Session 16 Log For 1-26-03

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the log for the January 26th session.

(1) DM Arkhandus: Okay all, to recap recent events..... The party followed the tracks of a force of bakemonos lead by an ogre or oni, and they found that the tracks led to the Mizu-Umi Kiku Hanabira, the Chrysanthemum Petal Lake, where the Shadowlands creatures apparently built a crude raft and sailed down the River of Gold, Kawa No Kin.
** (12) Kai Lyn takes SS from her saddlebag shifts to her twin then wrestles themselves silly on the ground of the camp **
** (4) Korishi does a few small hops in place, warming up. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party decided to head north to the Unicorn village of Turo-Kojiri, where they can decide whether to purchase a boat for sailing the River of Gold to reach Otosan Uchi, or to continue on by horseback. The Shadowlands creatures already have a one or two week lead at least, so the party decided that moving post-haste wouldn't make much of a difference at this point. As the group traveled northward, they made camp at night shortly after fording the Kawa Sano Fui No Dansei Wo Sasu, the River of the Unexpected Hero. However, shortly after drifting to sleep, the party was ambushed by a tasloi hunting party who hurled acid flasks at a few party members before beginning to barrage the party with thrown halfspears.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Suprirsingly, the tasloi hunting party's leader, who announced himself as Lurnak, was a spellcaster. He immediately cast a spell to bind nearly half the party in magical webs, and only Masato, Kiran, and Kiran's wolf companion escaped the sticky strands. The ensuing battle was difficult, with the spellcasting tasloi hurling another spell or two before Kiran's lucky crossbow shot pierced the foul creature's eye and finished him. The party's two former allies, who had joined them in Ginasutra village days ago and calling themselves Shinjo Kiro and Shinjo Kari, brother and sister, had turned on the group at this most inopportune time, revealing their true nature as vile rokuro-kubi, and they nearly strangled Masato to death and also caused much trouble for Shoko.
(1) DM Arkhandus: However, while the battle proved to be almost fatal, Nerfereti's lucky spells charmed several tasloi and even Kiro into aiding the party in fighting off the other tasloi, while Kai Lyn managed to help out a bit while stuck in the webs by virtue of her spells, and Satoru likewise freed himself enough to help out with his bow. The party barely defeated the foes before Masato or any other party members could fall. Now the party cleans themselves off and tries to return to sleep, as they must still try to reach Turo-Kojiri in the morning.
** (6) Kiran decides to pray to Grandfather and the Eagle for the powers he had before. Unfortunately, most of the power he had been given was channelled into healing his companions during the fight. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo sent the party's servant eta and heimin to remove the corpses and retrieve any valuables or potions from the corpses, after seeing that one of the tasloi was a spellcaster and another had used a potion to heal itself after a mighty blow from Masato.
** (4) Korishi seems a bit disturbed by what happened with Kiro and Kari. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: After the magical webs dissipate, Satoru, Kai Lyn, and the others trapped under them finally get up and stretch. Satoru says "After this, we should make sure to have someone on watch for the rest of the night. Though I doubt we'll encounter any more such trouble this close to civilized lands and the edge of the Shinomen."
(4) Korishi: "Where did those things come from for that matter?"
** (15) Mai looks around and nods ** "I'll do it. It's easiest for me to see in the night" **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo takes a few flasks and other items retrieved by the eta from the enemy corpses, and shows them to Nerfereti, asking her to see if she can identify any of them.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru bows his head slightly to Mai in thanks and recognition.
** (5) Aka yawns tiredly..wishing this hadn't happened cause a full nights sleep would have been wonderfull but now she'll be crankey tomorrow...at the least she can nap in the carts::"I'm already awake...guess I can stay up the rest...don't think after seeing snake headed samurai I'll be getting back to sleep this night." **
(4) Korishi: "What were they anyway? I've never seen creatures like that...."
(4) Korishi: "You said something about corruption..."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti tells the party that two of the flasks carried by the tasloi have magic within them, and that they should try identifying them in a city when they have the chance.
(5) Aka: Wonder whose swords they took to parade as samurai..better to hand them over to the Unicorn clan if we get the chance and find out.
** (15) Mai looks at one of the trees and leaps up, using her shortened claws to make her way up to a branch as she crouches and looks down to Aka ** "It's fortunate they revealed themselves now before we escorted them into a human city." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti replies to Korishi "Those little, hairy creatures were tasloi, evil denizens of the forests. But Kiro and Kari were rokuro-kubi, scheming snake-headed creatures that prey on humans..... They must have noticed that we were travelers and decided we'd make easy prey, and when they found us attacked by those tasloi, they must have thought it was their chance......."
** (4) Korishi shudders a bit, "There's a lot down here I don't know about it seems.... I appologize for my apparent ignorence." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Luckily," she continues, "my superior magicks saved us and tricked the creatures into fighting eachother." Nerfereti has a smug look on her face.
(4) Korishi: "Yes, you did well."
** (12) Kai Lyn says "Yes Neferteri we are lucky to have a mage like you among us." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says flatly "We must get our sleep tonight, if we are to reach Turo-Kojiri in the morning. Our wounds must heal as well."
(6) Kiran: "Certainly the power of sorcery to beguile the senses is great indeed." he says somewhat cryptically.
** (6) Kiran glances oddly at Nefereti **
(4) Korishi: "Yeah, I'm still tired too..."
** (12) Kai Lyn places SS in her bag then climbs on board the horse shifts and joins her friend in the saddlebag to sleep **
(5) Aka: ::nods::"Well good night to those sleeping and hope nothing else happens this night...::she yawns again, taking a second to let her form shrink, shifting, changing till she becomes a monkey again, climbing up into the tree after Mai for a better view of the camp::
** (4) Korishi finds his bedroll again, making sure that it's clean and not bloodsplattered before lying down to sleep once more. **
** (15) Mai shakes her head as the others grow restless and watches Chaouji climb up to her then she looks to Aka ** (Hengey) "Would you prefer to stay here or move to the other side of the camp?" **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Others return to sleep, wishing to get their rest and recover from the battle.
(5) Aka: ::Aka lets out a small primate ook with a shake of her head and settles in to watch the camp for the night::
(1) DM Arkhandus: Those who keep vigil during the rest of the night see no further disturbances, and the party rises in the morning feeling slightly refreshed, though the wounds are too recent and haven't healed yet.
** (6) Kiran sits quietly, praying to Grandfather and Eagle for strength and guidance. **
** (15) Mai scratches the back of her head and taps Aka pointing to one of the carts she sleeps in. She climbs down from her tree, catching Chaouji as the others rise, setting him down as she shifts into a cat as well. the pair make their way to a cart and slide under the covers to bed down now that others are up **
(5) Aka: ::With the new monrning finally here, a sleepy eyed monkey-form Aka yawns and slowly decends from the tree, in this form she tries to collect her gear, strange seeing the small primate rolling up the bedroll and struggling to assemble a pack as it yawns again::
** (4) Korishi rises with the sun, refreshed and a bit more relaxed, having used his discipline to ward off dreams of what had happened during the night. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party rises, and Satoru does some meditating, prayers, and light exercise, as Shujo does his usual morning exercises. Nerfereti meditates for a little while, and Masato does some brief exercising and preparations to move on.
** (4) Korishi does his own meditation on the events of the last night, fitting it all in his experiences and contemplating it's role in the larger scheme of things. **
** (12) Kai Lyn awakens bright eyed as usual climbs out of her bag fixing breakfast for the both of them **
(6) Kiran: "Who among us is still gravely injured? I can help, a little."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo tells the party "We should only have another half day or less of riding to reach Turo-Kojiri."
(4) Korishi: "I'm fine, just a couple of other scratches after your treatment yesteday Kiran. Thank you."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo, Nerfereti, and a few others mount up, as the servants gather up the camp and pack it up.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato says "Likewise, thanks to your healing last night."
** (6) Kiran mounts up, but lets his wolf companion run free. **
** (6) Kiran smiles, and nods deeply to Masato and nods to Korishi as well **
** (12) Kai Lyn says "I received minor injury if you can help me after others are done I would appreciate it." **
** (4) Korishi climbs back into the servent wagon since the animals have claimed ownership on the other one. **
** (6) Kiran approaches Kai Lyn, and examining the wounds, begins to mutter under his breath. Three times he chants a prayer to his ancestors, and each time, Kai Lyn is healed a bit more **
** (12) Kai Lyn thanks him for his ministrations **
(5) Aka: ::With a bit of doing even in primate form, Aka manages to get her things inside the wagon...the only thing she dosn't pack up is her blanket that she spread out on one side of the cart, climbs under..and promply goes to sleep::
** (15) Mai lays her head on chaouji's side as he sleeps, watching the others mounting up. **
** (6) Kiran smiles, and returns to his preparations **
** (3) Shoko still has a few deep cuts and bruises. **
** (3) Shoko looks at Kiran, "Can you heal me too please?" **
** (6) Kiran nods to Shoko, and examines the wounds **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran places a hand upon one of Shoko's gashes and requests his Grandfather's mercy, sealing the wound. However, another gash and a few scratches remain.
** (6) Kiran waves his hand slowly over Shoko's worst wounds, and begins a gibbering, odd prayer for several seconds. A tingle and a glow accompany this... **
(6) Kiran: "Shoko-san, I hope this is enough for now."
(3) Shoko: "It should be fine."
** (4) Korishi waits for everyone to finish. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party mounts up and begins riding northward as Shujo guides them.
** (6) Kiran bows, and returns to his mount **
** (6) Kiran keeps a constant watch for bears or eagles. **
** (12) Kai Lyn rides along with them leisurely SS is peeking out of the saddlebag and occasional chittering back and forth can be heard **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party rides for several hours, and then they can see the edge of the Shinomen ahead. As the party reaches the edge of the forest, They can see the Spine of the World Mountains, Seikitsu Sano Tama No Oi, ahead as well as Turo-Kojiri, built around a small river heading into the mountains.
** (4) Korishi tries briefly to identify the mountain his monestary is on, trying to get his bearings a bit. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: An eagle can be heard in the distance as the party rides into Turo-Kojiri, and many heimin villagers glance at the party and then avert their eyes or bow to the samurai.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Heimin can be seen near the river fixing or preparing their boats, some unloading nets of fish from their boats and taking them to market. It is nearly midday and Yakamo is high in the clear sky.
** (15) Mai the scent of fresh fish catches Mai's attention as she watches the people gathering the fish, looking for any unattended nets that have yet to be unloaded **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato says "We will have to decide soon whether to go by boat or horse to return to Otosan Uchi. And we may need to resupply as well."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "And a day's rest and relaxation in town would be nice, as well." Satoru mentions.
(4) Korishi: "I think the big question is which would be faster in getting us to our goal."
(6) Kiran: "Perhaps I can be of use - or rather, perhaps Eagle can give guidance in that matter."
** (5) Aka climbs out from under the blanket...yawning and rubbing her eyes bedroll and looking around before climbing up and balancing on the side of the cart to see the sight of the landscape pass by. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "Perhaps. I know it will take over a month to return by horseback."
(4) Korishi: "How long would it take by boat, baring anything intterupting our travel?"
(6) Kiran: "I do not know, but I may get insights into whether a particular course is best."
(4) Korishi: "If you think it would help, by all means."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo shakes his head in failure. "I do not know which way would be swifter. I have never traveled by river before, and the route is at least as long by river. The difference is that boats may move swifter if the winds or currents are strong......"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "Why don't we see if any of the villagers are experienced at sailing the River of Gold? Perhaps they might be able to give us a good estimate."
(4) Korishi: "Sounds reasonable."
(6) Kiran: "That seems wise."
** (4) Korishi waits for them to get into town. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru says "Well I will be finding a place for us to stay the night, and I will see if I can get any of the magical tems identified that the tasloi carried. You may speak with the heimin and learn what path will be most swift."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru dismounts and walks into town, leaving his mount for the servants to stable.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "I will question a few of the villagers about our dilemma. I will find you all again when I am finished."
(5) Aka: ::Aka leaps off the cart and shifts back to her human form::"I wouldn't mind sailing from here..the prospect of not being attacked while on the water sounds good...::she looks about the parea::Exscuse me all will you..need to find something."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The Scorpion samurai likewise dismounts and heads into town, veering towards the river and the folks near it.
** (4) Korishi climbs out and heads into town as well. **
** (15) Mai nuzzles Chaouji to rouse him and leaps down beside Aka, looking up to her **
** (12) Kai Lyn dismounts placing SS on her shoulders chittering about how she hates deep water **
(5) Aka: ::looks down at Mai::Ok..you gave me two bananas..I owe you two fish...right?
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato hands his horse to the servants and commands them to find a stable for the steeds. Then he heads into town to find information and some rest.
** (4) Korishi is not a leader, nor a representative of the group, so he only follows one of the samuraii, reluctent to do anything on his own. **
** (15) Mai purrs deeply and shifts from paw to paw as she looks around trying to find a decent place to eat **
** (6) Kiran will wander looking for a market **
(5) Aka: I take that as yes..ok...I get you some fish then I find bath house...I've been in the woods too long and need much refreshing.::she heads into town at a pace to let the two felines easly catch up::
** (12) Kai Lyn thinks that sounds like a good idea and follows her **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru finds a decent inn for the party, and spends the rest of the day relaxing and asking a few questions of the villagers. Masato does likewise, and Nerfereti shops around a bit, purchasing a few supplies and such.
** (15) Mai trots next to Aka as chaouji climbs back into the cart and gets some more sleep **
** (4) Korishi ends up taking a stroll through town, simply observing. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo goes to the riverside and questions several heimin villagers about the feasability of sailing the river by boat to reach the Forbidden City.
(5) Aka: "Boy..your cat is lasyer then you Mai"
** (15) Mai nips at Aka's dress tugging on it in protest **
(5) Aka: "Oh..so your saying your lazier?" Aka chcukles and heads towards the market looking for two things...fish...and bananas.:: "Hmmm..what do you think Kai Lyn would prefer?"
** (4) Korishi walks omoung the people calmly, looking around at everyone, and seeing if anything in particular catches his attention for one reason or another. **
** (15) Mai looks around and rears up at a small barrel of apples, pawing at them as she looks to Aka **
(5) Aka: "Very well...Bananas, Apples, and Fish...but hmmm...thought she would prefer raw eggs more?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: As the hengeyokai search around for snacks, Masato and Satoru relax in bath houses and teahouses in town, and Shujo questions villagers near the river. Kiran wanders off, while Korishi and Nerfereti both just kind of wander through town looking at folks and shops.
** (15) Mai drops back downf rom the apples and goes over to a hen cart, swishing her tail as she watches the would be dinners cluck and squak nervously at her presence. **
(5) Aka: "Well we get some eggs took..three at best...better to carry around things not so easy to break in transport...::starts gathering the food...and extra bananas for Kiran since he is part primate as well..although nothing for the samurai::
** (12) Kai Lyn wanders over to the market and notices a small display of fish then notices a small booth selling fresh eggs and gets a few asking "Do you have a way to keep them unbroken while travelling?" **
(1) DM Arkhandus: One merchant selling eggs offers Kai Lyn some small cases made by the local carpenter for carrying eggs.
** (4) Korishi eventually heads to a temple for some meditation. **
** (12) Kai Lyn smiles "I will take them thank you. My companion and I are very fond of them but have had no way of keeping them unbroken. Thank you." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The merchant bows slightly and returns "Domo."
** (4) Korishi eventually just wanders to the inn, finding no problems in this simple village, but no place to meditate either. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shoko wanders town for a bit, getting some lunch, and then finds the small shrine in town, tended by a single priest in simple robes.
** (15) Mai follows Aka back to the carts, climbing up in them as she noses around for the freshly bought fish **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kai Lyn, Aka, and Mai gather some snacks as they wander town, while Nerfereti purchases some supplies for the party and also buys a small board and playing pieces for a game of go
(5) Aka: "Okokok...I'll give you some of the fish."::give Mai one of the smaller fishes::"Now don't spoil your dinner?"
** (4) Korishi relaxes at the inn for lack of anything else to do. **
** (15) Mai snaps the fish in her teeth, backing up from Aka as she sits down by Chaouji, who only now rises and joins her in the meal **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shoko speaks with the priest at the small shrine to the Fortunes, and the priest bestows some minor healing upon her for a donation.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Priest healing spell on Shoko [1d8+3] -> [2,3] = (5)
** (12) Kai Lyn returns to her friends showng the unusual contraption she has for transporting fresh eggs "I have never seen anything like this." **
** (4) Korishi eventually approaches Masato. "I am going to retire to my room for some meditation. Please send someone for me at dinner time." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party relaxes and shops for the day, and in the evening meets at a local teahouse for supper and to discuss anything they've learned in town.
** (15) Mai travels the city after her meal, stopping behind a small building to shift into her human form and pulling her dress down over her long black tail behind her. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party enjoys some sushi, sake, rice, and such, and chats.
(5) Aka: ::Peels one of the bananas and starts to eat it, she nods to Kai's egg carries and gives her the eggs for them::"There ya go..only three though."
** (15) Mai shows up with the others, sitting down with Chaouji beside her ** "I suggested the hens themselves, but Aka felt the eggs would be better recieved." **
** (12) Kai Lyn smiles saying "Thank you Aka-sama we are very grateful for your thoughtful present." **
(15) Mai: "has anyone found which is the best way to travel yet?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: While waiting for their meal, Shujo tells the party that he spoke with many of the heimin that ply the river, and that only a few had any experience sailing. Shujo found that it would likely take a month and a week or two sailing the river in order to reach near Otosan Uchi. Shujo says that it would likely take at least a month and a half to return by land, most likely.
(4) Korishi: "So the ship would be shorter by a bit...."
(5) Aka: ::she nods and smiles::"Your welcome..and if we had gotten the hens though I'm sure there chances of living with two felines would be greatly reduced..".::smirks and looks at Shujo::"Well if the report of what is found seems important best cut down the time by sailing"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "Yes, but only under good conditions. If we encounter poor currents, poor winds, or any other such difficulties, it would probably be no swifter."
(4) Korishi: "Given that there would be less encounters, it would probably be more advantagous however."
(15) Mai: "I would suggest the land route. It will be easier to rest and recuperate if we are attacked on land than if we're at sea."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Also, " the Scorpion notes, "We would have to send a heimin with the animals to take them to Kyuden Miya or Kyuden Bayushi to be returned to Otosan Uchi."
(4) Korishi: "Rest can be had at any time on the ship Mai, since I don't think we'd be the ones doing the sailing."
** (12) Kai Lyn says "Besides I am no fan of river travel. I am from a desert land and haven't seen that much water So I don't trust that kind of travel." **
(4) Korishi: "I am from the mountains and have not traveled by boat either, but that is no reason to shy away from it."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato says "I too would prefer travel by land. It would be less of a hassle and many of us would be more comfortable that way."
(4) Korishi: "new challenges bring new experiences."
(4) Korishi: "It seems that is the concensus however... very well."
(5) Aka: Well could be worse...could be sailing twords Mantis lands...across an ocean...but then again you have a point...land would be a sure way to travel, at least familiar.
** (12) Kai Lyn grins "Well dying is also a new experience but one I would rather wait than experience." **
** (15) Mai nods at Kai Lynn with a smirk ** "Truly" **
(1) DM Arkhandus: After an hour or so discussing the merits of land travel and sea travel, the hengeyokai win out, and the party decides to continue by land.
(4) Korishi: "There is something else that worries me as I was meditating this afternoon...."
(4) Korishi: "You will recall... I mentioned when I joined you the vision I had, of the shadow overtaking my master, and the emperor, and then the empire itself...."
(15) Mai: "Yes?"
(5) Aka: "You did...fear I missed that part."
(4) Korishi: "We found that oni from the shadowlands have taken to the river... the river which goes strait to the heart of the empire... strait to the Forbiddon city.... I fear it entirely possible that they could be traveling to assault the city itself."
(5) Aka: "A strange tactic to go all out."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato scoffs. "Not with so small a force. The city is nigh impenetrable, and no small force of bakemono and oni could get through."
(15) Mai: "That would take more than a single boatload of Bake..........though infiltrating the city would be far easier."
(4) Korishi: "I do not know what defenses the city has, but if we could reach it by river, so could they."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato just shakes his head 'no', and remains certain that such a small force could do nothing against Otosan Uchi.
** (4) Korishi nods, "I hope not.... If it is any comfort, I've yet to have any further visions." **
(4) Korishi: "I can only assume that is good."
** (15) Mai grows a bit apprehensive seeing Masato's resolute nature on the question ** "There is still casue for concern. This is not random fate guiding them to the city. They have forged themselves a boat and it is clear they move with purpose." **
(4) Korishi: "This is true...."
(4) Korishi: "I can not tell for sure, I can only interpret the vision I saw."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "They only wish to cause trouble, " Masato replies. "They helped slay the emperor, and now they wish to cause more chaos and discord by harassing the folks deeper in the empire. They could cause no true harm in Otosan Uchi."
(5) Aka: "What is in the Forbidden City they would be after you have to ask yourself if they do have purpose?"
(4) Korishi: "It is the capitol of the empire, Aka."
(15) Mai: "Tell me Masato, would you have believed them capable of killing your emperor if you had not seen what we've seen?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato bristles at this, and replies "They only slew the emperor through superior numbers and numerous ogres and oni. The small force remaining in Rokugan is all but harmless"
(1) DM Arkhandus: The samurai seems somewhat unsure of his own answer.
(4) Korishi: "We do not know their numbers for sure. Surely more came through after the initial attack to ravage the remains."
(15) Mai: "Then why are you pursuing them? You will hear of their death sooner or later from Otosan Uchi."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato is just silent now, brooding as he finishes his meal.
(5) Aka: "Yes but so small against a large capitol..best they could do is stain the walls with their blood with their numbers..but if anything we're heading that way anyway."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "We must simply report to Lord Akodo with the results of our investigation, nonetheless. Pursuit of these bakemono and their pack leader is secondary. Some other samurai will surely exterminate them before we reach Otosan Uchi anyway, I think....."
(4) Korishi: "It was stated before that those from the shadowlands are good at deception. They might not try a head on assault, especially if they are being lead by a particularly intelligent oni."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "In any case, they have at least a week or two of a lead on us, and there is little we can do before reaching Otosan Uchi again."
(4) Korishi: "This is true, I suppose..."
(4) Korishi: "I think I wish to retire for more meditation tonight."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party finishes their meal after a time, and retires. In the morning, the party prepares to head out again, after discussing a route.
(5) Aka: ::Makes sure to go to the bathhouse before she retired for the night, appearing fresh and clean in the morning::