EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the log for the March 9th session, 2003.

(1) DM Arkhandus: To recap last session, the party finally completed their mission for Akodo Kaneka, returning to Otosan Uchi with news of the Emperor's demise and the results of their investigation into the matter. Kaneka told the party that he had matters to attend to and would talk with the party again in two weeks to give them a new mission.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Before Akodo Kaneka left to take care of his own matters, he told the party that his aide Otomo Hohiro would handle properly rewarding the party for their service to the Empire. Kaneka gave the group money for accomodations and such during the two weeks before his return, and the party spent the time resting, relaxing, training and so on.
(1) DM Arkhandus: While the party is in Otosan Uchi, each party member went about their business and sought out whatever new supplies, armaments, and so on they needed, spending much of the time just relaxing with the accomodations and payment Kaneka provided. Masato returned to Shiro Sano Kakita to train a little more and returned two days before Kaneka would meet with the party again.
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party finally meets Kaneka again in the Imperial Palace after two weeks, most bearing some new gear. Korishi now wears a shiny ring upon one finger, adorned with the image of a Fortune, while Aka wears a new silk headband etched with the likeness of some Fortune or other as well. Mai carries a shiny new bow of steel and red stone, while Kiran carries a finely-crafted new crossbow and a scroll case dangles from one side of his belt.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Chet'mack'tick now carries shiny new axes from the Otosan Uchi armory, and Kai Lyn wears a glittering emerald-green amulet.
** (12) Chet'mack'tick proudly displays his shiny axes :) **
** (10) Mai comes from her room, holding her bow in hand as she waits for the others. She turns to Chet and smirks* "Seems I'm not the only one who wishes to prepare for a war" **
** (12) Chet'mack'tick turns his attention from proudly displaying his weapons " I must be vigilant, vigilant at my task." **
(15) Aka: ::Other then accomodations Kaneka will no doubt note that most of the bills Aka racks up are in bananas and theater...well..mostly bananas...and..well..other banana-like products. But now she returns to meet the others, the headband a new look for her, but the golden color of the cloth isn't suprising for someone who enjoys of all things the golden yellow color of....bananas.::
** (14) Kai Lyn has been shopping for her eggs that she and SS love so much **
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((Kai Lyn's emerald-green amulet, which is hard to identify the material it is composed of, hangs from her neck by a silk cord))
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party meets Akodo Kaneka again, and he tells them to sit while he explains their next mission.
** (18) Masato quietly kneels. **
** (11) Kiran does so **
** (10) Mai takes a seat, laying her bow across her lap **
** (3) Korishi has a seat as well, sitting behind the samuraii of the group. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party now sits in another small room of the Imperial Palace, Akodo Kaneka sitting before them while Otomo Hohiro and other aides and samurai stand behind Kaneka.
** (14) Kai Lyn takes a quiet seat with SS on her shoulder awating the next mission **
(15) Aka: ::sits quitly and twiddles her thumbs::
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka now tells the group of their new task. "Domo arigato again for investigating my father's death. We must continue to work towards avenging the Emperor and restoring order to Rokugan. Which is why I have a new task for you, if you will accept."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka takes everyone's silence as confirmation and continues.
** (3) Korishi listens, concern still for his vision, though that concern has been lessened quite a bit since he has had no further visions. **
** (12) Chet'mack'tick sort of zones out, not having much sway in this **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "There has been a disturbance to the south in Crane lands, in the vicinity of Daidoji Yukan-Se, Samui Kaze, and Aketsu."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "I have heard reports of bakemono and oni raiding the three sites I have mentioned, and rampaging across the area. The Cranes are unable to handle the situation themselves as they battle the Crab further south over the rich Yasuki family farmlands. You are amongst the few individuals currently in service to the Empire who are not already active in any war or other military matter, and so I ask you to search the region I described and exterminate the Shadowlands beasts that have penetrated there and caused such terror. The reports are disturbing."
** (3) Korishi thinks 'these are the ones who took to the river...' though he says nothing. His eyes seem to show understanding. **
(10) Mai: "if you are son of the emperor, why do you not order the Crab and Cane to put their bickering aside and put an end to the common foe in the Bake?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: "This is in part due to the ferocity of the beasts and the cunning of the oni, but primarily it is because the Daidoji who made the reports believe maho is involved. They have seen what seems to be magic aiding the creatures, and heard similar tales from the townsfolk. Many times the creatures have appeared seemingly from nowhere and slaughtered townsfolk and samurai unawares. As if they could turn invisible at will."
** (11) Kiran ponders this. Only evil spirits would teach men the cursed art called maho. **
** (11) Kiran realizes evil spirits probably don't have any issues with evil Oni and Bakemono. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka frowns at Mai. "I am the Emperor's illegitimate son. I do not hold the power Tsudao, Naseru, or even Sezaru command. I command only ronin, heimin, and a few loyal samurai who serve the Empire first and their daimyo second, such as honorable Masato here."
(3) Korishi: "Why do these others not order the fighting to cease then, and concentrate on the enemy at hand?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: "That is why I am relying upon you now to handle this matter while the Crane and Crab bicker over landholds. My half-sister Tsudao is currently leading the Imperial Legions to aid the Phoenix and Lion in the north with the dispute between the Dragon and Phoenix, and cannot lend aid in the south."
** (11) Kiran nods filing that information away **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "The Dragon and Phoenix are fighting more fiercely and openly now, and the trouble in their lands is escalating. Tsudao cannot spare any men to handle this. I do not know what Naseru is doing or scheming, but it is certainly nothing concerning defense of the south and the peasants being massacred there. Sezaru is also an unknown, and dealing with some other matters of the Phoenix that I do not know of. As I said, I am relying upon you in this matter because it is the only thing I can do. Other matters draw me westward, and I must take the bulk of my forces and supporters there to handle trouble with the Scorpion and Dragon."
** (10) Mai simply nods ** "All right, when do we leave?" **
(11) Kiran: "Kiran is pleased to be of service to the son of the Emperor. My mission and the good of the Empire travel hand in hand in these trying times."
(3) Korishi: "Clans fighting clans...." he says a bit louder then he should have.
(18) Masato: "I will continue to serve Rokugan in this time of crisis."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "You shall leave this afternoon. Unfortunately, a few of your number will not be at your side this time. The Unicorn samurai-ko, Shoko, left to return home. The sorceress Nerfereti left to aid her Clan against the Dragon's assaults, and Satoru of the Crane had to return to his daimyo as well. Shujo remained behind in Scorpion lands, so that too lessens your number. However, you have gathered more allies in your travels, which is good, and I thank them for aiding you." Kaneka glances at Mai, Aka, Korishi, and Chet'mack'tick.
** (11) Kiran nods. " **
** (3) Korishi nods, "I do what I can to prevent dark times ahead." **
** (12) Chet'mack'tick snaps out of his trnace for a minute at the call of his name, and nods briefly in his direction **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Also," Akodo Kaneka continues, "a new ally has recently entered my service and will join you in this endeavor, and possibly longer than that. This is Daidoji Aoshi, a bushi who will lend you the strength of his swords and bow in your battles to come." A lightly-armored man enters the room now behind Kaneka, bowing to you all in greeting.
(15) Aka: ::blinks and wonders what is up with the glance::"Well off it is then to make sure the land is safe."
** (11) Kiran nods in a friendly fashion to the bushi **
** (18) Masato bows politely to another of his clan. **
** (3) Korishi turns and looks in the newcomer's direction. **
** (5) Aoshi is handsome, enigmatic spirit folk male, with long, straight, black hair. down to about the middle of his back. He has deep blue eyes and a light, yet fair, complexion. Daidoji Aoshi, or Aoshi as he prefers to be called, wears natural colored clothing in earthen tones, and some leather armor also in earth tone coloring. He carries a pair of swords about the size of short swords but curved like a katana. Over which he wears a simple cloak which flows down to his ankles wrapping completely around hisbody. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka says "The Daidoji were able to lend this warrior to our cause for now. His family of course has a vested interest in the defense of their castle to the south, Daidoji Yukan-Se."
** (10) Mai turns to face Aoshi, blinking for a moment, then simply nodding to him* **
(11) Kiran: "Ah, a spirit folk. You will bring luck to us! Sometime you must share with me how you came to be both Daidoji and of ths spirit folk!"
(5) Aoshi: "Please, you're too kind, it is a pleasure to have met you all."
(15) Aka: :Looks over Aoshi for a moment...nodding as well before turning her attention to all those gathered here and wondering how soon they will be a completely non-human group at this rate.::
** (14) Kai Lyn gives a bow "I am Kai Lyn and am honored to meet you." **
(18) Masato: "I am Kakita Masato. Welcome."
** (3) Korishi is a youth only recently reaching puberty. He is still short, at just under five feet tall, with a thin build. He wears simple monks clothing, and his black hair is cut short. He carries no weapons in the open, only having a small travel bag slung over his shoulder. "Hello" he says to Aoshi. **
(11) 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.
(10) 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 bodysuit 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 steel and crimson wood Daikyuu. Though clearly not a warrior, Mai often seems quite comfortable with her weapon
(12) Chet'mack'tick: Desciption: He is an odd sight. Most of his belongings don't seem to match and various odd trinkets poke out from pouches or hang from his belt. His armor is tattered and appears to be scrounged from several different types and styles of its type. The backpack he is carrying almost overflows with various tools. He carries a handaxe and battleaxe at his side, and a dagger in his belt. His longbow is slung from one shoulder and arrows are strapped to the other. His hair is a deep jet black but is dulled by a layer of dust. Brown eyes full of intelligence and caution stare out from under a wide jingasa. 
(18) Masato: 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) Aoshi looks gracefully over at Kaneka, "I will aid them in any way I can Lord Kaneka." **
(14) Kai Lyn: SS looks up from her perch on Kai's shoulder gives the newcomers a once over then chitters her approval to her mistress
(15) Aka: ::Aka is right now in her rare human form, her black hair, although a bit shabby, is kept back with a golden silk headband on her head. She wears a green robe with golden trimming at the moment and her brown eyes twinkle with a strange kind of wimsical merryment::
** (3) Korishi looks back to Kaneka to see if there are any more instructions. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Akodo Kaneka nods. "Good. Now you should prepare for beginning your journey this afternoon. Otomo-san will give you a simple map of your route and the general area where the disturbance is. Aoshi should know the way there, but in any case the map should be helpful with your lack of a true guide. When you return from this task, I will speak with you again as soon as I am able. Oh, and while you are exterminating the oni and bakemono, be certain you destroy any blood sorcerers that may be aiding them, if the reports are fully true. May the Fortunes smile upon you, as you may well need it...."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka rises quickly now and bows slightly, leaving the room before you can say any more.
** (10) Mai blinks at the strange behavior of Kaneka, but shrugs guessing he has a fish waiting for lunch **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Most of Kaneka's aides and bushi leave with him, while Otomo Hohiro, who gave you your rewards earlier, now gives Masato the map Kaneka mentioned and bids the party good luck, then leaves as well.
** (3) Korishi stands up. "I hope I'm up to this... I'm not a warrior like you are." **
(11) Kiran: "Seishin ittou nanigoto ka narazaran" (Where there's a will there's a way), Kiran says
** (18) Masato examines the map briefly before tucking it away, curious as to exactly how he picked up the leadership position. **
(18) Masato: "Well, we should gather whatever we need and be on our way."
(3) Korishi: "I will help gather supplies on the wagon. I have no personal needs."
** (5) Aoshi grabs his bow and stands waiting, "Ready to leave when you are." **
** (12) Chet'mack'tick stands and waits for the party to depart **
(18) Masato: "How many of the jade arrows do we still carry?"
(11) Kiran: "I now carry a number of them for my crossbow, Masato-san"
(11) Kiran: "Twenty, I believe"
** (10) Mai rises and looks to the others ** "You have all ridden horses. Can.....*She appears to regret asking * "Will any of you show me how to ride?" **
(5) Aoshi: "I have no jade arrows, just a normal set of arrows."
(18) Masato: "We have a spare quiver. You can make use of them."
(15) Aka: "Fraid I can't ride a horse either..I just use the horse to carry buy pack and gear..and it gets all the oats and grooming I can give it...although I think he gets the better of the deal considering I don't pack much and he has horsehoes which are better on the road if you think about it."
(1) DM Arkhandus: When the party goes outside, they find their servants and steeds waiting, along with a few new servants and steeds to replace those who were lost or sent off earlier. There is now an extra horse-drawn cart, also. Mai takes one of the quivers of jade-tipped arrows, and Aoshi the other.
** (3) Korishi helps load up some of the supplies while the others discuss weaponry. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party goes into town to buy supplies and such, then mounts up and prepares to leave.
** (10) Mai inquires about getting a horse, trying to find a nice one that lieks her as well, not just a simple slave to her **
** (11) Kiran pets his excited wolf friend and hops on the Animal Train horse. **
** (11) Kiran notes there is no longer room in the wolf cart for the wolf :) **
** (3) Korishi does not care for a horse, prefering to ride or walk. **
** (10) Mai climbs shakily onto her horse, trying to get herself situated onto the animal and speaking soothing words to keep it calm so she doesn't end up in the dirt **
** (11) Kiran asks for a cart just for his wolf **
** (18) Masato sits on his own horse as he watches the others get situated. **
** (11) Kiran dismounts **
** (12) Chet'mack'tick seems rather glum, what with being disliked by the horses and the only one in the cart *sigh* **
** (14) Kai Lyn prepares her mount and climbs aboard it ater stowing her precious eggs with the help **
** (3) Korishi gets back into the wagon previously the 'animal' wagon, though most of them have left for horses instead. **
(15) Aka: ::Watches Mai trying to climb on the horse::"Sure you don't wanna ride in the cart again?"
** (5) Aoshi mounts up. **
(3) Korishi: "I think we can make room here for your wolf Kiran." he says of the wagon.
(3) Korishi: "Just have to rearrange a few things."
(11) Kiran: "Excellent, he will appreciate it, though mostly he walks he does like to sleep a lot."
(3) Korishi: "So I've noticed" he says as he moves a few things out of the way. "What was his name?"
** (10) Mai tries to sit on the horse, but it's clear she's not comfortable up there at all and pats the horse on the side, deciding to take it with her, but not as a riding mount. She guides the horse to the cart behind hers and moves to sit next to Chet'mack'tick as she looks back to Aka ** "I can't do it. It's a living being. It doesn't deserve to spend it's life carting me around like that." **
** (11) Kiran whistles twice in short, sharp notes, and a tiger approaches the group. Its ears are laid back, but it doesn't seem about to pounce. **
** (12) Chet'mack'tick finds a good spot to scan the countryside from inside the wagon **
(11) Kiran: "He has not yet shared his name with me" he smiles
(3) Korishi: "I thought you had a wolf."
** (3) Korishi looks at the tiger impressed. **
(11) Kiran: "I have room in my heart for more than just one wolf"
(15) Aka: ::Nods and takes the wagon route along with Mai::"It's alright...at least riding the cart means the horse dosn't need to have all the weight on it's back."
** (12) Chet'mack'tick glances over to mai and nods **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Aka and Chet'mack'tick ride in the new cart, along with many of the party's animals, while Korishi rides in the old cart pulled by Kiran's horse, the wolf laying beside him.
(18) Masato: "Where did you get that from Kiran?"
** (11) Kiran walks up to the tiger and pets it. The tiger grumbles happily. "Go" Kiran says, and the tiger sprints away **
** (11) Kiran walks back to his horse **
** (10) Mai looks over to the tiger, mewling lowly as another cat approaches, not liking it at all. **
(11) Kiran: "I became his friend while we were in town from an animal trader. He will stay away from the group until all are familiar with each other, however."
** (14) Kai Lyn shivers looking at the tiger SS is scared also **
(11) Kiran: "Worry not. He is still wild in ways, but is no danger to us any longer."
(3) Korishi: "You have many friends Kiran."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Mai rides in the cart with Aka and Chet'mack'tick, leaving Korishi a little lonely in the other cart.
(18) Masato: "I'll take you're word on the matter."
** (18) Masato urges his horse forwards. **
(10) Mai: "Kiran, I hold nothing against your friend, but he is to keep his distance from me. Agreed?"
** (11) Kiran nods, a slight smile on his face. "Of course, friend Mai. Tigers make poor housecats." **
** (11) Kiran motions his horse to move out, pulling the trailer with Korishi and his wolf. **
(10) Mai: "Felines either submit to another, fight, or part ways. I want to do none of those three"
(15) Aka: "Being eaten by isn't so good either Mai."
(11) Kiran: "I believe my new friend would also prefer to avoid our camp. He has agreed to accompany me for now, however, and will guard us so long as we do not mistreat him."
(11) Kiran: "From a safe distance" Kiran adds hastily
(3) Korishi: "Your talent with understanding animals is amazing Kiran."
** (11) Kiran gazes fondly at the 9-foot long tiger as it slinks away **
(11) Kiran: "I have an affinity with them, this is true. Whether that is due to my kinship with spirits or is a native talent I do not know."
** (10) Mai nods ** "Fair enough." ** She turns to Aka ** "I may be a low feline to the tiger, but I am certainly more than he is." **
(11) Kiran: "Animals of course are very in tune with their surroundings, natural or supernatural."
** (5) Aoshi rides up near Masato, "We better get moving... the longer we wait here, more people die." **
** (11) Kiran maneuvers his horse in line as they move out. "The only thing wrong with animals is that my training in the art of diplomacy is lost on them, hehe" **
** (11) Kiran briefly ponders whether a tiger would want to debate any topic of interest to Kiran even if it *could* talk **
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party quickens their riding pace now at Aoshi's insistance, but still keep to only a respectable trot and not a full run.
(3) Korishi: "Diplomacy?"
(11) Kiran: "Yes. My training within my village was in that art. It is one reason I was selected by our ancestors to explore the world of men."
(11) Kiran: "They felt I might not accidentally inspire an invasion of Samurai..."
** (3) Korishi nods, "I must say I think I lack such training. Even amoung my own people I make blunders due to my naivete of the world beyond my monestary. **
** (11) Kiran nods back. "Each fish must swim in different waters. I am sure you have many other talends! **
(3) Korishi: "I am sure I do, I just fear they will be of little use in this quest. I'm determined to do what I can however."
(11) Kiran: "Tell me, where do you see your strengths? An unusual talent is often the one most needed in a crisis."
(3) Korishi: "I've had little need to test myself for such. In the monestary, my time was consumed with contemplation and learning."
(3) Korishi: "I did not pursue much of anything beyond my training."
** (12) Chet'mack'tick keeps to his scanning and quietly listens to the others conversations **
(11) Kiran: "I have some training in the art of unarmed combat, but never much of a talent. I find my best use is in the rear with a crossbow!"
(3) Korishi: "I have a lot of training, but I can not say I hold talent in it. I am not very strong, despite some of my trainer's attempts to change that."
** (11) Kiran nods **