| EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the log for Sunday, December 1st. Unfortunately, one character in the party was slain in this session due to intra-party conflict, which he had started, and many complaints were made about him previously, so I allowed the party to handle him as they chose. Fortunately, a new party member also joined the group this session, so the party has not lost any strength. (1) DM Arkhandus: Alright, when we left off last session, the group had begun riding through the Northern Pass, Kita Toge, and encountered a trio of goblin rats that were ransacking the party's supplies. The party swiftly defeated the goblin rats, suffering only minor wounds which Giadan and Kiran healed, and then Giadan wanted to punish the servants for not finding the goblin rats in the supplies earlier. Kiran told him not to, and the group rode on a short distance before making camp, and then Giadan again insisted on punishing the servants. Giadan, Satoru, and Kiran argued the matter briefly, before Satoru dismissed the servants and stood down, leaving Giadan fuming and Kiran still eying the two of them angrily. (1) DM Arkhandus: The party's roughly halfway through the pass, and it is evening. We left off after Satoru dismissed the servants and walked away. (9) Shosuro Giadan: "we can't go on like this, discipline and order must be established, a leader must be picked, and it must be done now or this lack of leadership will ruin this mission" (2) Masato: "There was little problem with unity until this incident." ** (3) Kai Lyn listens to this interchange then chuckles to SS who chuckles in return "The stink of testosterone is overpowering," ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran continues to glare at the samurai and shugenja, trying to think of a way to end this. (9) Shosuro Giadan: "the best way for this is a first blood duel, as for my champion I will ask Masato if he will accept the honor on my behalf" (2) Masato: "I fight for my own honor and for that of my Clan and family." (2) Masato: "If you wish to draw blood, you will do it with your own hand." (9) Shosuro Giadan: "then the duty falls to shujo" (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran states simply "Why must you humans duel over this anyway? What is wrong with having no leader? And if we must have a leader to settle disputes, why not vote on who should lead? What do you humans need a leader for to go on a mission for Lord Akodo? We aren't a military unit or something, are we?" (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo, sitting near the fire, frowns. (2) Masato: "I see no need to duel. I know quite clearly who my masters are." ** (3) Kai Lyn sits preparing a small meal for herself and SS shaking her head "I will never understand their problem." ** (9) Shosuro Giadan: "because Kiran this is not the type of society that does voting, this is the type that does it through the hands of the kami, and when such things matter, the kami guide the hands of the duelists to the proper fate" (1) DM Arkhandus: "I must accept the 'honor' for my Clan, if Satoru even accepts the duel........but he may well decline, Giadan. It is his right." (9) Shosuro Giadan: "if he does decline the duel then I am leader and he accepts it as so " (1) DM Arkhandus: "No, without permission from our lords, we cannot duel and waste ourselves when we have a greater duty to perform for our lords." (9) Shosuro Giadan: "duels to the death yes but not for first blood" (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo walks over to Satoru and whispers something to him. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru gives Shujo an odd look ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru then draws his swords and heads back for the argument in progress.** (4) Daidoji Satoru: "I will deal with this, Shujo-san." ** (2) Masato stands aside. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru: "Kakita-san, will you watch my back?" (2) Masato: "I will bear witness." (4) Daidoji Satoru: "Thank you," (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "We will duel, then?" (4) Daidoji Satoru: "No, Shujo-san. He challenges me, then he will either face me or be run off like the whipped dog he is." (9) Shosuro Giadan: "you dishonor your family by these actions daidoji-san you either accept the duel or decline but to draw a blade on me for this is a stain on your family honor " (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "No, he will not dishonor his family. I decline to serve as your yojimbo in this matter, Giadan-san, and I will bear the dishonor if I must." (2) Masato: "He is free to name his terms." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru continues to approach Giadan ** (9) Shosuro Giadan: "unfortunatly Shujo you can't decline to do so will stain your family honor and that of the clan if you do so you will be marked for death be assured and it will not be an honorable death" (1) DM Arkhandus: "Still, I decline. I am samurai like you, and I will not allow you to control me above your station. This is a foolish matter to duel over anyway." (9) Shosuro Giadan: "leadership is not a foolish matter he can decline the duel and accept me as leader or he can accept and you will duel him" (9) Shosuro Gidan: 'and I am not controling you above my station it is your duty as a samurai and as a clan member" ** (4) Daidoji Satoru stops in front of Giadan. "Draw your blade, Scorpion. We fight now." ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo sits down and sets his daisho aside, waiting for Giadan's response. (9) Shosuro Giadan: "so you wish to die dishonorably do you daidoji-san" ** (4) Daidoji Satoru raises his swords then steps forward and attacks ** (4) Daidoji Satoru: Attack [1d20+3] -> [3,3] = (6) [1d20+3] -> [18,3] = (21) Damage [1d6+4] -> [5,4] = (9)[1d6+4] -> [5,4] = (9) (1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru apparently tires of Giadan's talk and arrogance, and steps forward to slash at the Scorpion shugenja with his swords, dealing 9 damage with his off-hand blade. (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo frowns at the dishonorable act of attacking a defenseless foe, but doesn't rise to defend his fellow Scorpion. (9) Shosuro Giadan: Initiative: Initiative Roll [1d20+2] -> [14,2] = (16) (4) Daidoji Satoru: Initiatie [1d20+8] -> [16,8] = (24) (4) Daiidoji Satoru: Attack [1d20+3] -> [1,3] = (4) [1d20+3] -> [5,3] = (8) Damage [1d6+4] -> [1,4] = (5)[1d6+4] -> [4,4] = (8) (1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru acts again before Giadan can react. (1) DM Arkhandus: Luckily for the Scorpion, his attacks come up short. Giadan acts. (1) DM Arkhandus: And now Giadan may act. (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran glares at the two humans fighting each other, having not expected such an attack but now finding himself unsure of what to do. ** (9) Shosuro Giadan casts wind born slumber on the def ** (9) Shosuro Giadan: |
| Concentration |
| con |
| 0 |
| 4 |
| [1d20+4] -> [8,4] = (12) |
| (4) Daidoji Satoru: Attack [1d20+3] -> [2,3] = (5) [1d20+3] -> [16,3] = (19) Damage [1d6+4] -> [3,4] = (7)[1d6+4] -> [6,4] = (10) (1) DM Arkhandus: ((Attack of opportunity, Satoru. He fails to properly dodge and weave as he casts.)) (1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru strikes at Giadan as he casts, but misses. (1) DM Arkhandus: ((only get to attack with one weapon on AoO)) (9) Shosuro Giadan: (spell goes off) [2d4] -> [3,4] = (7) (1) DM Arkhandus: Will save, Satoru. (4) Daidoji Satoru: [1d20+2] -> [14,2] = (16) (1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru shakes off the brief moment of drowsiness from Giadan's spell, and returns to a fighting stance. (9) Shosuro Giadan: WILL: Will Save: [1d20+5] -> [14,5] = (19) (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo will save [1d20+2] -> [1,2] = (3) (2) Masato: Will: [1d20+6] -> [18,6] = (24) (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo falls asleep suddenly...... (1) DM Arkhandus: At least, he was already sitting and had his daisho set aside, so he just slumps in his sitting position. (1) DM Arkhandus: Round 2, act Satoru. (4) Daidoji Satoru: Attack [1d20+3] -> [15,3] = (18) [1d20+3] -> [8,3] = (11) Damage [1d6+4] -> [5,4] = (9)[1d6+4] -> [4,4] = (8) (2) Masato: "Treacherous sorcery." (1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru's first blade pierces Giadan, and fells the shugenja, who lies bleeding and near death now. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru flicks the blood off of his blades, then turns and walks away. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran runs over to Giadan to apply his healing magicks. Will anyone try to stop him? ** (4) Daidoji Satoru stops as he sees Kiran coming then calmly leans forward and cuts Giadan's head off.** (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran gapes in horror and stops in his tracks. (1) DM Arkhandus: "You.......you didn't have to kill him......I could have healed him and sent him off........" (4) Daidoji Satoru: "Only blood could have cleansed the dishonor." (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran kneels and prays briefly to the spirits. ** (2) Masato moves to shake Shujo from his slumber. ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru turns toward the nearest group of servants ** (4) Daidoji Satoru: "Please remove the remains of that from my sight." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru then cleans his blades, sheaths them, then walks away. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo awakens with a start, and glances around. He furrows his brow when he sees Giadan's corpse. "What will we do about this then? I will certainly be punished for allowing this when I return to my superiors. It was not an honorable duel......." (2) Masato: "You were helpless to interfere. His sorcery rendered you unconscious. You cannot be held accountable." (1) DM Arkhandus: Eta quickly remove Giadan's corpse from the ground and carry it off to be buried. (1) DM Arkhandus: Other servants do what they can to clean up the mess. (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo frowns. "Aye, but it was still my duty to duel for him if called to do so....." ** (3) Kai Lyn walks over to the ditch gets violently ill cleans herself up puts SS in her pouch shifts and joins her in the pouch and the pouch can be seen shivering throughout the night ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru makes a special point of going over and apologizing for the incident to both Kai Lyn and Kiran.** ** (3) Kai Lyn pointedly ignores him ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran spends an hour or two praying and contemplating, while Shujo retires to his tent. Nerfereti comes out of her tent later, and asks Kiran what happened, and then returns to her tent after a brief talk. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru eats then goes to sleep ** (4) Daidoji Satoru: ((I so hate having to do things that way)) (1) DM Arkhandus: The night goes by, and in the morning the party rises. Shujo is silent and prepares his own horse and such. ** (3) Kai Lyn climbs out of the pouch she is extremely pale does her morning preparations then climbs aboard her horse in silence ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran wearily mounts his steed, having missed some sleep the night before. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru has breakfast, prays briefly, checks his weapons, then mounts up ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The group slowly mount up and head out, and travel for another two days through the mountain pass uneventfully. (1) DM Arkhandus: On day 24 of the journey, while the group is eating a midday meal, a rider appears far off behind them on the path, heading their way. ** (2) Masato narrows his eyes as he strains to identify who it could be. ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru lets his hand take hold of his bow ** (1) DM Arkhandus: It appears to be a mounted warrior in armor, who looks rather disheveled, as though having ridden hard for many days. (1) DM Arkhandus: They slow as they see you, and they dismount their horse, pausing briefly, then walking their horse the rest of the way to the group. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru gestures to Masato and Shoju then turns his horse back to greet the new arrivals. ** ** (2) Masato turns and heads to see who it is. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The warrior keeps their hands away from the hilt of their daisho, not wanting to appear threatening apparently. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru waits until the warrior gets within 30 paces then calls out. "Halt and state your business." ** ** (10) Shoko smiles but the smile seems shallow, "My name is Shoko... Shoko Saijo and I was sent here by my elders to aid you." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru: "You have papers to prove that?" ** (4) Daidoji Satoru isn't about to trust just anyone who rides up and claims to want to help after the incident yesterday. ** ** (10) Shoko hands him the papers with that same shallow smile, "There you go." ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru rides up and examines them, leaving plenty of distance between the party and the newcomer. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: ((aye, they are signed by a lord of the Unicorn clan.)) ** (4) Daidoji Satoru hands the papers back after perusing them. "I am Satoru, son of Lord Daidoji of the clan of Crane. Welcome, Unicorn." ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru turns his horse and resumes his position at the front of the group, waiting until everyone is ready to go before moving out again. ** ** (2) Masato looks to Shoko. "You'll have to forgive our cool reception. The journey has been difficult." ** ** (3) Kai Lyn says "I am not happy with you being in charge of our operation." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru: "It is not my intent to cause confusion. I merely desire to achieve success." (1) DM Arkhandus: Shoko's papers are actually signed by Lord Moto Gaheris, champion of the Unicorn clan.... And the papers seem genuine. ** (3) Kai Lyn says "You have caused problems with your actions. I will gladly accept orders from any other leader but yourself." ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru nods to Kai Lyn. "As you prefer." ** ** (10) Shoko still seems to be cheerful despite this confusion and is rocking back and forth on her feet, "I won't bother asking what happened here." ** (2) Masato: "A disagreement. With an unfortunate conclusion." (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "Well, we should continue on. We should continue on towards the Shinomen and conduct the investigation we were charged to perform." ** (3) Kai Lyn nods "A very sound idea." ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The party begins to move onward slowly as the servants pack up the supplies after the midday meal and follow behind on their carts and mules. (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo tells the others later as they ride that another day or two of riding will take them into Scorpion lands, and another few days of riding after that should bring them near the Shinomen so they can begin their investigation. (10) Shoko: (Oh and for future reference I will not always be stating she is smiling and/or seems cheerful, it's her personality and unless I say otherwise she will always seem cheerful and/or give a shallow smile) ** (3) Kai Lyn rides her horse alongside of her "Hello I am Kai Lyn I am happy to have you join us." ** (10) Shoko: "Hi, Lyn-san my name is Shoko in case you missed it, and thanks for your welcome." (1) DM Arkhandus: The party rides on for the rest of day 24, and much of day 25. In the late afternoon of day 25, the party encounters the remains of what seems to have been a small trade caravan, scattered across the path. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru folds his hands over the front of his saddle and waits as the group comes to a stop ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Bits and pieces of carts and corpses litter the small path, and you will have to move some of it to get past. It looks as though the traders encountered some sort of large mountain predator or some bandits. ** (2) Masato motions for the servants to come forward and move some things aside. ** ** (2) Masato scans the trees to see if whatever caused this remains. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Several servants jog over to the rubble and, after pausing at the sight, begin to hurriedly pick up and move chunks of broken carts and wagons. (1) DM Arkhandus: You notice that the corpses are all small humanoids, and at first you think them children, but notice that they are actually halflings. From the remains, it looks as though they were travelling northward towards the Unicorn lands. (1) DM Arkhandus: Various barrels of exotic foods lay about, many of them broken and the contents partially devoured. Strangely, the valuables and non-food goods seem relatively untouched, suggesting a creature instead of bandits. (2) Masato: "Some sort of beast..." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru frowns, dismounts, then looks around for tracks to see if he can figure out what did this ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The servants have cleared a path halfway through the rubble, and continue to move debris as eta move shredded and battered halfling corpses away. Kiran sadly approaches and looks around intently, trying to find any survivors, but finds none. (1) DM Arkhandus: ((Search check for anyone looking for tracks or other signs.)) (1) DM Arkhandus: ((or wilderness lore if you have the Track feat)) (4) Daidoji Satoru: [1d20+4] -> [3,4] = (7) (1) DM Arkhandus: With all the gore, spilled wine, and crushed foods scattered everywhere, you can't seem to find any tracks, except for the tracks of many little feet scurrying all over the place, likely the halflings. (1) DM Arkhandus: The servants have nearly cleared a path through the entirety of the rubbish, and the eta have cleared away all the bodies and returned to their cart. Then, you spot something rise from some of the wreckage near the servants, and it seems to be clutching something in its arms and holding it near its face. ** (2) Masato motions to the servants. "Make a pyre for the the bodies. It would not be proper to leave them for the animals." ** ** (10) Shoko watches the something rise from the wreckage. ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru looks ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The humanoid near the servants is a dark, sickly greenish color, and seems to be gnawing on part of a halfling corpse. It drops the half-eaten corpse, and blinks one large, putrid yellow eye. (1) DM Arkhandus: The servants, noticing it, shriek and drop what they are doing, realizing just how close they are to the creature. It leaps at one of them. ** (2) Masato draws his blade as he motions the servants back. ** ** (3) Kai Lyn prepares a magic missile to blast the creature ** (1) DM Arkhandus: ((initiative all)) (3) Kai Lyn: [1d20+3] -> [13,3] = (16) (4) Daidoji Satoru: [1d20+8] -> [7,8] = (15) (10) Shoko: [1d20+3] -> [15,3] = (18) (2) Masato: Initiative: [1d20+3] -> [17,3] = (20) (1) DM Arkhandus: ((There are four servants near the creature, so I'll roll initiative for them too, for purposes of determining when they can run away.......)) (1) DM Arkhandus: Servant 1 initiative [1d20+0] -> [16,0] = (16) and servant 2 [1d20+1] -> [17,1] = (18) and servant 3 [1d20+0] -> [3,0] = (3) and servant 4 [1d20+2] -> [2,2] = (4) (1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti Initiative [1d20+6] -> [9,6] = (15) (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo initiative [1d20+1] -> [3,1] = (4) (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran Initiative [1d20+2] -> [2,2] = (4) (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran's Wolf initiative [1d20+2] -> [8,2] = (10) (1) DM Arkhandus: **************** FIRST ROUND *************** (1) DM Arkhandus: *************** MASATO ************** ** (2) Masato moves forward to intercept the creature from attacking the eta, and slashes at it with his katana. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The creature has just started to move towards the servants, as Masato, katana drawn, reacts instantly. (2) Masato: Katana: [1d20+6] -> [17,6] = (23) (2) Masato: Damage: [1d10+2] -> [3,2] = (5) (1) DM Arkhandus: Masato rushes the creature and quickly slashes it once with his katana, but only inflicting a flesh wound. (1) DM Arkhandus: ************ SHOKO ********* (1) DM Arkhandus: ((btw, I'm assuming that you all dismounted before the creature was found, unless you decide otherwise.)) ** (3) Kai Lyn will stay mounted ** ** (10) Shoko draws and attacks the creature ** (10) Shoko: draws her katana* (10) Shoko: [1d20+6] -> [14,6] = (20) (1) DM Arkhandus: Shoko also slices into the creature with her katana. (10) Shoko: [1d10+4] -> [10,4] = (14) (1) DM Arkhandus: ........And inflicts some impressive damage upon the hideous thing, but it doesn't seem to flinch from the pain. (1) DM Arkhandus: ************* SERVANT 2 ************ (1) DM Arkhandus: One of the servants immediately makes a mad dash away, back towards the safety of the party and the steeds. (1) DM Arkhandus: *************** KAI LYN ************ ** (3) Kai Lyn mutters an ancient arcane phrase and a green ray flies towards the creature (Magic Missile) ** (3) Kai Lyn: [1d4+1] -> [1,1] = (2) (1) DM Arkhandus: Kai Lyn's magical bolt unfortunately only lightly strikes the creature's arm, and it doesn't notice. (1) DM Arkhandus: ****************** SERVANT 1 ************* (1) DM Arkhandus: Another servant follows suit and flees as well, returning to the carts and horses. (1) DM Arkhandus: ***************** NERFERETI ************ (1) DM Arkhandus: The young sorceress draws a dagger and hurls it at the creature. (1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti thrown dagger [1d20+3] -> [13,3] = (16) and damage [1d4+2] -> [4,2] = (6) (1) DM Arkhandus: Her thrown dagger just barely hurtles past the creature's arm, falling harmlessly to the ground a few dozen feet beyond. (1) DM Arkhandus: *********** SATORU ************ ** (4) Daidoji Satoru draws his swords and calmly interposes himself between the creature and any remaining servants ** (1) DM Arkhandus: ************** KIRAN's WOLF ************* (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran's animal growls at the creature, but doesn't seem willing to approach it, and Kiran has yet to order it to attack, so it just remains near Kiran, growling at the creature, not seeming to desire attacking the thing without an order. (1) DM Arkhandus: **************** THE CREATURE *********** (1) DM Arkhandus: The creature pauses on its way to to the servants after it is stricken twice, and turns to face the samurai before it. Masato and Shoko, make Will saves. (2) Masato: Will: [1d20+6] -> [8,6] = (14) (1) DM Arkhandus: Shoko Will save [1d20+4] -> [9,4] = (13) (1) DM Arkhandus: You both feel a brief feeling of dread ripple through your minds as the creature glares at you with its ugly yellow eye and a nasty stench surrounds it, but you recover. (1) DM Arkhandus: The creature strikes at you both, one with each of its wickedly-clawed hands. (1) DM Arkhandus: Creature's claw attack against Shoko [1d20+10] -> [3,10] = (13) and damage [1d6] -> [1] = (1) (1) DM Arkhandus: Creature's claw attack against Masato [1d20+10] -> [11,10] = (21) and damage [1d6] -> [1] = (1) (1) DM Arkhandus: The creature fails to scratch Shoko with his claw, but manages to tear slightly into Masato's flesh. (2) Masato: Fortitude: [1d20+5] -> [2,5] = (7) (1) DM Arkhandus: ************ SERVANT 3 *************** (1) DM Arkhandus: Masato feels a brief shiver roll through him after the creature grazes him. (1) DM Arkhandus: The third servant takes off towards safety, as his fellows have done. (1) DM Arkhandus: ************** KIRAN ************ (1) DM Arkhandus: The monkey-like Vanara moves slightly closer to the beast, just about 10 feet but still well away from it, and mutters an incantation, invoking the curse of the spirits upon the creature. (1) DM Arkhandus: ************* SHUJO ************* (1) DM Arkhandus: The scorpion samurai charges the vile creature and shouts "Banzai!" as he draws his katana lightning-quick and slashes at the creature in the same motion. (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo charging katana strike [1d20+8] -> [3,8] = (11) and enhanced damage from Kiran's spell [1d10+6] -> [3,6] = (9) (1) DM Arkhandus: Unfortunately, Shujo's mighty strike comes short of the foul creature. (1) DM Arkhandus: ************* SERVANT 4 **************** (1) DM Arkhandus: The last of the servants flees to the safety of the carts and horses. (1) DM Arkhandus: ************* ROUND TWO *********8 (1) DM Arkhandus: ************* MASATO *********** ** (2) Masato slashes fiercely at the vile creature. ** (2) Masato: Katana: [1d20+6] -> [9,6] = (15) (4) Daidoji Satoru: =] (1) DM Arkhandus: Aye. Masato's angry slash rends the creature, striking true. (2) Masato: Damage: [1d10+2] -> [8,2] = (10) (1) DM Arkhandus: Masato tears into the creature, which hisses in return. (1) DM Arkhandus: ************* SHOKO ********** (1) DM Arkhandus: Shoko katana slash [1d20+6] -> [17,6] = (23) and [1d10+6] -> [5,6] = (11) damage (1) DM Arkhandus: ......And Shoko performs a fierce strike with her katana that tears into the creature's abdomen, horribly maiming it after its previous wounds. (1) DM Arkhandus: *********** KAI LYN *********** ** (3) Kai Lyn mutters an ancient arcane phrase and a green ray flies towards the creature (Magic Missile) ** (3) Kai Lyn: [1d4+2] -> [3,2] = (5) (1) DM Arkhandus: This time, Kai Lyn's mystic bolt nails the creature, nearly staggering it, after its accumulated wounds. (1) DM Arkhandus: ********* NERFERETI ********* (1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti draws another dagger and hurls it at the horrid creature. (1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti dagger throw [1d20+2] -> [1,2] = (3) and damage [1d4+2] -> [4,2] = (6) (1) DM Arkhandus: Unfortunately, she nearly fumbles her quick toss, and the dagger flies off to the side harmlessly. (1) DM Arkhandus: ******** SATORU ********** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru moves in to assure that the creature is completely surrounded and attacks ** (4) Daidoji Satoru: attack [1d20+5] -> [19,5] = (24)[1d20+5] -> [14,5] = (19) (4) Daidoji Satoru: threat [1d20+5] -> [1,5] = (6) (1) DM Arrkhandus: And Satoru's quick strikes both hit. (4) Daidoji Satoru: damage [1d6+4] -> [3,4] = (7) [1d6+4] -> [2,4] = (6) (1) DM Arkhandus: ((err, single strike actually I think.)) (1) DM Arkhandus: In any case, the creature drops from the samurai's attack. (1) DM Arkhandus: It still quivers and convulses slightly on the ground, not quite dead. (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo, as the last person to act this round, decapitates it with his katana. (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo performs shiburo to flick the vile yellow blood from his blade, then sheathes it. (1) DM Arkhandus: ********** END COMBAT *********** (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "What is this disgusting thing?" ** (4) Daidoji Satoru looks at it intently, trying to remember ** ** (2) Masato looks at the scratch, burning from the filthiness. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti says "I don't know. I don't think I recognize it from any tome I have read. (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran inspects the wound of Masato. (4) Daidoji Satoru: [1d20+3] -> [10,3] = (13) (1) DM Arkhandus: The Vanara cleans Masato's wound, but it still seems somewhat wrong..... (2) Masato: [1d20+4] -> [6,4] = (10) ** (4) Daidoji Satoru cleans his blades absently, his mind apparently elsewhere. "I think it was a tigbanua buso." ** (2) Masato: "Has it poisoned me?" (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran says "Maybe, but I can't find trace of poison. Still.......... Perhaps you should visit a temple or shrine to have it looked at? I'll pray for some different gifts from the spirits tomorrow, but until then....." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru shakes his head. "I don't know. I remember reading an old text, these things are supposed to be harmless. But then again, this one looks to be corrupted. Either that or the drawing I saw was wrong." ** (2) Masato: "I will do so when we arrive at the next village." (4) Daidoji Satoru: "There are things worse than poison, Kakita-san." (2) Masato: "Hence my concern." (1) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti retrieves her daggers after looking around on the ground and in the rubble for a few minutes. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru has one of the servants carve open the thing's claws looking for posion sacs ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran says "Should we ride further today, or camp now?" (1) DM Arkhandus: A servant cautiously approaches the corpse and slowly severs some fingers and then the hand, finding nothing. (2) Masato: "Push on. I will be alright." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru inspects the site for signs of more of them (taking 10) ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo says "We should probably report this to the guards at the end of the pass. These halflings probably passed by on their way to Unicorn lands." (1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru finds nothing more but the wreckage and halfling corpses. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru nods satisfied, pauses to cast of cure light wounds spell on Masato, then mounts up ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Servants cremate the dead halflings as was earlier ordered, and then prepare to move on. ** (3) Kai Lyn is greatly saddened by the corpses and the loss of life ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The party rides on for a few more hours before making camp. (1) DM Arkhandus: You sleep, and rise the next morning to prepare for another day's ride. (1) DM Arkhandus: In the morning, Kiran prays and then inspects Masato's wound once again, calling upon the blessings of the spirits. ** (3) Kai Lyn walks over to Shoko "So what do you think of our little group?" ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru checks on the Crane samurai before turning his attention to the morning tasks, adding another cure light wounds spell if needed ** (2) Masato: "Is it infected?" (1) DM Arkhandus: Kiran tells Masato afterwards "You are definately afflicted with something, but it doesn't seem a normal disease. My rapport with the spirits is not yet great enough for me to request that they cure you, so you will have to visit one of your human temples or something." (2) Masato: "How far to the next village?" (1) DM Arkhandus: The party rides on for another day, and then camps again, and early in the next day they arrive at the Unicorn post at the edge of the pass. (1) DM Arkhandus: Shujo tells the guard about the halfling caravan, and the guard nods. (1) DM Arkhandus: The guard converses with his fellows briefly, then motions the group onward as he sends one of his men riding towards the nearest town, apparently to fetch some heimin and eta to clear the mess in the pass. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru asks one of the guards how much further it is to the next village and what kind of temples they have. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The guard says that Pokau village is only another day and away, and that they have no temples, and few priests. The nearest temple is in the town of Ryoko Owari another day's ride away from there. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru thanks the guard ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The party rides onward for the rest of the day, and for part of the next day before arriving in Pokau. (1) DM Arkhandus: Will you be doing anything in Pokau village? ** (4) Daidoji Satoru suggests laying over for the night here and have Masato check in with the local priests ** ** (3) Kai Lyn says "Its best to have his wounds tended to." ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Masato finds that none of the priests here can help him, so the party rests and rides on the next day, arriving in the town of Ryoko Owari late in the evening. (2) Masato: "No need to worry yourselves. I am sure that someone can help me." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru worries ** ** (2) Masato waits until morning to seek out a priest. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: When the party arrives at Ryoko Owari, Kiran suggests that Masato go visit the temple in town and see if the priests can heal his affliction. The wound itches frequently, but Masato feels no other effects. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru hauls Masato down to the temple when they arrive ** (2) Masato: "Is there something you're not telling me about this scratch? You seem quite insistent." (4) Daidoji Satoru: "I don't know. And I'd rather not find out the hard way." ** (2) Masato follows after to seek out a priest. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Braziers burn brightly before the Soshi family temple in town, one of the few structures still open at this time of night. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru knocks politely ** (1) DM Arkhandus: A young priest peers through a small eyeslit, and opens the door. "Good evening, samurai.........but what may I ask are bushi of the Crane doing in Scorpion lands, knocking upon the door of this temple? Did the reclusive Asahina reject to aid you or something?" (4) Daidoji Satoru: "My companion was wounded recently and the wound seems to be ... " He glances over at Masato. (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest raises an eyebrow questioningly, and you notice that they don't happen to be wearing a typical Scorpion mask at the moment. (2) Masato: "My companions fear some sort of infection. The sting of the wound does not seem to want to fade." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru nods ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The Soshi priest ponders briefly, not sure whether to trust some Crane samurai or not. Then he slowly waves the two samurai in. "We will inspect the wound, then. But feed and clothe us priests service to the great Kami and the Fortunes does not....... ** (4) Daidoji Satoru produces several gold coins then tucks them back into his pouch ** (1) DM Arkhandus: "I am afraid that will not support our temple, Crane. A bit larger donation would better appease the Fortunes and the Kami...." the priest says with a slight smile. (4) Daidoji Satoru: "I have more." (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest again motions the two inside. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru steps inside ** ** (2) Masato steps inside and waits for the priest to lead on. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest leads you into a small chamber where a few Soshi priests kneel and pray before statuettes and such of the Kami and Fortunes. (1) DM Arkhandus: The young man then tells you "Wait here, Crane samurai. I will speak to one of my superiors and see if they are willing to see you. (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest walks away and is gone for about 10 minutes or so. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru prays while he waits ** (1) DM Arkhandus: Another priest returns later, in a fine kimono etched with calligraphy of the names of various Kami and Fortunes, and he bows his head slightly. ** (2) Masato returns the bow. ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru looks up from his prayers then moves over to join the samurai ** (1) DM Arkhandus: "Welcome, Crane. I have decided to see to your troubles, so please do not waste my precious time. What is it that ails you that I might be able to cure?" ** (3) Kai Lyn setttles down after preparing a small meal for her and SS deciides to shift and wrestle with her little companion ** (1) DM Arkhandus: He seems just a tad arrogant, but then he does seem to be some sort of high priest. ** (3) Kai Lyn and SS wrestle and chuckle across the ground enjoying their life hoping to cheer up the others ** (2) Masato: "Several days ago I was attacked by a creature. It struck me here and the wound still bothers me. I am concerned about some sort of infection or poison. It was a, tigbanua buso we suspect." (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest nods and thinks briefly. (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest says "Alright, I can remove the curse of the Buso from you, but such services do not come cheap. Sadly, the Fortunes do not shower gold upon us for our work, so it is left to the heimin and samurai to pay for our upkeep and living style." (2) Masato: "I am prepared to compensate you for your troubles." (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest nods and holds out a hand, palm upward. ** (2) Masato empties 50 koku into the priests hand, the coins spilling out over his palm. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest frowns, and puts the coins in a pouch of his own. "I am afraid this pittance will not quite cover it." (2) Masato: "I will need to summon a valet to bring additional funds then." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru holds out a hand palm first. "How about remove the curse then you'll get more." ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest hands back the coins, but says "I will not perform a service for you without proper payment." (4) Daidoji Satoru: "How much?" ** (2) Masato looks to Satoru. "Curse?" ** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru then gestures and a loud howling noise erupts from behind the high priest ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest, startled whips around and begins to utter something, then stops. He then waves his hand and the noise dissipates. He turns back on the duo, frowning. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru frowns back ** ** (3) Kai Lyn ans SS settle down by the fire watching the others just relaxing ** (4) Daidoji Satoru: "How much more?" (2) Masato: "What do you require?" (1) DM Arkhandus: "I am inclined to think that it was one of you who cast that spell, for there is no creature here and I doubt my initiates did that." (1) DM Arkhandus: Frowning at the two in disdain, the priest says "200 koku at least, total. Be quick or I will forget that I intended to help you." (4) Daidoji Satoru: "150." (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest turns around and leaves the way he came. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru calmly reaches forward and hauls the priest back toward them. "I don't think we were done yet." ** (2) Masato: "Wait. Daidoji-san, would you be kind enough to rouse the servants and have them bring our funds?" (4) Daidoji Satoru: "Certainly, Kakita-san. I will bring the requisted 200. Remember priest, that fortune doesn't always smile on those who's eyes are fixed on heaven." (1) DM Arkhandus: After Satoru grabbed the priest, they muttered a brief syllable and a sudden burst of wind knocks Satoru away and on his rump. "I will not be handled like a heimin merchant." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru stands up. "Then why do you hold out your hands like one?"** ** (4) Daidoji Satoru then stalks off to get the money then return. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest frowns again and turns to leave. "Return with your offering, or be denied for your brashness." (1) DM Arkhandus: Satoru then returns with a pouch of koku, with the 200 requested. (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest takes the offering, briefly pausing then setting it aside upon a small pedestal. Then he tells Masato to kneel, and he mutters a prayer and lays his hand upon Masato's shoulder, golden radiance briefly travelling down his arm and into Masato's wound, which ceases to itch and loses the strange color it had taken on. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru continues to frown ** ** (2) Masato examines the wound, satisfied that is has been cured. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: "There, Crane. The Fortunes have restored you, now leave. And I would advise you to be more civil the next time you request service from those who serve the Fortunes and Kami." (2) Masato: "My thanks." ** (4) Daidoji Satoru turns away and stalks out without a word. ** (1) DM Arkhandus: The priest takes the offering from the pedestal and leaves briskly. (1) DM Arkhandus: The party retires for the night at an inn, and Kiran inspects Masato once more wtih his magic, and approves. ** (4) Daidoji Satoru stalks up to his room muttering something about how priests are no different from greedy merchants ** ** (3) Kai Lyn places SS on her shoulder picking up her saddlebag and heads to her room ** |