EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the log for the March 2nd, 2003 session.

(2) DM Arkhandus: To recap the campaign thus far, in brief, the original party consisting of Masato, Satoru, Kiran, Shujo, Nerfereti, and Kai Lyn were sent by Akodo Kaneka, first son of the late Emperor Toturi, to investigate the site of the Emperor's demise.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party traveled through Lion, Unicorn, and Scorpion Clan lands to reach the Shinomen forest and the site where Emperor Toturi and his entourage perished. Along the way, Shoko, Mai, Aka, and Giadan joined the party, and at the battle site the party found the brutally destroyed remains of the Emperor's palanquin and entourage, though no sign of the Emperor's corpse was found.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Before reaching the battle site, Giadan and Satoru fought over what should have been a simple matter, and Giadan perished for his arrogance and insolence. Afterwards however, Satoru was more or less disgraced amongst the party and no longer serves as leader. However, shortly after Giadan's demise, the others mentioned above joined the party, as did Korishi the young monk. The monk and others had been drawn to the party by strange visions, which the party decided might be useful in guiding them later, and thus they took Korishi, Mai, and the others with them. Others joined the party as well, but proved as dishonorable as Giadan, those being Kiro and Kari, two snake-headed rokuro-kubi beasts that masqueraded as samurai of the Unicorn Clan's Shinjo family. These two betrayed the party later when ambushed by tasloi, but were defeated. The party moved on.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party began their return trip to Otosan Uchi to give their report, and along the way Shujo left to report to his own family's master for not serving Giadan as yojimbo when honor demanded it. The party also found that many bakemonos had infiltrated the empire after they and a few oni defeated the Emperor, and the party found evidence of the bakemono and their oni masters building rafts and sailing the River of Gold to reach deeper into the heart of the Empire. However, the party knew that the Shadowlands beasts had a good head start, so decided that they could do nothing to halt the bakemonos and oni. Thus the party rode on northward along a route similar to the one they took to reach the Shinomen. The party headed back through Scorpion and Unicorn lands, and are now in Lion lands on the approach to Otosan Uchi. In these lands the party just met a wandering ratling, or nezumi, called Chet'mack'tick, who was assailed by bandits whom the party defeated. Now the nezumi travels with them as they travel the last week or two before reaching Otosan Uchi once more.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party is now halfway between the Lion Clan village of Eiyuni Suru and the Lion fort of Ken Hayai, and they just began to ride onward after picking up Chet'mack'tick.
** (6) Korishi sits in the wagon with the others, silently watching the countryside...though your not sure if he's seeing anything...he seems to be meditating yet again. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Thus, the party rides on for the rest of the day, sleeps, then rises again the next day, riding on around Ken Hayai to avoid the harrassment they suffered from several Lion clansmen.
** (1) Kiran reminds Masato to report that Lion clan problem when we reach Otosan Uchi **
** (5) Chet'mack'tick sits at the entrance to the wagon scanning the country side vigilantly, keeping with his task of repaying the life debt **
(9) Aka: ::sits in the wagon restudying spells, watching the world around them move slowly with the sclicking and clattering of wagon wills on the ground::
(2) DM Arkhandus: For the next few days, the party rides around Ken Hayai and through the plains, past Rugashi village and back onto the road, then southward to Ninkatoshi city. The party decides to rest in Ninkatoshi but makes sure to arrive late in the evening, hoping to avoid more obstinate Lion samurai.
** (8) Mai gets into a lengthy discussion with Chaouji about having a half rat that isn't buried in a hole or carved up on a spit and why it's going to stay that way **
(10) Masato: "It's not really a problem Kiran. The Lion and Crane are at war. Conflict is to be expected."
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party rests in Ninkatoshi city, arriving late enough to avoid any Lion bushi wandering around.
** (5) Chet'mack'tick 's wiskers twitch and ears go flat, as he thinks he hears something about 'rats on a spit' **
(1) Kiran: "I suppose that is my problem, Masato-san. I do not understand how both can claim to serve the Emperor and the celestial throne, yet make war with each other."
(6) Korishi: "Nor do I understand Kiran." he comments as well.
(10) Masato: "We serve the Emperor first, that much is true. But our clans, we each seek to elevate our status in the eyes of the Emperor. War is made to strive for greatness. A weak clan has no place amongst the celestial order."
** (1) Kiran nods, accepting what Masato says at face value **
(6) Korishi: "And you judge weakness by how much of the other you can kill?"
(10) Masato: "Death is nothing to be feared. A samurai's purpose is to die for his master. There is no greater purpose."
(9) Aka: "Meh...war for greatness...there is a useless and futile thing...what clan can be great if most or all are dead to enjoy such greatness."
(6) Korishi: "Death may be your purpose, but you can do more then kill in life."
(10) Masato: "You exagerrate. Our purpose is not genocide. But the weak cannot defend the Empire against the Shadowlands."
** (5) Chet'mack'tick sits quetly, sharpening various blades and rearranging his nic nacs **
(8) Mai: "Then the weak should not be fighting in the first place. They shouldn't be killed because they wish to fight"
(9) Aka: "Of course they can...maybe not as good as the stronger but they can give it a try at least...the more you have is one more then what the Shadowlands have."
(6) Korishi: "Everyone has their strengths, Masato. True, not everyone can be a warrior, but were it not for the heimin and others of the lower class, how would the samurai get food?"
(10) Masato: "It's part of the Celestial order. Combat tempers the soul. Strength cannot be created from complacency and peace."
(1) Kiran: "In my village, we sometimes leave a deformed or unthinking child to its own devices. We do this not out of cruelty but rather because living in the wilds is rough, and the whole of the village is weakened by sparing such children."
(6) Korishi: "In that, I must disagree..."
(1) Kiran: "I think that this is different than the war you speak of, but perhaps not so different as one might think at first glance."
** (1) Kiran struggles to understand the war **
** (12) Kai Lyn tries to listen to this pablum and make sense of it failing miserably **
(10) Masato: "It is a complicated matter. I do not expect you all to understand. Death is not the purpose of war. It is a means to an end."
** (5) Chet'mack'tick picks up bits of the conversation but doesnt give it much thought **
(6) Korishi: "Perhaps there are other means... but I am not one to speak of such, as I do not have knowledge of war like you do."
(9) Aka: "We do understand, just we all have a diffrent openion of it."
** (3) Shoko whispers to Kai Lyn, "It's ok I don't even understand it myself sometimes." **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Satoru speaks up now, tiring of this discussion. "Samurai fight because it is our place in the Celestial Order. We fight because we must sharpen ourselves into the perfect weapons for our Emperor to wield against the Shadowlands and other foes. We do not war with one another constantly, and when we do it is almost always simply a matter of honor. One clan mars the honor of another, and such must be dealt with."
** (1) Kiran rides on in silence, not willing to debate that old argument with Satoru yet again - or listen to it, either **
(6) Korishi: "Honor is why that other samuraii wanted to kill me. I do not see how that is honorable at all."
(10) Masato: "He percieved an insult given by you."
(2) DM Arkhandus: "That samurai followed a twisted sense of honor that was not true to bushido. Do not concern yourself with it." Satoru replies.
** (8) Mai turns to Satoru ** "But you all serve the same end. So what purpose is served in killing those who would stand with you. I don't claim to be a scholar of the humans of Rokugan, but I do not see the wisdom in battling would be allies." **
(10) Masato: "To insult a samurai is a grave matter."
** (1) Kiran understands that Satoru is of higher station in life in the Empire and doesn't want to get sliced up by the crazy Samurai **
(10) Masato: "But some are overzealous, and of these, you must be cautious."
** (6) Korishi nods to Satoru, "In that I think I agree. I do not seek to insult others with what I say, I only seek to speak the truth as I have come by it. Should it be taken in the wrong way, I am sorry, but truth is truth and can not be changed." **
** (5) Chet'mack'tick mutters something about the 'eye of the beholder' **
(10) Masato: "It's not your fault. He got what he deserved."
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party rises early in the morning, leaving the city quickly to avoid further annoying encounters with Lions, and rides on southward towards the castle Shiro Akodo.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party travels around Shiro Akodo and then turns eastward onto the road towards Shiro Sano Kakita, Masato's home.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party rides on to the Kakita castle, and Satoru asks "Masato, do you wish to stop here for the rest of the day or something? We should only be about 4 or 5 days from Otosan Uchi now....."
(10) Masato: "I will stop only for a moment to speak of what has occured. My father will understand that Lord Akodo waits eagerly for us."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Satoru nods, and the party rides to the entrance of the castle. Crane samurai atop the walls see Masato and Satoru in Crane garb, and do not draw their bows. The door opens slowly as the party approaches, a few Crane samurai standing ready as the party approaches.
(10) Masato: "Rest easy. They are guests."
** (6) Korishi watches the samurai from the wagon with the other non-human members of the party. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: One of the Crane recognizes Masato as the party reaches the gate and stops. The Crane steps forward and greets them. "Welcome back Masato. Have you returned from your quest for Lord Akodo?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: The Crane is somewhat old, but looks to still be in good shape. Masato recognizes him as his master.
** (8) Mai stays in the wagon, watching the samurai and shaking her head ** (hengey) "Is there ever one who will not raise a blade to a stranger?" **
** (5) Chet'mack'tick scans the courtyard from the wagon, but remains inside **
** (12) Kai Lyn chuckles "Humans are the strangest of all we have met." **
(9) Aka: ::Looks up over the top of the cart at all the cranes::(Hengi)"Yes there are, people who can't afford blades won't."
** (6) Korishi would respond to Mai if he understood Hengey ;) **
(10) Masato: "No, not yet master. He still awaits news. However, I did not wish to be impolite by not at least stopping briefly to speak with my family."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Masato's master smiles slightly and says "Good. Then we are glad to have you as our guests for tonight. Your father is practicing in the first training room."
(2) DM Arkhandus: The old Crane motions, and the other Crane samurai return inside the fort, going back to their posts.
** (1) Kiran simply sits with his wolf companion, trying to look subserviant to all these samurai **
** (10) Masato nods. "Thank you. It is good to see you again." **
** (10) Masato addresses the rest of the party. "Please, come in. Enjoy my family's hospitality." **
** (6) Korishi doesn't try to look subservient, he just watches. **
(6) Korishi: "Thank you."
** (12) Kai Lyn says (Hengey) "Our people would greet others in friendship never with weapons drawn." **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The Crane master smiles and motions the party inside, following beside Masato as the party enters. He points the party's heimin servants to the castle's stables, and the party dismounts.
(6) Korishi: "Mai.." he says to her and the other Hengi in the wagon. "It seems that you all often talk in another language I've not had any knowledge of. I was wondering if you could teach me some."
** (5) Chet'mack'tick 's whiskers twitch at the offer to come inside, and he stares out of the wagon for a bit before deciding to follow the samurai **
(1) Kiran: "(Spirit Tongue) We enter the lair of strong folk, some evil and hopefully most good. May the spirits of this place watch over us and protect us until we are safe again outside, for I am ignorant of the proper ways with these people." he mutters quietly, seemingly talking to his wolf
** (10) Masato begins introductions. "This is Daidoji Satoru. One of our kin from the Daidoji family." **
(10) Masato: "Korishi, a young monk from the mountain temples."
** (6) Korishi turns to them, bowing a bit. **
** (8) Mai looks to the castle then to Korishi but waits for Masato to finish before speaking **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Satoru bows to the Kakita sensei, who bows slightly in return.
(9) Aka: ::gets off the wagon and looks at the castle::
(10) Masato: "Mai, Aka, and Kai Lyn. They are sorcerers of the wilderness."
(10) Masato: "Kiran, a holy man and healer."
** (1) Kiran bows deeply, feeling it is best to play it safe when surrounded by samurai **
** (12) Kai Lyn gives a bow as she is introduced **
(10) Masato: "Chet'mack'tick. A refugee of the Shadowlands."
(10) Masato: "And Shoko, a horse mistress of the Clan Unicorn."
** (5) Chet'mack'tick bows his head as well **
** (3) Shoko bows, "Hello." **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The Crane sensei bows slightly to each visitor, some more than others, but showing all some degree of respect as Masato's friends.
(2) DM Arkhandus: The Kakita stares curiously at many of the animal-folk, but turns his gaze before it becomes disrespectful staring.
(12) Kai Lyn: Silverstreak looks about at the samurai with her innate curiousity then curls up again on her shoulders and sleeps
** (8) Mai pets Chaouji who keeps darting his head from side to side looking at all the strangers from her shoulder* **
(2) DM Arkhandus: "Curious friends you make afield, Masato.... Many of these folk are of sorts I have never seen before. Welcome, all, to Shiro Sano Kakita, castle of our family and training grounds for the great samurai of the Crane."
(2) DM Arkhandus: The Crane sensei leads Masato to the training room in which his father practices, and the others are left to wander as they wish.
** (1) Kiran stays near the wagon and out of trouble **
** (6) Korishi turns back to Mai, "Sorry, didn't realize we were going through introductions there." **
(10) Masato: "Well, if you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to speak with my father for a moment."
(2) DM Arkhandus: The sensei nods and walks off to some duty or other.
** (8) Mai bows to Sano respectfully then turns back to Korishi ** "It's okay. It may be hard to learn our language. we each have our own dialects of it, but understand the different changes." **
** (5) Chet'mack'tick wanders about the courtyard taking in the sights and smells **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Young Crane samurai train all about the party, many practicing iaijutsu form with their sensei and others sparring with eachother, yet others running laps or exercising.
(6) Korishi: "I am willing to give it a try none the less. We have traveled quite a ways, and I have a feeling we will continue traveling together for a while, so time is not a problem I believe."
(9) Aka: "Yes Korishi...Mai's dialect is cat Hengiyoki and mine is monkey...could you tell.."::grins::
** (12) Kai Lyn approaches them with a grin "I am of the weasel Hengeyokai." **
(6) Korishi: "There is a definite accent depending on who is speaking, I believe, yes."
(2) DM Arkhandus: To much of the party, the hengeyokai's speech sounds just like ordinary animal chittering, screeching, and so on, and it doesn't seem to many that the hengeyokai even speak the same language......
** (8) Mai nods ** "All right, Perhaps the three of us should teach you. If you hear how each of us speaks, you may find the meaning behidn each word" **
** (10) Masato returns roughly an hour later after speaking with his father. "Thank you for waiting. We can press on now." **
(12) Kai Lyn: SS also joins in with her chittering sounding just like her mistress
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party heads out later, riding again with Korishi trying to learn Hengeyokai as the three chitter and squeak and such.
(9) Aka: ::still tries to teach her dialect::Ok...Ook can stand for many things...just it's the way your pronounce it can help understand what it means..ook means banana...ook means peeled banana...ook means large banana..."
** (6) Korishi is an unusual monk boy it seems, prefering to stay with the animal wagon then the human one ;) **
** (5) Chet'mack'tick curiously watches the monk boy trying to sound like the different animals **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party rides on southward through Crane lands, past Kosaten Shiro and the Castle of the Emerald Champion. After several days the party arrives in Kita Chushin, and knows that they are almost to Otosan Uchi.
(9) Aka: "Ookook means I am being killed by a vicious, bloodthirsty, man-eating banana...."
(6) Korishi: "Somehow I doubt that particular phrase is needed much."
(9) Aka: "If you think that then you don't know anything about bananas"::snickers::
(8) Mai: "She's probably met at least one carnivorous banana in her life, otherwise she wouldn't know it in the first place"
(2) DM Arkhandus: Korishi gets the feeling that Aka is trying to fool with his mind......
** (12) Kai Lyn explains to him the many different words we have for sand and water **
** (6) Korishi is not hard to fool with his naievete. **
(9) Aka: "Well there were those shrubs that changed into lions with man faces...so don't put anything past the plants."
(6) Korishi: "This is true....."
(6) Korishi: "So what else is there..." he says, passing on to the next lesson.
(8) Mai: "Well there is also body posture and attitude. When I am curious or looking someone over, I keep my eyes fixed on the person or object and my ears forward. But if I want someone to go away or want somethign to finish, I tend to keep my head down a bit and my ears titled back."
(2) DM Arkhandus: The party rests in Kita Chushin, and uses almost the last of their supplies. The next day, the party sets out for Otosan Uchi, and that evening they stop to sleep, deciding that it would be best to arrive in Otosan Uchi in the morning rather than late at night.
(6) Korishi: "Hmm... the ears thing might be difficult for me...."
** (12) Kai Lyn demonstrates how she moves her ears in a similar manner **
(8) Mai: "No no. That is how my attitude reflects my words. Each of us could tell when another is angry, happy or sad just by looking at how they present themselves."
(6) Korishi: "Oh, ok. Yes, humans do also have such ways of presenting emotion, though many try to hide it often."
(12) Kai Lyn: "Body language among us speaks volumes."
** (8) Mai nods with Kai's words ** "Your speech could be perfect, but wihtout the body language to accompany it, the meaning becomes twisted." **
(9) Aka: "You might accidently insult someone without the body language."
(6) Korishi: "I hope you can understand mine as well as you can understand each others... hmm... it's going to be one very big accent I'll have." he says, with a slightly amused smile.
** (1) Kiran simply prepares camp **
(8) Mai: "Learn to express yourself in your body as much as your words, and we will"
** (6) Korishi nods. **
** (12) Kai Lyn says "Also we can communicate with the animal whose form is our natural form. I for instance speak perfect weasel." **
(2) DM Arkhandus: In the morning, the party travels the last short distance to Otosan Uchi, the Forbidden City, capitol of Rokugan. Their papers from Akodo Kaneka grant them passage, and they enter the deeper sections of the beautiful Imperial capitol.
(6) Korishi: "Why do they call it the Forbidden City?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: A few hours later, the party is lead to a room in the palace, where Akodo Kaneka awaits them.
(10) Masato: "Because only the invited may enter."
** (1) Kiran relishes the chance to use his talents in Diplomacy within this city **
** (5) Chet'mack'tick glances around, not used to such an amazing architecture **
(6) Korishi: "I see...." he says, following Masato to the meeting.
(9) Aka: "Then shouldn't it be called the forbidden less you are invited city?"
** (8) Mai smirks at Aka's words ** "It's simpler to say" **
(1) Kiran: "Plus that has more of a ring to it."
(5) Chet'mack'tick: "Best to keep it short, short."
(10) Masato: "They say that shugenja enchanted the walls so as to decieve the uninvited to become lost in a maze of alleyways. Only the invited and those of Imperial blood may find their way."
(6) Korishi: "Yet I heard it was invaded at one time Masato, how would that be possible?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: In the palace, the party enters the room and sees Akodo Kaneka sitting at the opposite end of the room. He wears a formal kimono, and rises when the party enters. He greets them. "Konnichiwa.....and welcome back to Otosan Uchi. Sit." The first son of the late Emperor quickly dispenses with the pleasantries. "I am curious to see that there are many more of you then I sent forth, and some that I sent are now missing. Did they fall in battle?"
** (6) Korishi takes a seat willingly. **
** (10) Masato kneels and bows his head before speaking. "Yes, my lord. Some have fallen. Others could not continue. But as you can see, others have been rallied to your banner." **
** (8) Mai stays behind and to the left of Masato, looking around the room curiously **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Satoru and Nerfereti both bow, remembering their previous meeting with the man.
(2) DM Arkhandus: "We have done as you commanded, Lord Akodo, and traveled to the Shinomen to investigate. We bring the results of our investigation." Satoru says, still bowed.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka takes note of the many who did not bow, but does not seem particularly angered...
(2) DM Arkhandus: The Emperor's son asks "Good. Then what is it you have learned in your investigation? I wish to know the fate of my father."
** (1) Kiran defers to the human Samurai noble of the Empire to do the talking **
** (6) Korishi is letting the samurai do the talking to, not quite feeling it's his place to do so. **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka waits patiently for an answer.
** (5) Chet'mack'tick feels particularly out of place, and the awkward silence isnt helping **
(10) Masato: "It would appear that the Emperor has fallen."
(9) Aka: ::To busy looking at the room to speak::
(10) Masato: "We found signs of oni and other Shadowlands creatures. Only bodies and the remains of the Emperor's palanquin were found. There was no sign of his body."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka says "Then you assume that the Emperor has perished? Have you any evidence, or any doubts? I trust your word as a samurai, but I must know."
** (10) Masato unravels the banner and the piece of the shattered carriage. "If he is still alive, he must surely be corrupted by now." **
(10) Masato: "We tried to pursue the tracks, by the trail was cold and they had too great a lead. We felt we should report what we could."
(1) Kiran: "There was no trace of the Emperor however"
(2) DM Arkhandus: Akodo Kaneka thinks on this a moment, and says "Where did these tracks lead? There have been reports of bakemono and oni in the southern Crane lands."
(9) Aka: ::looks over at the un-remembering samurai::I think one track lead south, one led east to a lake, some led north."
(10) Masato: "To the north an northeast mainly."
(10) Masato: "But some did head south."
** (1) Kiran ponders a knot in his fur **
(6) Korishi: "If I may... there was a portion of the tracks that went to the Lake... we believe they built craft to travel the river and that is the bakemono now reported in the Crane territory."
(10) Masato: "Yes. The Chrysanthemum Petal Lake, where they traveled along the River of Gold we suspect."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Akodo Kaneka nods and says "That would explain the reports from the south."
** (1) Kiran vaguely recalls that event **
(2) DM Arkhandus: The Emperor's son continues "Then some of the Shadowlands creatures have continued further into the Empire, and others returned to the Shadowlands, quite possibly with the Emperor or his corpse....."
(6) Korishi: "Yes"
(10) Masato: "Yes. Quite possibly. But we were ill equipped to venture into the Shadowlands."
(2) DM Arkhandus: "I have many things to look into and deal with right now, but in the meantime I suggest you rest and train. I will send a messenger in two weeks to give you new instructions. The messenger will look for you in Otosan Uchi, and these papers," Kaneka motions to some scrolls on the table, "will give you permission to enter and leave Otosan Uchi as you wish in that time. You may go and do as you like for the next two weeks, but be in Otosan Uchi once that time is up. Now, I have other matters that require my personal attention. You have done well thus far, and will be suitably compensated. My aide here, Hohiro, will attend to your compensation, and any needs or requests you have. You will be given adequate coin for expenses in the meantime as well. Good day."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Akodo Kaneka leaves the room, several bushi and servants following him, the one designated as Hohiro remaining in the room.
** (6) Korishi blinks, amazed at how quickly they were dismissed, though he tries not to show it. **
** (8) Mai wonders what the compensation will encompass, but decides to simply wait to speak to Hohiro about finding excellent lodgings, figuring if they've got deep pockets, why not use them **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro bows. "Lord Akodo has many concerns to handle right now, and thus I shall serve you in whatever manner you require while he is gone. I am Otomo Hohiro, and I have been given authority to award you proper compensation according to your needs."
(2) DM Arkhandus: "Is there anything that you will need for Lord Akodo's next task? Or anything you simply desire in the meantime?"
(12) Kai Lyn: "I would like to visit your marketplace."
** (3) Shoko looks at there others, "I think I will be returning home." **
(6) Korishi: "A quiet place to rest, train, and meditate is all I require for now, thank you."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro looks to Shoko. "Why is that, Unicorn?"
(9) Aka: "Depending on what next task is is will depend on what will be needed for next task would it not...but not much else for now except a place to stay."
(1) Kiran: "I would like to ask whether, by Lord Akodo's grace, I might bear in his name a light crossbow with the power of an enchantment upon it - when we leave for the next task. I also would be grateful for access to a quiet place where I might fashion an item and infuse it with the power of my magic."
(3) Shoko: "I was told to make sure they returned here alright and then return. If I don't my "father" is going to kill me."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro looks at Shoko quizzically, then assumes it is a joke and laughs briefly. "Well, you were not one of the samurai Lord Akodo assigned the mission to, so you are free to return home if that is your desire, or that of your daimyo."
** (5) Chet'mack'tick request a quiet place to rest and possibly access to the armory if they posses one **
(2) DM Arkhandus: After hearing some of the initial requests, Hohiro says "You will all be given proper accomodations within Otosan Uchi for the time being, if you like, and coin for any meals you may wish."
** (12) Kai Lyn asks "I wonder if you have some fresh eggs for me and my companion?" **
** (3) Shoko bows, "I will be going now." **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro chuckles. "You are free to search the marketplace for such a meal, lady."
** (12) Kai Lyn curtseys "Thank you for your kindness." **
** (8) Mai nods, debating on what she truly wants in her mind **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro bows to Shoko. "Good journey to you then, Unicorn. Lord Akodo will appreciate your aid to his servants thus far."
(6) Korishi: "One more thing." he says, as he considers some of the requests his companions have been making, and their experiences in the past few weeks. "It appears that continuing on this journey will include more combat, yes? I am but a humble monk, and have little other then my own ability to protect myself. If you have some magical means of protection I could use, I would be greatful, but armor or other physical protective means would only hinder me."
** (3) Shoko walks away, "You are welcome. Bye now." **
(12) Kai Lyn: "I wonder if you have items of protection I can use in any of my forms?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro replies to Korishi "I shall speak with the priests in the city and inquire about magical means of protection for you then, monk."
(6) Korishi: "Thank you."
(9) Aka: ::She looks to the attendant::Tell me..I know your people don't have many arcana magic users...but is it possible you might have some items of arcana...namely...wands?
(12) Kai Lyn: "Would you check for me also?"
(2) DM Arkhandus: "And I shall do the same for you as well........" the aide checks some paper or other, "Kai Lyn."
(12) Kai Lyn: "I am grateful for your help Thank you.:
** (5) Chet'mack'tick still doesnt know if he may browse the armory for any axes of exceptional quality **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro looks to Aka curiously. "These 'wands' you speak of are not familiar to me, but I will inquire about such items. Is there anything in particular you desire? Items of defense, or offense? Koku for services and feasts? Weapons and armor?"
(8) Mai (whispering): I'll take the +1 Daikyuu of Flaming as I can't Craft Wands and scrolls, so I can't recharge them and will eventually lose them.
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro replies to Chet'mack'tick "You may search the armory for such weapons if you wish, nezumi. I will accompany you after we are finished here. What is it the rest of you desire? ........I am afraid I am unfamiliar with many of you, so apologies for not speaking to you by name."
** (5) Chet'mack'tick nods his head gratefully **
(8) Mai: "To battle the evil of the shadowlands, I will need a Daikyuu designed to burn the cruelty out of it's inhabitants."
(9) Aka: Can't miss them...there like scrolls but in thin fancy stick shape and can use it more then once before it turns to dust....somewhere around 50 times.
** (1) Kiran sits quietly then **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro nods to Mai. "I will see if the priests have such an item. We likely may have recieved one from the Phoenix, given their affinity for magic of that element."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Otomo Hohiro looks at Kiran. "Is there anything you desire, vanara? You have not mentioned anything beyond simple lodging and a place to meditate......"
(1) Kiran: "I would be honored to carry a ranged weapon with the power to damage the creatures of the shadowlands."
(1) Kiran: "My preference is a light crossbow, if this is possible."
(1) Kiran: "I would also be greatful for any number of minor curative scrolls, and more mundane herbs and such used for healing."
(1) Kiran: "These two things will allow me to strike at the enemies of the Empire and restore us all after such battles."
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro nods to Kran. "An honorable choice, Kiran. I shall see to it."
** (1) Kiran bows **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Otomo Hohiro finally says "All right, I believe I have taken in all of your requests. I will be off now to help the nezumi choose his weapons from the armory, then I will be off seeing to your rewards, as I deem appropriate per Lord Akodo's wishes. Good day to you all."
** (8) Mai nods to him and bows gently ** "thank you" **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro leads Chet'mack'tick to the armory of Otosan Uchi to pick out the masterwork axes he desired, and the rest of the party is shown the way out and given scrolls and pouches of coins as Lord Akodo and Hohiro determined appropriate.
(9) Aka: ::cows to the leaving Otomo then looks at Mai::(Hengi)I don't believe they didn't know what a wand is.
** (8) Mai turns to Aka and nods ** (Hengey) "I perfer something I can rely on. They may not fashion wands, but they know of the bow" **
(2) DM Arkhandus: ((okay gang, now that this is over with, the party has two weeks of R&R or whatever before they are given their next task. Masato can return to Shiro Sano Kakita for training in the meantime (only about 3 days away), and the rest will receive their rewards as Hohiro finds them))
(9) Aka: (Hengi)Meh..but bows take so much work...you have to draw arrow, string arrow, pull string back...aim..fire...."
** (6) Korishi does as he said, rests, trains, meditates, and at times even tries to pick up some more of that strange animal language :) **
** (5) Chet'mack'tick roams around the palace looking for things cast aside that he deems still worth using **
** (8) Mai nods with a smirk ** (Hengey) "And wands see their power sapped over time" **
(2) DM Arkhandus: Hohiro helps Chet'mack'tick pick out two fine axes from the armory, and then leads the nezumi out of the palace.
(9) Aka: (Hengi)"Well...yeah...but still they're fun while they last. And if I can figure out how to make them, I will make more."
** (5) Chet'mack'tick gets used to the balance of his new weapons as he practices in the various courtyards **
** (5) Chet'mack'tick also decorates his newfound gear, a little bone here, some herbs there and a few beads for good measure...humans are so undecorative **