In reply to Ito (msg # 157):

Totsu will evaluate the situation and when he sees his friends are in no danger and Takeshi is being tended to he will go back and put evil Totsu into a grappling choke hold and finish him off.

In reply to Ito (msg # 157):

Ito moves over to Takeshi and begins the casting of a spell (this will take 1 minute to cast)

In reply to Totsu (msg # 158):

Evil Totsu to good Totsu : "You have bested me but I beg you for my life. I can offer you future help in battle or perhaps unlocking a mystery that is beyond your understanding..."

Good Totsu stops for a moment, like he is having a hard time thinking of an answer.

Arashi and Ito both sense something is wrong and turn their attention to the Totsu's when they witness the spirit of the evil Totsu turn to a foglike form and enter good Totsu's body. Ito knows good Totsu has just been possessed.

07:52,
Spirit rolled a crit 1 and Totsu did not resist. Both Ito and Arashi made great perception rolls:
Today: Takeshi Oshiro, on behalf of Ito, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Per BCS 16-6=10.
07:51, Today: Takeshi Oshiro, on behalf of Arashi Fukushu, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Per BCS 4.

This happened in Action phase 1 of current round.

At the beginning of the next round "Good" Totsu looks in the direction of Ito with evil intent in his eyes and starts running his direction.

Map updated.

Ito needs to make a concentration roll if he wants to continue with his heal spell.

It is Arashi's action in 13

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 160):
OCC: Sorry Rich.

Arashi notices Tot-su is not himself and moves to intercept him with a "Move to Engage" action that takes him to the R6 square where he drops master Katana and Iaijutusu draws No-Adachi and attempts Thrust attack against Tot-su.

Iaijutsu BCS 14, +6 blessing, +1 Situational Modifier for Thrust attack = BCS 21.

10:41, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 2 using 1d20.  Iaijutsu draw No-dachi thrust attack on Tot-su BCS 21.

Not a critical success per house rules.

Damage 1d10 +3

10:52, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 10 using 1d10+3.  Thrust damage to Tot-su 1d10+3.

Arashi did 10 damage to Tot-su.  Giving Arashi a %10 chance at special effect.

10:58, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 60 using 1d100.  Trust special effect roll %10.
Critical Effect.

Failed the Thrust attack special effect but we are engaged at long range.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 161):

In 9, possessed Totsu pulls out a Manrikigusari, a chain weapon.



13:17, Today: GM KEN rolled 3 using 1d20.  Speed ST BCS 10.

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 162):

Arashi attempts another attack but with subdual damage this time.

This will decrease damage one step to 1D10+3

13:50, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 11 using 1d10+3.  subdual no-dachi damage 1d10+3.

13:49, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 17 using 1d20.  Attack possessed Tot-su w/ no-dachi bcs 24.

Arashi hit Tot-su for 11 hp subdual damage.

It is action 4, Ito's turn.

Ito swears roundly as he breaks his concentration on Takeshi and turns his attention towards Totsu. Ito had known better than to get distracted before the spirits were gone.

Refocusing, he begins his chanting again, but with a decidedly more authoritative tone compared to the healing chant he just interrupted.

He bears his Will down upon Totsu and attempts to drive out the entity which has taken residence in the samurai.

12:06, Today: Ito rolled 6 using 1d20.  Exorcise Totsu (BCS 24-spirit rank).

So, if his spirit rank is less than 16, he loses 6 spirit ranks.

The spirit possessing Totsu lets out a shriek once again as it feels the drain of Ito's power against it. His anger is aimed at Ito but Arashi stands in his way. His chain lashes out and tries to wrap around Arashi but slips off the armor and lands on the ground.

It is Arashi's BAP action in 13

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 166):

Arashi will continue doing subdual damage to possessed Totsu.

06:48, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 9 using 1d10+3.  subdual no-dachi damage 1d10+3.

06:47, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 13 using 1d20.  Attack possessed Tot-su w/ no-dachi bcs 24.

Arashi delivers another 9 points of damage to the possessed budoka.

Totsu's body crumples to the ground but the danger is not over.
The spirit rises from his body and its ghostly form heads towards Ito.

Currently the spirit cannot be attacked physically but cannot try to do anything to Ito until its BAP next round.

It is Ito's action in 4.

Looking down at Totsu, not knowing Arashi was hitting with the flat of his sword, and having Takeshi's unconscious form at his feet, Ito's face contorts in anger and looks a little Kami-like himself.

Little chimes in his robe jingle discordantly as his voice rasps with spiritual force trying to rid Nippon of the creature.

07:25, Today: Ito rolled 7 using 1d20.  Exorcise Totsu (BCS 24-spirit rank).

So, if his spirit rank is less than 15, he loses 6 more spirit ranks.

Ok, I just have to say that I have never seen so many rolls under 10 in my life.

Ito prays and the spirit dissipates with an angry cry.
The battle is over.
The sounds of nature enters the area for the first time in many years.
Takeshi and Totsu are on the ground unconscious.
Actions?

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 170):

Totsu lays on the ground unconscious for his turn.  :)
Hopefully Ito will know to heal Takeshi first since I'm pretty sure all Totsu's damage was subual.  I'm assuming Evil Totsu's attack was subdual.  Never specified so I was guessing subdual.


OOC:  I know, I rolled great on all 2 of my attacks.  I was hoping we would not have to do this over because I know the odds of me rolling that well again would be very slim.

TOTSU: I don't want to speak for the GM, but damage should likely be considered Lethal unless specifically told otherwise.

GM: Below are the rolls for healing.  The first was Takeshi which will fail if he took more than 30 points of damage.  If not:

TOTSU gets 7 points of lethal damage healed.
TAKESHI gets 21 points of lethal damage healed.

This will take 3 minutes.

14:45, Today: Ito rolled 7 using 3d6.  Heal Totsu #1.
14:45, Today: Ito rolled 8 using 3d6.  Heal Takashi #2.
14:45, Today: Ito rolled 13 using 3d6.  Heal Takashi #1.
14:45, Today: Ito rolled 9 using 1d20.  BCS 18-lethal/10 on Totsu.
14:44, Today: Ito rolled 3 using 1d20.  BCS 18-lethal/10 on Takashi.
14:44, Today: Ito rolled 15 using 1d20.  BCS 18-lethal/10 on Takashi.


Ito looks worn from the battle.  Sweat has soaked his robe and his eyelids seem heavy.  He waves to Hiro-matsu, Ayare, and Lady Sasumi that the battle has ended.

Before moving toward the box, he looks at the others.

Lady Sasumi Michizane-sama.  Forgive the presumption, but, despite Arashi-sama leading this expedition, I would suggest that you, as the highest ranking Michizane, carry the box once we try to determine if it is safe.

Perhaps Takeshi has more clear-cut means to determine the function and relative safety of the box, but I can at least ask the Kami's for any hints they choose to give us about them.

Ito will first attempt to analyze the box in an effort to determine what it does and how it works.  (Gnana Yoga Trance).  If he has any spell points left, he will attempt to Detec/analyze the magic of the box as well.  If he does not, he'll ask Takeshi to.



To determine purpose and how to operate the box (hints):
15:09, Today: Ito rolled 5 using 1d20.  Trance part 1, Magic BCS of 18.
15:10, Today: Ito rolled 1 using 1d20.  Trance Gana #2, Yoga BCS 11.
Critical Success!

To analyze the magic itself.
15:11, Today: Ito rolled 18 using 1d20.  Trance magic Part 1 bcs 18.
15:11, Today: Ito rolled 15 using 1d20.  Trance Magic part 2, Yoga BCS 9.
Failure!



With that, Ito stays sitting on the ground and does some deep breathing in order to get his breath back.  His reserves are running very low.  When he catches his breath, he will share what he has learned, if anything.

A night in the village, Arashi-sama, would be of use to me for, if your team is willing, I would like to see this box to the head of the Michizane if I can.  The man gave me purpose in life and I would like to see some small portion of that gift repaid.

Ito as no intention of talking to the villagers or priest at this point.  He looks like he will sleep 12 hours if given the chance.

In reply to Ito (msg # 172):

Totsu comes too and takes a defense position and says
Wait it's me I was being controlled
After he realizes they are not taking any actions he says
Did we get it?  Are we sure it's gone?

Once he is caught up on what happened he would thank Ito for exercising the spirit from him and healing him.

I think we should all rest before doing anything with this box.  Are we supposed to bring it back un-opened?
Ito before we leave the shrine I think you should remove the armor.  Not a good idea for others to see you wearing this.
Assume Ito would take off armor.  Totsu would then put his armor back on.

OOC:  The reason I assumed the damage was subdual was because Evil Totsu attacked with a punch and he does more damage using subdual so I was guessing that is what he tried on me.  If it would have been an unknown person/spirit attacking me I would have probably assumed lethal unless otherwise stated.  I know Arashi specifically called out he was doing subdual so I know that part was subdual.  Original damage from Evil Totsu punch was 6 and then Arashi did 30 with his No-dachi (wooden sword, correct?).  Does the heal cover subdual or lethal first?  Do I have a choice which?

In reply to Totsu (msg # 173):

"Ito, I was commanded by Jizai Sama no Michizane to secure the artifact in this iron box before returning it him.  If you wish to examine it and place it in the box unopened before I secure it in the Iron box, I will allow you and Takeshi to do so, but do not open it."

Arashi brings the "iron box" that  Jizai Sama gave him to secure the artifact in and places it on the ground next to the artifact.

"Your services have been indispensable and indeed may have been the difference between failure and success in this endeavor.  I will allow you to accompany us to Rokafosu before we return to the Michizane."

OCC: Arashi's first swipe at Totsu was lethal, that could have been bad under RAW as it would have been a crit for double damage.  Arashi tempered his next two attacks with subdual damage to make sure he would not accidentally murder Totsu.

Arashi attempts to "read" the box.

07:31, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 6 using 1d20.  Hiragana or Katakana to recognize the 3 wave Iconography on box. bcs 7.

"We will rest here until we are heathy and able to continue on our mission."

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 174):

Hiro will be watching the surroundings for anyone (stealthy?) who might take this opportunity to try and take the box from us. Despite Ito helping us Hiro will be making sure he does not try and abscond with the box not that we have freed it.

13:48, Today: Hiro-matsu rolled 20 using 1d20.  Perception

In fact he's pretty sure Ito wants the box and will place himself between them helping Arashi get the box stored.

Ito and Takeshi examine the box without touching it.
It is kept closed with a simple latch that secures tightly. Ito tells the group that it is air and water tight the way it is designed but there is no lock and could be easily opened.

Takeshi takes some time to evaluate it before explaining that the object inside gives protection against spells or powers that would affect the mind of the wearer.

Lady Sasumi smiles at Arashi as he takes control of the situation, placing the box under his protection and acquiring a very valuable resource in the priest Ito. She notices Hiro's posture and positioning relative to Ito and notes once again how important his service is to Arashi. He has a cohesive group that protect each other, she is silently impressed.

"The Michizane are appreciative of all your help" she looks around the entire group. Turning to Ito "the company of an educated man would be valued. You may enlighten us about kami during our travels."

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 176):


Based on our experiences I can definitely see how something like this would be very handy.

Takeshi, I don't suppose something like this is easy to create.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 178):

Arashi secures the box in the Iron Box that Jizai Sama supplied and secures it.

"This was a hard fought prize, we will keep a guard on it at all times. For now lets go to our camp site and when all are healed and refreshed will to continue on to the next part of our mission."

Arashi having the feeling that he has been in this village for months if not years is eager to  move on.

"When will every one be able to proceed?"

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 179):

Totsu looks over Takeshi to see what kind of shape he is in.

A couple of hours of rest and I could be good enough to go

After 2 hours Totsu will be fully recovered if all damage was subdued (If Arashi's first attack was lethal then he will still be a -3 hp lethal and would take magical healing to get to zero or else a complete day of rest with no combat and then a full nights rest)

Takeshi regains consciousness from Ito's healing and, other than a couple scars, is fully healed and feeling good.

"I thank you for your intervention with the kami to advance my healing Ito, that is truly amazing, I feel fine."

Takeshi looks at the scars along his flesh and his damaged clothing with two big slices across it. Mortality is realized as Arashi could kill him with two strokes of his sword.

"It has been an experience and I would appreciate the night of sleep offered."

Takeshi helps make camp, avoiding the town, and beds down for the night.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ito had seen the servant (Hiro) take his rightful place to aid his master.  As the priest started to turn to put his incense away, however, he noticed something peculiar.  The servant was not in an optimal place to actually be of service.  Instead, he was directly between Arashi and Ito.

07:55, Today: Ito rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hiro Perception for role playing.  DC 16.

Curious.

Ito picked up a bell that he had laid out to cast his healing spells and moved it several yards to his left.  The change in Hiro-matsu was subtle.  If Ito wasn't looking for it, he would not have caught it.  But the servant, while not moving from is spot, pivoted slightly.  The pivot, oddly, made it so Hiro could continue to unobtrusively watch both Arashi, and amazingly, Ito himself.

Why on earth would a servant with no weapons think he needed to shield his master, a clearly deadly samurai whom was in charge of the entire group?

Ito looked at the others and none were making such moves.  Perhaps it was something Arashi specifically called for with some signal.  Was Hiro simply watching the non-group member?  Was he keeping himself between Ito and his master?  Or between Ito and the box?

Should I push this?  Test it?, Ito wondered.  But then he discounted that since he truly wished to see the box to the Michizane clan.

Also, Ito was very certain Lady Sasumi outranked Arashi.  Yet he was in charge and she deferred to him.

There were strange undercurrents here.

Ignoring everything for now, Ito just turned to the Buddhist Takeshi, We Shinto are not as well versed at healing as your Buddhist mentors.  We feel that a wound is an unnatural state of the world and spiritually tend to avoid things unnatural.  Even so, I am only too happy to have been able to be of use to you Takashi-san.  It speaks highly of you that, when pitted against copies of ourselves, your masters singled you out for a high priority target.

With that, he gets his mule and sets up his own sleeping roll.  Near Takeshi, away from Arashi and the box.