p><p>“Are half-elves welcomed in Shosun?” Cassie asks. “Shosun is bustling trade city, with people of nearly every race imaginable,” is his answer, “In fact, there is one section of the city where you will not even stand out by being Caucasians, as thousands of other Caucasians also live there.”</p><p></p><p>Serita impulsively decides to reveal to Hiroshi who she really is, and transforms back into her half-elf form. Hiroshi is not very surprised, saying that he had observed her reacting non-eagle-like several times while visiting with the party during the past few days. Toshiro is livid that she abruptly chose to transform in front of his Uncle. Serita says “Look, we are asking him to go with us, he needs to know who all of us really are.” Hiroshi tells her that she should resume the bird form, and not let any of the other family members know, as their reaction would be less charitable than his.”</p><p></p><p>Her actions cause Toshiro to be totally conflicted. He was upset, after bringing the party not only to his homeland, and even further into his own home, that one decided to stay a bird and forced Toshiro to conceal the truth from his family. He feels that they have now really put him out on a limb, since without any thought of the consequences for her actions she revealed the secret to his Uncle. He feels that she must have so little honor that she does not know the shame that this has brought to him. </p><p></p><p>After Hiroshi leaves, Toshiro starts to express these feelings to the party, but they are not overly concerned, commenting that “Hiroshi didn’t really seem to mind, and said he sort-of-knew anyway.” Toshiro states that “Honor to one and family are regarded as the highest things in life.” Serita replies “Calm down, I’ll turn back into a bird.” He glares at her, and says "Honor is like a rare beautiful flower for all to see, but with one misstep can be ground into the dirt and all will turn their head at the loss." “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Narg asks. </p><p></p><p>Toshiro walks off into the garden by himself, debating what to do next. He is upset that his secret has been found out, and is now upset that he has pledged to help this group. To not help them at this point would be a severe blow to his honor, so he decides to continue to help them in their quest, but decides that following this he will leave the group, for their roads lay on different paths. </p><p> </p><p>On their way to their final meal at the Mitsubishi estate Narg comments that “I never thought I’d say it, but I sure miss my servant Hobbson’s cooking." The party discusses who should be the one to request Hiroshi as their guide. Aradyn suggest Cassie, saying, “She speaks Hoi Palos.” </p><p></p><p>At the meeting Cassie begins by eloquently explaining that they have recently obtained new information, indicating that the evil they seek to vanquish is located not within the Heian Empire, but on the continent to the west. She says that they must therefore take leave of the Mitsubishi Family, and again thanks them for their fine hospitality, commending them for being gracious hosts. She also compliments them on raising such a fine boy as Toshiro, who is a welcomed member of their party.” Narg whispers to Mojo “Even though I didn’t even know the guy’s name a week ago.” Mojo whispers back “That’s not saying much, you forget your own name half the time.”</p><p></p><p>Cassie goes on to then requests that Hiroshi be allowed to accompany them, as he is very familiar with the western continent and its language. The Grandmother counters with “I do not see the necessity of that, as Toshiro accompanied him there in his youth, and can also speak that language.” Cassie continues what quickly becomes a polite debate between these two strong-willed women, answering “Yes, but that was so many years ago that Toshiro is no longer fluent in the language. He also only traveled with his Uncle along the coast, and we need to venture well inland, where he has never been.” </p><p></p><p>The grandmother’s next argument against it is that it would be too long a journey for Hiroshi to travel at such an advanced age, as he is now seventy-one. Cassie counters by telling her that they have with them magical means that will substantially reduce the amount of physical traveling required by him. The grandmother next raises the issue that when Hiroshi traveled before he had many magical devices to provide him physical protection, but that he has passed these on to his son Kojiro, who is current away, so this would leave him defenseless. Cassie again counters this argument, by telling the grandmother that the party has many magical protection devices with them, which they will let Hiroshi use, and will afford him protection equivalent if not better than those he used previously.</p><p></p><p>The final argument from the Grandmother is directed not at Cassie, but to Hiroshi. She says to her son “The main reason that you chose to retire from your travel-intensive profession eight years ago was due to the physical stress and strains. While it may be flattering to you that these young people have asked you to accompany them, it might be more than you are physically capable of. It has been quite some time since you undertook such an arduous assignment.”</p><p></p><p>Hiroshi pauses, and then says “That is true, however, we must also consider that this brave group of adventurers seeks a noble cause. They have done much during the past decade to keep our Toshiro safe and prosperous, and it would be inappropriate for us as a family to deny them this reasonable request. Toshiro himself has now been here only a very short while, and you know how he and I have always been close. I would welcome an opportunity to continue to spend some time with him, to learn more of his travels, and to further relate to him all that has transpired here in his absence.” Narg whispers to Mojo “Uncle speaks fluent Cow Manure”. </p><p></p><p>After much thought, the Grandmother turns to her grandson, and says “Toshiro. Would you vow to keep your Uncle safe from harm? He is no longer a young man, and would not be able to adequately protect himself.” “I will grandmother,” is his reply. She then turns to her son, and says “Very well, you may accompany them Hiroshi, provided that you first obtain permission from the Emperor, as he may have need of your services in the near future that we are unaware of, and your first obligation is to him.”</p><p></p><p>The grandmother thanks the family, and commands them to keep both Hiroshi and Toshiro safe. She says that they have been honored to have their company during the past few days, and that they are free to return at any point. Mojo whispers “Wow, that’s a first for the Silver Moon, an invitation back.” Hiroshi asks the party to return to their pavilion and wait for him before returning to the Takayama Estate. </p><p></p><p>The group returns to the Guest Pavilion. Narg comments about how he is anxious to leave, finding this location to be far too “lawful” for him. A half-hour later Hiroshi joins the party in the western pavilion. He said that he immediately went from the morning meal to see the Emperor, to get there ahead of his mother, as he suspected she would ask the Emperor to deny him permission to leave. Hiroshi says that he began the conversation by first asking about the Emperor’s specific needs from him in the near future, before explaining about the potential journey. The Emperor agreed to release him from all future translator and diplomacy duties, but only after Hiroshi made assurances that while he was on the western continent he would personally reestablish some contacts which would bring increased revenues to the Heian Empire, and to the Emperor’s treasury in particular. “So you bribed him to let you go?” comments Narg. “I wouldn’t exactly phrase it that way,” answers Hiroshi. Hiroshi moves over towards Narg, and then quietly whispers so that Toshiro doesn’t overhear “I’d pay any ransom amount to get out of this prison.” “You and me both,” Narg whispers back. “You’ve only been here four days, I’ve been stuck her for the past four years!” the older man answers. “These past four days have felt like four years,” Narg responds. </p><p></p><p>Cassie decides that she should join them for the picking of the statues, having thoroughly read the zoology text. She uses the Belt of Shape Change to modify her appearance to that of a full elf. The group of Aradyn, Cassie, Duegar, Hiroshi, Lannon, Mojo, Timothy and Toshiro head to the Takayama estate. They explain whom they wish to purchase even more statues, and offer as payment a personal diary by a Medusa that Lannon has been carrying around for years. The two Takayama women discuss in the local language how many more statues that would be worth, watching for a nod from Hiroshi, at which point they settle on eighteen, for a total of forty. </p><p></p><p>After much debate the party decide upon getting 4 badgers, 2 celestial dragon, 2 crane, 2 fox, 4 golden spider monkeys, 2 hawk, 2 otter, 2 panda, 6 pegasi, 6 rhinoceros, 2 sun bear, 4 tigers and 2 weimic statues. The forty statues are taken elsewhere and magically activated, then returned to the party who are instructed in the proper pronunciation of the words to activate and deactivate the magic. The Takayama women bid them good luck on their journey, and say that they would welcome any further information that the party can find out about their ancestor. </p><p></p><p>The party returns to the Mitsubishi estate, and gather together their belongings. Hiroshi is given the Helm of Teleportation, and they explain to him how it works. He states how it has been eight years since he last visited Shosun, and given that things are constantly changing in the city, it would probably be best to choose a well known destination that would be the same as when he was there, namely a Heian Temple. He says that there are two Heian temples within a few miles of the city, one that is used by most Heian citizens living in Shosun, and the other being an older temple, seldom used except for on high holy days. The group concludes that the later would probably be best, as they wish to maintain a low profile. </p><p></p><p>The party teleport away from the Heian Empire at noon, arriving approximately a thousand miles to the southwest (and one hour earlier, local time) at a temple near the city of Shosun.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 440584, member: 8530"] [b]Chinese Take-out[/b] Chapter 7, "The Senior Citizen Signs Up", September 15, 1018, 6:30 A.M. [DM's Note: The map referenced in this chapter is the Forgotten Realms orient map for the Land of T'u Lung included with TSR's 1988 AD&D Kara-Tur Volume 1 (also in the Kara-Tur boxed set). This map will be used for the remainder of the "Chinese Take-out" story.] Several members of the party find Hiroshi, and ask him about what he knows of the city of Shosun. He says that it is located on the continent to the west, and that he had traveled to it over a hundred times. He retrieves for them a western continent map showing the region that Shosun is in. They see that Shosun is located in a large area with several rivers. Hiroshi says that this area, approximately five hundred miles in diameter, is where the majority of the food for the western continent is grown, namely rice and wheat,. The cities in this region are therefore major agricultural trading centers. Shosun itself is located at a main crossroad, where three major roads meet along a major river. He says that for this region most east/west as well as at least half of the north/south trade goes through this particular city, which has a population of over a million people. They ask him how long it takes to travel to this city, to which he replies “around three weeks, by boat.” The group decide that they want to teleport there instead, however Toshiro has never been there, and has not ventured any closer to it than the coastal city of Chunming, over five hundred miles to the east of Shosun. This has the group decide to ask Hiroshi to accompany them. To say that Hiroshi is totally thrilled with that idea would be an understatement. He says that they will first need to request permission from the family elders, as he has responsibilities in Miyako. There will be another family meeting following the morning meal, and they can then announce their pending departure as well as request his services as a guide. “Are half-elves welcomed in Shosun?” Cassie asks. “Shosun is bustling trade city, with people of nearly every race imaginable,” is his answer, “In fact, there is one section of the city where you will not even stand out by being Caucasians, as thousands of other Caucasians also live there.” Serita impulsively decides to reveal to Hiroshi who she really is, and transforms back into her half-elf form. Hiroshi is not very surprised, saying that he had observed her reacting non-eagle-like several times while visiting with the party during the past few days. Toshiro is livid that she abruptly chose to transform in front of his Uncle. Serita says “Look, we are asking him to go with us, he needs to know who all of us really are.” Hiroshi tells her that she should resume the bird form, and not let any of the other family members know, as their reaction would be less charitable than his.” Her actions cause Toshiro to be totally conflicted. He was upset, after bringing the party not only to his homeland, and even further into his own home, that one decided to stay a bird and forced Toshiro to conceal the truth from his family. He feels that they have now really put him out on a limb, since without any thought of the consequences for her actions she revealed the secret to his Uncle. He feels that she must have so little honor that she does not know the shame that this has brought to him. After Hiroshi leaves, Toshiro starts to express these feelings to the party, but they are not overly concerned, commenting that “Hiroshi didn’t really seem to mind, and said he sort-of-knew anyway.” Toshiro states that “Honor to one and family are regarded as the highest things in life.” Serita replies “Calm down, I’ll turn back into a bird.” He glares at her, and says "Honor is like a rare beautiful flower for all to see, but with one misstep can be ground into the dirt and all will turn their head at the loss." “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Narg asks. Toshiro walks off into the garden by himself, debating what to do next. He is upset that his secret has been found out, and is now upset that he has pledged to help this group. To not help them at this point would be a severe blow to his honor, so he decides to continue to help them in their quest, but decides that following this he will leave the group, for their roads lay on different paths. On their way to their final meal at the Mitsubishi estate Narg comments that “I never thought I’d say it, but I sure miss my servant Hobbson’s cooking." The party discusses who should be the one to request Hiroshi as their guide. Aradyn suggest Cassie, saying, “She speaks Hoi Palos.” At the meeting Cassie begins by eloquently explaining that they have recently obtained new information, indicating that the evil they seek to vanquish is located not within the Heian Empire, but on the continent to the west. She says that they must therefore take leave of the Mitsubishi Family, and again thanks them for their fine hospitality, commending them for being gracious hosts. She also compliments them on raising such a fine boy as Toshiro, who is a welcomed member of their party.” Narg whispers to Mojo “Even though I didn’t even know the guy’s name a week ago.” Mojo whispers back “That’s not saying much, you forget your own name half the time.” Cassie goes on to then requests that Hiroshi be allowed to accompany them, as he is very familiar with the western continent and its language. The Grandmother counters with “I do not see the necessity of that, as Toshiro accompanied him there in his youth, and can also speak that language.” Cassie continues what quickly becomes a polite debate between these two strong-willed women, answering “Yes, but that was so many years ago that Toshiro is no longer fluent in the language. He also only traveled with his Uncle along the coast, and we need to venture well inland, where he has never been.” The grandmother’s next argument against it is that it would be too long a journey for Hiroshi to travel at such an advanced age, as he is now seventy-one. Cassie counters by telling her that they have with them magical means that will substantially reduce the amount of physical traveling required by him. The grandmother next raises the issue that when Hiroshi traveled before he had many magical devices to provide him physical protection, but that he has passed these on to his son Kojiro, who is current away, so this would leave him defenseless. Cassie again counters this argument, by telling the grandmother that the party has many magical protection devices with them, which they will let Hiroshi use, and will afford him protection equivalent if not better than those he used previously. The final argument from the Grandmother is directed not at Cassie, but to Hiroshi. She says to her son “The main reason that you chose to retire from your travel-intensive profession eight years ago was due to the physical stress and strains. While it may be flattering to you that these young people have asked you to accompany them, it might be more than you are physically capable of. It has been quite some time since you undertook such an arduous assignment.” Hiroshi pauses, and then says “That is true, however, we must also consider that this brave group of adventurers seeks a noble cause. They have done much during the past decade to keep our Toshiro safe and prosperous, and it would be inappropriate for us as a family to deny them this reasonable request. Toshiro himself has now been here only a very short while, and you know how he and I have always been close. I would welcome an opportunity to continue to spend some time with him, to learn more of his travels, and to further relate to him all that has transpired here in his absence.” Narg whispers to Mojo “Uncle speaks fluent Cow Manure”. After much thought, the Grandmother turns to her grandson, and says “Toshiro. Would you vow to keep your Uncle safe from harm? He is no longer a young man, and would not be able to adequately protect himself.” “I will grandmother,” is his reply. She then turns to her son, and says “Very well, you may accompany them Hiroshi, provided that you first obtain permission from the Emperor, as he may have need of your services in the near future that we are unaware of, and your first obligation is to him.” The grandmother thanks the family, and commands them to keep both Hiroshi and Toshiro safe. She says that they have been honored to have their company during the past few days, and that they are free to return at any point. Mojo whispers “Wow, that’s a first for the Silver Moon, an invitation back.” Hiroshi asks the party to return to their pavilion and wait for him before returning to the Takayama Estate. The group returns to the Guest Pavilion. Narg comments about how he is anxious to leave, finding this location to be far too “lawful” for him. A half-hour later Hiroshi joins the party in the western pavilion. He said that he immediately went from the morning meal to see the Emperor, to get there ahead of his mother, as he suspected she would ask the Emperor to deny him permission to leave. Hiroshi says that he began the conversation by first asking about the Emperor’s specific needs from him in the near future, before explaining about the potential journey. The Emperor agreed to release him from all future translator and diplomacy duties, but only after Hiroshi made assurances that while he was on the western continent he would personally reestablish some contacts which would bring increased revenues to the Heian Empire, and to the Emperor’s treasury in particular. “So you bribed him to let you go?” comments Narg. “I wouldn’t exactly phrase it that way,” answers Hiroshi. Hiroshi moves over towards Narg, and then quietly whispers so that Toshiro doesn’t overhear “I’d pay any ransom amount to get out of this prison.” “You and me both,” Narg whispers back. “You’ve only been here four days, I’ve been stuck her for the past four years!” the older man answers. “These past four days have felt like four years,” Narg responds. Cassie decides that she should join them for the picking of the statues, having thoroughly read the zoology text. She uses the Belt of Shape Change to modify her appearance to that of a full elf. The group of Aradyn, Cassie, Duegar, Hiroshi, Lannon, Mojo, Timothy and Toshiro head to the Takayama estate. They explain whom they wish to purchase even more statues, and offer as payment a personal diary by a Medusa that Lannon has been carrying around for years. The two Takayama women discuss in the local language how many more statues that would be worth, watching for a nod from Hiroshi, at which point they settle on eighteen, for a total of forty. After much debate the party decide upon getting 4 badgers, 2 celestial dragon, 2 crane, 2 fox, 4 golden spider monkeys, 2 hawk, 2 otter, 2 panda, 6 pegasi, 6 rhinoceros, 2 sun bear, 4 tigers and 2 weimic statues. The forty statues are taken elsewhere and magically activated, then returned to the party who are instructed in the proper pronunciation of the words to activate and deactivate the magic. The Takayama women bid them good luck on their journey, and say that they would welcome any further information that the party can find out about their ancestor. The party returns to the Mitsubishi estate, and gather together their belongings. Hiroshi is given the Helm of Teleportation, and they explain to him how it works. He states how it has been eight years since he last visited Shosun, and given that things are constantly changing in the city, it would probably be best to choose a well known destination that would be the same as when he was there, namely a Heian Temple. He says that there are two Heian temples within a few miles of the city, one that is used by most Heian citizens living in Shosun, and the other being an older temple, seldom used except for on high holy days. The group concludes that the later would probably be best, as they wish to maintain a low profile. The party teleport away from the Heian Empire at noon, arriving approximately a thousand miles to the southwest (and one hour earlier, local time) at a temple near the city of Shosun. [/QUOTE]
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