Zokiro rose from her own meditations, refreshed after being able to quiet her mind in the grotto sent into the mountains. Yet something had hovered at the edge of her peace, a faint hint of a shadow, that made her concerned.  She crossed to the master and knelt, bowing before him.  She waits until he has acknowledged her before speaking.

"Master, I sought peace in the grotto, as you had bade me, and found quiet and stillness there.  Yet a shadow sought to intrude upon my mind, one that seemed to be hovering from without, rather than within.  Master, has their been a disturbance in the earth that your greater wisdom has sensed?  I have worked hard at my arts, but there is much I have yet to learn and much more I have yet to experience," she says respectfully.

She had known little but the life of a follower of the Tao. It had surprised her to learn that not every woman had not studied all of their life to improve their body, mind, and spirit. Along with the duties of seeking the path to enlightenment, she was also tasked with the duties to the Dragon clan, and everyone’s duty to the Emperor.

However, all those cares washed away in the sensations of moving smoothly through the 58th form, feeling each part of her body moving in harmony to complete the movements of the set. Each cleansing breath filled her spirit as it also filled her lungs. The final move of the form ended with the bow to respect the ancestors.

Feeling her perspiration misting across her skin she quickly made her way to the hidden mountain fed pond. After prayers to its kami, she immersed herself within its cooling and soothing waters.  Dressing quickly afterward in proper attire, she made her way to the place of the Master and knelt as she awaited her turn to speak with him.

The monk does not turn, and his hood rests upon his head. He taps the ground, making a circle pattern."Young grasshopper, I sense nothing besides the birds and the trees. Nothing from the earth or sky. You must learn peace and serentity. Open your mind."

Peace and serenity.  The most precious jewel in any necklace, and a good one for any earth mage to seek.  But Zokiro had tried to cultivate the needed inner stillness, only to have a wave of unease fill her. Was it only the impatience of youth?  Or a prompting she should not ignore?

She bowed to the Master and scooted backwards as another in Dragon colors advanced with their own need for wisdom.  Curious.  She had not seen a new Dragon here for several weeks.  What had brought her?

Zokiro assumed an attitude of meditation, but kept her ears open for what was said...

As the previous supplicant was dismissed, Setsuko bowed to her as she passed then stood up and approached the Master until she had his attention.

Standing before him she quickly dropped to being seated on her bent knees and heels. From there she bowed deeply before the head monk. Only after she again sat upright dis she addressed him in a deeply respectful voice. "Master I have a faithful child of the temple and of our clan for as long as I can remember. In all this time while I have studied and searched for Enlightenment, I have sometimes felt out of place here." She paused briefly before continuing, "Master am I where I should be or should I perhaps seek greater understanding elsewhere?"

The master lowers his head, and draws a circle upon the ground. He then draws a point outside the circle, tilting his head. He looks in her general direction but not at her, his binding for his eyes making him look strange."Our art takes time. You cannot rush it but I can tell you are very impatient. It is a challenge I accepted. You are here." He points in the area outside the circle."Yet you wish to be here." The monk points at the center area of it."It takes time. Leaving here when you spent your entire life here is entering a world you do not know. Seeing things and trying to understand them will be very hard." He stands up, grabbing a staff and points it at the dot, drawing a line from it to the center."You want to leave so be it. But I will not teach you any further. Faith is something you need." The man sighs and rubs out the circle."If you stay, life may be boring but you will learn many things. This is a place for rest and meditation, a place to get away and find guidance." He looks up at the sky."My honor is hurt."

She quickly kowtows three times to show her respect. When she speaks her voice is stricken with regret, "Please forgive me, Master! I meant no disrespect! I didn't mean to hurt you! I just wanted to ask a question about my feelings. If you say that I am meant to be here, then, of course, I will follow your great wisdom. I am sorry for my feelings Master."

Zokiro bows as the Master passes his judgment on the other Dragon.  It is a hard thing indeed to have disappointed a teacher, and worse to hear that from their own lips.  To have to leave ones home is an unwelcome stage of life, no matter how necessary it is.  But perhaps the two of them could seek answers together?  Zokiro had felt certain there was a shadow lurking, and her cousin had felt a lack in herself.  Though Zokiro had managed to avoid drawing the Master's ire, that did not mean it had not fell upon her.  She needed to open her mind.  Her cousin needed to find faith.  Could not they do that together?

Zokiro waited until the other Dragon had withdrawn from the Master, and walked with her.

"Cousin," she says quietly, greeting her as a clanswoman.  "Perhaps with can find faith and serenity together?  I feel as though a shadow is lurking, but perhaps I see danger where there is none.  The two of us may be able to find what we need in seeking each other's devils."

"Go. This is your home but if you wish to dishonor me and my hospitality then perhaps this is no longer a place for you." The monk sighs and he looks down upon the ground. He tilts his head and kneels down, placing a hand to it. He scoops up some sand where he sits and throws it into the air for some unknown reason."Peace. That is all I sense. I do not wish for the shadow to come here. You believe you sense this, but that does not mean it you do. Relax. Focus."

Setsuko stared with regret and horror at the feet of the Master. After kowtowing twice more she then turned to address her clan sister. "Please excuse me, kinswoman. I...I have overreached greater than I could have ever believed possible in speaking the truth of my feelings to our honored Master." Shame weighted heavy in her voice as she continued, "Now, I have offended our honored Master and he has sent me away. I would help you as I could but as you have been told to stay, I fear our paths will no longer cross."

"You had dishonored me but I will not send you away. But I will not teach you any further until you provide me a reason to regain my honor with you." The monk looks up at the sky and raises his hand up. Odd.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:15, Sun 23 June 2019.

Zokiro keeps a respectful distance as the Master speaks. Could her restless thoughts merely be that of a mind imperfectly aligned with serenity, too focused on the now to reach into the Void? When her cousin spoke, her disappointment was palpable, and Zokiro wondered if this instance, right now, was the disturbance she had been sensing.  Zokiro did not consider herself a teacher, certainly not of the wisdom that the Master tried to instill in his students, but...

When the Master was done speaking to her kinswoman, Zokiro spoke again.  "I have not yet learned to let go, and the Master says you need something he will not teach you. Perhaps there is something here that we can attempt together, that the shadows I sense were not outside the temple, but within me and you?"

Setsuko kowtowed thrice more to the Master. "Please accept my deepest soul-felt apologies for any offense towards you, most honorable Master. As I have dishonored such that you will not teach me, I will go from your sight and seek a way to bring you such honor as you require. Excuse me." with that she bowed once more before backing out his presence.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Wed 26 June 2019.

Reaching out a hand towards the monk, the master waits for her to come to him. He is silent, looking at the sky."Let me see your face. Come. Yet you have dishonored me, I view you as my own child. It bothers me hence why I wish for you to remain." He doesn't respond to the fact that the two girls seem to want to leave.

As bidden by the Master she approaches to within easy reach. "Master, I am here at your request. Only your desire keeps me here. Of course, you may touch my face."

Zokiro bowed her head as the Master spoke.  She had thought it necessary to leave, that the shadows she had thought she had sensed would make it necessary for her to seek them out, but the Master's wisdom made her doubt.  Maybe the only shadows were within herself and her kinswoman; it had been arrogant to think that she might know more about the Master when it came to attuning herself to the world around her, regardless of her training.  There was much they could do together here, even if her kinswoman would no longer receive training from the Master...  Zokiro thought that likely the same would be true for her.  A period of humility could help them both.

The monk moves his hands to her forehead then her chin and nods his head."You are forgiven but something bothers you. Darkness. Though why? You are safe here in the monestary. And your friend? Come here."

Zokiro approaches the Master, bows, and kneels, sitting on her heels.  "We are safe here, Master, I have never felt safer.  I don't know why I think of shadows; perhaps I worry that I must tend to duty, or that I will fail in my charge."

"Thank you for your infinite forgiveness. I will go and meditate upon the wisdom you have imparted to me. I still hope to someday earn your willingness to teach me again." said Setsuko with a bow. She stepped aside just enough to let her clanswoman approach the Master.

"You have no leader, no one to follow. And are safe. Perhaps that is what you need. A leader. I am no leader, just a guide. Simple." The man rests one hand on her shoulder before sitting back down indian style."Sit, both of you sit."

Zokiro moves closer to the Master and bows her head.  Had she managed to set back her own training with her doubts as well?

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 21):

The perplexed young monk immediately did as she was directed to by the Master. Sitting next to her clan sister in the lotus position she bowed her head as she asked, "Please, please Master grace us with your wisdom as we seek our path."

The man goes to rest each hand upon his two students. He looks up at the sky then back to the ground."Rest. Focus on me. Use your chi energy. Focus. Let your mind picture a candle. It glows with a bright light. Focus on the flame." The man coughs a few times.

As she is directed by the Master monk, she first focuses on him then she lets her eyes come to rest on a candle. "Yes, Master I see the candle."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Fri 05 July 2019.

Zokiro hesitates a moment before asking, "Master, are you well? I ask not to distract myself from your teaching, but only out of concern for your health."

"Hush. Do you see it my child? The flame and the candle Zokiro?" The monk keeps his hands upon each of them."See it. Focus on the candle. Focus. Make it move Zokiro. Focus upon the candle Setsuko" He coughs again. Some of the others turn and watch this.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:25, Fri 05 July 2019.

Zokiro focuses on the candle in her mind, at first still and serene, then pictures the flame drifting back and forth as if encountering the faintest of breezes.

Setsuko continues to focus on the candle, the world around her slowly falling away except for herself, the Master, Zokiro, and the flickering light of the candle.

"Yes Master," she intones, "I see the swaying flame."

As the monk is about to speak, he coughs several times but lets them know to keep focusing. He stands up, moving around each of them as if being able to see. And then a flame comes up from between then, ripping out of the ground. Several others watch on.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:34, Tue 16 July 2019.

Zokiro's eyes widened at this display of summoned fire.  She had no idea the Master could summon his ki that way!  She kept her eyes on the flame, watching it with awe and a touch of wariness.

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 30):

The feminine monk turns her attention to the new, larger flame and steps backwards quickly walking on her hands with her feet still crossed in the lotus position. "Master?" she whispers, surprised.

The flames go out as both stop focusing. The monk looks down at the ground."You stop focusing. Again." He looks in their general direction. All the other monks watch them. A eery silence."Nevermind. I must sleep." He turns towards the main area and moves towards them, slowly. One of the Sohei moves to him, hand upon his shoulder. The monk pauses and then keeps moving with the assistance. He coughs a few more times. The other monks start to head back inside as well as night begins to fall.

Setsuko bows low before the Master as he passes, "I...I am sorry to fail you yet again Master.
Please rest and rejuvenate yourself tonight, I promise not to fail you tomorrow."

After the passing of the Master and his companion, when she lifts her head again,
there is the track of a fallen tear on her cheek and deep regret in her eyes.

Zokiro had been trying to focus, but the Master's sudden withdrawl had caught her by surprise.  She bowed as he returned to the temple, schooling her features into smoothness.  When she raised her head and saw her kinswoman with the marks of tears, she rose and put her hand on her shoulder.  "We will do better tomorrow as we grow in understanding and inner strength.  We are young, still," she says, urging her cousin to her feet.  "We have long been in different parts of the temple.  I am Zokiro, and I have been training in the Tamori shugenja school."

The young monk graciously accepts the support of her clanswoman and
stands to walk beside her as they leave.

After Zokiro gives her name, she replies with a momentary bow,
"Thank you for your sympathy. Everyone, of course, knows who you are even if they don't know your given name.
I am honored that you choose to share it with me. I am Setsuko Osagai and I have been training here with the other monks in our codified traditions of combat practiced for self-defense, physical, mental and spiritual development."

With the two meeting up and then going their own ways, they rest for the night. The temple is shut down besides some of the guards watching the area upon the walls and some walking the grounds. Its not a castle but some guards are needed.

OOC
Make a listen check

Zokiro had eaten her sauced rice and vegetables at the evening meal, and drank her tea slowly, trying to concentrate on the Master's words, looking for other meanings in what he had said.  On her way back to her quarters, she concentrated on the world around her, trying to open herself to the elements.

OOC: 01:24, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Listen check.

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 37):

Setsuko went back to her chamber and meditated upon the Master's words and everything she did that was disrespectful to him. She tried to center herself and meditate by listening to the song of life around her but her feeling kept getting in her way.


01:17, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 11 using 1d20+8 ((3)) Listen check.

A few hours pass. Most are asleep or resting in their rooms. Both are in seperate rooms and none seem to hear anything. As light begins to form as day begins, a knock is heard upon Set's door.

Elsewhere, another knock is heard upon the door of Zok.

Setsuko quickly awakens just after hearing the knock at her door.
She unfolds from the resting half-lotus sitting position to fully stand up
taking only a few moments. She checks to see that her robes are secure before
she answers.

"Who is it? What is required from me this day?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Tue 30 July 2019.

Zokiro rises from her mat, tightening her sash for modesty's sake before opening the door.  "What passes?" she asks, as she had just been about to rise for the day.

Both of them are ushered into the main eating hall. In the center is their mentor, sitting upon the floor with his head downwards. The ones who fetched them turn to leave.

The young monk bows once to the master then quickly and silently moves to sit on the
floor before him with her head downwards.

Zokiro bows to her master and inclines her head the briefest fraction to her kinswoman as she sits respectfully and awaits her master's wisdom.

The main door opens and in walks a cloaked form. It kneels down to his master, nodding his head but doesn't say a word.

The master speaks."I have a mission. It is simple. You three are to be a part of it. My daughter has grown ill. You are to find a special flower for me and to bring it back." He waits to see how they will respond.

"Of course, Master," Zokiro says with a bow of respect.  "My the spirits guard your daughter until we return.  What flower are we to seek, where does it grow, and who is the hooded one who is coming with us?"

She had no particular experience with travel, but a Master's word was law and the life of a young girl was at stake.  She was a loyal daughter of the clan, and she would obey.  Besides, they sought a flower, and she was an earth shugenja of the Tamori school; if she could not locate a flower, then she was not worthy of her magic.

She lifts her head and looks to the master. "Master, if you say that we are part of your mission, we are honored to serve in any way necessary." she bows respectfully once more and then looks back towards the master, "Any drops of wisdom or knowledge you could care to share that would assist us in this would be appreciated."

As he is about to speak, the man stands up and bows his head. He watches from beneath the hood and nods his head."I will be aiding you." A moment later and he pulls out a parchment and gives it to Set. It has a odd flower, that is red in color with the center of a dark green.

The monk speaks."It is believe to be to the north in the mountains. He will know what it is and is a known friend."

The flower wasn't immediately familiar, but if it was so rare it only grew in one place that would hardly be unusual.  She bowed in acquiescence to her Master.  "Master, we are honored to do as you ask."  She turns then to the newcomer (if the Master is ready to dismiss them).  "What may I call you, honored one?"

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 49):

Setsuko bows respectfully as she receives the offered parchment and displays the image
to her clan sister. Just as she was about to ask a question of their hooded guest
Zokiro's query issued from her lips.

Bowing to Set and Zok, the man nods his head."Qing Shan." His hands rest upon his sides. He lowers his hood revealing himself to be some sort of elf. His hair is more of a blond color and his eyes are more of a grey which is odd. He seems to be more built then that of a elf but not much.

"Then, Brother Qing, let us gather what is needed for our journey so we may begin our path swiftly. Can you shed light on anything particular we would need for our journey?  I have traveled to get to the temple, but those were on Imperial roads.  I expect this journey will be more difficult," Zokiro asks.  There was more she wanted to ask about the flower and Qing, but such things could be learned when they were already on the road.  A young life waited for their quest to be successful.

In turn, Setsuko bowed respectfully to the unique looking stranger, her training causing her to repress the questions she had of this one who calls himself Qing Shan and speaks so easily before the Master.

“Forgive me, I ask you to understand that I am a simple monk and unlike my clan sister I know not how to properly address you. Please enlighten this humble woman so that she may speak with you properly without cause of offense” Setsuko bowed again while making her request of their elven looking guest.

"Just Quig or Shan. I am no brother to anyone." The man nods his head."We will depart come morning. Please go to sleep. I will find you." He bows his head to the monk in charge."I will find it. Do not worry."

The monk nods his head and is gathered up by two sohei.

"As you wish Mister Shan. Thank you for your aid in our quest,
I look forward to beginning upon the dawn tomorrow morning."
The young female monk bows again to the elf before turning her attention
to the Master. "With your permission Master, my clan sister and
myself will go to our rooms and prepare for the journey before us."

Zokiro will bow to the Master and Qing, and await the Master's permission to withdraw.  Once that is given, she will head to her room to pack up everything that could be of use in the quest.  She visited her horse, Nori, to make certain the mare was ready for the journey (as well as obtaining feed for her), and went to the kitchens to request traveling food.  When all was arranged and ready to be take to the stables at a moment's notice, she spent the rest of the day performing her physical drills, studying her magical notes, meditating, and seeking out anything in the temple library that may enlighten her as to the geography, roads, legends, flora, and fauna of the northern mountains so that she would be prepared.

As she is about to check out where the books are (there is no libary-its a small temple) she is stopped by the ranger. He is kneeling down, two odd blades out at his side and his eyes are closed. He lowers himself to kiss the ground and raises himself up sitting crosslegged. His eyes are closed.

Zokiro pauses and bows briefly to the ranger.  "Qing, what may I do for you?"

Some time after receiving her assignment from the Master, Setsuko was trying to find herself outside in the temple garden. Now that the thing she most desired was to soon become real,she again began to doubt the wisdom of leaving the sanctuary that she'd known for her whole life.

Than again, she also knew to the depths of her soul that while she could still many important and quite valuable things here, that she needed that thing called experience if she were to honestly grow and develop into the person she was meant to be.

Her meditation was suddenly disturbed by one of the younger monks. He bowed before speaking, "Setsuko, Brother Minoru wishes for you to join his class for martial practice. Come now please."

She rose from her seated full lotus in one smooth motion, flowing like water into a horse stance. Looking at the younger monk she relaxed her stance and asked, "Douku have you yet mastered the forward stance?"

"No, Setsuko not yet." he replied, slightly annoyed as they started towards the training chamber.

"You will. Just remember that no one here was born knowing all the techniques. We all had to learn them." her smile of encouragement as evident in her expression and her voice as she tousled  his dark hair.

Taking up his blades and sheathing them on his hip, he gets up and nods his head."We are to leave and soon. Come." He bows his head again and starts to head towards the stables. The man tilts his head as she is stopped before entering the temple libary."I know what it is, do not fret. We need to move quickly. Where is your ally?" He almost runs into her and bows his head."I am sorry. We met just for a moment. You know my name. What are yours if I may ask?" His eyes dart to Set and Zok.

"I am known as Mirumoto Zokiro, shugenja of the tamori school," she says in reply to Qing's question.  "My supplies are in order, and I have a horse so that I may travel swiftly.  I was just going to see what might be learned about the northern mountains in whatever texts the temple possesses, but if you say you know what is needed, then I would wish to learn from you."

She bowed briefly, then met his gaze with her own as she stood upright. "I am Setsuko, a monk of this temple. I am also a clan sister to Lady Mirumoto. Please excuse me for a moment while I gather the last of the few things I will be allowed to bring with me."

Returning quickly with a bundle including riding gear, she joins the others as they head toward the stables.

The ranger gears up and starts to head towards the outskirts of the temple, and they are let out. He waits for them for a moment and looks up at the mountains nearbye. He starts to head towards the mountains, pausing at times. He looks off in the distance after about three hours. Qing gets off his horse and kneels down, putting his hand upon the ground."Something was here. Big most likely. Heading north."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Mon 09 Sept 2019.

In reply to Qing Shan (msg # 64):

"Its true then that we must also go north if we are to find and retrieve the flower. Are we likely to have trouble with this big creature?" asked Setsuko while leaning forward in her saddle. One of her hands reached down to where her staff was secured and she pat it lightly.

Zokiro looks about at the surroundings from Nori's saddle, being as that is a far higher perspective than her own rather diminutive height.  "Something possibly hostile, Qing?  Did it pass here recently?" she asks.

"Could be nothing, could be something. Definatly not average. It has some weight to it. And...." Qing points at the ground."No wagon trails, no horse tracks. Keep looking around." The ranger gets up onto his horse.

Zokiro will keep her senses alert as they continue on.  "My training gives me the ability to sense strongly elementally-aligned creatures and objects.  If we think one is somewhat near, within 20 or so feet, I can attempt to find out where it is and what its nature is," she tells the others quietly.

OOC: 11:07, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Listen check.
11:07, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 13 using 1d20+1.  Spot check.

In reply to Zokiro Mirumoto (msg # 68):

"That is truly interesting clan sister. I'm concerned that other benefits from your training could come into use
if such a creature comes to us." Setsuko said with some concern.

"My training encourages looking and listening, so I shall do both of these to contribute my humble part." she added.

Falling quiet, Setsuko focused on her senses.


Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 15 using 1d20+8.  Spot check.
Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  Listen check.

The ranger looks around and climbs up on the horse. They travel for a few hours and come across a wagon that has been turned over with a dead humanoid lying under it. Two more humans look dead. Several arrows line the area. It looks like they were possibly jumped and attacked. Shaking his head, the ranger drops down.

Setsuko looks over the scene, a expression of confusion on her face.

"I have to guess that these people were the victims of robbers.
We should take care to protect ourselves lest the same robbers are still close by.
What do you think Lady Zokiro?"

She looked briefly to her clan sister, then to the area nearby.

Zokiro looks around the area before swinging down off of Nori.  Holding the horse's reins, she steps closer to the scene of carnage to see if she can recognize anything about the humanoid under the wagon, or who the two dead humans might have been (wearing rich or poor clothing, or any identifiable tools of a trade, like prayer beads, aprons, soldier's uniforms, etc.).

"Indeed, sister.  Be wary while I try to see who these poor souls might be..."

The ranger and the monk stop in their tracks and duck behind one of the downed wagons. About sixty feet away unaware to Zok.

https://image.shutterstock.com...260nw-1261915231.jpg

They seem to be moving away, at least three are visible.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:51, Sun 29 Sept 2019.

"Hmm... hard to say who these people could have been," Zokiro says, straightening up and examining the ground, hoping something would reveal itself.  "Did either of you see anything of note?"

Setsuko quietly reaches up and quickly pulls Zokiro down besides her and Qing Shan, pointing insistently at the creatures 60 feet away.

She whispers softly, "Please be silent, sister. There are unknown creatures there."

Zokiro quiets herself, ducks behind the wagons with the others, and stares down at the creatures she had missed while absorbed in trying to find clues on the ground.  Looking too closely at pebbles and missing the mountain... she thinks to herself.  She instead nods at Setsuko and watches the strangers to see what they do.

"Orcs and they are moving away. Shall I end them?" The ranger pulls out his bow and watches the two women.

Zok moves from body to body and notices some things. They look like peasents moving from one area to the next. They are mainly humans but out of 10 of them, there are two halflings. Arrows strewn around the area from the right and the left.

He looks at the orcs in the distance, pondering.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:13, Tue 01 Oct 2019.

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 77):

She whispers to her companions, "I don't favor attacking them without knowing how many there may be hidden nearby.
I also cannot tell if they are responsible for the killings here."

She looks to the ranger, "Do you believe that these orcs are responsible for the death around us?

"Do you believe they are here for other reasons? I do not." The ranger watches the two women.

In reply to Qing Shan (msg # 79):

"I believe that none of us knows why they are there. Unless either of you are sure of their evil intent. Also I am wary that if they did attack these peasants, they might have allies laying in wait." said Setsuko softly, calmly and clearly.

She looks to Zokio, "What do you think, clan sister?"


OOC: Setsuko would like to take 10 on 2 Spot checks with a base of +8.
1) To see what weapons the orc have.
2) To see if they have hidden friends nearby
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Fri 04 Oct 2019.

The elf stares at her."My apologies but are you daft? You've never face a orc correct? Or a group of them for that matter. I have." Qing watches her and lowers his bow.

"Orcs are lawless criminals, responsible for many deaths," Zokiro says, shaking her head. "If they have no horde here, then we should rid the path of them, lest they attack some other helpless peasant.  It is our responsibility.  Qing, let me give your bow the strength of the earth, and then let us end these raiders."

If Qing allows, Zokiro will take a small stone, hold it to the bow, and mutter a short phrase.

OOC: casting magic weapon on Qing's bow.

Setsuko quietly shakes her head, "No, I have lived all of my life in the temple. So no, I have not faced such beings before. I have heard of them in tales and training."

"However, as my clan sister speaks in support of your case so I shall believe." she nods to the others. "If you would strike down the one with your arrow Qing Shan, then I shall follow and strike down the other."

The ranger pulls back his bow, aiming careful at something in the distance. He crouches low after getting the spell cast upon him. Taking a deep breath he fires into the woodlands. Something hits the ground hard. He moves back towards the two woman, nodding his head."It is dead or close to it. Shall we investigate?"

With the group checking the area all that is of any worth seems to have been taken. The ranger pauses, muttering something."We can bury them as well or come back later on."

Setsuko looks back and forth between Zokiro and Qing Shan, "If there is the chance to do so safely, tradition demands they be buried with respect. Otherwise, it would be foolish to try to bury the dead while we could face living problems. I am ready to fight if necessary."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:11, Wed 09 Oct 2019.

"Let us make certain the orcs don't intend to ambush us or bring back more foes.  Then we can concern ourselves with the dead," Zokiro says, ready to move out.

"We are in violent agreement, clan sister. I walk in readiness besides you and Qing Shan to look out for danger." she says calmly while joining the other.

"Either you get along or go back to the temple." The ranger looks at the two woman.

"I have said that I will walk beside you and my clan sister. What more would you wish from me? I am here as the Master bids me be so that I can assist with our mission."
she looked at Qing Shen, her confusion and regret evident on her face and in her voice. "Please forgive me if I have offended you. I apologize and ask again what would you have me do."

She bows, awaiting the ranger's answer.

Zokiro raises an eyebrow at Qing's presumption.  "You are mistaken. She was agreeing with me to go with you and determine the fate of the orcs before we do anything else.  Both of us wish this mission to succeed, and there is no conflict between us.  Let us go before any lingering foes take advantage."

"Do not tell me I am mistaken. By her own words she said you are at a violent agreement. I viewed that as being bad. Do not tell me my views on it were ill for I will leave you be and find it on my own once I return you to the temple. Your master was hesitent on allowing you to go with me. Was he correct? I strongly suggest you watch how you phrase things when orcs and other evil are about." The ranger seems to be on edge and he watches the two women."We needs to keep moving. So shall I return you to the temple or will you prove your master he is wrong and go with me?"

Zokiro raises her other eyebrow.  "Sister, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe she only meant she agreed emphatically with me that we should determine the orcs' fate before seeing to the dead.  Which I thought was your intention as well - to keep moving a track the orcs.  Effectively, Qing, were trying to agree with your course of action.  If agreeing and deferring with your greater experience is cause to send us back, I do not know how else to respond."

The short shugenja is stiffly formal, internally seething at Qing's high-handed assumptions of their attitude due to a word selection.

Shaking his head as if greatly annoyed. the ranger grabs his horse. He doesn't say a word. The man moves northwards, not even waiting for the others to keep up."Talking to either of you gains nothing." He speaks quietly, eyes narrowed at both of them as he moves."Stay alert."

Zokiro re-mounts Nori, shooting a sympathetic glance at Setsuko, and urges her mount after Qing, eyes and ears ready for trouble.

Setsuko nods to her clan sister and mounts her horse as well. "Thank you for understanding clan sister. Perhaps I know nothing and have not learned properly how to speak to those who are not of our clan. So I will listen, act, and have you speak to Qing Shan for us both, so my nothingness does not offend him." She concludes with a humble voice and manner, her eyes betraying only a glint of frustration.

Setsuko smiles briefly in understanding to Zokiro while riding alongside, her own senses on the lookout.

Leaving the bodies behind, the ranger moves forwards upon his horse and steers clear of the orc he killed. After about a hour, they see smoke coming from the wilderness. He drops down to the ground and looks around, glancing at the two women."I will scout further. Remain here."

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 96):

Setsuko nods quietly to the ranger. She turns to Zokiro and whispers softly after the ranger is out of sight, "I guess he believes we can take care of ourselves. That's good to know. Perhaps once we have returned with the flower, the Master will trust us to take on a quest on our own."

"I would say he believes we are naive little flowers he must tow around," Zokiro says.  "But perhaps he is simply unused to company.  Or women.  Or nobles.  Of a certainty, we need him, but likely he feels he doesn't need us at all.  Either way, we can only stand ready for what comes next."

Zokiro will keep alert and have her spells and weapons ready for Qing's return.

The ranger does seem to be out of sight but does that mean he cannot hear her? Maybe, maybe not. He comes back, watching the woman."You are both naive. And you are no nobles. Either you argue with me and leave or keep going and be silent." He pulls out his butterfly swords and kneels down, checking the area."Burned out firepit. Recent. We should steer clear of it."

Setsuko says to Zokiro with a slight sarcastic tone, "Let us avoid this firepit and follow Qing Shan quietly. I am sure that he will successfully complete the mission despite being burdened with two naive women."

Her expression changing to one of clarity and focus she finishes with, "We will do what is required to complete this because it is for our Honorable Master. He who deemed us worthy enough to attempt this mission."

Except to see what he is doing, Setsuko will not look into Qing's direction. Otherwise she keeps her head on a swivel, watching and listening to her environment.

"So you admit it." The ranger looks at Set."You dislike me. That's fine. Most don't. But if you have known what I have seen and what I have been through..." He shakes his head."Leave the horses. Cannot hide upon them." Quin looks at them, despite having the monk seems to ignore him. He then goes to move further, looking back at them at times.

They avoid the fire pit and the old campsite. After about a hour, the ranger stops and looks around. They get to a mountain pass and he kneels down again, probably checking for traps."Flower is in the mountain. I know about where it is. It will take some time. As for orcs, I don't see anything showing them." He stands up."Few have been into the mountains. Be careful."

Zokiro represses a sigh and strives to look cool and unruffled.  "There are pressing matters we have been tasked to attend.  Let us focus our attention upon them, as the health of a young girl lies in the balance."

Qing was prickly, and quick to form opinions of them, when as of yet he had seen little of what they could do.  But Setsuko and she were dependent upon him to guide them to the mountains, so they could only carry on in a polite and efficient fashion, even if there would be no warmth to this partnership with him.  She only gave her clan sister a glance of solidarity and kinship to let her know she was with her.

When Qing told them to leave the horses though, Zokiro hesitated slightly.  "You mean for us to abandon our mounts?  Or will we return this way after finding the flower so we can speed our trip back to the Temple?"  Her mount Nori is carrying all of her gear, and Zokiro is quite short and while not weak, is not overly robust.  And how would the horses survive?  They could starve, be killed by orcs or wild animals, or be captured by anyone, never to be seen again.  She had brought Nori as she had assumed speed was of the essence, and Qing could find them a trail to use.  To suddenly be bereft of their strength when heading into unknown territory was an unpleasant surprise.  If she had known that was going to be necessary, she would have packed and planned differently.

"They will be fine. You cannot hide upon it. I suggest we leave them behind. You need to trust me." The ranger watches them and shakes his head."We will return." He waits, wanting to keep moving forwards.

"Then I shall very easily be able to hide off of her.  You shall lose me instantly in tall grass," Zokiro mutters, swinging her gear off of Nori and looking up at the other two from her nearly childlike height.  The remark seems one directed at herself.  She leaves the heaviest of her gear on her horse, tightens the strap of her backpack, and sets off after Qing when Setsuko is ready.

"Want to try?" The ranger looks towads Zok."If I can see you, the orcs probably can. I suggest you use the woods around you. The mountains can provide little cover."

Without rolling he has a +11 spot and listen :)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Sun 20 Oct 2019.

Setsuko will silently dismount, making sure to leave her horse a place that is out of plain sight and has access to food and/or water (If possible). She too will leave the heavier gear on her horse bringing her backpack, weapons and other personal supplies.

Following directions she will join her clan sister and the ranger on foot.

Zokiro shoulders her pack and sets out after Setsuko and the ranger silently, as apparently they were entering a more dangerous environment that required their attention to the world, rather than their conversation.

The path goes up at a steady pace and then its more of a uphill for quite some time. For a horse this would be very tough. He stops, looks around for a moment then keeps moving. Nightfall slowly hits and he finds a small cave for the three of them. He sits down by the foot of tie cave, watching the outside silently.

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 108):

Setsuko quietly moves past the ranger and sets her gear down slightly deeper in the cave. She turns to Zokiro and says calmly, "Please clan sister ask our guide if there is anything we should do to prepare to pass the evening. If we are not allowed to have a fire to warm ourselves, then you are welcome to share my bedroll so we both can sleep warmly."

The ranger gets up and moves to be in front of Setsuko."If you want to get her to talk to me when I am standing here it shows you act like a child. No, do not make a fire. It will show anyone where we are. You do not want that nor Zokiro." Qing stares at her."If you want to talk to me, ask. Do not use her like that. I assume she doesn't want it. " He sighs and looks out down the mountains and then upwards."I am cold as well." The man keeps looking outside then tosses them a winter blanket despite being cold. He wraps up in his cloak."I will take first watch. Rest."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Sat 26 Oct 2019.

Zokiro gives Setsuko a sympathetic glance and rolls out her bedroll and blanket so the two women can huddle together for warmth.  "You were quite insistent on not being seen, so I assumed a fire was not possible this evening so we would not attract hostile attention," she says quietly to Qing, and gestures for Setsuko that she can get in the bedrolls.

"Come, sister, let us rest after the long day," she says.  Then she adds softly, "Our expertise will be needed in time.  There is a reason the master sent all of us on this quest."  She squeezes Setsuko's hand, then tries to sleep.

Pointedly looking away from the ranger, Setsuko speaks calmly, "Forgive me clan sister if I have offended you. Qing has said that my words are nothing therefore I have nothing to say to him. I hear that I am to ask him should I need to speak to him. But my words are nothing to him, therefore I have nothing to say to him."

She pauses to look to Zokiro bringing her belongings closer to those of her clan sister. "Yes, let us rest together." Setsuko coucludes as she joins her bedroll to Zokiro's, squeezes her hand in reply, and attempts to sleep alongside her

"Will you stop acting like I am not here?" The ranger watches Set and shakes his head."So be it. Acting like a bloody child." He stares out and stands up before grabbing his bow.

"You have not given offense, Setsuko. It seems we are all out of sorts on this long day," Zokiro says.  She glances over at Qing, his temper seemingly quite brittle.  "A fair watch to you," she says softly.

The man sighs and steps out into the darkness.

It starts to get rather cold. Qing's blanket remains untouched. There seems to be no signs of him returning as of yet and its been about two hours.

Zokiro woke up in the chill, eyes sweeping but finding no sight or sound from their guide.  She rose slowly, touching Setsuko's shoulder, and whispers, "Qing is not back yet. I want to go look outside the cave and see if he is there."  Then she'll slowly move to the entrance to see what can be seen.

Setsuko listens to Zokiro and nods, "I will go with you, two sets of eyes are better than one." The young monk follows her clan sister.

With the darkness outside, Zokiro knows they need something to see, lest they only be dependent on their ears.  She whispers a few words, makes a few gestures, and some small balls of light appear, dancing around slowly like lazy fireflies.  While not as stealthy as undoubtedly Qing would prefer, it was something they needed now.

OOC: Casting dancing lights.
08:35, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Listen check.
08:34, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Spot check.

Relying on the light from Zokiro's magic, Setsuko also tried to see or hear what she could. "See anything yet, clan sister?"

OOC:
14:49, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 13 using 1d20+8.  Spot check.
14:49, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 28 using 1d20+8.  Listen check.

The two look around and start checking on the mountain pass. It looks safe enough and besides the occasional normal creature moving about it seems quiet. A large cave looms ahead as their dancing lights swirl around themselves.

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 120):

Setsuko moves closer to Zokiro and whispers into her hear, "I cannot see much of anything but I hear something large moving up the pass towards the cave. Maybe we should try to see what it is."

Waiting on her clan sister's agreement, she prepares to move quietly towards the cave.

Zokiro nods her agreement and moves just behind Setsuko's shoulder.  "Lead and I will follow closely. I have magic to protect us or flame our enemies if we encounter any," she says very softly, and then follows in Setsuko's wake.

The two enter the cave. Its damp and feels warm oddly, and its about twenty feet up. Rocks stick down and its hard to get around. Spiderwebs appear as the group keeps moving, small ones then larger ones but no spiders least not visible.

Keeping quiet, Zokiro touches Setsuko's arm briefly, nodding at her to go forward, sending her lights to illuminate their footing so they don't blunder into any webs, uneven ground... or anything that might be alive.

Setsuko attempts to look carefully around and listens for the slightest sound. She makes a point of looking at both the floor and ceiling, taking special care not to be caught under a large hanging rock or larger than normal spider webs. With Zokiro close behind her, she continues to move forward.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Thu 14 Nov 2019.

Kneeling down, the ranger is spotted about twenty feet away behind a stalagmite. He seems focused, eyes narrowed and his bow is drawn. Turning towards the two, he sighs and motions for them to back away before turning back to look at something.

Zokiro backs up somewhat, taking her lights with her, and sighs silently.  And how were they to know Qing had gone off to investigate something in a cave and not been abducted and killed?  He had not left any kind of note or indication as to where he had gone! She waits, ears tuned to whatever might Qing might be stalking.

In reply to Zokiro Mirumoto (msg # 127):

Joining her clan sister in following the silent directions from the ranger, she backs away from where they were sighted. She looks quizzically at Zokiro and whispers softly into her ear, "What should we do next?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Fri 22 Nov 2019.

"There is something there, probably hostile, worth watching. He may need our help if things get violent, particularly if there are more than one or two. We can only be ready," Zokiro says, her voice equally quiet.

As the woman converse, the ranger keeps staring at someone. Setsuko steps back and her leg gets caught in a big web. It seems to trigger something through the threads as something moves above her. It slides down to her eye-level but its covered in webbing. It twitches at times then goes still. A small spider starts to come down the wall about twenty feet away. Then another and another. They stop at the floor staring at the two women. Qing takes a quick breath."Do not move." He whispers.

At Qing's direction, Setsuko freezes in place, her breathing slow, soft, and quiet. Her eyes move back and forth, noting the various spiders moving around her. She lets herself slip into a light meditative state, her body relaxed but immobile, her senses fully attuned to her environment. She mentally prepares her body for action, thinking that she may soon have to act immediately.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:37, Mon 25 Nov 2019.

Zokiro stays in place, but brings her hands up in a fan pose, ready to fling fire if the spiders become hostile!

Another three spiders appear near the ranger. He bites his lip, watching them intently as they scurry around. He slowly goes to draw his twin blades.

One of the spiders seem to stare at the two woman before skitting up a web wall. The odd webbed up thing drops down to the ground.

Zokiro tries to catch Qing's eye, raising her hands slightly and fluttering her fingers before glancing towards the spiders, trying to indicate if he wanted her to flame the arachnids before they decided to try to dine up on the travelers!

The young monk maintains her position and her state of awareness and readiness. She watches for: Directions from either Qing or Zokiro, the movements of the spiders she can easily see, and other new threats. She keeps her breathing slow and quiet and stays focused on her environment.

"Back up very...." Something catches the ranger's attention. His eyes narrow as  two spiders stare at the woman and one stares at him. He pulls out his swords."They know we are here." He sits up slowly, trying to not make himself out to be a threat.

All the spiders leave save three of them and they are as big as dogs.

"Don't get between me and them," Zokiro says softly and brings her hands up.  "I will start to back out.  If they advance, I will flame them."

Suiting words to action, Zokiro begins to back out very carefully, trying to make sure that Qing and Setsuko are never between her and the large spiders.  If they advance, she will call upon the flames of burning hands.

Setsuko nods to Zokiro and begins to back out slowly, keeping one eye on the spiders and the other on her clan sister. She moves very deliberately, making sure to move in harmony and cooperation with Zokiro's words and efforts.

Softly she says, "I hope these spiders know that I mean them no harm nor do I choose to be anyone's meal."

Suddenly, the cave where they entered from gets full of webs! The three spiders watch them but do not act but if they go to leave they follow. The ranger slowly gets up, with his blades drawn. His hands tense up and he watches the other two.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:14, Thu 05 Dec 2019.

Zokiro has no desire to become food for spiders.  She raises her hands in their fan shape and lets loose a sheet of flame at the creatures!

OOC: Casting burning hands, trying to catch as many spiders as I can in the 15' cone.  DC 16 reflex save for half damage.
04:57, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 5 using 3d4.  Burning hands damage.

Setsuko moves to be sure to be out of the way of Zokiro's spell and any burning webbing, while readying her quarterstaff to defend either herself or her clan sister against any advancing spiders.

Zok's spell hits the spiders, harming them.

Qing steps up with his twin blades and misses.

Each spider attacks one of them. They all miss but not the one against Set.
Take 6 Damage and make a Fort Save DC 12

The monk swings her staff twice but misses its mark.

The ranger goes to strike again and hits but his second strike misses badly and he almost loses his blade.

OOC
Group is up.

Initiative:
Zokiro
Qing
--------------------------------------
Spider 1 18/11
*Qing
Spider 2 18/13
*Zok
Spider 3 18/16
*Setsuko
--------------------------------------
Setsuko
*6 Damage
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:23, Fri 06 Dec 2019.

Setsuko steps back, shocked and by the sudden and vicious attack of the spider. Her expression shifts from contemplative to focused and determined.

OOC:15:01, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Fort save.

After Zokiro casts her spell and burns the spiders, Setsuko whips her quarterstaff around in a flowing pattern that strikes several times at the offending arachnid attacking her. "I'm sorry great spider but you forfeit your life when you attacked me."

OOC:
Flurry of Blows with quarterstaff w/First of Iron for 1st attack.

01:52, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Flurry of Blows 1.
01:52, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Flurry of Blows 2.

02:02, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 6,1 using 1d6+3,1d6.  FoB 1 damage.
02:03, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 3 using 1d6.  FoB 2 damage.

This message was last edited by the GM at 10:13, Sat 07 Dec 2019.

Zokiro only emits a strangled cry as the spider tries to bites her.  She backs away from it and fire flares from her hands again!

OOC: Moves back to get a better angle of attack, burning hands again.
21:06, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 5 using 3d4.  Burning hands damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Sat 07 Dec 2019.

Zok fires her spells again but barely harms the spiders getting all of them.

Qing swings his blades, the first missing but the second rips into the spider, killing it!

The two spiders go after Zok and Set! One of them moves and attacks Zok doing some damage.
Take 6 Damage Zok and make a Fort Save DC 12

The monk swings her staff again and misses but her second attack swings around and she drops it!

The ranger moves and attacks the spider, flanking the one going after Zok and he tears into him but it stays standing.

OOC
Group is up.

Initiative:
Zokiro
Qing
--------------------------------------
Spider 1 18/--DEAD
Spider 2 18/6
*Zok
Spider 3 18/14
*Setsuko
--------------------------------------
Setsuko
*Quarterstaff is on the ground
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:27, Sat 07 Dec 2019.

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 145):

Setsuko moves nimbly in a dancing pattern of dodges, bobs, weaves, jumps and blocks all in an effort to avoid the savage bite of the spider. She makes certain to keep her allies and quarterstaff in sight.

"By our ancestors swords, I would never have believed that such deadly spiders as these could be real." she gasped with a frustrated voice.


OOC: Setsuko goes on Full Defense raising her AC to 20
This message was last edited by the player at 08:08, Tue 10 Dec 2019.

Zokiro tries not to cry out as the spider bites her, the wound burning like acid.  She backs up some more and flames the spiders a third time!

OOC: 04:03, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 2 using 1d20.  Fort save.
04:04, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 4 using 3d4.  Burning Hands damage.

Zok fires her spell again after backing up and hits the spider.

Qing swings his blades, the first missing again but the second kills another spider!

The final spider turns and attacks the elf. It sinks its teeth into Qing.

The monk  defends herself.

The ranger bites his lip from the pain and attacks the spider, harming it with his swing.

OOC
Group is up.

Initiative:
Zokiro
Qing
--------------------------------------
Spider 1 18/--DEAD
Spider 2 18/--DEAD
Spider 3 18/11
--------------------------------------
Setsuko
*Quarterstaff is on the ground

Zokiro turns to the last spider and angles to hit only the arachnid.  Her flare of flame is much more powerful this time as it roars from her fingertips.

OOC: 02:25, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 9 using 3d4.  Burning hands damage.

Setsuko continues to remain defensive, avoiding as much of the spider's attack as possible. She glances towards Zokiro and asks, "Have you been bitten clan sister?"

The shugenja's spell hits the spider but it remains standing.

The spider attacks Zokiro! It connects!
Take 6 Damage and make a Fort Save DC 12

The monk waits, going all defensive.

The ranger goes to strike again and his second striked ends the battle, killing the spider. He looks at the other two and kneels down, grabbing the quarterstaff and tosses it over to the monk."That isn't the last of them."

With a skittering move, a massive spider comes up from behind the ranger. It makes some chittering sound and its larger them the other spiders killed.

OOC
Group is up.

Initiative:
Zokiro
Qing
--------------------------------------
Big Spider:
AC 14 ??/??
--------------------------------------
Setsuko

Zokiro gasps at the pain of the bite, and backs away as far as she can.  She incants a protective spell around herself, trying to shield herself from becoming a spider's meal.  "Twice!" she says in response to Setsuko's question.

OOC: 07:58, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 15 using 1d20.  Fort save.
Backing up 30 if I can, if not just as far as I can go otherwise.  Casting shield of faith.

Setsuko catches the tossed quarterstaff and frowns. Looking towards the larger spider that has come upon the group she says to Zokiro, "Please retreat clan sister, I will assist Qing in dealing with this new threat."

The young monk moves forward to confront the large spider, again whipping around the spinning staff in various patterns of circles and figure-eights. Closing into striking range Setsuko shifts into harmonic motion with the movements of her staff and kicks at the huge spider.


OOC: Move to engage the spider and attack with unarmed strike.
10:23, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Attack Roll.

Zok steps back to the webbed entrance, as close as she can get and casts her spell.

The ranger steps forwards and attacks the massive creature! One of his attacks hit their mark!

The big spider bites into the ranger harming him!

Set moves forwards and misses!

Qing attacks the creature again, swinging his duel blades! He slams into his foe with massive strikes!

OOC
Group is up.

Initiative:
Zokiro
Qing
--------------------------------------
Big Spider:
AC 14 36/19
--------------------------------------
Setsuko

Zokiro gathers her resolve and comes forward behind Setsuko.  "Let me give your staff the power of the earth," she says, touching it briefly as she intones a blessing.

OOC: casting magic weapon on Setsuko's staff, makes it a +1 weapon.

After the magic from Zokiro's spell settles into Setsuko's staff, she again intensifies the motions of newly enchanted weapon and swings again at the Big Spider. "Thank you clan sister for your aid in this fight."

OOC: Flurry of Blows w/the Quarterstaff vs the Big Spider
23:42, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Attack Roll
23:41, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Attack Roll.

Note: Magic Weapon casted by Zok.

Updated-Rokugan
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Mon 16 Dec 2019.

The mage steps forwards and casts her spell upon Set's staff.

Qing lands a blow and almost throws his other sword to the ground but is able to hold on.

The big spider turns and bites into the monk! It misses horribly and falls to the ground but its still alive as it tries to get back up.

Set's attacks miss.

The ranger attacks again twice, the first one hitting but the second one misses its mark.

OOC
Group is up.

Initiative:
Zokiro
Qing
--------------------------------------
Big Spider:
AC 14 36/08
--------------------------------------
Setsuko

An look of frustration briefly crossed the young monk's face. It was quickly erased by a renewed determination and a spirit shout, "Die Monster!" while she continued to attack the big spider with her enchanted staff.

OOC: Flurry of blows w/quarterstaff enchanted w/magic weapon vs. Big Spider.

17:33, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Attack Roll.
17:33, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Attack Roll.
17:33, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Critical hit check.

17:39, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 10 using 1d6+4.  Damage roll.
17:39, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 8 using 1d6+4.  Critical Hit Damage.

Zokiro intones a spell and places her hand on a belt pouch of sling stones, enchanting three for lethal use...

OOC: Casting magic stone.

The mage casts her spell upon the stones.

Qing attacks the beast, hitting him once but it remains standing.

It attacks the monk, sinking its teeth into her arm.
Take 9 Damage Set (Updated your HP already!). Fort Save DC 13


The monk spins the weapon around, hitting it twice. It stumbles back and falls down the hole!

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 160):

With the spider disappering into the dark depths of the hole below, Setsuko attempted to retreat from the cave carefully. "I suppose that Qing will tell us we can leave now?" she said loud enough for all to hear. "I have had enough of webs and their makers today."


OOC:16:26, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Fort save vs. DC 13

"Kinswoman, are you well enough to travel?" Zokiro asks.  She waits to hear her answer before turning to Qing.  "Qing, are you well?  Is there anything in this cave we must attend to before going to someplace safer?"  She clutches her magical slingstones in her hand; the magic is good for another half-hour, and if the spider reappears, she intended to embed a stone in its head.

"We need to keep moving. But we need to cross this gap before contiuning. You have your gear? We can go back and get it but its not safe." Its hard to tell if Qing is letting his guard down and if hes injured.

Setsuko immediately replies to Zokiro, "Yes, I am well enough to travel. Especially if it means go to a safer place. Once we are out of danger I will do what I can with your wounds."

After a quick glance at the ranger Setsuko adds, "Since we left our mounts, I have carried all I think I might need."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:42, Mon 23 Dec 2019.

"I have what I need.  Let us get going while these foes are gone," Zokiro says, nodding gratefully at Setsuko and Qing.

As they get underway, Zokiro will ask Qing, "What drew you to the cave to investigate it?"

"I do not appreciate being ignored. I am here. Do not act like I am not. In the temple, you can ignore me. But here, no. I am not some child that will go away." The ranger speaks this to the monk. He adjust his gear and looks at the shugenja "Only way to go. Steep cliff on either side. I know where we need to go, but I have not been there. It will take some time but I feel we must climb down." He nods his head."That spider may still live. Be weary." Qing starts to check the area for anything of value and stops at the incline, pondering something."I will go first. It seems there is a small steep path."

After listening to both Zokiro and Qing, the young monk considered her situation before speaking again.

“Qing,I will admit to being young and proud in the face of insulting words. Perhaps you did not intend insult, perhaps my youth and pride found disrespect where there was none. If this is so, I am willing to exchange apologies to promote ease of conversation between us.

In any case our Master chose you to guide my clan sister and I to seek a common goal. In his name I will follow your words and instructions whether you choose for us to share the path of humility or the path of pride.” she concludes in a calm voice.

She follows Zokiro, moving as the ranger and the environment dictate while awaiting his answer and being on guard against any farther attacks.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Mon 30 Dec 2019.

"It is good, clan sister, to have an accord for this difficult journey.  Qing, we will await your signal to continue," Zokiro says, giving a little bow to both, trying to hide her wince of pain.

"You will not get one as I feel I did nothing wrong. Fine, stand there and act like a child. For if you perish that is no fault of my own. As for choosing, I did not. If I have the choice I would gone alone. Being young and full of pride will get you killed." The ranger stares at her. He stops and kneels down, trying to keep a decent footing.

Slowly the group gets to the bottom. Lying on its back is the spider. Perhaps its playing dead or perhaps it is. Qing moves towards it, holding out his twin swords. As the group looks around it seems there are spider eggs, at least twenty or more.

Qing slams his swords fast into the large spider which is obviously dead. He looks at the eggs, eyes narrowed. Some of them move and the ranger looks at the monk and shugenja "Move quickly. There is another path leading upwards across the way."

The young monk did not respond to Qing's last words neither in voice or manner she simply followed directions and her clan sister. 'I have tried to make peace and accept my part in our conflict. I guess it is true that Zokiro and I are  and have been an unwelcome burden. I will continue to lessen my burden on him by silently following his guidance, speaking to him only when needed.' she resolved in her thoughts.

When they reach their second encounter with the spider, Setsuko is watchful of it and everything around, moving as quickly as caution will allow. 'The sooner we are clear of such dangers, the sooner I can safely take time to care for Zokiro's and Qing's wounds.' she thought.

She does as Qing directs and continues to move quickly to the path he indicates. When the party is well away from the remains of the spider and the eggs surrounding it she states aloud “It has been some while since the battle with the spiders, I believe that the three of us should stop long enough for our wounds to be tended to.”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Wed 08 Jan 2020.

Qing, it seemed, would not be appeased by anything.  But it was not anyone's responsibility to appease him, only to work towards the common goal of the health of a young girl.  "By all means, let us go."  Zokiro follows as carefully and quickly as she can.  She does not like all the evidence of spiders of unusual size, but they likely serve a purpose here... likely.

Once they are well past them, the lack of sleep and her recent injury pulls at her.  She is more than willing to rest, but to rest in another place of danger would not serve anyone.  "Thank you, Setsuko.  Qing, is it safe to stop for a while?  If it is, I would like to be fit to travel tomorrow," she asks quietly.

"We have no time and are still a distance from the nest. I want to keep moving. As for the spider eggs, part of me wants to kill them but part of me wants to let them live. Nature has its ways. We will need to return here, so a decision will be made." So the ranger has a spiritual side? It does appear. He stops for a moment as if pondering something." I am unsure how far this goes but once outside we can rest. Agreed?" He doesn't seem like he really wants to remain inside the cave. The ranger keeps moving, watching the area. Nothing odd comes out. Just a old cave with some puddles here and there but the group seems to be moving upwards and soon a light begins to form.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:03, Wed 01 Jan 2020.

Zokiro tightened her robe against her primitive bandages and kept walking after Qing towards the light.  Becoming food for spiders might mean becoming part of the cycle of spirits, but she hoped that cycle was not yet ready to turn for her...

Setsuko remained quiet and vigilant while the three of them moved on away from danger. When she saw the light ahead she felt slightly more relaxed but that didn't slow her steps. When they paused for a moment, she took a look at both of the others to make a quick assessment of their wounds and nodded in response to Qing's question.

Noting that Zokiro seemed to have the most wounds between the three of them, she paused her clan sister for just long enough to make certain that the spell caster's wounds were all as clean and covered as their brief time would allow. "I promise to take better care of you when we are safer. I believe your wounds will keep until then, but let me know if you are feeling weak or dizzy." she softly told her clan sister.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Sun 05 Jan 2020.

The ranger steps out into the sunlight. Its just a opening in the cave but at least its sunlight which is good. Its about twenty feet up and goes along a corridor for awhile that hooked around at a steep angle. He finds a spot large enough for them to sit and rest.

Once they have secured the location discovered by the ranger, Setsuko will begin seriously treating Zokiro's wounds using the healing arts she was trained in at the temple.

After doing what she can for her clan sister, she will go to Qing and look to care for his wounds too.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:19, Tue 07 Jan 2020.

Zokiro tries not to wince as Setsuko cleans and bandages her and Qing's wounds.  She bows her head in thanks to her clan sister.  "My appreciation, sister.  I have some scrolls that will be of use, now that we have the light and time to use them.  They can speed our healing, though I don't know if they will completely cure us."

She will pull out two scrolls bout off with green ribbons, unravel them, and touch Qing's wound above Setsuko's bandage.  Then she repeats the same on herself, feeling far, far better once the magic of the earth flowed up through them to knit their flesh.

OOC: 22:07, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 6 using 1d8+1.  Scroll of cure light wounds.
22:07, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  Scroll of cure light wounds.

"Stop. I don't need your help. I'm fine." The ranger stares at the monk and sits down watching the area in the direction they need to go. He steps back, not letting anyone touch him despite any arguments. When anyone tries to get close, he moves off.

Zokiro drops her hands from trying to touch Qing, having thought it was only fair that he be healed after finding the spiders in the first place before they found them in the other cave unwares.  But it was his own decision to accept her magic or no.  "Sister, have you need of healing?" she asks of Setsuko.

In reply to Zokiro Mirumoto (msg # 179):

She too was disappointed but not surprised by Qing's unwillingness to accept help with healing from either herself or Zokiro. 'I guess he would die rather than accept care from us. For his own sake and ours I will take the decision from him should his injuries cause him to lose consciousness.' the young monk thought.

"Yes, sister any healing you can share would be welcome. Thank you." replied Setsuko with a smile.

Zokiro uses her other scroll on Setsuko to ease her wounds.  "There, sister.  This should ease your pain.  Qing, do we carry on, or do we rest?  While I do wish to find the flower, I do not want any of us to be so tired we miss a warning sign.  But if it is needful, we will go."

"Then rest. Outcropping here." Qing drops down and turns towards the north passages where they didn't come from. He moves towards it and sits down on a small rock, pulling out some sort of odd mixture and starts to eat it.

After receiving the benefit of Zokiro's healing scroll, the young monk rummages through her own backpack. A quick search produces a small ceramic vial which she immediately hands over to  her clan sister. "This is for you, sister. It can heal your remaining wounds once you drink the potion within."

Setsuko settles down and prepares to spend time resting. "Zokiro, shall we share a meal if you are as hungry as I?"

"I thank you for the potion.  I am well enough for now, but I shall certainly use it when there is need.  And yes, a meal would be most welcome."  She casts a look over at Qing.  "If you so wish, there is enough for you, Qing."  Zokiro brings out some of her own rations so that there is a variety to pick from.

She doesn't expect the prickly ranger to join them, as he has been determined to enjoy his own company, but it would be the height of rudeness to refuse him hospitality.  She nods in gratitude to Setsuko and breaks a rice ball to share.

Setsuko shares some leaf wrapped balls of spiced cooked meat and vegetables with Zokiro to add to their meal. "It would be nice to have a warm fire tonight. I have some makings for a good miso soup if we can heat the water." she suggests to her clan sister.

The ranger stands up, watching them. He finishes his meal and finds a good spot to see the area and watches. He grabs his bow, nocking a arrow just in case as they eat. He doesn't say a word if they want to start a fire but being in a cave without anything to fuel it may be hard if at all. Silence comes from the man. He looks like a cat ready to strike. Nothing comes out from the north and nothing from where they came to the south. He glances up at the ceiling, as the sun sends some light down to the ground.

"A cold dinner then, as there is nothing to burn.  But yes, soup another night soon," Zokiro says with a small smile at Setsuko.  As Qing watches, Zokiro finishes half a rice ball and walks over to him.  Very quietly she asks, "Is there time to rest, or do we need to move on to stay out of danger?"

Setsuko nods her reply to Zokiro and pays close attention to the Shugenja's attempted conversation with the silent, brooding ranger.

"Do what you need to do." Right to the point. He doesn't look at her, watching the area quietly "Speak softly as well."

Zokiro returns to Setsuko, looking perturbed.  She keeps her voice quiet as she talks. "He didn't actually object to our need to rest.  I know the situation is urgent, but I also know we haven't rested for over a day, and a good portion of my magic was drained by the fight with the spiders.  Let us rest a while.  I can watch first, then I'll wake you when can't keep my eyes open anymore."

In reply to Zokiro Mirumoto (msg # 190):

Setsuko nods while whispering, "Thank you clan sister. Please feel free to wake me anytime you need but especially before dawn. I have exercises and other rituals that need to be done then."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:19, Sat 18 Jan 2020.

If nothing happens for the first four hours, Zokiro will then wake Setsuko (and periodically check to see if Qing is doing all right), and take her own rest.

Time passes by. The day becomes night as the two ventures out in the early morning here. The ranger again is nowhere to be found. It seems like he always never is around. Yet after a few moments, he comes from the north and kneels down, waiting.

Zokiro nods to Setsuko and studies her own magical texts as Setsuko does her own stretches and exercises.  "Good morrow, clan sister.  I hope your watch was quiet.  If you're ready to go, then I am as well."  If Setsuko says she is, then Zokiro goes over to Qing.

"I hope your night passed well, Qing.  We are ready for the next leg of our journey."

Setsuko finishes the last of her morning forms exercises. "Yes, I have gathered my equipment and I am ready to continue, clan sister." she says with a bow before putting on her backpack.

The three travel along the cave and it finally ends. The ranger stops and the mountain has a steep drop going down and he looks up there's a small walkway along the side of the mountain-seems to have been made from wear and tear.

Zokiro looks up and down, not terribly liking the look of either, but knowing they must go on.  She quietly points to the path and raises an eyebrow of inquiry at Qing.  The flower was on the mountain, and presumably they would need to go up to find it, but she did not know for certain.

The young monk halted alongside Qing and Zokiro, briefly glancing down the side of the mountain before turning part of her attention to the ranger. With her hands, she felt along the area of mountainside they currently occupied, being quite careful not to reach too far in any direction.

The ranger stops after a few minutes to get his bearings and keeps moving. He glances back at the others for some reason and the three of them finally get to a flatter area. And another cave. The ranger looks inside and decides to head within.

Zokiro moves forward to draw level with Qing and lightly touches his arm to get his attention.  "Qing, please tell us what route we are taking and what we can expect in terms of how long it will take and the dangers we could expect?  We both wish to be well-prepared, but it is difficult to be so in ignorance," she asks in a low voice.

"Ignorance? Hush. I do not know what these mountain have as I have never been here. Do not speak as you could be heard. Listen and follow." The ranger definatly seems to be aggrivated by Zok. He stares at her but doesn't bother saying a word. Tilting his head he looks around the cave that keeps moving upwards and theres no sign of spiders or whatnot.

Setsuko quietly shakes her head as the ranger seemed to become more disagreeable and obstinate as the three of them climbed the mountain. Moving up to just behind Zokiro, Setsuko quietly whispered into her ear, "Forgive me for not being patient enough to share words with Qing, leaving that burden to you for both of us. As he will tell us nothing, let us learn by watching as we follow."

Suddenly what sounds like thunder booms out!

BOOM

BOOM

BOOM

BOOM

It then stops.

Setsuko immediately freezes in place and attempts to determine where the explosive sounds came from. She then looks toward Qing to see the ranger's reactions.

The ranger pauses for a moment, looking around. He draws his bow and is silent. The man looks over at them and nods his head for them to follow. After some time leading upwards he stops finding no track, no bones. No trace of anything been here just gravel with stalagmites and stalagtites from the ceiling and floor "I do not know what just happened. Perhaps I thought of it as a beast but that sound. Almost like thunder."

"Magic, alchemy, monsters, an avalanche, or perhaps a trap," Zokiro speculates.  "Should we get under cover?"

Assuming Qing seems all right with that, Zokiro will cautiously make her way inside, trying to see if there is any spiders... or other dangers lurking.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:14, Wed 05 Feb 2020.

Moving quietly and watching for possible trouble as they move onward, Setsuko remains silent. When the others speak, she pays close attention to what they say and do.

Inwardly she was simply unsure of what do to beyond following the ranger and her clan sister. She could hardly admit to herself that she was afraid of the repeated booms, so she felt it useless to share her thoughts and feeling about something she had no knowledge of whatsoever.

Some time passes with the ranger in front followed by the two woman. Nothing happens, nothing creeps out to attack. Everything seems calm but not the ranger. Qing just seems focused and he keeps trying to find tracks. After about a hour, Qing stops as they are about to go outside again. His eyes narrow for a moment and then he keeps going. They find a open field with flowers in the center, about 30' away. Its hard to tell if these are the flowers needed but it looks like there is no other way up unless you climb or fly.

Zokiro smiles at the sight of the flowers.  "Are these the ones we seek?" she asks softly.  Unless Qing waves her back, Zokiro will approach them and see if they are the ones described in the temple texts.

Setsuko's face also brightens into a warm smile at the sight of the flowers. Almost in a trance she slowly takes several small steps towards the field then seeming to come awake she stops and returns to her clan sisters side. "It is wonderful to see such beauty after all ugliness and danger we've seen so far."

The ground seems to move as the monk and shugenja get close. It roars as what appears to be some sort of reptile awakens. It hisses as they approach. Upon its back is what is needed-the flower. Qing points it out and pulls out his bow! It growls again and stands up fully, about the size of a 6' man.


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Mon 10 Feb 2020.

Carefully keeping an eye on the dragon-like creature, Setsuko bows and addresses the creature. "Noble being please forgive us for disturbing your rest. Please speak with us."

Zokiro also bows deeply to the dragon, speaking respectfully in Draconic and Spirit Tongue in turn.  "Honored One, we pardon for intruding upon you. May these humble sisters of the Dragon clan approach to make our amends?"

The dragon stands up, growling at the three intruders. It howls as they speak, staring at them. Qing keeps his bow drawn but lowered. Its hard to say if the ranger understands them but the dragon growls several times and stares at them "Speak!" He speaks in draconic.

"Most Honored One, we came to your mountain and meadow on a mission of mercy.  A young woman lies ill, and her cure lies with a flower that grows upon your noble body.  Would you deign for a single blossom to be allowed to be given?  It is a great imposition upon yourself, and we sisters of the Dragon would be honored to serve a need of yours for daring to ask," Zokiro says, keeping to her low bow and making sure her Dragonic is as formal and precise as she can.

Setsuko remained in her position of respect before the dragon, still keeping one eye on him, and still ready to react if things go badly. Glancing briefly, she also looks over towards Qing to see what the ranger might be doing.

With narrowed eyes, the dragon stares at the shugenja. It howls again  and tilts its head "If it is what you want, take it." The creature raises his wings up to reveal the flower upon its back as well as other flowers as well.

Awaiting a sign from either Qing or Zokiro, Setsuko remains where she is. Turning to Zokiro she whispers to her clan sister in a slightly embarrassed voice, "Lady Mirumoto, clan sister, I have yet to learn to speak the true noble tongue only to recognize it when it is spoken. Please enlighten me on the discourse between yourself and the Honored one and perhaps suggest a course of action."

Zokiro quickly whispers a translation to Setsuko, "I offered humble greetings and explained our quest, offering a service for the flower if the honored dragon wished.  The honored dragon responded that if we wished the flower we should come take it."

Zokiro's expression is faintly worried as she faces the dragon.  She bows again.  "Honored One, we thank you.  I have minor magic which can pluck the flower, if you will allow."  Zokiro whispers to Setsuko, "I have magic that will let me touch and move things at a distance.  I want to go closer, out of respect, and then use the magic to pluck the flower we need."

If the dragon is amenable, Zokiro will come closer to the dragon, bow once more, and use mage hand to gently pull at the needed flower.

The dragon moves forwards, about ten feet and stares at the shugenja. As she is about to cast the spell, the dragon leans back and shoots out some acid breath upon the monk, ranger and shugenja!"Die! No one take the flower!"

OOC
DC 17 for half-damage
21 Damage/10 for half

Initiative!

Qing (21)
-----------------------------------------------------
Green Dragon (14)

Zokiro
Setsuko

Setsuko is shocked by the dragon's attack and fails to avoid the acid spray from the Dragon's mouth! "Why?" she shouts in anguish

Setsuko Osagai rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  Reflex check.
Setsuko Osagai rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Initiative check

Zokiro is similarly shocked taking the full brunt of the dragon's acid breath! Gasping in pain, she backs away and takes the potion Setsuko had given her, trying to stave off death a little while longer.

OOC: 21:39, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Reflex save.
3/24 hp
01:45, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.
Move away
01:46, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  Cure light wounds potion.
That will make my hp 10/24 if I can take it in time.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:47, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

Setsuko hazards a glance towards the ranger as she quickly moves away from Zokiro and advances on the green dragon. She hurriedly drinks one of her remaining healing potions.


Setsuko Osagai rolled 6 using 1d8+1.  Cure light wounds potion.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Sat 29 Feb 2020.

Time seems to stand still.

The dragon does not stir as he stands there, watching the group.

Everything seeems to be moving slowly or not at all.

A portal forms above the dragon, about eight feet higher and what appears to be a man stands there, floating.

"Life and death. What does it mean to die? To live? I know what caused the boom. Would you like to know?"

"Why should we care about such things? We have many problems before us now. Who are you?" said Setsuko, awed and curious.

The man stares at the monk, a coldness coming from him "Hush your tone. The dragon would have slain you. Do you wish to know what cause the boom? I can tell you wish not to bother with it as it seems not to be your issue. It will be. All of yours."

Setsuko bows before replying, "I apologies if I seem callus to the message you are bringing. Yes, the dragon might well have slain us. Yet my clan sister and I still have a mission that we have sworn to complete. I know that this might seem small to you great kami, but it means much to us as a life depends upon it."

She pauses to bow again before continuing, "You say without saying that the cause of the booming will become important to all and you can supply knowledge of that cause. With great respect kami, I ask these questions. What can you tell us? What would you have us do about it?"

"So your other friend means nothing? The elf? You will become pregnant. He will die. And your clan sister will soar." The man watches them each for a moment.

"Everyone dies." Qing points it out "Some will do it fighting for something. Others will just perish. She will become pregnant? Seriously?" He seems rather surprised at this.

Course the group is facing a glowing man, over a dragon that seems to not even more!

"The dead will come back. And it slowly has become." Fate states this "Your mission means little. I am what I once was, what I will always be. But you can call me Fate."

Zokiro bows to the strange spirit, but is still in pain from the twin stings of the dragon's fierce attack and the looming specter of failure.  "Kami of Fate, there is a young girl who needs the flower my clan sister and I were sworn to retrieve.  We swore to her father, our Master, to aid her. The strange sound, according to your wisdom, involves us all, but how can we be forsworn and have any honor at all? How could you trust us to any task, were we to cast aside our responsibilities to our clan, our Master, and the young girl who lies sick?"

"I have come to tell you the dead will return. There is more then just honor. What one must do to make you listen? The dragon is here. Take it. Do what you wish to do. Simply, I have come with the message. How you face it is up to you. Peace will not last between the clans." Fate watches the three people.

Turning to address Zokiro and Qing, Setsuko says softly, "Someone needs to tell the Master what we have learned here, if I am destroyed please make sure that he is told."

Turning back the monk bows respectfully to Fate and to the dragon, "Pardon me, powerful kami, I must attempt to achieve the goal of our mission here." With that said, she rushes forward to retrieve the flower.

This kami of Fate claimed that the dead would rise and that war could break out, and who was she to question the spirits? But she could not call herself a daughter of the Dragon clan and fail in what she had been sent to do. She went to Setsuko to back her up as she went to take the flower. "If that is the wish of the spirits, then it must be so. Let us save the life we were sworn to, so that we may be worthy to save others."

"You will never learn." The man watches the monk and the flowers are places in her hands before she even moved. The dragon doesn't even move and doesn't seem touched.

The ranger stares at him but doesn't say a word. He lowers his bow and turns to leave once the others are done.

"Honor may get you killed. Each of you will change, some small others quite a lot. Life and death. The past will come and you seem to not care for what is in front of you is, what will come from this may change your mind. So be it. A message is what I brought. Do with it as you see fit. Find the Naga. Lost in sleep."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Wed 04 Mar 2020.

After receiving the flower, Setsuko immediately hands it to Zokiro. Quickly she turns her attention back to Fate and bows, "Thank you Fate kami." she says sincerely.

"Forgive me, Fate kami for presuming to take more of your time but can I ask four questions? The second question is: What did cause the booming? The third question is: How will I become pregnant? The fourth question is: Are there others we can find who also know of these coming events?" the young monk asked with a humble bow.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:23, Thu 05 Mar 2020.

"You do not know how to become pregnant?" The man gives her a odd look but sighs "Actually those are three questions, not four. Very well. The boom was caused when the evil decided to break free, when it rose up from beanth. It was a warning. If you are asking if this child is different, to you it will be. To others? It may not. Is it not special to mothers? I will not tell you what you wish to know. The whole...fate issue. And I will let others know. How they react remains unseen."

Honor was everything to Zokiro - to follow the honorable will of her Clan lord was her purpose. But the kami of fate had brought them a warning that could affect every clan, and such a warning must be heeded!  "Kami of fate, we will return from this place and seek out the evil, bring warning to the clans and the people," she says with another bow, holding the flower with trepidation.  They had to return swiftly and let the monastery know, as they would be able to sent out warnings far swifter than just the two of them, and not least important, deliver the flower they had promised to do. There they could prepare and regroup and be ready to face this new foe.

Setsuko reluctantly spoke again to Fate, "Please forgive our ignorance but where should we find this Naga that is lost in sleep?"

"Deep within Shinomen Mori. A forest, some distanced off. South of here. Very south of here." The man answers.

Setsuko bows with gratitude,"Thank you for your warning and patience with our ignorance. Before we leave your presence is there anything else we might need to know?"

After listening to the last of Fate's words, the young monk bows her final farewell and prepares to return to the temple.

"Yes, we will return with the flower and share all that we have learned with the Master and the rest of our clan."

"We shall go south, pass the warning, and seek out this Naga, kami of Fate," Zokiro says with a bow of respect, after waiting to see if he had any other wisdom he wished to pass to them.

"Have you not heard what I spoke? You need to listen and take heed. I cannot reveal what I do not know and I am in a place where I must watch what I say. Fate. Time." The man moves towards the portal once more "You need to listen and do not speak." The words seemed aimed at the monk and he nods his head towards Zok "We will meet again."

The elf oddly is silent. He watches the two woman and the man converse and he could make it worse but he doesn't. Shouldering his bow, Qing crosses his arms and watches as the man departs. But he keeps looking at the monk, perhaps studying her and glances at Zok.

Setsuko, again chastised by the Fate kami, lowers her head with a stricken expression and falls silent. She glances up once to each of the others, looking at Zokiro with a pained and heartsick face before falling to her knees at the feet of her clan sister.

In a quietly trembling voice she whispers, "I have been told to remain silent. I shall do so until bidden by another to speak. I am clearly broken. Please continue to be my guide sister Zokiro and my voice. Thank you."

Standing once more, Setsuko indicates that she is ready to leave and awaits the decisions and words of the others.

The ranger walks over to where the man was standing and stares at the ground, glancing at the oddly sleeping dragon. He kneels down and scoops something up before taking the lead. The man grabs his bow and glances at the shugenja before tossing something to her. It looks like a small blue and white disk.

Zokiro places her hand on Setsuko's arm in sympathy and understanding; the presence of the kami has been overwhelming.  "Of course, sister."

As Qing tosses her the disk, Zokiro catches it and turns it over in her hands to see what it is.  She examines it only briefly for the moment before speaking to the ranger.  "Thank you.  Qing, would you please guide us back to the temple?  We must deliver the warning and the flower and go to the forest as directed."

"It is magical, though of what type I am uncertain. A token of the kami of Fate, I shall guess for now."  She shows the others the peculiar glowing yin-yang symbol, before wrapping it up gently and placing it in soft pouch for safekeeping.  "My companions, let us go south to the monastery and deliver our warning before going to the forest as the kami bid us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:26, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

Setsuko follows alongside her clan sister as they start on the journey back to the temple.

The orb begins to glow brightly, a white light begins to pour out of where the shugenja put it into her pack! The ranger steps back, still holding his bow. He's silent, perhaps pondering what happened. Or he's afraid. Perhaps something else.

Setsuko steps up besides her clan sister and helps her unpack. Careful not to look directly into the white light she attempts to shield Zokiro with her own body.

Zokiro uses the sleeve of her jacket to remove the glowing orb from her pack with Setsuko's help, and begins to pray, "Great spirits, lend us your wisdom and receive our apologies!"  She goes to put the glowing thing upon the ground, for perhaps it was resentful of being handled by mere mortals.

The disk stops glowing but a portal appears above it, about ten feet by ten feet. Its hard to tell where it goes...

After a brief search, Setsuko picks up a fist sized rock and throws it though the portal. Calmly, she awaits the results.

The rock dissapears when it hits the portal.

Zokiro nods at the portal.  "It seems that fate had given us a path.  Come, sister, let us face our destiny."  She holds out her hand to Setsuko, and then walks through the portal, head held high.

Setsuko hesitates a moment, looking over he strange glowing portal in the air before them, then she nods to Zokiro. "I trust you clan sister, so where you go, I will follow." she says as she takes the shugenja's hand and follows her though the portal.

Taking a deep breath, the ranger goes into the portal as well.

The three of them seem to get teleported to their horses and its night time.

Oddly the disk shatters into dust.

Looking around with a puzzled expression she spoke to Zokiro as she examined the horse that looked like the one she'd rode from the temple. "Clan sister it seems we are back to our horses. I suggest we examine them and the equipment they bear. If all seems in order, we should continue without further delay. Yes?"

Zokiro nods, puzzled, but pleased to see Nori again.  "Yes, let us do that.  I am not certain where Qing has gone, but he is skilled in survival and seems to be no part of our fate with the kami."  She will check over Nori and her supplies, and if all is well, will ride with Setsuki back to the monastery.

The ranger shakes his head, as he seems to get ignored. Again. Qing gets up onto his horse, not saying a word as its made clear neither of them want to bother with the elf. He turns upon his horse, and takes the lead. He pauses and turns towards Set "If I have upset you, I feel it should be put to rest. I ask for your forgiveness. I have been a wandered for some time and dealing with not one but two woman is something I am not used to. Also acting like I am not here bothers me. If either of you have anything to say-do it." Is that a apology or a mock? Hard to tell by the ranger.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Wed 06 May 2020.

Zokiro jumps back, startled at Qing's voice.  She composes herself before responding, giving him a small bow.  "I apologize, I did not see you! Truly, I thought with the appearance of the kami that you had been given a mission like ours and had gone!  Such a being is overwhelming, and the strangeness of the magic of the amulet drew all of my attention. It is a testament of your stealth that I did not hear you."

After being as shaken as Zokiro, Setsuko pauses for a long moment to ponder the ranger's words before replying. "I believe I previously offered to exchange apologies before. I offered to walk the path of humility with you so we could reach accord. As you might remember, you rejected my efforts fairly conclusively. However, since you now seek my forgiveness and my attention I will grant you both. Qing Shan." the young monk responded in a calm tone with a smile.

"If I may add, you seemed to be very rash and did not listen. And you ignored me acting like I was not there. That bothered me. I do not like being directly ignored and I was angry-in some ways I still am. If you have something to say-say it. Not to her and act like I am nothing. Say it to me. Understood?" The elf watches the monk, tilting his head. He seems serious but at least he's confronting her-not hiding. Not running off. He holds a hand out to her. Odd.

Nodding his head to the shugenja, it seems they have some things in place as they ride.

Zokiro mounts up on Nori, enjoying looking at the world from a higher perspective again, as Setsuko and Qing determine their path forward.  Once all is in readiness, Zokiro is ready to ride back to the monastery, eager to start on the kami's mission.

"I...I..." she sputters for a moment before taking a deep breath and then continuing to speak. "The dispute no longer matters. We are choosing to move forward and give respect to each other. I will speak with you Qing when I have something to say. Because I am now sure that you will listen." Setsuko finishes her words with a respectful bow.

Having no more to say, she rides alongside her companions as they swiftly make their way back to the temple.

After some time the group gets back to the temple and night has fallen. They are allow inside by two monks, bowing their heads. Once inside, they dismount and their horses are tended to in a stable. Its quiet within the temple, probably due to most that are asleep but there are a few monastary people walking around and some watching the area from the small walls.

As they neared the temple, the party would hear the soft sound of a flute at the road near the entrance.  Koko stood by her horse, her only friend at the moment, playing the song taught to her by her father.  It whispered softly into the night, as she looked at the stars.  It was dark, so she did not recognize the travelers as they entered the temple.

A few minutes later, after settling her horse, she greeted the monks at the temple hoping for their hospitality for another night.

Within the temple, Setsuko sought out one of her brethren and paused him long enough to speak. “Brother, I know that the hour is late and that the Master may have already gone into his chambers for the evening. However, Sister Zokiro, the warrior Qing Shan, and I have just returned from a mission vital to the Master. Could someone please tell him that we are back and successful?”

As she awaited the reply from the master, the lilting tones of the flute reached her ears and she turned to smile at Zokiro, “Sister, I believe that is the flute of our ronin friend, Lady Tachibana. Would you please make sure that our gates welcome her and her mount into the temple?.”

Zokiro nodded at Setsuko.  "Certainly.  The Lady is a welcome warrior in times like these."  Zokiro will head towards the gate, very tiny in her green traveling robes now that she is off her horse, and bows as soon as she sees Lady Tachibana.  "A fair evening to you, Lady.  I hope you are in good health."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:50, Thu 28 May 2020.

Putting down her flute, she gave a warm smile in recognition of Zokiro.  "It is a pleasure to see you.  I am doing better than most...these are hard times." She was not of this region, so she greeted the Dragon clan member with utmost courtesy.  "I hope I was not disturbing with the music.  It helps me concentrate for my training.  I had planned to ask the monks for a place to stay for the night.  I hope they are welcoming." 

"Certainly not, Lady.  Music is always welcome.  We have had a most enlightening time, one that required a great deal of learning and compromise, and now have direction to a Fate we must attend in the forests to the south.  Once we give the fruits of our labor to the Master, we will be moving on soon.  The monks have been very helpful," Zokiro says.  She does look somewhat dusty, and it's clear she and Setsuko have been traveling with little pause for rest.

She nodded, and her brows curled at the signs of a recent adventure.  "If "we" includes your sister Setsuko, I would welcome to see her as well.  I have been in this region following a mission very dear to me but have come to a dead end.  However, fate has brought me to this region, and I am set on seeing it through.  Perhaps, I can join you if you need some company and a capable sword."

The ranger comes around the corner and is confronted by three woman. He stands his ground, shaking his head for some reason and bows his head towards the woman he doesn't know "We need to go to your masters area."

"Thank you, Qing. Let us go and give the masters the news, my sister, Lady," Zokiro says, giving Qing a bow before turning to head towards the masters' area.

Setsuko steps forward and bows respectfully to both the samurai and the ranger. Turning to the lady warrior she smiles and greets her in a warm, friendly voice,  "It is always good to see you Lady. Your company is always welcome."

With an apologetic expression she introduces the unfamiliar man standing alongside, "Forgive us Lady for not properly introducing our other guest. Lady Koko Tachibana, this man here is Qing Shan, a guide who has aided us in a journey on behalf of our Master." after a pause she continues speaking while the ushering Koko along with the three of them, "We now go to speak with the Master and know he would be pleased to see you as well."

Briefly pausing to speak with another monk outside the Master's chambers, Setsuko passes word that Lady Tachibana will be staying the night here.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:43, Wed 10 June 2020.

Koko followed along but her eyes did glint with curiosity at the mention of "the news".  She paid her proper bows to the ones she did not know.  "Well met, Qing Shan.  I am a swordswoman from the Lion's lands." 

As she entered the temple, she waits for the master and to hear what troubles are afoot..

When the three arrive at the masters area, he is sitting crosslegged on the floor. The area above him is more of a sunroof and his eyes are closed. Two monks stand there and one turns towards them "Did you get the flower as requested?"

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 274):

Setsuko steps forward into a kneeling position before the seated master. Not turning her eyes away from the Master, she replies with excitement and respect. "Yes brother, we have brought back the flower that our Master needs to save his child. While I cannot speak for Qing Shan, I can say on behalf of myself and Zakiro that it was an honor to be chosen for such an important mission and our pleasure to have completed it." She paused, turning first to Zokiro and then to Qing Shan, silently offering to let each of them tell more of their adventure to the Master.

"Qing was invaluable to us as a guide and guardian along the path.  Setsuko showed great bravery and skill during our trials.  The great dragon who claimed the flower battled ferociously, but a kami of Fate intervened.  We were able to obtain the flower, and the kami told us we were fated to be at the forests of the south for a great purpose.  When the kami had departed, we hastened back to bring the flower and tell of our experiences," Zokiro says with a bow at the monks and the master.

Koko bowed to the master, not minding that his eyes were closed.  "Master monk, I am Koko, a swordwoman from the Lion lands.  Thank you for your hospitality for letting me seek shelter here.  I have pledged my sword to aid Setsuko and Zokiro."

One of the guards takes the flower and leaves the room. He then returns after a few moments, with two more and the young girl lying between them on a cot. They put her down, and put some of the flower into her mouth and breaks off some of it putting it on her legs and arms. The head monk doesn't look up as Fate was mention "You are needed here. Not to the South. Perhaps it was something you dreamed of? Least for now. We can discuss it tommorow." A healer of some sort enters, with a small pitcher as the monk raises one hand, revealing his arm. She grabs a small knife and draws some blood, dripping it into a glass and she wipes the blood from his arm, then bandages it. With a quick stir, she slowly opens the young womans mouth and starts to pour it. Once done she backs away and leaves the room as well as all the guards. Nothing happens.

"I would be pleased to discuss it at length when you desire, master.  But now, may I offer what healing magics I possess to aid your daughter's care?" Zokiro says, bowing in respect to the master and the healer.

Setsuko carefully moves closer to the Master, looking him over for reassuring signs of life and awareness.

OOC:

 Setsuko Osagai rolled 17 using 1d20+10.  Spot Check.
 Setsuko Osagai rolled 28 using 1d20+9.  Listen check.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Wed 24 June 2020.

The master sighs and stands up. He gently kisses his daughters forhead and moves from her. Not a word is spoken. He raises his hand up and lets it fall and seems defeated then leaves the room.

The ranger stands there, arms crossed. No emotion seems to appear. He goes to follow the man but stops, perhaps giving him some time alone. He glances at the two woman, the last in the room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:35, Thu 25 June 2020.

Setsuko stands and looks to her clan sister, "Zokiro, perhaps we can still do something. Let us at least try to see if we can save her."

Gently taking Zokiro's hand, she quickly moves the both over to the young girl's side.

OOC:

Setsuko Osagai rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Healing check.

Koko stood by confused at the situation.  There was something important going on here, but she just wasn't sure what it is.

Zokiro's own magics were not as well suited to healing, but what she could do was bolster the young woman's strength.  "I will do all I can to aid her," she says, crossing to the girl's bedside with Setsuko.  She whispers entreaties to the spirits of the earth, hoping that the strength of the earth might aid this desperate plea.

OOC: Casting resistance and virtue (which may not do much, but by gum she's willing to try anything at this point).
This message was last edited by the player at 06:53, Tue 07 July 2020.

The body is cold, so no matter what the two do it it remains as it is. No life. Nothing happens. The ranger crosses his arms, and turns to leave but motions for the two of them to follow.

Setsuko bows and offers prayers of blessings and peace for the deceased young woman. Then she quickly goes to follow the exiting ranger. "Zokiro, I think we have both done all we can for now for the Master's daughter. Perhaps Qing Shan has further knowledge to share with us." she says to her clan sister.

Zokiro nods and rises, leaving with Setsuko to seek Qing.  Her heart is saddened by the girl's condition, that what had been done had not been enough.

The ranger watches for a moment. He shakes his head as the two acts like he wasn't even in the room and he tries not to let it get the better of him. Turning from them, he pulls up his hood and starts to leave. He doesn't state anything-the job is done. He glances at the samurai but keeps moving but he turns "My name is Qing. Not Qing Shan. I saw what just happened and I cannot tell either one of you what happened. You seek answers but I have none. The mission is done. I know as much as you do." He looks at Set "And you frustrated me. You act like again I am not there. Just go." He turns back from them "May we meet again."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:38, Tue 07 July 2020.

Depending on if they follow him or not, the area becomes quiet. Several monks move on the walls outside the temple. The sensai sits in his room indian style and theres no one else inside. Most within the temple are asleep. Its getting late. There are some conversations but hard to make out. Most are just idle chit-chat. One of the monks lets them know all is quiet and bows his head. The ranger watches the area, keeping away from anyone.

OOC
Let me know where in the temple you are. Qing is watching the outside area.

Areas:
Kitchen, bedroom area, sensai's room, ect.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:45, Tue 07 July 2020.

Zokiro nods good-bye to Qing, as it seems there was little else to say to the prickly ranger after the day's long journey, and says to Setsuko, "I will go to tender my condolences and apologies to the master if he will see us, then go to the shrine and pray.  The young woman deserves peace, and whatever wisdom the spirits would grant me, I would gladly seek."

Zokiro will wait to see what Setsuko has to say, and then head for the master's room, kneeling just inside the doorway and wait to be acknowledged.  If he acknowledges her, she will say, "Master, it is to my shame that I was unable to help your daughter. I apologize for being unable to fulfill my duty.  I will go to the shrine to pray for your daughter's spirit to have peace and for wisdom."

If the master does not acknowledge her, Zokiro will bow to him and withdraw.

Either way, afterwards she will go to the shrine (or a place of meditation, preferably outdoors), and pray for peace for the young woman, and for wisdom for herself.

Setsuko bows to Qing as he prepares to leave saying apologetically, "Please forgive my rudeness, despite my best training I am nearly overwhelmed by the loss of life we have all just experienced. Farewell, may the spirits bless your path and you ancestors find worthiness in your heart an soul."

She turns to Koko, "Our apologies for not being proper hosts at this time. Please go to your chambers and rest. Zokiro and I will seek audience with the Master tonight and then seek peace in meditation and prayer. If you need food or drink before you retire, there are many brothers and sister who will assist you. Thank you for your patience and if you are still awake later, we will visit with you before going to rest ourselves."

She replies to Zokiro, "I will join you, with your permission. We have much to discuss with the Master before sunrise."

The master is silent as Zok and Set enter. He lowers his head, listening to them. But he remains as quiet as a mouse. Seems like losing his daughter did a number to him. He sighs deeply, lowering his head as he remains sitting indian style. No monks or guards are in his quarters.

In reply to Rokugan (msg # 292):

Koko didn't know the ranger, and decided to let him sulk alone.  She also felt the conversation between her sisters and monk is private.  Leaving them alone, she decided to take advantage of sleeping in peace for once this night under the relative safety of the temple.

Zokiro ventures a question to the master, as his silence troubles her greatly.  "Master, how did your daughter die?  Were we simply too late with the flower?  Was it not strong enough to overcome the illness?  Was there another reason?  My spirit is troubled greatly by her passing, and I feel at fault that we were unable to heal her."

The man doesn't look up. He does seem to be blind but he can see. Well to a degree perhaps by magic, perhaps his other senses heightend. But he does speak "A few days back, she grew ill. There was no reason behind it but she was near the Shadowlands. The flower is said to be a cure for things my family knows little about. I am the last." He stands up, crossing his arms over his back "There was a man seen around her but no one caught a glance of him or her. Stayed a good distance off, never said a word. A reason why she was brought here. Perhaps protection, and to be blessed. That alone could not save her. The man was not seen soon after while inside these walls."

"A man?  Someone who delivered poison or sickness?  Or a spirit in the form of a man?"  Zokiro was new to her studies, but she knew that spirits could be capricious, or seek out revenge for seemingly innocuous things done or not done at any time before (for time did not always matter to spirits).  Or perhaps the spirit was the kami of Fate, only foreshadowing what was to come.

The young monk listened quietly, knowing little in the ways of the Shadowlands, spirits, or poisons. Setsuko quietly folded herself into the resting lotus position while still listening to the discussion. Part of her mind was still somewhat concerned with the words of the being calling itself Fate.

"I do not know. But she has left us." The man looks rather defeated.

The door opens and in walks a odd form. It limps forwards and hisses. The sensei stops and stands up "My daughter! She returned to us!" It moves towards him with a limp and her apperance is rather odd. She has the clothing of the departed, familiar to the two and the sensai. But her skin is pale, her eyes narrowed and her nails are long like claws.

The sensai steps back looking shocked! "What happened? My de..." She lunges at him and they both fall to the ground with a thud as a chair is thrown backwards into a wall! He tries to get her off of him!


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:57, Wed 15 July 2020.

With her heart pounding at this sudden revelation of what seemed to be a demon inhabiting the girl's body, Zokiro calls out loudly, hoping to attract the other monks or even Setsuko and Lady Tachibana.  "To the master's room!"

With care, she casts her eye upon the floor and gestures in a deep, drawing motion, softening the stone floor and hoping to trap the demon-ridden child!

OOC: Casting soften earth and stone under her with an eye to hopefully impeding her and letting the master get away.

At first the young monk was stunned with horror and shock at the dark creature attacking the Master in the form of his daughter. Zokiro's call to action roused her from her hesitation and she quickly ran over and pulled the Master away from the fanged monster.

Koko heard the noise and went to the room to investigate what happened.

OCC:  Let me know when she reaches the room and sees everything.

Seeing no good opening to target the demon-ridden child alone with her spell, and Setsuko rushing in to separate the two, Zokiro rushed to her clan sister's back to cast a spell of protection, calling upon the earth spirits to shield her!

OOC: Aborting previous spell, casting shield of faith on Setsuko, so +2 deflection bonus to AC to her.

The creature keeps wrestling with the sensai. She tries to tear into his neck and torso, his blood being shed but when she goes to sink her teeth into his neck she pauses then jumps up. She hangs from it for a moment and darts out of the main door still clinging to the ceiling. The samurai comes rushing down the hall, seeing the odd creature upon the ceiling as it darts further down the hall.

Koko sees the creatures and chases after it. "Stop!  Monster!"  She tries to raise a ruckus so that it may alert others.

Moving quickly to tend the wounds of the Master, Setsuko sets to treating the Master's wounds, using her own clothing if necessary to keep him alive. "No! By all the powers of our ancestors I will not let you be slain by such evil!"


OOC
14:27, Today: Setsuko Osagai rolled 24 using 1d20+5 Heal Check.

Zokiro says quickly, "Help him, I will try to stop her!"

It was clear that some terrible demon had taken over the girl when she had died, and she had become a blood-drinking ghoul or some other creature.  With a sad heart, Zokiro spread her fingers and spread a fan of flame at the demon-thing!

OOC: Casting burning hands, DC 18,
01:41, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 12 using 4d4.  Burning hands damage.

The flames lick the back of the creature as it skitters ahead at a decent pace before climbing further up a wall and dissapearing. The ranger comes from around the corner, holding his twin blades and almost barreling into the samurai. He glances up and turns to try and follow it, with the samurai and shugen. The guards fires at it from a small watch tower but hard to tell if they miss it. It just dissapears into the night.

In the masters chamber, he seems to be alive coughing a few times as the monk aids him. She's able to get bandages and part of her clothing to help his wounds and he looks at the monk "My daughter...why..." The man passes out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:06, Wed 29 July 2020.

Setsuko cries out to the whole of the temple in a desperate voice, "Brother and Sisters! Hurry and send for our best healers! The Master has been wounded by a vile monster of the darkness in the form of his daughter!"

Koko continued to run out into the night trying to follow the creature.  She saw where the guards fired arrows and lit her lantern in the empty field.

Zokiro doesn't have the speed to follow the creature that was riding inside the daughter's skin, nor the night-sight to spy her if she did.  She knelt next to Setsuko and said, "I don't know what was inhabiting her skin, but it has fled the monastery, and swiftly."

She spreads her hands on the master and invokes a small measure of strength into him, hoping that would help until the healers could arrive.

OOC: Casting virtue.

A healer does come, nodding to the shugenja. She kneels down, checking the wounds and is followed by two monks "What happened? A demon? His daughter?" She asks, trying to keep him comfortable for now. The two monks help him to a bed as the healer gathers up supplies elsewhere and comes back "It makes little sense." The healer makes sure he is safe for now and stable "His wounds will heal. But his mind is probably shattered. It could haven been worse. Thank you." She glances at him and then motions for the monk and shugenja to follow out into the hallway leaving the monks to guard him.

Elsewhere outside the temple, the samurai glances around but even with the help of her lantern the creature doesn't emerge. As she turns to head back, Qing seems to be following her. He motions for her to follow back to the temple as he is armed with bow and blade.

When the monks first ask what has happened, Setsuko replies, "The Master was attacked by a Creature of Darkness in a corrupt version of the form of his beloved daughter."

After the revered master has been cared for and is under watchful protection from her brother monks, Setsuko joins with Zokiro and follows the healer into the hallway.

Koko wisely backtracked towards Qing.  When she was next to him, she whispered, "Do you know what was that thing?"

To Setsuko Zokiro says, "I have no great insight.  My healing power is only minimal, meant to ease temporary suffering.  I used scrolls on our journey, as my own schooling was for more martial matters.  But between the master and the kami of Fate, it is clear there are strange spirits roaming the land.  With the master needing healing of his spirit, I think we must take the urging of the Fate-kami and travel south.  Answers may be there that we cannot find here.  What do you think, Setsuko?"

The ranger gives the samurai a strange look and speaks "No." He starts to head back with probably the samurai close behind.

Elsewhere in the temple the healer can still hear the shugenja and crosses her arms "I cannot tell you what to do but if you feel going south will somehow aid him, I will not bar your way nor could. Are you going to try to find this demon?"

"We will do so if we can.  Qing, if you would help us, we would be grateful, as your tracking skills far exceed our own," Zokiro says, first to the healer, then to the ranger.  Tracking down a demon-ridden corpse was certainly a task she should take on, but hunting it down at night might be impossibly dangerous.  Hopefully they could go at dawn, and see if they could track the demon to its lair and destroy it while sunlight held sway.

"I think I don't know for sure but at the moment with no further knowledge, it's as good an idea as any. However, I think we should attempt to gather what knowledge we can about where we are going, what people we might find there, and what creatures and other beings we might meet along the way." Setsuko replied. "Leaving quickly might have us find the evil creature faster but doing some research first might give us a better idea how to deal with it. Knowledge is power."

It seems trouble always finds them.  "I cannot make suggestions on what to do, but if you need another sword, I will lend it."

Qing-
"So you need my aid? Am I to be insulted and ignored once more until needed?" The ranger watches the three of them. His eyes narrow "If I go with you, you do as told. If we are hunting them-if I say quiet, do it. Move when I want to. Hunting this creature will be hard. It will take time. And you need to talk to me not threw someone else. If it happens again, you will be on your own and I will hunt it myself. Understood?" He seems serious "We have been through this but I feel it still needs to be solved. Perhaps I am wrong, but I feel something is still there." He watches them and glances at the samurai "Of course my lady this has nothing to do with you. Past events. We just have ment. My name is Qing Shan, hunter and tracker." He glances at the others "Hunting at night could be unwise. Dawn would work well. We should go to the temple libary. Small it is but could hold information."

The healer has since left to be with the master and mentor as well as two guards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:19, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Setsuko will bow to Koko saying with a warm smile, "Of course your presence and your sword are always welcome Lady Tachibana inside of our temple as well as outside. We will take the rest of this day to discover what knowledge we can and prepare to leave tomorrow. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with food and a place to rest this evening."

Turning her attention to Qing, Setsuko's expression becomes slightly less warm but no less polite, "As I said to my clan sister, and repeated just now for the Lady Tachibana, I agree it is best we search the library for what wisdom we can discover before we leave tomorrow. Your assistance would be welcome but should you choose to proceed on your own, I have few doubts that the demon would find you a formidable opponent." she bows respectfully to Qing before continuing to speak, "For myself and my clan sister, this is our chosen mission and we will choose what to do and when but we will be open to your advice as a guide."

Addressing the group she says calmly, "I am headed towards the library to begin researching. Those who are interested are welcome to assist, otherwise I'd suggest getting rested for tomorrow."
This message was last updated by the player at 06:09, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

Zokiro bows to Qing in thanks. "Our thanks, Qing. We will do as you say on the hunt, and meet you at the dawn to begin."  Then she turns to Setsuko and Lady Tachibana, "Yes, let us see what knowledge the library holds."

OOC: Zokiro has a rank or two in every Knowledge skill, so let me know what you want me to roll!

In reply to Zokiro Mirumoto (msg # 321):

Koko nodded at the course of action. “That was a foul creature, though I am sympathetic that it use to be someone you know.” Turning to Qing, “The tracks will be diminished tomorrow. But I assume you can still track it?”

The ranger stares at the samurai. How can she know how to track when she's meditating when he's out hunting animals to survive? His eyes narrow "Do not tell me how to find the prey." For a moment he felt he could get along with the samurai. Nope. He glances at Set, studying her. He sighs, pulling up his hood "And to think I am supposed to have a child with you." He steps back, glancing at Set again and starts to head to the small libary.
This message was last updated by the player at 09:44, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

In reply to Qing Shan (msg # 323):

  "Wow."  Was all she said under her breath shaking her head before ignoring the man.  She was blown away though at the next statement looking at Set. "What?  What did he say about having a child with you?"

"I have spent most of my life hunting for a living. I have been doing this job before you were born. Do not tell me anything about prey. I have no doubt you can fight and fight well but telling someone about tracks diminishing when you know probably nothing about them leaves a bad taste. If it is trackable, I can find it, hunting it and kill it turning the predator to the prey. So indeed in your words..." Qing looks at everyone then back to Koko "Wow. If you wish for me to go so be it. I can hunt this prey on my own." The ranger steps back, bowing his head "A man or creature named Fate told her. Also this was a mission I chose to go on as your mentor was my friend and ally. With me you stand a chance. Will you accept my aid and guidance? It may be hard but you will need me. I am willing to ignore the past and push forwards." He holds a hand out "Take my hand if you will accept it."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

Setsuko looks apologetically to Koko, replying after the words of the ranger, "Please forgive the rudeness of our other guest Lady Tachibana, he is unaccustomed to polite behavior. He is also quick to take offense when none is intended and to speak for others even when he is not being addressed. However he is correct in this case, a being of power calling itself a Kami of Fate, made such a prediction."

Setsuko face briefly wrinkles in disgust, "Of course, I believe that this prophecy is false as Qing Shan's voice causes my few desires towards children to run and hide in the land of nightmares."

She looks to Zokiro then looks to Qing Shan and bows respectfully before speaking to him in a calm, measured, and polite voice, "Please believe that your knowledge and skills are respected and desired, Qing Shan. I am too undisciplined and immature to be worthy of taking your hand so I must leave such things to my most honorable, wise and patient clan sister. Her words and actions will speak for me. Thank you for your understanding."

"You are on your own. Polite behavior? Are you mad? I am done being insulted and ridiculed. When I speak to someone I do not ask someone to speak with me. I confront them. You have much to learn and need time to grow up. All you have done was offend me. Respected and desired? Yet you insulted me again. You will never learn anything until you focused on yourself and learn to face problems instead of having other people do it." The ranger seems calm despite all of this "And the name is Qing. Shan is my last name. You do not respect me. None of you besides the samurai might." That said the ranger turns on them, pulling his head up and leaves.

With the ranger gone, the group can make it to the small temple. The doors open revealing a small room with a lot of books upon the walls. The area is about 30' with a ladder to reach higher books. Theres no one in the libary at the moment and it looks relatively clean.

OOC
+2 to all knowledge checks while in this room. Probably because its a libary :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:10, Sat 19 Sept 2020.

Zokiro was examining the texts on the shelves of the library, trying to see if anything would lend insight to the demon-creature that had taken control of the daughter's body.  Whatever it was, it was nothing she had heard of in her lessons or legends, and she hoped another wise scholar of the temple had heard of it and written it down.

There was a little information that looked promising, but she wanted to see what the others thought of it.

As Setsuko (and possibly Koko entered) she said, "You look troubled, sister, about more than our most immediate matters.  What has passed?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Sat 19 Sept 2020.

Knock knock knock.

It comes from the closed door leading into the temple where the group came from.

"In my mind I regret that Qing will not be going with us, in my heart I am both joyous and sad that we couldn't find a way to cooperate with him. Also the predictions of the Fate being still disturbs my spirit." She pauses and sighs, "Please forgive me, I am distracted by much and perhaps I should leave the more scholarly studying to you while I attempt to look at maps and find the best path for us to take. I will seek out allies and places we can call upon to aid us with food and shelter on our journey."

Setsuko looks towards first to Zokiro (and Koko if she's there) before approaching the closed door and replying to the three knocks.

After giving the others a moment to prepare, Setsuko replies, "Who goes there?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:28, Mon 21 Sept 2020.

Slowly opening the door is a temple monk, holding a plate of food "I live here, helping the temple?" Her eyes stop as she sees Set "I bring food. Its late. May I enter?" She's a small human it seems, with the monks garb and a hood that is flatten against her body revealing a young face. Her voice is quiet and sincere.

"Yes, thank you, that is most welcome.  What may I call you?" Zokiro asks.  She puts the precious texts clear of any possible accidents before turning to accept the food.  Once the young woman has answered, Zokiro asks some questions that have been percolating in her mind.  "I have some questions, if you would not mind answering them.  Who is the healer who was attending the master and his daughter?  I am not certain what medicine she used on the master's daughter...  The healer took the flower we had labored to obtain, placed some in the daughter's mouth, some of her arms and legs, and then bled the master, added it to a pitcher she carried, and then fed that to the daughter.  Blood in a medicine is most peculiar, though I did not have time to wonder at it then, due to the demon-spirit that had taken ahold of the master's daughter soon after.  I would like to see the master again, and anything left in the daughter's room.  Perhaps clues are there as to what has occurred."

"I wasn't there so not sure, I just provide food and drink. Feel free to check out her room if you wish. As for the healing that sounds odd. Not normally how we go about it. You can check out where her body was placed as well in the temple cemetery." The girl looks like everyone is staring at her "I'm Celli. May I go?"

"Thank you Celli, I will examine their rooms.  Of course, please attend to your own duties.  I will attend to mine."  Once Celli is gone, Zokiro will gather herself and go to the cemetery first. With things rising from what should be death, she now realizes she dares not assume that anything rests quietly.

"You can check on the other healers as well. Maybe they can help you out." The small girl bows her head and depearts, closing the door behind her.

Nodding to the others.  "Setsuko...to be honest, I'm glad he's gone.  He seems to not provide you with good energy.  It's good to be associated with people who will lift you up.  And also...prophesies are usually rubbish.  Don't think about it too much." She says the last more to make her feel better.

"I've had a long day of travel and could use some rest.  Wake me up if you are set to go out and about.  I can help with my sword."  With that, she left the room to go back to the place of her previous slumber.

The samurai departs and it is indeed late leaving the monk and shugenja in the room to talk. Both are feeling drained as they have not slept, their eyes looking sleepy but they are awake nonethless.

OOC
Couple of things you could do:
1. Check on the other areas (mentor's room, daughter's room)
*Zokiro
2. Check on the grave
*Zokiro
3. Find out who the healer(s) were.
4. Stay in the libray, see what the blood ritual thing was (Search Checks or Gather Info from books)
5. Go to sleep.

Think that's it? Most of the temple people are asleep but there are monk/sohei guards around and patrolling.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:31, Thu 24 Sept 2020.

Zokiro goes briefly to the graveyard and looks around for anything obviously disturbed.  However, fatigue from the very long and stressful day has taken its toll, and she doesn't spy anything but the most obvious.  Her eyes blurring, she retires for the night, though takes a moment to write down a list of things to do tomorrow.



OOC: 18:30, Today: Zokiro Mirumoto rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Search check.

The shugenja didn't even get to the cemetary, her eyes drooping as she gets to the outer area. Its a small area and the dim light from above doesn't provide much light. Theres some torches here and there as well but the light is still dim.

Soon, the shugenja retires to her room with probably the monk at her side.

“Thank you for your wise words of advice Koko. My clan sister and I will do some late errands before we get some sleep ourselves. Goodnight and sleep well.” Setsuko gratefully replied to the samurai.

Agreeing to meet with her clan sister before that nights rest, the young monk makes what preparations she can for the journey, before saying “Good night” to Zokiro and going to bed.

Morning has come.

The night goes by unevenfully despite what has happened to the mentor and his daughter. She did not reappears to cause more damage. Zokiro, Koko and Set come out of their rooms and have some breakfast. Several people enter the dining area, eat and leave. Most of them are mainly guards probably monks and sohei.

Two of the monks reveal nothing was found in the mentors roon, and nothing was found out of place in the daughters room. They let them know the grave was opened and nothing was within it. Some of them are checking still the small graveyard, letting them know if something is found they will be informed. Also the healer that did the ritual was unable to be found but they are told one of the healers to the mentor may have information needed. They are told where he can be found within the temple.

Several people seem on edge. With the mentor harmed and the daughter missing, a leader needs the be found and a older monk takes the mantle for now.

1. Check on the other areas (mentor's room, daughter's room)
2. Check on the grave (Daytime).
3. Find out who the healer was.-Unable to be found. A healer may have info.
4. See what the blood ritual thing was for/about.

OOC Just a quick thing. You can go check the mentor and daughters room if you want. Several things could be done but its up to the PCs!

Zokiro rouses herself just before dawn, much of the fatigue of the intense last night gone.  She does her morning meditation and exercises before going to the dining hall for tea and breakfast.  Once ready and with tea in hand, she has much to speak with Setsuko and Lady Tachibana about.

"The grave was empty, though I had no eyes to study anything further about it last night.  I certainly would like to examine it again, but perhaps your eyes are keener than mine.  I wish to speak to the healers to determine who the strange healer was who tended to the master and his daughter, and learn more about the strange ritual that was done."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:00, Tue 29 Sept 2020.

In reply to Zokiro Mirumoto (msg # 342):

"Let's speak to the healers then.  That does sound like a good lead.  I find it strange that monks would trust an outsider to heal those close to them.  It may be a desperate situation."

Approaching them, is a hooded form wearing beige with small bits of white. He lowers his hood, and his apperance is rather striking "The monks do not. They were trusted." He bows his head, hands across his chest "I am Calen, a healer. Pleasue to met you. And have heard you are in need no? The ones who aided the daughter are gone though I do not know where. Three of them. They were sought out but they seemed to have escaped somehow. They seemed to be wise. Willing to learn. Patient. In the past, we talked of healing herbs. I thought little of it as others have come to me for simple cures. Nothing seemed odd and they were always polite." His eyes dart to each of them, very blue but his skin is more golden and tan "What happened to the daughter? For if I am to help, I need information. I was going to ask the mentor about it but he is in no shape and I wish not to burden him further until he is up for it." His voice is quiet. He takes a deep breath and sits down, studying them. He gently moves his hands from the robe, which are clothed to match it save for his fingertips "I know this is sudden but please do not speak of this. I do apologies but its a grave issues. If the ones involved know about it, we are in dire turmoil." He rests his hands upon his lap "Our mentor will heal, and I wish to find his daughter for she perhaps is the clue we need. Or the three others." He seems calm and worried about what happened and stands up once more "If you need my aid, I am willing to provide it. If not I will remain here and keep a close eye on the temple. I feel all within are trusted and will see no others will be allowed in our out until this is dealt with." He bows his head.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Tue 29 Sept 2020.

Just after the morning sunrise Setsuko would have carefully examined the Master and his daughter's rooms. When she had completed her examination she would have reported her finding to the acting Master and her allies.

After listening to Calen, Setsuko momentarily looks confused, then replies, "I don't know what happened to his daughter that cause the need for a certain flower, but we and an associate did retrieve the requested flower from a green dragon and brought it back. These healers mixed the flower with blood and gave it to the Master's daughter. They then said that she was too far gone to be saved." Overcome with sorrow, the woman monk fell to her knees and shuddered with body shaking sobs.

The healer's brow furrows for a moment. He kneels down, resting a hand upon the monks shoulder "Rise up. Go on. Please." Cal goes to gently help her up if allowed. He glances at the others "It as if I had feared. Maho. Blood magic. Yet I know little of it, I know it is not something to be trifled with. Few in this temple know of it. A long lost secret, lost to most. Powerful yet hard to use. It slowly reaps and sows pain and anguish." His voice is serious and quiet, his eyes look weary "I do not know how they obtained this source of raw power. For someone who is not trained, it eats away at ones soul until they are nothing. A face without a name. It is rumored and I have not seen it used." He crosses his arms "That is all I know of it yet by searching for it we need to find out more." The man lowers his hands. "Perhaps by using it they did not know what may happen and fled out of fear. I don't know."