First the glass that cut at her eyes and the rest of her and then that merciful true darkness. But then falling into some place worse, where the glass was alive. And then falling into a corpse, so hungry. She saw a tattoed man, but he saw her, too. And the look of terror on his face called up a brief memory of her own hell. Before she could consume him, she was caught and held down by ropes. Then Words were spoken, and she came to, rational and naked.

A lean man with hair plaited down to his waist helped her up. He wore only a pair of ripped blue jean shorts. His eyebrows were thick and he had half a grin on his face. “And who might you be?” he asked in a voice deeper than expected.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:37, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

Kiku attempts to shuffle away and pull her legs up against the wall.  Her hands strain as she tries to raise them to her eyes and rub the glass from them.  Some violent shaking as she tries to free herself and sit up occurs before she just relaxes on the bed.  It takes her a few moments to get her bearings and realize her situation.  While the lack of glass in her eyes from her memories is a relief.

I'm Kiku she stammers out to the man as she takes a look around.

Another man tied similarly to the bed to her is on her right side, with another figure on her left that she can't make out much other than a foot tied also.

She spends a little bit more time examining herself.

T-This isnt me... well it is ... but it isn't.  My body feels strange it is just more...


She squints at the man above her.


Who are you and what is this place, what are you going to do with me.

And a blanket maybe?


She flops her head back onto the bed and squirms around as her body has the feeling of not being her.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

"Call me Hisashi," the man with the long-braided hair says. He glances into the shadows behind him. The space is carpeted and many desks have been pushed away to make room on the floor for the three mattresses. Dim, half-working florescent lamps provide the only illumination, though there is the edge of a green neon sign visible through the dark floor-to-ceiling mirror on the other side.

"Let me help you up." He offers one slender arm.

Then he scratches at his chin. "Short version: you died, you went to A hell and now you're back. You were a mindless beast, as were these other two. But you came through to... well, I'll explain deeper things later. Follow me, you don't want to see what has to happen here."

Four shadowed figures stood up from where they were leaning against desks and the window. A fifth remains seated, merely spectating.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:54, Sat 15 Jan 2022.

Standing rather awkwardly Kiku almost falls back over grabbing the blanket to wrap around her self.   Her first steps an bizarre mix of grace and clumsiness.  Glancing back into the room as she leaves it one more time.


Hisashi? I was dead? Was the glass cutting into my eyes and body a hell?


Holding her hand up and flexing it slowly.

clearly this is not who I was.  Is my face different, not that you might know anyway? It is like i am ... in a different body.  It is like my muscles are a coil ready to strike.   

Before pulling the blanket away and looking down at herself again.

I clearly did not look like this either.  Everything is more ... in a better way.
 Is this normal, not that i guess being dead and not dead? 


Her stride evening out as they move through the building to wherever he is leading her.

The lean man regards Kiku as she fumbles awkwardly. “I’ve heard of this happening but never seen it. What I’m guessing is that your soul found the wrong body on its way back. Also, I have no idea which hell you went to.”

Hisashi leads Kiku through a maze of hallways. Some doors are open to similar floor-to-ceiling windows. Though one, Kiku sees the bright neon sign of a hotel--Midori no Niwa--across the street that seems familiar to her. After some racking of her still confused brain, Kiku realizes that they are in Toshima ward.

Finally, Hisahi steps into a large, indirectly-lit room measuring at least 40 feet on a side. As they go in, Kiku notices the door: it’s thick and metal. Hisashi knocks on it, and it gives off a soft clang. His laugh rumbles. “This is basically a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign. We’re day sleepers.”

Arrayed in the windowless room are several mattresses and cots, along with lockers near each. Near some, clothes are scattered on the thin-carpeted floor. A couple of denizens have free-standing clothes racks.

Following Kiku’s gaze, Hisashi says, “Tae-chan should be able to find you some clothes momentarily. And you really should gargle.”

He strides over to the nearest trunk and sits down.

“We’re called Kuei-jin. We haunt the night, following various Dharmas. We need chi to survive; the best way to do that is to drink blood. You’ve got a lot to learn.”

The 'fifth' of the group tending the pens (well spectating at least) was a young woman, attractive but sad.  Traditional robes were wrapped around her slender frame and Reiko clutched a mobile phone with both hands (not currently in use).  She sat still as a corpse, slumped in her chair and only her shifting eyes gave away that she was 'alive'... in a creepy manner.  Reiko was still unsure of her place and very new to her Dharma.  Her lessons were not yet done nor did Reiko feel whole... so she was absorbing things like a sponge.

All through the evaluation of the chih-mei, Reiko had her eye on Kiku.  Only some of the creatures would come back 'sane' (or a close equivalent).  Reiko hoped that Kiku was among them... and when the young woman was led away, she breathed a sigh of relief.  A crooked grin followed Kiku on her way out.

"Welcome sister, hehe.  Let's do tea..."

And then the others moved among those who had flunked their tests.  Reiko watched weapons rise and fall, blood splatter the floor, and animalistic cries peak with pain.  She saw and heard it in slow motion, both beautiful and sorrowful all at once.  Not everyone could be saved, something she had learned in her own hellscape.  But maybe one day she would fix that... if given the chance.

While getting dressed  The hungry dead The stories say .... Her gaze goes back toward where they came from.  Oh..    As she rubs her wrists.

Taking his advice and gargling, realizing the taste of death was left in her mouth.

I guess i have a lot to learn might as well get started as soon as possible.


As the new woman enters the room.

Do we even drink tea?

Only when Reiko was dismissed did she follow after Kiku.  The way she shuffled in was a bit unsettling but after the tea question Reiko became a little more... normal.  She answered Kiku's question and effected a small greeting bow.

"A blood tea maybe?  I've not had the means to try.  I am Kimura Reiko, student of the Song of Shadow.  Who might you be... or rather, who were you?"

Oh how she longed to have a room of her own...and things of her own.  Self consciously running a hand through her hair, it felt dirty to Reiko (when it might appear ideal to someone else).  Even dead and partially enlightened, her vanity still remained.  But at least in Kiku she could have a friend... someone who would come to understand the Second Breath and all that it entailed.

Mimicing Reiko, Kiku runs her hand through her hair.   After getting cleaned up Appearance 4 eventually

Kiku Clearly making an effort to clear the fog still in her head Chi..ziwa, I think.  Pretty sure I was a teacher, english i think.

Holding her head more and thinking.

The last thing i remember was being beaten by someone, i think i had something that they wanted.  I apologize as things are still very fuzzy.

Rubbing her eyes And glass in my eyes

Squinting while looking around the room, and it appears that I will still need some glasses.


How about you what did you do before?

Hisashi says, "Once you've stolen some Yang chi, you can impersonate a facsimile of life. And then have your tea."

As the four others return, Hisashi motions toward them one at a time.

Indicating a large, heavy-set man dressed in combat fatigues, Hisashi says, “Fuse-san. He follows the dharma of the Devil Tiger. You can learn something of fighting from him. And also how to use Demon Arts. You can probably feel it inside: the demon trying to control you. And, eventually it will, if only for short periods of time."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:16, Sun 16 Jan 2022.

”Amachi-san. He’s the real person in charge.” Hisashi grins.

Amachi seems to be slightly over average height and is wearing dress pants and a collared shirt. He just laughs. “What he means is that I’m in balance, the central direction of our Wu. But I delegate. A lot.”

Two females, talking to each other quietly, enter behind the others.

OOC: Make Perc+Alertness rolls to hear what they’re saying. Setting up dice roller now.

One of the pair stands at least six feet tall. “Call me Akagi-sama.”

Hisashi shakes his head. “She does love protocol. Akagi seeks to cultivate the Hun, the higher part of ourselves. She can also teach how to behave around the elders. Without getting more dead.”

The last wu member looks about five-foot and a hundred pounds when soaking wet. Her face and hands are white and gaunt, accented by the pure white robes she wears. “Tae is fine. I’ll be showing you how to face the darkness.” She smiles. “Something tells me you will need it.”

She looks over at Kiku. "Let's get you a shower. I'll show you the way."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:22, Sun 16 Jan 2022.

Kiku bows to Amachi first, followed by the rest in the order she met them.

I am very please to meet you all, I just go by Kiku.  It seems you all have something to teach me when you can.  I will do what i can to bring something to the group, though i do not yet know what it might be.


Yes a shower would be very nice as i feel like i have a years worth of grit on my skin.


Kiku follows Tae off to the shower.

(overheard from the two females whispering together, approaching:
deeper voice: “... your Dharma.”
higher-pitched voice: “ … not sure what purpose Arima … keeping his secrets close …”
“ … hold responsible.”
“ … worried … disposable…”)

The next two years are a dark rebirth. Reiko and Kiku drink in all they can of the wisdom and cunning of the five Wu members. Both of them selecting the Bone Flower Dharma, the bulk of their instruction falls to the petite Tae. For all of her slight stature, she demonstrates the formidable arts of the Song of Shadow. Reiko and Kiku manage, after intense training, to master a fraction of them. Tae proves surprisingly personable and encouraging, especially compared to Fuse and Akagi. That said, the pace of their training is almost frantic.

Of especial import are those journeys that Tae leads them on into the Yin Realm. These are trips only to the very surface of the realm, where the real world is visible, though seen through a lens of decay and ruin. The elder Bone Flower does instruct them on what to expect further in and does find various ghosts to converse with. Tae also gifts each of her students with two imbued white jade tokens -- tiny likenesses of each -- for use when following the crab's footsteps into the Yin world.

Finally, one night, the two students are told to dress their best and animate with Yang Chi: they are to be presented to the local elder, Arima-sama, a mandarin of high standing and great power. The two of them are told to hunt, to top off their Chi and then to converge on the Hokkaido Shrine at midnight.

OOC: Describe how you hunt, making appropriate rolls, like Man+Subterfuge to get someone alone through deception or Cha (or App) +Empathy (or Expression) to try the old seduction routine. Or Dex+ Brawl (or Martial Arts) to just try and go the route of force. Or something more creative. All diff 6. Assuming you succeed, you’re at full Chi. Fail and you’re at one less. Botch and you’re at three less.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:05, Sat 22 Jan 2022.

While kiku ponders simply hitting someone over the back of the head because it is so much simplier.  They rarely are in the cleanest places, and fight back sometimes.  As she cant risk getting her clothes dirty or messy she has to try a different way at first at least.  Also if you dont get them with the first strike, it always leaves an after taste of fear.


Straightening and smoothing her dress before entering the club she looks around for her evenings feast.  It does not take long to notice a man with his eyes locked on her from across the room.  The conversation is less than amazing, but the speed at which he accepts the offer to go some where private makes it obvious what is on his mind.  A brief trip back to his place, a few excuses about biting being a kinky turn on, and a pressure point later, he is left on his bed until the morning.

Using his bathroom to fix her makeup,  She looks a the man and tugs his pants off before leaving.  Might as well leave him thinking something happened.  Definitely tastier when they are happy.

The door closes and locks itself as she leaves for the meeting.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Sat 22 Jan 2022.

Over the two years of training, Reiko came to view Kiku as the big sister she never had.  She wasn't sure if Kiku needed any help from her... but was eager to contribute and gain acceptance.  Reiko's creepiness did not subside.
In her trips to the Yin Realm, Reiko was a keen student.  She had unfinished business in a certain Yin realm Yozi Hell (Kakuri) and ambitions to tame it.  Whatever Tae had to teach about the Shikome, Reiko devoured that knowledge too.

On the night of their presentation to Arima-sama, Reiko chose a black dress and accented it with Boneflower and Yin accessories.  She looked great and took a selfie on her magic phone.  But after Tae's tut-tutting, Reiko changed into something else and prepared to re-balance her natural Yin state to one of Yang.

I guess we are going to play pretend then...

Like Kiku, Reiko chose the same bar and the same method of hunting... even playing the part of 'Wing Chick' if her sister allowed her to.  Everything seemed to go OK initially, but her mark eventually got a glimpse at her hidden creepiness.  Reiko never saw him again after his sudden trip to the bathroom.

Hmph, stupid Yang stuff.

She ended up going to the meeting a little hungrier.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Tue 25 Jan 2022.

The cross-beamed facade of the temple comes into sight as you both approach it after your feeding. A lithe woman in an oversized black leather jacket and mini-skirt stands under the toril. With the ghost of a smile, she motions you to follow her. You pass through a door she locks behind you. The hallway you stand in is well lit, and lets out onto the open central space of the shrine. A corpulent man sits at one end, eating an out-of season apple. His arms are as muscular as an ape’s, and his hair’s worn in a topknot.

The Wu you have trained with is standing before him.

OOC: you know he is Arima-sama. Past that, you weren't prepped much. It sure does feel like a test....
Oh yeah, you should roll Charisma + Etiquette, target number 7, to see how your presentation comes across.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:15, Thu 27 Jan 2022.

Kiku enters the shrine stopping in the middle with a deep bow, Good evening, I am Chiziwa Kiku, under the tutelage of  Hisashi, Tae, Amachi, Akagi and Fuse.  I have come as you requested this evening.  Thank you for this audience Arima-sama.

She awaits the response from Arima-sama.

Reiko did the best to hide her discomfort, so deferring to Kiku made sense.  She was more concerned with not failing the test... than passing with distinction.  She chanted a mantra in her mind... Don't be weird, Don't be creepy

"Hello Arima-sama.  Kimura Reiko here as requested."

Somehow she managed to fake more cheer than she felt.  Maybe it was the red dress?  Did curling her hair help?  Bright cosmetics?

While you introduce yourselves, the woman who just let you in goes to stand off to one side behind Arima. She folds her arms, revealing a Browing 9mm in a shoulder holster.

Arima finishes with the apple and nods sagely. Then he smiles, and it is somehow grotesque. “Two Bone Shadows, then.” His voice sounds bland, non-threatening. “From what I hear. And at least one of you is quite promising.” Arima then laughs at some joke only he can decipher. He rises up from the table, more nimbly that his bulk would indicate.

That’s when you notice that all five of the Wu who trained you have fallen back about twenty feet and are kneeling.

“Setsuna!” Arima calls out. Within moments, a Kuei-jin enters from the opposite hallway. At least you assume he is, for all that he is dressed like a street punk, with a buttoned blue-jean jacket, wild pink hair and cold blue eyes (contacts?). His expression is one of derision.

After he enters, the Kuei-jin starts to mark the floor with a bit of charcoal attached to a wooden stick.

Arima regards the two of you again. “State your direction, so we can go ahead and form you into a Wu.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:09, Tue 08 Mar 2022.

I am sure that Reiko will meet your expectations, i still have much to learn.

I am of the East direction.


Kiku takes her place wherever Setsuna says.

Reiko couldn’t be sure whether it was she or Kiku who was Arima’s interesting one.  The old Reiko would have hoped it was herself.  The new Reiko considered the feeling to be irrelevant… in the greater scheme of things.

“West for me, Arima-sama.”

Setsuna was naturally evaluated.  Reiko tried to peer under his ‘colourful’ exterior, seeking to gauge his body language and other Tells.

OOC: Reiko, make a Perception + Empathy roll, target 8.

Setsuna traces a circle on the floor with the charcoal and then, within, two shapes that look somewhat like leaves. He finishes, and Arima motions with his head for you to enter it. Each of you takes up position in one of the leaves.

Without a word, the pink-haired Kuei-jin grabs Reiko’s wrist and deeply traces a symbol in her palm with a fingernail that looks more like a claw. He repeats the process with Kiku.

OOC: Lose a Chi point.

As the two younger Kuei-jins blood drips to the floor, the charcoal flares to life with a soft red glow. Setsuna begins to chant, in a harsh, clipped voice: “In their hearts, one. In their pain, one. In their path, one. In the shadows, one.”

The light flares and then subsides. Setsuna glares over at Arima. “It is done.”

Arima calls out, in a deep below, “Now leave us!” Not only does Setsuna turn and withdraw, but the members of your instructive Wu depart as well, from the way you came in.

All that remains is for you to kneel before Arima (who still has the young, armed Kuei-jin woman lurking behind him, to one side). In a voice that sounds informal, now, he says “You’ll want to pick a name for your Wu. For record-keeping, if nothing else.”

-1 yin

Kiku sits seiza as requested waiting for Reiko to suggest a name.  Keeping her head up and aware as this was supposed to be a test.  At least that is what she thought, and she hasnt seen anything like a test yet.

Reiko was treated to the quickest and most impersonal display she had seen from Arima and Setsuna.  Why was the Wu being formed like this?

Well, better than a long drawn out process with the pomp factor dialed up to eleven  She mused inwardly.

As to Arima’s question about the Wu name, Reiko sought out some reason to delay her answer.

“Arima-sama, we would need time to come up with an auspicious Wu name and excluding Setsuna might be a bad omen.  Could we give an answer later this evening?  Perhaps an answer would be swifter if we knew what you intended the Wu to do…”

“You are correct, it can wait.” Arima laughs. His voice drops to a stage whisper. “You should know that all the members of Setsuna’s previous Wu were killed. All but him. By some sort of shapeshifting viper. He wants revenge, but that will have to be put off to some more auspicious time.
“Your first task is straightforward but not trivial. My sword has been stolen. Though lately it’s been no more than ceremonial. Uta no Tatakai the blade was named, long before I killed the Akuma that wielded it.”

As Arima shifts his bulk around, it is hard to imagine him as a warrior.

“The thing is, it exists as much in the Jade Kingdom [land of the dead] as in this world. I know no mortal pilferer has been in my vault, so your first directive is to recover it.”

At this point, Setsuna returns from the back, carrying a gym bag. It looks crammed-full of unknown objects, but he hefts easily. As he approaches, he gives a lopsided grin at Reiko and Kiku. Reaching a spot right next to the two Bone Shadows, he drops his tote and bows deeply to Arima and says, loudly, “We won’t let you down!”

Arima’s face clouds over for a moment, then his blissful smile returns. “I am sure you have questions. Speak them.”

Setsuna will agree with whatever Wu name.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:23, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

Kiku looks confused briefly before realizing that Setsuna is coming either to help or monitor.



Thank you Arima for this opportunity to prove ourselves.

As I have not seen it what does it look like?
Is it more dangerous than a normal sword?
Who or what might want to steal it?
Who might find it valuable enough to wish to risk angering you?



Kiku looks down slightly as she just blurted out a pile of questions which seem simple.

"It's a jian [double-edged straight sword] I picked up in China a few hundred years ago.

"As to special properties, it lowers the will to survive of those it strikes.

"I have killed a great many mortals, so I have no idea what particular ghost would steal it.

"I am reasonably certain it is a denizen of the underworld. Which is one place I have difficulty navigating in."

Quite a formidable task.   When was it stolen or at least noticed missing?

Kiku seems lost in thought on more questions to ask.

"I noticed it was gone two days ago, but the last time I had checked my vault before then was four days ago.

"The one resource I propose you look to, first, is a ghost named Yoichi. His spirit has ties to this temple, so he is apparently around rather often. Beyond the Veil, of course."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:11, Sat 05 Feb 2022.

Reiko listened to the details and chanted an inner mantra

Don’t be weird, don’t be creepy…

She was glad that Kiku had taken the lead and her questions were excellent.  There was little left to add, except to suggest the Wu name.

“Given our shrouded natures and the fact that someone has taken Arima-Samoa’s property without permission, should we not be called the Forbidden?  Kiku, Setsuna… do you agree?”

Nodding to Reiko in agreement on the name.

I think this is like a missing person case, the longer we wait the harder it will be as they will have more time to get away.   As it has already been more than 2 days, this will be challenging.


OOC:  If this was DnD i would say i need to get my stuff.  i have my stuff, just nice clothes on instead of jeans ... oh well i can buy more :-D

Through means unapparent, the slender woman wearing a motorcycle jacket and with black hair hanging nearly to her waist enters the large hall just as Arima says, “Juri, show these eager young Disciples my vault and then a suitable place for them to cross over.”

“Of course, Arima-sama.”

She looks expectantly at you and then goes down a back hallway, along which are many doors. At the third door on the right, she pauses to take out a ring of keys to unlock it with. Following her within reveals a small altar to the Buddha, festooned with candles, icons and incense. Juri approaches it and then puts her hand along one side of it.

A hidden cabinet in the left wall swings open somewhat, and Juri opens it the rest of the way. “This is probably something you should forget about once you have seen it. Inspect it in any manner you like, if that will help you. It hasn't been disturbed since Arima-sama found the sword stolen.”

Measuring roughly four feet high and five feet wide, the “vault” is relatively shallow, indented into the wall only about nine inches. Contained within are three metal spheres perhaps six inches in diameter with the single kanji for “nightingale” on them, a white stole that looks like one a Catholic priest would wear, a silver chain crafted of fine links, a sawed-off shotgun and a quill with a bottle next to it, of blue ink.

In the center, set high, are two supports that come out from the back, presumably where the sword was held before its disappearance.

OOC: You can describe what you're doing and then roll Perception + Investigation, target number 8.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:59, Sun 06 Feb 2022.

Kiku mentions to Reiko Well clearly not a smash and grab as nothing else appears to be missing.   Kiku openas and closes the door in the light looking for signs of prints.  Along with checking the inside to see if anything else appears to have been moved or disturbed like they were checking to decide what they wanted to steal.  Lastly just based on where this is located in the house? mansion? compound?  how far did they need to come into get this.

Yes I am not going to be able to fingerprint match or collect.   I am expecting to find 0,1 or alot.  ) tells me it was cleaned and the person opening it either didnt leave prints or cant.  1 indicates the thief was something that could leave prints assuming keiujin can't, a lot means he needs a new maid :-)

After a farewell bow to Arima, Reiko followed after Juri.  She liked the style of this other woman and wanted to know more about her.

“Juri-san, if this investigation proves to be protracted… will you be our intermediary?”

Looking over the empty supports, Reiko nodded in agreement to Kiku’s comment.  She withdrew her iPhone, opened up her Creep Cam app, and swept the shrine and nearby area.  She’d never used it to check for ghostly residue, but it was worth a try…

Ooc:  1 success, Artifact writeup on my sheet, if needed for referencing.   

As Kiku opens and closes the doors to the alcove, Reiko's phone's video reveals the presence of a small patch of ectoplasm on the center outside, where the doors meet.

OOC: A Yang-inbalanced Kuei-Jin might leave behind fingerprints, but that would be the only case.

Both of you can make an Intelligence + Occult roll, target 7
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:28, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

Reiko didn't push Juri for an answer.  Maybe if they found the sword, she might regard them with more interest?

"Hmmm, we definitely have a sticky fingered ghost here, Kiku."

Ordinarily she might have taken a picture, but given it was Arima's secret cupboard... Reiko elected not to.


OOC:  1 Success
23:03, Today: Kimura Reiko rolled 1 success using 4d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,4,4,8.  Int+occult.

07:33, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 1 success using 3d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 9,1,8.  int+occult. – 1 success

Strange why would a ghost want the sword, well probably not the ghost probably someone that commanded the ghost.  Kiku continues to poke around.

Juri watches all the investigation with mild interest, then takes out a piece of bubble gum and a card from some inner pocket in her leather jacket. She pops the gum in her mouth and starts chewing, even as she drops the wrapper to the floor.

Juri hands the card to Reiko. It is pink with only a printed black phone number on it.

Only then do Reiko and Kiku notice that Setsuna is only now entering the room. He says, "I found a good place to cross over. It's a cleaning closet with its only door into an unused room. You said you wanted to start here, and soon."

Juri looks at Setsuna and tilts her head to one side, smacking her gum.

OOC: You've entered a building that abuts up to the temple from behind it.

Oh yeah, and both of you are positive this is ghost flesh, but neither of you can think of the correct word for it. "Ectoplasm" is only the pseudo-science-y one.

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:39, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

Not sure it is the best idea, but that is the one I got.   Time to find Yoichi.

Kiku heads to the closet, focuses on the jade figurine Don't forget to close the door and steps into the spirit world.  Realizing she should have asked how to identify Yoichi.


After stepping out of the closet she looks around, maybe she will get lucky and Yoichi will be here already.

Reiko followed Setsuna & Kiku into the spirit world.

As soon as she had her bearings, Reiko looked around for Yoichi or some ghost that might be him.  There was also a nagging thought that she felt compelled to voice.

"Kiku, Setsuna... if this sword is dangerous, how do we ensure it isn't turned upon us?"

As you translate into the world of the dead, the color seems to be sapped from all your perceptions. Even your voices sound drained.

Opening up the closet reveals the room you were just in, though the chairs and tables are in such disrepair as to be unusable. It is no great difficulty to retrace your steps to the main temple area. Even the grand space has withered into something that almost feels claustrophobic.

Out from behind one of the tattered curtains on the far side, a figure steps out. What should be his flesh is gray, and his eyes are solid white. He's dressed in tatters of what might have once been saffron robes. The ghost makes a clawing motion at you and spits, twisting so he is sideways to you.

If you had to guess, this is Yoichi. Or what is left of the man he once was.

[OOC: If you talk to him, he acknowledges that name.
You can make a Cha + Empathy roll to try and actually have a conversation with him.
OR
Manipulation + Subterfuge is you want to trick him into helping you, somehow]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Sat 12 Feb 2022.

With my choice of 1 dice or 1 dice I go with conversation...
20:40, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 1 success using 1d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 10.  Charisma. –


Kiku gives a formal bow.

Greetings master Yoichi, We were told you might be able to assist us in the loss of a sword 2 days ago.  Someone appears to have broken in and taken it.  Might you be of assistance, maybe you noticed something which might indicate who could have done such a dishonorable action.

Since Kiku seemed to gain Yoichi's good side, Reiko used her guile to enhance Kiku's success... by insinuating an opportunity and appealing to Yoichi's vanity.

"...and to help the sword's owner would surely gain his favor.  I think the shrine would look a lot better with your picture on the wall..."

And Reiko could actually deliver upon the picture part.

OOC: 00:59, Today: Kimura Reiko rolled 3 successes using 5d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 9,8,10,1,9.  Man+Subterfuge.

The monk--who doesn’t look like he’s in any great mental shape--watches Kiku bow and takes a sketch of a bow himself, keeping his palms pressed together in front of him. If nothing else, it gives a facsimile of mindful alertness.

Yoichi scrunches his forehead as he listens to Kiku’s request. In a voice that sounds ancient and dusty, he replies, “Yanagida is whom you search for, thought that is not without its dangers.” Yoichi refrains from expounding on that.

As Reiko chimes in, the monk does the same focused listening. Then says, “A photograph. I could be remembered. I fear not being remembered.” He shakes his head and lowers his hands. Still with shaking head, he says “I fear not being.”

He laughs of a sudden. “A hypocritical monk: I’m not so sure I belong on the temple wall.”

Turning away, he seems to calm himself again. “Yanagida, yes, she battles against the invaders. At Shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten. It would not do well for any of us if she and her forces fail.

“I do know this, there are worse fates than No-Being.

“I can escort you there if you want. I fear I go mad when I’m alone too long.”

I would certainly like your company to  Shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten, maybe on the way you can tell us something about yourself?

I was a school teacher, though that seems to fade away in the mists.

Walking with him.

Why would she needs the sword, if it was that important to defend against the invaders, would it not be something to be lent out?

I think i answered my own question, probably not.

Breathing in the more pleasant Yin-ness of this place, Reiko followed after Kiku & Yoichi.

"Can you tell us more about Yanagida?  Like... if she won the battle, would she be the sort of person to return the 'borrowed' sword?"

At the mention of Shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten, Reiko perked up.  She had been there to cosplay a few times.  It was also a fantastic place to accrue followers.  Maybe this year she could drag Kiku (and Setsuna) along?

You follow Yoichi down the streets. Lights only shine from the occasional street lamp. Most usually-lit floors of windows in the decaying counterparts of high buildings lay dark. Setsuna is strangely quiet as he walks behind you.

You catch a glimpse of Tokyo Tower and see its upper half burning with a strange white fire.

Closer at hand, you turn a corner and see a barricade made from the hulks of battered and rusted cars. Chatter from behind it slows and stops. A solitary wraith leans in front of the car-wall, watching you approach. The wraith looks to be pushing 6’ 6”. In one large, gnarled hand, he grips the haft of a naginata with a green jade blade.

The wraith calls out in a pleasant-enough voice: “Yoichi! You get lost again?” And then, standing up to his full height: “And some folks from out of town. Welcome, and what in the hells are you doing here?"

Kiku bows to the large wraith.

Hello,  I am Chiziwa Kiku, Master Yoichi was kind enough to guide us here in our search for Yanagida.   It seems that possibly this person might have mistakenly taken a katana, and we are here to retrieve that item and return it to its owner.  Though if such a great need was required instead of just ignoble ambitions, per chance we could find another solution.

Since Yoichi wasn't going to answer her questions, Reiko didn't ask anything further.  She just followed.  Maybe the time/place wasn't right for talking... or perhaps he didn't know?  She didn't think it was malicious or rude.

As for the Wraith guard, she sketched out a quick, informal greeting.

"I am Reiko... and I echo what she said."

Reiko eyed Tokyo Tower with some interest.  In all of her Yin studies, she had never seen this phenomena before.  It was either new or something rare.

OOC: Kiku, make Charisma + Empathy check, difficulty 7.

Reiko, make Intelligence + Occult, difficulty 8.
 

And my awesome 1 dice says 1
11:23, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 1 success using 1d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8. – 1 success

Ooc: Also 1 success.
04:25, Today: Kimura Reiko rolled 1 success using 4d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 8 with rolls of 7,8,7,4.  Int +occult.

In response to Kiku, the large wraith says, “Yanagida is manning the front lines up at Shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten. Seems the Chinese wraiths are supposed to have some weapon or champion that our forces will be hard set to match. I would suppose that is why she took the sword. If you think you can help her, I’ll go ahead and let you through.”

As Yoichi turns to go back to the temple, he finally replies to Reiko: “For thirty years, Yanagida has been fighting the Chinese wraiths who would take us prisoner and fashion us into white jade. She’s reasonable about everything besides doing whatever it takes to finally repel them.”

As to the strange white flame burning on--but not consuming--Tokyo Tower, Reiko only has a notion that it is not the deeper Tempest trying to break through. This would imply that some other realm is interacting/intersecting with the Yin world.

Is there anything that we should do to prepare before we go to the front lines?  Weapons or armor?  We were not prepared for this as originally this was just supposed to be a formal ceremony.


Setsuna? maybe in your bag of tricks?

This message was lightly edited by the GM at 21:42, Wed 02 Mar 2022.

Reiko nodded her thanks to Yoichi

"Well... that's not very neighborly.  We shall have to remind them of that."

Reiko also took out her phone and did a selfie (just a smile, nothing extravagant) with the Tokyo Tower in the background... both to mark the occasion and to have a picture of the white fire phenomena.

OOC:
Kiku, make a Perception + Alertness check, target 7
and same for Reiko but target 9

17:13, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 4 successes using 5d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,8,6,9,10. – 4 successes

Reiko remained oblivious to… something.

Ooc:  0 successes

Kiku, turning to address Setsuna, who has been bringing up the rear, sees that he is absent from that spot and has started down a smaller street they have just passed.

He does not listen to any calls for him to come back.

The large "soldier" leading you both around the blockade of stacked, ruined cars asks, "Is everything all right?"

lowering her hand after Setsuna leaves.  Continuing to follow the soldier.

Well Reiko, it looks like we are on our own with what we have.  I am not sure why he even came with, I guess he was not joined with us anyway.

She shrugged.

"Perhaps his element is to stalk and report.  See what I did there?  Hehe."

Apparently the barricades looked like serious business, so Reiko wondered exactly what forces were arrayed against Yanagida.  Nonetheless she followed onward.

It’s a fairly long walk to Shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten. All around, deserted-looking buildings stand their silent watch.

You pass a couple dozen other soldiers. One even has a rifle, of old make and model.

As you approach the crossing from the south, another barricade rises before you. This one--rising twelve feet tall-- is formed of pieces of fallen buildings, both large and small, reinforced by steel girders. A walkway rises behind it, allowing soldiers to get a glimpse or a firearm over.

A tall woman (ghost) stands at the center of the walkway. Her black hair flows down to waist-length, caught up in a ponytail. A sword is sheathed on her back. At a whistle from your guide, Yanagida twists around, leaps nimbly down to street level, and approaches. Her potentially attractive face is marred with a multitude of scars.

“New meat, huh?” She tosses her words out fast: no-nonsense. “But not ghosts. Tourists,” Yanagida adds, sounding a bit curious.

[OOC: You know the drill, Cha+Empathy, difficulty 6. As you talk with her.]

19:06, Today: Chiziwa Kiku failed (no successes) using 1d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 5.  Talking. – failed (no successes)

We are here to clear up a misunderstanding.  A sword might have been taken without permission.

"... and we're here to bargain for its return.  Both of us follow the Song of Shadow."

Reiko could have said more, but was worried about Yanagida tuning out.

OOC: as much luck as Kiku, hehe.
20:38, Today: Kimura Reiko failed (no successes) using 4d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 2,8,1,5.  Cha+Emp.

Yanagida glances between the two of you. "Bargain for the sword back? I'm not sure what that relic of a Kuei-jin needs it for."

She nods at the large soldier who brought you to her. He leaves, to return to his post, presumably.

"My roof-scouts report that the Chinese are bringing some sort of entity to the front. It might attack as early as tonight."

Yanagida pushes back some hair that has come loose from her ponytail. "From what they say, it's a mass of ghosts intertwined into some sort of creature. My best advisor thinks it is the Yin remains of an abomination crafted by the Si-Mi-Si. Whatever they are."

Her lips turn up in a feral grin. "Bone Flowers, huh? Can you fight?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:31, Sat 12 Mar 2022.

I have been successful in at least holding my own against my sensei, at least when she took it easy on me.  Maybe tougher than most people.  I will fight for what it is worth.


Kiku will stretch out some, and rip the seem on her dress to give her more room to work.

Well wont need the dress if we win, and wont care if we don't

"I'm not a warrior, but I do have some tricks, hehe."

Reiko loosened up in a manner that looked pretty creepy.

So you pass another seven hours there, behind the barricade. Conversation reveals that Yanagida is a very intelligent woman. She speaks freely about her past: that she was the wife of a soldier who lost his life in WWII.

[OOC: if there are any specific questions you want to ask her, ask them and we can assume they happen before the combat]

Finally, while Kiku is taking her turn watching from atop the street’s imprvosed wall, she sees wraiths armed with spears and the like advance slightly into the intersection. They then move off to either side. A creature at least twelve feet tall starts to scurry across the zebra stripes on the asphalt. You can make out around a couple dozen legs, and just as many arms, along with the tormented faces of what were once human beings.

Given the warning, the both of you are standing, along with Yanagida, atop the barricade, with the horrific creature coming at you at roughly the same level.

[OOC: So roll Init. And state what you’re doing for the round. And go ahead and roll dice for your action, if that’s appropriate.]

10:36, Today: Chiziwa Kiku  with rolls of 8.  Init.

I will have activated blood shintai before hand using 1 jade chi

Makes for 16 Init, If i won i would get to know what it is doing, but i am assuming that it is rushing forward and attacking.  Given that this is 12 feet tall with many arms and legs, i assume that i can not throw this thing...

Spending a yang chi for an extra action which will happen Next round



Kiku doesnt really have any questions right now as her less than successful introduction took the wind from her sails.

Waiting on the street for the creature to close the distance, Kiku plants herself and dashes in to grab a leg and twisting hard.

<orange>
10:53, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 6 successes using 13d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 4,3,6,6,8,3,10,5,5,3, 10,9,4.  joint lock damage.

10:52, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 4 successes using 9d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 1,10,4,7,7,1,6,10,7.  martial arts for joint lock part 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

[OOC: Kiku, if you are using the Demon Art black wind:

"Moreover, each turn the power is
used, the vampire must roll P'o (difficulty 8); if he fails this roll, he
enters fire soul"]

I am using

Iron Mountain
which has no requirements

Blood Shintai
System: No roll is needed; one Chi point (of either type) must be spent. Either diffusion or concentration reduces soak rolls to difficulty 5. With this power, a vampire may easily slip into narrow crevices or wriggle free of bonds. Getting through very tight spaces (between bars or through a
 small window) might require a Dexterity + Athletics roll (difficulty depends on the situation).


Yang Prana
"System: The vampire spends one or more Yang points. For each Yang point spent, the vampire gains either three extra dice on initiative or one
additional action next turn. The vampire may spend no more Yang points than he has dots in this Discipline."



Though after re-reading this, i get the extra action NEXT turn not this turn... so only the first one happens.

Reiko acted a little after Kiku, which was her preferred option anyway.

Brandishing her phone (and staying out of melee range), she lined up the monstrosity and snapped off a shot, applying her 'Curse Filter'.  In truth, she had never unleashed the artifact's Yin curse and this would be an interesting test of its abilities.


OOC  not sure what to roll...  ST can roll for me on this occasion :)  Just let me know the dicepool for next time.
01:48, Today: Kimura Reiko rolled 1 success using 1d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 1 with rolls of 8.  Reiko's init +5.

Yanagida leaps off the top of the barricade and slices off three of its heads before landing beside the monstrousity.

Kiku approaches and grabs one of the creature’s many legs. She all but twists it off, and the monster shifts to restore its balance.

The thing advances and swipes at both Yanagida and Kiku. Its claws slash at Yanagida and score the left side of her chest. The hands on the other side of its body reach down to rend Kiku.

[OOC: Kiku, soak 6 lethal damage.]

Reiko snaps the curse-filter shot at the horror. Patches of utter darkness rush up from the pavement and begin to swarm around its remaining heads.

[OOC:
rolled 4 successes using 4d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 3 with rolls of 10,7,4,7.

Yin curse is your Cha+Occult difficulty equal to their permanent Willpower. Subtract 1 from difficulty in Yin world, add 1 in Yang world. Variable effect based on successes and situation.]

07:47, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 2 successes using 4d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 4 with rolls of 4,4,1,8.  soak. – 2 successes

OUCH!


Next round i assume as i dont think it has more than one action?
The dice roller...

07:51, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 1 success using 6d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 8,1,5,2,10,5.  dodge. – 1 success

07:51, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 6 successes using 8d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 10,4,7,5,7,7,6,10.  joint damage. – 6 successes

07:51, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 1 success using 7d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 9,2,6,2,1,5,3.  joint lock again. – 1 success


Kiku screams as the hit from the monster crushes her chest.  Undeterred she reaches for another leg and wrentching it out from under the creature.   Jumping back and attempting to dodge its next attack.

Hoping the curse would keep the monster blinded for a little longer, Reiko looked to see what else she could do to help.  In the end, she picked up some rubble and threw it at the monster.  Her effort even exceeded her expectations…

Ooc:  3succ at diff 6.  St can roll dmg, since I’m not sure what piece of rubble Reiko found :)
22:03, Today: Kimura Reiko rolled 3 successes using 4d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 6,10,10,5.  Dex+athletic, throwing rubble.

Yanagida’s fate on the other side of the monstrosity is unknown, though her kiai shouts pierce the air.

Meanwhile, on the near side, Kiku wrenches first one leg and then another, causing it to cry out with rage from multiple mouths.

Several of the thing’s clawed hands flail empty space, with its ability to see its target hampered. One just grazes Kiku.

[OOC: soak 1 lethal damage. waaaaah!]

Reiko summons her memories from high school, and throws a rock like a baseball at the horror. It hits the creature and ricochets off a bit of bone just under the skin. A little of its oozing black ectoplasm seeps out, though.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:45, Wed 23 Mar 2022.

Kiku easily shrugs off the beasts attack and continues to work on breaking legs as the beast appears to be hampered she takes the opportunity to break more than one.



Soaked damage easily.

if the black stuff is staying i will attack twice, if it seems to be fading then the second action will be to dodge
and my last yang spent for next round.

Attack 1 1 successes for 5 damage
Attack 2 5 successes for 5 damage

Reiko decided that maybe some trickery could help her Wu sister (and Yanagida).  She called out a fake tactic to hopefully distract the monster.

“Sestuna, about time you showed up.  Hit it in the back with your fire blade!”

Ooc:  assuming Man+subterfuge, results up to ST.
23:26, Today: Kimura Reiko rolled 1 success using 5d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 3,1,5,6,7.  Man+subterfuge, distracting the monster.

Two more heads are sliced off from the other side, presumably by Yanagida.

The thing roars with its few remaining heads and falls to the ground as Kiku cripples the last of its legs.

Furious with its fading unlife, the monstrosity strikes at Yanagida, scratching her deeply along her side.

It also flails out at Kiku.

[OOC: soak 3 lethal, Kiku]

The monster seems either too preoccupied or mindless (or both) to fall for Reiko’s distraction.

Kiku grunts as the abomination hits her, though it does not seem to slow her down at all.  Taking the opportunity as it fell to attempt to crunch an arm.



Soaked all 3
Hit for 2
damage 3

07:31, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 4 successes using 4d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 4 with rolls of 7,9,9,4.  soak. – 4 successes

07:39, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 3 successes using 11d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 1,6,8,6,5,4,1,7,8,2, 3.  damage. – 3.  damage' class='helphover'>3 successes

07:38, Today: Chiziwa Kiku rolled 2 successes using 7d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 6,2,4,8,1,2,8.  Attack. – 2 successes

Unsure about what she could do to help, Reiko decided to play lookout… just in case there were any other nasty surprises to follow..

Ooc
03:58, Today: Kimura Reiko rolled 4 successes using 5d10 with the World of Darkness 3rd ed system with a target of 6 with rolls of 10,5,6,6,9.  Per+alertness.

Yanagida becomes visible for a moment as she leaps up for an attack, and her sword slashes down into the beast, sinking deep between its heads.

Kiku lets go of her powerful grip as the monstrosity slumps to one side and falls.

Ectoplasm runs from Yanagida’s wounds, especially one across her left side. “That was certainly fun and games,” she croaks.

Motioning back toward the barricade, she waits for Kiku and Reiko to follow. Catching Reiko’s half-conscious gaze out at the strange illumination of Tokyo Tower, Yanagida says, “It’s been like that for a month. We have a contingent over there which might know more, but we’ve been cut off them for a while.”

The leader’s oversized lieutenant helps her down from the stacked cars. Yanagida turns to Kiku and hands her the sword, hilt first. “I doubt I could have done this without you. Or the sword. But please return it, with my compliments.”

Kiku accepts the sword from Yanagida.

We will speak to them.  Maybe if we bring back this story he will be persuaded to offer some kind of assistance.  Though I can not say for sure.

Kiku looks to Reiko.

Reiko bowed to Yanagida.  Saying anything seemed so unnecessary, but the look she gave Kiku was one of Well Done.

And then true to nature, Reiko snapped a selfie that included the dead creature for posterity (and proof).  She also invited Kiku in as well, should her wu sister wish to partake.

"Yoichi.  I forgot about him... we should make sure he is OK.  As for Setuna, he'll catch us up.  Yanagida, would you mind terribly if we visited again sometime?"

Yanagida says to Kiku, “Thank you for your intentions.”

To Reiko, she says, “You would be most welcome to visit, although we have little to share here except violence.” She smiles and bids you safe travels.

Her lieutenant guides you back south, then east, the way you had come. As you exit the last barrier and start to walk back to the temple, you see a figure leaning against a low wall. Setsuna pulls himself up and walks over to you.

Glancing at Kiku, Setsuna says, “Looks like you got the sword.” He scratches his temple with his forefinger. “I guess I wasn’t much help. It’s just that I wanted to visit an old friend I knew back when I was alive. He’s sort of shy, so I thought I’d go myself. And, I admit, I’m not used to this whole ‘team’ thing.”

Setsuna grins crookedly. “But my detour got us some information that is, you know, pertinent. My friend introduced me to a couple Yakuza wraiths who had some breaking news: two Yakuza gangs are going to war. Neither the Umemura-kai nor the Nakatomi-gumi would cause any of the major clans to break a sweat. The fresh wraiths told me, though, that both sides have magic of some sort.

“All this would be of minor interest, except where they’re going to face off.  Their territories abut in Harajuku.”

He stops, as if waiting for one of you to interject.

“Harajuku, in Shibuya City?”

He then bites his lower lip. “Oh, I didn’t tell you. I convinced Arima-sama that some younger keui-jin should cover that district. So it’s ours, and our trouble.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:13, Sat 30 Apr 2022.

That was nice of him (in a sarcastic tone)


Well i certainly dont have much issue with popping a few yakuza heads.  though this experience has taught me that we will need to be more subtle and choose our battles more carefully.

Did they give you more information to work from like where they are, who they are, how many?

While Setsuna's presence had been missed (for the fight), the sisters and Yanagida had prevailed... so it was alright.

"Yakuza?  I wonder if any of them are cute, hehe."

Reiko gave a crooked smile.

"So... do we get any perks for looking after Harajuku?"

"Well, they could always call in more members, but local crews tend to run 40 to 60 yakuza," replies Setsuna. "Guns are unlikely, in public at least. The new wraiths didn't give details on the kinds of magic the two groups have available."

He looks over at Reiko. "The venue is a "perk" in and of itself. Have you never been there? Really?"

Well i have not been there. in the mean time we can work on heading back to deliver the sword and relay our story here.  Maybe we can get back in time to have a snack, that beast really took it out of me.




Kiku leads the way back to the closet as the wounds begin to heal.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:24, Fri 06 May 2022.

"I've been there!"

Reiko spoke defensively.  And she had been to Harajuku... to take Instagram snaps and then leave again.

"You were very brave, Kiku..."

If her sister accepted her touch, Reiko gave her fellow Boneflower a light shoulder rub... for all of about five seconds.  It was supposed to be affectionate but if it looked creepy, well... that was typical Reiko.

Thank you Reiko, i think those sparring lessons really helped.   I was not much of a person to fight before, but i seem to be better at it now.   Still some lessons learned.

Kiku leans her head back slightly as she gets the shoulder rub.