Zenako consulted with Noku and he concured with her thoughts on the most suitable way to divide up the booty from the journey to Osawesataray Village.
It appears that two of our company have learned either from the fights along the way, or the sparring with the Ogre Monk Master, but both Til'k and Gorvak are advancing a level. Neither has spells to learn, so the level gain should be almost overnight.
As for the division, we had two enchanted items to divide up and some cash.
We traded one item (Large Lajatang +2 / +1, +2 Agility) to the Ogre monk for a Ring of Prot +2 (AC, Deflection bonus) that we can use.
So, after reviewing past divisions and abilities to benefit notably from the items, the following was decided.
Isaku - Ring of Prot +2
Gorvak - Gloves of Dex +2
All 6 others (Zenako, Mulan, Hatori, Noku, Til'k and Ashiko) get cash value of 240 gold each. (A small rounding error of gold will be used to pay for a nice meal, or something.)
A couple of background thoughts. Isaku, this ring is the same type of bonus as one gets from Shield of Faith, so now you can prepare other spells that might be of more use to the entire party (like Bane or Bless for example). Isaku already has Gloves of Dex, Til'k when he frenzies is at his maximum dex in Chain Shirt armor (unless it is somehow even more enchanted than I expect). Mulan and Zenako have often been the recipients of Cats Graces if we are preparing for a battle, since our missile fire is very effective (at least sometimes...)
I expect that next time we shall head west to the ruins. From discussions at the table, it seems that taking our horses into the forest and to the ruins might be difficult (not sure about the pony). If so, we are looking at overnight visits since it is a 10 mile trek each way. We need to try and confirm this before we set out.
It would be beneficial if we can learn about any sightings that may have been made, no matter how long ago (undead don't get old and die I don't think), so even if it is old granddad who say the abomination 30 years ago, it might still be relevant for our plans.
We arrived on the night of 11/12/1561 and spent 11/13/1561 healing and getting pummelled by the Ogre Monk. (Zenako's and Peters initial reaction like the veteran Samurai in Seven Samurai about the duel in the village was, what a waste, proved correct. Having created some higher level NPC types, I knew the power of levels and feats to make any small number of foes helpless pretty quickly. Perhaps all four of those who fought might take him down, but then again, he may not "pull his punches" as much as he did. Moderate level Monks with Stunning Attacks can be devasting (which is why I will be going up to 5th level Sohei at some point to become immune to Stunning Attacks!!!))