Takeshi and Hiro-matsu, dirty from their travels, arrive in the capital.  After checking a few Inns, they walk into one and see Ayare, Totsu, and Arashi seated at a table having lunch.

Ayare looks tired and worn.  Totsu and Arashi look their normal selves and are dressed a little nicer than they were last time the group met.

The three wave the travelers over and look around for a place to greet, talk, and report.  Likely, they adjourn to Ayare's room after greeting each other.

Everyone can put themselves up to 3rd level.  If you need help, just let me know
This message was last updated by the player at 13:10, Fri 12 June 2020.

Takeshi greets his brother and friends with open arms.
After a drink, some comfort food, and some light conversation, we head to Ayare's room.

"It is good to see you all still alive, the buddha watches over us.
We made it to Signon temple and had audience with the leader, Kukai. They knew elements of the different clans "squabbling for temporal power", but did not know if the Kami are using the Buke, or the other way around.

Days later, while we awaited his summons, chaos broke out. Kami attacked Signon temple through a very large hole in the ground. It took some time but the Temple eventually fought them back. We learned that Kukai was taken to hell so he could not interfere with plans, he was not killed because if he were he could be brought back by a powerful Gakusho.

The temple was in disarray as there was no hierarchy of leadership. There is now a council of 5 in place, led by a shugenja by the name of Dakoto. They are organizing a rescue mission for Kukai.
Dakoto has asked..."
Since you are a student here, not a member of the monastery, you can do something I don't officially wish to.  You can go to the Chosokabe.  Approach them attempting to negotiate a rice/fish merchant agreement.  After negotiations start, let drop that you were hired by Singon for this agreement and see if they bite at the hook.

While I'm specifically looking to see if they are culpable in instigating the tensions between Shinto and Buddhist, I also simply want as much information as possible.  Who are their allies, what is their endgame.  I know they aren't going to just tell you, but talk to the samurai, to the guards off duty, to their peasants; see what people are talking about.  Also, pay attention to the comings and goings in their town.  Who are they taking meetings with?  Who seems to have authority in their towns?  Are they truly turning more Buddhist, or are they more martial?  Anything you can discover.  Then report back please.

"It seems they don't mind using us as bait."

Takeshi looks to Hiro who always seems to have some important piece of information that Takeshi forgets to keep track of..  "Did I miss anything Hiro?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Mon 19 Aug 2019.

IM

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: Just to be clear, that is not what he asked you to do. ]

Previous post updated to correct Dakoto and my agreement.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 2):

Besides being the leader of that temple can you think of any other reason why they would want Kukai?  Is there anything he is specifically good at that would threaten the kami or interfere with any of the other things we have encountered?


I will bring them up to speed on everything that happened to us (Making sure to include the fight, of course). I would not hold anything back so if you want to just share the thread I’m good with that.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 5):

"No Takeshi you have hit the main points. Totsu, Kukai was level headed and was not about to jump into an open conflict. Where as Dakota seems to be the opposite. This move appears to me to be forcing the Singon temple into action while simultaneously weakening them. I fear we too are being forced. We will have to choose a side soon I think. A conflict is coming it would be best if we had all the information before choosing."

In reply to Totsu (msg # 5):

Remember, Kukai was not just a master Buddhist Gakusho, he was also a master Shugenja. It opens the possibility for a change in this at Signon monastery. We would like to learn more about Dakoto and the other 4 members of this new board. Hopefully they can successfully recover Kukai but the task is monumental.



OOC: Paul and Ken did not have access to your thread Rich. Please have Totsu or Arashi summarize.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 7):

Arashi greets his companions and when alone with the party members he tells them his story.

"Basically we attained an audience with Jizai of the Michizane, Son of the Daimyo. I related much that we know about the weapon smuggling and pheasant training Shintos with the Michizane's samurai Hachimon's involvement and the suspicion that the Chosokabe are scheming to entice an attack to validate a war with the Michizane.  Jizai was notable concerned and asked that we work for him to further the investigation which I and Tot-su agreed to do.  The offer is extended to you three as well. Currently we are directed to wait for further instruction and to maintain silence on this issue."

"Tot-su, do you have anything to add or does anyone have any questions?"

In better news, Arashi is a business man now.

She looks over the men, realizing she's done very little to help so far, and tries to bend her brain to what is on the table.

This seems overly confusing.  Some of the Michizane are arming shinto, some are not, some Buddhist want war, some do not.  Some Chokosabe hate Michizane, some do not.  Some samurai win in bar brawls, some do not.

She tilts her head, as if something just occurred to her.  Have we met Kami who do not want war?  That would be the one constant.  Perhaps we should investigate that as well.

She starts pacing slowly.

<blue>I'm inclined to ignore all of this. I'm not certain we'd ever be able to untangle it.  But several of us wished to find a lord to serve when we set out.  Have any of us met one worth ingratiating ourselves with?  Are we still split between Singon and Michizane, or do the Chokosabe still bear looking into.?/blue>

Since she'd spent most of her time in backroom dives, it's unlikely she has any names to put forward.

In reply to Ayare (msg # 9):

Hiro sits with the rest of the group thinking for a bit and then says, "Chaos. It's the only uniting factor. Do we know who would benefit from such a thing? I can only think of a few situations where this much chaos would benefit anyone. A savior to come in and unite the island under his rule? Of course Ayare you make a good point maybe the Kami would benefit from such a thing. Does anyone know if war would allow Kami more direct access into our world? Maybe we should be trying to find an expert in Kami?"

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 8):

I would add that the Chosokabe are well aware that we provided this information to the Michizane because they were present at the briefing.
Not sure who that might get back to but it could put us on someone’s bad side.

Arashi and I got in a ballroom brawl that got pretty nasty when a Yakuza and his 2 Budoka bullies challenged us to a fight.
One of the Budoka caught Arashi in a vulnerable moment and broke his leg.  I gave the 3 of them a pounding and knocked them all out.

The Yakuza seems to have a huge hold on that town but I’m pretty sure we’re on acceptable terms with them based off our dealings with the head of the Yakuza in that town.  This is good because Arashi and I gave some money to Ayare to set up a business in that town.

If I think of anything else I will let you know.

In reply to Ayare (msg # 9):

In response to: Have we met Kami who do not want war?  That would be the one constant.  Perhaps we should investigate that as well.


"You know to be honest we have only met 1 Kami that wanted war. The ones that Totsu, Arashi and Takeshi met seemed more just interested in Humans. The ones involved in Singon seemed more to be obeying orders of protect the assault on Kukia. I'm not sure on the hierarchy of Kami so maybe that is expected behavior if they were taking orders from other Kami."

Hiro-matsu.  I'm not certain who would benefit from such chaos.  It never hurts the waku to have everyone else at war on this island but we've seen no direct connection.  The Chokosabe likely would benefit - if only because they seem the bottom of the totem and are not powerful enough to mix things up with a perfect design.  So chaos might provide them opportunities.  The Michizane were rumored to want to clean up the waku but have taken no actions that direction yet.  They might want the chaos to unite the Kami behind them as allies while removing people that might attack their flank (Buddhists and Chokosabe).

No.  I have no idea.

But, I am yakuza.  I do not have the same...constraints...on behavior that some of you do.  For me, the question isn't who is doing what.  The question is What do I want and who would I be willing to work with to get that.

I want a yakuza clan that fights for the people rather than is a parasite on them.  I can't do that without a samurai to partner with -or even serve if they get behind my vision.

So here's a list of the players we know.  Let's start with: Which of these are any of you dead set against allying with at this moment?  We can cull the list, see what's left, and then jump into a boat before all the oars are already manned.

Michizane
Chokosabe
Kami directly
Singon
Kukai
A yakuza boss that is a servant of the people.
Stay Ronin and form our own power group (hard road, but less hard since we are not on the mainland - but our goals would have to align)
The waku.

In reply to Ayare (msg # 13):

My service is to this group so unless you are going to split up my path will be whatever "boat" everyone attempts to get into.

In reply to Ayare (msg # 13):

"Currently, Iam committed to work for, but not serve, the Michizane.  I would like to investigate the mystery that we are in the middle of before committing to serve someone. So, for me, for now, Iam  Ronin."

"Are the rumors true regarding Sugawara no Michizane? (see world notes for these rumors) Is he trying to conquer the island? to remove yakuza and Waku? To assault Signon? If these rumors are true than I am not ready to sign up with the Michizane.

Brother, this Daimyo that you speak of, do you know if he supports an attack against Signon? Does he support Sugawara? Or perhaps he uses us to learn what their enemy is up to...

There are many questions, we still do not know the players involved and which side to fall on. If it is to stop a war than we should be supporting the Signon temple, they are the ones that were just attacked and have been weakened.

I think we need to find more answers with hopes that they send us in the same direction."

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 16):

Hiro Chuckles, "Maybe we should let Ayare pick, at least we would be prosperous. Let's be realistic, I would say after Singon, the waku are out for myself and Takeshi. We killed several of their notable leaders in that fight." Hiro gives a side glance to Totsu while saying it.

*Kukia is out as we already decided we would not be enough to save him. The rest are still all maybe's although from what I know of Arashi-san serving the Yakuza boss would probably not work out well.

The one thing we do agree on is finding out more of what is going on. Since I know no Kami to ask, we've talked to Michizane and Singon. That leaves us going to the Chokosabe and see what they know."

Singon worries me a bit.  You say Kukai was the voice of reason, and now the monestary is run by someone with an axe to grind?  Supporting Kukai is one thing.  Supporting the temple regardless of their politics is another.

But, I'm a realist as well.  I'm no fan of sticking my head in a noose for honor's sake.  Whether it's Michizane or the Waku.

Arashi.  Would Jizai be cool with us working with Yojoba or something to investigate the Chokasabe?

In reply to Ayare (msg # 18):

"I do not know, but I have been musing the same thing.  If we have a quorum in agreement, Then why don't we reach out to Jizai-sama and find out?  I also want to know if the Daimyo himself has been informed of the Chosokabe conspiracy as of yet. Does any one have any other leads in this investigation? And do any of you want to work for the Michizane?"

Takeshi's mind keeps reassembling the information that the group possesses but gets frustrated as there is not enough to work with yet. He knows it will take some time, maybe even years, to understand all the intricacies of the politics involved.

Meanwhile, Takeshi leans heavily toward support of Singon temple. It has been his home for years. His teachers of Shugendo are there. His teachers of buddhist religion are there. His friends are there. And now an attack on it by the Kami... it all strengthens his allegience to them.

Arashi looks for an honorable lord which he may well have found in Jizai-sama of the Michizane... and son of the Daimyo no less, a very big opportunity if Arashi can impress him and join them. But they are Shinto and possibly behind the attack on Singon in the first place. Were they behind it? Did they want the temple to raise arms to give the Michizane an excuse to destroy them? If they were to find an honorable lord that supported the Singon temple it might give a direction for most, if not all of the group. Can that lord be found in the Chosokabe? Takeshi sets his mind to that end. It could be the direction we lack and is already being discussed as a direction to investigate.

"I would agree that a strong course of action would be to discuss these matters with the Chosokabe and understand their motivations. It is a stone to turn over that may reveal either bugs or perhaps a treasure.

Dakoto, the top leader now at Singon, has offered this as a possible direction. 'You can go to the Chosokabe.  Approach them attempting to negotiate a rice/fish merchant agreement.  After negotiations start, let drop that you were hired by Singon for this agreement and see if they bite at the hook.' perhaps this is our path?"

Ayare looks, for several long moments, as though something is percolating in her head.

I, for one, do not wish to wait for all the information.  We improvise.  We adapt as we learn.  We make mistakes, we make gains.  Life is nothing more than a giant dicing table.

I vote we combine several elements here while adding the most important element - shaking the tree to see what falls out.

Let's make everyone understand we are investigating whom started this and who is arming for war and see who comes after us.

Let's go to the Michizane, tell them we will aid them in getting through these mirrors and smoke, and that our true goal is, like Jizai said, to avoid war on the island that his noble family is protecting.  That we serve his interests, but, so sorry, the interests of peace more (pretty that up, I'm no diplomat).

Singon has already given specific instructions of what they wish.  Send them reports that make it clear we are not just doing what they said, but sounding out the Chokosabe's religious beliefs and trying to uncover wrongdoing on their part (rather than simply seeing if they are interested in treating with Singon, as their request seems to imply.

Go to Yojoba and let slip the same intent - that we aim, like a bowel raker, at the instigators rather than get caught up in religious tendrils.  Be they religious, Michizane, Waku, Yakuza, or whatever it is.

I will go let rumors drop among the yakuza with the same intent and see if they try to strong-arm me.  Perhaps Hiro-matsu, you would be so kind as to accompany at a distance?

And any other potential players, we could do the same.

Take it even a step farther and imply that we have found out some critical information that just needs verification before exposure.  Paint nice big targets on us.

Then, prepare to be ambushed and fetter of truth the ambushers.

This is dangerous, but effective.
I like it.
Shall we start with the Michizane?

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 22):

Forcing the hand is an effective move. I am in.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 23):

I like Ayare’s plan.
Bring them on and let’s beat the truth out of them

I think we need to learn more about what is going on and the people we are dealing with before pledging any allegiance to anyone.
Right now I definitely don’t trust any kami.
Not crazy about any religion/person  that wants to limit what I can believe or that I should attack someone else just because they do not have the same beliefs.
If I were to pledge my allegiance to someone I would want it to be someone who has the best interest in all the people and not just making things better for themselves or the select few.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 24):

"It looks like we have a Quorum in agreement. So, when we have a chance to, we will talk with Jizai of the Michizane and Yojoba of the Chosokabe  and express our desire to continue investigating the Kami mystery to get at the truth of the matter.  Perhaps we can accompany Yojoba to the Chosokabe clan and see what we discover there? "

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 25):

I would prefer to talk to Jizai first when the Chosokabe are not around.   He may have more information that he did not want to reveal in front of Yojoba.

(Let me know who goes to seek out Jizai)

Jizai, for the rest of the day, is occupied in the city at his family estate.  The group is asked to come back the next day.

In the morning of the next day, to the groups surprise, Jizai is having breakfast with another samurai at their Inn when they come down to breakfast.

He sits as if he owns the building, and when he sees anyone from the group (including Arashi and Takeshi), he waves them over brusquely.  (So whom comes down first sits alone with him and the last to show might miss something).

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 27):


Takeshi comes down for breakfast first. However, he has never met Jizai or the samurai and takes little notice of them. He ends up sitting at another table while he awaits his cohorts.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 27):

Totsu will come down and will go over to them if he is waived over.

When his wave is ignored, Jizai sends his samurai over to Takeshi to summon him over before anyone else comes down the stairs.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 30):

Arashi comes down around the same time as Takeshi and goes over to Jizai to converse.

Takeshi will give a deep bow to both men and introduce himself. He then sits next to Arashi, though set back a bit as due his lack of station.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 32):

Hiro will come down and see everyone over by a strange samurai. he will walk over and stand behind Takeshi unless directed to sit.

Jizai, not standing much on ceremony, quickly introduces himself as the group comes downstairs and provides them a place to sit as his table.

He calls the waitress over and has food and drink brought to the table for people to break their fasts.  He, himself, does likewise.

After pleasantries, he looks at Takeshi and Hiro-matsu for a moment, and then turns to Arashi and says, Yesterday was a rather busy day Arashi-san.  I apologize for not being able to see you.

I see you're companions have returned from Singon Monastery.  That is good.  I've heard troubling things these last 24 hours.  One was about an attack there.  I am glad to see your companions have weathered that battle.

Is it that you wished to see me yesterday to report about this attack?  If so, that was very good of you.  I would like to hear, first-hand, about what happened and the aftermath from those whom were there.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 34):

"Jisai-san allow me to introduce my brother Takeshi Oshiro and our travailing companion Hiro-matsu. They can share what they discovered during their visit with the Signon Monastery."

Takeshi thinks for a moment... He and Hiro left not long after the attack and the mountain was "shut down" from anybody getting in or out. This leaves Takeshi wondering if Jisai may have had a spy there or that he was involved in the plot. If only Takeshi were of higher rank he would be able to be a bit more blunt in his social tactics. As it is he cannot think of a way to directly ask Jisai how he found the information already.

Knowing that less is more, Takeshi tries to limit the information that he gives to what Jisai could find out from others rather easily.

News travels quickly Jisai-sama, you have a good network.
Yes, we were present during the attack. It seems that Kami hired Waku to help them with a focused attack to take out Sensei Kukai. They were successful and Signon monastery is at a great loss. A council has taken over, the leader of which is Dakoto-san. The mountain is now shut down until they figure out what has happened.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 36):

Totsu shows definite signs of interest when the battle is brought up.

Note to myself to find out all the details of the battle and who were these notable people they killed.

Waku.  A bold move, to ally themselves Waku.  That can only mean they wish the status quo on this island.  As the waku do.

You say they were after Brother Kukai and were successful.  That is unfortunate.  He was our hope in many ways.

Shaking his head to clear the thought, he looks back and does not interrogate you about the battle itself.

Closing up the monastery is a mistake, so sorry.  Whomever did this has now also stolen their mobility and given them more than just martial ways to combat them if they choose.  The leave themselves open to political and economic warfare as well this way.  Foolish.

He looks to ask a question or two, but closes his mouth.  He is well aware that Takeshi is a trained mage and as such, must be competent at remembering details of the battle.  If he chooses not to share them, Jizai will find out why, before pressing the issue.  He does, however, need verification of some information.

He turns to Hiro-matsu, oddly.

Tell me, Hiro-matsu, I had heard they captured Brother Kukai, not that he had died.  Do you know which is correct?

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 38):

"I do not, but I will take the enemy at their word. They have imprisoned Kukai. It is possible that he will be rescued, but I would have to make many assumptions to say with any certainty that he would or even could be. Even if he could be rescued there may be issues of recovery before he would be allowed to resume leadership."

Hiro says the recovery as if it were not going to be optional.

Finally Hiro shrugs, "There are a lot of pieces in play and I really do not know any of the players well enough to guess."

"While I sympathize with Takeshi, I do not believe the Singon he was trained at exists any longer. We shall have to see what this new Singon is."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Tue 03 Sept 2019.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 37):

Hiro will tell Totsu in a side conversation that Takeshi killed Oso Imachi, Slayer of mages and Hiro subdued and captured, Yosho! King of the Seven Waves and Emperor of all the Oceans of the World. He will not give details on Takeshi's fight only saying that if Takeshi wishes you to know it he will tell you.

As far as the Yosho fight, Hiro makes it sound as if he just took out the garbage. No big deal. Couple of throws and a choke out, the Waku had no real chance against him.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 40):

What class was Yosho?  Mage?
I try to get the details of the fight.
I let Hiro know that I’m trying to learn what to expect in combat from different classes and get a good gage of what to expect from our own group members so we can make our best plan of attack when our group gets in a fight.

I will also mention that I will definitely be looking to improve my Jujutsu as soon as we get a break to do some training. It came into play in my barroom fight and it would have been nice if it was better.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Tue 03 Sept 2019.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 40):

I pull Takeshi aside and let him know I’d like to go over the details of his fight with Oso Imachi.
Same reasons I gave Hiro.  I’d like to learn from their battles what to expect from opponents they have faced as well as learn what to expect from our fellow group members on what to expect from them so we can come up with battle plans in the future.
If he wishes to keep the details secret from others outside our group I will do so but I think it would be best if we are aware of what the others in our group are capable of and what to expect if we get into a battle.

The samurai nods.  No confirmation either way.  Things could be worse.

So.  Gentlemen.

I must ask, as this point:

Do you have allegiance to another entity right now?  The the stakes involved, I am not comfortable proceeding without a contract between us.  Arashi has, with no gain, provided me with a great deal to think about.  I am thankful for that.  Thankful enough to employ you.

But those who work for me, work for me exclusively.

If you can, we will discuss terms.  If not, I would thank you heartily for your information and give you some small token of appreciation as you go to your other business.

To Totsu: "not now Totsu. It is considered rude to have side discussions."

To Jizai: "Jizai-san, my allegience is to my brother, to the gathering of information, and to peace. Ignorance currently impedes my ability to take a more specific course at this crossing of time. If it is peace that you also seek than we have the same goal and have an allegience. Information can be shared and we can further that end."

Takeshi leaves an opening for Jizai, awaiting a response

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 44):

Bowing to Jizai, Not to speak out of turn but we are all in allegiance with Arashi-san here.

Looking at Arashi, If you know your heart here, feel free to speak it and know we are at your call. If you wish to consult first we would all be glad to give you our opinions so you can make the decision that best suits your will.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Wed 04 Sept 2019.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 44):

OOC. I didn’t mean now in the middle of this meeting.   I will do it after the meeting. Same with Hiro’s discussion
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Thu 05 Sept 2019.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 43):

Jizai-san, just to be clear are you proposing a lifetime permanent exclusive contract or are you proposing an exclusive contract for this specific investigation?

In reply to Totsu (msg # 47):


Arashi respectfully speaks to Jizai-san.

"Jizai-san, I have agreed to work for the Michizane by continuing the investigation to determine whom is behind this conspiracy.  I follow the code of Bushido and Nipponese religious traditions of Shintoism and Buddhism. I would honorable follow a lord that embodied the character of these traditions.  I believe the Daimyo of the Michizane to be of this quality.  My companions and I are of one mind; that we need to find the instigators of this conflict that has resulted in the Signon Monastery being attacked.  Toward that end we will work for the Michizane to find the truth and in doing so, prove our worth to the Michizane, and verify our high esteem of the Michizane.  For I would be a fully committed servant to a Lord that is of such an honorable character.
Toward that end, Has the Daimyo been informed of all that we know?  And, does anyone here have any fresh leads in this investigation?"

Jizai curtly nods affirmative, accepting Arashi's words as truth.

This island, more than the mainland even, has a large portion of the ronin fallen on tough times ease away from Bushido.  It is unfortunate.  With most of this island run by yakuza or waku, it is understandable but still unfortunate.  It does my heart good to meet men like you five.  That Bushido can be the path for all castes and make a good life for all men.

He looks at a couple of the servants in the room and dismisses them.

To answer you question, yes, my father has been appraised of the situation.  He did not seem surprised, although, to be honest, he never does.  I have known him all my life and still don't know how much of that is just a stone face.

I will say, although you did not ask, that it is unlikely to find employment with my father.  He is, ah, traditional.  He sees the world as black and white and a Ronin is not a Samurai.  He accepts samurai into his service.

However.  I like to think that some of the best men come from hard times.  I am looking forward to working with you.  And if the number of head I am allowed to sustain increases, perhaps we will respect each other, after this, to wish a more powerful connection.

He sits back and takes a breath.  He was clearly not used to speaking in such a way.  The impression left to the perceptive (Hiro/Takeshi) is that he has just started walking out from under his fathers shadow and while confident, is also inexperienced at such tasks.

On to our investigation.

Clearly, we do not have enough information.  Some Michizane seem implicated, some Chokosabe, some Buddhists, some Shinto, but not all.

Like me going to my father, I do not believe Yojoba going to his father will yield much information.  It is more likely to simply tip off what we know to them.  I have decided not to allow him to go discuss matters with him.

Instead, I wish you, with Yojoba, to go to the witch Cawti.  I have a guide who can bring you there.  She does, for a price, divinations.  Now, I know Shinto and Buddhists can do divinations.  But their information comes from spirits.  If spirits have a stake in these goings on, I am not inclined to utilize them.

He pulls a small scroll from his sleeve and hands it to Arashi.

Arashi-san.  Could you and your team secretly go to Cawti, give her this scroll, pay her price (I will give you gold), and return with her response?  The mountains are dangerous, but from I have heard of your team, nothing you cannot handle.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 49):

"Hai, Jizai-san, we will do as you ask."

Takeshi hears Jizai-sans words and becomes hopeful. This man could be the Lord we want to serve.

A small smile briefly flashes across Takeshi's face. He is ready to meet this witch but has concerns as to what kind of person she is... If she doesn't deal in spirits she must be shugenja????  His interest is peaked, where do her divinations come from?

Takeshi waits for his brother to conclude business and start our next path.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 51):

Totsu thinks to himself
This Jizai seems to be straightforward, honest honorable man. I was expecting more of a politician. This is a pleasant surprise. I hope he is just not a great actor fooling me. I will check with the others later to see if they detected anything that was not as it appeared to me.

Excellent.

He hands out the scroll to Arashi.  It is sealed.

He claps his hand and a man comes into the room immediately.  He looks peasant class, although his drab garb is of the highest quality material.  It is simply made to look poor.

Jizai nods to Arashi and the peasant presents him with two strings of gold in a plain cloth belt pouch.

Yojoba is waiting at his home.  Tuskki will guide you.  He was willing to go to Cawti alone but I'm sure will be glad for both the company and security of traveling with comrades.  Jizai makes no attempt to make that sound like the truth.

Let me know any actions before going to Yojoba's.  Ayare will ask for a half hour, at least, before meeting the samurai to 'tie up some loose ends'.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 53):

Totsu will look to talk in private to Hiro and Takeshi away from others about the combat they had.
See the earlier post for questions and reasons he wanted to talk to them

OOC: Takeshi brought Totsu up to speed on the events at the temple.
Arashi and I have also taken care of a couple purchases and are now ready to Yojoba's house when the rest of the group has concluded any business.

Yojoba does not bring the group members into his home, as would be expected, when they arrive.

Instead, they are brought refreshments outside and told that the Lord is already ready to travel and be with them shortly to head out.

Apparently, 'ready' is a relative term.  After 30 minutes, Yojoba, on his horse, comes out of a side entrance of the house.

He looks at the group, noting none of them are Jizai's men, none are samurai, and most aren't even Buke, and nods to Arashi curtly.

Tell your servants that I will lead this expedition and they are to do exactly what I say, when I say.

He turns his horse, as if that were a foregone conclusion, and starts it walking down the road.

He is in heavy samurai armor, a naginata is hooked to his horse.  He wears diasho and daikyu.  His horse looks well supplied and his tack and equipment are spotless.

As is proper, Takeshi does not make eye contact with the samurai and bows low as is his station.

Takeshi realizes that he has purchase a riding horse for himself but it would not be appropriate for himself to ride while Totsu and Arashi were walking.
Neither does he believe that the group members would want to take his horse as it is a riding horse, not a war horse. In fact, he has seen neither of them ride and is not sure they can. Offering it to them and possibly forcing them to decline could bring dishonor to them.

After Yojoba turns his horse Takeshi inconspicuously offers the reins of his horse to Arashi then Totsu if they wish to ride.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 57):

Arashi considers the situation his party finds himself in.  This Yojoba of the Chosokabe appeared to be sincere in his profession of innocence but maybe he is just a good kabuki player.  We will have to be wise as a serpent while appearing harmless as a dove to let this trap be sprung.

Arashi bows respectfully to Yojoba-san and says, "Yojoba-san, Hai, You lead and we will follow."

We will follow until its time to not follow, that is...

As the group winds its way out of town, Yojoba seems to ignore the world around him.  His horse slowly steps down the street, and the samurai does not even notice if people are slow to get out of his way - which they are not.

There are guards at the exit to town, which he stops for and presents his papers to them.  This is usually only done in war-time, and usually only for Samurai.  It is a mild surprise that both he offered before he was asked, and that he had the papers in the first place.  Either the Michizane have made some changes, or Yojoba himself is required to be tracked at all times.

Your group was not given papers although your names might be on Yojoba's.

The papers are reviews, the chop verified, and your group is passed through.

As the town gets smaller behind you, Yojoba finally speaks again.

Arashi.  Tell me.  You bring several peasants.  Of what use are they so that I know what to expect from them for the mission success or if attacked.

It is possible he doesn't know Totsu is Ronin, but unlikely.  This would be a dig on him.

In reply to Yojoba Chosokabe (msg # 59):

"Yojoba-san, that is very wise to know the capabilities of your traveling companions.  I can tell you that Tot-su-san is a badoka of exceptional skill.  Hiro-matsu is a superior scout and, well, Takeshi is my younger half brother. He handles my finances and you would be had pressed to find a better drinking companion. But here, let Totsu-san regale you with a tale of his martial prowess, so you have a clear understanding of his abilities; he is Bushi after all."

Takeshi, with his gaze low to avoid any conflict with Yojoba, thinks back to the battle between Totsu and the flying pig Kami and a smile crosses his face.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 60):

If Yojoba shows genuine interest I will give a detailed blow by blow detail of the fight. As soon as he shows signs of not being interested I would quickly break the fight into using jujitsu to counterattack and hold off a Yakuza who is very skilled in jujitsu until he finally got a grip on my arm then a used Atemi Waza to knock him out then proceeded to fight 2 Budoka at the same time using Atemi Waza until both of them were unconscious.

If he seems interested in the fight and the details after I finish I would ask if he could honor us with some of his battles.

I try to remember if I have heard at all of this man or any mention of his involvement in any battles.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 62):

Just as a note Hiro keeps his head down and says very little unless asked. He will not play at night stops unless requested. Always stating that he is sure his skills are not suitable for someone and important as Yojoba-san.

If pressed about his skills he will state he has some meager skill in jujutso and has trained with the Singon monks.

Yojoba listens to both Arashi and then Totsu with very little reaction.  He does not show impatience but neither is he engaged.

Once the account is done, he says, Arashi.  Am I to understand, by this description of your groups skills, that you are Buke who've become excellent at alley fighting with thieves?

He opens his mouth to say more, but closes it again.  His face is a cross between judgement and amazement.

Let's move.  He turns his horse back down the road and lets walk at a walkers clip.

He is not likely to be a good traveling companion.

The witch lives 'off the beaten path' you might say.  Quickly after leaving the city, the group is forced up into deer trails in the hillside.  Shortly after that, they start making a climb up into some mountains via a rangers pass (a treacherous, switchback trail which often has sheer drops to one side.  It is at this point that Yojoba leads his horse rather than riding it.  He also moves a certain portion of his supplied to his own backpack rather than the saddle bags.

A fair bit of your travel will be along such routes.  Are there any precautions the group makes due to it?

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 65):

I request to Takeshi (quietly hoping Yojoba doesn’t hear) if I can use his horse to carry some of my supplies to lighten my load so I am free to not be hindered while traveling and will be ready to fight without having to drop any weight.

Assuming he says ok I secure a Furoslki sack to his horse.

OOC:  I hope we get attacked and they kill this a hole we are traveling with.

As far as Totsu is concerned this guy is still considered the enemy until proven otherwise.  I’m totally suspicious of him and if he makes any moves for a weapon I will make sure he does attack anyone in our group or I will kill him.

Takeshi bows to Totsu's request and begins helping load his horse but finds it odd that Totsu is doing just the opposite of Yojoba. Realizing a heavy load on the side saddle of a horse may make the horse fall off the cliff, and thinking Yojoba is the more experienced horseman, Takeshi helps Totsu by taking the light bulky items that can be positioned on the center of the horse and attempts to get most of the items back on Totsu's back.


"Please allow me Totsu-san..." Takeshi begins taking items from Totsu and begins placing them on the horse. He turns Totsu around to remove items from him and starts placing items on and off to accomplish his final goal of little being added to his horse.


06:40, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 8 using 1d20.  Will/Dft BCS 9 to move things back onto Totsu without him realizing it.



Takeshi takes no other precautions.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 67):

Hiro snickers a little at Totsu and Takeashi playing a game of who is the pack horse. It helped relieve the tensions that Yojoba-san was adding to the mix. Working with Samurai could be infuriating. They believed they were superior and therefor nothing would dare attack them, and if something was dumb enough to attack they would just squash it.

Hiro tried to focus on what he could do here. Yojoba-san had really already set the plan. He will stand there as a target and anything foolish enough to attack he would crush. It wasn't that bad a plan only the truly desperate would choose to go after a well armed party.

Still, Hiro did not need to take the switchback trail. He could climb as easily as walk. Where it makes sense Hiro will climb straight up the mountain side to get head of the party. Where the path is obviously going one way and it would be faster for him to climb. He will be on look out for good ambush spots or where people could drop rocks and such down on the people below. He will try to not get so far ahead he can no longer see the party but will keep going as longs as the path goes up.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 66):

"Yojoba-san, perhaps we should direct Hiro-matsu to scout ahead for any dangers and report back if he finds anything?"

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 67):

I hand Takeshi the sack ( contains basically about 6 pounds of clothes and a few arrows I cannot fit into my quiver) he can pack it however he wants. If he tries to give any of it back he will receive a confused and not happy look from Totsu.

The slowest member, Takeshi, sets the pace.  Yojoba seems to have no issues with not being able to move faster.  After moving too fast once or twice as the lead, he settles into a pace that works for the entire group.

Hiro-matsu is not often seen as he bushwhacks over the mountains.  Despite the difficult terrain, he seems to have no problem keeping ahead of the group and scouting a bit.

Hiro, you find many good ambush sites as your group travels.  This trail almost seems carved in the mountain specifically to create them.  Luckily, so far, you've found no ambushers.

Every once in awhile, Yojoba takes out a maps and studies it as the group travels.  This is odd, since you are on a single trail, on horse wide, and there have been no branches as you travel up into the mountains.  There is, seemingly, only one way to go.

After a day of difficult travel, the group finds a small overhang (not quite a cave but enough to keep everyone dry if it rains, and far enough away from the cliff edge to be safe).

Yojoba chose the place and begins making a place to sleep for himself closest to the trail.

Arashi, have your servants make a fire there, he points, and I want Totsu sleeping there, you sleeping here, and your servants sleeping in the back.

We will take watches, one person on watch only.  First is myself, then you Arashi, then Totsu, and lastly Takeshi.  I do not want Hiro taking a watch.

With that, he pulls some dried food out and sets it by where he said the fire should be, apparently expecting someone to cook it.

In reply to Yojoba Chosokabe (msg # 71):

Hiro will go search for firewood unless someone brought some or Yojoba tells him to stay close. He will not attempt any cooking though.

Though never being of prominent physical prowess I have little concern about slowing down the group as I do not know of an urgent timetable. I do my best to keep a decent pace and am glad for rest when the group stops.

Yojoba is a typical Samurai, that is his lot in life and I do not yet hold it against him. His history and viewpoints are unknown to us but it is not my place to approach him, I will listen if our bushi open any discussion and perhaps make comment if appropriate.

Meanwhile Yojoba's direction for me to take a watch is met with a low bow. I did not expect the honor of such a task.

Hiro takes off looking for fire wood and I fear the dinner for the group must fall to me as I am the "dead weight" when looked at from the outside. It would be expected that I perform such tasks.

I try to help Hiro start the fire and begin food preparations. I look at the food Yojoba has laid out along with the others in the group can provide. Amazingly, the ingredients before me exactly match that of a meal my mother used to prepare for Arashi and myself when we were younger. It is a type of Nabemono (stew) called Imoni and is heavy with vegetables and potatoes. While I have no skill in the art I believe the meal tastes appropriate and offer it to Yojoba first.



07:46, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 4 using 1d20.  Cook BCS:?

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 73):

Arashi nods in accent as much to Yojoba as to the rest of the party as he prepares his sleeping roll in the proscribed location.

"As you say Yojoba-san, May I ask, whom do you suspect of fomenting this conflict between the Buddhists and Shintos and their respective patrons?"

Yojoba sees to his horse first, and then lays out his own bedroll and sits to wait for dinner.

As Arashi does the same and opens conversation with the man, Yojoba does not ignore him.  It looks like he considers it for a moment, but then grows thoughtful.

Arashi-san, I do not know - I have only guesses.

I understand that, from what you'd reported, evidence points to my clan.  And, as the world knows, the mechanization's of the Buke certainly do not put that, or anything, out of the realm of possibility.

However, I have inside information.  I am a highly placed samurai of the Chosokabe clan.  I have been brought in on many many ideas and goals of the clan over the years.  Integral to all of them, you might say.  The idea that something so large and far reaching could be implemented without me, much less without me knowing, seems highly dubious.

Of course, you can have no such perspective.  But this is one of the many reasons, and there are many, I do not lay this at my fathers doorstep.  I suspect this is why Jizai-san does not either.

He looks at you, then at the others, and continues for a moment.

Were I in charge of the investigation, I would target the Kami themselves.  I am Buddhist, so that may cast doubt on my intentions - especially when evidence points to my clan being involved.  But it seems to me that what we see here is more Chaos than an organized strike.  Kami do not organize, do not get along, and do not fight wars.  However, they have likely seen themselves shoved aside on the mainland and wish to resist it here.

I have noticed that you, and my resources, have no reports of the Waku being involved.  If I lead a disorganized band of chaos, it would not be a bad tactic to send them to simply cause disorientation and strife among what I saw as enemies, while supporting what I saw of allies.  And, of course, I would take my strongest and strike early at my largest concern.  Which, clearly, would be Kukai.

If we want to find a man in charge of this, I think we will look forever.  Men are being used as tools in this from what I see.  No.  The Kami feel threatened with extiniction and are going to claim this island for themselves.  Exclusively.  That means anyone who is Buddhist is a target for them.

But, as I said, this is my gut impression with no evidence.  I will search for evidence after this mission is complete.

Having said his fill and shared his thoughts, he looks to your group again.  If you remove the possibility that my clan is directly responsible, what are your thoughts?

In reply to Yojoba Chosokabe (msg # 71):

I am suspicious of everything Yojoba does. Why does he keep looking at this map?  The first thing that comes to my mind is that he has some prearranged spot he is supposed to be at by a certain time.

Why only one on a watch?  Less likely to spot an attack coming?

Why does he not want Hiro to take a watch?  Hiro is most likely to see the attack coming or best prepared to handle the type of attack coming?

I wonder if the attack will occur on Yojoba watch?  He would still have on his armor while the rest of us would not and would presumably be sleeping.   If he wants to appear he is not part of the planned attack he might have them do it on Takeshi watch so that Arashi and myself would not be wearing armor?

I think to myself. What would be a good excuse to wake Hiro in the middle of the night to have him go look around?

In reply to Yojoba Chosokabe (msg # 75):

I do not offer up any possibilities. If he specifically ask me my thoughts my response would be

There are too many unknowns at this point. More investigation is required to come up with any educated guesses

In reply to Totsu (msg # 77):

"Yojoba-san, I do not know the players involved enough to say whom it is behind this attack.  My first assumption was the Shinto and that proved wrong, then the Michizane and that appears wrong, then the Chosokabe, and that appears wrong as well. It very well may be the spirits themselves that are carrying this out. I hope this diviner can give us a solid lead to investigate that absolves all the accused and points us to the actual culprit.  But if it is the spirits, are we to find a way to appease them or fight them?"

Arahshi lets the question linger in the air for a moment to await any response before asking Yojoba another question in the conversation.

"I see you are studying your map carefully, I suspect we are going to be taking a trail off this path to the witches hut.  Is there a landmark we can help you spot on our journey?"

The samurai nods slightly.

No disrespect, Arashi, but since you are ronin, you might not know the common knowledge that I have sworn vows to Jizai as part of a treaty many years back.  He is a good lord to serve.  But the answer to your question would be: I will appease or fight as Jizai directs.

It will cause me concern, however, if my father does end up involved somehow.  I am sworn to Jizai...

He shakes his head a bit and looks out over the mountains.

This witch.  She exacts a price for her wisdom.  Sometimes, it is said, a heavy one, depending on the question.  I would caution you and your men.  Ask her nothing you don't want to pay for the answer to.  Conversely, this will be an opportunity to ask her something outside the scope of the mission if you're willing to pay her price.

After Arashi asks about the map, he says, Nobody has ever managed to make a physical map to the witches hovel.  I'm testing where the boundary is that makes the map, and reality, no longer in tune.

The group starts its trek again, winding through the mountains.

Despite the difficult terrain, they encounter no truly dangerous areas.

Despite the plethora of excellent ambush sites Hiro-matsu finds, there is never an ambush.

Despite the reports, before you left, of many animals and monsters in these mountains, the group stumbles over none of them.

=-=-=-=

In a small clearing, where Yojoba has decided to break for lunch, the team is starting to pack up to begin their march again, when a voice is heard.

It startles Hiro-matsu the most, since he had already carefully recon'd the area and found nothing.

Men.

It has been long since men have come.

Delicious.

Swiveling heads, the group sees a face form in one of the trees.  It is a feminine face although it is as if carved into the tree, not a human face overlaid upon it.  The voice itself seems mature and low-toned for a woman.

I do not trust men.  They have taught me such.

You may all come, but only one at a time.

With that, the branches of the tree shift to 'point' down a game trail.

I am startled at the voice and wary of what the groups current situation portends. I am, however, intrigued at the magic of it all and how this was accomplished.

Being at the bottom rung in the hierarchy often has its disadvantages as either Hiro or myself will most assuredly be told to go first. I try to calculate the possibility of survival but know to little information. I am ready if required and a resolve comes across my demeanor.

Before somebody is to walk that path we should discuss questions to be asked.
To know the source of the Kami attack? The reason for it? The primary people involved? Our best course of action to stave off future conflict? Will Kukai be rescued?

I look to Yojoba then Totsu, then my eyes stay on Arashi awaiting a response.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 81):


Arashi ponders if there is a question that he would like an answer to and what he could pay for the transaction.  Arashi then looks at each of his companions before his eyes rest on the Samurai and then waits on Yojoba for direction on how he would like to proceed.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 82):

If it appears the the Samurai will not be going first, Hiro will allow Totsu the Honor if he refuses then Hiro will take the lead.

Yojoba, swearing at the magic of the tree as unclean, takes a moment to get his bearings.

He considers giving the order for all of them to proceed.  He will not be dictated to by a witch.  The best way to eliminate them is to separate them.

But the success of the mission was also paramount.

The question was: did he believe this was the witch, or an evil Kami.

We all go.  If this is actually Cawti, I will send you others back.

He starts marching toward the path.

In reply to Yojoba Chosokabe (msg # 84):

Totsu shows no signs of wanting to talk to the witch.
Basically taking a cautious defensive position.

After Jojoba starts moving forward I follow Arashi’s lead.  If he goes forward so do I.   Moving cautiously and being ready to fight if attacked.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 85):

Arashi rolls the dice and follows behind Yojoba.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 86):

Hiro will go last.

I will take my place 2nd from last in front of Hiro

Marching order, then, is Yojoba, Arashi, Ayare, Totsu, Takeshi, Hiro-matsu?

The team starts walking down the path, weary of their surroundings.  It is difficult though.

Looking for danger, everyone seems to see or hear a tell-tale sign of it before discounting it.

A crack of a branch just outside of their peripheral vision that shows nothing there when they turn their head.

A tree limb that looks as though the wind bends it in a breeze toward them - although there is no breeze.  Just as a person starts to react to it as a potential attack, it drifts back into it's normal position.

The feel of something wrapping around their ankle, making someone jump, only to look down and see they brushed their leg against a stray branch rather than a hand.

As the team traipses on, these feelings become more common, and expand past the normal five senses.  Time and distance start seeming to distort as well.

Examples like:

Arashi raises an arm to deflect something falling on him from above, only to notice it was a leaf that looked like a large bat swooping, but when he looks back to the path, notices Yojoba is a good 15 steps farther down the path than he'd expected and Ayare has past him.

Takeshi sees shadows deep in the wood that look like a monster.  He squints and tries to discern if this is a real threat rather than the phantom ones they've been experiencing, but the shadows start to take a firmer form, growing fangs and expanding to 10 feet high and 8 feet wide.  He yells warning and starts casting, only to snap out of the sleep walking he had been doing.  Nothing is there.  He never yelled.  But he'd taken several steps off the path while reacting in his dream.

Actions?  Or continue?  Yojoba has not slowed his march.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 89):

I will focus less on the surroundings and more on the other party members making sure they stay on path and do not wander off

With the normal rules of life seeming to be bent here, I stop for a moment and focus myself inward... I will not be affected by these things, they are not real.

14:17, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 1 using 1d20.  Will Focus.

Glancing to the other party members I realize what Hiro is doing.

"That is a wise course my friend. Watch each other and we will not flinch from things that are not there."

I realize that it would be more difficult to react if there actually is something there but I do not think this will happen.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 91):

I will try to focus on staying close to Arashi, Takeshi and Hiro and pay minimal attention to my surroundings hoping we are not attacked.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 92):

Arashi continues on; focusing on Yojoba's back as he goes.

 Arashi exhorts the party."Keep focused on the man in front and do not wander off the path!"

[Private to Totsu: Totsu, please make your texts private to me for a bit.

You focus on your friends as you walk, ignoring the surroundings.  The distractions become more insistent but you keep yourself focused on your friends.

Watching Arashi, you are therefore surprised when he, as he walks in front of you, he spins around to face you.  His head is shaped like the pig faced Kami distorted in anger and rage.

You blink, to try to clear your head, and the Pig Kami charges.

It is initiative.  Your PAP is up first.]


[Private to Hiro-matsu: Hiro, please make your texts private to me for a bit.

You focus on your friends as you walk, ignoring the surroundings.  The distractions become more insistent but you keep yourself focused on your friends.

Watching Ayare, you see her start to wander off the trail.  You call for her to stop, but she does not.  The others, oddly, don't stop their march down the trail despite you hollering at her.]


[Private to Arashi Fukushu: Arashi, please make your texts private to me for a bit.

You focus on Arashi as you walk, ignoring the surroundings.  The distractions become more insistent but you keep yourself focused on his march.

You manage to keep your focus as the distractions get worse, but after a bit, you can't hear anyone marching behind you.

Do you look back?  Or do you continue to march?]

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: Takeshi, please make your texts private to me for a bit.

You focus on the others as you walk, ignoring the surroundings.  The distractions become more insistent but you keep yourself focused on his march.

You manage to keep your focus as the distractions get worse.

This PM is a place holder for you.  Once the others act, I will let you know what happens.]

PMs

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 94):

Hiro looks intently at Takeshi's back placing one foot in front of the other.

[Private to Chiisai Tori:

Hiro knows no matter what he does here it will be a gamble. Ayare could be walking away from everyone or he could be seeing an illusion of her walking off and following would only be separating him from the rest. After thinking for a split second he makes a decision. He trusts his training and he trusts himself.

He will move after Ayare trying to grab her to wake her from whatever she is seeing.]

[Private to Totsu:

You're PAP is spent disbelieving.  Pigman attacks with Atemi, swinging twice but only hitting once.  However the strike is accompanied by that wonderful electrical shock you love so much.

7 hp off.

Your SAP.]


[Private to Hiro-matsu:

As you start moving toward Ayare, she does notice you now and turns.

However, she looks startled, and then scared, as she draws a tanto and takes a defensive stance.

In front of you, you hear Totsu yell "Get out of my head and take Porky Pig with you!".  Then he takes a step back, as if struck in the shoulder by an assailant you do not see.

Yojoba starts slowly veering off the path as well now, although Arashi does not and ignores the fact that Yojoba has.  Arashi keeps marching foward, ignoring everything going on.

Takeshi's head is swiveling around, as he takes all this in as well.]


[Private to Arashi Fukushu:

You continue to put one foot in front of another as you walk behind Yojoba.]

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro:
You see Yojoba start to wander off the path.  His eyes are downcast as he watches nothing but his feet falling on the ground, but has drifted from the trail.

Arashi ignores his drifting and continues down the path.  He ignores everything else going on.

Ayare moves off the path and Hiro immediately notices.  He moves toward her, to bring her back, and she turns and draws a Tanto on him, looking scared.

In front of you, you hear Totsu yell <blue>"Get out of my head and take Porky Pig with you!".  Then he takes a step back, as if struck in the shoulder by an assailant you do not see.

 ]

PMs

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 96):

Hiro Thinks for a moment and then makes a decision:

[Private to Chiisai Tori: Hiro backs slowly away from Ayare back towards Takeshi turning to Takeashi, Hiro states "This is fruitless. We were supposed to enter separately and this may be happening because we didn't. I surmise we will all need to separate before we can move forward and honestly there is no way to keep everyone together. I do not wish to fight my friends here to wake them up. I think our options are to retreat out or move forward separately and confront whatever this place is. Your thoughts Takeshi?" ]

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 96):


[Private to Chiisai Tori:
(This is all PM to DM, repeat as necessary)

"Yojoba, you have left the trail. This is Takeshi. Follow me.
Ayare, I am your friend, Takeshi. Follow me.
Totsu, this is Takeshi. There is no enemy, Follow me.

Arashi, I need to look astrally, please guide me for a moment"
I cast and look astrally. If I see nothing I will stop the spell and follow Arashi.
07:37, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 6 using 1d20.  Cast Astral Sense BCS:15.]

PM

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Sat 05 Oct 2019.

[Private to Hiro-matsu; Takeshi Oshiro:

Hiro backs slowly away from Ayare back towards Takeshi turning to Takeashi, Hiro states "This is fruitless. We were supposed to enter separately and this may be happening because we didn't. I surmise we will all need to separate before we can move forward and honestly there is no way to keep everyone together. I do not wish to fight my friends here to wake them up. I think our options are to retreat out or move forward separately and confront whatever this place is. Your thoughts Takeshi?"]
PM

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: You speak to Arashi, Totsu, and Yojoba, but all three ignore you.]

PM

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 96):

Arashi will continue following Yojoba.[Private to GM: sorry forgot to pm]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Tue 08 Oct 2019.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 100):

[Private to Hiro-matsu; Takeshi Oshiro:
I think You are correct Hiro. The others are all on the incorrect path now. Shall I go first or would you like the honor?]

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 103):

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: Let's wait till everyone gets out of sight. Then you go next and I will follow after you are out of sight. There is a chance if anyone falls in this place we can collect them up or pull them out. Remember even though it's not real, it can still hurt you. Also I would suggest not asking the witch any questions because everyone will be asking the same ones and she will just charge us all for the same answer."]

[Private to Hiro-matsu; Chiisai Tori:
Once all are out of sight I continue down the path.]
PM

PM

[Private to Arashi Fukushu: Arashi keeps following Yojoba regardless of outside distractions.  He walks for around 30 minutes without hearing anything behind him.

Eventually, Yojoba enters a clearing where there is a woman sitting in front of a cave.

Yojoba disappears into mist, leaving Arashi there alone.

You samurai.  Always good at giving orders; usually so bad at following them.

She is a lovely young woman; unexpected after rumors of her powers have been around since you were a child.  She sits on a rice mat repairing the weaving of a basket with leaves.  She is around 18, wearing functional cloth robes of peasant style and has no visible weapons.

You play the game by my rules Arashi.  You get one question only.  You vow to pay whatever price I feel is appropriate.  So you better really want the information.

She points a finger at you, and adds, You only get one of these in your life boy.  If you do it, make it worth it.

Otherwise, leave me to my work.
]

PM

[Private to Hiro-matsu; Takeshi Oshiro:

Yojoba heads one way, Arashi another.

Totsu takes a martial stance against an unseen assailant.

Ayare is already lost in the shadows of the trees.

Hiro and Takeshi look to be the only two who can speak to each other.

Within moments, all but Totsu in the grips of combat will be left.]

PM

[Private to Totsu: Pigman smiles evilly.

You taught me that one already human.

Instead of engaging, he thrusts his hands out at you and lightening shoots out of them.

Make a Deftness save or take 10 hp.]

PM

[Private to Totsu: Totsu dodges to the side, evading the lightening.  He is 5' away from pigman.

It is Totsu's BAP.

(When I'm at work, I roll using an excel sheet, write up the post, email it to myself, and when I'm on lunch, I cut/paste into RPOL.  So most rolls you'll not see of mine.)]

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: Takeshi keeps following the trail regardless of outside distractions.  He walks for around 30 minutes without hearing anything behind him.

Eventually, he enters a clearing where there is a woman sitting in front of a cave.

Men.  Always good at giving orders; usually so bad at following them.

Well.  At least you were capable of learning.

She is a lovely young woman; unexpected after rumors of her powers have been around since you were a child.  She sits on a rice mat repairing the weaving of a basket with leaves.  She is around 18, wearing functional cloth robes of peasant style and has no visible weapons.

You play the game by my rules Takeshi.  You get one question only.  You vow to pay whatever price I feel is appropriate.  So you better really want the information.

She points a finger at you, and adds, You only get one of these in your life boy.  If you do it, make it worth it.

Otherwise, leave me to my work.]

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 10:59, Mon 21 Oct 2019.

[Private to Hiro-matsu: Hiro-matsu keeps following the trail regardless of outside distractions.  He walks for around 30 minutes without hearing anything behind him.

Eventually, he enters a clearing where there is a woman sitting in front of a cave.

Men.  Always good at giving orders; usually so bad at following them.

Well.  At least you were capable of learning.

She is a lovely young woman; unexpected after rumors of her powers have been around since you were a child.  She sits on a rice mat repairing the weaving of some cloth.  She is around 18, wearing functional cloth robes of peasant style.  There is, oddly, a blowgun laying at the corner of the rice mat.

She stands slowly, and looks at you approvingly.

You play the game by my rules Hiro-matsu.  I'll give you a choice.

Either you could get your one question.  Which you would have to vow to pay whatever price I feel is appropriate.  So you'd better really want the information.

Or, I offer you this...

She points behind her, where she was weaving, and the cloth she'd been working on is clearly a ninja uniform.  You squint to make it out, but the edges blur with the surroundings.  The more you look at it, the more it seems to blend into the landscape.

It is woven from the shadows of the stars.  Powerful mojo indeed.

The price for it is easy: I would give you a packet to make Yojoba's tea with on your return home.  You would serve it only to him.]

PM

In reply to Cawti (msg # 111):

PM

[Private to Cawti: Hiro laughs at the witches statement. "Ha Women I have no questions for you, but you give instructions that are incomplete. So I would not be able to follow them without asking more questions, as you say men are good at giving orders but so bad at following them. Allow me to ask questions for option two, free of charge and answer only what you want. Only then can I say if we have a deal." ]

PM

[Private to Hiro-matsu:

The witch smiles broadly at Hiro-matsu.

Trust is earned, I see.

Well.  Ask your questions young man.  If I consider answering any worthy of a cost, I will warn you first.]

In reply to Cawti (msg # 113):

PM

[Private to Cawti: "You say I need to serve the tea only to Yojoba-san. What if I do not serve him the tea? What if someone else wants that tea? Is the bargin related to me "serving"? At what point would I receive this crutch you are offering?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Mon 21 Oct 2019.

In reply to Cawti (msg # 110):

[Private to Cawti: I am but a humble servant Cawti. Yojoba-sama and Arashi-san are leaders of this mission and it is they who need to ask their question. I will save mine for another time perhaps.
]

[Private to Hiro-matsu: You would serve tea to Yojoba only since it is poison - unless there are others in your party you wish to give poison of course.  I made an assumption there that, perhaps, I should not have.

Your crutch will be given to you upon his drinking the tea.

Of course, I would brook no nonsense, such as having a prepared antidote, or telling him it is poison, and such.  The Intent of the trade is more important than the Pact Itself as far as getting your crutch is concerned.

I could, if you prefer, say you simply must kill him before you exit the mountains.  I again, assumed, that serving tea that could not be traced would be easier for you.

Upon making this true effort, you would get the crutch within a day.
]

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: She cackles.  You are a wizard, oh humble servant.  Do you think we cannot see each others nature?

But, if you do not wish to treat with me, I've no concern.

She leans back after putting her cloth down and appraises Takeshi again.

Still.  While you have no desire to waste your Life Question, we do have a few moments to wait until the others finish with their dealings with me.  Perhaps, if you are amenable, we could trade knowledge.  It is rare for a mage to come here, and rarer still that I allow them this far.

What would you ask for the knowledge of all your spells?]

PM

In reply to Cawti (msg # 116):

PM

[Private to Cawti: Hiro smiles. "Ah see I was confused. You said "serve" not "drink". I decline. I need no garment to make me a good ninja it would only hinder my true growth. Now if you could convince me that Yojoba-san needs to be killed I would certainly take that garment as a gift of appreciation." ]

[Private to Hiro-matsu:

She looks annoyed at you.

You would not understand or believe Hiro-matsu.  Yojoba either kills Jizai, Arashi, or Yasashi in the coming months. If it is Yasashi, the garlic eating Koreans will swarm over Shikoku within the year and leave almost none alive to tell the tale.  From there, I admit I cannot see.

If it is Jizai, or Arashi, I also cannot see past the death.

But if you do not wish the deal, I will not force it on you.

She goes back to her mat and begins weaving again.]

PM

In reply to Cawti (msg # 116):

[Private to Cawti:
Can I see her nature? Is she a type of Kami?
Takeshi has questions about her goals, her powers, her being, but feels they are not truly necessary and that he would be on the losing side of a mental battle with an expert who has been doing this for hundreds of years. He holds his tongue and keeps to very simple statements.

That is easy, the knowledge of more spells.]

In reply to Cawti (msg # 118):

PM
[Private to Cawti: Hiro ponders what he's been told. He sits down across from her and mediates for a bit. Finally he looks up and says "If I do not complete this mission is there any other penalty from you other than not getting the garment?"]

PM

[Private to Hiro-matsu: No child.  I know my reputation is to always get more than I give.  I cultivate that.  Cuts down on visitors.

The world is a cauldron of cause and effests.  But no, if we don't make a deal, well, then we didn't make it.  I'll respect that.  If you think you already got something out of our conversation, I'm good with that as well.]


[Private to Takeshi Oshiro:
If you look astral, her true form appears to be exactly as her visual form is.  She is not a Kami.  She's a human who has magic.  Her aura for magic is palpable though, while yours is not.

She nods at your cost.  The two of you haggle for a bit, as she learns what you might know that she does not.

She is willing to learn Wings of Fire and Fetters of Truth from you and is willing to trade Swift Stream and Quagmire.

Furthermore, since you don't have time to actually learn the spell the hard way, she has a spell that allows transfer of the knowledge.  She'd cast the spell, form a link between you two, and then you'd both cast the spells in question.  Knowledge of how it works is felt by both people and absorbed.  No study required.]

In reply to Cawti (msg # 121):

PM

[Private to Cawti: Hiro nods and looks at the witch,"You wrap yourself in deceit and expect us to trust you." Hiro Smiles,"I can respect that, I do the the same. Two out of three options you describe would not be something I would wish for, in addition if I know Totsu he has already placed himself in your debt and you could easily give him the same order. I will do this thing for you, provided I find no reason to doubt what I have heard here." Hiro bows to the young woman ]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:49, Wed 23 Oct 2019.

In reply to Cawti (msg # 121):

[Private to Cawti:
I would rather to learn this transference spell but I do not suppose there is an option here, or perhaps a future deal to be made...?
Takeshi hesitates for a moment in hopes that there is, indeed, a possibility.
IF no response:
I agree to your current terms, we shall trade spells as described, with no other affects or expectations to be involved in this agreement.

]

[Private to Hiro-matsu: She appears not to have taken offense and actually laughs at your response.

Oh, please, ask your life question now.  This would make my day.

Knowing you will not, she nods to you, hands you a packet of tea, and points to the trail which is the direction you came.]

PM

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: She is not willing to give up the transfer spell.

She motions for you to sit across from her.

Open yourself up to the magic.

She casts a spell.  Make a Willpower ST, and let me know if you resist the spell or not.]

In reply to Cawti (msg # 124):

PM

[Private to Cawti: "Knowledge of the future is for those who wish to avoid it or feel unprepared to face it when it comes. I am prepared and will meet it head on." Hiro bows again, accepts the tea and heads down the path. When he comes out of the area he will sit down and meditate looking slightly defeated, waiting for the others (Unless he is the last one out)]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:53, Fri 25 Oct 2019.

In reply to Cawti (msg # 124):

[Private to Cawti: I do not resist

13:12, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 8 using 1d20.  Will ST: 11DC.
]

PM

[Private to Totsu: That is, essentially how it works.

However, you've never tried it with an electrically charged creature.  You do not know if you'll get the shock or not.

You have to roll a second time for the critical.

For the second roll, you take your KI, and multiply it by 1%, and roll under that on % dice.

So you hit, I rolled for the crit to speed things along, it was not critical, and you did 18 off.

You did not take electrical damage.

=-=-=-=

When you hit him, he dissipates into mist.

You look around, and your friends are gone.  However, there is a clearing in front of you now where there is a woman sitting in front of a cave.

Men.  Always good at giving orders; usually so bad at following them.

She is a lovely young woman that you assume is Cawti the Witch; unexpected after rumors of her powers have been around since you were a child.  She sits on a rice mat repairing the weaving of some cloth.  She is around 18, wearing functional cloth robes of peasant style.  There is, oddly, a blowgun laying at the corner of the rice mat.

She stands slowly, and looks you over.

You play the game by my rules Totsu.  I said one at a time.

She glances at your yawara and smiles for some reason.

You get your one question Totsu.  If you ask one, you will have to vow to pay whatever price I feel is appropriate.  So you'd better really want the information.  You only get one question in your entire lifetime.]

Hiro-matsu finds where the group first entered the trail at the beginning.

Yojoba has beaten him back, but the others are not back yet.

Yojoba looks angrily up as Hiro enters the clearing.  I've left three times and end back here each time!  I assume you experience was the same, was it not?

Damn witch.  I am tempted to burn this entire forest down.  She is a menace.

PM

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: A tendril of information threads into Takeshi's brain as the knowledge of the spells transfer effortlessly.

Takeshi also feels a tendril from his own brain thread out to Cawti at the same time.

The spells she sends are complex, so it takes a few moments, but as the magic dissipates, Takeshi has the spells ready to cast in his mind already.

A deal well struck my friend.  Perhaps I will see you again some time, when something important needs to be known in your life.

She motions you to the path you entered the clearing from.]

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 128):

"Ah Yojoba-san, mine was different. I saw everyone else leave the path but myself and Takeshi. Totsu and Ayare started attacking something neither of us could see. I then let Takeshi go ahead reasoning that as a user of magic he would have the best chance of reasoning with the witch. I felt it would be best for me to come back here and wait for everyone else."

Hiro looks slightly dejected. Glancing up he nods to Yojoba, "Should I make tea while we await the others return or do you intend to try again?"

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Sat 26 Oct 2019.

Hrmph. Yes.  Tea first, and then I will decide.

I looks a bit angry.

[Private to Totsu: Child.  You do not get to wait. The others are no concern of you.   If you have the one question you wish to know in your entire lifetime, ask it.  Otherwise, I have work to do


  She does not answer your question about the pig man.

Rich, please post private in this thread like this one is. I’ll miss things if you go to the private message area. . ]

Pm

In reply to Cawti (msg # 129):

[Private to Cawti:
Perhaps... til we meet again.

I turn to the trail and follow it.
]

In reply to Yojoba Chosokabe (msg # 132):

Hiro dutifully makes the tea for Yojoba-san and then moves to the side and starts playing a relaxing tune on his flute. "If your feeling tired Yojoba-san lay down and I will wake you when the others return"

[Private to Cawti: Hiro will use the poison tea and obviously I have no idea what the effect is so I would like to make the actual death a secret from anyone who can't see it. If Yojoba is killed by the tea Hiro will move him over to a sleeping mat like he was sleeping and then clean everything up and remake the tea with normal tea. Hiro will then go back to playing the flute.]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Sun 27 Oct 2019.

Yojoba doesn’t take long to decide.

I need no sleep.  This witch can’t just ignore a messenger from her liege.

He tromps back up the path.

Several minutes later Takeshi enters the grove. He did not see Yojoba on the path.

A couple moments later, Ayare returns as well. She saw none of the others but while she spoke with the witch, no useful information about the Shinto conflict was gleaned by her.

In reply to Yojoba Chosokabe (msg # 136):

Takeshi will enter as Hiro is cleaning up the tea. He will shrug at Takeshi and says "Yojoba-san has tried 4 times now. The man will get himself killed poking his nose in there. The witch obviously does not want to talk with him."

When Ayare enters Hiro will walk over and make sure she is OK as he knows she was effected by the path.

In reply to Cawti (msg # 133):

Do you mean just put the letters PM?

This one I accidentally replied to all then had to go back and reply separately and edit the original message by deleting everything and then typed PM’. I would have deleted original but it would not let me.

If you want me to do something besides write thr letters PM please explain exactly how I’m supposed to do what you want. Thanks

I didn’t think I would have to come up with a question based on no one else’s feedback. Still thinking about how to word question to make sure I get something I would like

Also waiting on response to other message about Ki power
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Sun 27 Oct 2019.

Totsu,

When you reply in this thread, under where you would change the color of text, you can insert a private line to someone.

[Private to Totsu: Like this.]

If you want to write something only to me, use this method.  Going back and fort between this thread, and PMs which are not in a time-line, makes certain I will miss things.

As for your KI power, I'd say your current KI does not reduce until you've finished the action , so if you roll for a critical against current KI, you would not subtract the KI from your current yet.

You would lower your KI if you miss the attack.  You've still expended the energy, you just didn't make your attack roll to actually land the energy.

Ayare does not not appear to have any injuries, despite her walking with a limp.  She thanks Hiro-matsu for his concern.

Did you guys get to Cawtii?

Instead of asking who was instigating all this martial mobilization, or who was the aggressor, or what was the end goal of anyone involved - all of which answers might not have been useful, I just asked who would win.  I didn't ask it exactly like that, but that's the gist.

The answer, predictably, was vague.

She threw some bones in the dirt, and looked up at me out of that one good eye of hers, and prattled about a bunch of maybe's.  The future is not set, blah, blah, blah.

She DID say the hardest road was with the Chosokabe.

I'm pretty good at gambling.  And my gut's telling me she is trying to move us like chess pieces rather than give us any real information.

She sits down, as though exhausted, next to Takeshi.

Pulling out a delectable parcel of rice balls glazed in honey and bean curd, she stuffs one in her mouth, and then offers one to Takeshi, and then Hiro-matsu.

In reply to Ayare (msg # 140):

[Private to Ayare: Hi Ron, I was wondering what happened to Arashi in all this as I did not want to commit to an undisclosed one sided deal with Cawti. So,Did I get murdered by the witch or something? LOL]

In reply to Ayare (msg # 140):

Hiro politely declines the rice bean concoction. "We should probably wait till everyone is back to discuss other wise we will all be repeating this multiple times."

"Wise to wait Hiro."

I notice Ayare's limp and ask if there is anything I can do.

[Private to Arashi Fukushu:

Pete, there was an actual Private Message you sent about talking to Cawti which I replied to a couple weeks ago.  Below is a cut/past of your post, then mine.
=-=-=-=-=-=
Arashi ponders if there is a question he would like an answer to that he would want to pay an non-negotiated sum for.  Would it be worth the price to know whom was behind the assassination of his father?  Should he ask about the forces behind the conspiracy?  Are they the same?

"Cawti, How can I make a reasonable decision with out knowing the cost?  Can you tell me the price of a question before you answer it so I can be sure I would be willing and able to pay it?"

=-=-=-=-=-=-
CAWTI:

I was tempted to make that your question, just to fulfill the fairy-tale books requirements of the wicked witch being two-faced.

I will not tell you the price, but I will answer that first question for free:

The only reasonable decision without knowing the cost is if there is something you desire no matter the cost.  Is there something you wish to know, that you would give everything you have to know?

That would be the only reasonable justification for asking a question without knowing the price.

Of course, an unreasonable justification is: I could get lucky and the price would be less than I thought.  She smiles wistfully, as if remembering men who'd made such a choice.]

Pm
This message was last edited by the player at 02:42, Tue 29 Oct 2019.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 139):

[Private to Cawti: i do not have any such dire question that needs answering at this point in my life.  Yojoba is the one leading this mission, thus i will leave it up to him to ask you what he needs too. i will leave you and return to my friends]

Totsu enters the clearing next.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 146):

Has Yojoba-San asked the question we came hear so that we can get the f@#k out of this place?

In reply to Totsu (msg # 147):

Totsu-san, we await the remainder of the group to discuss what has transpired.
I do not believe Yojoba has yet had his meeting with the diviner.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 147):

"Welcome back Totsu. Are you well? We saw you fighting with the air. I hope no real damage was done to you? Yojoba-san Has entered 4 times and has been rejected 3 of those times. We wait for him to return along with Arashi-san. They are Samurai we will wait until they have finished their business."

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 149):

So porky pig was all in my head. Damn witch.
The electric shocks sure felt real.

OOC:  I assume I took real damage. I’m assuming it is lethal damage and not subdual. Ron please confirm

I have a feeling she is making Yojoba go last because she didn’t seem happy that we disobeyed her orders of going in one at a time.

PM

[Private to Arashi Fukushu: An honorable question.  I make people pay for greed, although vengeance isn't high on my list either, if that's what you're after.

She pulls out a cup, shakes it a few times in what looks like a ritualistic manner, and tosses it's contents out onto the ground.  A series of bones, coins, and religious talismans litter the dirt when she is done.

Hmmm.

It seems, my friend, that a ninja named Hojekei killed your father.  At the orders of a samurai named Kotso Izaki.

She furrows her brow in concentration as she continue to look at the pattern on the ground.

This is no exact science, Arashi-san, but...I believe I will give you more than you asked.

She sits up straight, looking directly at you.  This is a sadness.

Kotso did not want his hands dirty sending a ninja.  He made his captain do it.

His captain, Uzi Izaki, a man who believes he knows everything, like most men, made a mistake.  He assumed his liege meant the leader of the Fukushu clan.  So he hired the ninja to kill your father.  Which they did.

But the name Kotso actually gave, so sorry, was Arashi Fukushu.]

In reply to Cawti (msg # 151):

[Private to Cawti: Arashi considers Cawti's divination.  Can I trust this witch?!?! Is this true? It would appear so.

"Domo arigato Cawti; You have helped me more than I ever hoped. What do I owe you?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Wed 30 Oct 2019.

PM

[Private to Arashi Fukushu: The price is not steep.

I will take your second born son to train, three years of service from you, and 30% of all the money you make in this lifetime.

Just kidding.  No sense of humor.

No, the price I place on you is simple.  How easy it is will depend on you.

There is a woman, Jizai's youngest sister.  I wish you to earnestly court her.  The fates say success in this is within your power if you try hard enough.  I require you try that hard and marry the woman.

Her name is Sasumi Michizane.  She is 15 years old. She is, shall we say, not a stunner.

She grins wryly and adds, "Congratulations."

She turns, and goes back to her work.  She makes no mention of what happens should you refuse to accept this payment.]

In reply to Cawti (msg # 153):

[Private to Cawti: "Thanks?!?!"

Arashi will attempt to leave, if he is able, and contemplate his life.]

Arashi returns to the clearing with the others.

Yojoba has not returned yet.  It has been a total of 2 hours.

[Private to Arashi Fukushu: Arashi, as you return to the clearing, it finally occurs to you: While you do not know all the leads of the various clans, the Michizane is a big one, and you are unaware of any woman named Sasumi Michizane.]

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 155):

Hiro's feels that Yojoba-san will not be returning. He is willing to discuss what everyone saw in there. He will start.

"We defied what she wanted by all going in at once on Yojoba-sans orders. I think this was the main reason we could not get to her. The place tried to separate us and one by one it did. Myself and Takeshi saw everyone wandering in different directions. So finally we just decided to give her what she wished and split up.

I found myself in a clearing with a young attractive female. I told her outright I would not ask any questions. She attempted to entice me by giving me hints about what would come anyways. "Jizai, Arashi, or Yasashi may die in the coming months, If it is Yasashi, the garlic eating Koreans will swarm over Shikoku within the year and leave almost none alive to tell the tale.  From there, I admit I cannot see. If it is Jizai, or Arashi, I also cannot see past the death." I left and returned out to see Yojoba-san attempting to reach the witch having failed 3 times. Obviously 2 of those scenarios are very undesirable and I think we should do what we can to stop them."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:48, Mon 04 Nov 2019.

Ayare doesn't miss a beat as she makes shre Yojoba is not around and says, Then let's kill Jizai.  I don't mind Koreans, but I'd like to be around to tell tales.

There is almost no way of knowing if she is serious or now.  She looks slightly contemplative.


I just asked who would win.

She kinda just steered us away from the Chosokabe, describing it as 'the hardest road'.

I don't know about you but her information was fairly unfulfilling.  I don't think I like her much.

She offers some rice balls to Arashi and Totsu as they join the clearing.  Hiro-matsu made tea too!

In reply to Ayare (msg # 157):

Actually Hiro was just cleaning the tea up when Ayare and Takeshi were coming out of the fog, but taking the hint will make some more tea for everyone while they tell their story.

"I don't think we need to kill any of them, it wasn't a 1 must die scenario at least as I understand it. I think our efforts would be better served keeping Arashi and Yashasi alive."

OOC: I forget who Yasashi is
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Mon 04 Nov 2019.

(Yasashi is the blind buddhist monk from the small town where this started)

I also did not ask a question. Our immediate direction will be given us by Arashi and Yojoba and I have no pressing need for information other than that. Perhaps I will find it necessary to come back in the future.

The woman and I swapped a couple spells, it was good business.
I will soon be able to speed the reactions of group members (increase BAP) and create a pool of quicksand with which to attack enemies. I must study to fully understand the new spells I have learned.

As far as direction, it seems we are pushed against the Chosokabe if we wish the easy path, though it is not always the better path. Yojoba's direction is desired, perhaps we give him til morning?

In reply to Ayare (msg # 157):

I look at Ayare?  Is she joking?
If I’m not sure I ask.

You don’t like Jizai?
So far he seems better than most of the higher ups we’ve come across.

I had no plan to ask the witch a question where I had no idea the cost and no idea how much details she would provide.
If I’m ever truly that desperate I know about where to find her.

I’ll just be over resting trying to recover from my imaginary battle with piggy.
Let me know when we are done waiting on Yojoba.
I doubt waiting for him will be of any help to the rest of us anyway.

Poor Totsu. It seems his experience with the pig kami has invaded his mind, it seems to have rattled him quite a bit.

Perhaps we should put our efforts into joining with Yasashi again and protecting him. He is buddhist and may be the direction we are looking for. I do not know where his allegiance might lie, Chokosabe/Michizane/other, but perhaps we should understand it if he plays such relevance to the future.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 161):

"Perhaps, but if a temple full of monks can not protect him I'm not sure what else we could do. Right now I favor continuing with Jizai and investigating the Chosokabe as the Singon temple wanted us to do. Arashi, what did you discover fromt he Witch?"

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 161):

"We need to wait for Yojoba.  He had the important question to ask and I would like to know the answer.  I will camp here for the day and await his return."


"I have not had a anything to eat so clearly our perceptions of each others encounters are questionable.  I met Cawti but was not offered any rice ball or other food, so a cup hot tea and a bowl of rice sounds good to me."


Arashi sits  with his feet tucked under himself and contemplates his encounter with the witch and her cup of divination that she served him instead of the rice ball that Ayare saw.  He takes out his Katana and honing stones and starts sharpening the edge.

"Totsu it was wise not to lightly ask a question that you are not prepared to pay the price; but nothing ventured is nothing earned."

"I asked the witch who murdered my father! Do any of you know of the Izaki clan?"

This message was deleted by the player at 17:47, Tue 05 Nov 2019.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 164):

"Obviously we will wait as long as you deem wise Arashi, but keep in mind only Totsu seems to have been rejected and paid the price. Yojoba-San was rejected 3 times and went in a fourth, either the witch wanted him to go last as a punishment or he is not coming out."

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 163):


A very untypical anger flashes across Takeshi's face.
This Izaki clan, they are the ones that murdered father?

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 163):

Arashi, What price did the witch charge you for this information?

In reply to Totsu (msg # 160):

[Private to GM: do i have any visible damage?  if so I've been resting, does it seem to be getting better?]

A day passes.  Yojoba does not return.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 168):

"As you all know I am a Ronin of Honshu come to Shikoku.  The reason was and still is to find the people responsible for the assassination of my father, Fusawashī Fukushu, that left me a Ronin, bereft of my lord and father.  The only clue Takeshi and I had was the type of poison used originates from this island.  Now, according to Cawti, the Izaki clan ordered the hit, but I was to be the target, not father!

It seems that a ninja named Hojekei killed Fusawashī Fukushu.  At the orders of a samurai named Kotso Izaki. He delegated the murder contracting to Uzi Izaki who fingered the wrong Fukushu!

I warn you all that I intend a reckoning with this clan and their guilty associates.  That being said, I do not expect any of you to help me, but I would welcome what ever aid you would be willing to lend. I just ask each of you to let me know what part you want to be play if any."

Arashi pauses for a moment and looks to Totsu and answers his question.

"Cawti wishes me to repay her by earnestly pursuing matrimony to a 15 year old girl by the name of Sasumi Michizane, Jizai-Sama's younger sister."

"As to Yojoba, is it possible that he gave us the slip? Or is he still in the pathway to Cawti?"

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 170):

Hiro bows to Arashi, "I said I would help defend you against threats both known to you and unknown, to help you achieve the greatness I see in you. To the best of my abilities I am at your service still Arashi-san. I will only caution that you not look at the tool but the person wielding it to seek your justice and honor.

I do not believe Yojoba-san could have slipped past me. He is still in there, but whether he lives or not is a different question. I suppose Myself or Takeshi could walk back in a bit and see if he has fallen on the path somewhere."

"
None of you have heard of this Izaki Clan and this Kotso scum?"

Takeshi looks mostly at the most worldy amount us.. Hiro.
Is the clan samurai or ninja or yakuza..?

Perhaps we both go to find Yojoba Hiro. We do not seek the diviner so our path may be unhampered as before."

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 170):

If anyone ever attacks any of you I will defend you to the best of my abilities.

I will gladly help you in any way I can to help you get justice but before I would fully commit to this I would like to know more about how you plan to proceed.
For instance we are trying to prevent a possible war from breaking out. Do you plan to drop this task and make avenging your father’s death a priority above all else?


OOC:  if I am still injured I continue to rest and heal. If I am fully healed I spend the day practicing my skills. I will even try hunting. I have a bcs of 6.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 173):

"Hiro-Matsu I thank you for your support in what ever manner your willing and able to lend."

"Totsu, I plan on finding the entity behind this attack on the monastery and their co-conspirators as our top priority."

"We need more information about this Izaki clan and why I have been targeted by them before proceeding down that path. I suspect that this may take some time to gather intelligence on these matters. Speaking of which, we need the divined information that we have come here for. I have asked my question of Cawti, so I may not be able to go again, but will attempt to if no one else will check on Yojoba." 

[Private to Hiro-matsu: "Hiro, is it possible that you learned what question was on Jizai's scroll?"]

Takeshi pauses for a moment, still thinking about revenge of his fathers murder. He pushes that aside to concentrate on the now and the path of this group.
Do we pursue a marriage? - We have a name which gives us a direction.
Do we seek revenge? - We have a name which gives us a direction.
Do we continue trying to stop a war? Arguably the most important of the three tasks but we still do not have a direction.

"I fear for what has happened to Yojoba but believe it was his demeanor that cause a possible issue. With the power Cawti wields, there is little we could do if we wanted to. We still need the answer to the question : Who is behind the attack on the monastery?
From a logical standpoint, given our occupations and the leverage Cawti could bear, perhaps it is best for Totsu to ask this. Having some control over Hiro or myself could prove much more disastrous than having control over Totsu. Perhaps there are other considerations in this decision....?"

Takeshi looks to Totsu for a response to his suggestion.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 175):

"I think 1 thing at a time. Let's see if we can rescue Yojoba-san first Takeshi. Maybe he is only unconscious. Then we can discuss if answering a question is worth Totsu's destiny.

I agree with Ayare here, the witch seeks to move us to her own purpose. Arashi-san has already given up a lot for his answer. I wonder if the question matters any more. We are now bound to Michizane and Jizai-Sama. Takeshi, Let us venture onto the path but if any threat assails us retreat back to here.

As for Clan Izaki, I have not heard of them, which is a good thing. Their influence can not be great on Shikoku for us to have not heard of them. "
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Thu 07 Nov 2019.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 176):

"yes, of course Hiro."

Takeshi casts wings of Heaven and begins flying above the ground a few inches.
He takes out his tanto.

"I am ready, let us go."

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 177):

Hiro will move forward with Takeshi, looking to see if he can spot anyone on the  path ahead

Takeshi tries to focus to improve his perception but the anger about his fathers killer keeps his will flipping around his potential like a butterfly.

He and Hiro go in search of Yojoba, perception affect is a 3 if needed.

18:35, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 8 using 1d20.  Perception:11.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 175):

I look at Takeshi very confused when he says from a logical standpoint that I should be the one to go ask her a question.

I do not trust this witch.  I know nothing about her or why Yojoba thinks it is a good idea to come to her.  I’m guessing he knows things about her that we don’t but has chosen not to share with us.
I have no intentions of asking her any questions unless I know more about her and why it was decided to talk to her. For all we know Jizai may have sent Yojoba here knowing that she would get rid of him.
Before I would go in there and ask her anything I would want to find out about her and talk with Jizai to find out who’s idea was it to talk to her, how many times has he or his people tried this and what were the results?

Takeshi I do not follow your logic about me being the best choice to ask the witch a question.
You and Hiro seem to be the ones best able to resist her spells.  Plus in case you forgot the last time someone took over my mind I knocked out 1/2 our group.  Wouldn’t that make me the most disastrous for her to have control over?

After Takeshi cast his spell and starts flying a smile crosses Totsu face and he gives Takeshi an approving nod.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Fri 08 Nov 2019.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 174):

Arashi, sounds good. You can count on me.

Ayare settles in as Takeshi and Hiro-matsu move out again.

Normally, she is not very interested in tasks normally the purview of women in Nippon's society.  But today, she has taken to organizing the equipment, doing the dishes, feeding the men, and even being more demure than her normal self (which is not difficult).

Arashi-sama, she says after a moment, Forgive me if I have a faulty memory in this, but when I attempted to get a meeting with Jizai’s father, I looked at possible avenues to get to him.  His children, of course, were the first place I looked.

So, while I am not perfect, I am curious that I have not run across a daughter of his.  From what I’ve discerned, there is no such person as Sasumi Michizane, younger sister of Jizai-sama.

=-=-=-=-=

Takeshi and Hiro-matsu do not have to go far.  About 200 yards down the path, the come across the body of Yojoba.  He is sprawled in the middle of the path, face down.  He has no wounds on him, and his weapons are all sheathed.

After a moment to verify, Takeshi finds him quite dead.

Will you be able to drag his body back Hiro or should I call for help? I can offer a little assistance but my brother received the physical prowess from our father, not I.



Takeshi looks for the paper that Yojoba kept referring too, hoping the group will learn something from it.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:00, Fri 08 Nov 2019.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 183):

I should be able to drag him back. I think we should read the paper first before going back to determine what our next move should be. I would hate to go all the way back out only to determine we should move forward.

OOC: If we find the scroll is it sealed or open?

A smile crosses Takeshis face when Hiro makes the request.
[Private to Hiro-matsu: The Bushi are bound by codes that do not apply to us which sometimes are in conflict with the direction we should take. Even you and I have our own intentions. That said, I trust us steering the group more so than the others.]
"You are probably right Hiro, we should read this first and decide."

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 185):

continues to look for the note.

PM

[Private to Hiro-matsu; Takeshi Oshiro:

The note details the following:

There is a map through the mountains to her cave.  It is odd, because there are three routes to the cave.  You do not remember the trail ever branching.

There are orders written in one hand that state that Yojoba Chosokabe is formally In Service to Jizai Michizane.

Lastly, in the same hand, there is one question written down.  Rather than ask about what is going on and who's doing what, it says:
"With the goal of having both Shinto and Buddhist living in peace on Shikoku, what path should Sugawara no Michizane follow in order to consolidate all of Shikoku under his rule?" ]

PM
[Private to Hiro-matsu:
It seems we now know Sugawara no Michizane-sama's desired path, he was not behind the attack on the monestary and is very likely a noble man to serve. It is a well-thought question. I think we can share with the group. I am willing to ask it of Cawti.
]

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 188):

Hiro Hoists up the body of Yojoba-san and starts slowly heading back to the group.

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: I'm not so certain we should ask any more questions. You may get a vague answer and be assigned to serve Yasashi for the rest of your days. What if she doesn't want this action so tells you what must happen and then assigns you a task to do the exact opposite. Plus maybe she already knew what he was going to ask and this is why he died in here. We have more information than when we came. Maybe that should be enough.]

I head back with Hiro and deliver the body and the note to Arashi who glances over it then reads it outloud:

There is a map through the mountains to her cave.  It is odd, because there are three routes to the cave.  Nobody remembers the trail ever branching.
There are orders written in one hand that state that Yojoba Chosokabe is formally In Service to Jizai Michizane.
Lastly, in the same hand, there is one question written down.
"With the goal of having both Shinto and Buddhist living in peace on Shikoku, what path should Sugawara no Michizane follow in order to consolidate all of Shikoku under his rule?"


I await the groups response.

Ayare is not numb to the body of Yojoba as he is laid in the clearing.

The witch killed him?  What on earth for?  She moves over to him and kneels at his side.

You think Jizai is going to want us to mete vengeance?  Not a big fan of heading back toward that cave.

She looks for wounds, spends some extra time around his neck, the asks Totsu to help her when she cannot find anything obvious.  Lift him up, Totsu-san, so I can check his back.

As she works, she says, I'll leave it up to you men to decide what to do next, but I don't see anything obvious that killed him.

In reply to Ayare (msg # 191):

Hiro looks Yojoba's body over also. He shrugs, "I also see nothing obvious, but as note Totsu was pretty beat up with 1 trip in there. Yojoba made 4 trips in, possibly it was just to much mentally for his spirit to take. My personal take is we are done here. It was a heroic death even if it was against a cowardly adversary. We have our answers if not Sugawara no Michizane-sama's, I am concerned with giving the witch more pawns to play with, she already has Ayare and Arashi-san"

In reply to Ayare (msg # 191):

I look at my body where the electricity hit me. Do I have any visible marks?
Has my damage healed yet?

After I know what to expect based on my experience I would then look at Yojoba to see if his condition is similar to mine.

Takeshi says a prayer to Buddha over Yojoba's body. He did have time to get to know the man but there could be repercussion from his family. Takeshi hoped not as he thinks many would die trying to exact vengeance.

Takeshi addresses the group:
"Based on the question that Sugawara no Michizane-sama was trying to get an answer to, with the goal of Shinto and Buddhist living in peace, I believe we have found a Lord worthy of serving. At least, this is my goal and I think it is also yours brother if not everyones. If we wish to serve him then we should still try to bring the response to this question back to him. This would be honorable and could get us in his service. While we have attained some information it does not directly answer his question. I offer myself to try and attain the answer and approach the woman in the forest once more. I have seen her spirit, she is not a Kami. I believe her to be a shugenja like myself, though her power is the size of a mountain and mine is but a pebble.
Also, while we do not know Cawti's motives, her arrangement with Arashi is to pursue marriage with Sugawara's daughter. It falls in line with our path, as far as I understand it."

In reply to Totsu (msg # 193):



"He died an honorable death in service to Jizai-sama.  Takeshi, I believe the best course of action is to seek Cawti out again for an answer to the question asked by Jizai-sama."

If possible, Arashi will hand over the two strings of gold to Takeshi so he has it to bargain with.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 195):

Hiro Bows to Takeshi, "It is your decision, of course. Please be careful and if it seems she will not let you in to ask the question understand what that means." Hiro glances over at the still form of Yojoba-san.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Thu 14 Nov 2019.

I bow knowingly to Hiro, then take the coins from Arashi and bow to him.
"I hope to see you all again soon with the answer."

I say another prayer to Buddha, try to gather my focus my energies to strengthen my will but am too concerned about what happened to Yojoba, and head back down the path, hovering over the ground half a foot or so.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:20, Thu 14 Nov 2019.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 197):

I do not trust the witch and would prefer other ways of trying to get the answer to the question but if you want to try it I wish you luck.

PM

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro: So.  I'll admit that for all my divination abilities, I did not expect you back so soon.

What can I do for you?

She is still sitting on her mat.]

PM
[Private to Cawti:
Very careful to couch his phrases as statements and not questions, Takeshi tries to see if Cawti is in a talkative mood.

One of our number is having his wounds treated and it seems our leader has taken ill while under your care and we cannot discern how he died. I do not understand the reason of such things and would ask you to explain.]

Takeshi comes back in an hour or so, still flying above the ground.

"I have met with Cawti and asked the question
With the goal of having both Shinto and Buddhist living in peace on Shikoku, what path should Sugawara no Michizane follow in order to consolidate all of Shikoku under his rule?

Her response:
"He has no path forward to consolidate Shikoku. The only way Shikoku will consolidate is if he abdicates within the month to his son Jizai.  he must do this with his heart, rather than with subterfuge paperwork.  Jizai must be daimyo of the island in truth, not just legally."

I think we should bring this message back directly to Sugawara no Michizane as soon as possible.

PM

[Private to Takeshi Oshiro:

One of our number is having his wounds treated and it seems our leader has taken ill while under your care and we cannot discern how he died. I do not understand the reason of such things and would ask you to explain.

Those are not the facts my friend Takeshi.  Totsu was wounded before he got to me, and he's not actually wounded anyway - although I'll admit that was my doing.  Yojoba was never under my care.
I never allowed him to make it here.

  Ken Lamers:
I wonder what killed him then.


Is that your wuestion?

  Ken Lamers:
I thank you for allowing me to enter your domain a second time.
As a diviner, you probably already know the question to which I seek the answer.

  Ken Lamers:
I will ask the question that Yojoba was to ask for it is relevant to us also.
With the goal of having both Shinto and Buddhist living in peace on Shikoku, what path should Sugawara no Michizane follow in order to consolidate all of Shikoku under his rule?


She looks fairly stone-faced as she pulls out a cup full of bones and coins and shakes it.  Just before she casts, she stops herself.  "That is a powerful question that affects many people.  I might get an answer, I might not.  THe chances increase massively if you are willing to put a drop of your blood in the cup first."

 Ken Lamers:
Were I to know more about your life intentions I would submit to such a request. As it stands at this moment I cannot.


My life intentions?  I'm uncertain what you mean.

 Ken Lamers:
If I drop some of my blood in the cup does it give you any control over me?
(I couch as statement)


My friend, I would need no blood to have control over you if I wished.
The blood would make no difference.

  Ken Lamers:
I believe that is true. Takeshi offers his hand for his blood.


She takes out a knife and hands it to you, then holds out the cup.  Once you put a drop or two in, she shakes it vigorously and casts.


It takes her only a second to read the results.  "He has no path forward to consolidate Shikoku. The only way Shikoku will consolidate is if he abdicates within the month to his son Jizai.  he must do this with his heart, rather than with subterfuge paperwork.  Jizai must be daimyo of the island in truth, not just legally."

  Ken Lamers:
I am sure that will be no small task. I thank you for your help Cawti. I do not think this is useful to you but I have been asked to offer you this gold for your support. Takeshi pulls out the string of money that was given him and offers it to her, bowing to his superior as he does so.


That is not the price, my friend.

 Ken Lamers:
Takeshi smiles and puts the money back in his robes.
I did not think it was. What can I do for you Cawti?


It is a simple thing.  I don't think you'll find it difficult, although it might be distateful.

 Ken Lamers:
I am not Bushi, nor am I eta. Let me know your wishes.


You may pledge loyalty to no man.  Not even your brother.  If he puts your family back together, you will not be part of it.  This means you cannot pledge your life to Jizai, nor the monks of the monastery.  You cannot climb the into the samurai hierarchy even if it is gifted to you by another.

  Ken Lamers:
... but be careful or the Dromites might kill Jynn

 Ken Lamers:
It is not difficult to say the word "no", but it could be a very high price you ask of me. If there is no other way, I will honor our agreement.
I could pledge to you or a spirit? or a shugenja school?


Prices commensurate with the service.
She smiles at your questions.  I am no man so I believe I'd be safe.
A spirit, however, might indeed also be a man depending.
And you play a dangerous game with a school, for it is led my people and ultimately you'd

  Ken Lamers:
I can still be a part of my family, just hold no fealty to them?


serve
whomever is in charge.

 Ken Lamers:
agreed


You cannot be part of your family.  In Nippon, to be part of a family means to be in service to it's head.

 Ken Lamers:
but I have a great desire for magic. This will be too high a price if I cannot acquire.


Money buys training Takeshi.
If you can find none other, I will train you when you desire.  Payment would be in tasks, not gold though.

  Ken Lamers:
I have a feeling you are laying out a course where our paths entertwine
Very well Cawti. I will swear my allegience to no man.

 Ken Lamers:
I will take the message concerning Jizai back. Is there anything else you wish to tell me before I leave?


See you later my friend.
She laughs and winks.

 Ken Lamers:
Takeshi actually likes Cawti. He smiles back, "Til we meet again sensai".
He gets up, casts another fly spell, and heads back down the trail...


I'll update RPOL

 Ken Lamers:
sorry, did not see your statement.
I just posted, tweak if necessary.
I said I was gone about an hour...


]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:49, Mon 18 Nov 2019.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 201):

Hiro thinks on what Takeshi has stated and then says,

"I think we should deliver to Jizai first. Let him decided if he wants to bring this message to Sugawara no Michizane. Arashi this is probably your call as you will be the one to deliver this message along with the fate of Yojoba-san."

I am only concerned that if we go to Jizai first, Sugawara may think that our actions are tainted and that we may have Jizai's interests and not Sugawara's.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 204):

"You have a point Takeshi, I think the question is who does Arashi server? And he needs to start thinking this way. Being Ronin is not the same as being Samuria and if Arashi plans on serving Jizia-san, then he needs to server him first and foremost. Again this is my recommendation only and Takeshi you do have a valid point.

Everyone should Speak here, this effects all of us, but ultimately Arashi must make the decision. Knowing how we all think will help him make the best decision.

To be open about my thoughts here, I'm thinking longer term. Going after the Izaki clan as a Ronin could be problematic. They could petitioned to have you "removed" as you are only Ronin, but as right hand to the sole Daimyo of all of Shikoku this becomes an opportunity to destroy the clan that destroyed your house. I will not force anything onto you Arashi. I am just trying to help as you make your will known."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Mon 18 Nov 2019.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 205):

Arashi ponders the divinations of Cawti; wondering what the best course of action is regarding all that they have learned and been directed to do. Should they report directly to Jizai, attempt to attain an audience with Sugawara, or secure Yashashi to protect him?


Looking at Takeshi and Hiro, Arashi responds to their comments.

"You both make good points; After we are fully rested we will return to the Michizane."

"Tot-su, Ayare, what do you think our next move should be concerning the Michizane? "

Totsu, I am sorry I did not mention sooner, it is possible the attack on you was an illusion. In fact, the damage sustained may also not be real. Focus you mind, you are not injured.

Ayare's ears perk up at Takeshi's latest information.

I think men don't give up power unless forced to.  Backing either one is a risk because of that, but we have an inkling of how things might turn out and I see no upside to stuffing our noses up Sugawara-sama's backpassage.  No matter if Jizai gets control or not, he seems a losing bet.

I'll be directing my associates to hedge their bets and keep doors open with Jizai.

She looks at Yojoba's body and adds, If you guys want, I can take care of informing Yojoba's clan if you guys report it back to Jizai.  Ease the road, so to speak, for Jizai when he goes to officially tell them their kid bit it attacking air.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 206):

Sorry I could not get into the site last night.

Arashi I think we should report back to Jizai with what we have found and then request an audience with his father to tell him Everything we have found out so far.
Keep in mind it is possible Jizai sent us hear knowing or expecting this answer.  I hope this is not the case because so far I like what I have seen from Jizai but he could possibly be just really good at showing us what we hope to see.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 207):

OOC
Still have no idea if I have any damage or if I am healed by now.
Since there was no visible damage to Yojoba I will guess that there is no visible damage to Totsu.
I will guess my damage was subdual?
If subdual damage I did spend the first day resting so I might be healed quickly after the next morning but definitely would be fully healed from subdual damage shortly after second morning.
If damage was not in my head or subdual then I would need to start making calculations to see how much damage still remains.

Either way I would thank Takeshi for his advice.  Not sure what I would say since it depends on if I’m healed, healing quickly or very slowly.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 210):

Arashi considers the teachings of Xun Kuang, "In order to properly understand the big picture, everyone should fear becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with one small section of truth." and "The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere."


"Our path leads back to the Michizane but, do we know where Yasashi is?  And is it on our way back to the Michizane? If we can secure him and bring him back with us we can protect him and perhaps benefit from his wisdom."

"I also need to find out if there is a daughter of Sugawara and where she is.  Verifying her existence would imply there is truth in Cawti's words."

"Ayare, I do not think it would be safe for you to travel alone, so how do you propose to go to the Chosokabe?"

"Takeshi, I understand your argument will consider it as we travel on our way."

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 211):

Hiro advises against retrieving Yasashi even if it is on the way. "He is in a fortress surrounded by monks capable of fighting. Moving him out of there puts him at more risk."

Ayare:
Oh, thank you Arashi-san, for your concern, but I’m pretty good at taking care of myself.  In fact, I get in more scrapes WITH you guys, than without you.

Stealth is a better defense than swords and I can’t stealth with you giants.around.   (let me know if you take her up on her offer to inform the family)

Totsu:
You see actual damage to your body and it hurts and is tender.  It is considered lethal for healing purposes.  However, the others do not see your injuries.

Yasashi is not on the way.  In fact, he is in the other direction.


=-=-=-=-=

The team heads back down the mountain and into the Michizane held capital and runs into nothing abnormal along the way.  Just the normal check stations, travelers, and merchants.

Arashi beats a path to Jizai’s compound and, although the normal security, courtesies, and waiting are still required, they are brought before Jizai in short order.

Today he takes their meeting iwith only one other present (aside from the guards).  He is a small wizened old samurai standing behind Jizai.  He carries his dai-sho, but only wears clothing and no other weapons.  Jizai pays him no mind as he waves the group in.

He does not seem surprised that Yojoba is not present.

It sounds as though you had a hard journey.  First, I would like to know where Yojoba-san is.  Second, I would like to know if the mission was successful.

Jizai looks stoic – not a normal posture for him.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 213):

Since Totsu saw visible damage to himself he would have put on a bandage after his battle with the imaginary pigman.
Thus the rest of the group as well as Totsu would not have been surprised to see no wounds on Yojoba’s body.


Initial damage from pigman of 7hp lethal (good thing I dodged the other 10) then get 1 back from applying the bandage = 6
Healing rate day 1 = +3base H.R. -3 (combat with imaginary pigman =-(6-3=3) - travel (-2 1/2bma or -4 up to full bma) assuming healing rate first day is a zero (can’t go below zero), +1 for camp, so no hit points recovered the next morning
Next day healing rate would be +3+1(camp) and rested all day so would get back 4 points the next morning bringing total to -6+4=-2
If we travel less than 1/2 my bma any of the days on our way back I would get 2hp back that next morning.  If we stopped at an inn on our way back I would get a hp back that next morning.
Totsu will not allow the group to travel at a slower rate because of this. If anyone ask he will tell them he is “good to go”.
If anyone is watching carefully they might notice him checking under his bandage until fully healed.  Whenever that occurs.
If I missed something let me know.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 212):

Unless we think there may be an assassin among the monks. If so maybe we could send him a message at the first town we hit warning him of potential death.  I’ll let one of you figure out what to write to describe how we think his life may be in danger.
If Ayare is headed in that direction maybe she could get the message to Yasashi?

In reply to Totsu (msg # 21

Before we all go our way.

"Ayare, before you go to the Chokosabe to inform them, is it possible for you to stop by the Signon Monastery and inform Yasashi of Cawti's divinations?"

Arashi bows to Jizai-sama and begins to relate the groups encounter with the diviner.

"Jizai-Sama, We reached the mountain abode of Cawti and received direction from the diviner to only come one at a time to meet with her. Yojoba -san countermanded that direction and ordered us all to follow him down a path to her as one group.

We obeyed Yojoba-san and followed him in only to find ourselves beguiled by her magic and unable to proceed as a group.  We each encountered her with different experiences.  After we regrouped at our base camp from our encounters we discovered that Yojoba had not returned.

Hiro and Takeshi noted that he had tried four times to see Cawti but never returned after his last try.  I directed Hiro and Takeshi to enter the path again to find Yojoba.  They did as I ordered only to find Yojoba laying dead in the path.

Hiro brought his body back and I recovered the scroll with the question on it and, noting the importance of our mission, I read the scroll, counseled with my followers and directed Takeshi to go ask the question.

Jizai-Sama with your permission I will have Takeshi relate what Cawti revealed to him."

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 216):


Takeshi was not expecting his brother to place him squarely in front of Jizai but there now lie only one path before him. He never liked the attention of men of such power.

I move to the front and bow very low to Jizai Michizane-sama. After his nod to continue..

"I have met with Cawti and asked the question written on the scroll:
With the goal of having both Shinto and Buddhist living in peace on Shikoku, what path should Sugawara no Michizane follow in order to consolidate all of Shikoku under his rule?

Her response is as follows:
"He has no path forward to consolidate Shikoku. The only way Shikoku will consolidate is if he abdicates within the month to his son Jizai.  he must do this with his heart, rather than with subterfuge paperwork.  Jizai must be daimyo of the island in truth, not just legally."

I once again bow low and move quickly back to my place.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 217):

Totsu watches Jizai and the older guys reaction to what Takeshi says.

Totsu has perception of a 4, if that would be the appropriate thing to roll then go ahead and roll for Totsu and let me know what I notice

Ayare: Certainly.  You men travel like snails.  With that, she takes off.


=-=-=-=

Jizai and the old man have different methods of getting reports and it is clear, quickly, that they are uncertain whom is in charge although both have the posture that Jizai is in charge.

As Arashi gives his report, Jizai stays quiet and listens, ostensibly until the end, to get the whole report first.  He does not get this opportunity however.  The old man behind him keeps interrupting Arashi to dive for details on things said.

Jizai does not limit his intrusions and Arashi must keep taking side-bars in his story to ferret out details the old man seems to think important.

When Arashi gets to the group breaking up, the old man gets even more so and starts asking the other group members to give first hand accounts of their interactions along the path to Cawti’s.

Jizai says, Please answer his questions.  This is Yojoba’s grandfather, Ochino-sama.

Does anyone attempt to hide anything about their experience?

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 219):

Hiro will be as honest as he can be and will try to be detailed since obviously he is looking for the details. He will highlight that he asked Yojoba-san to rest and wait before attempting a 4th trip into the witch's domain and will even add the details that although officially he did not ask questions of the witch, he did ask her questions around the rules of engagement with her. Which she was free not to answer since he would not accept a charge for the answer. He will also state that even though neither him or Ayare are trained physicians they both examined the body and could determine no cause of death.

The one detail Hiro will hold back is his converstation with the Witch. Hiro will look to Jizai-sama and say that he has more information but is not sure it should be shared openly. Hiro will share in front of everyone if asked to do so or alone with Jizai-sama.

"The witch was trying to bait me into asking a question and in doing so told me, Jizai, Arashi, or Yasashi may die in the coming months, If it is Yasashi, the garlic eating Koreans will swarm over Shikoku within the year and leave almost none alive to tell the tale.  From there, I admit I cannot see. If it is Jizai, or Arashi, I also cannot see past the death."

After talking Hiro bows to both men and steps back.

[Private to Chiisai Tori: Obviously I will omit the commission the witch gave me and what I put in the tea.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:52, Fri 22 Nov 2019.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 219):

Takeshi discusses both of his meetings with Cawti. He contemplates if he should reveal what she asked of him in their deal. He thinks if he should lie and say that he only gave her the coins offered. In the end he says nothing of her demand, bows, and moves back to his position in the back.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 221):

Arashi offers his condolences to Ochino-sama and shares his personal history and motivations for coming to Shikuko that led him to asking the question he did and what Cawti's response was.

"Jizai-sama, I do not know why the Iazki clan wishes my death but I ask for permission to conduct a blood feud against them and the ninja Hojekei."

"As to the payment that Cawti asked in return for her divination. I am bound by honor to try and fulfill it as best I can and await your direction in this manner. I may not serve you as samarai but I offer my life and service to you, such as it is, and stand ready to live or die at your command."

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 222):

I tell them everything about my encounter with the imaginary pigman going into every little detail of the fight. I show them where the electrical damage was on my skin and let them look at it to see if they can see anything.  Then I detail how I dodged the electric bolts and landed my Ki punch with so much force that it totally dissipated the creature.
I make sure to mention that I had zero trust in the witch and had no intentions of asking her any questions when I had no idea of what the consequences would be and without knowing what the others had asked.
I also mention that she had an attitude when I approached her and already seemed pissed off at us and Yojoba because we did not follow her rules.
If they press me on why I didn’t trust the witch (on top of her messing with my head) I will make sure to let them know that Yojoba didn’t share anything about her to me or anyone else in our group that I know of so I had no reason to trust her.

Ochino-sama questions Tatkeshi and Hiro-matsu the most, since they were around Yojoba toward the end the most.  It is clear he is searching for answers to why his grandchild was cut down, how, and by whom, but the two men, sadly, do not have those answers other than their guesses.

Jizai raises an eyebrow as Arashi makes his statement. And then raises it further.
That, my friend Arashi-san, is quite a barrage of information.  He sits and process it for a moment.

First, you would have no way of knowing, but my sister, Sasumi Michizane, died earlier this year.  She had contracted a wasting disease that none of the herbalists could arrest and our family Shinto Gakusho advisers could not heal.  So, Arashi-san, I see no way of you marrying my sister Sasumi.

Second, your mission seems successful and it seems as though difficult times are ahead for all of Shikoku.  I will consider, over the next week, if I am able to accept your pledge of service.  However, before I even consider this, I would need to know: Are you able to put your feud with the Itzaki on hold, perhaps indefinitely?  A feud is an obligation and you cannot be in service to it, and my house, at the same time.

Ochino-sama then questions why Ayare left, where she went, and seems suspicious.  He asks many questions about what, exactly, her role in the group was and why she wished to be the one to relate information of Yojoba’s death to his family.

Jizai probes Totsu’s account of the combat as well, since there is a chance they will be fighting such creatures soon.  He then asks for a recounting of the original battle with them.

He then turns to Takeshi’s account.  You have not mentioned the cost of finishing this mission by asking a question of the witch once Yojoba fell.  If it bears no impact on my family, or the mission, it is yours to keep personal.  However, I would like to know it if you can share it – in private if necessary.

He mulls for a few more moments.  So, conflict is coming.  We do not know the players still.  We do not know the instigator or their motives.  We do not know their forces or allies.  We do not know their time-table but might guess it’s within the month.

What we do know is that there is a chance to stand against them and even increase our strength on Shikoku but it requires my father to willingly hand his power to me – and I’m the person who gets to share this knowledge with him.

We also know that Yasashi, whom is Buddhist while my family is Shinto, Arashi-san, and myself are some form of lynch-pins in the coming battle and if Yashashi falls, Koreans invade, and if Arashi-san or I fall, the visions get cloudy.  Why would the battle for Shikoku involve Koreans?  And why would a Buddhist priest be part of that?

He thanks you all for your time, asks that you stay in town for a while, and dismisses you with the comment, Our answers merely made more questions.

"Ochino-sama, the price necessary for the information provided I would like to keep private - unless of course you or (Takeshi's attention turns to Jizai) Jizai-sama require it of me.

I would ask favor that during our stay in your city I am allowed to train in my arts in your schools, particularly that of the school of water."

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 225):

As they are dismissed Hiro releases a deep breath he didn't even realize he had been holding since Arashi said "blood feud against them and the ninja Hojekei." Arashi-san when you get a chance can we talk in private?


[Private to Arashi Fukushu: Angrily Hiro rounds on Arashi, So will we be taking a blood feud against the sword makers of the region too? I'm sure a sword was used to kill your father maybe they should be held accountable?

Hiro sighs, looks again at Arashi.

I warned you against this course of action. What do you think will happen if you swear a blood feud against a ninja clan? Let say you are successful in publicly killing Hojekei, the ninja clan would be forced to respond? What will they do? You would expect that they send everyone they have to kill you. So now lets say you are successful in eradicating them. Every ninja clan is now threatened. If they did not answer this threat, they would be endangered every time they took a contract.

Ninja have no honor there fore you lose no honor in ignoring them. Can we go after Hojekei? Certainly, but it must be done a certain way and not publicly. Lucky for you Jizai-sama is not going to allow this. I suggest you give up this feud for now. Wait for the right opportunity. Izaki rushed their opportunity and missed the target. Learn from their mistake. If Hojekei is foolish enough to come sniffing around here we will answer that opportunity together. ]

DOWNTIME

GOAL #1
Find what cultural art Jizai-sama has interest in and purchase an item relative to his interest. Target GP value is 25 (value of string we were given for Cawti's payment)

11:35, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 15 using 1d20.  Commerce DC:13 for Jizai item.
11:35, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 9 using 1d20.  Rhetoric DC:18. For finding Jizai's interest.

GOAL #2
Training if we have enough downtime
Teacher level? if master? school? scroll? Private instruction (teacher score)?

GOAL #3
Talk with town-folk, find out what kind of man/leader Jizai-sama is.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 226):



"Onchino-sama, I wished Ayare to merely soften the blow of this tragic news to the Chosokabe clan, I meant no disrespect."

"Jizai-sama, My condolences on the loss of your sister Sasumi Michizane.  I can only imagine what Cawti was angling for by the obligation she imposed upon me.  I will do  as you command, but I merely ask for the permission for a blood feud  to defend myself against those whom conspire to kill me and mine. Therefore, may I defend myself and associates against the Izaki clans murderous schemes and challenge them to single combat as the opportunity arises, providing it does not bring dishonor on the Michizane or harm the innocent?"

Arashi raises an eyebrow as Hiro unloads on him, He waits for him to make his points and considers his reproaches and advise about blood feuds and honor before replying.

"Hiro I understand this may create an lightning rod situation if this gets out.  But I have thrown my support and alliance in with Jizai-sama and deemed it best to disclose my position. I aired all this here, in a private meeting, because it was pertinent, and I need the permission of the Diamyo to proceed with the blood feud.  I do not intend to declare a blood feud on the ninja clan implicated, but I will kill Hojekei if I get the opportunity and it does not jeopardize the greater good of Nippon. I am looking for permission to proceed with a blood feud against Izaki clan as they have already acted to kill me and mine and asking for permission to defend myself should be a reasonable request."

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 224):

I give complete details of my fight with the pigman.
I make it clear that I was proposing a non lethal combat to see who was the better fighter and the pigman knew this and still used his electric field on me.  Knowing fully the conditions of the combat that he accepted he would not comply so the fight could conclude and we could determine who was the better fighter.


Doshaburi was what he called himself.   I would let your people know that if they do run across this pigman that they do not trust anything he says.
I would also recommend your magic users to learn the spell that provides protection against electricity.
Takeshi indicates that there is such a spell. I would recommend you have people in your ranks that know this spell especially if they plan on venturing into that area.  It would be great if they could teach this spell to Takeshi so I could continue my fight with this pigman.
From what I saw from his hand to hand combat I believe I would win this fight.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 229):

I also we seek to find out what kind of a man leader Jizai is. I would be seeking the opinions of fighters who serve or served under him. How does he compare to his father? How do they differ.
While talking to these men I would also seek out to find out where do the Budoka under Jizai usually go for their training?

In reply to Totsu (msg # 230):

If there is down time Hiro will spend it in the bar seeking the story of Sasumi, he doesn't believe the witch would give Arashi a quest he could not complete. So the only two options in Hiro's mind is that either she is not as good as she says, bringing into question all the information they received or that Sasumi is actually still alive. Hiro is looking for a list of people who witnessed the actual death.

Everyone will have a week of downtime.  During this time, Yasashi shows up to talk to you guys and Jizai.  He is worried that the Singon monastery is not run by level headed men at this point and plans to caution the Michizane to pull troops away from the mountains (even though they were not threatening the mountains) until negotiations can be set up.  Singon is not interested in negotiations now, but Yasashi is still making the attempt to get both sides together.

Takeshi:
Ochino opens his mouth, clearly to ask what price Takeshi paid for his information but  Jizai interrupts him.  Takeshi, if the price does not affect my house, or this mission, it is your business and we thank you for spending your question for our gain.

Ochino, unable to limit himself, says, So sorry, Jizai-san, but he is in your pay, on your mission, and even if the price seems unimportant now, it might be later.  I counsel requiring knowing, even if only in private.

Jizai nods his head to acknowledge Ochino spoke, but says nothing more on the matter.

The schools in our town are, of course, open to you Takeshi-san.  You may use my name when you apply to them.  That should at least get you access to their libraries and perhaps a teacher.

GOAL #1: You find harness and tack for a warhorse which was owned by the great samurai Gozen Katuko.  While the price is steep, despite it being over 80 years old, it is in excellent condition and is a collector’s item.  You believe this will be a welcome gift to Jizai-sama.

GOAL #2: You will get 1 week of downtime.  Tell me what you wish to learn, and a backup, and I’ll make the rolls.  If I assume it is water school, you can have a higher-level teacher, not a master (he has it on an 83), no scroll, but all that is free unless you wish private instruction.  If private instruction is sought, it is avail for you, but you must pay yourself for it.

GOAL #3: Jizai-sama is known among the townsfolk largely by reputation only.  Most have no direct contact with him aside from is personal retainers and servants.  He’s known enjoying competition,

Arashi:
Jizai looks pensive for a moment.  What I will do, Arashi-san, is ask you to fill out the proper paperwork and submit it to the daimyo for review.  Be very clear, if you can, of whom you plan to require vengeance from, and list the evidence you’ve gathered as well as sources.

Totsu:
Jizai thanks you for the review of the Doshaburi.  He gives you access to his men’s training area for the week – so you can both train for one week and talk to his men at arms.
You learn that Jizai’s father is very rigid and traditional Shinto samurai.  He is loyal to the emperor, is more direct (and perhaps stubborn) in his dealings with others such that politics are sometimes either lost on him, or ignored by him.  He has a strong sense of the Caste system and propriety.  His son, Jizai, has made friends across caste delineations and it is a bone of contention with his father.  Jizai honors his father, and limits these friendships, but does not shut them down and does not uphold as rigorous a requirement to socialize with equals that his father does.  You also learn that Jizai, while Shinto, has a Buddhist adviser.  That would not happen with his father.

Hiro:
This takes longer than you’d hoped.  It will take your entire week as you speak to a variety of men and women.
You get only little pieces of the puzzle from each person – while none have all the pieces you have gathered by weeks end.
Those pieces, coupled with your analytic mind, form a theory:

Sasumi did, in fact, die from a wasting disease.  Several servants you spoke to confirm it.  She has passed.
You learn she had Buddhist sympathies from one person.  You learn that only Shinto priests were allowed to tend her to keep her spirit pure.  You learn she was sickly most of her life.  You learn Jizai and his father were known to loudly argue during her sickness.  From one person you hear it was over her care, from other you learn it was over Jizai’s Buddhist advisor.  You learn that she contracted the disease after playing ambassador to a contingent from Korea and they were suspected – but it was suspicion completely void of evidence or motive.

From this, you have come to believe that she likely did, in fact, contract the disease from the Koreans (either by design, or by mistake).  A physician you spoke to says she was likely susceptible due to poor health in the first place.  The Koreans offered a Buddhist gakusho to tend her but the Michizane are staunchly Shinto and suspicious so refused.  You suspect Jizai wanted her tended by a Buddhist and his father refused.  (Buddhist are far more skilled at healing than Shinto).

As far as how Arashi could possibly marry her, there are only two options you can think of.  First, doctor/forge documents to have it appear as though he married her BEFORE she died.  Since Jizai knows what’s going on, he’d have to be part of this plan.  Second, you speak to Yasashi about it at one point and he says, while it is too late to raise the girl, if her karma was cut short by the Koreans, it may be possible to Invoke the Buddha in her behalf and ask/convince a powerful Buddhist spirit to raise her.  This, clearly, would be a problem for the Michizane clan.  A Shinto might be able to do it as well, but it might be harder since she was Buddhist.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 236):

I will pass this information along to Arashi. Hiro will shrug having no good solution for Arashi to follow. It is his honor not Hiro's so he can not say what Arashi should do.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 237):

"Domo Arigato, Hiro-Matsu, domo."

Arashi ponders the letter of evidence that Jizai-sama requires to prosecute his blood feud with the Izaki clan. He notes the weight of the argument hinges on the word of Cawti.  How credible are her divinations to the Daimyo?  We will see.

"Takeshi, I have a job for your rhetorical skills."


Arashi asks Takeshi to write the letter of evidence to the Daimyo for him.

Arashi will attempt to procure any and all advantages available to train for the week in the skills mentioned in OOC that would benefit him the most.

Arashi submits his formal request for a blood feud after Takeshi sets it into a formal argument on paper for the Michizane.  He is asking to war on the Izaki clan leaders.  Formally, this includes the Father, his three sons, his daughter, as well as his 4 senior advisers.  Takeshi spends most of the request making a case to trust Cawti.  She is the single source of information at this point.  Takeshi does a fantastic job.  He cites historical data on the witch, as well as delving into the divination process of magic in the first place.  It is complex, but he does an excellent job making it intelligible to a layman.  So much so, unknown to him, the feud submission lends weight to Jizai’s ongoing discussion with his father concerning the direction of the clan.

Five days into the downtime, it is announced publicly that Sugawara no Michizane does, in fact, abdicate in favor of his son Jizai.  This news moves like wildfire through the town.

Seven days into downtime, there is rumor that Sugawara no Michizane is heading to mainland Nippon to be a representative at the emperors court in Kyoto for the clan.

Nine days into the downtime, Ayare returns.  She carries two parcels for “The leader of the Michizane”, which were written assuming the father was the leader, but are delivered to Jizai.

At the end of the week, the team, including Yasashi and Ayare, are summoned to Jizai.

Arashi, you are in the Michizane’s capital city on Shikoku and can find a 6th level teacher, scroll, and Master private instruction for either skill if you can pay for it.

Totsu, you have access to a teacher, 6th level, Master of the skill, and, if you pay the extra expense, private instruction.  You do not, however, have a teaching scroll.

Hiro-matsu, the package you were expecting does, in fact, show up.  It grants double normal bonuses for being ‘the right color’ and is ALWAYS the right color.

Jizai looks worn, tired, and cranky.  He has not had a good week and it is evident for all to see on his scowl and flashes of annoyance.

He brusquely motions for the group to sit.  There are several people in the room now, and an honor guard which has not been there in the past.

After formalities, he says, I do not know if I should curse the success of your mission or be thankful for a path forward.  Eh, duty.

He turns to Arash.  First things first.  Arashi-san.  For services to the clan, in information, missions undertaken, and risking your own blood and that of your companions to further the health of the clan, I grant you a Michizane fief of 3 Ri inclusive of the town of Hio (I tiny hamlet of, say, 20 souls).  You may have a household of 4 personal servants.  Additionally, you are required to support 2 ashigaru to be available to the Michizane at any point.  With this, you must swear eternal allegiance to the Michizane clan.

He has said nothing about your feud request.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 241):

Arashi bows low to Jizai-sama and replies

"Daimyo Jizai no Michizane, I, Arashi no Fukushu, am honored to humble accept your offer and I will prepare my blood scroll swearing my allegiance to the  Michizane clan."

Arashi bows low as is deemed honorifically appropriate for the occasion.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 240):

I pay for the private training. Trying to get every bonus possible. Hopefully I get the bonus for academy as well because I think it might be just enough.
I train in jujutsu as my first choice hopefully to get it up to 60.
Second choice would be Atemi Waza.
I would also put any points gained towards raising my health.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 235):

While talking to the men I also wanted to find out how Jizai treats the men under him. All classes Bushi, Budoka, priest, magic user...

In the conversation with the retired soldier back in the bar I got the impression that Jizai father had no problem getting his men killed if it benefited him, do I get the impression that Jizai would do the same with people who work for him?

Whatever I find out on this I would share with the group as soon as possible before we end up pledging ourselves to him.

I watch Jizai-sama very closely and listen to the event as it unfolds.
... and there it is. My brother is now samurai. Given what has recently happened with the shift of power between Jizai and his father, I wonder what Jizai will now ask of Arashi.

I wonder if Arashi will gift Jizai-sama with the saddle or not, perhaps it would be presumptuous to present it now, as if Arashi was fully expecting to fall in Jizai's service. On the other hand, it could show foresight and preparedness.

Just like many times before, I am thankful I was not bestowed the curse of being samurai. I await to see what happens next, perhaps we will go to Arashi's town of Hio and settle in with the commoners.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 245):

Arashi gathers parchment and quill and confers with Takeshi on the finer details of his sworn statement of allegiance to clan Michizane.

Arashi focuses Ki and fails on a roll 6 while needing dc of 3

Later, in a ritualistic manner that tends toward Shinto sensibilities,  Arashi solemnly cuts himself with his wakizashi and collects his blood in bowl set aside for this purpose.

He then writes out his testament of servitude on the scroll in a beautiful Kanji script; written in his own blood with an exacting detailed manner that still contains as much artistic flair as he can accomplish.

Arashi rolls 6 on dc of 7 to use katakana and hiragana to write in blood on scroll.

Arashi will attends a ceremony at the appointed time to present the bloodscroll to Jizai No Michizane for his approval before ceremonially  burning it in a ritualistic manner signifying his fealty to clan Michizane.

At that time, Arashi will present the gift of a riding saddle and tack to Jizai-sama as is appropriate for such occasions. 

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 246):

Takeshi helps Arashi wordsmith his blood oath. It is written well with loyalty given to the Michizane clan, specifically mentioning Jizai's name but the oath is for loyalty to the current leader. There is absolutely no "wiggle room" with his oath.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 247):

Hiro would like to set up a meeting with both Totsu and Takeshi. "Now that Arashi-san is  samurai in service to clan Michizane, are there any specific goals or desires that I can help with?"

To Takeshi Hiro is assuming that you will be swearing an oath to Arashi-san as a possible advisor?

to Totsu, Hiro understands that Totsu's reputation is important along with saving innocents. Has he considered being an ashigaru in service to Arashi-san? It is really only a step below Samurai and might allow Totsu more weight in challenging other Samurai and hoodlums.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Thu 05 Dec 2019.

Sorry for messing with the timeline.  Charter postings can happen after meeting.


Totsu, you don’t get that much detail about Jizai.  Samurai, almost by definition, consider the lives of those who’ve pledged to them as resources to be used.  Some use that resource efficiently as possible, some do not.  Jizia, himself, has rarey been in a position to make such decisions so you’re not sure how he’ll treat others once he has power.

Jizai nods to Arashi and asks him to submit the proper paperwork to define his household and servants as well.

Next, your feud request.  I am approving your feud against the Izaki Clan leaders.  However, I have also immediately suspended this permission and will inform you when you allowed to pursue it.

A couple advisors in the room get sour looks on their face when he says this.  So much for samurai stoicism.  It is unclear if they are annoyed that the feud was approved, or annoyed that it was suspended.

Now.  Clearly, life has been busy this last week for many of you.  We have many targets to focus on as we transition from my father’s ambassadors and advisors to my own; and integrate the ones whom will serve both.  We have the Buddhists, those stirring the Kami, our now tenuous relationship with the Choksabe, the potential aggression of the Singon monastery, a possible threat from Korea, the waku and Yakuza essentially owning 80% of this island, how much to trust Cawii’s divinations, our footing on the mainland, the list does not end.

Today, we start afresh.  My father and I, as some of you know, shared many of the same goals.  We both want a strong Nippon, and are not as concerned with the niceties of court that so beguile some other families.  I am not blind to the fact that our approach to achieving them is rooted in our ages.  He is more cautious and measured.  I am, not.

I have come to believe that Cawii’s divination is grown from this style difference.  So, I plan to jump in with both feet.

I will have marching orders for all of you today.  When I call, come prepared to travel.  You will all leave immediately after getting orders.

Those of you who have worked with me before know I value discretion just as much as my father did.  For those who have not worked with me, assume all missions are private unless directed otherwise.

=-=-=-=-=-=-

After dismissal, the group is asked to gather their travel gear, and come back to await briefing.

Advisors and men-at-arms are summoned in various group sizes only to leave immediately afterward, as Jizai-sama warned.  Many leave their briefings stone-faced, but some can be seen to leave with a decidedly shell-shocked look on their faces.

Eventually, Arashi-san and his group is called in.

Jizai does not look to have moved.  There is a small stack of scrolls next to him and he is now flanked by a couple of his father’s old advisors.  None of his personal ones are present.

He bows curtly to Arashi, but quickly pivots to Yasashi.

Yasashi.  I have read your report and have managed to corroborate most of it.  I believe that some Buddhist Gakusho are able to treat with Buddhists spirts directly.  While you are not part of my House, and not under my jurisdiction, it occurs to be that you and some of your bretheren may not fully support the new leadership at Singon. Despite that, I would not ask you to do something against them, regardless of leaders.

Still, I cannot say I’m unaffected by the capture of Master Kukai.  It was not the first act of aggression by whatever forces are at play, but it was certainly a firm act of war.

Because of this, I formally request help from you or one of your Brothers.  I believe a Buddhist would be capable of asking a spirit to convey them to where Kukai is.  I am not certain where he is, or what we would find once there, but I, unlike Singon, believe that the risk is worth Brother Kukai’s possible recovery.  Would you be willing to ask such a thing of the spirits?

Turning to Arashi and the others, And while I will ask Arashi to go, I understand that such a mission is flying completely blind.  There is no chance to recon, to gather intelligence, to learn about possible enemies, or to even know the risks.  You would be my first choice of team, should Yashasi be willing to ask the favor.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 248):

I was hoping to have this meeting before Arashi pledged himself to Jizai.

I could challenge Samurai?  This definitely got my attention.
I was under the impression we were going to pledge to Jizai.
I would feel better pledging to Jizai rather than the clan because who knows what the other leaders might be like.
Besides the obvious question of what happens if Jizai dies. What would be differences of pledging to Jizai vs the leader of the clan while Jizai is the leader?
Also could we talk with Jizai before we pledge letting him know we would like to work as a team whenever possible?  Should we try to include this in any kind of oath?

I don’t understand all the intricate details of Japanese structure.  Aany details about how these things work would be a huge help to myself in knowing what would be best for Totsu and his goals.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:20, Thu 05 Dec 2019.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 249):

Before we leave Totsu would want to talk to Arashi about something. It would probably have an effect on which weapons he would bring or not bring (hint).
I would prefer to know a little more about the society things and pledging before this takes place.

Takeshi looks to follow his brother but all their goals are the same, to gain power and to stop war. At least, that is what Takeshi believes.

He is ready to find his old sensai if the group decides to follow Arashi-san Fukushu of the Michizane clan.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 252):

Find your old sensai?
Does that mean you plan to leave the group?

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 252):

Totsu goals are to prevent the killing of innocent people (stopping wars definitely does this), protecting people who are unable to protect themselves (like peasants and people with no fighting skills) who are being being picked on or threatened by people (like bullies, he really hates bullies and would relish the opportunity to beat the crap out of all of them).

Way down the line after he has mastered multiple Budoka skills and Okudens he would hope to start a school to train others to help them fight for the same.


The part he would not have mentioned, at least not yet would be to possibly teach people under tyrannical rulers who are grossly mistreating their own people to learn to fight and possibly overthrow these people if necessary.  Ideally with no harm (at least not permanent, may have to subdue or knock some out) to any innocent people on the other side

In reply to Totsu (msg # 254):

Hiro will bow and thank both Takeshi and Totsu for their time and sharing of their goals.

To Jizia,

"I am but a humble entertainer and I'm not sure what I can do to add to the migt Arashi-san already possess, on such a dangerous mission, but I swore to help him and honestly with the stories I could gather about this once in a life time adventure how could I say no!" Hiro rubs his hands together seeming excited about the possibility of being involved in such a prestigious mission.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 253):

OOC: Rich, Kukai from the Singon monastery, is Takeshi's old sensai. He is not leaving the group.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 256):

Arashi will spend time "when not training" familiarizing himself with his new fief in Hio and start the process of recruiting two ashigaru and his four household servants.  Arashi will write and submit the required paperwork defining his household (maid, gardener, household manager, cook).

He will also look Yasashi up and ask his advise on preparing for this expedition. Afterward if Yasashi had any particular recommendation Arashi would follow his advise and when prepared with his equipment and supplies he will report for the expedition to rescue master Kukai.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 249):

I volunteer to go on this mission with Arashi

I do have a request.
Since we will probably be running into Kami’s do you have anyone who is knowledgeable or who has fought Kami in the past who could provide any advice?
I’ve had problems with them taking over control of my mind as well as not being able to punch them without taking electrical damage could you or your advisors provide any help with either of these?
I noticed my yawara provided some protection when I punch the electric pigman so I was thinking a pair of rubber fisherman gloves for them unless someone has a better idea?


OOC:  since the time for the meeting came up I would have discussed these questions with the group first. If Yasashi or Takeshi needed any spells for this and they did not want to ask then Totsu would have for them.
I would have tried to pick up some of the fishermen’s gloves as well as a leather pair I could wear underneath them as well if I thought they would help and then showed them to the advisors so they could advise or send to a mage or someone else who has fought Kami and could make recommendations.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 257):

PM from Totsu to Arashi will be coming soon

In reply to Totsu (msg # 259):

[Private to Arashi Fukushu: In reply to Totsu (msg # 259):  Arashi, I would like you to carry my family Katana. I would like you to use it to protect yourself, our group and in any way possible to help prevent this war and protect innocent lives. You will not find a better sword in all the land (it is a Master quality sword.  +3 bcs and +3 damage) I said I would help you in your blood fued and thus I would like you to use it in any way to help avenge your father’s death as well.  I would like this sword to be used by someone who will do good things with it. I believe you could be the correct person to use this sword.   One thing that concerns me is your blood fued. If you prove to me that you can use this sword in the best interest of the people, our group and without putting your own needs (like your blood fued) above the safety and welfare of people who need you then you will earn the right to keep this sword permanently.  If you feel you can do this then it may help you lighten your load of some of the other weapons you may want to sell off.   As far as equipment I just wanted to reassure you that I will be carrying a dai-kyu and if we ever need any long range shots that you could not reach if you were carrying a Han-kyu I would defer my equipment to you to take such a shot because I know you would give us the best chance of success.   On a side note, I know you have the right to make any blood oaths you want but if we are to work at our best as a group I would have recommended that you would have discussed your desire to pledge yourself to the Michizane clan with the rest of our group before you did this. I know I would have supported you and I’m pretty sure everyone else would have as well.   In the future if any type of major decision like this were to arise you might want to consider discussing this with the rest of the group before making such a decision. When you do something like this it effects all of us as well. This would also set a good example to the other members of our group if they ever come upon any future decisions that could have a major impact on the rest of us. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Sun 08 Dec 2019.

In reply to Jizai Michizane (msg # 249):

When I’m training and I notice they do not have a jujutsu scroll I will ask if they have one?  I’m figuring they have some but others were using them. In the rare chance that they have none I would let them know about the town where I had the brawl they have one and it is owned by the head of the Yakuza there.  His name is Oja. I’m sure if you were to offer payment he would be willing to sell it or let you make a copy of it for Jizai’s training schools.

In general, a Ronin was considered scum and not only had few rights, but was often assumed to be doing nefarious things to get by.  Money does not come easily for most not in service to someone except by taking it from others.

So, pledging to a House, rather than Lord, was pretty standard.  It makes the Ronin a full Samurai, and pulls him up from the middens.  However, they are often still looked down on a little since everyone knows their history.  They often have to work harder than others to eschew that stain.

Jizai nods, and looks to Arashi again.  It is rare to inspire such loyalty as a Ronin.  He's more comfortable with his offer of service with men willing to follow him into hell!

Arashi will not have time for the former.  At the end of the meeting, Yasashi informs them that the ways of the Buddhist spirit world are not predictable by mortals.  He will, as requested, make the attempt to beseech the Buddha to allow a rescue into a Kami hell.  But that might mean the Buddhist spirit takes them immediately.

He suggests preparing as well as they can now, and meeting him after diner tonight when he will make his attempt.

Kami are the Million Gods.  They come in all shapes and sizes.  It is unlikely you will meet this Pigman in hell although taking precautions against how he fought certainly can't hurt you.

The team reassembles after dinner.

Yasashi has incense burning and has constructed a small alcove of the Inn to be, essentially, consecrated to Buddha.

He places everyone in specific places and asks that they remain quiet and still until he is done.

He then begins to Chant.

As he casts his spell, senses seem to dull and the air in the room seems to get thicker.

[Private to Hiro-matsu; Takeshi Oshiro:
Hiro and Takeshi, the rest of the group falls asleep (aside from Yasashi) as a Spirit coalesces in the middle of the room.  It looks neither angry nor particularly benign.

Yasashi, essentially, thanks it profusely for deigning to notice him, offers him some rare tea, and presents his request.

The spirit, surprised to be called to send a group to Shinto Hell, sits down and the two begin to discuss it.

Yasashi's rhetoric is almost flawless.  He lays out how a Buddhist spirit might perform such a task, what the benefits are to the spirit himself, how safe-guards might be enacted, and promises to devote a month a year to spreading that particular Buddha's doctrine.

The spirit listens, questions, and argues.  He, too, is almost flawless. He agrees to take the risk in sending them, and agrees to pull them back out of Hell in two weeks time rather than be 'on call'.  However, he requires, Yasashi to spend six months per year, for the next 5 years, spiritually tending to the Waku of Shikoku.

Yasashi, cautiously agrees, not knowing why the request was made.

The Spirit glances at Hiro and winks.  Shinto hell is unkind to your profession.  Stay hidden when you can and engaged hell's residents only if you must.

He then looks to Takeshi, And YOU'RE going to be a busy boy.  Spend your resources wisely and let the fighters handle the mundane things.

Then the spirit dissipates.]

It seems as though nothing happens, and then everyone wakes up, not knowing they had fallen asleep.  You are still in the room, but all the light and colors are wrong.  There is no light source but you can still see.  Objects appear washed out rather than vibrant and all colors are both different than they were, and more subdued.

The air feels thick and everyone finds that they must focus on drawing breath in rather than it be a natural occurrence.

Unless I miss my guess we have two weeks to get to the monestary, and rescue Kukai.

There is no sound.  Not even birds.  Just the sounds your own bodies make.

In reply to Yasashi (msg # 266):

Hiro will immediately pull his new duds and put them on. Hiro will be in stealth mode unless otherwise noted.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 267):

"Yasashi, is there any preparations to be made prior to preceding with our mission? And do you  know any way we can expedite our journey to the monastery in this strange land?"

"If we are just to hoof it over there then we will precede to do so while on the look out for any dangers or opportunities to travel as swiftly and discretely on our way."

Without his horse Takeshi is once again the slow man on the totem pole.
He thinks for a moment if he should cast his fly spell. Gears turn, calculations are made, and he decides that the two week timetable is more than enough to rescue Kukai-sama. He does not cast and simply starts walking in the direction of the temple... if indeed he knows which direction that is.

He takes his place towards the back of the group, hoping this strange air does not make travel too difficult.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Mon 09 Dec 2019.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 269):

Totsu checks to see if he has his weapons and rubber gloves in case he runs into pigman. After a quick inventory he is ready to go.

Totsu speaks

Do we have a marching order?
Yasashi do we expect to see trouble coming from a distance or do you think it could pop up from any direction?

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 262):

Since we are a group and want to stay together what would be the best thing for Totsu to do?
1.  Pledge to Michizane directly and request to be assigned to Arashi?
2.  Pledge directly to Arashi?
3.  Something else?

In reply to Totsu (msg # 271):

OOC: I believe, based on what I have seen of your character, that you will not be samurai. This leaves you at the calling of any samurai or Daimyo (Lord). So there is never a conflict of interest I would suggest you swear yourself to Arashi-san if you think him an honorable man to follow.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 271):

Hiro's take on your situation Totsu:

Option 1) this would be a great honor you could attempt this but they would probably not accept. Maybe after you had done the clan a great favor they would allow this. If you wanted this path you would probably want to first become ashigaru to Arashi-san and then doing great deeds get recognized by the clan and made full Samurai. Keep in mind that if you succeed in this and your clan decides that you need to go wipe out a village of farmer rebels you would have to do that. I agree with Takeshi that this does not seem like your path.

Option 2) This is really just the first step to Option one and has the same bonuses and pitfalls.


Option 3) Here's were you can swear a non binding oath to Arashi-san. Say you are Companion to Arashi-san helping him do great deeds of valor blah blah.. This allows you the reason to stay with this group and yet the freedom to build up and be come master of a school later on if you so choose. The disadvantage to this is that you never attain the status of Samurai.

Ultimately it comes down to what you want Totsu. Is Master Totsu of the twisted Yawara school, finest martial arts school in the land enough for you? Or will you only be satisfied when you are Shogun of all Nippon?

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 273):

OOC: Another way to look at it is that Samurai are like royalty. They have lots of privileges but it comes with obligation. So as a commoner you can be the best fighter in the world but you can't compete in a royal tournaments and you also don't have the obligations of a lord. The other side of this is status. As the best fighter you still will not have the status of a king or lord, but you might be recognized as a great fighter. Not really a 1-1 comparison but maybe that helps.

This is a Kami hell my friend.  Unfortunately, that means you know what to expect as much as I do.  From what I see and guess at, I'm worried that magic might be more powerful here.  Which means physical abilities might not be as dependable against magical beings.  But that's just a guess.

After a few moments of moving in Hell, it becomes clear that the air has a friction that is significant.  With just a few moments, you learn that your BMA is based off an average of Spd and Will, rather than just Spd.

Totsu, I have a 'something else' option for you.

You have shared with us, some of your goals in life.

I will say, honestly, pledging to ME instead of Arashi, could likely get you on the path of your goals more constantly.

While I am no samurai, I do work to improve the lot for commoners more than you may realize.  I don't train them to fight, but some of my friends and I have started tending to two blocks of town.  We are educating them better in their trades, as well as any trade they desire to pursue assuming we think they can do it.  We are also creating, for lack of a better word, treaties with various other professions so that the common man is less affected by the whims of others.  Agreements between such people are being negotiated as we speak.

To be honest, I could use your skills to teach when you're ready to - and perhaps even your strong arm when people don't want to play fair.

I assume these conversations happen before going to hell

=-=-=-=

In hell, she looks around and, cautiously, moves into the shadows while saying she'll scout behind if Hiro-matsu will scout ahead.

I will to do the math for PC's, but Hell has some quirks and I'll show you what I'm doing so you know what's going on.  I have a spreadsheet that calculates these things.

Every derived ability (BAP, MNA, STR damage, etc) is averaged between the controlling ability and Willpower.  (sorry fighters).

To figure out damage bonus, for example, I will average STR and WILL power before plugging into the formula.  So Arashi, with a 31 str and 5 will, would average them to get 18.
 His damage bonus, therefore, would be +1 in hell.

PC's Don't do this math.  Just, do me a favor and be explicit about where bonuses are coming from.

This message was deleted by the player at 15:40, Tue 10 Dec 2019.

As Takeshi takes his position in the middle/back he keeps catching up with the more physically able of the group. He soon realizes that he is not slowing them down but it is the other way around. He might get to enjoy this place...

He flexes his muscles (they still are scrawny) and continues walking at a slower pace.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 279):

"Since I am disadvantage in my mobility I will use my Dai-kyu and bring up the rear.  Hiro, I believe your skills are still good enough to scout ahead and keep us out of ambushes, Totsu should follow with Yashashi and Takeshi in the middle. Unless someone would advise otherwise?"

Arashi will keep his bow handy while he brings up the rear pondering if there are any mental exercises he could in engage in to increase his power in this strange land.   

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 280):

Hiro nods to Arashi-san, putting on his ninja garb he eerily blends into the background. His clothes change colors to match whatever he is standing in front of. When he moves in stealth it is almost as if a pair of eyes stair out from the very air.

In the open Hiro will move far enough ahead to be just out of sight of the group. If he sees anything he will head back. In closed spaces Hiro will stay within sight of the group.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 280):

A thin smile crosses my face, Arashi sounds more like a leader every day.
I fall in line as instructed as I wonder how hell will affect my spell energies and the potency of which I cast. I discuss with Yasashi as we walk, perhaps we will be able to intellectual estimate such a thing...

20:57, Today: Takeshi Oshiro rolled 4 using 1d20.  Wit roll BCS 12 to estimate magic affect in hell.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 280):

I would suggest a fighter next to a person with magic.  2X2 formation.  Perhaps Yasahi and Arashi then myself and Takeshi.
With Hiro up front and Ayare in the rear.
Thus if we are attacked from any angle we would have 1 fighter and 1 magic user as the first line.

Totsu will also pull out is big ass bow.

In reply to Ayare (msg # 276):

Thanks for all the advice.  Sounds like my best bet right now is to continue to present myself as Arashi's body gaurd.  I will work on pounding people and hopefully gain a reputation.
Ayare if there are anythings you think I could help you with let me know.  Same with the rest of you.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 277):

Willpower :(
Ouch.  I'm feeling slow and weak.

Have you had a chance to update our characters based on the training we had?  Any chance you could do this before any combat starts?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Wed 11 Dec 2019.

Yasashi, this is very uncomfortable, being in hell. But, I feel we have more power here and am concerned how our powers will react. Do you think it wise to try a minor casting to see the affect before we enter a combat?

This is a completely new realm.  It is difficult to predict what affect the realm will have on your magic.  It does, however, remind you of magic dueling.  Where the person with the highest Willpower has an edge.

Perhaps just before we rest?  Just in case we end up needing the energy?

Yashashi actually looks significantly larger here.  Takeshi, to a lesser extent.  Totsu, Arashi, and Ayare look smaller.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Fri 13 Dec 2019.

Upon consideration, I think I'll be Yasashi's guide rather than scout.  I'm uncertain how effective I'd be as a rear-guard.

She bows to Totsu to acknowledge his request, then takes Yashashi's arm to be his eyes.

Hiro-matsu moves out ahead and is quickly lost to the eyes of the rest.

The team starts marching across the eerie terrain and find the friction disconcerting.  The difficulty breathing does not go away with time.  Drawing air is something the group has to actually focus on, and there are several times someone forgets and ends up gasping for air.  However, the higher your willpower, the easier it is.  Yasashi does not have to think about breathing at all.  Takeshi only occasionally.

Still, no damage is done.  It's just uncomfortable.  And it is unknown how this new requirement of life will work once a teammate requires full concentration on things like battle, spell casting, intense skill use, etc.

As the group moves Hiro guides them along an odd route.  Instead of straight line, he zig-zags as he notices demons on the horizon, or small whirlwinds in another, or undulations in the ground in a third instance.  After a few of these warnings, the team comes to understand that there are tons of dangers here, and Hiro-matsu is, so far, circumventing all of them for them (Critical success perception with Ninja heightened perception).

As the team finishes their day marching, a new issue arises.  Hiro successfully got them quickly through the terrain with no incidents, but now that it's time to rest, it becomes clear that falling asleep when you have to focus on breathing, is going to be a problem.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:20, Fri 13 Dec 2019.

Thankyou Hiro, your skill has once again brought us through safely and avoided many possible pitfalls.

I turn my attention to the issue at hand... breathing.
I have no knowledge about this place and need to understand it more if I can.

Yasashi, we encountered some pig creatures a while back. One by the name Doshaburi owes me a favor. He said I could call upon a Bodihattsva for aid. Do you know of this creature and would it be able to help us in our current predicament?



If Yasashi does not know of the Bodihattsva or does not think it can help us...



To the group: I intend a few castings to gather information on this place, hopefully enabling us to learn how to breathe instinctively. I hope this does not bring any unwanted attention but I don't think we have a choice.

I look to Arashi and Yasashi for their agreement before casting:

Magic Detection (cost 0)
Magic Analysis (cost 1)
Astral Senses (if applicable, cost 1pt per DT)

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 291):

Hiro looks around silently even at rest he tries to fall into the background to not be noticed.

This place feels like the focus tests he used to do with his clan. Blowing a feather across a room as adversaries try and distract you or better sitting under water breathing through a small reed for hours at a time. As with any ninja from the Baado Piiparu Clan he wasn't bad at the techniques but he was also not in the same league as Yasashi or Takeshi. He would learn what he could from this place and translate it back into better training for his clan.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 291):

When Takashi mentions calling for pigman Totsu blurts out

You want to do what!
I don’t think that is a good idea. I do not trust that pigman.
If you are going to do this you better let me know ahead of time so I can at least put my rubber gloves on.

I feel that we are not at a critical juncture yet for anything drastic.  But unless someone has other ideas, here is what I feel the ladder of 'risk' we might want to follow:

1) analyze the magic in the area.  If it is magic which is is creating this difficulty, perhaps Takeshi and I can alleviate it a little.

2) perhaps see if the affect changes with elevation.  If we get into some mountains, perhaps the air will be 'thinner'.

3) next, attempt to contact the Kami who owes you a favor.

4) It is theoretically possible to Invoke Buddha here.  Although this might be both difficult and have unforseen consequences since Buddhist spirits will not want to be here and Kami will not want them here.

5) I hesitate to mention this one, but if one of us were to perish on this mission, it is highly likely their spirit would stay here since this is already a place of the afterlife.  THEY could then do the mission with my help, since I don't have to breath here.  We'd send everyone else home.  Once we succeed, I would raise them.  Please note this is a perilous path for a whole host of reasons but it is all I can think of.

I agree with your logic Yasashi. If we get to number 5 we can discuss then.
If there is no opposition we can begin analyzing with our magics.

In reply to Yasashi (msg # 294):

If either of you can find a way to help the rest of us feel closer to 100% it would be very beneficial to all of us if we run into any trouble.

I’m not in favor of item 3 unless you want to bring about #5.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 296):

Totsu, I understand your hesitation with the pigmen as your experience with did not turn out favorable. I had a different experience with them that was positive. Perhaps they are like people, some can be trusted and some can not. I would not want to cut ourselves off at the knees and never associate with them because of your experience when they could be our allies... or at least help us as promised to me. We will move forward taking your advice into consideration and be wary of our relationships and promises with them.


With no other objections, Takeshi will begin casting his first spell, detect magic.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 297):

"Hai, analyze your magic and see what we have to work with."

"If we need to use option 5, I prefer its the result of battle."

Arashi assesses his fortitude to determine how much rest he actually needs in this realm.

"Can you use your magic to increase our stamina to eliminate any need to sleep?"

"Do you possess any magical means to transport us to our destination?"