Session 9 Log For 12-8-02

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the log file for the December 8th session. Managed to avoid any problems with disconnects and such, so this log's quite complete. Also, some new players had joined the party recently, while a few other newcomers were around and interested in joining, so I made a rather long recap for their sake at the beginning of the December 8th session.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Okay, now to start today's session, let's recap what's happened so far in the campaign and recently (for sake of the newcomers). The original party, consisting of Daidoji Satoru, Kakita Masato, Bayushi Shujo, Nerfereti, Kai Lyn, and Kiran, met Akodo Kaneka, first son of the recently deceased Emperor Toturi, who gave the group the task of investigating his father's demise at the hands of a giant oni (demon) in the Shinomen Forest.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party left Otosan Uchi, the Imperial capital of Rokugan, and set out through Crane, Lion, and Unicorn lands to finally reach the Shinomen Forest within Scorpion Clan territory.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Most recently, one of the group's newest members, Shosuro Giadan, a Scorpion Clan shugenja, caused trouble in the party after a battle with several goblin rats (were-rats), arguing with several party members and eventually dueling Daidoji Satoru over the matter, although it was not exactly an honorable duel...... However, Giadan perished for his words and arrogance, despite Kiran's attempt to save him. Now many in the group have less faith in Satoru's decision-making ability, and while he has thus far acted as something of a leader for the party simply through assertiveness and initiative, the group now returns to the more democratic leadership they had at the start.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Since then, the party also met the young Unicorn samurai-ko Shoko, who was sent by Lord Moto Gaheris of the Unicorn Clan to assist the party, and the party finally came into Scorpion territory after exiting the Kita Toge, or Northern Pass, through the Spine Of The World Mountains, Seikitsu Sano Tama No Oi. The party passed through Pokau village and entered the city of Ryoko Owari, where Satoru and Masato visited a Shosuru-family temple of the Kami and Fortunes to have Masato cured of some curse or disease he had contracted from battling a beast in the mountain pass.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Now the party is awakening the next day, after resting in Ryoko Owari, and will soon continue on through the Scorpion lands to conduct the investigation they were sent to perform for Lord Akodo Kaneka. And that is where we begin today..........
(2) DM Arkhandus: Dawn emerges, and the party slowly awaken after a somewhat short night's sleep, having barely reached Ryoko Owari last night and arriving late.
** (5) Masato ties his obi to his waist and adjusts his daisho as he emerges, feeling much better this day, thanks to the efforts of the priests.**
(2) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti and Kai Lyn both arise in the morning and focus their minds to prepare their mysterious, sorcerous powers, while Satoru performs some morning stretches and exercises before breakfast, and Shujo keeps to himself as he cleans his daisho, exercises, then eats. The Scorpion samurai still seems troubled about the death of Giadan, even though he was not opposed to it....
(5) Masato: "How much further to the Shinomen Forest, Shujo?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo replies quietly "Well, we can either follow the roads to Shiro Shosuro, from there to Kyuden Bayushi, and then take one of several paths to the Shinomen, or we could just travel through the wilderness to reach the Shinomen, though I don't suggest it. Naga may lurk closer to Scorpion wilderness than near the parts of the Shinomen Mori where roads, shrines, and villages are near.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo waits for other party members to reply as to which way to go, not noticing how quietly he spoke and how only Masato could have heard him.
(5) Masato: "Why would the Naga interfere with our travels?"
** (3) Shoko seems to be her unusually eerie, yet chipper self, "Maybe they're hungry?" **
(13) Kiran: "I have never met a Naga."
(2) DM Arkhandus: "I mean, the parts of the Shinomen that are only close to Scorpion wilderness territory are most likely to be patrolled by Naga. Most of them are not friendly to trespassers. Only in parts of the Shinomen where shrines, forts, or villages are, or that are near such places, are likely to be unwatched by Naga." Shujo says.
(13) Kiran: "Yanagi ni kaze" (follow the path of least resistance)
(5) Masato: "Well, I did not understand Naga to be outright hostile but I suppose it would better to stick to the roads."
(2) DM Arkhandus: "Many naga warriors are hostile. Only those called 'greensnakes' tend to ignore trespassers in the Naga's forest, or at least question them first. 'Asps' and others attack first, and often do not care who the trespassers are. Thus, we must be careful when we enter the Shinomen."
(13) Kiran: "It would be best not to anger that ancient people merely to avoid the roads."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo then adds "When we do enter the Shinomen, we should not have our weapons drawn or ready, and we should be calling out occasionally to make the naga aware that we are merely searching for the site where the Emperor Toturi was slain, to investigate. They may allow us to pass unhindered then, but it is by no means certain."
(3) Shoko: "I wasn't exactly given all the details but is there a timelimit by which we need to full this assignment?"
(5) Masato: "As soon as possible was my understanding."
(2) DM Arkhandus: "If we take the roads towards the Shinomen, it will take us around one and a half or two weeks to reach the Shinomen itself."
(3) Shoko: "Then maybe the path of least resistance isn't always the best choice."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo mentions his opinion, "I do not think we need to rush overly much at this point......we have already spent several weeks traveling here, and an extra week should not make a difference...."
** (3) Shoko smile becomes bigger, "Ahh you see, I was not told all of the details." **
** (13) Kiran waits quietly, and thinks, Haste is the enemy of wisdom. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: "Ignoring the roads and cutting through the wilderness," Shujo adds, "will only reduce the time of our trip by about 4 to 8 days, and that's assuming the territory and any dangers in the wilderness aren't significantly deterring."
(5) Masato: "Perhaps staying to the roads will give us opportunity to ask of news of the Emperor's passing. After all, we have no idea where in the Shinomen Forest he could have last been seen."
(13) Kiran: "Masato-san speaks wisely also"
** (13) Kiran bows slightly **
(2) DM Arkhandus: "There are hills nearby between us and the Shinomen right now, if we were to take the most direct route, and they are not inhabited by heimin or Scorpions. So travel along the roads for now is my suggestion."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo finally quiets down again....
(5) Masato: "The roads then are my feeling."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti nods at Masato's comment, and smiles. "Yes, that would be helpful..... We could question some heimin and samurai along the way to learn whatever we can of the Emperor's passing, or maybe sights of the oni......."
(3) Shoko: "Agreed then?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti and Shujo both nod, while Satoru and Kai Lyn do so as well.
(5) Masato: "Very well. Let us be on our way then."
** (5) Masato steps up onto his horse. **
** (13) Kiran whistles to his wolf, who jumps up on his cart and lays down with a thumping of a wagging tail **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo, Satoru, Nerfereti, and Kai Lyn also mount, though Kai Lyn shifts to weasel form for a bit before the group leaves, to wrestle with her weasel familiar.
** (13) Kiran makes sure to avoid being too close to Nefereti while they move out, and during their travels. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo tells the group as they ride, "We'll just ride past Shiro Shosuro and try to avoid the Shosuro.......hopefully they do not know of Giadan's death yet, and I do not wish to divert from guiding you all just to tell them of Giadan's demise, especially since it may result in my seppukku and removal from this group........in such an event, it would at least be irresponsible of me to not at least provide a new guide........."
(5) Masato: "You cannot be held accountable for Giadan. You're in the service of the Imperial family and the mission takes precedence."
(2) DM Arkhandus: The Scorpion samurai adds "My duty to Lord Akodo comes before my duty to Lord Shosuro and Lord Bayushi......"
(13) Kiran: "We all know you do not fear death, Shujo, but Masato-san speaks rightly"
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo seems a little less distracted after speaking of this, and the group rides on. You ride for a day and camp out alongside the road to Shiro Shosuro, and then the next day you ride on and pass the castle of the Shosuro, riding on for a few more hours before camping away from the castle.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party sets out again the next day, riding southward and eventually following the road southwest, and the party can see the Kawa No Kin, the River Of Gold, shimmering in the afternoon light as they ride upon the road besides the river.
** (13) Kiran makes his wolf companion trot along on foot whenever they are in more rural areas, to stay fit **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party camps for the night, and can just barely make out the lights of the village Meidochi across the river a few miles away.
(2) DM Arkhandus: In the morning, the group sets off once again, and travels for a few hours upon the road before seeing a fellow traveler upon the road ahead, walking northeasterly, towards you.
** (13) Kiran quickly motions his companion to the cart **
(2) DM Arkhandus: As the traveler draws closer, they wave to you briefly when they spot you. You can tell that something tiny walks beside them, some kind of animal or such.
** (5) Masato moves towards the traveler. "I guess we should start talking with people." **
** (1) Mai continues on towards the group, looking down to the tiny figure next to her before it disappears behind her **
(1) Mai: Description: Mai stands 5'10" tall with a light build. A wiry young Asian woman, Mai keeps most of her ebony hair tied behind her, save for a small amount, which drapes over her forehead and sides. Her golden eyes highlight her kind caring face, each one almost bursting with curiousity. Her ears have a pair of golden earrings, shaped in leaping cats with ruby eyes. She dresses in a long loose fitting red and gold dress slit at the waist on either side. Beneath the dress is a sleeveless gray body suit reaching from around her neck to the insides of her red shoes. Often, her only weapons in the world are a sashed quiver and a sturdy well made crimson daikyuu. Though clearly not a warrior, Mai often seems quite comfortable with her weapon
** (5) Masato pulls his horse to a stop in front of the woman. **
(5) Masato: Appearance Description: Masato is a rather handsome and intense looking young man. His black hair is well groomed and manner of dress is practical, yet impeccable. He is dressed in a deep blue linen robe with black pants with a vest that bears the markings of the clan Crane as well as a small silver stripe. All this is secondary next to the daisho sashed to his waist. The pair of blades are sheathed in deeply black laquered wood. The handles are made with silver and ivory accents at the pommel and wrapped in ray skin to create a pair of weapons truly worthy of a proud samurai.
(5) Masato: "Greetings. Are you from this region?"
(13) Kiran: Appearance: Kiran is 5' tall and 100 pounds. Only 35 years old, he is covered with tan-colored fur, and has a naturally monkey-like face with a protruding muzzle, furred cheeks, and a wide, lipless mouth. He has ears which are giant compared to a human, yet on the small side for a Vanaran. He is otherwise unremarkable. Kiran wears merely a grey kimono and normal, wooden sandals. He carries a crossbow, however, and a dagger is tucked into the belt of his kimono.
** (1) Mai shakes her head** "No. Just waiting for the arrival of fate, and it seems you are all in perfect time" **
(2) DM Arkhandus: A small cat follows behind the traveling woman.
** (13) Kiran quietly instructs his companion to stay in the cart... **
** (3) Shoko just smiles, "Interesting person." **
(1) Mai: **The cat comes from behind her leaping into her arms as she bows** "I am Mai."
** (13) Kiran looks to the nobles to speak first **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Daidoji Satoru is quiet, remembering that Kai Lyn and others didn't much like him acting in any sort of leaderly manner after his duel with Giadan, and Shujo likewise is quiet.
(5) Masato: "How is it you have been waiting for us?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti inspects the traveler Mai, and Kai Lyn does so as well, though she is still in weasel form and traveling within a saddlebag pouch upon Shujo's horse, and she just peeks her head out.
** (1) Mai speaks with a plain voice** "Down in the vilage there." **
** (3) Shoko smiles, like she always seems to do, "I am Saijo Shoko, but everyone usually just calls me Shoko. Saijo is fine too." **
** (5) Masato gives a small bow. "Kakita Masato."**
(13) Kiran: "I am Kiran." he says simply, after Masato and Shoko (and Satoru if he speaks)
** (13) Kiran nods slightly, unsure the social order in this situation. **
** (1) Mai doesn't seem to mind the inspections and nods to each** "Shall we continue on then?" **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Satoru finally introduces himself, bowing slightly and saying "I am Daidoji Satoru of the Crane."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo likewise says quietly "I am Bayushi Shujo, guide for these samurai and magic-workers."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Nerfereti says "Welcome Mai, I am Nerfereti of the Phoenix.........and I believe Kai Lyn is around here somewhere..."
(5) Masato: "So, Mai, what is your interest in the village?"
** (1) Mai walks alongside the horses, stroking her cat** "Just wandering. I've been moving from here to there for some time now. But after speaking with the seer in Meidochi, I felt it best to come here and meet you all" **
(5) Masato: "A seer? He told you of our arrival?"
** (1) Mai simply nods** "Yes." **
(5) Masato: "This seer, could you take us to him?"
** (1) Mai nods** "If he is still there, certainly" **
(5) Masato: "Lead on then."
** (1) Mai looks down at the cat in her arms as it falls asleep and smiles, heading down the road southwest to a bridge and stops for a minute, pointing to the southwest** "Kyuden...and...." *points towards Meidochi* "Meidochi" **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Bayushi Shujo mentions "Well, there are two roads we could take to the Shinomen, everyone, one leading westward from Kyuden Bayushi and one leading northward. The northward road leads across the River Of Gold, and Meidochi village is on that side of the river, but if we were to take that path all the way to the Shinomen it would take around a week. The other path would take us around 3 or 4 days after passing Kyuden Bayushi."
** (13) Kiran waits for someone to decide, but really doesn't much care which way they go **
(5) Masato: "Well, I was curious if the seer could help us locate the Emperor's remains."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Satoru remains silent, again not wanting to venture forth his opinion or any leaderly decision, and Kai Lyn is silent, still riding in weasel form, while Nerfereti already doesn't bother to speak much or decide on much.
(5) Masato: "It may be worth while to not spend time wandering blinldly through Shinomen."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo nods. "Aye, but we may find another seer in the town surrounding Kyuden Bayushi, or in the village of Ginasutra. I am merely venturing options and possibilities."
(5) Masato: "You know Kyuden Bayushi well, yes?"
** (1) Mai looks back to Massato, shaking her head** "I only stayed the night. Excellent fish at the inn though." **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo nods to Masato. "Aye, it is the home of my lord and my family. I know it well."
(5) Masato: "Well, then I'm sure we can find out something there. Mai, you're welcome to accompany us if you like."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo also mentions "We may need more supplies soon, by the way.......Lord Akodo supplied us for a month or two I believe, and it has been about a month since we left Otosan Uchi. We have picked up a small amount of supplies recently as well, but not much. It may be wise to restock within the next week or two."
** (1) Mai looks at Masato curiously** "Oh I planned to" **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo asks "Then shall we look for the seer in Meidochi village, or one in the town around Kyuden Bayushi? I know that a few shugenja reside there, but I'm not sure if I've ever noticed any heimin seers about......"
(5) Masato: "If you feel your family will welcome us in their province, I have no objection to heading to Kyuden Bayushi."
(2) DM Arkhandus: "Aye, of course they would. I was sent to Lord Akodo to aid you, after all. Some Shosuro shugenja may be able to help us, but it will certainly be at a fee."
(5) Masato: "I can think of no other option. We must have a place to start."
** (1) Mai looks to the others as they decide, rubbing the cat's fur and whispering softly to it in it's slumber **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo nods. "Alright, we'll visit Kyuden Bayushi. It is just an hour or so south of hear along the road. Though I would still rather not visit a Shosuro temple or shrine......"
(5) Masato: "You may wait outside if it makes you uncomfortable."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo nods again.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Then he spurs his horse southward down the road, to Kyuden Bayushi, expecting the party to follow.
** (1) Mai follows Shujo, looking up to the sky as she smiles **
** (5) Masato offers Mai a hand onto his horse. "You'll find it easier than walking." **
** (1) Mai smiles and shakes her head** "I rather prefer walking. I do not enjoy burdening myself onto a horse." **
(5) Masato: "If you feel you can keep up..."
** (5) Masato urges his horse forward. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo moves his horse at a slow pace then, so Mai can keep up.......
(1) Mai: "I have walked since I could draw beath. I will be fine. And Chujiro would not be able to sleep in my arms if I rode"
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party slowly rides south for an hour or two, with Mai moving briskly on foot as quickly as she can manage, and the party finally enters the town around Kyuden Bayushi.
** (1) Mai doesn't seem too winded from her movements, Chujiro still fast asleep in her arms as she steps past the limits of the town. She nudges him awake with a smile from her and a hawn from Chujiro as the cat hops down and walks beside her again **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The guards recognize Shujo as the party enters the town, and were made aware that he was sent on some mission by Lord Bayushi, so do not hinder your passage.
(2) DM Arkhandus: It is early evening when the party arrives, the sun on the horizon and slowly disappearing. Shujo asks the party where they should go first.
(5) Masato: "This is your city. Who could tell us more about the Emperor, Shujo?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: "Well," the Scorpion replies, "Kyuden Bayushi is not particularly close to the Shinomen, so likely only the guards at the gates and maybe a few travelers could tell us much about the Emperor's passing through this area. I do not believe my lord knows much himself if he didn't tell me anything of this matter when he sent me, so we should most likely talk to a Shosuro priest here or the yojimbo guarding the gates."
(5) Masato: "Very well. Could you take us to the temple gates then?"
** (1) Mai nods** "I'll see about a place to stay in the province." **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Shujo leads the party to a Soshi temple in-town, and stops away from the buidling. "I will not accompany you, but you may ask them for your aid. I still worry that they may have learned of Giadan's demise, and may take it personally against me. The Soshi are excellent diviners......."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Satoru says "Well, I would rather not deal with another Soshi priest, so I will remain behind with Shujo......"
(5) Masato: "I understand."
** (5) Masato steps into the temple to seek a priest. **
** (1) Mai thinks about so many looking for a place to stay and begins following Masato** "on second thought I'll go with you" **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Masato and Mai walk over to the temple and knock upon the large wooden doors.
(2) DM Arkhandus: A yojimbo retainer opens the doors and looks at the two for several long moments.
** (1) Mai looks over to Masato for a minute then the retainer, not entirely liking this idea **
(2) DM Arkhandus: "What is your business here, Crane? We do not see many of you wandering in our lands, and I do not know why you are here..... Why should I let you pass?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: The yojimbo places a hand on the hilt of his katana, ready to defend the temple if he deems it necessary.
** (1) Mai looks over to Masato, blinking** "Are they all like this?" **
(5) Masato: "We're not here to cause trouble. We are investigating the death of the Emperor and would ask for your divinations to aid us."
(2) DM Arkhandus: The yojimbo glowers at the heimin.
(2) DM Arkhandus: "Do you have any proof of this, Crane? You do not seem an emmisary or diplomat, so I have no reason to believe that you are here on any peaceful mission, unless you produce proof showing otherwise."
(5) Masato: "I am not a magistrate, an as such I carry no badge of office. We are prepared to compensate you however."
(5) Masato: "I do have this however."
** (5) Masato presents a small scroll case. **
** (1) Mai looks between the two, knowing Masato is a samurai, wondering why that isn't enough to get the retainer to calm down **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The yojimbo takes it and inspects the scroll briefly. He hands it back and moves to the side slightly, giving just enough room for each of you to push past into the temple. He says "Fine, Crane, you two may pass. But I still do not trust you, and I will make certain that the priests keep an eye on you. I will be near."
(5) Masato: "I understand. Come along Mai."
** (5) Masato steps through the door. **
** (1) Mai follows looking at Masato** "why did you have to explain yourself to him? You are a saumrai, correct?" **
(5) Masato: "I am, but I am far from my Clan's home and I don't wish to create a problem while I am here. I doubt he would have been greeted any more warmly had he arrived in Crane lands."
** (5) Masato seeks out a priest who might speak with them. **
** (1) Mai crosses her arms over her bow stock** "Strange customs." **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The yojimbo closes the doors, and walks as slowly as he can to find a priest. He speaks with one, who leaves. Then he returns to the doors and waits there, watching the two party members within the main hall of the temple.
(5) Masato: "We are asking for their help. It would not do to be disrespectful."
(2) DM Arkhandus: A priest enters the hall shortly afterward, wearing a fine kimono of white silk, with several black and burgony patterns and trimmings upon it.
** (1) Mai turning to the priest, she bows to him respectfully and decides to shut up, letting Masato do the talking. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: He approaches you and bows slightly. You cannot see his face or expression, as he wears a black mask with intricate white patterns upon it, and only two small eyeholes and a similarly small hole for his mouth.
(2) DM Arkhandus: "What is it you come to us for, Crane? I am curious as to why you are in our lands."
(5) Masato: "Greetings. I am Kakita Masato and this is my companion, Mai. We come to ask your help in investigating the fate of our Emperor."
(2) DM Arkhandus: "And what is it you wish, samurai?" the priest asks, somewhat impatiently.
(5) Masato: "We understand you are skilled diviners. We seek news of the Emperor's passing and what fate befell him in the Shinomen Forest. Is it possible for you to tell us where he might be, or what has happened?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: The priest does not speak for several moments, then says quietly "We do not know how the Emperor perished, and we do not know what exactly has happened to his corpse, if it has not simply been devoured by foul oni. Whatever slew the Emperor was masked from us by magic, likely maho, and we know nothing of the matter. We can tell you, however, where the Emperor perished, and what his route through our lands was. For a donation, of course."
(5) Masato: "I see. What would be worthy of your fine temple?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: Through the small mouth slit in the priest's mask, you think you can see him smile slightly. After a few moments, he says "Oh, I think a few dozen koku would suffice for the knowledge we have on this matter. I'll tell you once I am satisfied with the amount you give me."
** (5) Masato counts out 40 koku. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The priest accepts the donation, and hesitates. He ponders for a moment, then nods and leaves briefly.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The priest returns shortly, bearing a small scroll case. He hands it to Masato, saying "This is a copy of what one of my fellow shugenja recorded on the matter. You may take it with you and find the location where the Emperor perished. I hope it helps you in your investigation, samurai." The priest says the last sentence with a decidedly shallow tone, obviously not much caring about your investigation himself.
(5) Masato: "Thank you. We'll be on our way."
** (5) Masato bows politely and heads for the door out. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The priest nods in a minor sort of bow, and leaves.
** (1) Mai bows as well, not as deep, but still respectfully, looking over to the retainer wondering if he's still go the evil eye on them **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The yojimbo opens the doors for you, and allows you to leave, though he glares at you still.
** (1) Mai follows Masato out, shaking her head but reamining quiet **
(2) DM Arkhandus: When you two return to the party waiting outside, Shujo looks at the scroll you have with you now and asks "Shall we go?" If and when Masato nods or says yes, Shujo leads the group to a good inn and they party retires for the evening.