Several of you head toward the heavily bakemono neghborhood of Redlight, where this purported noodle shop is rumored to be...

"Let us have no conflict between us.  Ales, Tanaka-san is only a man; if he serves Akira Kumo No, he will soon be revealed by his actions, and we will kill him.  If he is a friend to our Omo, that, too, will be revealed.

"And Tanaka-san, Ales has fought beside me, been wounded in the Omo's service, and though he is Shevnian, that does not make him less.  He harbors reasonable suspicion that a stranger appears in Sakemoko-sama's house just after our recent conflicts with Akira Kumo No and his followers, though perhaps he should not, since it seems those who have served longer than we know you from your previous visit.

"Let us all dine together in peace; there will be plenty of trouble to go around when Akira Kumo No regroups and retaliates, and likely little enough time to relax before he does.

"Now, I wonder if the menu here is written in Shevnian, so the bakemono can read it, or in Aralaise for the other Gaijin of Northport?"

"I apologize, Tanaka. I did not mean to insult you by my actions. I just wanted to keep everyone safe. You happened to show up at a suspiciously opportune time for Sakemoko's enemies, that's all."

He then bowed deeply as a sign of contrition.

"If you wish me to leave, I would understand."

Chye makes funny "oni faces" as the exchange reached it's peak, to diffuse the social tensions brewing in the group.
20:02, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 6 using 3d6 ((3,2,1)). performance - 12+2
which turn out to be pretty funny....
"Bwahahahaaaaa!"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Thu 03 May 2018.

Tanaka nods to Ales and extends a hand as means of accepting the apology, shaking ale's hand if he returns the gesture.
"I apologize too, Ales, and you do not have to go anywhere, you have just as much right to be here as anyone else. I understand your suspicion, honestly, I do. I was just hoping that you seeing old acquaintances of mine in the court welcome me back so willingly would be sign enough. I truly hope we can put this behind us and form some type of friendship, if you would allow it."
He laughs at Chye's face and orders a round of sake for the table, attempting to ease the tension a bit more with some drinks.

"Yatta! Domo,
Aikuchi!"
*Hooray! Thanks, Chum!*
This message was last edited by the player at 09:03, Thu 03 May 2018.

Iskander couldn't help laughing either. That Chye was a card.
"Salut,el meu amic!"

Ales shakes Tanaka's hand in return. "To be honest, I am still a bit hungry . With the way everyone is talking up the place, I was extremely eager to try out the cuisine."

He accepted the sake, and raised the cup. "To friendship. Salud."

Ales motioned for a waiter and asked to see a menu. "Is there anything you would recommend?", he asked to no one in particular.

Chou-Zhen drinks his sake and looks around.  "In this neighborhood, they almost have to serve some sort of beer, do they not?"

"Maybe they have happōshu, or flavored ale."
Chye downed his sake.

03:14, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 8 using 3d6.  singing - 16.
03:13, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 13 using 3d6.  Lute - 15.
Setting down his sake bowl, Chye unslung his lute, tuned it, began a melody, and began to sing: "Pure wine costs, for the golden cup, ten thousand coppers a flagon,
And a jade plate of dainty food calls for a million coins!
I fling aside my chop-sticks and cup, I cannot eat nor drink....
I pull out my sword, I peer four ways in vain!
I would cross the Yellow River, but ice chokes the ferry;
I would climb the Taihang Mountains, but the sky is blind with snow....
I would sit and poise a fishing-pole, lazy by a brook --
But I suddenly dream of riding a boat, sailing for the sun....
Journeying is hard,
Journeying is hard!
There are many turnings --
Which am I to follow?....
I will mount a long wind some day and break the heavy waves
And set my cloudy sail straight and bridge the deep, deep sea...."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:45, Sat 05 May 2018.

Chou-Zhen waves down a waiter, quizzes him over the available ales, and orders something without fruit, plus a bowl of the house special noodles.

"Nicely done, Chye!  Almost makes one wish to take ship."

As the last verse of his song ends, Chye pauses a moment to allow the ending melody to linger, before speaking: "Thank you, Chou-Zhen Mou-San. Chye call it, "The Hard Road"."
Chye orders a bowl of mandu-guk, and a couple char siu bao, (dumpling soup in bone broth, with vegetables and an egg, and barbecue pork buns) and a quart-pot of rice wine. [meal: $6-8, wine pot: $2, priced at $8 per gallon]

"That was pretty good, Senyor Chye. Encore! Do you know any more?"
Iskander orders a bowl of the house yakka mein.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 12):

The restaurant, troubled by construction immediately next door, is not a large sit down affair like the Silver Jade Palace, but rather a small storefront ramen shop which has window counter. A few sahudese gleefully slurp from earthenware bowls with fragrant broth, noodles, miso, porkbelly and boiled eggs. An odd pair of bakemono are doing likewise, a muscular woman wearing yellow and black spiked leathers, her shoulders wrapped with a large iron chain, and her partner, an attractive looking fellow in an embroidered tunic with a lute slung over his back.
 The cook looks over at your demands with some irriation.
"We have one ale here, pairs with pork broth. You want special flavor, go somewhere else.

16:27, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 6 using 3d6 ((2,3,1)). Diplomacy - 13
"Forgive us please, Sir. We're not accustomed to your menu, first time here. Chye glad to see success spreading beyond our neighborhood!" Chye busted a wide gold-fanged grin.

18:03, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 18 using 3d6 ((6,6,6)). carousing - 15 xD!!
Chye spotted the pair of orcs, he'd seen them before the last time he was on their turf.
Chye had the intention of greetings, and sharing a drink, but as he approached he was unaware he would badly recieved, indeed....

This message was deleted by the player at 22:52, Sat 05 May 2018.

22:20, Today: Iskander rolled 8 using 3d6 ((3,2,3)). Responsive: IQ -3, acts as empathy. 10 or less
Iskander had been looking on, and tried to intervene, before it was too late.
"Chye,remember, we're not in Little Sahud..Be careful whom you approach."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Sun 06 May 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 19):

The orc with the lute seems to recognize Chye and nods to him while slurping his soup. The woman beside him looks at him questioningly, and he points with his lips at Chye and says something quietly to her in Aralaise, to which she shrugs.

"Chye forget. This place, in bad neighborhood."
He changes his started posture, and rested against the bar, with the group.

Chou-Zhen replies in the same language the cook used (Sahudese, Aralaise, or Shevnian): "Apologies, good sir.  One ale is all I want, and a bowl of plain noodles in pork broth."  He reaches into his pouch for coins, drops four cash on the counter, then takes a couple steps away to await the food and drink.

He glances at the garishly dressed bakemono and her musical companion, then returns his eyes to his own business -- sampling the product of this shop that seems so out of place here in Red Light.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 22):

The broth is rich and flavorful, with notes of fermented soy, ginger, garlic and scallion lingering at the back, with hints of spicy pepper around the side of the tongue.

The cook glares toward the entrance next door.

"These round eyed bastards pound wall, shake dust onto noodles. Whole batch had to be... served to foreign dogs."

"What they building, another brothel?"

"El menjar és bo..."
Iskander complimented as he took his third bite.

"You, sir, are very good at what you do.  I will certainly refer those looking for a meal in this district to your counter."  He lifts his ale cup, then sets it down again and sticks a finger in.  "And you're correct, this ale does pair well with your broth.  My compliments to the brewer, as well."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 26):

"My brother brews the ale over in little Sahud."

He looks at the pair conversing, raises an eyebrow and turns his attention back to his comoanions.. He decides he'd rather not eat, instead paying for the round of sake. He stands and stretches, the sake warming him and making his nose a bit red.
Out of the corner of his eye he sizes up the group Chye had his.minor altercation with and sighs gently.
"If we're all done here, I believe Chye wanted to go buy some things. I'm quite enjoying my time out and will accompany him if he allows it. As for the rest of you, your company would be welcome too. We could get to know each other better at least."

With a slurp as he swallows the last of his noodles and broth, Chou-Zhen puts down his bowl and drops another cash on the counter.

"Let us go, then.  I have spent little time in this district; before joining the Omo's household, I mostly stayed in the Aralaise part of the city.  My mother wished me to be a part of this city, rather than an outsider where I was born, as she saw was the case with many Sahudese.  This is also why she did not raise me to speak Sahudese -- though she relented in time, once she understood that there were days when she could speak nothing else."

Having staved off gluttony, Chye opts not to eat again so early either, still feeling the satisfaction of rice in his belly, from earlier.
"Yes, we go. Little Sahud, Chye want to support local, legitimate Sahudese businesses.
Besides, they know Chye's style."
Chye stood up, indicating he was ready to go.

Ales was eager to go.  He dropped a few coins on the table in payment for his sake, and stood up quickly.  He could smell ogre.  He hated ogre.  They had led several raids against his home village back in Shevnia and turned it into dust and rubble. As he got up, he uttered a curse against ogres in Shevnian.

Then he turned to the group, and as he fingered the scabbard of his scimitar, Ales said, "we better get out of here before I do something stupid."

Iskander left his bowl and chop-sticks on the counter, with his payment.
"Marxem d'aquí."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:42, Fri 11 May 2018.

"Ales?  You seem perturbed.  Has something offended you?"

"Chye don't think Ales-san likes bakemono or oni much."

"You can say that,Chou. Orcs are nothing but filthy brutes that destroy everything in their paths. Any culture they possess they took as plunder of war. "

"You might wish to keep those sentiments to yourself, while in Little Shevnia.."
Iskander rubbed his chin.

"The High Elves might say much the same of humans.  In my father's eyes, elves, men, dwarves, ogres, bakemono, and kobolds are all much the same.

"Still, if you have personal reason to hate the bakemono, who am I to stand in the way of your honor?  Let us then leave Red Light, lest we become involved in a fight against far too many."

"Yes let's." Ales sighed. "Every time I see an orc I get transported back to when our village and some of the nearby towns were ravaged by the orcs. Weeks upon weeks of brutal fighting, but we we're no match for them. I still have nightmares of seeing one of them thrusting his fist right through my cousin's chest."

He stiffened up. "I do apologise for being so blunt with my opinion. I have no intention of starting a fight, especially one where we would be seriously outnumbered."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:22, Mon 14 May 2018.

"Chye can understand why Ales-san, feel way, he do. The bakemono in Sahud organize sometimes, when a strong leader emerges, usually oni, but sometimes powerful sorcerers and necromancers, use them as pawns, in their schemes. We have had to gather the heroes and righteous of the orthodox sects and their vassals, to drive them back into the mountains, when that thing happen. Mostly, they maraud the countryside, and prey on small holdings and the roads. We take them down, as well." Chye clenched his fist.

Tanaka finally pipes in, understanding most of what was said by Ales.
"Your hate understandable, Ales-san, but many culture have their...how do you say, bad apples? Orcs generally bad, tho, for what I've heard," he says on very obviously broken Aralaise.

"Here in Northport there are not great problems with the bakemono; most of their crimes are against their own, and many of them are good, productive members of the greater community.  The smaller ones, especially, those called 'goblin,' are commonly peaceful folk who make things with their clever hands.

"Just as a Northport gaijin would be wrong to assume all Sahudese are the same, we would be wrong to assume the same of the bakemono."

"Maybe, but I don't think I will hanging out with them at the local pub any time soon, either."

Ales shifted his feet nervously. "Besides, I thought we were also going to check out some of the local trade shops.  We best be on with it, before they start gauging their prices."

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 42):

The relationship Shevnian folk have with orcs is peculiar; they are either related to them, at war with them, or both. Even their languages are similar.

This neighborhood (Red light) is a tangle of contradictions. Many orcs live here, although the older construction is either goblin or old human imperial. Foreigners who are not specifically Sahudese or Shevnian make their homes here, along with Aralaise who are not terribly well off.
There are many untenanted buildings, some tagged with orcish graffiti and others near a recent street collapse where work is still in progress.  Visible from a few blocks away is a particularly large ogress who is hoisting baskets of rubble from the worksite.

14:16, Today: Iskander rolled 16 using 3d6.  streetwise - 14.
14:15, Today: Iskander rolled 9 using 3d6.  Area knowledge - 13 .
Ideally, Iskander would've liked to have found a fence, but he would pay a visit to the Sahudese apothecaries and alchemists, as he had a feeling the demon skull would be of a use to them.

15:20, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 9 using 3d6.  Area knowledge - 13 (Northport).
Chye made his way to an armorer in little sahud.

"Iskander, if I might tag along, I also would like to seek an alchemist and purchase more paut.

Iskander gestured the affirmative.
"Veniu."

In reply to Iskander (msg # 44):

Iskander spots some chalk graffiti that looks occult, leading into an alleyway...

Not far from there is a glassblower, and in the basement adjacent is an Aralaise apothecary...


Chye  makes his way to an armorer.

Who first?

Chye enters the shop and begins to examine the armor and weaponry.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:07, Fri 18 May 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 49):

Regular armor/weapons purchases can be done ooc

Chye aquires plated mail gauntlets, standard, and fauld, replacing the lamellar, a bit lighter and a bit stronger.

Iskander followed the graffiti and went down the allyway, he turned and entered into the apothecary. "Well, here we are..."

Chou-Zhen looks around the shop, trying to visually separate medicinal concoctions and ingredients from alchemical.

"You know, I should just get the equipment and make my own.  I wonder if the Omo would allow me the work space -- I did study some alchemy and it shouldn't be impossible to get the formula.  I've heard about shortages of ingredients, though."

"Just like there are variant spells, I'm sure there's variant formulae, it just takes research, and a budget on materials...and not blowing yourself up, or spreading vapors through the town."
Iskander removed his backpack and reached inside, producing the wrapped skull of the dodomeki.
"Bon dia."

"Looks like some nice armor you picked up, Chye. What's the plan now? Maybe Sakemoko has a plan for us already."

Chye's neck, shoulders, upper arms, and upper chest and back are now covered by a drape of mail with polished, laquered iron plates, gusseted and joined by links, into the mesh. Under this, he wears an arming garment, and leather suspenders attached to a belt, that supports an apron of chain mail, that reaches to his knees, protecting his abdomen, and groin as well as his upper legs.
His heavy reinforced leather pants with horn plates were gone, and he wore stitched, leather pants, tucked into his reinforced boots, with their laquered leather shin-plates, and upturned toes, in Sadudese fashion. His handguards were replaced by plated mail gauntlets that extended onto his forearms. Gone was the lamellar, he wore as well, making him less bulky, and more fluid in his movements, (-16 lbs) though the mail still, swished and clinked a bit as he did so.
"Osu!"
Chye grinned widely, pleased with his purchase and upgrade. The dragon belt plaque he'd recently acquired, was displayed proudly, pairing well with the dragon motif, and plume on his jingasa. With his silvered nunchaku tucked into his orange silk sash, he was beginning to look more impressive and larger than life.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Thu 24 May 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 54):

The place Looks like an apothocary... but there are other things that seem more familiar to Chou-Zen... like supplies for the black arts. A hooded figure clears his throat.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Tue 22 May 2018.

16:28, Today: Iskander rolled 10 using 3d6 ((6,3,1)). Merchant - 15
"I have here, Senyor...the skull of a dodomeki, just slain yesterday. Let's deal, el meu amic."
Iskander unwraps the skull, and sets it on the counter, and gestured grandiloquently, as he made his pitch, seeking to peak interest.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Thu 24 May 2018.

As Iskander makes his pitch, Chou-Zhen steps closer to one of the more occult items, seeking to identify (without touching).

Ales, likewise, also looks at the items, attempting to identify any from memory without touching them.

(OOC: 23:21, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 10 using 3d6.  Perception 13.

23:21, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 12 using 3d6.  Thaumatology 14.

23:20, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 10 using 3d6.  Occultism 13.

23:19, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 11 using 3d6.  Hazardous materials (magical) 13.  All rolls pass to identify items in shop.)

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 60):

You are able to recognize a number of occult items; not merely the questionable incense and bags of graveyard dust, but a number of texts bound in peculiar leather with ominous titles, vials of blood, strings of vertebrae, wands made of bone, staves set with human teeth, and ritual implements that are specific to summoning. You are not in a typical wizard's shop, but in something other.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 58):

The shopkeeper's assistant, a beady eyed yellowish bakemono looks the skull over, and pulls a book from a shelf and starts flipping through it.
"Dodomeki, huh, don't get those too often... ah, bird's eye woman! So, did she have bird eyes? these look like normal eye holes."

"She did indeed, but they were all up and down her arms and body. Only when we wrapped her in red silk, were we able to deliver the killing blow. Feel free to further examine it, to detect any residual essence that would prove it is authentic."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Tue 22 May 2018.

"So, Chye, shall we go find the others now or return and see if Sakemoko-sama has any work for us. I would love a bit of adventure and maybe a nice hunt to inspire my poetry. "
He wipes imaginary dust from his long coat and then rests his left hand over the hilts of his bokken and katana. He takes one last look around at the armor and then heads to the door and eventually to the streets, considering Chye follows.

Drawing close to Ales, Chou-Zhen whispers: "I do not believe this is the sort of shop where one would buy paut."

He looks more closely at the books, still not touching, but examining the spines for Elder symbols or writing.  He pays special attention to those bound in unusual looking leathers.  As he sidles along the shelf, he mutters quietly.

"Sometimes helpful things are inadvertently mixed with useless items, by those who do not understand them."

Ales leaned into Chou and whispered back, "I concur.  This stuff is more suited to the dark arts."

With that, Ales went to go pick up some armor he had ordered.

"Yoi, we go now. When we get back, we see what Omo-sama need."
Chye leaves with Tanaka.

Chou-Zhen remains, continuing to examine the shelved volumes as Iskander negotiates with the shopkeeper.

Iskander looks over his shoulder at his companions.
"Pretty interesting stuff in here, I have a feeling we may be doing some business here in the future..."

In reply to Iskander (msg # 63):

After conferring with his assistant, the shopkeeper makes an offer," How about an even $200 for it? Make it $175, and I will throw in this handy guide to summoning." he plucks one of the more slender books that looks to be bound in some kind of hide.

"I've no interest in demon summoning, but give me some information on the types of undead, their circumstances, and how they may be dealt with...and we have a bargain, Senyor." (trading undead/spirit lore for demon lore, is my intent, if that's what his book amounts to)

On hearing the deal near closing, Chou-Zhen steps away from the bookshelf he'd been examining.  He glances over Iskander's shoulder at the volume the proprietor had offered, but remains still.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 72):

The shopkeeper's assistant leans in. "Tell you what, take the foll $200, and um, you maybe work for a guy who has a library. Just take the book, slip it in, you know, for posterity."

16:00, Today: Iskander rolled 10 using 3d6 ((2,5,3)). IQ-3 works as empathy. passed
Iskander regarded the goblin a moment, determining whether he meant mischief. Such lore is rarely free, and without a price...especially coming from a place like this...
Iskander would trust in his feelings, as they have always served him well.
"Hmmm..."

"Very well, Senyor."
Iskander makes the exchange.

Chou-Zhen's queue switches a single stroke, then he smirks in a most disquieting way.  He holds his silence, however, merely remaining close to Iskander as he closes the transaction.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 74):

The goblin smiles. He is almost certainly mischief minded, indeed, he seethes with wicked delight and a number of unpleasant urges. Oddly, he is not lying at the moment.

<Yelow>"Just tuck it on a back shelf. No one need go near it for the rest of your lifetime, and long may you live. It will find the right reader in its own time."</Yellow>

Iskander takes the book a bit gingerly, and the money.
"Good business to you Senyor. We shall meet again."
Iskander glances at his companions and heads out into the street.

Chou-Zhen favors the goblin assistant with a full (very disquieting) smile, before following Iskander out to the street.

Once he catches up with the Valdassyan, "Say, Iskander, might I have a quick look at that book the goblin seemed so eager to give away?  I know something of demons, and I'd like to check it for accuracy."

"Sure, but we can't let this wind up in the master's library. I aimed to have it ritually destroyed, at the church. Here..."
Iskander handed the book to Chou Zhen-Mou

Chou-Zhen examines the binding, first, then opens the book to the first page -- even if it naturally tends to open somewhere else.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 81):


As you exit, there is a faint popping sound, and the door you entered is no longer there!


The book is a primer on summoning demons, and has a number of diagrams and names, along with instructions for ritual...

Make two rolls, one for hidden lore: demons, the other for Per.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:11, Wed 30 May 2018.

"This day... I think it is going to be another strange one, Senyor."
Iskander watched as Chou Zhen-Mou examined the bad juju.

As they headed towards Little Sahud, Chye began to feel the need to seek out some friendly faces and maybe some revelry, before returning to the palace. Turning to Tanaka, he grinned a gold-fanged, grin and said:
"Hoi! What say we stop in for a drink in "our" neighborhood?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:42, Wed 30 May 2018.

Chou-Zhen continues at a steady pace, his attention mostly on the book, depending on Iskander in his periphery to stay on course.

19:40, Today: Iskander rolled 10 using 3d6.  area knowledge (Northport) - 13.
19:39, Today: Iskander rolled 11 using 3d6.  streetwise - 14.
Iskander finds a fence, buying and selling many questionable goods..
This message was last edited by the player at 23:45, Wed 30 May 2018.

"That sounds wonderful, actually.
Maybe enjoy the company of some women and warm sake and discuss our next move. It'd be wonderful if an adventure presented itself and we could make a bit of coin. Pick a place, Chye and the first round is on me!" 

"Well, Chye a musician, composer, performer, and singer. You my friend are a poet!
Maybe we can collaborate on a project for Omo-sama, or maybe even independently."
19:22, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 14 using 3d6.  current affairs (Little Sahud) - 13.
19:21, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 8 using 3d6.  area knowledge (Northport) - 12.
Chye couldn't think of anyplace in particular he'd heard of lately, but he did manage to find a place for a drink, and perhaps to pick up on the latest, and maybe some unrelated gossip.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Thu 31 May 2018.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 85):

The basic lore seems legit, but a number of the summoning diagrams omit safeguards or imply that a drawn pentacle is the equal of a pentagram spell. There seems to be something under the binding...

In the small sake bar, a couple of bushi are gearing up, and stand to drink a round together before leaving, instead of sitting and putting aside their weapons, as is polite.

"Do be careful with that, Senyor... You might open a seal or something."
Iskander looked at the book ominously.

Chye bellies up to the bar.
"The first round is on you, Tanaka-san! Ho ho ho!"
Chye said jovially, as he was in his element again, like a koi in a pond.

"Perhaps we can glean some bits from it, and then destroy it. Some things that would be important are the names of the demons, as that can get you familiar dealing with individuals, but knowing their name gives a degree of power over them, as well. This is of little  consequence, as they will lie and attempt to trick you at every opportunity. But, it would be a bad idea to bring this under our master's roof, agreed?"

"There's something here..."  Chou-Zhen palpates the spine and covers of the book, trying to identify what's hidden there without removing or releasing it.

"Oh, perhaps, Iskander, or perhaps, with some time and a quill, I can repair the omissions so that this might at least be used safely by one learning the art.  I agree, it is never truly safe to deal with demons, but one cannot prevent the thirst for power or completely obliterate the ignorance that makes one feel that if something is easy, it must be safe.

"These are often harder to destroy than it seems they should be, however."

Chou-Zhen holds the book out to Iskander.  "Be cautious of the binding, there's something in it.  Otherwise, you seem to have the sense not to attempt to use this; I'll let you hold it until there's time and a place to work to try to make it safer for whomever might try to use it."

Iskander crossed himself, and murmured:
"Sant Miquel, protegeix-nos..."
Iskander took the book into his pack.
"Let's leave it at the guild, we can study it there, where we can take notes and glean from it, which would work against these forces, rather than to facilitate them. Then, Senyor, I would like to have it destroyed ritually at the cathedral."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Mon 04 June 2018.

"I would not like to risk it being stolen before I can add the appropriate notes.  Have you a lockbox at the Guild?"

"No, but maybe we could leave it with Aethelbert."

"He is the sage?  The one with the fascination for trolls?"

"Yes, the sage. Perhaps we can leave it with him for safe keeping."

"Possibly so."

Chye watches the bushi leave, and turns to the barkeep.
"Say nakama, what's going on? Some kind of local trouble?"

Tanaka watches the bushi leave as well and turns his attention to the barkeep.
"If there is some kind of trouble,
we'd be happy to assist for the right price. What do you want to drink Chye? Drinks on me for the first round."
Tanaka reaches into a pocket in his over it and pulls a handful of copper out and counts them in his open palm.

Ales heads back to his room at Sakemoko's place to use the Library and to see if there was a mission that needed to be run.

"Shaoxing"

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 100):

The bartender shrugs.
"Man in yellow silk with red sash came posting notices."
He points to a small scroll petitioning warriors to be hired 'to protect our cultural institutions' from someone hiring troublemakers not of our kind... the chop looks familiar...

Chye examines one of the notices closely, while he waits for their drinks.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 105):

The chop is one you have seen before, Zhuren de Zui on a number of documents...

18:31, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 11 using 3d6.  current affairs (little sahud) - 13.
Chye would recall who this was, and what he was up to in little sahud, and what folks thought of him.

"Seems like something that night be worth checking out, Chye. I suggest that if we do look into it, though, that we consult Sakemoko-sama and make sure we are not working against his interests" he says quietly, making sure that only Chye hears him.
He looks over the notice the man pointed out and nods, reading it carefully. He consults his knowledge of Sakemoko's court for any information that might be helpful about the task at hand.
Current Affairs (Sakemoko's court) IQ/E [1] 14
15:00, Today: Tanaka Kojimaru rolled 11 using 3d6 ((1,5,5)).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Fri 08 June 2018.

"You been away awhile. Maybe you go and check it out...They know Chye. Wreck much much havoc yesterday, and saved many folks, but you blend in more."
Chye spoke low, to Tanaka.

Iskander makes his way to the guild.

Chou-Zhen follows along with Iskander.  "I'd like to speak to this sage, to be sure he understands the dangers of such a book, the moreso with the errors it has."

"If the book is annotated properly, there may be no reason to destroy it, but given it's capricious nature, I wouldn't be surprised if the ink disappeared of it's own will.."

"Hmm.  I suppose that is a concern, but if it has that level of protection, destroying it is likely to be quite the task, as well."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 113):

In Chou-Zen's experience, works on demonolgy are both common, and rife with errors, which tends to be the way the demons like them... which sage are you considering addressing? Most maintain offices at the Dismal Tower, where questions might be asked for the price of a silver piece, or thoroughly investigated for six.

OOC:Aethelbert, or his assistant.
"The fire of God will consume it, Senyor."

"The fire of a god is often harder to come by than one would like.  They, too, seem capricious to mortals, offering their help when it wasn't asked, but often withholding it when it seems greatly needed."

"Indeed, it as as you say."
Iskander smiled.
"about the others."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:39, Tue 12 June 2018.

"Your faith is touching, but one of my parentage may look at gods of any stripe differently from one of your background."

"Quite. You should visit His presence and meet our extended family, at the iconostasis. These are windows into heaven, and their eyes can see, and their ears can hear us."

"I believe I must respectfully decline.

"Even if my father's kind did not have an unfortunate history with followers of your god, my own preference is for the many gods and beings of Sahudese tradition.  With the proper research, one can very frequently find the correct deity for a particular problem, and thus, by specialization, reduce the likelihood of a request being 'lost in the clutter,' as it were."

"We pray to our many saints, in the same manner, though we only venerate them, and ask them to intercede on our behalf."

"Then I do not see how your God can be the only correct one, rather than only one of many gods.  The distinction between your saints and the many gods and demigods of Sahudese tradition is a hair-splitting matter."

"The Father, Son, and Holy spirit, The Heavenly Host, and a multitude of saints have passed from His domain, a place called earth...  and contends here now, among the other gods.
He is three persons, manifested in His will and thoughts, known as the Father, from which all things proceed. The Son, which is his word, that is done, and the likeness from which men were made, and The Holy Spirit, which brings spiritual gifts and power unto His followers. The Son would be our Lord's avatar, as compared to other gods."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Thu 14 June 2018.

"Seems not very different from some Aralaise or Shevnian gods, never mind Sahudese."

"Indeed. Some of the Heavenly Host are as, or more powerful than some deities. Holy Michael for example, is one of His greatest angels, on down to the winged babes, who hold up the tail ends of His robes, or bear His illustrious banner, uttering unceasing exaltations."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:49, Thu 14 June 2018.

Chou-Zhen shakes his head.  "That sounds as if there is far too much, likely unwarranted jubilation in that place.  Further, it sounds as if your theologians are confused about which form of their god is which.  In a sensible theology, the gods tell you what you need to know, rather than presenting riddles like how one god can be three."

17:08, Today: Iskander rolled 7 using 3d6.  theology  (research 14 -3)  11 or less
"Worlds pass away, and within all religions, there must eventually be an end. Our God intends to gather those who seek Him, and be reconciled. There will be rewards, and positions given accordingly, as mankind transcends our corrupted nature, united once again in His presence, to become His exarchs, vested in authority from upon high, in the next world. God is of three persons, because His glory encompasses many aspects and circumstances that are beyond mortal understanding. Indeed, the mysteries are holy, in, and of themselves, Senyor. All of God's persons are in accordance with the Father, which I can only try to explain as the eternal state of self being, along with His cosmic concepts, which have crystallized into immeasurable forms...Glory to God."*Iskander crossed himself*
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Thu 14 June 2018.

Chye, looking at the posting, said to Tanaka:
"This will draw loyalties from the guild, from both sides...let us see who are our common allies are, as well as our foes."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Thu 14 June 2018.

"I'm going to go check out this bill. We could take the job now and hopefully have it accomplished soon, depending on the actual task. I'll head there alone, but you should shadow me on case there's trouble."
He nods to Chye and heads off to find the man offering the job to learn more. He walks with his head down and his thumbs tucked into his belt. He scans the streets making sure to stay attentive.

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 129):

Chye should check his knowledge of Little Sahud about the poster of the document...

Iskander knows that the Cathedral across town also claims to serve The One True Tripartate God, and is likely to find coreligionsists there, as the assorted schizmatic groups do band together in the face of the blatant paganism of Northport.

"I think the cathedral would be the best place to go in fact... The sage may well charge us a fee, while we would be welcome and protected in the house of The Lord. Let us go there instead, forthwith!"
Iskander changes his course and proceeds to the church.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:28, Fri 15 June 2018.

23:50, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 11 using 3d6.  current events (little sahud) 13.
Chye was familiar with the goings ons concerning this particular personage, from word about the community.
"Osu!"
Chye remained in the bar and finished his rice wine, then he tailed Tanaka, after he had gained some distance down the street.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:20, Sun 17 June 2018.

"As you say, Iskander.  If I am permitted to enter the cathedral, I would be amused to see the efforts of the priests to destroy this work, succeed or no.

"It might well be the case that it has no protections, the better to be made and distributed cheaply and in quantity.  In such case, the mere flame of a torch or lamp would suffice to destroy the pages.

"We might, however, do well to know what is within the cover before delivering the thing to the priests."

"I agree, but let us get within the santuary, so should something go amiss, we shall already have a leg up, if we release a demon. O how one should hate to manifest within the Lord's house. I'll ask to speak with an exorcist there, and ask if we can use a chamber. A donation to use their library is both cheaper, and put to better use than at the tower."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Fri 15 June 2018.

13:46, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 10 using 3d6.  shadowing ( defaulting from stealth, -4. 11 or less ).
Chye was able to keep tabs on Tanaka, and follow him, without being obvious they were confederates.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Fri 15 June 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 135):

The notice having been posted yesterday leaves none to follow, save the assorted Ron8n and Ashigaru who left several minutes ago. The signature is that of Zhuren du Zui, who manages many things for Akira Aku No.

No sages are located in the Cathedral, they have their own tower, but you may find theologians.

Tucked in the binding is a small folded scroll...
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:47, Sun 17 June 2018.

Ales makes his way to the Sakemoko's Manor, and before making his way to the Library, asks one of the chief household staff to ask Sakemoko if there is anything he wishes for Ales to do for him before Ales does some research on demons.

Tanaka tails the group of bushi who have just left the bar, trying not to seem too obvious. He looks back to make sure that Chye is following him and turns back around as soon as he spots him.

Iskander creaks open the heavy doors of the cathedral, and wets his hands in the holy water within the basin, crossing himself. If he has come during services, he will stand quietly and wait until they are over, before addressing the priest.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:48, Thu 21 June 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 139):

A vey small service, led by a goblin, and attended mostly by goblins, is winding down
In a mixture of Latin and Greek.


Tanaka make a shadowing (or atealth -2 or IQ-5) roll to teail unseen.

Ales, make a research roll at -4.

Iskander touches the ominous tome's cover with his hand, which he had wet with holy water, he noticed the scroll, but would wait until he was admitted into the inner sanctum.

"Wait, Iskander.  Let us look at this scroll that was in the binding.  Perhaps it is just more bait for the trap, but perhaps not."

"Alright, let's see what we have here..."
Iskander carefully removed the scroll, and would try to read it.

OOC:. I messed the first roll up, disregard in the log.
Stealth DX/A [8] 16 -2
17:42, Today: Tanaka Kojimaru rolled 14 using 3d6 ((6,5,3)).

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 144):

Tanaka moves through the crowd unnoticed by the four men ahead. They are all wearing lamelar armor, two have steel jingasa, and carry naginatas, and the other two wear helmets with neck protection and one carries paired swords. Oneis a lot bigger than the others, wears heavier armor and carries a tetsubo.



Meanwhile, Iskander unfolds the scroll, and can make out an incantation in latin. Reading it?
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:24, Tue 03 July 2018.

Iskander reads the script to see what it says, but doesn't speak the words, for that would start the incantation.

Chye continues tailing Tanaka, who is tailing the other group.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 146):

Chye needs to roll for shadowing, or he will be made.

Iskander recognizes the characters, but cannot read the language.

17:44, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 9 using 3d6.  shadowing ( defaulting ffrom stealth, -4. 11 or less ). Chye strolls along casually, keeping a safe distance.

Iskander puts it away, and waits quietly, trying to catch the end of the sermon, or hymn, whichever it may be.

Out of respect for the service in progress, Chou-Zhen waits quietly beside Iskander.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 150):

The priest finishes the benediction, and the goblins rise, most of them shuffling out of the nave, although a few step off to one of the small shrines to pray, in particular at the shrine of Saint Becquillart, who appears to have been a goblin.

[5 blank lines suppressed]

Meanwhile the assorted ashigaru are clear of the crowd, and turning into an alley...

As the congregation leaves the nave, Chou-Zhen whispers to Iskander.

"May I look at the scroll?  Or were you able to make sense of it already?"

"Can you read latin? Here's what we'll do. They have a small library I'm sure, and with the services in latin and greek, I can ask to use some of their translation material, and that will allow us to read what it says.."

"Your plan is a good one.  Latin?  Why would someone write in Latin?"

"Because Latin and Greek are in the languages the faith was brought to our world, in. These Romans and Greeks were champions of the faith, Senyor."

"I understand these worshippers of the Tripartite God writing their texts in Latin or Greek to keep the common folk from being able to read what's being preached to them, but why would a scroll left in a demon-summoning trap book be written in this religion's languages?  To keep someone who got the book from reading the scroll?"

"It wasn't to prevent people from reading what they were preached...Indeed, reading for one's self is encouraged, everyday. "Mystery Plays" are more popular, among the illiterate common folk. But, these are the languages of a scholar. It is enough that people can get a basic education, and learn to read in their own scripts. In Valdassya, I grew up learning Arabic, alongside our native tongue. Latin and Greek texts are easily found transcribed into Arabic, as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Fri 22 June 2018.

Ales studies the books in Sakemoko's Library.  Quite a few of them deal with demons and demonology.  He settles in and gets to researching.

(OOC: Research roll fails. Roll 12 on skill 9.)

"That 'language of scholars' still sounds like a way to hide the writings from the common folk.  If they want everyone to read their holy writings, shouldn't they write them in the common tongue?  Alalaise, here, or Shevnian; Valdassyan in your homeland?  Isn't that likely to be the first, possibly only language most people can read, if they read at all?"

"Monks labor long hours, translating, transcribing, and illuminating old texts, and the missionaries undertake dangerous journeys in foreign lands, to bring The Word to them."

"And then more hours, explaining the meaning of a text the people can't read, even if they can read at all.  Seems like a method of control, to me.

"Then again, Sahudese has that kind of control built in -- very few people indeed learn enough of the symbols to read anything beyond a simple letter from family."

Iskander remained in the narthex, waiting for the father.
"In times of upheaval, the church has been a repository of learnedness, as most others must go back to the salt of the earth."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Mon 25 June 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 163):

Latin characters are used to write Aralaise, and many of the basic rules of pronunciation are derivative. Some of the words resembled some of those used in the services of the tripartate god, perhaps in mockery of the formal prayers.

Pie Jesu domine, dona eis requiem.
Pie Jesu domine, dona eis requiem. Pie Jesu domine, dona eis requiem. Pie Jesu domine, dona eis requiem. *chants*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9WoNSJwKXg
This message was last edited by the player at 07:07, Tue 26 June 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 165):

Your chanting has attracted the attention of the priest, who ambles over.
"Amen. Salve. How may I assist you?" He eyes Chou-Zen  with suspicion.

Chou-Zhen gives a respectful Sahudese bow, then replies in his most careful, but still accented, Aralaise.

"Iskander, here, received this book as a bonus in a trade.  It appears to contain subtly flawed instructions for summoning a demon.  I believe I could make those instructions relatively safe, from my own knowledge, but my friend here would be more comfortable if the book were destroyed.  Can you help with that, without undue risk to yourself or your congregation?"

"This scroll was included with the book, but it is in latin, which we cannot read, Father. Perhaps you can make sense of it? Take care Father, not to read it aloud." Iskander hands the scroll to the diminutive priest.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Thu 28 June 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 168):

The priest gingerly takes the document, and you can see his eyes widen as his lips move silently.
"This is an abomination! This blasphemous incantation would summon a demon directly, and I can feel the evil energies in the writing- it is as though the spell were already cast, and is waiting to be unbound. This must be destroyed!

"Fortunate, then, that most do not read Latin.  As you say, such a thing must be destroyed.  I offer my power and knowledge in aid of that goal."

Iskander crosses himself.
"Excelsior! I felt it my duty to see this properly destroyed, and kept out of the wrong hands."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Sat 30 June 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 171):

"It is good that you came here to me, in this house of the One True Tripartate God, and not to any of these hellbound pagans, like these servants of Hades or That apostate called the Shadowspear. Destroy that book. I will deal with this."
The priest rips the parchment in half, and holding the pieces, reaches for a reed placed by a rack of candles under an icon of a saint, and lighting the reed from one of the candles, sets the parchment scraps ablaze, tossing them onto the flagstones,  where they burn to ash. He pulls a vial from a pocket, and pours holy water onto the ashes.



You each gain 1 CP.

"Father Robard, please accept this silver piece for the collection coffer.
I would ask for your blessing, for we are involved in a fight with an evil power, here in Northport. I am serving a pagan master, but I ask for prayers that we triumph over his enemies, for the greater good of Northport."
Iskander hands the silver to the priest.

Chou-Zhen digs in his pouch and retrieves a silver coin, offers it to Father Robard.

"Though I am not a believer in your tripartite god, I am no friend of demons.  Thank you for your assistance."

Iskander venerates the icons of the Son, The Theotokos, and Holy Michael.

"Iskander, are these the three who are your one god?"

Iskander finished his venerations, and turned to wizard.
"The Father,The Son, and the Holy Spirit are the three persons of God. The Theotokos, or "Mother of God" is Mary, She who is blessed among women, who bore the avatar of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Son of God."
Iskander nodded to the left, where Mary's icon was: A young, beautiful, but demure woman in modest clothes, with her hair covered, holding a child. Then towards Jesus's icon on the right: A man of about 30, with chestnut hair, and gentle brown eyes, sporting a beard. "The Father does not have an icon, because He is the original concept or mind. The Son is His word, and the Holy spirit, is His Power. Jesus, our lord is the head of the church, and we are the body of Christ. Holy Michael is Chief among the heavenly host of angels, and is the defender of our faith. When the angel Lucifer in heaven dared to rebel against our God, he and his followers were cast out of heaven. Michael was fighting with Lucifer, when he was cast down, and tried to pull Michael down with him, But Holy Michael was saved by God, and is destined to be the instrument of the devil's ultimate demise."
Iskander gestured with an open hand to Michael's icon: A handsome, copper skinned man, with long wavy hair, held back with a headband. He had feathered wings, wore armor, and brandished a sword, and held an orb, topped with a cross. His expression was resolute, but benevolent, with a slight smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:00, Tue 03 July 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 177):

"The only favorable thing I can say abouth the purple robes is that they are hunting the likes of them as may have writ that accursed scroll, for I heatr of many unho,y rites in this city. I appreciate that you, evven a Valdassyan, keep the true faith... as to your companion, it is said that Solomon swayed some of the djinn to the service of the lord, perhaps the same can be done with one su h as he."

In reply to Father Robard (msg # 178):

Meanwhile Ales has settled down with a scroll of what he assumes to be demons, but appears, despite the illustrations of multi armed and fierce looking beings surrounded by flames, to be a listing of holy beings, gods and their servants. One particularly fierce one is actually ripping the heads from demons and draining their blood, which apparently is a surefire way to keep them from respawning from the spilled blood. She is also depicted ripping the heart out of the chest of a horned humanoid with a barbed tail.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:27, Mon 16 July 2018.

"I serve the Omo, Sakemoko, former guildmaster and protector of the Sahudese community.  The Omo's enemies, however, number some demons among them, as well as Oni, and sons of Oni.  My fellows and I slew such a demon, called a dodomeki, just the other day.

"I am, however, nothing like a djinn.  Rather, my father is an Elder being, my mother a good Sahudese woman.  If I seem to serve your tripartite god, it is only because we share enemies."

"Indeed, Father Robard. Most of my people follow the false prophet Muhammad. But there are many also, who are part of the Body of Christ. We are Dhimmis, and pay the tax accordingly, but blessings have come to our house, and my father is a wealthy merchant prince. He knows where his bread is buttered, and so do I." Iskander crossed himself again.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:15, Fri 06 July 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 181):

"It behooves me to say that elder things are an abomination unto the natural order, although there are those that say they were part of the world when it was without form. Perhaps like the Djinn that served Solomon, you might come in time to serve the Lord."

"I have heard much worse.  We do not have a choice of our parents; we can only choose who we are."

"Thank you Father, Keep us in your prayers. I shall return for confession and to take communion, after we have finished our task. Until then, fins aviat!"
Iskander looked at the wizard.
"Shall we return, then?"

"Indeed, let us return to our Omo's palace and see what Ales, Chye, and Tanaka have done in our absence."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 185):

You return to find Ales in the library, Chye and Tanaka have not yet returned.

Ales is furiously coping down what he sees down in the scrolls, believing it to be valuable information.  He had a gut suspicion that with all of those things in the demonologist's shops, something sinister is underfoot.

(OOC: Can Ales roll against something to realize his mistake?)

"Ales -- slow down, you won't be able to read what you've written later.  Or at least, that happens when I try to write too quickly."  He glances over Ales's shoulder -- only the illustrations of Sahudese deities and immortals mean anything.  "Isn't that Cangjie, the four-eyed?  He and I don't get along well; he invented one of the forms of Sahudese writing."

"Ales, you missed all the fun. We've had quite the unusual day, so far. But, i'm used to that. Never a dull moment!"

18:29, Today: Iskander rolled 10 using 3d6.  intelligence analysis - 13.
Iskander correlates information he's saw, and heard and will take notes in the library. Later, he'll give a written report, from those notes, if there is time.

"I'm sure", Ales said with a respectful nod towards Iskander. "I had suspicions that our little apothecary was more than a mere apothecary when I saw the wares it was offering.  I don't know how exactly, but I think it is somehow connected with the dark arts."

Finally finished with his notes, he slowed and looked over his writings double-checking for grammar, punctuation, and neatness.  Then he made sure the drawings corresponded to the drawings from the scrolls.  "Chou, that is when we parted company. After making sure Sakemoko did not need me for some other task, I retired to the library to see if I could find anything that could yield any information about this shop and what kinds of activities might be underfoot.  These notes are the results of my research."

"You're not likely to find information about what lies in the streets, within a library...The purveyor seemed to know who I worked for though, and that he had a library. They no doubt wish discord about Northport in general, but they have inside knowledge, or they have been scrying the palace. They may even be colluding with the ninja. This is a security threat, and I will make mention of this, when I speak to the master."
01:26, Today: Iskander rolled 13 using 3d6+2.  writing - 11 (+1 for attentive, another +1 for taking his time).

Iskander makes a detailed written report, including his security fears. Upon completion, he will ask the majordomo if the master will see him, and receive it from him.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:05, Mon 16 July 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 192):

Ales suspects that at least one of these fierce beings is at least an enemy of demons; part of her description indicates that she began as a minor functionary and grew in power by consuming demonblood. What exactly that makes her, he is unsure. There is something in the notes about demon hearts, but it wasn't quirte clear.

"Maybe you are right, Iskander", Ales said.  "But if that store was a front for something far more sinister, I would have been defenseless against it.  You, too, for that matter.  I was hoping that if I could at least find something useful, I wouldn't feel like a giant pile of jelly."

"Well, the jig is up. We're aware of what they're at.. We should bring word to the Hadereum, and bring them down upon this purveyor. They are the proper authority, and our hands are full presently. I know they'd interested to hear about what we've discovered, as well."

"Indeed, the Hadereum should be made aware of this Faust and his vanishing shop, if they do not already know of him.  Doing something about someone who can move his storefront with a word or gesture, or at most a short ritual, might be another thing entirely."

"Well, since we know his name, and names are powerful, perhaps they can scry for him, and raid his place."

"Do you genuinely believe that he was using his own name?"

"If he were clever, he wouldn't. It's still a clue that might be a good lead."

In reply to Iskander (msg # 199):

There is an arrival at the gates...

Chye waves, grinning widely up at the gatehouse guards.
"Hoiiii! It's Chye, and Tanaka-san, and we have some men here to see Omo-sama."

Iskander hears Chye's bellowing outside.
"Hahaha.. That could only be Chye. Looks like the others have returned."

Tanaka looks between the men no he returned with and clears his throat.
"I'm going to go put.my armor on,
Northport has become far more dangerous than it was when I left. Rather be safe then sorry."
Tanaka strolls off towards his room and puts his armor on.

Chye goes ahead, and sends word that these are men we intercepted who were planning to join Zhuren Du Zui, who is working for the enemy.. And if they refuse, they must not be allowed to leave....
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:37, Thu 26 July 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 204):

You are summoned into the courtyard. For a change, the Omo is wearing his armor, instead of leaving it on its lacquered display rack. Xu looks at him earnestly, and Chong Wang tries to look a little sover. The the other ashigaru stand at rest, scrutinizing the larger number of household retainers who are armed. Many of the catfolk servants are wearing very simple dark garments with hoods.
"It is good that you have come here, instead of at your appointment by the docks.  I am Past Master Sakemoko, protector of the children of Sahud. The man who sought to employ you is a soulless beaurocrat who has ties to the purple robed servants of the underworld, and works directly for my rival Akira No Aku, who is the grandson of an Oni and consorts with demons and the Kusarimashita clan of ninja. If you would serve me, know that I am known to be both generous and severe in my judgement, and do so only if you would bring honor to this house."

Chye stood among the other retainers, feeling not a little pleased with his efforts. He hoped the men would join their house, and be loyal servants. Having sat and eaten and drank with them, he would hate to see them have to die, and even worse, would hate to have to kill them.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Sat 28 July 2018.

Eyeing the men Tanaka and Chye brought into the house, Chou-Zhen stands forth and speaks in his accented Sahudese.

"I speak to confirm the truth of the Omo's words.  Though I am, as you can see, not fully human, and was brought up outside the Sahudese community, he has accepted my loyalty, and I daily wear the life-saving evidence of his generosity."  He pauses, spreading his arms and turning to show his armor, the gift from Sakemoko.

"I have personally seen Akira Kumo No and can confirm that he has oni ancestry; I can also confirm, from personal experience, that he consorts with and employs demons and attempted to free a very angry oni from lawful imprisonment, which would have resulted in great destruction.

"To serve Akira Kumo No would be to serve the forces of disorder and destruction."

Iskander is present, but being a gaijin, he keeps silent as he has decided, this whole affair is very Sahudese. Nonetheless, he lends his presence to the collective air of force. Chye seemed to be quite an effective recruiter for the master, since he's appeared.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Fri 27 July 2018.

Tanaka rests an arm over his sheathed katana, assessing the situation. He assumes a position standing amongst his fellow Sahudese, next to Chye. He pulls his jingasa off, letting it hang from the straps around his neck. He leans toward chye and whispers to the man.
"I hope these men are wise enough to accept our invitation. Leaving won't be easy for them, should they decide not to. We surely can't let them return to whoever they call master after having been here."
He stands upright again, sizing the men up, mentally preparing himself should a problem arise. He then turns his attention to the walls around the courtyard, paying attention in case they were tailed here by ninja.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:27, Sat 28 July 2018.

"We make them an offer, they can't refuse.."
Chye whispered back. He was fully armored in his newly purchased, and polished armor of chain, and plated mail, and armed with bow and his polearm.

Ales, too, arrives to see Sakemoko in full armor.  He finds his place among his fellow adventurers, and decides to be quiet, sensing that it would be out of turn to speak since he was not Sahudese.  However, he listened intently, hoping he would not have to help fight the newcomers, though such a fight would likely be swift and end in their destruction.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 211):

"Esteemed Lord. My swords hunger for use, and I seek a position where my talents may be
recognized. It is hard for a son of Sahud to find purposeful work at the Adventurers Guild,
 and there have been only short term employment at best for Chong Wang and myself. This other,
 who I hear harsh  things of from your lips did not promise more than a few weeks work.
If I serve you well, can I make a name formyself? I wish to bring honor to my ancestors."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Wed 01 Aug 2018.

Tanaka looks to Chye out of the corner of his eye and nods slightly, happy that one defied death. Hopefully his friends would be wise enough as well.
"I think it wise that we approach them the way I was upon my arrival. We must remain careful of these men, even if they all join us. These have been troubling times," he whispers loud enough for his companions to hear him.

"Osu."

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 213):

"Ho. Is the food here any good? I follow my stomach."

In reply to Chung Wang (msg # 215):

Nyumbah Three Son squints at the three polearm wielding Ashigaru.
"I think I know them. not sure."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:32, Wed 01 Aug 2018.

In reply to Chung Wang (msg # 215):
Patting his armored belly, Chye looks over at Chung Wang, grinning, from across the courtyard.
"From one gourmand, to another, Chye says yes!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Wed 01 Aug 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 217):

"We wish gainful employment, and not with demons." Says the spokesman of the three. The other two nod vigorously.

Chye nods his approval, leaning on his polearm.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 219):

The Omo looks over the recruits.
"Be watchful as a crane. There will be fish looking to slip past you, the ninjas of the Kusarimashita clan, in service to Akira No Aku. He has been hiring mercenaries like yourselves, brothers in arms who have chosen poorly.
They are your brethren no longer, and can be shown no mercy if the attack this house."

"They'll regret the day they ever crossed you, m'lord."
Tanaka smiles and bows his head in respect.
"So, what are our orders Lord Sakemoko?"

Chye ceases leaning, and stands at attention.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 222):

"See to the gates and the walls."

He motions to Tanaka to come close.
"See that none of these new recruits are left alone."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Wed 22 Aug 2018.

Chye climbs up to the wall and unslings his bow, manning a section.

Chou-Zhen speaks two soft, complex words before following Chye to the top of the wall, choosing a section overlooking the main gates and sitting down to rest as soon as he has reached his place.

"If there were time, I would rush over to the Guild and see Spielgud about learning Flaming Missiles.  It would make your arrows more effective, Chye."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Wed 22 Aug 2018.

Chye's face showed obvious interest in the subject, and he hesitated a moment, considering, before replying: "Probably best not to use flaming arrows inside city proper. We nearly burn down Silver Jade Palace. Were water not close at hand, Chye not easily put out the fire in the bar." 23:55, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 10 using 3d6.  soldier ~ 13 (guard duty, +1 for attentive) = 14.
Chye readies his bow, and keeps a concentrated watch from his vantage point, on the wall.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:00, Thu 23 Aug 2018.

"Oh, agreed, burning down a large portion of the city would be undesirable.  I hadn't thought about misses."

Tanaka looks to the new recruits and assesses their usefulness.
"You recruits will follow me. We'll stand guard at the gate. I'd rather cross swords than lob arrows, when it comes to it. They will come knocking, the question is when," he says and then strokes his short beard. <Aqua>"That actually.gives me an idea for a haiku. I'll get to it when we get some down time."

11:30, Today: Iskander rolled 14 using 3d6.  soldier ~ 13 (set up defenses such as cauldrons of boiling water, and dropping stones at the walls).

11:29, Today: Iskander rolled 9 using 3d6.  leadership ~ 15 (rally a number of troops to carry out a plan).
Iskander manages to get some troops to help him prepare defenses, but finds that what he had in mind, wasn't exactly at hand..."Have we anything we can use to improve standing off an assault?" Iskander asked the quartermaster.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:05, Fri 24 Aug 2018.

"Alternate plan, Chye: I will stun them with small lightning bolts, and you shoot them when they stop moving.  I can keep casting the lesser ones for a long time and still have the energy for something big when it is needful."

OOC: I don't think these walls are boiling-oil class -- but then again, we probably don't have to worry much about trebuchets and ballistas.

"Osu." Nodded, Chye the sentinel.

Ales makes his way up to one of the sections of wall and watches for any approaching enemies.  He begins to chant, calling up a fireball into his hand.

(OOC: 16:50, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 11 using 3d6.  Fireball (14), to cast. Roll passes.)

Tanaka goes about barring and securing the gates with the recruits after barking a few commands in Sahudese.

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 233):

Numvah three sonsteps close to Chye.
"Something wrong, only two ashigaru where once were three."

"Good work. We find him, and what he doing. Maybe just draining the serpent..."
Chye replaces his bow, and takes up his polearm, leaning against the battlements, and descends into the grounds, and alerts Tanaka of the situation, as well.

Tanaka looks at the two ahsigaru, amazed that one could slip away so quickly. He feels a bit of shame at having allowed such a thing to happen. He nods to Chye, the shame evident on his face.
"Do you wish me to go find the man?
I will cut him down, should I have to.
He draws his katana with a flourish and pulls his jingasa over his head with the other hand.

"He may be up to sabotage, or worse! There are currently higher stakes, than one man's honor. Chye will help you."

Chou-Zhen looks down from the wall, then gestures before stepping off and floating down to the courtyard.

"The guards have enough eyes, I will join you in searching.  We should confine the other two while we search, so the infiltrator cannot confuse us by switching with one of them."

He makes a different gesture, and a crackling ball of energy appears in his left hand as he uncoils his whip with his right, its popper still glowing as bright as a torch.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 238):

Per rolls for all; search and observation
Are good if you have them

03:52, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 7 using 3d6.  perception ~ 12.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:53, Wed 29 Aug 2018.

22:38, Today: Tanaka Kojimaru rolled 8 using 3d6 ((1,1,6)).
Per - 12

Chou-Zhen, along with Chye, Iskander, Ales, and Tanaka, begins searching the house.

06:19, Today: Iskander rolled 11 using 3d6.  perception ~ 13.

Ales stays up high, using his vantage point to look for the missing recruit.

(Ooc: Rolled a 10 on Skill 13 Perception. Roll passes.)

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 244):

You quickly note the Naginata and Jingasa submerged in the koi pond, and his armor stashed by the bathhouse, near other clothing and armor stored by bathers. There is one person in the baths, but it is not him...

"Raise the alarm! There must be ninja, in the palace!!"
Chye, knowing this was no time for baths, or unattended arms and armor, feared the absolute worst.

"I agree. Nobody throws their gear into a pond, like that. I suspect foul play...but before we cause an uproar, perhaps we should investigate further..."
Iskander reasoned, peering into the pond.

"Let us go ask around, starting at the bathhouse."
Chye suggested, though in his face, it was plain he wanted to alert the palace.

"You ask around, Chye; I will go find the master and stand to protect him.  He is the most likely target for a ninja."

Chou-Zhen hurries off toward the audience chamber, where he last saw the Omo, whip in one hand and lightning ball in the other.

Yes!, raise the alarm, protect Omo-sama!
Chye turns to Number Three Son, and asks:
"You mentioned the ashigaru looked familiar, earlier. Can you recall anything?"

Iskander will begin inquiries about what others may have witnessed, leading up to this point, but first he examines the discarded gear, for possible clues, like blood, wet footprints, drag trails, etc.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 251):

The one eyed ashigaru confronts the other two. "Lao! Ming! Lay down your blades! Are you working with that one? Say now or I run you through!"

Chye, polearm readied, steps behind the two others.
"Do as he say, or you're both dead men! Your skulls shall be trophies for Omo-sama!"

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 253):

Ming and Lao lower their weapons,
"We don't know that guy. He met us in the tea house."
Ming turned to Lao,
"I thought his armor looked like Zhang's but he said his name was  Hēi'àn"

"Help us spot him, then. This is your chance to shine, to our Omo!."
Chye smiled assuredly.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Fri 31 Aug 2018.

"Lead the way, let's see what we can find.
Tanaka urges the recruits to lead the way, staying behind them as they move. He is ready to cut one down at a moments notice, should they act suspicious.

Chye follows, eager to find the rogue ashigaru.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 257):

Ming and Lao bervously take point, with Chye and Numbah Three Son behind them.


Meanwhile, Chou-Zen Mou arrives at the audience chamber eith the Omo.

Iskander looks around for Xu and Wang, to make sure they aren't engaging in any suspicious behavior, as he moves through the grounds.

Falling to his knees, arms swept back to show that, though his hands are not empty, they are not meant as a threat, Chou-Zhen addresses the master.

"Great Sakemoko-sama, one of the new recruits is missing; his weapons and armor were found in a koi pool.  Chye, Iskander, Ales, and Tanaka, along with Numba Three Son and the other ashigaru, are searching the house.  I came directly here to stand to your defense.

"If you have a place of special safety, I would suggest you go there immediately, and I will defend behind you."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 260):

The omo girds his armor, and pulls a jade vial from his sash.
"Bar the doors, the walls if this room are dressed stone and not Shoji panels despite the rice paper covering them. If our foe strikes me, be sure that the contents of this vial pass my lips, it is a sovereign antidote."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:19, Fri 07 Sept 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 259):

Islanders finds Xu and Wang by the front gate, Wang planted squarely behind the gate with both hands on his tetsubo, while
Xu paces and practices drawing his swords.

Satisfied, Iskander will locate the others, and help search for the rouge ashigaru.

19:23, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 5 using 3d6 ((1,3,1)). (13)
Chye takes command of the group, in a way to take some of the alienation off the ashigaru, and making them feel part of a unit, and get the cooperation of everyone at the same time.
"Take heart, brothers! Together, we find this rouge and take him alive, if we can manage it. Chye sure Omo-sama will would be most pleased!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Wed 19 Sept 2018.

Chou-Zhen hurries to bar the doors of Sakemoko's audience chamber, then accepts the jade vial and stores it in his potion belt.

"Have you some means to observe events outside this room, Omo?"

Ales continues to help look for threats from the rogue.  He carefully scans the area to see if there is a threat from the outside, or for any clue that will give away the ashinaguru.


(OOC: 20:41, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 12 using 3d6.  Perception (13)--- to look out for threats from the outside. Roll passes.)

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 266):

Ales (looking over the wall) sees a bit of a movement in the streets, the crowd is moving away from two separate intersections.

14:31, Today: Iskander rolled 12 using 3d6.  stealth ~ 16.

14:30, Today: Iskander rolled 12 using 3d6.  perception ~ 13.
Iskander stalked the grounds, vigilant for anything suspicious.

16:46, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 15 using 3d6.  soldier ~ 13 (spotting interlopers).
Chye didn't notice anything, as he led the group on a patrol, around the grounds outside the omo's exits.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 268):

Iskander notices faint movemebt in the kitchen...

Iskander steathily investigates the kitchen...

Chou-Zhen returns to the main door of the audience chamber, still carefully holding the lightning in his left hand.  He flips out his leather whip, and speaks a complex word, raising a cloud of sparks before one side of the door.  He snakes the whip to the side, repeats the word, and a second cloud springs up before the other half of the portal.

"I can maintain these spells as long as I remain conscious, and they will do little harm should one of the household stumble into the cloud, but they may stun anyone who enters them."

In reply to Iskander (msg # 271):

The lid of the rice pot slides off and rattles to the floor. Some other lids look askew, but you see no one.

Meanwhile, sparks fill the portals in the audience chamber.

(Well, this all has to be thrown out now... small price to pay, but the culprit is near...they won't escape!)Oo Iskander thought to himself as he readied his weapons, and zeroed in on any sounds of breathing, or shuffling..
19:02, Today: Iskander rolled 9 using 3d6.  perception ~ 13.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Sat 22 Sept 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 274):

Iskander hears a faint creak from above him... make a dodge roll!

16:34, Today: Iskander rolled 13 using 3d6.  dodge ~ 11 .
Damn it.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 276):

A pair of shuriken fly at him- one glances off harmlessly, but the other sticks in your shoulder-3pts cutting before DR and if anything gets through, make a HT roll.


Ales is in the kitchen, in the next room.

Chou-Zhen takes up a watch near the spark clouds, surveying the room for weaknesses.

"Omo, once again, I must suggest that if you have a place of safety, you retire there."

OOC: i need to remember my acrobatics rolls, for dodges! next time... but at least the star didn't get through my scale...
19:34, Today: Iskander rolled 10 using 3d6.  broadsword ~ 16: engaging hooked end of hooksword, to hook and snag my foe, and pull him down!
"Hark!!! Intruders!! Attend me!"
Iskander cried, as he swung at the ninja above him.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 279):

The ninja is in the rafters, 12 feet up, abd making his way toward the door

On hearing Iskander's shout, Chou-zhen redoubles his surveillance of the room, looking for any place where a sneaking assassin might enter unnoticed.  He holds the lightning in his left hand ready to release.

Hearing the scream of the man, he runs towards the source of the noise, katana drawn and held out to his right side. His armor jingles quietly as he runs. He slides to a stop outside the kitchen doors, hugging the wall and peering around the corner sneakily.

Chye begins charging towards the kitchens, a place he's well acquainted with, since his arrival. "Ashigaru, to Chye! Banzaiiiii!"

Ales scans the area again, moving to intercept any enemy troops.  He still holds his fireball at the ready, eager to unleash it on some ninja.


(OOC: 21:08, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 8 using 3d6.  Perception 13)

Iskander hears Chye's booming voice nearby, and cries: "The knave is in the rafters, and making a hasty exit!"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:05, Fri 28 Sept 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 285):

The ninja swings from one rafter and dives through the upper panel of a shoji wall; the lower portion of the wall has a wooden panel, the upper is only rice paper. The panel can be slid aside, or climbed over.

One eyed numbah three son and the other Naginata wielders fall in behind Chye, who finds Ales in the kitchen, and can see Iskander in the hall, where the light is somehow harsher... and then darker as the lights in the room on the other side of the half timber, half paper wall go out.

OOC: Does he emerge on the outside, where we are, and is this an outbuilding, or attached to the palace? we might be needin' a palatial map..
This message was last edited by the player at 09:45, Wed 03 Oct 2018.

Chou-Zhen, hearing the shouts and movement, looks up to see if the rafters will give the acrobatic assassin access to the throne room.  He paces around the room, seeking any weak point he might close.

OOC: it won't cos, the room y'all are in is stone, faced with the paneling and rice paper, on the outside. it would be funny to see him try, though.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:46, Wed 03 Oct 2018.

OOC:Son, Son, Son, Son of Sahud! Enemies to one and all! Ossssssssu!....watch out for that wall! *Gong*
This message was last edited by the player at 09:53, Wed 03 Oct 2018.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 291):

There are someones quarters on the other side of that wall.

The audience chamber (and the rooms above it in the central tower) and the outer walls are stone; the inner walls are a combination of wood and rice paper, and are frequently moved about to change their purpose. The library shares one wall with the audience chamber, the kitchen is adjacent to an outer wall, the ninja swung into a paper lined hall and then through the upper portion of the wall into someone's  chambers.

OOC: so we all have him trapped, then?
09:02, Today: Iskander rolled 9 using 3d6.  tactics ~ 13 (best way to move in for the kill, with everyone present.)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Fri 05 Oct 2018.

Tanaka comes around the corner, his katana held at the ready, and looks to iskander as if asking what the plan is.

"I caught this ninja, poisoning the rice pots, I'm sure. I doubt he just dropped in for lunch, so we should check our storerooms for signs of tampering, and increase the security." Iskander shook loose, the shuriken that had stuck in his scale and leather.
"We should all surround the place, and make sure there is no escape!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Sun 07 Oct 2018.

Chye seemed quite upset:
"All that good rice, wasted! Hey, you in there! You're in big trouble, buddy!"

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 296):

You have one side covered,  and can see around the corner to the side wall
Of the chamber; the door is over on the third side, and the fourth wall is shared with another chamnber.

Chye motions for the ashigaru to follow him and go round to cover the door.

Chou-Zhen continues to scan the room, lightning ready in his left hand, maintaining the spark clouds at the door.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 299):

There is a sound of paper flapping... per rolls please

Chou-Zhen's pacing and scanning continues.

05:25, Today: Iskander rolled 5 using 3d6 ((3,1,1)). perception ~ 13

10:48, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 8 using 3d6.  perception ~ 12.

Ales keeps careful watch for the interloper amongst them.  He remains ready to strike should the opportunity present itself.


(OOC: 19:28, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 12 using 3d6.  Perception (13). Roll passes.)

In reply to Iskander (msg # 302):

You heard something pass between two chambers,  as if they had slit the ricepaper between the rooms and climbed through!

Chye will open the door, to see where the tell-tale holes are, so he'll know just what direction, the bastard had run, and motions the ashigaru to move around the corner, in case they may catch him emerging, on the other side.

Iskander follows Chye.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 306):

The inital room entered was a corner room, one that only adjoins the room adjacent to it, opens to the outer hallway, and backs and sides another pair of hallways. The room was entered from the back, and since you have it surrounded before opening, the sound would have been to the adjacent chamber.

Which room are you going into, the first, or the second?

second

Ales decides to go in the first room, just to make sure there isn't a nasty ninja lurking there.

Tanaka stands in front of the door of the first room, his katana drawn. He shifts his grip to a firm, two handed styler and holds the blade vertically in front of him, focusing should anything happen.

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 311):

Per rolls for all three of you!

16:23, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 16 using 3d6.  perception ~ 12.

Iskander puts his hand on Chye's shoulder, and points:
"Chye, wait..."
16:24, Today: Iskander rolled 13 using 3d6.  perception ~ 13.

Per:  12
10:48, Today: Tanaka Kojimaru rolled 5 using 3d6 ((1,2,2)).

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 315):

Ales steps into the empthy room, that has holes in the rice paper of the upper back wall, and a square opening in the paper of the upper left wall.
A bed in some disarray lies between the two, with rumpled blankets.

Iskander, looking into the left hand room can see that a wall hanging below the hole in the right hand upper wall is slightly askew.


Tanaka, who has dealt with ninja before, knows that acting singly, they make no sound, leave no trace... except for the slight doubling of shadow behind Ales... the ninja is in the first room, standing on the lintel of the door above and behind Ales, who walked in without looking!

A small metal throwing knife flies downward, glancing off of tne mail  on Ales' back!

Iskander heads towards the sound of the knife clattering to the ground.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 317):

Ales is in the room, Tanaka blocking the door, Iskander stepping toward him,
Chye at the door to room 2, and Chou Zen is around the back way.

Chye follows, trusting Iskander's perception. "Stay here and watch, to make sure he can't come through here again!" Chye tells the ashigaru.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

(OOC: 07:25, Today: Ales Konstantin rolled 9 using 3d6.  Perception (13)--- to see where the knife came from. Roll passes.)

Ales hears the sound of the knife clink off his armor and realizes he is not alone.  He immediately stops and starts to scan the room looking for the roach of a ninja that probably threw it.

16:04, Today: Iskander rolled 12 using 3d6.  perception ~ 13.
Iskander traced the sound of the knife, to the room where Ales now stood. He looked upwards, sensing the ninja was right over Ales! He gestured to Chye, by pointing upwards over the entryway.

In reply to Iskander (msg # 321):

The Ninja responds to his discovery by tossing several smoke nagtatapos, filling the room with clouds of smoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Mon 29 Oct 2018.

OOC: need a map please, now that we spotted the ninja. with the smoke now, our players will know where the twists and turns are, though I haven't a clue, really. lol

"Quick, we need this smoke cleared, or we will lose too much time to our enemy.  Chou, can you conjure up a gust of wind to get it taken care of?"

OOC: Chou isn't with our gaggle. He's with the Omo, in his chambers, and has walled themselves in with a minor spark barrier, and he's got some lightning prepared. a sense emotion, or sense life spell would really come in handy, or a purify air spell.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Sat 27 Oct 2018.

(OOC: My mistake.)

Tanaka stays with the ashigaru, and has them surround the area, having the men spread out, to the adjacent rooms, ready to have at least one person to intercept the ninja, when he flees through the smoke. "keep him surrounded, he's bound to run into one of us, there's no where else left to run!"

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 327):

"Here!" calls numbah three son from around the corner.

Two of the other ashigaru  are down, with shuriken proruding from their throats. Numbah three points down the hall toward the sanctum/ audience chamber. He has a shuriken embedded in his armor.


Quick map
https://drive.google.com/file/...pBU/view?usp=drivesd
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Mon 29 Oct 2018.

Chye surges around the corner, weapon ready!

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 329):

The two wounded men twitch, and numbah three son is pointing down the hall toward the audience chamber.

"Can you help them? This shouldn't be their reward.. Chye and the others will follow!"

Iskander follows Chye down the hallway, weapons drawn.

The medical woman approaches from the direction of the library,toward the fallen men, and reaches for her kit. A shuriken flies toward her, and strikes her. She plucks it from her arm with a look of disdain, and tosses it aside like so much trash, and continues toward the twitching ashigaru,  and nods to Chye and Iskander as they pass.

"Domo, Lady!"
Chye dashes after the ninja, preparing to cross-check him with his polearm, if he can.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 334):

The ninja ducks down, limbo style, and flicks another smoke bomb in your direction. He is moving quickly, and heading toward the Omo's recieving chamber.

15:22, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 6 using 3d6.  acrobatics ~ 14
"Ha-Haa! Prepare to meet your ancestors!"
Chye leaps swiftly out of the projectiles way, as it tumbles behind him, and he hits the ground running!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:37, Wed 31 Oct 2018.

15:32, Today: Iskander rolled 10 using 3d6.  IQ roll to sense the magic cast ahead ~ 13.
15:31, Today: Iskander rolled 5 using 3d6.  acrobatics ~ 15.
"Ayup!" Iskander also leaps and somersaults away from the projectile. Landing on his feet, he senses the magical field ahead. "there's a magical ward of some type ahead, Chye! Omo, you've got company!!"

Tanaka sees the smoke billowing through the hallway, and runs through it, briefly holding his breath as he does so. He follows after the others, chasing down the ninja.

Ales casts sense danger and follows it like a beacon to the Ninja.

(Ooc: roll passes.)

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 339):

The ninja reaches the door, and is jolted by Chou-Zen's ward. Sparks fly about him and he twitches.

Chye, you get there first, the other three one second behind.

20:51, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 11 using 1d6+5.  thrust impale damage from charge with naginata!
20:49, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 13 using 3d6.  polearm ~ 15  charging thrust!
Chye thrust his polearm into the ninja's back, driving it deep, from the momentum of his charge! "Gyahhhhh!"

Iskander could barely see past Chye's bulk, but he could guess what had happened: The fool had run right into the barrier, and met his end upon Chye's polearm.
"Excelsior! Good work, Chye!"

Tanaka stops when he sees Iskander ahead, and Chye, though he could not see what was going on, past both men's bulk, very good. "Did we get him??"