EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the log for the June 15th, 2003 session.

(1) DM Arkhandus: Alright, to recap the last adventure...... You were sent by Akodo Kaneka to track down and destroy some bakemono and an oni that were terrorizing the area around the city Samui Kaze. You were also sent to confirm whether reports of blood sorcerer activity in the area were true, and if so, to destroy the blood sorcerers before they could do too much harm.
(1) DM Arkhandus: You have tracked down and defeated all of the creatures and the sorcerers, and you are now in Aketsu village after battling the sorcerers and completing the mission. However, the leader of the blood sorcerers, a halfling man named Shudo, has fled and used his illusion magic to make it rather difficult to follow him. It has been a day since then, and you have found the trail of Shudo, but have not yet decided whether to continue pursuing him or just going back to Otosan Uchi and report
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato and Aoshi, for their part, have voiced their desire to follow and destroy the fleeing sorcerer, but it may be more easily said than done
(1) DM Arkhandus: What do the rest of you wish to do?
(2) Korishi: "I say we find and stop him. I.. I don't want to just leave things as they are. He's still dangerous."
** (4) Kiran thinks it would be a bad idea to let him get away to regroup **
(5) Aka: "Wish I go back to Imperial Capitol first though...I need to do a trade in..Osana O must hate monkeys...his headband thing dose..."::frowns::
(2) Korishi: "e will return soon enough Aka.. but it's a long way there and back. He could easily escape to the point that we will not find him again."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Well, if you continue pursuing Shudo, you quickly find that as the trail goes on, it divides more and more, veering in different directions and leading many ways. His magic continues to make the trail difficult, even Kiran's wolf can't discern the scents and footprints of each path. At one point, after following the trails for another day and following each to its end, you find one trail doubles back.........as if Shudo must have turned around and went past you while you were trying to follow the trails.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Eventually, the path leads to a river and you can't find any further trails left by the sorcerer, as if he must have just stayed in the river.
(1) DM Arkhandus: ((regardless, in all seriousness, the magic it took for him to make his illusionary forces against the towns and such, he can create many different trails each day with his illusionary doubles and make it impossible for you.......it would take forever to track him down))
** (2) Korishi is starting to look frustrated himself... a look that has become all too comon n the monk. **
** (4) Kiran sighs **
(1) DM Arkhandus: After several days of following Shudo's trails, you find yourself at the river, and at the conclusion that you simply lack the resources to catch him yet.
(4) Kiran: "We should go back, then."
(2) Korishi: "I guess so..." he says with a sigh, shaking his head.
(5) Aka: "This is futile..little creature could make his footprints look like insect prints if he was so good at makeing illusion force in town....he probably long gone now but at least his forces are downsized."
(2) Korishi: "I just...feel like we failed."
(5) Aka: "We not failed...he one person now....we just not fully suceeded yet but we strike major enough blow to tell about in capitol city."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The party travels back to Aketsu village and then north to Samui Kaze, where your ashigaru and samurai volunteers return to their duties. Your servants and carts of supplies are waiting for you in town, and you retrieve them before heading back north to Otosan Uchi.
(1) DM Arkhandus: You travel for many days northward along the road, encountering no trouble this time as you approach Otosan Uchi.
(1) DM Arkhandus: By the time you reach the city, it is beginning to snow, the first signs of winter approaching.
(5) Aka: "Look like time to buy winter clothes...another good sign though...evil illusionest now one man without army and it is winter so it cold and lonely for him."
** (2) Korishi suffers through the cold as he does everything else... it's not cold at all when compared to the mountains. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: You enter the impressive capitol city and approach the palace, entering after Masato shows a guard your papers from Akodo Kaneka.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Shortly, you are escorted to a small room in the palace where Kaneka awaits. You greet him and bow, and he bids you to seat yourselves.
** (2) Korishi takes a seat as he normally would **
(5) Aka: ::Makes sure to bow this time and not get interested in any nice shiney objects this time::
** (4) Kiran bows and sits as directed **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka asks how your mission has gone, and Masato and Aoshi tell him of your successes and also of the escape of Shudo. Kaneka looks a little angry at the last part, but sighs and says "I suppose you're right, you might not have been able to follow the sorcerer through the river."
** (3) Kai Lyn takes a seat SS is curled around her neck looking about **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Now I have a new mission for you, however, and I shall have others look into finding the escaped sorcerer." Akodo Kaneka says
** (2) Korishi listens, not showing much emotion right now. **
(5) Aka: ::Frowns greatly thinking they will have to travel in winter snow::
** (4) Kiran listens, considering it against his personal mission **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "With winter beginning," Kaneka begins, "The fighting that has recently begun between the Phoenix and Dragon Clans will lessen to merely brief skirmishes at worst. As a result, it will be easier to attempt negotiation with the Dragon to end this conflict. I have two possible missions for you, depending upon which you feel up to right now. I need someone to seek out the Mantis Clan and negotiate with them to garner aid in the times to come when this winter has abated, and I need someone to head north to the Dragon lands and attempt to negotiate towards an end to their conflict with the Phoenix."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "There is plenty of time for both, but I need to know if you are willing to take up either of these tasks."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka mentions "There are of course other tasks, but these two are currently the most important to take care of during the winter."
(5) Aka: ::Strokes chin and whispers to group::Hmm..Mantis might be good, but going over sea will be hard part...better then walking.
(2) Korishi: "I know little of clan politics. Most of us, in fact, do not. I'm not sure we would be of much use in negotiating between waring clans."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Masato explains that he does not believe he can take either of these missions, as he has heard word of the Crane-Crab conflict and how it is worsening, and that he would like to return to his family right now and seek their advice. Kaneka agrees to let Masato visit his family before the samurai makes any decision.
** (2) Korishi looks to Masato, surprised. **
** (4) Kiran bows again. "I am sorry, Lord Kaneka, but my obligations require me to return to my home **
** (2) Korishi looks to Kiran, "Your leaving to?" he frowns. **
(4) Kiran: "I must inform my people of the knowledge I have gained here."
(5) Aka: ::whispers again::Then better to pick Mantis...probably not as strict as Dragon...less likely to cut head off if you say wrong word."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Chet'mack'tick expresses a desire to find Shudo and stop the blood sorcerer, and asks to leave in pursuit of the villain. He explains that he really thinks he might be able to find the sorcerer, and Kaneka agrees to let the ratling handle the matter, but must work with the men Kaneka was going to send on that matter.
** (2) Korishi looks around briefly, taking stock on who is left to actually take on these missions.... **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Aoshi is uncertain about which mission to take up, but says that he will do what he can regardless of which they take up. He says that since the problem in his family's lands has been taken care of, he is free to take up other missions with this group.
(2) Korishi: "Well..at least thats...one more." he says slowly.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Currently, Aoshi, Kai Lyn, Korishi, Aka, and Mai are still willing to continue
** (3) Kai Lyn says "We will go where we are needed." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka says "I can supply you with at least one diplomat, but I expect that he alone will not be sufficient. He will need your aid, especially in traveling. Though few bandits take to the roads in winter, there are still some creatures that roam the plains and seas in winter."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "He will also require your aid at least a little in the negotiations, since the Mantis are keen negotiators and the Dragon are stubborn."
(2) Korishi: "What would we be negotiating with the Mantis for?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: "To gain their aid against the Dragon, should our negotiations with them fail, and also against the forces of the Shadowlands that seem to be growing more active near the Crab border."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "The Shadowlands creatures may well breach the Kaiu Wall and attempt incursions into Rokugan, especially during winter when the Crab will not be able to fight as effectively and will have to rely upon stockpiles of supplies."
** (2) Korishi sighs, and still tries to figure out in his mind how these clans can all swear loyalty to the Emperor, and yet fight each other. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Hopefully, the Crab will keep them on their side of the Wall, but the reports I've been seeing do not bode well. We will need the Mantis' support, and they will not likely take a part in our troubles until things grow truly dire, at which point it may be too late."
** (2) Korishi nods, "I think I'd feel more comfortable negotiating for that." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka nods. Do the rest of you agree to try negotiating with the Mantis? They are a Minor Clan who call the Isles of Spice and Silk their home, and they are as detached from Rokugani concerns as their islands are from the mainland. They are hardly a Clan at all, but they do have abundant warriors at their disposal."
(5) Aka: "Thought they were major clan....ah well...would prefer to talk to them then dragons..never been on ocean befor."
(2) Korishi: "Nor have I Aka... it will be a new experience."
(4) Kiran: After exchanging formalities with Kaneka, and suitable pleasantries with his now former companions, Kiran leaves to prepare for his journey home
** (3) Kai Lyn gives him a sad farewell "I will miss you I enjoyed your company." **
(2) Korishi: "I'm sorry your going Kiran. Maybe someday I'll be able to see your home, when threats are not so present."
(2) Korishi: "And thank your grandfather's spirit for me, for his aid during our travels."
(4) Kiran: "That would be a welcome event, Korishi-san, and I will share with Grandfather your thanks." Turning to Kai Lyn, "Perhaps we will meet again in this lifetime. I would welcome that."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka says "Well then, I suppose I shall see if any of my other allies can attempt negotiation with the Dragon while you speak with the Mantis. I will arrange preparations for your sea voyage to their islands. The trip will have to begin soon, before the waters grow icy. Stay within Otosan Uchi for now, and I will send for you when I have a ship ready for you. I will also contact the diplomat I have in mind and bring him to meet you when I have finished the arrangements."
** (3) Kai Lyn says "My life will truly miss that event, I know we will travel again together." **
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Thank you Kiran for aiding us up to this point." Akodo says as Kiran leaves
(5) Aka: "Scuese me...not to speak rudely, but last time the rewards you gave us...seems the one I got, a magical headband, has not been to helpful to me...how can I go about getting it..um...changed...if it not to much to ask?"
(1) DM Arkhandus: Akodo Kaneka smiles and nods to Aka. "I understand. If you wish, I will take back the headband and replace it then. You are all deserving of some small reward now anyway, for your service."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka gives Kiran something to take back to his people, and also gives Masato and Chet'mack'tick something before they leave.
(2) Korishi: "Thank you.... " he says simply to theoffer of reward.
(5) Aka: ::nods::"That be helpful..."
(5) Aka: "I mean I thank you for getting it first place and all but foor some reason it not work right...::grumbles to herself::.."never hits what I want."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka takes the headband from Aka and gives it to a servant to return it. He then takes out a few other items and approaches the group. First, he gives Aka a short steel rod engraved with kanji, and tipped with a spiraling copper device of some sort. "This is one of those 'wand' items you mentioned previously. We recently acquired this from a wu jen, who said that it produces a scalding blast of steam when directed towards an enemy and willed to activate. He said that only another wu jen or another with special knowledge of the magic can utilize it, so it may be of use to you."
(5) Aka: Hmmm...might work...::nods::
(5) Aka: ::points to the wand and speaks::You work good or you firewood..understand. ::shrugs and puts it away..thinking theat she made her point to it.::
** (2) Korishi stifles a chuckle. **
(4) Kiran (whispering): How do you do HP?
(1) DM Arkhandus: Next, Kaneka retrieves another item and approaches Kai Lyn. "This," Kaneka says, lifting up a light, black-silk cloak patterned with silvery spider webs, "is a strange item we found in our vaults that might be of use to you. It was crafted by some wu jen or other long ago, and possesses various spider-related powers. I am told that it imparts knowledge of its powers to the wearer." He hands the cloak to Kai Lyn.
** (3) Kai Lyn bows in gratitude "I am very grateful for your beautiful gift." **
** (3) Kai Lyn takes the cloak and dons it **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Next, Kaneka approaches Korishi. He lifts up a pair of thick, heavy, black-leather armbands with dark iron studs and trim. He places them in Korishi's hands, and they are a little heavy. They are large enough to wrap around Korishi's lower arms, but feel like they hold power thrumming within them. Kaneka grins and says "Put these on and they shall give you strength, monk. We found these old armbands deep in our vault, and they seem to empower the wielder with greater strength."
(1) DM Arkhandus: The cloak gives Kai Lyn a funny feeling, and she sees brief images flash through her mind, knowledge of the cloak.
** (2) Korishi looks at them, feeling the power, "Whoa...." **
** (2) Korishi puts them on his arms carefully. **
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka then approaches Mai and hands her a pair of ornate silk bands, which he bids her to don. They wrap around much of her lower arms, and the kanji sigils upon them flicker occasionally. Kaneka says "These are enchanted to improve one's archery and imbue one with greater prowess with bows."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Mai bows and handles her bow briefly, feeling some slight difference with the armbands on.
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka says "I hope you appreciate these gifts. With what you received last time, these should be sufficient for the dangers you may face in winter and during your next mission when you have finished negotiations with the Mantis."
(1) DM Arkhandus: "Now," Kaneka says, "I must be off, and I will contact you when I have a ship ready. You may rest for the next few days at least, it should take around a week to prepare."
(2) Korishi: "Thank you very much."
(1) DM Arkhandus: Kaneka leaves, as do his servants. You are given more supplies and some zenni to afford your stay in Otosan Uchi in the meantime, and your servants are taken care of for now while you wait.
** (3) Kai Lyn bows again "I am very grateful for the cloak I will use it to its full abilities." **
** (2) Korishi spends time in meditation and training, as seems typical.. he goes about it with renewed effort. **