Second part of Jizai’s mission
“Second, I wish you to then travel south, to the village of Rokafosu. This means traveling outside my physical control and into waku held lands. Rokafosu is held by the Subtle Breeze gang of yakuza. You are to spend time to do a complete appraisal of the town’s defenses. Fortification, number of viable water craft that could be used for water-based war, number of armed men, resilience of their leadership structure, allies within the town, enemies within the town, various ways to access the town by both small and large groups, weaknesses, strengths, major personages, and anything which would be useful to know if I wished to create an outpost of samurai there – either by force, guile, or treaty.”

I assume this thread starts the following morning.

Upon hearing the team will be heading a direction different from returning to the capitol, Ito looks confused.  If not back home, is there another item your team must acquire before returning?  If so, I would consider it a kindness if you would let me help in any way.  My debt to the Michizane clan is considerable and any assistence I could provide would be at your disposal.  Ito had started talking to Lady Sasumi, but realized his error quickly and in mid-sentence, shifted his attention to speak directly to Arashi.  He was in charge, regardless of rank.

Ito performs a half-bow, almost as an apology for his error.

In reply to Ito (msg # 2):

"Hai, Ito san, my Lady Sasumi and I welcome your companionship as we travel to Rokafosu on a matter of business for the Michizane. By  accompanying us you agree to keep all things confidential and will not discuss our business with anyone not in our party. Is that understood?"

"If you swear allegiance to the Michizane then we would be more likely to take you into our confidence, Are you agreeable to swearing allegiance to our clan?"

Ito looks from Arashi-sama, to Lady Sasumi.  And then takes in his traveling companions of Mage, 'bodyguard' that Arashi doesn't seem to need, a couple servants, and Hiro-matsu.

Arashi-sama.  Forgive the impertinence of my response, but, while I am Shinsoku (a priest outside of any formal hierarchy), I have already sworn a vow of allegiance.  To the Daimyo - Sugawara no Michizane.

It is he, in person, who awarded me dispensation to leave the ranks of his families secretaries and study under one of his Shinten masters.  He, may he live forever, was the man whom saw the right path for my life and placed my feet upon it.

Ito, playing it safe, adds, So I would gladly aid the Michizane in any way I can, looking at Lady Sasumi, but I regret being unable to keep anything secret from the Daimyo - whom is not part of this party.

Is that acceptable Arashi-sama?

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 3):

Sasumi listens to the conversation with interest.
When Arashi says "my Lady Sasumi" instead of "the Lady Sasumi", she politely interrupts.

"Ah Arashi-san. That is an honor I do not hold yet and is only one of many possible futures that can be swayed by Kami, Buddha, and many other powers of this land." She gives you a slight smile.

She turns her attention to Ito: "I am glad to see you honor your oath to my father. Without your help we would not have the artifact."

To Arashi: "Arashi-san, your oath is to Jizai-sama. His and my father's paths are similar but not the same. However, I do not see Ito's presence as something which can cause a major issue and is acceptable with me. Decide as you will but remember the goal of the mission and how much you are willing to share with Ito. We do not want to put him in harms way... or vise/versa."

Takeshi looks at the group members one at a time. He remembers that Jizai and Sasumi's father, Sugawara, was a devout Shinto with many rumors regarding his opposition to Buddhism and wanting to unite the island under Shinto religion. Even Cawti had told him that there would be no chance of the buddhist and shinto surviving together without all out war if Sugawara were in power for very long. Takeshi was glad when Sugawara gave up his position to his son, Jizai, but Sugawara was still a major player and still VERY Shinto.
With Ito being shinto he wonders what the allegience between Ito and Sugawara is like and how Ito views Buddhist.

He awaits Arashi's decision but, if Ito is to travel with this group, we must learn more about him and his passions.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 6):

Arashi looks to Sasumi for any hint of concern regarding Ito's proclamation before proceeding.

"Of course it is more than acceptable Ito. I think you will find the Michizane are all for the success of the Clan, regardless of any possible difference of opinion on how to accomplish it."

The group recovers from their wounds, resting for the night with no occurance.

In the morning they head out to Rokafosu. It is a three day walk from your present location.
Please give me a marching order and inform if you are mounted.

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 8):

Arashi will be mounted accompanying Lady Sasumi.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 9):

I don't think I have a horse (unless we were provided ones and I forgot) so I assume that I'm on foot with a small sack (carrying basically my clothes, see FS2 in character details) of mine on the horse that Takeshi has to carry our stuff.


Totsu will position himself between any possible threat and Arashi and the rest of the group memebers.  If I'm not giving any order then I would put myself out in front (not counting if anyone is doing any scouting ahead) assuming that threat is most likely to come from opposite direction on the road.

Ito is on foot.

He pays strict attention to etiquette.  He will not walk near the samurai unless requested to.  Therefore, he will likely be walking wherever Ayare, Hiro, and Takeshi are walking.  He is a reflective man whom is better at listening than talking and would engage any of those three in banter as they travel.  His own life is sheltered - which is a reason he is out in the world at this time; to engage in it, it's people, get a feel for life outside of inner contemplation, and interact with the multitude of Kami in the world.

Anyone talking with him quickly learns his father was killed in a military action (he was ashigaru) under the Michizane.  Sugawara took the unprecedented step to provide for him after his fathers death.  He spent enough time with the boy Ito to guide him toward the priestly life and has checked up on him from time to time through the years.

Game note:

Typical Morning
Cost 5, me and two PC's get a blessing of +5 to BCS's.  I would offer to Arashi and Lady Sasumi first.  If either do not wish it, I would then offer to Totsu, then Takeshi (Then Hiro if I learn he has a function in the group).

Cost 7, using my +5, cast Trance, Prophesy for the next 12 hours.
Use any skill that might be useful while the +5 lasts.

Cost 5, me and two PC's get a blessing of +5 to BCSs. I would offer it two anyone whom did not take in when I cast it the first time.  So a total of 4 PC's, plus me, have this for the day.

So day starts at 42 power, but with a redo, and 4 people able to activate +5 BCS.

In reply to Ito (msg # 11):

Arashi likes to have a +5 BCS blessing.

Assumption is that the PCs get a +5 BCS bonus: Arashi, Totsu, Hiro, Takeshi, Ito

Please tell me where you are on the road map posted

Takeshi will pull up along side Ito to get to know the newcomer. After thanking Ito for his morning blessing Takeshi will delve into Ito's past, his relationship with the Michizane, his viewpoint on Chosokabe clan, and his viewpoint of Buddhism.

Ito will learn that Takeshi and Arashi are brothers, though they are about as far apart as brothers might be. One a fighting man, the other an intellectual. One of class and well-dressed, the other very rough around the edges and not possessing manners befit his family position.



Rhetoric Effect of 8.

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 13):

Totsu thanks Ito for the blessing.

Totsu will keep up etiquette when Ito is around or thinks he is paying attention.   When he thinks Ito is not paying attention or cannot hear he will be much more casual (except when addressing lady Sasumi).
Totsu practices is Budoka skills every day when travelling.


I'm currently in R13, this looks fine to me.  I assume we are headed South (assuming up is north).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:47, Mon 12 July 2021.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 14):

Arashi will engage Sasumi in conversation to see if she knows or has insight into what Jizai and her fathers visions are and in what ways they differ.  He will ask about Jizai's plans for the artifact and in general see if he can learn anything more of the Michizane and their long and short term plans.

"Ocha demo nomi ni ikimasen ka?"

P-11

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 15):

Hiro will not engage Ito, initially. He spends more of his time hanging around Arashi-san making sure his needs are met, fetching water and such.

Ayare moves to the front of the group, watching for any ambush possibilities.
After a few hours of travel, Ayare moves in a rush towards the group and yells out

"Spider creatures hide in the brush"

As she does this, all can see spiders coming out of hiding places and moving towards the group.
They are about 3ft in diameter with very strong-looking mandibles and fur on their bodies.

BAP ORDER
Ayare 16 - runs to her current map location at AD17
Hiro 15
Totsu 12
Arashi 10
Spiders 8

In reply to Ayare (msg # 17):

in AP 12:

Totsu thinks these things are probably poisonous and best to keep them at a distance pulls his long chain (with yawara as the handle) and yells:

Spells that can slow them or hold them in place would be best so Arashi can plug them with Arrows while I try to block as many as possible while the rest of you fall back.


Totsu will activate his Bless (assuming Ito cast this in the morning) for BCS right before they get close enough for me to attack.

Arashi it up
This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Thu 22 July 2021.

Hiro, following his roll as a servant, will move to F5, behind Ito.

Arashi is up.

BAP ORDER
Ayare 16 - runs to her current map location at AD17
Hiro 15 - runs to F5
Totsu 12 - Readies chain yawara
Arashi 10
Spiders 8

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 19):

Arashi will activate his BCS blessing.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 20):

Activating is a free action, you still have your BAP 10

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 21):

Arashi will ready his Dai-kyu and nock a willow arrow.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 22):

Just fyi not sure if i'm supposed to know where the map is but i don't see it so i don't know where anything is.

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

It works for me.  What do you see when you click on the "Game Map" next to the "Dice Roller" at the top left?

The spider creatures move in 8, map updated

Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

Hiro PAP is up

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 25):

Hey what do you know, i see the map. Anyaways Hiro moves to K8 and waits to head off anything trying to get to Takeshi.

Totsu is up, then Arashi

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 27):


Totsu moves 1 yard to S14 then attempts to entangle (I have a chain that is 4 yards long so assuming with my reach and length of chain that i can still do this) spider W18.
Assuming he can attack he will now active his bless bonus
BCS15 +6 bless = 21 - armor
Arrrr.  Rolled a 19, if it has no armor than it is an effect of 3 if it has armor then it subtracts from the effect number.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 28):

Your chain is considered a melee weapon with Long Range.
If you go to the map there is a selection pulldown at the bottom of the page which allows you to view a different map that shows the area you can attack with different range melee weapons and the -/+ associated with it depending on distance target is from you.

Going to the view showing the long range attack, you can hit something 4 hexes out at a -1 BCS penalty, making your roll a 20. You missed the spider (but I like your tactic)

Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

Arashi is up in PAP 5

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 29):

Arashi takes aim but holds for his next BAP to fire his Dai-kyu.

From the back of the group, unintelligible words of magic roll from Takeshi's lips. The ground under the spiders seems to melt and seems to pull at their legs.

The red radius is the quagmire, Takeshi warns not to enter it.
The spiders highlighted yellow are having a difficult time keeping above the surface of the muck, the rest are running to escape to solid ground.

Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

It is Ito's action in BAP 1

Ito, not willing to engage with his only combat skill of Jujutsu with spiders, decides to at least start getting himself into position of people whom might need first aid.

He moves to the hex in front of Sasumi.

Lady Sasumi tries to back her horse up unsuccessfully.
I will update map shortly

Note: Arashi - you cannot shoot a Daikyu bow from the back of a horse. I will assume you dismounted from your horse for your PAP action.

Hiro is up in BAP 15


Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Sasumi  BAP : 7
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 33):

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=pict...=images&ia=image

Uh oh, somebody better tell these guys that.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 34):

Hiro continues to hold, hoping that Ito and Takashi can take care of these spirit creatures.

Totsu is up in BAP 12


Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Sasumi  BAP : 7
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 36):

What did Ayare do in AP 16?
Ken, I have not seen a response to the private message I sent you last week

In reply to Totsu (msg # 37):

Ayare moved to protect Sasumi.
I have responded to your private message.
Totsu is up.

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 38):

In AP 12
Still in hex S14 Totsu continues to whip his chain around the spiders and brings the Spider in hex Q18 into the fight hoping to entangle the spider that is in the mud range.  Hoping the combined attack along with the quicksand will overwhelm this spider.
BCS is 15 + 6 - defense of spider = 21 - x
Rolled a 12.  This would be an effect of 10 (0 = effect of 1) if his armor was 0 and would be enough to subdue the target if the saving throw is missed and his armor was 0.
I'm pretty sure it does not have 0 armor so please specify the effects and how the target is now being affected by the chain and the quicksand.


p.s.  I responded to your response.  I will try to contact you tomorrow.

Arashi is up
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Thu 05 Aug 2021.

The spider in Q18 is attacked by Totsu.
Worried more about the sudden soft ground under its feet and how to get out of the muck, the spider does not see the chain fly towards him. As he struggles against both the mud and the chain he ends up completely wrapped in chain and is unable to move. With Totsu still holding the other end of the chain, it starts sinking in the muck. Once sunk he will not be able to breathe... how long can he hold his breath and how will Totsu get his chain back?

Arashi is up in 10

Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Sasumi  BAP : 7
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 40):

Arashi will let a  willow fly at the spider on AC?/18 which appears to have a Range of 10 for short range BCS of 18 + blessing of +6 = target of 24.


08:50, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 9 using 1d20.  Dai-Kyu attack BCS 24.

08:51, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 18 using 5d6.  Willow arrow damage to Spider.


Arashi lets one fly for 18 damage to the spider.

Arashi's arrow flies and hits true, running through the spiders fleshy body and pinning it to the ground... it no longer moves.

Two of the spiders in the muck move forward but are slowed by Takeshi's spell.
Three spiders flounder in the quicksand and go under.
One spider moves up to Ayare and attacks, hitting her with its pinchers. Her body feels a slight tingle but she quickly shrugs off whatever affect the sting of its bite had.

The last spider is at the end of Totsu's chain and is still under the quicksand floundering.

Lady Sasumi once again fails to control her horse.

Hiro is up in PAP : 7
Then Totsu in 6 (go ahead and take action with Hiro)

Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Sasumi  BAP : 7
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 42):

Totsu will engage the spider on Ayare at long range.
Totsu will attempt to kick the spider
BCS 18 + 6 - defense -1 range = 23 - defense
Rolled a 5 for an effect of 17
rolled a 10 (cool max damage) for a total of 16 points of subdual damage.

Totsu, holding the chain a little slack in his hands so as to let the spider drown, lashes a kick at the spider that was about to pounce on Ayare. His foot lands center of the creatures plump mid-section. The spider is flipped upside down, twitches a few times, then lies still.

Arashi is up but with his big bow out has little action available.
Takeshi's turn.


Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Sasumi  BAP : 7
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

Takeshi utters the words of magic and three fire arrows race towards the two spiders heading towards Totsu.

Spider 1 takes 5hp damage and is on fire, taking another 3 points of damage.
Spider 2 takes 6hp damage and is on fire, taking another 3 points of damage.
Both spiders still live.

Ito is up in BAP : 1

Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Sasumi  BAP : 7
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

Last round Ito ran up in front of Sasumi.  Since Arashi is there, he would have moved in front of Arashi.

Uncertain of the nature of these beasts, Ito again most forward 5 hexes to the front of the quagmire.  His hope is to make himself a target so that the martial characters have time to engage the spiders on their own terms rather than getting swamped by the things.

Map will be updated tonight.
I see there is an issue with icons in the hexes, I will fix.
Ron, which hex is Ito in now?

Ayare moves to S11 and grabs the reigns of Lady Sasumi's horse
Hiro continues protection of Takeshi
Totsu is up in BAP : 12


Ayare   BAP : 16
Hiro    BAP : 15
Totsu   BAP : 12
Arashi  BAP : 10
Spiders BAP : 8
Sasumi  BAP : 7
Hiro    PAP : 7
Totsu   PAP : 6
Arashi  PAP : 5
Takeshi BAP : 4
Ito     BAP : 1

Let's say Q14

In reply to Ito (msg # 49):

In 12
Totsu engages flamming spider in T 17 at long range (I move to Q14 if necessary to line up the hexes correctly) and kicks the spider.
If I have to declare second attack ahead of time they I will do this in case he does not go down after the first kick

BCS 18 +6 bless -1 second strike - spider armor -1 range strike = 22
Rolled a 2 should be a critical
rolled a 4 on the critical die.  Triple damage.
rolled 10,5,4+18=37 subdual damage.
I kicked his head out his butt.  :)
I'll bet his spidey senses are really tingling now.

Second kick if I needed to declare ahead of time.  I'm assuming the spider is already unconscious.
BCS 18 +6 -1 *50% - spider armor - 1 range (does the range come before the %50 or after?) =
11 or 10 - spider armor
Rolled a 4 so I assume a second hit
For Damage rolled a 5+6= 11 points of subdual damage.


Where have these rolls been when I needed them?
Just did enough to knock myself out in one attack.

Arashi is up next.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 50):

Arashi lets an arrow fly at the spider stuck in the mud at N19.

BCS 18 for short range, +6 blessing, and +2 for passive target?



20:29, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 4 using 1d20.  willow shot at spider on N19. BS 26.


20:30, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 26 using 5d6.  willow damage.

Totsu kicks a spider that was trying to keep its head above water. Its head squishes in and it starts sinking further into the muck without so much as another twitch.

Arashi aims true, another arrow ripping through one of their soft underbellies, killing it instantly.

The remaining spiders fall below the quicksand, never to be seen again.
Takeshi warns all not to go in the quick sand for it will revert back to solid ground in some time and anything in it will be instantly killed.
Totsu disengages his chain from the drowning spider.
The scene quiets. With no more enemies the heavy breathing and excitement of battle slows...

"This is a bad omen, a Jorōgumo may be close as these were probably her minions. We should flee, there is no reason to confront her."

The Jorōgumo is a spider-woman that can shape-change. She has magical powers and can place curses on people. While they do not actively pursue contact with humans, any that happen by her path will surely suffer for meeting. Such a creature usually resides near a waterfall.

You are still in the lands ruled by the Michizane clan. It would be an honorable thing to clear any such creature from the land, though not required. You could, instead, report it to the authorities of the land for them to manage.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 53):

"I do not want to leave such evil behind us.  We need to eliminate this threat to the people of the Michizane.  Hiro-Matsu and Ayare, carefully scout the area for waterfalls or rivers and see if you can locate the creature's lair that Takeshi described."

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 54):

Totsu first checks to make sure everyone is ok.

Great Spell Takeshi!  I'm pretty sure you saved at least a couple of us from being poisoned.
Does anyone know if these things are poisonous?
Good Job Ayare bringing this one to me.
I'll dispose of these in case Mama spider comes looking.

Totsu pushes all the remaining spiders into the quicksand (starting with the ones that were unconscious first).  Not sure how long they remain unconscious.  Totsu also pays attention to how long the quicksand last so he know for future reference.  Takeshi how long does the quicksand spell last?

Was there a spot we passed recently that would give us a better view of anyone or any spiders approaching?
If so, I suggest maybe we go back to that spot so we can see trouble coming?


Noticing Willow arrows embedded into the Spiders Totsu will check with Arashi to see if he needs any arrows?  Totsu has plenty of extra Armor Piercing as well as bowl raker arrows.  Want to make sure that Arashi is fully equipped with whatever he may want/need in case we run into any more trouble.
Arashi if you are low on any arrows let me know and I'll give you some.

Is getting the box back to Jizai time critical?  Should we warn others to stay out of the area until after we return the box and come back for spider woman?
If we do pursue the spider woman we probably want to have a plan to get the box back to Jizai no matter what happens to us.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:23, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 55):

Takeshi smiles at the praise from Totsu.
It is my honor to be helpful in some way Totsu. I believe these creatures have a type of poison. Were I adept at it I could gather it for our use at a later time, sad to say I am not.

The craft of magic lasts about half an hour before it crushes whatever is left inside.

My eyes have been lazy, I have not noticed a good defensive place on the road as we approached.

(anybody trying to locate can make a perception roll)
Timing of the box back to Jizai-sama is not critical

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 56):

Takeshi, is there any other details you can tell me about these creatures before I go and search for it's lair?

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 57):

Perception roll for good defensive position we passed where we can see the enemy coming from a distance.
Rolled a 15.  BCS was a 4 so missed.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 57):

I believe the creature has a way to mesmerize or enthrall you. I have heard stories how it engages in a nice conversation with an unaware victim then has the victim do things for the creature. Eventually they are turned into a huge spider to protect the spider-woman.

That is all I have heard and it is mostly rumor and fire-side talk.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 59):

Hiro gives a quick bow to Takeshi,"thanks my friend". Turning to Arashi Hiro gives a deeper bow," I will scout the area and see if I can find this creatures lair"

Hiro will attempt to follow the tracks back to where they came from


07:23, Today: Hiro-matsu rolled 3 using 1d20.  Perception. Perception: 11


Once out of site from the group he will switch over to his ninja gear and follow the tracks back if he can. He is only looking for the entrance not going in or getting too close

07:23, Today: Hiro-matsu rolled 18 using 1d20.  Stealth.
Ninjutsu         18 (16+2 for correct uniform, trying to avoid contact)

Hiro does what he does best and moves stealthily in search of the spider womans lair.

After a few minutes he hears a waterfall in the distance and approaches cautiously.
Hiding amongst the foliage, the waterfall comes into view. It is not a strong waterfall, perhaps 10 gallons per minute. The top of the waterfall is about 40ft high and a small stream heads away to the right of the pool created by the falling water. The pool is about 30ft diameter.

Hiro takes another moment to examine the scene. His eyes ensure there are no creatures in the surrounding area from his vantage point. He then focuses on the waterfall itself and sees a darker area surrounded by vegetation just to the right of the stream of falling water about midway up. He soon realizes that this is a cave.

It would be a short climb to get up to the cave from below but there is no easy path for a normal human.

A person could drop from above with a rope... you have not reconned the area the water falls from yet.

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 61):

Hiro isn't going to take chances at this point. He's going to head back (switching back to his normal gear) and let everyone know what he's found.

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 62):

"Talking to Arshi Hiro says, "I think, if we wish to rid the area of that creature, that we all move forward to the point I spotted the cave at that point I can do more recon if required or we can make a plan to get into the cave."

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 63):

"Well done Hiro-san, Lets move to a position that we can cover the cave with ranged attacks and then we can discuss entering the cave to ferret this vermin out."

If the intent is to sneak into the position that Hiro acquired, please let me know who is going, who is staying, if any defensive tactics or spells are cast, and give me either ninjutsu or shinobi-jutsu rolls to get stealthily into position. If you do not have stealth skill you may average your Deftness and Will STs (including level bonus).

Stealth modifiers:
-(armor class -2)
-2 for light undergrowth
+5 for noise of crashing water from waterfall

Arashi-san,
the spell I cast to battle the spiders was very powerful. I would like to fly for this combat but that would leave me very little power to combat our foe. If waiting until tomorrow is an option that would be to our advantage. Perhaps we can even lay a trap for her if she decides to seek out her missing spiders instead of entering her lair.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 66):

"Yes, we will stealthily take up position around the cave entrance and watch for it to leave its lair.  If it does we engage, if not then you can rest to full power and "we" will enter the cave when you are at full power."

Arashi will keep at distance from the cave seeking a location that offers cover and a clear view of the entrance.

Focus Ki for stealth.

13:48, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 18 using 1d20.  Focus Ki for Stealth 3.

Deftness 10, will 4,= avg 7, +4 waterfall, -2 armor, -2 brush = bcs7?

14:08, Today: Arashi Fukushu rolled 8 using 1d20.  Stealth BCS 7.

It was a small twig!

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 67):

Hiro did you see a good place for an ambush anywhere along our path to where we are headed?
How about a good open area along the way where we can see people/spiders coming from a distance?

If we are going near either of these places I think we should stop there first and let everyone get back to full strength before getting too close to the cave.

We should let the stealthy people go as far ahead of us a possible where we can still see them in the distance but hopefully not far enough to give away there position (at least one of them if Hiro wants to stay out of our sight that is fine).

We do not want to give away all of our positions since some of us are not skilled in stealth.

Ito, how does your spell work with the second chance.  If something goes wrong and you reset time will we have to do the whole day over including battling the spiders again or could you pick to start over from this point in time?

I will wear my armor until we get to the ambush/open site where we will stop at.  Hiro let me know if we are getting close to the cave.


Totsu Deftness 11 will 5 average is 8 armor is -6-2?  +/- other modifiers.  Totsu rolled a 3 (I am a leaf on the wind)

Totsu will place himself a few yards ahead of the group similar to the last marching order we had last time.  Keeping himself between any approaching threat and the group.

Totsu will keep an eye out for the open area/ambush site(s) that Hiro mentions.
If Hiro did not see any than Totsu will look for such a site.
Perception BCS of 4 rolled a 7

Totsu will be suspicious of any person he spots, especially if they are alone.
Basically if he spots someone alone his assumption is that they are this spider woman.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Thu 02 Sept 2021.

GM NOTE
Upon attaining the rank of samurai in service to the Michizane clan, Arashi has become the head of this group in a formal sense. Most of the group looks to him for direction while still giving him options.

Totsu's over-riding of Arashi's plan is not accepted well in the class structure of Nippon (Japan). I will leave it to you the PCs to play out but Arashi has all the power here - his final order will always stand as direction.

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 69):

Forgot Arashi got promoted, but knew he was officially in charge.
I wasn't really sure if we were still discussing options or that the plan had already been decided.  Usually we have some back and forth before we decide on things.

Oops, yeah that was bad to do in front of the non group members.

This message was deleted by the player at 01:41, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 70):

As soon as Totsu realizes he over rode Arashi orders he will immediately make an official formal apology in front of everyone and request Arashi forgiveness.

Then Totsu will humbly request consul with Arashi in Private.

As soon as Totsu and Arashi get away from the others Totsu will ask Arashi to call over Takeshi and Hiro.  I guess we would invite Ayare as well, I assume she is still part of our official group.

So we can discuss how our "Group" will function.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 72):

OCC: Arashi in command is purely for role playing aspects. I want everyone to have fun and contribute their own ideas.  I dont mean to step on toes or run the game.  So please OCC what you want to do, if that works for everyone.

Assuming we are in position over seeing the cave entrance from a secluded or camouflaged location were we can rest up.  Arashi engages the party in tactical discussion.

"Totsu, Hiro, Ito, and valued party members is there a flaw in my strategy to guard the entrance and rest to full power?"

"When we are ready how shall we proceed to infiltrate the cave?"

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 73):

OOC:  I usually don't have time to respond to things until the evening so if something comes up during the day if we could wait until I have a chance to look at something in the evening before deciding it would be appreciated.

Arashi can I talk with you in Private?



In character Totsu would still request to talk to you in private and then have you bring in whoever is in our "group" to discuss with you how it is difficult to openly discuss things with non group members around due to societal rules.  Especially when Lady Sasumi is around.
He indicates that if he desires to work as a group he is going to have to make sure that he allows us to discuss things amongst our group outside of non-group members (Not sure if we consider Ito as part of the group yet?) .


Totsu would like to hear everyone's opinions in private to see if he is the only one who thinks we should wait before going after spider woman.  It appeared to him that Takeshi was requesting to wait as well.
He also wanted to point out that it would be best to avoid another encounter today because he is not sure but if Ito resets things he thinks everything we accomplished with taking out the spiders would have to be repeated and the second time might not work out as well.
If we wait until the next day we will again have Ito's blessing to assist us.

Plus our mission is to get the box back safely.  If we engage with Sipder women and fail we have no fall back plan to make sure the box gets back to Jizai to ensure at least that part of the mission is accomplished.

Totsu guesses that the spider women is probably out looking for her pets or will be shortly.  He suggest trying to set up an ambush for her and in the interm to find a good defensive position until we are ready to go after her the next day.

Maybe we lure her into a trap.  I suggest using Totsu as bait or possibly Totsu along with another person (maybe Ito).  Then have Hiro and or Ayare hiding along with Arashi with his bow out at a distance to attack when we get her into position.
Another option is to have Hiro stake out the cave entrance to see if she exits and observe where she heads off to set up something on her way back.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 74):

Hiro will think upon Arashi's words. "As you know Arashi-san, I am not much use against spider creatures in combat, but once everyone is in position perhaps I could sneak in further and let you know what the inside of the cave looks like. In the case of me being spotted I could lead the creatures out to your position where you may destroy them."

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 75):

So it sounds to me like Hiro is in favor of leading the spiders or spider women into some kind of trap.  Correct me if I'm wrong Hiro.  Is Hiro in favor of taking a more defensive position today and getting everyone back to full strength or going straight to the cave now?

What is Takeshi's preference?  It sounded like he would prefer to be at full strength.  That quicksand spell worked great.  Do we want to have this available in case their are more or perhaps some other spells he could use against spider women?  Does Takeshi have a preference for bringing them into an ambush or heading straight to the cave?

Does Ayare have a preference?

Ron/Ken, how does this reset spell work?  Does it start the whole day over or start any place in the day that it is desired?

Takeshi reviews the options, his methodical brain review the advantages and shortcomings of each plan.
A plan to lure creatures out of the cave and ambush them holds some credit but, in his experience, there are too many variables. All have to fall in the right place to give their group the upper hand. He is also concerned that whatever is left in the cave is better suited for this environment, an attempted ambush in the woods or on the road could backfire.

His mind settles on Arashi's plan but it must be implemented quickly, before she has time to react to her missing spiders.

"Given the information available, the odds favor Arashi's plan to sneak into position and wait for her to act. We have the advantage of surprise. This assumes she does not know we are here and that there is not a back exit from the cave.
As always, Hiro will take the necessary risks to make our plan more likely to succeed."

Takeshi nods to Hiro in thanks, then looks once more to Arashi for final direction.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 76):

Ayare is surprised when Totsu asks her opinion but admits that she knows little of such strategies and is not very helpful. She offers to stay near Lady Sasumi and help where she can.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 76):

As the party cold camps in their secluded location overlooking the cave entrance, waiting for Takeshi to regain his magical might.

"Totsu what on your mind?"

"Yes, the ambush would be ideal compared to having to go in an unknown cave, but it is predicated on the spider woman cooperating with the plan. Do any of you know anything about the creatures strengths or weakness?  What is known about their proclivities?  Is it likely to exit its cave and search for prey or do they tend to just sit in their lairs waiting for their webs to catch their prey? Will it investigate its lost minions?  I think we should quietly discuss what we do know about this creature. If someone has information that gives us better insight into it then we can change things up.

For now, if it has not appeared by the time Takeshi regains his power, I think Hiro should sneak up to the cave and scout it out.  If he think he can go in the cave and lure it out, we can try that ambush option; or he can explore it further.   If he thinks a stronger party should just enter in strength, then I and any who will accompany me will proceed into the cave."

"That's where I am at in all this right now."

Arashi looks for further input from everyone.

"Thoughts?"

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 79):

I think fighting a creature in it's own layer would benefit the queen.  I would think it would be very difficult for our group (I would be wearing armor) to sneak up on her so doubtful we would surprise her.
If we can draw her out it would probably benefit us much more than her.
She may have poisonous attacks so fighting her from a distance also probably benefits us more than her.
If she leaves the cave maybe we set up assuming she comes back the same path that she left and we can fight her more on our terms.  Maybe if we know she is coming back we set up that she has to run into a small group first (Maybe just me say 40 yards away?) while others are within range to attack her but possibly out of range from being attacked by her.  I am most effective from close contact but having some distance might be better for others.

Any scenario where we can have part of the team (spell casters/people who cannot harm her) from close contact with spider woman would benefit them.

Those are my thoughts.


OOC:  Never heard back how this resetting of time spell works?

The group stealths into position to watch the cave.

Arashi stealth: -1
Totsu stealth:   1
Lady Sasumi:    -6
Ayare:           9
Takeshi:         6
Ito:

Need stealth role for Ito. See post 65 for modifiers.

Hiro. I will assume you get into a position with eyes on the cave before the others come in so as to look for any movement. How close do you want to set up and give me stealth and perception rolls.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:45, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

In reply to GM KEN (msg # 81):

Hiro will move off and change again and then get into the position first, he wants to be in range of Takashi's spells or the bow range, which ever is closer. Once everyone arrives and gets into position, providing there is nothing happening,  Hiro will move up to the cave from below and climb up to the cave and look in.



11:39, Today: Hiro-matsu rolled 1 using 1d20.  Stealth.     (18)
11:38, Today: Hiro-matsu rolled 5 using 1d20.  perception.  (11)
11:41, Today: Hiro-matsu rolled 8 using 1d20.  climb.       (20)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:45, Thu 09 Sept 2021.