The smell of burning flesh and silk is overshadowed only by the stench of poisonous  gas. The sould of coughing can be heard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:54, Fri 11 Nov 2016.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 1):

Ales continues to hold firm in doing nothing, the exercise of being aware, yet not acting refreshingly new to him.  He hopes he can gather enough mana from the surroundings soon that he can kill this damn ninja wizard and see what he has on him that has those other ninjas concerned.

Beyond standing at the sound of approaching coughs, Chou-Zhen remains still and ready, resting as well as possible.  An idea strikes him.

"Kho Khilana?  If foul-smelling, toxic airs will do you no harm, might Ales and I each have one of your cakes that allows us to gather mana more quickly?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Sun 13 Nov 2016.

Airis sneaks forward as she scouts the area.

Ales, overhearing Chou's request, tips his head to acknowledge he is in agreement with Chou.  "If that was possible, we would be most grateful for your patronage."

Iskander resisted the urge to blurt out: "Oh, fine! why not put the kettle on as well?" but, kept silent, not wanting to give his position away, for the sake of humor.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 6):

"For your need, I can endure it"

Moments later, the mist stirs, revealing the form of the demi
 divine personage in the mist, and small cakes find their way
 into your hands.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:31, Mon 14 Nov 2016.

"My thanks, Divine Lady."  Chou-Zhen accepts the proffered cake with a deep bow, and consumes it quickly before returning to his watchful state.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 8):

For her pains, an arrow flies out of the mist and sticks partway into her, looking as if half an arrow were suspended
in air.

Ales likewise accepts the cake and, after bowing, eats it.  He returns to a watchful state and a look of sheer horror appears as he sees an arrow head straight for Kho.

He opens his mouth to try and warn her... but the arrow has already hit her.

Jin can't see through the cloud and has no idea what's going on, so he just continues waiting.

Turning to face the less than visible archer, Chou-Zhen shouts (in Sahudese, paying no particular attention to diction or fine points of grammar): "Why ain't you dead?"

He flips his leather whip in the general direction the arrow came from, simply hoping to feel the presence of a body to give him an aiming point.
This message was last updated by the player at 00:22, Tue 15 Nov 2016.

(OOC: How much longer must we remain inactive in order to receive the benefits of recovering mana?)

OOC: well, recovering fatigue is recovered 10 minutes of resting, if you have no fitness modifiers.
a battle is fought second by second. so, anybody who opted out to rest, would pretty much be out of the battle, or pretty much gain nothing, during the battle. it would seem..

OOC: Correct, though if you have Recover Energy at skill 15 you gain a point of spell casting fatigue in only 5 minutes -- and with Kho Khilana's cakes, that becomes two points.  None of this would affect physical fatigue, of course.

ooc: Right, so it only takes 300 rounds to recover FP instead of 600, and you get 2.

OOC: I wonder if Kho can summon a snickers, cos the rest of us waiting, shoulda grabbed one. xD
This message was last edited by the player at 13:19, Tue 15 Nov 2016.

ooc: That was funny, Iskander.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 18):

A faint thud comes from the area the arrow came from.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:09, Sat 19 Nov 2016.

Straining to see what's going on from his hidden spot, Iskander finds through the smoke, and shadow, he cannot. OOC: failed perception by 1

In reply to Iskander (msg # 20):

There is a distant sound of tramping from the far side of the gas.

"More trouble coming, I think, and this cloud will not last much longer; everyone be ready to strike like fury and lightning.

"Kho Khilana, are you well?  I thought I saw an arrow strike you."

Ales continues to wait, look, and listen, feeling slowly energized by the mana from the area leech into his body.  He hears the noises, and curious about what they may be, Ales becomes dilagent and tries to figure them out.

(OOC: Perception roll passed. (13 on skill 13.  I am trying to find out what all the strange noises may be.))

Airis moves to the edge of the cloud near the wall and in the shadows, waiting for a target.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 24):

The tramping soubds came from the far right exit, and are now
 accompanied by swishing and clicking sounds.  The mist is
starting to move!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 25):

"Do we need to wait here until this stinking cloud crushes the breath from us?"

OOC: Ev'rywhere I hear the sound
Of marching charging feet, boyyyyyyyy....

"We need wait until Chou decides to tell us where to go," Jin said. "After all, it isn't as if time is off the essence. Not when the enemy has endless waves of disposable idiots to throw at us."

"Everyone prepare.  They come, and my spell is ending."

"Let's hope that giving them time to regroup and prepare was worth whatever this delay bought you." Jin ducked behind the doorway, weapon ready, most of his body behind cover.

Iskander listens to the others from the shadows, watching the entrance from which the sounds were coming.

Ales studies the area as the fog starts to dissipate and looks for any aid that would be beneficial to the group.

(OOC: Tactics (12) roll passed with an 8. GM: Is there any place we can corral the enemy fighters or create a choke hold and essentially slaughter them?  Otherwise, would my casting of Fear or Mystic Mist be a help or hinderance to the group?)

Airis stays in the shadows hoping they will move by her.

(ooc- not sure where the enemy is in relationship to where I am hiding)

OOC: ditto

In reply to Iskander (msg # 34):

The room is filled with yellowish mist. you cannot see anyone clearly in it, and the mist is not dissipating - it is moving toward you!

In Sahudese:

"Air magic!  Hold your breath and walk against the movement, you should clear the mist in a few yards.  Breathe, and attack, as soon as you come into the clear!"

Following his own advice, Chou-Zhen draws a full breath as soon as he finishes speaking, and begins moving "upwind" -- presumably toward the approaching enemies.  As he moves, he lashes his lightning whip and flips his leather whip to keep its light ahead of him.

Jin holds his breath and dashes into the room, heading for the other side.

Iskander, hearing the others, holds his breath.
OOC: enough is enough. I'm leaving the room now.

Having had enough of the gasses, not being able to move, or see. Iskander has had enough, and is leaving. He stealths back out the way he came in, and out the door, while holding his breath, and is back outside the room, behind the walls. OOC: made my roll by 9
He takes up a position, in the shadows a ways from the door where he can observe who comes and goes, and listen to the sounds from within.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:39, Wed 23 Nov 2016.

Ales, following Chou's lead, wraps a scrap of fabric around his nose and mouth and marches towards the odd sounds.  He is especially irritated by this turn of events, and eventually stays still long enough to form a fireball into his hand.

(OOC: Fireball roll passed.)

Airis goes into the mist after holder her breath and covering her mouth. She goes into the mist in a different area then the others.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 41):

Those dashing through the mist get through it in two to three
 seconds.

OOC HT rolls or lose 2 FP, 3 for those  moving stealthily

Once through the mist, you are confronted with five men
rapidly fanning with large folding fans, and four armored
men with  steel jingasa and naginatas, and behind them, Shima.

OOC: Iskander made his roll by 3, on his way out of the room.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 43):

Lee has akso backed away from the advancing mist.

Jin passes through the mist without incident, and upon spotting the enemy smashes his staff into one of the naginata wielders.

ooc: Defensive Attack-16. Rolled a 6: Critical hit. Result: 4. Armor protects at half DR.

10 cr damage. (1 knockback)

In reply to Jin (msg # 45):

The first of the four  men with polearms goes down hard,
Obe prepares to swing his blade abd two shift into a peculiar
Defensive stance in unison.

The fan wielders collapse their fans and retreat.
Shima assume a preperatory stance and concentrates.

Clearing the mist, Chou-Zhen's queue lashes vigorously at the sight of the men with fans, but he closes to two yards from the unpaired armored man and lashes with his lightning whip.

"Shima, surrender now and you may die with honor."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 47):

The naginata wielded collapses in a spasm.


"Though I might lose my life in service to my master, I  shall do so honorably."

Having made it through the fog without suffering from its effect, Ales spots the group of evil fan wavers, ninjas, and of course, that master jackass Shima.

Armed with his fireball, he throws it at the first of those ninjas in the defensive position.  There was no way he was going to be able to plunge his weapon into Shima's heart if he still had a couple of bouncers guarding him.

(OOC: Made HT roll successfully.  Fireball roll passed on a 10 of 14.  Damage for Fireball was 4.)

Stepping to the side to clear the defensive pair, Chou-Zhen moves toward Shima to get within his lightning whip's reach, and lashes at the big man.

"Jin, your help would be welcome here."

Airis attacks one of the men with polearms, striking at one with her attacks.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 51):

Their medium weight Lamelar armor holds against both the fireball and the sword strikes.

Shima meanwhile maintains his bearing, but loses a grip on whtever he was focusing on.

" Damn your lightning, you irreverent person  of dubious parentage!

"Shima, you are mistaken.  My friend Chou is of the highest parentage.  It is you who have no honor and neither do your parents."

He spoke as he struck out at the nearest enemy, thrusting his scimitar at them to keep them off guard.


(OOC: 14:25, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Damage.
14:24, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 6 using 3d6.  Thrust Sword (15).)

"Okay, just let me-"

Somehow, through a complicated swing that was hard to follow with the eyes, Jin managed to smash himself in the left leg with his tetsubo, cleanly breaking his thigh-bone. He collapsed to the ground in a broken heap.

"I am afraid you are on your own, Chou."

ooc: Critical miss. Result 5: Hit yourself. 50% chance arm or leg: Leg. Rolling for damage: 18 crushing. -1 DR = 17 crushing.

Enough to cripple, thankfully not enough to destroy the limb. Stun roll: (HT + fit + High Pain Threshold) success.

OOC: if the clouds have dissipated, then Iskander will join the fight.
(perception roll made by 4 points... so if he perceives it's safe to breathe...)

In reply to Iskander (msg # 55):

The cloud is disipating, but still quite thick, you can hold your breath and run through...


Ht-2 or take 3fp


The great Jin has collapsed!

In reply to Iskander (msg # 55):

The cloud is disipating, but still quite thick, you can hold your breath and run through...


Ht-2 or take 3fp


The great Jin has collapsed!

Having perceived that he is needed more than ever, Iskander takes a breath and stealths back through the rolling clouds...(OOC: made health roll with a point to spare, owing to his  fitness, and critically succeeds in his stealth roll, to enter again into the fray...)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:14, Mon 28 Nov 2016.

(OOC: Did my hit do anything to one of the goons?)

Shuffling to maintain his standoff distance from Shima, Chou-Zhen lashes once more with his lightning whip -- and misses.

"My mother is a pure blooded Sahudese, my father not of this world -- but I have known him all my life.  Can you say the same, son of a jìnu?" -- using one of the many Sahudese words for a prostitute.

Jin hoisted himself up into a sitting position against a wall, waiting and watching.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 58):

ooc see message  #52; their armor absorbed both the fireball  and Airis' strikes.

Shima frowns and snatches up one of the fallen Naginatas.

"Jin-san, you look unwell. It comes, I think from keeping such company"

A bluish glow washes over Jin, and he feels several cool firm hands upon him.

Iskander remains hidden near where the injured Jin is propped, ready to repel any attacks, should they come his way.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

In reply to Shima (msg # 61):

(OOC: I was referring to message 53.)

Airis tries to drive her sword into a vital area though the armor.

Chou-Zhen shuffles again -- the same direction as before, working his way around to put Shima between him and Ales, while maintaining his distance.  He lashes again with his lightning whip; his queue switches as he once again misses his stroke.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 13:51, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 65):

Both remaining Naginata  wielders drop; the one slashed by
Ales clutches his abdomen, the one skewered by Airis sprays
Blood from his mouth and nose, and sinks to his knees.

Shima bows and retreats, naginata in a defensive  grip.

Chou-Zhen sidesteps again, hoping to block Shima's retreat, as he lashes once more with his lightning whip -- and misses for a third time.  "Ales!  Airis!  Take him!"

Iskander emerges from the shadows and begins scrounging through the carnage, looking to improvise a splint so he can set Jin's leg. Before doing so, he approaches Jin and hands him the healing potion, he offered him earlier. OOC: made scrounging roll by 4 "Drink this, once I've set your leg."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

Jin slaps the healing potion aside with contempt. "Go kill Shima! My leg will still be here if you want to play nursemaid. Shima will not wait, and Chou needs your help."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

Iskander catches the precious vial, before it drops and breaks. He scoffs and spits upon the floor, before tucking it back in his jacket. He draws both weapons, and converges upon Shima, with the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Wed 30 Nov 2016.

Airis moves after Shima as fast as she can.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 71):

Airis catches up with the Sumotori fairly quickly. The others are a distance behind.

Continuing his shuffle to block Shima's retreat, Chou-Zhen lashes once more with his lightning whip, then lashes his queue nearly as violently as he misses again.

ooc: Was there any game-effect from this?

OOC: more than likely, it's Kho's way of letting you know she's got you. she has 4 arms, and blue light, heralds her presence.. maybe not, though.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Wed 30 Nov 2016.

Ales gives chase to Shima and, once he approaches, swings his scimitar at Shima, hoping it will catch and give him a nasty cut.

"You run like a coward, Shima.  You do yourself nor your master no honor.  Stand and fight, cur, or I am obliged to think you can not progenate."

(OOC: Assuming no penalty, 15:44, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 5 using 2d6.  Damage.
15:43, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 10 using 3d6.  Swinging sword at Shima (15).)

She tries to strike at Shima with her sword.

OOC: if there is room, iskander will converge, and strike.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 77):

Shima is staggered as Airis slides a blade between his ribs.
He seemed to be trying to draw in some energy, but his focus is shattered.

Iskander  is several yards behind.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Fri 02 Dec 2016.

Looking on, indeed, it had seemed Shima had met his end. there was no need of his involvement, as two with swords, and a wizard were already upon him. He began to look amongst the fallen for movement, and their importance. Especially the downed wizards...(OOC: scrounging roll & roll to sense any magic from items on downed wizards made.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Fri 02 Dec 2016.

"Shima, this is your last chance to do right, and meet an honorable end.  Tell us who your master is and why we should fear him.  Surely, his grandeur must be known, especially to us dishonorable wretches."

Ales said this in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way, but he hoped his accent would cover this up.

"He serves Akira Aku No, who would usurp Sakemoko's position and influence.  He has made his choice, let us slay him and desecrate his body."

Chou-Zhen lashes his lightning whip once more at the Sahudese, missing again as he continues his shuffle to box the man in.  His queue is lashing continuously now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:04, Sat 24 Dec 2016.

Airis tries to strike again in a vital area. She moves quietly and stays silent.

"The foe is not yet slain, Iskander." Jin looked disgusted, then began to crawl towards Shima. "Do I have to show you what it means not to give up? Not to sneak around in the shadows while your betters are risking their lives? So be it. Watch and learn how a true warrior does not stop fighting to rob the dead until all of his companions are safe, you jackal!"

ooc: Crawling 1 hex towards Shima. HT roll to stay conscious: Passed.

Iskander looked up from his looting, and watched the toppled collossus's futile attempts at rejoining the battle. "Jin, you would do well, to worry about yourself at the moment.. The battle is won, and I am securing the area and anything of import, for the good of the group. Anything we find, will be divvied up aferward, or of immediate use to us all here, and now..Save your energy. Better yet, drink the cursed potion, before you pass out, and we have to drag you out in my hammock. Save some face, and be still."

This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Sat 03 Dec 2016.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 83):

At Airis' second strike, Shima collapses, his weapon
clattering to the floor, and blood spewing out of his mouth.



The female magician has a few vials at her belt, the male seemed to as well, but they look damaged by fire.

The ninja seem to be dead, although one of the naginata
wielders is twitching.

Jin kept crawling towards Shima. "The battle is not one until you know your enemy is dead. And I have no need to rob the dead, nor do I care for the possessions of my fallen enemy. Divide what you find among the other pathetic grave-robbers. Sakemoko provides me with all that I need, I have no urge dishonor myself prying copper coins from the fingers of corpses."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Sat 03 Dec 2016.

Iskander takes anything of value, bundling it up in a garment, and he recovers his own, thrown knife. He examines the potions and compares them to the healing one he possesses already. If they are healing, he will distribute them to the injured. He prepares a makeshift splint, and takes out his hammock, in case they need it to move Jin. "Shima is no more."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Sat 03 Dec 2016.

"He was still alive when you turned your attention to looting the dead."

"Shima knew he was dead already."

"More excuses. Do they ever end, Iskander?" He looked at the splint and hammock with disdain. "What, do you plan to carry me with you into dangers I cannot aid you with? To return me to Sakemoko? Your mission is not yet complete, fool. Every moment you waste the tea set gets further away, and the closer to victory the enemy gets."

Jin pushed himself up the wall, using his tetsubo as a makeshift crutch. "Chou. Continue and finish the job. I will return to Sakemoko and report on what has transpired."

ooc: HT roll to remain conscious passed. Using the tetsubo as a crutch.

OOC: Iskander makes his first aid roll by 1
Iskander sets the broken bone, and secure it with the splint. He leaves his hammock there, so the others can transport him out with it. "I'm going on to see this through."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Sat 03 Dec 2016.

Jin does not let Iskander near his leg. His leg is neither set nor splinted, despite Iskander's intentions to the contrary. "Don't touch me, wretch. I am far from helpless, and more than your equal with but one leg. Go. After the tea set. The mission is important, your pathetic desire to assist me is not."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Sat 03 Dec 2016.

Ales goes over to the ninja that is still twitching, and with a huge thrust, lunges his scimitar into the ninja.  "There.  One less cockroach..."


(OOC: 13:23, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  damage, corrected.
13:23, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 13 using 3d6.  damage.
13:23, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 9 using 3d6.  thrust sword (15).)

As he waits for proof that the ninja is dead, he turns to Chou.  "So, where to, next?"

"Stoic bastard." Iskander shook his head.

Jin examined his leg further. "The leg isn't even broken, fool. Merely strained. Go, now, recover the tea set and cease pestering me." His face softened slightly. "Listen, Iskander, I know you are entirely ignorant of Sahudese ways, but when you handle the dead you become ritually unclean. Only a ritual of cleansing can cure you of that taint, and if you touch me, some of that taint is passed on to me. This is why we have an entire class of people, the eta, who serve as butchers and undertakers... so the rest of us do not touch dead flesh."

ooc: HT roll for duration of crippling: Temporary. Leg will recover at full HP.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Sat 03 Dec 2016.

In reply to Jin (msg # 96):

"Master Jin, the Daimo will lose face if you do not chastize Akira no Aku on his behalf. Drink of this potion, that we might have the benefit of your strength."

Jin takes the potion from Lee. "I have faith that Chou is more than capable of dispensing Sakemoko's displeasure without my aid, but I will bow to your wisdom, Lee." He drinks it.

"Iskander, while I'm aware of Jin's concern with handling the dead and their possessions, I was born and raised in Northport, and as I've said recently, my father is not human nor of this world; I feel that distaste only faintly.  If any of those are healing potions or paut I would be happy to take advantage of Akira Kumo No's preparations against us.  I am in need of both, if they are to be had."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 99):

Iskander scavenges two vials of bluish fluid from the woman,
Along with a pouch containing  a few strings of cash, and a finely crafted battle fan. She had thieves mail under her
ruined robes; the burned gentleman had lamelar armor, now ruined, a ruined potion vial, a knife, ansd a blistered pouch
With a few strings of cash.

The ninja all had an assortment  of sharp objects, and vials,
Most with wide mouths, full of something oily looking.

[Private to Jin, you get back 12 hp]

Though Jin looks hale and healthier, he is still incapable of walking without using his tetsubo as a crutch. "The rest of you go on ahead. I will follow. Speed is more important than power, and every moment our foe has more time to execute his plans."

Before leaving, Ales looks over the strange metal objects that the ninja had in their possession.  Maybe something they have can be of use to Ales....

(OOC: Roll successful on Conn (Weapons) 13.)

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 102):

Three cheap ninja-to, 12 shuriken, 8 nagatepos, a manriki gusari and some needles that might be lockpicks or for administering poison.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:43, Sun 04 Dec 2016.

Ales quietly takes a ninja-to, the nagatepos, and the manriki gusari and places them carefully into his backpack with the hopes of studying them when this episode is over.

Iskander bundles everything into his pack, and hands the paut, and the healing potion he had been keeping, over to Chou. "Here you are, friend."

Accepting the vials, Chou-Zhen speaks briefly: "Thank you, Iskander."

He quickly swallows down the healing potion and both vials of paut.

"I feel much more ready to continue, now.  Jin is correct; speed is still important.  My gamble on resting did not pay, though the cloud was the only way I could see to remove all four archers with energy I had, and resting while it lasted seemed reasonable to attempt.  I can only hope the lost time was not too much."

He closes his eyespots for a moment, then points.  "The sake set is this way."

"Go. I will catch up." He set about slowly limping about the room on his crutch, recovering his hungamunga.

Iskander melts back into the darkness, leaving no sound. ( OOC Stealth roll passed by 1 )

In reply to Iskander (msg # 108):

Chou feels a faint dimness in his right eye; conversely, he has a sharp image of the sake  service in the middle of a chalk circle... which becomes an image of flames... and then the Sake service  again.

"We must hurry; the release is about to begin, if it has not already commenced, or indeed been accomplished.  Hopefully, we have worn down Akira Kumo No's defenses sufficiently to quickly win the day."

With an inclusive beckoning wave to the others, visible and less so, he quick-steps off in the direction he had pointed previously.

Airis hurries after their target. She continues to look for any enemies as she goes.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 111):

There is a faint shound of chanting that sounds familiar   in cadence to Iskander, but not Airis or the others. The passageway is about three yards wide, and high. Lanterns
dimly illuminate the long, curving corridor.

Ales steps forward, following the group.  He notices the lamps and hears the chanting, though he does understand what they are chanting.  He looks around and he gets an odd feeling about the passageway.... like they are about to fall into another trap.

He looks around and is intrigued by the high ceilings.  It is there that he focuses in, letting his mind's eye wonder to seek out possible enemies.

(OOC: Seek Foes (14) roll passed on a 12.  No need to exclude Jin, since not with group.  Also excluding possible chanters ahead, since obvious enemies.  Focusing solely on the high ceilings, since obvious place to have ninjas hide and/or drop down from.)

Whispering over his shoulder to Ales and Lee, in the hope that Iskander, Airis, and Kho Khilana will also hear, Chou-Zhen says "I may need to use another area spell to stop the ritual quickly.  If I shout to stop, do so promptly; it may be worth your life."

Continuing forward as quietly as possible, consistent with keeping a good pace, Chou-Zhen tries to judge the size of the room from the echoes of the chanting.

Airis contiunes to move forward but if she runs into a area with a large group, she will stop and look around to see what her options are.

"Do you need the last of my magic to power it?"  Ales replies back to Chou.  "Sure I have my uses as a wizard, but if it ends this carnival of horrors quicker, I'll be more than happy to hack my way the rest of the way through."

Iskander: "Why not save your magic, and disrupt the casting with nagateppo?..."

Still whispering, Chou-Zhen replies:

"Ales, I thank you for the offer.  I may accept if the room is too large.  Iskander, I didn't know we'd acquired nageteppo.  How many have we?"

Iskander: "Ales has them..they'd be a perfect disruption, while you tend to more useful spells."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:27, Tue 06 Dec 2016.

"Ales, you're full of useful things.  How many did you collect?  Can you ignite them on command, or should I light a torch before we enter the room ahead?

"We'll need to identify the leader of the ritual and hit him with as many nageteppo as we can, one or two per second, to have the best chance of breaking his concentration.  If Airis and Iskander can close with him while the nageteppo are still going off, Ales and I should be able to keep the others off.  The chanters are likely to be lightly armed, if at all, and there shouldn't be more than half a dozen, though I can't be sure there won't be still more ninja around."

As he speaks, Chou-Zhen continues forward, slowing a little to be sure he doesn't charge into the open.  His leather whip flips clear of his feet, alongside him rather than ahead, as he goes.
This message was last updated by the player at 09:52, Wed 07 Dec 2016.

Iskander: "There's at least two..We don't know if they are smoke, or flash, or which.. maybe they are marked with kanji, as they sometimes are."

"Are these marked?  As I may have mentioned before, it is my shame that I have never learned to read my mother's tongue.  Perhaps Airis?  Surely Jin can read it, but it would take too much time to return to him and let him berate us before he reads the markings."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 122):

The room is large and domed, with a ceiling almost ten yards high at the center.  On a dias on the vack of the lantern lit, 20 yard wide room is a large built Sahudese man in
robes. Arrayed in front of him are a row of six guards with Naginata, and two more to either side.

Two more pairs of them flank the entrance.

In the center of  the room is a large chalk diagram ringed
with candles and incense burners. Four hooded and veiled
figures, and a pair of slightly misty looking horned humanoid
 forms. All six are chanting in a language neither Aralaise
nor Sahudese. In the very center of the diqgram is the sake service...
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:33, Wed 07 Dec 2016.

OOC: made another stealth roll, made roll by 4.
Iskander sneaks past the left flank of men, as the rest of the party come into view...

Stopping for a heartbeat as soon as the room is in view, Chou-Zhen looks carefully at the diagram, then resumes his stride toward the circle of chanters.

"Ales, please take the one on the dais."

Running a few steps, he closes within whip reach of the nearest hooded figure and lashes with his lightning whip.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 125):

The whip strikes one of the hooded figures, causing him to twitch.
The chanting reaches a crescendo even as one participant falters.
 Mixed in with the chant is a lengthy Sahudese phrase: The formal title of the servant of the Sake service.

The four guards who missed Iskander passing them spring into action at
Chou-Zen's attack, and close ranks behind him, giving their backs to the rest of the party.

OOC: made perception roll by 2.
Iskander crouches and seeks where the service may be, so he might grab it!

In reply to Iskander (msg # 127):

The service is inside a protective diagram, surrounded by four cultists and two lesser demons...
 and steam is rising from it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:14, Thu 08 Dec 2016.

Iskander tried to think of a tactical maneuver, but settled for hiding and watching to see what he could do, once the battle was underway. OOC:failed tactics roll by 3

Airis slips into the room and into the shadows and moves around to get a good target.

Chou-Zhen lashes with his lightning whip once more (and misses) as he takes in the situation.

"We are too late.  Do not enter the circle!  It restrains the oni!"

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 131):

With a clap of thunder and an explosion of steam, the massive
figure of Moeru Senko no Masuta, Master of the Burning
Incense appears within the confines of the pentagram. He has long curving horns, tushes, and stands three yards high by almost two yards wide. Smoke billows from his nostrils, and he bears a large, ornate Naginata.
  He bellows in Sahudese,
"I am released from my confinement!"
He breathes out a gout of flame, incinerating one of the hooded figures.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:37, Thu 08 Dec 2016.

Iskander stays crouched in the shadows.

Drawing from all his years of study, Ales tries to remember if there is a way to place the demon back into the set once released.

(OOC: Thaumatology roll a 6 of skill 14. Roll passed.)

As he ponders this bit of magical trivia, he reaches into his bag and draws out the eight nagapetos. He sets them on the ground carefully.

Ales takes one himself and throws it at the nearest enemy ninja.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Thu 08 Dec 2016.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 134):

Nagatepos  explode  when thrown...
To further clarify, only Chou and Islands are in the room, after Chou attackef, the guards on either side of the entrance closed ranks. You have to go through them to get in. Air is can sneak up on them, but there is no space to slip past
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:20, Thu 08 Dec 2016.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 135):

The guard, employed  by Akira Aku No, but not a member of the
 Kusarimashita clan, is now wreathed in smoke. The other guards now turn to face Ales and the others.

Drawing on his best Sahudese (still accented in a way that's hard to place), Chou-Zhen shouts:

"Moeru Senko no Masuta!  These surrounding the Circle that still imprisons you seek only to use your power for their own gain!"

Even as he shouts, he lashes the same man again with his lightning whip.

Iskander creeps towards those guards with their backs turned, waiting for them to engage his friends, then he'll strike from behind.

Ales grabs a second nagatepo and throws it at the guard. He seeks to provide a distraction so that the others can attack.

Airis strikes at one of the guards in the door with a single strike to a vital area.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 140):

    G G  AAN  GG

      G G  G G                __c_
                                (        )
                             C (   *   ) cx
                               D(____)D
                                  C


                            ____    Cz
                                 | I
                                 |GgGg
                                 |   Airis
                                 |
                                 | Ales


                                   Lee

                                   Jin

G is for guard.
Aan Akira Aku No
*oni
D demon
I iskander
Cz Chou-Zhen
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:40, Fri 09 Dec 2016.

Jin pauses to ready his throwing iron before continuing to hobble along, using his staff as a crutch.

It'll... it'll take a while for him to catch up.

In reply to Jin (msg # 142):

The armored guard struck by Airis is wounded, but barely, as
Its armor took most if the damage,

Ales throws a third nagapeto at the guard that Airis struck.  If nothing else, maybe it will weaken the armor.

Iskander stealthed up behind one of the guards blocking the doorway for the others, and drove his sai into his kidney. ( 2 thrusting damage)

Airis tries to slip around and strike again at the guard. She needs to open the doorway so others can get in.

Lashing once more with his lightning whip, Chou-Zhen continues addressing the Oni.

"If you fail to complete your sentence, you will forever be a fugitive from the Celestial Bureacracy."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 147):

Iskander's  sai is rebuffed by the guard's armor.
Airis'guard drops his weapon  and collapses in a cloud of
smoke.

Kho Khilana materialuzes, just behind Ales, and the two petty
 demons take notice, leaving their station and charging
 toward her... and the guards.

The cultist struck by Chou-Zhen twitches, and a puddle of
urine forms at his feet.

The Oni bellows  in rage, angered  by Chou-Zhen   and by the appearance  of Kho Kilana.

Jin staggers up right behind her
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:09, Sat 10 Dec 2016.

Jin curses, his aim blocked by the suddenly appearing spirit, and moves to the side to get a clear shot at the demons. He cannot attack them with his staff... he's currently only able to stand because he's using it as a crutch. His hungamunga are his only useful weapons.

OOC made tactics roll by 2.
At this point, Iskander sees the only way to win and survive the battle, is to let the Oni destroy as many of the others for them as possible, since he seems to be on a rampage.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:11, Sat 10 Dec 2016.

Ales throws one last nagapeto at the other guard in the doorway (the one Iskander tried to take down).

(OOC: How much time does he have before the demons and such in the room reach Kho?)

"Promise to aid us, oh Moeru Senko no Masuta, and I will release you from the circle that holds you and will speak on your behalf concerning your sentence."

Flipping his leather whip into the edge of the chalk diagram behind the cultist he's been lashing, he speaks two words, and water gushes from the glowing tip, spreading rapidly across the chalk lines.

"Chou, what are you doing?  He has not given his word, and as far as I know, demons are unable to keep their words.  Do not give him a chance to attack us because of some kind of pity."  Ales said in disbelief.

Airis slips into the room with the one guard gone. She will move to the shadows and look at what is going on before committing herself.

22:19, Today: Iskander rolled 6 using 3d6 ((2,2,2)). (acrobatics 15)
Iskander leaps, doing a backflip away from the guard he engaged, and ales had just hit with the 'teppo.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 155):

To get at Kho Khilana  the petty demons stop at nothing, attacking the guards Ales and Airis are engaded with!

The oni bellows again,
"I am free at last! Now the world shall burn!"

If nobody is between him and the oni, Jin throws his iron hungamunga at it. If there are people in the way, he doesn't.

Iskander stealths away in the darkness, in the confusion and chaos.

14:12, Today: Iskander rolled 8 using 3d6 ((1,4,3)).

Abandoning the robed chanter, Chou-Zhen turns to lash at one of the lesser demons, now with its back toward him as they attack the guards.

"Kho Khilana!  Beware the demons!"

Seeing the low-level demons engaged with the guard for the moment, Ales moves a step back and out of Jin's way. He motions for Kho Khilana to get behind him.

Then, Ales starts to chant and uses his hands to form some intricate hand gestures.

The floor starts to fill with a hazy mist...

(OOC: Mystic Mist rolled an 8 on skill 14.  Passed. Two hexes should be good.)

OOC: where are you casting this, and who are you trying to envelope? anyone not "native' to the mist, when cast, will be affected by it. it's a camp spell, mostly, and the effects last 10 hours...

In reply to Iskander (msg # 161):

He would be including himself, Kho, Lee, and Airis. Sadly Jinn would be "not native" and get lost coming through. Wecan walk that one back if you want.. especially since the demons know you are there...the might be at some disadvantage to get at Kho's glowing seven foot self, but they wouldn't   overlook her.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Mon 12 Dec 2016.

ooc: Jin's just puttering along at Move 1, it's totally fine.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 161):

The first demon  tears into  the guard with its claws.

The second one gets hit with the lightning whip and freezes in place, twitching and venting some foul smelling urine.

Kho Khilana reaches past the guard to slap the first demon
in the head, rattling it.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Tue 13 Dec 2016.

OOC: can we get a new updated battle map? esp, if the spell gets cast.

Chou-Zhen lashes once more at the same demon, then glances around himself to keep track of the other guards, chanters, and the oni.

(OOC: I was trying to envelop everyone but Iskander, since he was too far away.  I know it isn't a super wonderful spell, but what I was looking for was the +1 to attacks for the natives and the -1 to attacks for non-natives.  Plus, the roll vs. fear when entering for non-native and the confusion when entering the field was going to make it delightful as a minor trap.

But I will roll it back since it doesn't seem practical at this point....)

Ales throws yet another nagapeto at one of the demons. He laughs as he realizes this is going to get old quick.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 166):

the twice struck demon collapses in a twitching mass.

The other is struck by one of the other guards, nearly losing its arm.

Two guards have their back to Iskander (one has a face full of demon) and two have their flanjs to Airis, but are aware of her.

The two remaining uninjured cultist types back away from the circle. The guards in front of Akira Aku No close ranks and enter defensive postures, with at least two yards ahead of them covered by their blades. The four behind step forward to make a bristling wall around him.

Behind are silk hangings.

In reply to Alshsharir (msg # 168):

The Oni place kicks the stunned cultist, and impales him with a downstrike of his pole arm. He chortles, then turns his gaze toward Chou-Zhen.

"You think to gain favor with me for erasing some chalk?
Come, let me show you my appreciation! I have much solitude to take vengance for!"

Jin throws his hungamunga. "Here is all the favor you deserve, disgusting creature."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Tue 13 Dec 2016.

Airis sneaks around to the silk hanging. She will try to peak though them.

Iskander appeared out of the darkness, and with his whole body behind it, swung the crushing, steel blade of his hook sword, and mightily, smote the guard that was not engaged with the demon, across small of his back! (Kidney/vitals -3) 23:40, Yesterday: Iskander rolled 12 using 3d6.  Broadsword (16) Committed Attack (Strong)+1 per 2 full dice basic damage.
23:44, Today: Iskander rolled 11 using 2d6+2 ((4,5)).

This message was last edited by the player at 06:56, Tue 13 Dec 2016.

"I was not yet born, nor even my mother, when you were imprisoned.  Why seek vengeance on me?"

Chou-Zhen steps toward the oni and lashes with his lightning whip.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 173):

As the oni grabs his belly where Jin's  Hungamunga struck, and one of the guards attacked by the petty demon smacks it with the staff of his Naginata, Kho steps over the corpse of the guard Iskander killed.

"Tell me, Moreu Senko no Masuto, for what offense were you imprisoned? "
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:33, Wed 14 Dec 2016.

Jin drew his second hungamunga.

In reply to Kho Khilana (msg # 174):

The Oni replies by breathing a huge gout of flame at her,
which surprisingly washes over her painlessly.

"I was performing my appointed task, when the
gift scroll was hung. It was supposed to be a likeness of
the  Mottomo Takai mountain range. My uncle is one of those
mountains, and the brush painting made him look foolish. I
could not bear the insult to my lineage, so I  acted to
defend the family honor and immolated the scroll. For this I
was reduced to the state I was just delivered from."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Wed 14 Dec 2016.

Sidestepping to avoid the wash of flame from Kho Khilana, Chou-Zhen leaves off with his lightning whip, for the moment.

"A reasonable impulse, to defend the honor of your family, but perhaps an action that overstepped.  Did the fire spread beyond the scroll?"

"Don't sugar-coat it," Jin said. "Putting the honor of your family over your duty to your master... pathetic. But what more can you expect from an Oni?"

In reply to Jin (msg # 178):

"I too have family in that mountain range. I feel your need to honor your uncle. Have you been alone in your imprisonment all this time?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:44, Fri 16 Dec 2016.

(OOC: Can I please have the up-to-date map of who is left and where everyone is?)

Chou-Zhen, confident that Kho Khilana has, at least for the moment, the situation under control, lashes again at the lesser demon he was striking before, but misses as he steps to interpose himself between the demon and the lady.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 180):

   G AAN G
    GGGGG                     C
                                 C



                                   Oni      cx
                                Cx

                                     CZ

    ________________________ I     dx    d
                            | gx    G G  gx
                               Ales  KK   Airis



G guard gx dead guard
D demon      dx dead demon
C cultist    cx dead cultist
                                      Jin
                                           Lee
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:50, Fri 16 Dec 2016.

Airis strikes at the guard close to her, striking at a critical spot.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 183):

The petty demon jerks under the lash, and the guard killded by Airs slowly collapses. The remaing guard is missing an eye from the demon's attack.

OOC: wait.. is the oni and alsharir, one and the same? or is there an alsharir AND  an oni?

Chou-Zhen takes another step, if needed, to place himself between the lesser demon and Kho Khilana, and lashes at the demon once again.

OOC: I think Alsharir is a sort of species name for the petty demons.  The Oni is separate, and much more powerful.

(ooc- can Airis go though the door now?)

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 187):

" It has been seven centuries, three decades, 4 years, five months, two weeks and 4 days."


Having eliminated the guards blocking her, Airis can advance.

The petty demon collapses onto the ground, and Kho Kilana  advances toward the Oni.

In reply to Oni (msg # 188):

"That is far too long a time to be alone."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:05, Sat 17 Dec 2016.

Jin holds his place. This, after all, was the reason they were here.

In reply to Jin (msg # 190):

Peering from  behind Jin, Lee Phuong declaims,
"His full sentence, as decreed by the Celestial
Beauracracy, is a thousand years plus a day."

"Lee, is there anything that could be done to get his sentence to time served?  There was something in one of sayings about a marriage between heaven and hell."  He nodded to Kho and then nodded again towards the Oni.

He grabbed another nagatepo and threw it at the last guard with the missing eye.  Best to put the guy out of his misery.

"Wanting to escape shows that the creature still has not learned the lesson of its punishment, Ales," Jin said. "It still puts its own desire above the will of its master. It still puts family pride above the honor of service. Such things are not rewarded with freedom.

"Were they to wed, Kho would join it in its imprisonment. Perhaps that is the best solution."

Iskander stays where he is, watching for any immediate threats, and keeping wary of the doings of the culprit, his cultists, and remaining guards.

"She speaks truth.  No ordinary human could endure a hundredth the time Moeru Senko no Masuta has been confined alone, and remain sane.  Even for a celestial, who might live forever, that is a terrible sentence."

"It must be wondrous to possess judgement greater than the Celestial Emperor's," Jin said. "Some day you must tell me what that's like, Chou."

In reply to Jin (msg # 196):

"My case never went to the Emperor. It was
decided by a ruby button Magistrate, The Divine Wind of the
Southeast, Cousin to the Master of the East Wind, who gave
the scroll."
He glances over at Kho Khilana appraisingly.
"Would you do such a thing?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:19, Sat 17 Dec 2016.

In reply to Oni (msg # 197):

"I might. You are not related in any way to Beej Ke Nikaalane Kee Masheen (The Dispenser of Seed) by any chance?"

In reply to Kho Khilana (msg # 198):

Casually, the Oni picks up the twitching  demon, tears off his head and casts him aside.
"Not in the least, although I have had once recieved a favorable comparison to one of his statues, but that was long, long before my incarceration, and from aone who does not compare to you. I have not seen your like in a great many centuries."

Ales gathered up the remaining nagapetos and headed into the room.  Regardless of how the Oni-Kho Khilana thing transpired, Akira Aku No remained a threat.  A threat to him, a threat to Sakemoko's interests, and a threat to the interests of peace for the region of Northport in general.  He couldn't let the monstrosity of a man survive.

Besides, he needed to be in a more convienent location to attack if something went wrong between the Oni and Kho Khilana.

As he moved, he tried to remember the rest of the recitings.  The only way to resolve this issue with the Oni was to answer the prophecies.

Chou-Zhen looks around for any remaining guards or demons between the circle and the hallway we entered from, as he steps aside to avoid intruding between Kho Khilana and Moeru Senko no Masuta.  He also spares some attention for Akira Aku No and his guards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:45, Mon 19 Dec 2016.

Airis slips into the room and the shadows. She will wait to see what happens.

Jin waits for the celestial beings to finish their chat.

In reply to Jin (msg # 203):

"No being should be confined without hope of companionship."


In the background  you can see Akira Aku No rise, and retrwat with his men, toward one of the billowing silk tapestries.the rose and began to move once Chou-Zhen  had desroyed the Pentagram  spell.

Behind the Oni, the two robed figures are slowly backing up.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Wed 21 Dec 2016.

Jin throws his second hungamunga at Akira. "Going so soon? Stick around and watch the end of this melodrama."

ooc: 15:53, Today: Jin rolled 8 using 3d6 ((1,4,3))
Hit by 10.

15 cutting damage

Chou-Zhen watches Jin's throw.  "Magnificent throw, Jin, but perhaps we should let those who yet stand go.  They aren't part of our mission, at least today."

"If I must endure this treacle then so must they."

Ales moves within range and stops suddenly.  He begins to chant and move his hands in a rhythmic formation.  A blacky, smoky fog starts to condense and turn molten red.  It slowly cools and forms into a red orb of fire.

"For once, I think Jin is right.  Stick around Akira Aku No.  It would be without honor to leave so soon."

(OOC: 20:01, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 9 using 3d6.  Fireball (14).)

20:00, Today: Iskander rolled 10 using 3d6.  knife throwing - 16.
20:01, Today: Iskander rolled 1 using 1d6-2.  damage.
Iskander hurled a small blade at Akira. "Take that, you blackguard!"
(would be totally dramatic, if that little point, got through, was doubled, and actually was the killing blow. xD)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Tue 20 Dec 2016.

She just waits in the shadows, waiting to see if she is needed.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 210):

The hungamunga throw, does not strike as hard as Jin
intended, but certainly attracted Akira Aku No's attention.
Iskander's blade, however, glances off some unseen armor.
The Omo looks pointedly at Jin, and bows slightly, while
 flicking his fan open and closed, whuch causes a change in
 formation of his men.

His hungamunga both thrown, and his tetsubo serving as a crutch, Jin drew his wickedly long knife.

Iskander drew his sai and sword, holding both weapons in front of him.

Noting how little effect Jin's hungamunga cast had, and the way Iskander's thrown knife bounced, Chou-Zhen begins moving toward Akira Aku No, skirting around Moeru Senko no Masuta.  As he walks, his lightning whip lashes from side to side and his leather whip with its torch-bright popper flips back and forth to stay clear of his feet.

"Akira Aku No, I sought to allow you to escape, but my companions would prefer to encompass your death.  There is still time to choose for yourself."

Ales stands and watches for some advantage, while allowing his fireball to gain in strength.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 215):

The omo, whose grandfather  was an oni,  "I had sought to onleash him upon my enemies, but it seems he is less interested in that. It was suitable and fitting to both
humiliate Sakemoko with the theft of the sake service and end
 him with its servant. Unfortunately  such irony is not mine
 to possess.
Permit my departure, and consider your master to be well advanced in our negotiations."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Thu 22 Dec 2016.

In reply to Oni (msg # 199):

"I tire of the pettiness of this place. If you are as
 you say, and are also no relation, then I think a few
centuries will pass quickly... together. Will you have me?"

In reply to Kho Khilana (msg # 217):

"With you by my side I could endure a thousand years more. Hopefully, my sentence will not be extended much, as I  did not choose this respite. Come, I have not known a woman for over seven hundred years!"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:30, Thu 22 Dec 2016.

"Leaving before the nuptials are solemnized: that is both tasteless and without honor, Akira Aku No.  I must insist that you watch the wedding of Heaven and Hell... after all, it is because of your actions that such an union is even possible."

He positioned himself and threw his fire orb into one of the guards.  "Let's call me one of the bouncers.  With a fondness for weddings."

(OOC:
16:20, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 2 using 2d6.  Damage.
16:20, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 11 using 3d6.  To Hit (14).)

Iskander smiles. "Està bé, que bé acaba..."
"Let's not press our luck here.. it seems we have won. Let's let him go, if he admits he is foiled."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Fri 23 Dec 2016.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 220):

The naginata wielder collapses in an impromptu bonfire.  The one guard near you,choking on smoke, lacking an eye, backs away from the oni, past Lee, and Jin, to whom he bows, and heads for the exit.

The two cultist types seem to be conferring, and one hands something to the other.

The On I and the semidivine sector approach eachother.

Iskander places the cultists under his scrutiny, as they appear to have something up their robe sleeves.
17:38, Today: Iskander rolled 7 using 3d6.  perception ( 13 ).
"Lo! The robed ones!" He points, raising alarm.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Thu 22 Dec 2016.

Stepping toward the two robed cultists to close within whip reach, Chou-Zhen lashes his lightning whip at the one who received the passed item.

"There will be no spoiling this happy occasion!"

Iskander advances menacingly upon the other cultist. "Defensar-se a si mateix!"

In reply to Iskander (msg # 224):

The one that recieved the item drops it... and it shatters, releasing a cloud of black sulfuric smoke... that chuckles evily!

Iskander attempted to stop his advance and tumble out of the way, but ended up stumbling forward anyway!

In reply to Iskander (msg # 226):

The dark foul cloud engulfs Iskander and the cultist, leaving them both choking!




Meanwhile, the oni and the demugoddess join hands.

Iskander feels the burning in his throat and lungs, but manages to keep his wind and retreats from the cloud and keeps moving away!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Fri 23 Dec 2016.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 228):

Kho Khilana lifts the jade pendant, while wrapping three of her arms about the Oni, who returns the embrace.

"Moeru Senko no Masuta, by the power invested in me by my birth, I command you and myself to return into the Sake service to complete your sentence!"

With a mighty clap of thunder, the four armed woman and the Oni are gone, and the jade amulet clatters to the ground beside the jade and silver service.

Chou-Zhen flips his leather whip under the greenish cloud, and speaks a word.  A thunderclap sounds, and the greenish cloud is momentarily drawn in on itself.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:33, Sat 24 Dec 2016.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 230):

The foul cloud shrinks down to almost nothing... then billows
 back to full size.

"Grab the tea set and amulet and let us go, fools."

Airis slips out of the shadows and goes to grab the tea set and amulet and run and like hell for the door.

Fleeing across the room, Iskander seeing the items were secured, he attempted a flashy exit, trying to cartwheel away, loosing a swashbuckling "Ha-ha!" but managed a prat-fall instead...
"Em refereixo a fer això! mmhmm hmm hmm."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:58, Sat 24 Dec 2016.

Chou-Zhen speaks a different word, and a wind springs up, blowing the greenish cloud in the direction of Akira Aku No's dais.  Once the wind has started, Chou-Zhen turns and runs for the exit, slowing to come alongside Jin.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:07, Sat 24 Dec 2016.

Iskander whooped and scrambled to his feet, running for the exit.

Jin plodded at his crippled pace back towards the sewer entrance.

In reply to Jin (msg # 237):

Akira Aku No  and his men are obscured from view by the evil
 cloud, the cultist who was in it is dead, and the other one
is nowhere to be seen.

When he comes alongside Jin, Chou-Zhen flips his leather whip over the big man's shoulder long enough to speak a word.  His queue switches vigorously as he flips the leather free.

"Well, I'll be no slower than you even so."

He reaches out with his hand this time, and repeats the same word as he touches Jin's arm.  "That should help you keep up a little better.  I'll stay beside you, since I'm too exhausted to walk faster anyway.

"Has anyone got a sack to carry that sake set in?"

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 239):

You make yoyr way into the chamber where the archers and
others were slain.  The howling of the evil cloud can be
heard behind you.

Iskander quickly makes his way out, keeping his senses poised.

Jin continues his slow and steady pace. The evil cloud is not his concern.

The marriage ceremony completed, Ales follows the rest as they try to get out of the undercity labyrinth. But not before placing a warding on the door they just came out of, so that they would have some warning in case Akira Aku No, his lackies, and/or the toxic cloud decided to follow.


(ooc:
13:53, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 9 using 3d6.  Watchdog (14).)

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 243):

Jin and Chou are just entering that room, the others are leaving it for the corridor with the bend.

Looking over his shoulder every few seconds, Chou-Zhen continues to trudge along beside Jin.

"If anyone should see some more paut, I'm sure either Ales or I could make good use of it.  I think it unlikely that we'll be able to just walk out of here unmolested."

Ales keeps a look out for anything out of the ordinary.  He agrees with Chou, some paut would be great at a time like this.

(OOC: 19:51, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 7 using 3d6.  Perception (13) --- to look for things out of the ordinary.)

"Chou, you said in there that you have a strange lineage.  Could you tell me more about your past?"  Ales asked, to past the time.

19:57, Today: Iskander rolled 12 using 3d6.  stealth - 15.

Iskander melted into the shadows, silently.

"You may have noticed that I don't look, well, entirely human.  That I speak Aralaise and, if it had come up, Shevnian, even Sahudese with an accent that's difficult to place."

Chou-Zhen continues to trudge along as he speaks.

"My mother was born and raised in Sahud, a good young woman not quite old enough to marry.  One night, as she tells it, she had incredible nightmares, saw things in dream that were beyond human imagination.  Her next memory is of running through the streets of what turned out to be Northport, heavily pregnant and in her nightclothes.  The child was myself.  From that day to this, she has suffered frequent bouts of madness -- hallucination, as she sees it.  From her descriptions of the little she can remember from those times, I suspect they are visitations from my father.

"My father also visited me in my dreams, nearly every night for the first two years or so.  I learned to speak to him before I learned human speech, and it is his language that accents my Aralaise.  I don't know his name -- to me, he is Father.  In your speech, his kind would be referred to as Elder Things, but that's an oversimplification.  There are many sorts of Elder Things, some unique, some whole races as numerous in their places as humans in this world.  So far as I know, my father is the only one of his kind, though whether he is the 'last' or simply unique is beyond my knowledge."

With another glance over his shoulder, Chou-Zhen continues.

"Some have claimed I must be irretrievably evil, because of my origin.  Often, they are the same folk who claim that goblins and orcs are lesser breeds below humans and elves.  I can only presume this is due to inexperience with those they speak of.  My goals are modest -- I wish to earn enough, and learn enough, to find a cure for my mother's madness, to allow her to spend each day as the good Sahudese woman she is, to allow her to tolerate the presence of my father without the need to retreat into dreams and hallucinations."

With that, Chou-Zhen falls silent.  He continues to trudge along the tunnel toward the ladder formerly hidden by the palanquin, lightning whip still in hand and leather whip flipping with each step, to keep it clear of his feet.

Jin limped on in silence for a few moments. "You of all people should know that intolerance is a virtue, especially in Northport, and Tolerance a rare trait reserved for the sainted.

"If they did not despise you for being Elder Spawn, they would despise you for being a child of rape. If they did not despise you for that, they would despise you for being a bastard. If they did not despise you for that, they would despise you for being poor, or a wizard, or for the company you keep, your selection of spells, or for a thousand other petty reasons.

"The moral is that we are all despicable creatures in our own ways. Some of us like to pretend otherwise."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Tue 27 Dec 2016.

"Well, in any case, you're a well-mannered degenerate", Ales said jokingly.  "I would be happy to fight along side you any day."

"Perhaps, I can help you find a remedy to your mother's condition when this things settle down.  Maybe we can create a custom spell that will allow for her to be able to handle visits from your father.   A mixture of some healing spells, a reverse fear spell, then add some other things as appropriate for the situation."

He continued to look for anything out of the ordinary.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 250):

The room contains pousoned, plundered ninja and the remains of two mages, one killed by fire, one by Airis. The corridor ahead was partly filled with ninja before.

"I do not believe you entirely understood Chou's story."

"I am not sure you did, either, Jin.  My point is that I fit in well here in Northport.  Those who believe me evil beyond redemption are ones whose opinions I can discount.  Most of the Wizard's guild consider me no more inherently evil than a human -- in that I am seemingly capable of either great evil or great good, but likely will fall short of both.  I have no powers a human wizard doesn't, barring my rapid healing and ability to drink with any extremity.

"True, I have no heart -- but in my case, it is a purely physical description.  I love my mother as much as any human would -- and there has never been a day when I was not completely certain of her love for me, despite what my birth cost her.  I continue to hope that there may come a day when I can love another person, as well."

Iskander could hear his companions speaking, but was focused more on other sounds and signs of movement, as he stealthed his way out of their underground passage.

"If you think humans judge each others' worthiness based on what "abilities" they do or do not possess, you will never understand them. Or any other race, for that matter. None of them are, as a whole, so coldly rational, like an automaton built by an artificer. All beings hate and love for irrational and often contradictory reasons. Emotional reasons." He paused. "Most. I am a sociopath. Such limitations do not interest me. Even the gods... you saw the worthless spirit we escorted down here? And the oni? Pathetic."

He grinned. "For the record, I do not hate you for your irrelevant heritage. My disdain comes entirely from your impractical spells and your failure to budget your magical energy wisely. A lightning whip? Learning that was the best use of your time?" He chuckled. "But other than that, you are an effective agent of Sakemoko, Chou. And that is the highest complement I offer."

Airis wraps up the set in a cloth to keep it safe and continues to move quickly, staying in the shadows. She stops at one point to look back to see how close the other are to her. She makes sure she is hidden as she waits.

"You deride me for mismanaging my energy, then in the next breath you call out my use of the lightning whip -- which I can use indefinitely without spending my energy.  As you are not a mage, you cannot know how costly it is to cast the great spells.  I could turn a man to stone, but unless I am fully rested, I lack the energy to do so.  I could raise a fireball that might blast through a stone wall, but it would be all I could do -- or I can cast tiny ones, no more effective than my lightning whip, without tiring, but I lack the manual skill to hit targets with them at a distance.  Probably unique among mages you have met, I can sometimes cast a spell I have not studied, and in the right circumstances, remember it.

"I am very much a work in progress, as are you, I think.  You and your tetsubo are a force to be reckoned with, but you are only one and your reach is only a couple yards, at most.  Your hungamunga are gone now, are they not, left behind where we could not recover them -- should I berate you for that loss?"

"Congratulations, Chou, you understood my words enough to know that I was criticizing you on two separate points. You're right, though. I should recover my hungamunga." Jin turned around and started hobbling back. "Do not accompany me. Your priority is the tea set, and I find your need to justify yourself tiring."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:36, Wed 28 Dec 2016.

Iskander thought about tailing Jin back to the dangerous scene to make sure he made it back, but decided that it was something he needed to do alone, if only for the sake of his wounded pride. He pressed on, down his intended course, after pausing a moment.

Jin limped on, his leg wounded, not his pride. Hungamunga weren't cheap.

ooc: Moving at 3. Stealth limits Move to 1, unless you take a -5 to skill. Per-12 to notice anyone following.

In reply to Jin (msg # 255):

You are now heading to the T intersection you found that strange door at.

"That man is the most bull-headed example I have ever encountered.  And we will doubtless be held responsible if we return to the palace and he does not -- yet we must return the sake set.

"I am almost useless either way; without a couple vials of paut or a rest of most of an hour, I am too exhausted to do any but the most trivial magic, or even to run.  Still, my knowledge, or the lightning whip he finds so useless, may be some help in protecting him.  Airis, Iskander, you escort Lee Phuong back to the palace and ensure he and the sake set arrive safely.  Ales, I would recommend you do the same in your exhausted state, but I will leave the choice to you.

"I intend to accompany Jin -- he may be unable to admit it, but he is not safe alone in this place, and the Omo has not given him leave to die unnecessarily."

Without a look back, Chou-Zhen turns and walks back toward the room with the magic circle, making no effort to be quiet.  His lighting whip still lashes in time with his stride, and his leather whip flips about to keep clear of his feet, the light on its popper casting crazy shadows as it moves, while the light on his cap remains steady.

OOC: Movement 3 due to exhaustion.  Making no special effort to catch up with Jin, but he should still be in sight.

Hearing Chou,Iskander gave a short, sharp whistle, then emerged into view. He nodded at Lee and waited for Airis to show herself, and would proceed as suggested.

When someone gets to her position, she comes out. She looks at Iskander "Where are the others?"

(ooc-Not sure who has caught up to me)

"Jin has gone back to retrieve his throwing irons.. Chou is going to make sure he has some support. You and I are to escort Lee, and return to the palace with the sake service. I'm not sure if Ales is accompanying them, or coming along with us."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Thu 29 Dec 2016.

Jin stops a good distance away from the others, and waits for Chou to catch up. "What is wrong with you idiots? Return the tea service to the Master and cease intruding upon my solitude. You are not so helpless that you cannot do your jobs without my direct supervision for five minutes."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Thu 29 Dec 2016.

"I have assigned Airis and Iskander to escort Lee Phuong back to the palace with the sake set.

"I do not believe that it is sensible, especially with your injuries, for you to wander this place alone.  The Omo can provide new hungamunga for you, or you can purchase them from a competent smith -- or watch for yours to appear in the shop of a fence -- but I do not recall hearing Daimyo Sakemoko offer you permission to die on a triviality once the mission is in hand.  Given that I am too exhausted to provide significant protection for Lee and the sake set, I chose to return with you; my presence may yet prevent your unnecessary death."

"Anything that can end my life will reduce you to a fine red mist long before that is a concern," Jin snorted. "The single spell you might manage to cast before collapsing won't help much. Perhaps you can cast a mist that hinders us for another ten minutes, giving our quarry time to prepare for yet another ritual?"

Ales was torn.  Yes, he was tired.  Yes, his magical energies were almost spent.  The chance to get out of this hell was very appealing, but could he do that to Chou?  Even without his magic, he was still a decent fighter, thanks to all the years his father spent training him.  And as much as he hated the thought, he couldn't leave Jin hobbling along. Chou would be taxed beyond compare trying to defend both Jin and himself.

Iskander and Airis should be fine, and Lee was proficient in his skills, so why should he just add another body to the mix there?  Yet, the prime goal was to get the set back to Sakemoko, and his presence might be the tipping point there.  With sadness in his heart, he lumbered until he caught up to Chou.

"Chou, given the dynamics in play, I decided it might be best to make sure you had an additional fighter besides Jin.  Not that it was a decision I came to lightly."

Ales continues to look for things out of the ordinary.

(14:03, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 7 using 3d6.  Perception (13).)

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 269):

As you return to the room, the billowing cloud of smoke begins to drift toward you.

At Ales's accompanyment, Jin shakes his head. "Your insistence on accompanying me is jeopardizing the mission, which I cannot permit. We will return, but you will both compensate me the cost of one hungamunga each, for forcing me to abandon them."

He begins back the way out of the sewer.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Thu 29 Dec 2016.

In reply to Jin (msg # 271):

As you make your way into the hall, you notice that the evil cloud is leisurely  pursuing you.

"Let's make haste and get back." Iskander moves past the room of flammables and continues to head towards the main exit.

Ales scoffed at the suggestion.  "We didn't force you to abandon the group to go hunting for your weapons.  In fact, I only decided to come at all was because of your weakened leg, and because I thought Chou might be overtaxed between helping you and defending himself. "

He noticed the cloud following behind at a leisurely pace.  "It seems we have a straggler."

"Chou, do you have any knowledge about things of that sort?  I seem to have the least knowledge about the air element among the mages and wizards here."

"Ales, you are wrong about everything. Constantly. If you speak again, I will insist upon stopping to confront the beast that pursues us. Chou will insist upon assisting me. You will stubbornly stick behind because there's nothing you can't be involved in. We will all die. So please. Shut up and don't make me kill us all."

"I am uncertain what that thing is.  The fact it came from a vial dropped by one of Akira Aku No's ritual chanters suggests it is simpler than a demon.  Perhaps it is an elemental of some kind.  It seems vulnerable to air magics, but not so much so that a spell that would have destroyed many elementals did more than delay it.  At present, I lack the strength to repeat those things I did previously.

"It is seemingly our good fortune that it is not fast, though perhaps our misfortune that it prefers to follow us rather than attack."

Chou-Zhen steps aside and stops for a moment, trying to ascertain whether the cloud is following the group, or simply approaching whoever is nearest.

"I suggest you both prove your honor by stopping to delay it while the rest of us return with the tea set," Jin said.

When the others join her, she starts moving down the hall, looking for any other dangers. "Lets move quickly. I will not stop for anyone at this point"

"Nor shall I! I've already had my fill of that cloud." Iskander interjected as he hustled down the passage.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 279):

"Indeed! We now pass firework warning door, ahead lies ninja ridden hall!"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

"Are you stealthy, Master Lee? Perhaps, we three can sneak by one at a time.."

"Leaving those who are noisesome to face the ninja on their own. A pitiful plan. Go, Iskander, sneak off ahead, alone, and I will handle all the big bad ninjas for you."

Iskander turns. "You. I'd thought you and the others were further down. Decided against recovering your weapons, I see..."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:57, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

"It was an excuse for solitude, denied me by wretches who cannot stand to be left out of other people's business. Your one virtue, Iskander, is that you keep out of others' affairs."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

"Coming from you, I'll take that as high praise. But it appears now that we haven't time to plan. I have an idea, however. Why don't we all huddle together, so we can all move at the same speed, and I'll sacrifice my blanket. We can all hold it above us, and it may ward off the worst effects of the shuriken or poisens raining down on us?" Iskander removes a heavy woolen blanket partly from his pack. (DR 1?)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

Jin smirked. "Plan? The plan is not to be a whimpering child hiding from pain under a blanket. The corridor was not much trouble before. It will not be much trouble now. If any ninja remain, their attacks are just as futile."

Iskander looks at the others. "Share my canopy?" He fully removes the blanket and begins to unfold it.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:18, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

"Your canopy would make us all into a single target for a nageteppo.  I prefer to take my chances with the small magics still within my power."

Releasing the lightning whip, Chou-Zhen gestures with the freed hand and a crackling ball of lightning forms in that hand.

"Let us avoid the murder holes as much as possible."

Airis sighs as the men argue and just moves on. She slips into the shadows like she is scouting.

"Forsooth! The blasted nageteppos..." Iskander puts his idea back in his pack.

Ales reaches into his bag and pulls out the few nagapettos left in his possession.  (About 3 or 4 I think.)

"Would these be of any use?"

"They might be! Tossed into a murder hole..."

"Your aim will have to be perfect," Jin said. "A millimeter off in any direction, and they will hit the stone, shattering, and showering us with their contents. Unless you have great skill in using the objects, it may be best to simply run through the hall."

In reply to Iskander (msg # 287):

There is an eerie silence as you creep down the hallway past the "fire not welcome room"...except for the maniacle chuckling coming from the death cloud...

(OOC: Would they be considered a missile when thrown?  Or is missile defined more narrowly?)

ooc: They're basically smoke/flash/whatever grenades. You don't need to hit your target, they just fill the area with smoke or blinding light or whatever.

Airis just continues to move ahead, trying to get ahead of the noisy ones.

Ales keeps a nagapetto ready in case they run into more trouble.  He is unnerved by the eerie silence.

"Question, Chou, do you think it would do any good to heave one of these things at the evil cloud following us?  Other than get us ducking to the ground and gagging from the resulting toxic chemical aroma?"

Ales knows there has to be a way to get rid of or get around this thing.  There must be.

Iskander is definitely hurrying, fleeing in fact, from the menacing cloud! Though a quick, easy, stride, and not clomp-clomping, about. (5 of his 7 Move)

"Save your nageteppo for the ninjas.  I believe I have identified the creature following us; it is a type of smoke demon, and it is not vulnerable to non-magical weapons.  Had I the energy, I could try various spells, but in truth, I suspect what will work best, given our present depleted resources, is to get up the ladder far enough ahead of it to close the trapdoor and then shove something heavy on top."

Looking upward at the murder holes and the few larger openings, Chou-Zhen continues trudging forward, sparing a glance over his shoulder every few steps to keep track of the toxic cloud.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 300):
Iskander heads into the murder hole hall, but nothing is hurled at him.

Jin continues plodding along at his own pace.

ooc: Move 3

In reply to Jin (msg # 302):

Nervously, Lee darts between the murder holes toward the ladder.

Iskander follows Lee towards the ladder, picking up his pace.

Airis tries to listen but doesn't seem to ear anything. She climbs up and prepares to jump up.  She tosses up a smoke bomb to cover her exit and then waits a second for any flying weapons. Then jumps up and rolls to the side with her weapon ready as she protects the tea set.

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 305):

Smoke billows by the base of the laddet, as Lee, Airis and Iskander start to climb. Still in the hall are Chou-Zhen, Jin
 and Ales.

Jin keeps heading back to Sakemoko at his limping pace, barely faster than a walk.

Ales continues along towards the exit as quickly as he can, always on the look out for danger.

(OOC: 14:58, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 12 using 3d6.  Perception (13))

Still glancing over his shoulder every few steps, Chou-Zhen comes up to the ladder just behind Jin, eyeing the enforcer's injured leg.

"Will you be able to climb?  Should one of us carry your tetsubo for you?"

"The strength in my arms is sufficient," Jin said. When he reached the ladder, he slung the tetsubo onto his back, and climbed with the massive strength in his arms alone.

Iskander hurries up the ladder, ready to keep his momentum going, when he gets back on the ground.

Airis goes up quickly and moves out of the smoke, looking for any enemies, ready to attack. If she is not stopped, she continues to more quickly back to where they are going.

Chou-Zhen coils his leather whip and returns it to its hook on his belt, then disposes of his fireball (in a safe location if the toxifier isn't within twenty yards or so) before climbing.

"Waiting on you, Ales"  Chou-Zhen summons another fireball with a gesture as he leans over the trap door to watch Ales come up.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 313):
The toxifier is within throwing range by the time you reach the ladder. Jin' s climbing will not be fast enough to escape it if he goes last.

Iskander makes haste.

Jin goes last. "If it overcomes me, I will hold it off as long as I can. Do not wait. Do not turn back. The mission is more important than any of our lives. If you understand honor, you will know that death in the service of your master is not dishonor, but failure is. If you do not understand honor, then accept only that this is my wish."

"Now go. If I survive, I will meet you at the palace. Head to Sakemoko. Stop for nothing. Complete your mission."

As Jin begins to haul himself up the ladder, Chou-Zhen releases his fireball at the toxifier.  It's hard to be certain because of the cloud's tenuous outline, but the missile either just grazes the edge, or barely misses.

Airis continues to move along as fast as she can. She does continue to look for any enemy.

Ales climbs the ladder as fast as he can.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 317):

The toxifier recoils from the fireball, withdrawing slightly.
 Ales is now halfway up the ladder.

Above, I sander finds himself amid the barrels of salt and
the accursed marriage bed.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Thu 05 Jan 2017.

Iskander tries to shove a barrel of salt towards the hatch, to keep the cloud out.
20:43, Today: Iskander rolled 17 using 3d6.  strength - 12.

Airis continues to move along as fast as she can.

"It fears fire!  Hurry, Ales!"

Chou-Zhen gestures again to summon another fireball, then releases it as soon as it is formed -- palpably striking the toxifier this time!

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 323):

Iskander just threw out his back trying to move a barrel. Jin is at the base of the ladder with Chou. Ales is arriving at the top of the ladder. The smoke demon is 7 yards from the base of the ladder, and a bit irate, it fumes and growls.

If Chou doesn't head up the ladder, Jin does. If he does, Jin guards the ladder.

"Hmm.  Had I known that, I could have used an explosive fireball on that thing and destroyed it a bit ago."  Ales shrugged as he finished climbing over the ladder.

"Jin, get up there.  I can hold this back with fire, but I may need your strength to pull me up the ladder."

Turning his back to the ladder, Chou-Zhen takes one step toward the toxifier, flips his whip toward it, and gestures while speaking a word.  An arc of flame springs up, three yards across and three yards from Chou-Zhen, as he sags a little more from exhaustion.

"The only way to learn these things is to try, Ales."

"You live, you learn."

Ales exits the tunnel and waits for Jin and Chou to deal with the cloud monster.

"La meva maleïda esquena...." *groans*
Iskander clutches at his lower back a moment, and sets his face in a grim, determined mask.

PM

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 331):

Airis, having arrived at the ladder first, is present in the warehouse with Lee when Iskander throws his back out, and Akes arrives at the top of the ladder.

Momentarily too exhausted to do more than stand, Chou-Zhen tries to ascertain whether the flames are having the desired effect on the toxifier.


"Jin, if you aren't climbing, you should be.  I may not be able to maintain this spell."

Jin had been climbing. "Your sacrifice is appreciated."

Airis goes though the warehouse and looks outside to make sure no one is there.

Iskander follows after Airis.

"I have no intention of becoming a sacrifice -- the fire should hold the toxifier, and I hope to be able to gather the strength to get up the ladder before I have to find out whether I can keep this spell up.  My intention is for everyone who left the palace together to return together."

As good as his word, Chou-Zhen turns and moves to the bottom of the ladder, as he uncoils his leather whip and looks up to measure the distance to be climbed.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 337):

The flames are holding the toxifier at bay, but Chou is now moving as slowly as Jin.


Airis spots  one of the Naginata armed guards hobblibg away, it is the fellow whose face was raked by the demon.

Iskander spots the guard too, and looks at Airis. "This one gave an honorable surrender, besides he seems to be only a mercenary." Iskander whispered.

Airis just keeps going, the mission is the tea set, not killing mercs.

With a faint inhuman-sounding groan, Chou-Zhen takes his whip handle in his teeth and begins to haul himself up the ladder as soon as Jin's feet are high enough not to collide.  Trying to enunciate around the whip, he calls out, "Somum geg rea-y ko grag kis!"
This message was last updated by the player at 21:49, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

19:59, Today: Iskander rolled 11 using 3d6-2.  stealth - 15 (-2 pain).
Iskander takes a breath and grits his teeth, and fades into the darkened warehouse.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 342):

With the flames below keeping back the toxifier, Jin and Chou-Zen make their way slowly up the ladder. (This takes about 40 seconds)
Above, Airis and Lee are exiting the watehouse, Iskander is nowhere to be seen, and Ales is at the top of the trap door.

Jin continues making his way back to the palace.