EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the log for the 10th of November. 

(1) DM Arkhandus: Last session, the party rested and administered a little healing to the wounded Shujo and Masato, and then when both were fit enough to ride, the party set out for Kita Chushin. After two days of riding, the party arrived in town and went about their business, bathing, dining, and resting at an inn. Whilst they were eating their evening meal, the party encountered the Scorpion clan shugenja, Shosuro Giadan, who wished to join the group. He claimed to have been sent by the superiors in his clan and school to aid Shujo in guiding the group and assisting them with his healing magicks.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Giadan and Masato spoke for a while, as Masato grilled the Scorpion to make sure the Scorpion spoke the truth and was indeed there to help, and eventually the party retired to an inn to rest up for the next day's ride
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kai Lyn and Nerfereti did some shopping during the day, whilst Masato sought a little extra healing from a local herbalist. Nothing else of note happened during the party's stay at Kita Chushin.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Now it is the dawn of day 5 in the party's journey to the Scorpion lands, and everyone arises to prepare for the day's ride.
** (3) Satoru goes about his usual morning routine. **
** (6) Kai Lyn prepares for her day making sure SS is fed and comfortable on the cart then prepares to travel **
(1) DM Arkhandus: There are horses for each of you, though there are also two horse-drawn carts, one filled with most of the servants, and another pulled by Kiran's steed, within which his wolf companion rides
(1) DM Arkhandus: You are at the edges of Crane and Lion territory at the moment.
** (6) Kai Lyn and SS will ride in the saddle bag as usual **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo tells the party "Now we will head west through Lion territory, towards Shiro Matsu, then northwest towards Kyakuchu village."
** (6) Kai Lyn asks "Is there anything special I should know about the Lions?" **
(5) Masato: "The Lions? Very fierce and proud warriors, but I do not think they will welcome myself or Satoru in their lands."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Just that they might not be glad to see me and Giadan riding through their lands again ...... but we will not necessarily be making our presences known to the Lions...... The rest of you should not have much problem with them."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "We will just pass through their lands swiftly and make our way to the Great Crater, then we will pass through the Unicorn's passes into the territory of my Clan."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party prepares for the day's journey, and sets out across the plains once more, riding east along the road towards the Lion Clan castle of Shiro Matsu.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party rides for a day, makes camp, and sleeps, having no problems or anything during their first day out from Kita Chushin.
** (3) Satoru plods along, keeping his eyes open and his mouth shut **
** (6) Kai Lyn rides for the most part with her nose sticking out of the saddlebag watching the travelling **
(1) DM Arkhandus: On the second day out, the party sets out again, riding further across the plains, growing closer to the castle Shiro Matsu.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Again, the party has no problems this day, riding until dusk and then resting for the night.
(1) DM Arkhandus: On the third day out from Kita Chushin, the party rises and sets out again, Shujo telling the party that they should nearly reach Shiro Matsu before dusk, and that the party should break camp a few miles from the castle, so as not to attract any undue attention from nosy Lions.
** (3) Satoru agrees **
(1) DM Arkhandus: As the party reaches the Kawa Mitsu Kishi, the Three Sides River, near dusk, they break camp for supper and take a brief rest, and can see Shiro Matsu looming ahead several miles away.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The river burbles queitly a few dozen feet from the party's campsite.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Luckily, no Lion sentries happen by to bother the party as they make camp and dine.
(5) Masato: "It's a shame we haven't the time to spend here. Herein lies the heart of the Lion's supply lines and samurai quartering. Our Clan would savor a victory here."
** (6) Kai Lyn and SS drink deeply from the river and explores the area stretching their short legs from the days ride then engaging in a wrestling bout before eating and settling in for the night **
(3) Satoru: "We're here on business, not to play, Kakita-san."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti wrinkles her nose at this. "Yes, quite a shame you won't be able to drag us along to annoy the Lions, who are helping MY Clan against the foolish Dragon."
(5) Masato: "Such tangled webs we weave..."
** (6) Kai Lyn grins at him then spouts off a long line of weasel at him then runs off to change into her human form "There is always time for play." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran sits near the river and watches it in contemplation, enjoying the sounds of it quietly and steadily making its way towards the seas to the east.
** (3) Satoru wanders off a short distance to do some brief exploring but stays within a couple hundred paces of the river **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo and Giadan, for their part, eat within their tents and generally stay out of site, not wanting any passing Lion sentries to harass them.
** (6) Kai Lyn sits by the fire watching the others shaking her head at their misunderstanding of the need for play **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti walks around near the camp and keeps watch while she eats and ponders.
** (6) Kai Lyn stands and goes to her "Nerfereti-san are you doing well this evening?" **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Yes, I am fine. Just thinking about what's happening in the lands of my Clan."
** (6) Kai Lyn says "WIsh to talk about it?" **
** (5) Masato goes to the banks of the river and practices his kata amongst the rocks. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "No, I'm just a little worried about how near the Dragon lands my family is....."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "But things have not gotten too dangerous there yet, so I am sure they are fine."
** (6) Kai Lyn says "This land is so wide so different than my village. I am the only one who has travelled away from it in a long time. Sometimes I miss it." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: As the sun falls behind the horizon and dusk slowly shifts towards night, the party is aroused from their chatter, exercises, and play by a sound near the river.
** (6) Kai Lyn cautiously approaches the source of the noise **
** (3) Satoru being the farthest away will take the longest to arrive **
** (5) Masato breaks from his practice by the noise and cautiously moves along the banks of the river to see what the noise could be. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The grass shifts as though some small animal were moving through it, and the rustling in the grass nears the party's camp.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((Spot and Listen checks all))
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti spot check [1d20+2] -> [12,2] = (14)
(3) Satoru: [1d20] -> [5] = (5) [1d20] -> [13] = (13)
(5) Masato: Spot: [1d20+3] -> [1,3] = (4)
(6) Kai Lyn: [1d20-2] -> [15,-2] vs 0 result of (1)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo spot check [1d20+0] -> [13,0] = (13)
(5) Masato: Listen: [1d20+3] -> [12,3] = (15)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran spot check [1d20+3] -> [1,3] = (4)
(6) Kai Lyn: [1d20+3] -> [2,3] = (5)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran wolf spot check [1d20+3] -> [18,3] = (21)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran listen check [1d20+3] -> [5,3] = (8)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran wolf listen check [1d20+3] -> [7,3] = (10)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo listen check [1d20+0] -> [5,0] = (5) and Nerfereti listen check [1d20+2] -> [5,2] = (7)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato hears movement at the party's camp, like something scurrying about and rummaging through the party's stuff. Nerfereti likewise sees something small moving about the camp.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran's wolf growls and alerts the Vanara, dashing off towards the camp, with Kiran following behind.
(1) DM Arkhandus: As Masato, Kiran, and Nerfereti were closest to the camp (I'm assuming) and each managed to tell where the disturbance was coming from, they arrive first.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato and Kiran arrive at about the same time, and Nerfereti is already near the camp, staring at something. You three see a small creature rummaging through the party's supplies, tents, and so on.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The servants seem to be away, tending the horses or something, and none seem to have noticed the little creature at the camp.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Water upon it glistens in the waning light, and it looks vaguely humanoid, but tiny.
** (5) Masato moves closer to the creature, trying to ascertain what it is. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The creature turns suddenly, seeming to have heard the approach of Masato, Kiran, the wolf, and Nerfereti; likely hearing the wolf's growling first
** (6) Kai Lyn slips into the tent and shifts to weasel form then comes out to see what is going on **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The little man-like thing drops some flasks and food it had been rummaging through, and glares up at Masato, the nearest.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The little man-thing is mostly green, with a little yellow on it's chest, face, and belly, with a dark brown lump covering it's back. It has some sort of beak instead of a mouth.
** (6) Kai Lyn approaches very quietly with curiousity **
(1) DM Arkhandus: It grumbles out, in slightly broken Rokugani, "What you soft-skins doing here? This Jigoru's river, Jigoru's land. This stuff here now Jigoru's. You leave.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran studies the small creature curiously.
** (6) Kai Lyn cocks her head curiously at his words then shakes her head **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti squints, trying to figure out what it is in the dim light of the sun, which is nearly below the horizon.
(5) Masato: "Well Jigoru. We're just passing through, we didn't know it was your river. If you want some food, we'll trade it for your hospitality."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru cocks its head slightly to the side, seeming to ponder your offer. Then it speaks "Well, Jigoru might have accepted gifts for passage through Jigoru's land and river if pale soft-skins had come to Jigoru earlier, but Jigoru not think he should accept now. It late, Jigoru thinks, to be offering gifts after walking all over Jigoru's land and staring greedily at Jigoru's river. Jigoru not think he should let you pass, no....."
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((Diplomacy check, Masato; untrained Charisma check if you have no ranks in Diplomacy))
(5) Masato: Diplomacy: [1d20+6] -> [15,6] = (21)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru, the little greenish man-creature, thinks for a few more minutes.....
(5) Masato: "Are you sure we can't offer you some food?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru then says "What you soft-skins think you can offer Jigoru, now that you have already walked on Jigoru's land, used Jigoru's timber for your cooking fire, and without asking Jigoru politely first?"
(5) Masato: "Well, we have some rather tasty food."
** (5) Masato shows him the rice, the pickled fish, and other offerings. **
(5) Masato: "We apologize for not recognizing this river as being yours."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Jigoru not need just more food right now. Jigoru own river, own fields. Jigoru rule fishes and foxes and rats. Jigoru have plentily food. Anything else soft-skins can offer Jigoru before Jigoru acquire taste for softy-flesh?"
** (6) Kai Lyn speaks in hengeyokai tongue "We are sorry to have not recognized your lands. Please allow us to make it right?" **
** (5) Masato shrugs. "Food is all we have brought. We are travellers." **
(5) Masato: "What would you like?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran says to Jigoru "Maybe you would like some of this shiny golden stuff the humans use? This gold stuff? I think we have a little. Or maybe you want a horse or something?" Kiran ponders some more after this.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran diplomacy check [1d20+5] -> [5,5] = (10)
(5) Masato: "Money? Is that what you want?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru says "I not need soft-skins' human monies. Jigoru not like softy-skins, only like eating softy-skins. No buy stuff from softy-skins. Maybe gold be pretty, but not help Jigoru..."
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((Each of you may try a Knowledge-local or Knowledge-arcana check to see if you might recognize what the creature is))
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti Knowledge-arcana check [1d20+7] -> [13,7] = (20)
(6) Kai Lyn: [1d20+2] -> [6,2] = (8)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti whispers to Kiran and Masato "I think this little guy is a kappa, some sort of aquatic turtle-person. My studies say that kappa are fickle and ill-tempered......"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru seems to hear Nerfereti's whisper, and grumbles "What you say about Jigoru being temperamental? Jigoru not like impolite softy-folk!"
** (6) Kai Lyn cocks her head to her words then settles down watching this person with curiousity **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti mumbles "Oh, um, I'm sorry Jigoru, I was just saying that we wouldn't want to make you mad, and should try and give you something to show that we're sorry.......yeah......."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti diplomacy check [1d20+5] -> [19,5] = (24)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru seems to settle down and accept Nerfereti's hasty excuse....
(1) DM Arkhandus: "So what you softies going to give Jigoru if not your squishy, tasty flesh?"
** (6) Kai Lyn looks up to him shakes her head with a sneeze **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru briefly glares at the little weasel that had chittered something at him earlier, then returns to glaring up at the much taller humans before him.
(1) DM Arkhandus: .......and the Vanara, too....
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran mutters "Well, I don't really know what else we can offer you.....are you sure you wouldn't like some of our food, or gold, or a horse or something?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: The vanara seems at a loss to what they could possibly offer the strange little Jigoru.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran Diplomacy check [1d20+5] -> [19,5] = (24)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru stamps his foot a little, thinking, seeming to lose his patience a little bit, but seems to reconsider Kiran's offer.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The little turtle-like man-thing, Jigoru, says "How much food and gold was you going to give Jigoru? Jigoru getting tired of bargaining with you tasty soft skins......"
(1) DM Arkhandus: The little green, yellow, and brown turtle-man pats his little potbelly a little
(5) Masato: "Well, let's see...A bag of rice, a jar of pickled fish, 20 silver?"
(5) Masato: ((Diplomacy?))
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((Aye, diplomacy check again)
(5) Masato: Diplomacy: [1d20+6] -> [3,6] = (9)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru thinks for a moment, then says "That not enough to make Jigoru forget annoying soft-skins. Jigoru going to get hungry after all this talking with tasty-looking softies."
(6) Kai Lyn: SS comes up to join her mistress and study this person
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran says "Well, how about three bags of rice, uhh, two loaves of bread, a little bag of spice, and 20 gold?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran diplomacy check [1d20+5] -> [18,5] = (23)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Again, the monkey-man manages to persuade the little kappa back towards negotiation......
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru seems to count on his fingers for a moment, thinking, and then says "That might make Jigoru feel a little better. Ummm, Jigoru want a horse too. Not eat horse for a while."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran shudders at the thought.
** (6) Kai Lyn sneezes and shakes her head **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran glances at Masato, Nerfereti, and Kai Lyn, a frown on his face, as though asking if they should really give up one of their horses to be devoured by this strange, temperamental little turtle-man
(5) Masato: "No horses. We must have them to leave. That is our final offer."
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((diplomacy check Masato)
(5) Masato: Diplomacy: [1d20+6] -> [1,6] = (7)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru's face turns sour at this point (as if it weren't strange and ugly enough) and says "Jigoru want more. If no horse, then more gold or food. You have sake? Shochu?"
** (5) Masato grabs a jug of sake. "Here. Satisfied?" **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru extends a hand for the sake.
** (5) Masato nods. "To your health." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru uncorks the jug of sake and guzzles down some straight out of the jug, in an annoying display of poor manners and sloppiness. He replaces the cork and burps, again with the poor manners. He considers this offer again.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The annoying, demanding little kappa then says "Okay, Jigoru think this sake not be too bad. Jigoru take gold and rice and bread and spices now too, and Jigoru let soft-fleshies camp on Jigoru's land for now. Just don't dirty Jigoru's river!"
** (6) Kai Lyn chatters to SS and decides that a wrestling match is better than this character and both run off **
** (11) Satoru sits patiently on his horse **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran fetches the gold, spices, rice, and bread he had offered the kappa, and gives them to the little turtle-thing.
** (6) Kai Lyn stops outside the tent and both of us enter and another wrestling match insues **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Jigoru walks over to some of the party's belongings that he had been rummaging through earlier, and takes out a small blanket. "Jigoru take this too." Then the kappa piles the party's offerings onto the blanket and ties it into a bundle, slings it over his back, and carries it away, the jug of sake in his other hand.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Well, the little kappa has finally left you alone. Anything else you want to do before resting up for the night?
(1) DM Arkhandus: Alright, after the overlong negotiations with the kappa, the group settles in for the night and rests.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Thankfully, nothing else eventful happens during the night to disturb the party, and everyone arises the next morning refreshed.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The servants, for their part, wonder what caused the mess in the camp, but quickly clean it up and pack everything back up to prepare for the day's ride, although they ponder why they are suddenly short several bags of rice, a jug of sake, and a few other supplies......
** (11) Satoru suggests to them that they not be concerned about it **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo tells the party this morning, "Okay, today we should be crossing the Kawa Mitsu Kishi and passing by Shiro Matsu; we should probably travel off the road for a little ways to go around the Lion castle, or we might have to waste several days explaining our business with the uptight Lions......"
(1) DM Arkhandus: After a brief hesitation, he adds "Then tomorrow we will ride northeast to Kyakuchu village and rest there, before heading further northwest to Kenson Gakka, where we may have to negotiate for passage with some Lion samurai....."
** (11) Satoru gives Masato a rather amused look **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Of course, with Akodo-sama's writ, we should be able to get past their fortress quickly and approach the lands of the Unicorn and then my Clan."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party then sets out again on horseback, heading over a bridge across the Three Sides River and past the castle Shiro Matsu, and break camp a few miles north of there.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The next day you rise and set out for Kyakuchu village, and reach there sometime in the afternoon.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kyakuchu looks like a bustling little village, and you also see many Lion samurai, scouts, messengers, and such travelling through the village.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo discreetly removes his outer kimono, acting as though hot, and places it in one of his saddlebags, to hide the Scorpion mon upon its back......
** (6) Kai Lyn sits in her saddlebag watching their running back and forth with great curiousity **
** (11) Satoru observes quietly from horseback, keeping his mouth shut and his eyes and ears open **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Giadan, for his part, doesn't seem to mind any stares or glares from Lion samurai who see his clearly-Scorpion clothes
(1) DM Arkhandus: As you ride slowly into Kyakuchu, a small group of Lion samurai step in your path along the road.
(1) DM Arkhandus: "What business do you have here, Scorpions and Cranes?"
** (11) Satoru is currently dressed in non-crested leather scale armor **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shosuro Giadan says simply "Why, we are on a noble quest from lord Akodo Kaneka, Lion! So why do you block our path?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: The Lion samurai growls briefly and says "Well why are you skulking vermin in the lands of our honorable Clan? Have you no better rocks to scuttle under? No one better to harass and sting?"
** (6) Kai Lyn studies this person with great curiousity but not reacting to his words **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Another one of the samurai pipes up "Aye, we have little reason to believe you were sent by the honorable late Emperor's son."
** (14) Shosuro Giadan pulls out his papers and shows them to the Lion that seems to be in charge **
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Will these do NOBLE Lion?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: The Lion samurai glances at the papers and says "And how do we know you haven't forged these papers anyhow, ignoble Scorpion?"
** (6) Kai Lyn sneezes **
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Because I am samurai and noble as well and you insult me and my clan by your actions and words and disgrace your noble ancestors by accusing people
(1) DM Arkhandus: "I accuse only Scorpions who have a history of backstabbing the Empire and its noble warriors!" the Lion grumbles.
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "So you would accuse the company I keep as well, for we all know that association with dishonorable people means one must also be dishonest therefore not only are you insulting the Scorpion, but you dare to insult my companions the noble crane."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo glares at the Lion samurai, but still doesn't want to give away that he's a Scorpion as well.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti stares at the Scorpions and Cranes, as it is they whom the Lions would quarrel with.
** (6) Kai Lyn disappears into the saddle bag and after a few chuckles two little black noses stick out to watch these "intelligent humanoids' **
** (11) Satoru folds his wrists over the front of his saddle and waits for the samurai to finish posing **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The Lion samurai replies "The 'noble' Crane are not themselves untainted! And they too undertake the same dishonorable political machinations as your Clan, Scorpion, they just try harder to hide their machinations."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran just sits dumbfounded upon his mount, wondering just what it is these silly, posturing humans are quibbling about.
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Now shall you let us pass as is our right by these papers, or are you going to start a war because of your actions this day, a war that would rip the Empire apart and send all into the shadows?"
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Our mission is more important then you know, and you seem you know much less than others of your kind"
(1) DM Arkhandus: The Lion glares at the Scorpion shugenja, saying in a low voice "You had best cease to accuse me of instigating wars or insulting your companions, as none of you are honorable enough to accuse us of anything, vile Scorpion........."
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Then let us pass with no more interference; if you wish to follow us to your borders then do so but at a respectable distance, but you will let us pass."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The four Lion samurai before you fume at your speech and threatening tone, but the three smaller samurai wait to see what the larger, more talkative one will do, though they seem ready for a fight.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((aye, attempt a Diplomacy check Giadan, though it is unlikely to work against the Lions.))
(11) Satoru: "Are you quite finished?" Satoru asked in a rather bored tone of  voice.
(14) Shosuro Giadan(whispering):
Diplomacy
cha
3
4
[1d20+7] -> [7,7] = (14)
(1) DM Arkhandus: The seeming leader of these samurai says "We will only let you vermin pass through our honorable lands if we have sufficient reason to believe that you aren't here to assassinate or spy on our people. What proof have you that you are truly on a mission from the Emperor's son?"
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "My word and my papers should be all the proof you need, and you and your pride should let us pass Lion."
(11) Satoru: "I am Daidoji Satoru, son of Lord Daidoji. Are you calling me a liar?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: "You have not spoken yet, Crane, so how could I be calling you a liar? But the company you keep would seem to suggest that......." the Lion growls out.
(11) Satoru: "Then stand aside."
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Daidoji-sama these men obviously lack the gentile arts of heraldry and do not recognize you oh great one "
** (11) Satoru gives Shosuro Giadan a rather direct look then returns his attention to the Lion samurai in front of him. **
** (14) Shosuro Giadan bows low in the saddle as if he was of a great rank **
(11) Satoru: "You bring dishonor to yourself, your family, and your clan by delaying us in such a dishonorable fashion."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti speaks up now, getting agitated by all this seeming male-posturing or something and says "Lion samurai, can you not just let us pass? I am Asako Nerfereti of the Phoenix, your allies, and I assure you that these Crane and Scorpion are only with us because Lord Akodo asked for them to escort us. We must reach the Shinomen so we can find the oni that slew the Emperor and aid Lord Akodo in hunting the oni down!"
(1) DM Arkhandus: The Lions fume a little more at the party's remarks and grumble a little.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((diplomacy checks for Giadan, Satoru, and Nerfereti please))
** (5) Masato keeps himself steady and avoids the obvious baiting by the Lions. **
(1) DM Arkhandus:  Nerfereti diplomacy check [1d20+5] -> [8,5] = (13)
(14) Shosuro Giadan (whispering):
Diplomacy
cha
3
4
[1d20+7] -> [5,7] = (12)
(11)  Satoru: [1d20+5] -> [20,5] = (25)
(1) DM Arkhandus: The larger samurai of the small Lion patrol glares at Satoru and Giadan, and storms off to the east towards someplace else in town, grumbling out before he leaves "Alright, we will let you pass for now.......but do not think we will not be watching you while you traverse our noble lands!"
** (11) Satoru picks up his horse's reins and nudges it back into motion **
** (5) Masato urges his horse forward. **
** (11) Satoru mutters something under his breath as the journey continues **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The other Lion samurai begrudgingly follow their leader, some sneering and jeering at the party as they leave.
** (6) Kai Lyn and SS disappear into the saddlebag, and chuckles and squeaking can be heard **
** (5) Masato looks aside to Satoru. "Well, at least this journey has not been uneventful." **
** (14) Shosuro Giadan moves on with the others. **
(11) Satoru: "True."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party continues on further into the village until they find a suitable stable to leave their mounts in, and the servants proceed to take care of the horses and such as the party goes about their business in town.
(14) Shosuro Giadan: " I personally would prefer more uneventful times."
(11) Satoru: "Why? The only thing peace gets you is a fat behind."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo grins briefly.
** (11) Satoru locates the inn, deposits some of his gear there, changes out of his armor, locates the tea house, then wanders over in the direction of the stables to practice his katas **
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Yes but only if you're not entertaining yourself properly; a Scorpion should never be that out of shape for we should always be busy with our tasks, though peaceful tasks are safer then other types."
** (11) Satoru raises his eyebrows at Shosuro but doesn't comment further. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti finds a teahouse to sup in and proceeds into the establishment for an early evening meal, while Kiran just wanders about the town for a little while. Shujo finds an inn and gets himself a room, still keeping his identity as a Scorpion secret so as not to stir up any further trouble in the Lion lands. He spends the rest o the day in his room, reading, thinking, and just whiling away the time, rather than go outside and run into any thuggish Lions.
(5) Masato: "Yes. I've heard much of Scorpion past times."
(14) Shosuro Giadan: " I am sure what you have heard is only partially true; I know how people get when telling stories."
(5) Masato: "Even if only half of what I have heard is true, it still weighs heavily upon your Clan's reputation."
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Well it should, we have done things for the Empire many times and have done them without complaint; the Crabs defend the Wall from the threats of the shadowlands, our clan defends the Empire from threats within itself; I must say that such noble duties should be more honored than they are."
(5) Masato: "We shall see what your Clan has to offer when we reach your lands."
** (5) Masato moves off to find a herald, should such a village possess one, in hopes of making inquiries about the swords recovered from the elven ronin. **
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "Even the Lions' duty of massing together to charge headlong into the fray of the shadowlands hordes is a noble yet under-regarded duty. Those that die quickly are quickly forgotten, but those who live long and fight bravely for many years are revered as the only heroes; but is it not true that we are all heroes in our own right, and that we are the stuff legends are built on if not the stuff of legends ourselves?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato, you search for a little while, but find no heralds here. You will need to look in a larger town to find such folk who may be able to identify the daisho of the ronin who had attacked you.
** (6) Kai Lyn is curled on a pillow eating some of the vegetables that were offered to her while SS eats a wide variety of meat **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Perhaps in the Lion fortress to the northeast, along the road the party is taking, will have some herald with such knowledge, but then again, you might not be very welcome within there, either.......
(14) Shosuro Giadan: "I suggest that from now on unless we need supplies, we keep to the road and camp under the stars so we don't have to deal with such ignorant cretins again"
** (11) Satoru finishes after an hour or so, then takes a bath, dresses in a silk robe, then heads for the tea house, his swords at his waist. **
** (11) Satoru then has dinner before retiring for the night **
(5) Masato: "They are not ignorant. Should Satoru and I have found them in our lands, I doubt we would have been much more hospitable."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The rest of the party does little for the rest of the evening, and retires to the inn early. Nerfereti, after her early evening meal, walks about town for a little while and then retires, while Kiran likewise retires to an inn after wandering the town for a while.
** (5) Masato eats, bathes, and retires for the night. **
** (6) Kai Lyn retires to Shoju's room curls up with and their gentle snoring is barely heard **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party retires for the evening, one at a time, and arises in the morning to prepare for the next day's ride.
(1) DM Arkhandus: In the morning, Shujo is eager to leave the Lion village early, and awakens the rest of the party at an early hour.
** (11) Satoru gets up, puts on his armor and swords, has breakfast, then goes to horse **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The Scorpion samurai is a little surprised in the morning though to find a pair of weasels sleeping on his bed, but decides not to ask Kai Lyn about it, figuring she just didn't want to shift while in the Lion inn.
** (6) Kai Lyn awakens prepares for the day gives a cute squeak and prepares to leave with him **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti grumbles at being awoken early, but gets ready to go nonetheless. Kiran just decides to watch the sunrise for a little while since he's up so early.
** (5) Masato eats a light breakfast and then makes his way to the stables. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party prepares for another day's ride, and head out for the Lion castle Kenson Gakka
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo tells the group that it should take them about two or three days to reach the castle, and that again, they should probably camp out a few miles away from it, without actually entering it.
** (6) Kai Lyn and SS again prepare for their fun day in the saddlebag looking out through the flap with a look of mischief on their little muzzles **
(5) Masato: "I have no intention of entering it."
(11) Satoru: "Neither do I."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo nods with a slight smile on his face, glad that he won't have to deal with any more posturing Lion samurai for a while.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party rides uneventfully for the rest of the day, and encounters no problems, breaking camp in the afternoon for a bit and again at night to sleep, and then continues on the next day.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Near midday, while riding across the road along the plains of the Lion Clan, your horses suddenly bray and come to a stop, and you see something moving around in the grass.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Spot checks
(5) Masato: Spot: [1d20+3] -> [15,3] = (18)
(6) Kai Lyn: [1d20+0] -> [3,0] = (3)
(11) Satoru: [1d20] -> [17] = (17)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti spot check [1d20+2] -> [5,2] = (7)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran Spot check [1d20+3] -> [7,3] = (10)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran's Wolf spot check [1d20+3] -> [11,3] = (14)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo spot check [1d20+0] -> [4,0] = (4)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato and Satoru are the only ones to get a good look at whatever it is moving about in the tall grasses
(1) DM Arkhandus: You two see a pair of large, child-sized  worms or snakes of some sort, about 20 or 30 feet from your position
** (11) Satoru slides off his horse and draws his swords **
** (5) Masato steps down from his horse and signals the convoy to stop. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The two creatures make strange, slithering and rustling noises as they move through the grasses, which mostly obscure their actual appearance, as their bodies are fairly long for their size but low to the ground.
** (11) Satoru waves with one of his blades toward Masato, then beings moving to flank from the other direction. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The rest of the party only sees the grass rustling ahead and to the left of the road.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The two creatures or whatever, for their part, seem to be moving towards YOU, Masato and Satoru, as you approach them........they seem to have spotted you are about the same time, or sooner.
(1) DM Arkhandus: One move towards Satoru, the other towards Masato. Roll initiative, you two
(11) Satoru: [1d20+8] -> [11,8] = (19)
(1) DM Arkhandus: The rest of the party will roll initiative later, when their characters become aware
(5) Masato: Initiative: [1d20+3] -> [15,3] = (18)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Okay, Masato, you get to act first. You see one of the squirming things ahead of you about 15 feet.
(1) DM Arkhandus: *********** FIRST ROUND **********
(1) DM Arkhandus: *********** SATORU ************
** (11) Satoru tries to figure out what they are and what they intend to do (sense motive) **
(11) Satoru: [1d20+2] -> [11,2] = (13)
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((make an Intelligence check, or Knowledge-nature if you have it (which you probably don't)
(11) Satoru: I do. [1d20+3] -> [17,3] = (20)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru, you can now more clearly see what it is. It's an unusually large insect, a large centipede of sorts, about 4 or 5 feet long and half a foot wide, and it seems to stare up at you, antennae twitching.
(1) DM Arkhandus: You recall having read some small book on rare wildlife or somesuch, which had mentioned such large breeds of insect. You recall that these centipedes tend to be aggressive while hungry.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ************** FIRST MONSTROUS CENTIPEDE ***********
(1) DM Arkhandus: The centipede in front of Satoru twitches it's antennae some more, and then its numerous legs churn the dirt as it scurries towards a meal.....
(1) DM Arkhandus: (attack of opportunity, Satoru)
(11) Satoru: Attack: [1d20+3] -> [3,3] = (6)[1d20+3] -> [2,3] = (5) Damage: [1d6+4] -> [5,4] = (9)[1d6+4] -> [6,4] = (10)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru takes a swipe at the creature as it scurries towards him, but underestimates its speed slightly and strikes a little too late a spot the creature no longer occupies. The overlarge insect then attempts to bite the Crane.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Small Monstrous Centipede bite [1d20+3] -> [18,3] = (21) and damage [1d4-3] -> [2,-3] = (-1)
(1) DM Arkhandus: The creature manages to nip one of Satoru's legs for 1 point of damage. Satoru, Fort save.
(11) Satoru: Fort: [1d20+4] -> [20,4] = (24)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru feels a brief, strange sensation in his leg as the centipede bites him, but nothing more.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ********** MASATO *********
** (5) Masato moves forwards and slashes as the nearest one with his katana. **
(5) Masato: Katana: [1d20+6] -> [20,6] = (26)
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((wow, roll for crit)
(5) Masato: Critical: [1d20+6] -> [20,6] = (26)
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((roll for damage))
(5) Masato: Damage: [1d10+2] -> [9,2] = (11)
(5) Masato: ((22))
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato's katana chops the nearest centipede in two, from head to tail (or whatever)
(1) DM Arkhandus: The thing's two halves quiver briefly, and it dies.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ****** ROUND TWO *******
(1) DM Arkhandus: *****SATORU *******
(11) Satoru: Attack: [1d20+3] -> [5,3] = (8)[1d20+3] -> [13,3] = (16) Damage: [1d6+4] -> [5,4] = (9)[1d6+4] -> [2,4] = (6)
(1) DM Arkhandus: [1d4] -> [1] = (1)
(1) DM Arkhandus: Everyone else now knows that Satoru and Masato are attacking something on the ground, but.....
(1) DM Arkhandus: Alright, Satoru's first attack misses, but his second strike chops the monstrous centipede's head and upper body in two, though not quite as completely as Masato's attack had done to the other centipede. Nonetheless, this one too is dead.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ****** END COMBAT ******* (such as it was)
** (5) Masato looks about to make sure there are no others, and then cleans and sheathes his blade. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Those were the only two.
** (11) Satoru checks the grass around himself before flicking his blades clean and resheathing them **
(1) DM Arkhandus: After Masato and Satoru mount up again (and I'm assuming you mention to the rest of the party that you were fighting off a pair of large, hungry centipedes or somesuch), the party continues to ride on.
(1) DM Arkhandus: You encounter no further problems for the rest of the day, nor the next day.
(5) Masato: "Just some hungry centipedes. Not to worry."
** (6) Kai Lyn looks at him gives him a very cute squeak **
(11) Satoru: "I wouldn't suggest eating them as they're supposed to be posionous."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru can see a small amount of strange green fluid upon his leg near the small bite wound upon his leg, but the bite hadn't apparently stricken any blood vessels and none of the venom got to you.
** (11) Satoru washes it off rather carefully **
(5) Masato: "No, I don't think any of us are that hungry."
(1) DM Arkhandus: After the next day's ride, you arrive in the afternoon near the castle Kenson Gakka, and make camp a few miles away from it, behind a hill.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran inspects Satoru's wound briefly beforehand, and confirms that it's fine.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party rides on the day after that, Shujo telling them that with the rougher terrain near the mountains, it will likely take about 4 days to near Kyuden Ikoma to the northeast, and then shortly after that they should reach the Great Crater.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((The party's camped outside Kenson Gakka then, and that's where we'll continue next week.))