(May 18, 2003) Chronicler: Tsuruchi Zenako
Prelude
After journeying to Osawesataray Village and meeting the locals we arranged for the Headman to provide us sufficient troops to man a base camp a few miles from the ruins. Otherwise the round trip from the Village would have been over 20 miles each day. Wisdom had indicated that trying to encamp within the ruins with just our forces, at least until any lingering spirits are put to rest, would be both risky and foolhardy. In addition, trying to keep our mounts secure during any probe into the ruins might be difficult. A company of about 30 locals (barbarians and rangers from their appearances) were assigned to form the base camp. For this aid, the forces would receive a portion of the monetary treasures retrieved from the ruins of Ming Yo Temple. Arrangements for this company were completed during the day of 11/14/1561, during which any lingering wounds from either our battles on the way to the village, or our sparring with the Ogre Monk, were healed.
11/15/1561
On this morning, after suitable prayer to our ancestors that they guide us in this endevour, the company of 8 (Zenako, Til'k, Mulan, Gorvak, Hatori, Ashiko, Isaku and Noku), followed by the squad of 30 from Osawesataray head to the west towards the ruins. Sometime after lunch we arrive near the site, and locate a suitable spot for the base camp. The troops set about making a more secure site. Since a few hours of light remain, most of the company set out on a scouting foray to see what can still be seen of the Temple and its outbuildings. Isaku stays behind to oversee and assist the establishment of the base camp.
During the travel to the base camp, Til'k had revealed more specifics about what it was that the Abbess of Waterstone had directed be recovered. Til'k already had a crude map of the complex, no doubt obtained from the Waterstone archives. The Abbess had listed three things (or classes of things) that were to be sought out. Number one, is an enchanted Bell that generates an Anti-Magic Aura (presumeably when struck). This bell is of a decent size, perhaps 50 lbs in weight, and it is believed to be in or near the Hall of the Void, in the northwest corner of the out building complex. The second item(s) were Incense of Meditation which might be found in the main complex in the center of the ruins. The last class of items were divine scriptures pertaining to each shrine or location. These were to be collected and returned to Waterstone where they may be studied and preserved. Anything else that is found was to be considered the spoils of battle.
The base camp turns out to be about 2 hours walk from the ruins (faster if running or on a horse). We make a sweep around the ruins, initially approaching them from the East. A simple map appears below. As we round the ruins we note many features. Some of the old shrines have crumbled, while others are largely intact, looking little worse for the passage of time. The main complex appears to be largely intact. As is traditional, the entrances to the complexes and shrines are facing South. Not far from the ruins are some large exposed rocks/mounds from which it is possible to get a strategic view of the area. Some portions of the complex appear to still be tended, perhaps by spirits, condemned to never ending toil (not unlike the life of many peasants..). Our Rangers manage to spot evidence of a party of perhaps 20 booted feet marching into the ruins from the southwest and leaving the ruins heading southeast. Some forces are clearly still active and "roaming" in this area and we need to keep alert.
From what we could see the Main Temple Compound in the center of the complex consists of nearly 20 buildings and wings of the main building surrounded by walls with gates on the southern face. After this scouting, we then returned to the base camp and discussed how best to investigate the ruins on the next day. That night passed without any incursions or attacks or unusual happenings.
11/16/1561
The next morning preparations are made, spells selected and the company heads back to the ruins. Isaku decides to remain with the locals until we have better secured the location. After some discussion, we decide to approach the entire ruined complex from the south and begin with the southern most structure still standing, the Shrine of Fire and Steel. The old maps that Til'k has brought along will make this much easier to navigate. Our intent will be to head northward along the western side, making our way to the Hall of the Void where it is hoped that the Bell still is located.
When we get close to the ruins, spells are cast upon members of the company. Bull's Strength are cast upon: Zenako, Mulan, Hatori, Til'k and Gorvak. Cat's Grace is cast upon Zenako, Hatori, Noku and Ashiko. Endurance was cast upon Hatori and Noku. Everyone received an Endure Elements: Fire spell, since the chance of being in one of Noku's Fireballs is reasonable. Better to face a little firey damage than have your vitality drained by a spirit.
The company cautiously approaches the first ruin, which is largely intact, the Shrine of Fire and Steel. It is a smallish building, perhaps 25' on a side and the three open doorways reveal a Spartan interior, with only what appears to be some natural debris accumulations.
The company splits up and enters from all three directions, and slowly climb the stairs and peer into the ruined interior. In the southwest corner is a 9' tall statue of what can best be described as a Fire being (much like an effreeti would appear), in the southeast corner is a 9' tall stone statue of a Samurai in Great Armor. In the center of the room is an anvil. In the two northern corners are shelves and storage locations. In the middle of the north wall is a furnace or forge, now cold, with 5 bizarre knobs or turning devices on the top which likely serve to control the heat of the forge. The group pokes around for a few minutes and find nothing. Noku notices an intact offering pot in front of the stone samurai and makes a quiet offering of a dagger to the spirit. Ashiko follows the example as well.
Zenako, decides that perhaps something could be hidden beneath the anvil, and gives it a little shove to see if it can move.... Ooops. It moves, but as soon as it does, four ethereal spirit beings materialize in the area. Two are close to Zenako, one is near Til'k and the other is near Hatori. These being were later classified as Ikiyro. Although they showed up suddenly, many of us were on edge and are not taken by surprise and get to react even before they try to drain us of our essence. Zenako with a sudden draw, slices through the Ikiyro on one side of her, and her mighty swing passes right through its space without effect. Til'k, not having a weapon already in hand, goes defensive and moves back slightly (and draws a weapon). Noku, seeing his first chance to use a fireball, does so and manages to cover all four Ikiyro and only include Zenako and Hatori in the blast. One of the Ikiyro vanishes and all are wounded. Ashiko then moves slightly and blasts a Burning Hands and vanquishes another, leaving but two of them. Hatori lines up one and blasts it with some Magic Missiles and that one also vanishes, leaving but one. It swings and strikes at Zenako, and seems to ignore any armor she is wearing. Its touch is weird, but as it tries to draw some of her essence out, Zenako summons up courage and fends off the effect. Gorvak dashes over and takes a swing at it, but his blade also passes through it, without effect. Mulan moves closer to the building, since she had been maintaining a watchful eye outside while we examined things inside. Given a second chance, Zenako's swing this time hits and hurts the spirit and vanquishes it with a mighty swing.
The four Ikiyro appeared as guards, and the scholars in our company inform us that they are spirits of failed guards, who have again failed to protect the Shrine of being explored. The anvil is moved, and nothing is found in the small hollow beneath it. One arm of the fire spirit does move however, and when it is shifted, a small chamber is opened. Til'k retrieves some old papers and a Bronze Ring with a Blue Stone in it. (This Ring will later be determined to be a Ring of Cooling, which provides protection as if one were under the effect of an Endure Elements: Fire spell.) The other statue is then more closely examined, and it is determined that the helm of the great armor can be removed. Zenako lifts Til'k up so that he can do so which reveals that the head is hollow. Some more old papers are found as is a Single Glove. Ashiko is excited and starts describing various magical gloves that it might be, and one that it most likely is, since that form only requires a single glove. A Glove of Storing. Ashiko suggests that Zenako, who has tried it on (being one of the few without magical gloves already of some form), that she snap her fingers. She does so and a forging Hammer appears in her hand. WHOA!. Looking inside the wristflap she sees a phrase and when she says that phrase, the Hammer disappears. Snap the fingers and it appears again. Most useful. It will act as a Quick Draw for whatever is stored in the glove. For the time being, Hatori is given the Glove to wear and to store his No-Dachi in. Zenako carries the Hammer (which will turn out to be a Hammer of Crafting which gives +5 to craft skill rolls for Armor, Weapons and Blacksmithing). Til'k wears the Ring of Cooling. We have found some papers and few items that can be put to use.
The Rangers point out some tracks heading past the Koi pond, which look like the ones we spotted earlier. As we look, we also hear some rhythmic chants or banging from that direction as well. Active opposition, no matter what the form, needs to be addressed before we look in other shrines. As we circle around the pond and head north, we come upon a strange sight. A cluster of 16 black skinned warriors in Ashigaru Armor, some with swords or Tetsubos, others with longspears are dancing or chanting in a cluster of decaying tents.
Just as we are deciding what to do, they shout something in Giant tongue and charge towards us, but not before Noku fires off another Fireball that manages to hit many of them. Gorvak charges up and takes a swing, which hits, but does not drop his target. The Hyakuhei (as we later learn to call them) come pouring out of their encampment and swarm around Gorvak (who had charged) and Til'k (who had been in the front of our line). Each of them ends up with 8 foes, 4 with swords and 4 with spears, attacking them. Gorvak and Til'k suffer many wounds, but both are still standing. Gorvak's armor of healing kicks in. Til'k is so shaken, he is frozen in his tracks. Ashiko casts a haste spell on Zenako who was close by. Zenako casts a Bless spell, goes into a Frenzy and then takes a step to swing with her partial action and hits a foe, dropping it. Hatori moves to safety and casts a MM at one, dropping it. Til'k who would have acted is still frozen from the horror of the onslaught and stands his ground. Mulan steps closer and lets fly 3 arrows into various Hyakuhei and drops one.
Noku, recalling that these being are somewhat fire resistant, casts an elemental Burst amongst them, and damages many of them some more. Gorvak takes two swings and drops a foe. The remaining Hyakuhei, move to take down Gorvak and Til'k and Zenako. Many swings later, and only a few of them have hit. The threat of damage shakes Til'k from his stupor and this time he resists the effect, but Gorvak, sorely wounded, succumbs to the terror and freezes. Ashiko holds her grounds and readies to run away/move if the Hyakuhei charge her. Zenako takes a swing, drops the foe next to her and then hastily moves up close to more of them and takes another swing, dropping another. Hatori seeing the effect of Noku's elemental burst, casts one of his own and dishes out damage to many of the foes. Til'k, now free to act, goes into a frenzy and strikes twice at those near him, dropping one. Mulan has run out of targets from her position, so must move a bit to get off one shot, which hits, but does not drop one.
Noku repeats his earlier success with another Elemental Burst, this time of more effective power and further damages many of them, dropping a couple. Gorvak is still frozen and the Hyakuhei cluster about and hurt him some more, and reinforce his terror as he remains frozen in his tracks. They also move to surround Til'k and while doing so, move away from Zenako. Ahsiko dashes up to one and Strikes it using her Wand of Shocking Grasp and damages one further. Zenako is able to move so that she can swing at three foes and hits two of them, dropping one. Hatori fires off a MM at one near Gorvak and Drops it. The number of foes is down to half a dozen by now. Til'k takes a couple of swings and hurts a foe. Mulan fires off 3 more shots and takes down one foe.
Noku fires off a MM which drops one. Gorvak is still frozen, but the number of Hyakuhei attacking him have dropped and he suffers hardly any damage this round. Zenako however, receives a scratch, but is taken aback by the shear horror of the undead and freezes. Ashiko touches another foe with shocking Grasp, while Zenako is frozen. Hatori finds a target and fires off another magic missile. Til'k swings twice and drops another foe. Mulan must maneuver to get a shot and fires one shaft which hits true, but does not drop the target.
Noku, down on spells, pulls out his mace and swings at the nearest one. Gorvak, thou no longer threatened, is still frozen in his tracks. The 3 remaining Hyakuhei gather about Zenako and takes swings at her, failing to hit, but releasing her from the momentary terror. Zenako, with the last vistages of her Frenzy, takes three swings at the remaining foes and hits each one and drops them all.... Battle over...
This group was a small battle company, they were organized and all wore the same armor and weapons. Each one wore an Obsidian Medallion (worth about 50 gold each) with a unit number on it. As we poke about the encampment, we find a rotted strongbox that has 750 silver and 210 gold coins and some old papers with what appear to be orders on them. Some field healing is completed. These Hyakuhei are resistant to Fire and Cold and exude a Fear Aura when in close proximity. Having used up most of our spells, and with Til'k and Gorvak wounded, we head back to base camp. Back at camp, Ashiko, with some help from Isaku, is able to completely heal up the wounds of the day on all those who received damage. That night at base camp passes uneventfully.
11/17/1561
The next morning dawns and prayers and preparations are undertaken again. The same selection of spell enhancements are cast on everyone. Hatori is especially blessed this day and comments that he wishes he could always feel as powerful as he does this day since every effect on him was at maximum effect. This day we head to the spot of the ruins of the Shrine of the Vanara. Isaku again helps support the base camp.
As the group nears the Shrine of the Vanara, a solitary figure is spotted. The figures appears to be a human female, dressed in a Kimono, with a Katana at her side. She is bending over and cutting brush from the ruins using a Kama. The group approaches closer and she looks up and greets us. She has cleared the brush from an area within the Shrine. Off on one side of the clearing lies a defeated Hyakuhei, struck down by a single blow it appears. The woman introduces herself as Rukori Buko. When asked what she is doing here, she indicates that she is seeking something, but is reluctant to reveal its nature. We indicate that we too are looking for items in the ruins and she seems to have no issues with us searching here as well. Some of our members offer to help her search and begin to clear some brush. Something is off kilter about the whole thing. First off, if you are searching for something, how does hacking away at bushes help you find anything that might be buried? Even though she also bears a Wakizashi, indicating she is of Samurai heritage, she is otherwise rather unkempt and disheveled. Troubling.
Zenako recalling the good Shugenja's ability to find voids of air in earth, asks Ashiko to sense where any voids in the earth might be near this site. Shortly Ashiko locates such a void and moves over it. Zenako, not being bothered to use a peasant weapon to hack at bushes, reaches over and simply pulls the shrubs out of the ground with a mighty heave. The loose earth in the hole reveals a decaying wooden slat, which had been the top of a box. Removing the loose earth, and opening the box, we find some old papers in the decaying chest. Rukori Buko indicates that the papers were not what she was seeking. Ashiko had detected no other voids in this area.
Further discussions with Rukori Buko explore what she knows about other beings in this area. She mentions a Doc Cu'o'c resides up in the Stone Gardens. That some Kappa can still be found near the Kappa pond in the northeast corner. That some Hopping Vampires can be found near the peasant dwellings on the east side. Tengu still reside in the Tengu woods. Numerous locations have Gaki of various natures and forms haunting them as well. For a solitary Samurai, she seems to have a great knowledge of beings mostly of the Spirit realm and very dangerous to meet when traveling solo. She seems intent on continuing her search in the brush above the ruins, so we bid her goodbye and move on to our next destination, the Shrine of the Four Elements, which has Noku and Ashiko very excited to explore and investigate.
As the group neared the Shrine, we noted that the building itself was still intact, that the roof was holding up well. The outer wall was surrounded by overgrowth, and inside of that the four corners supported an open structure shrine. Approaching from the south, the group climbs the steps, and moves past the outer wall and enters the three openings in the southern inner wall. As we look around, we see many piles of shattered bones littered about the shrine. We step into the room, looking about. The low Dias in the center has many cryptic markings on it. The four alters/structures in the corners all seem to focus on one of the four elements each. While we look about, a compelling tune emerges from the rafters and action begins. Some of us are entranced by the music, which recalls the tunes played by the Gaki at the site of the Ghost Mother.
Ashiko reacting first, casts a Haste on herself and moves about looking for where the Gaki might be lurking. Til'k, using his Nezumi senses, concludes that the Gaki is indeed up high and moves next to a pillar to climb it. 2 skeletons charge the party from near each of the four elements, and swing at various targets. Noku casts a detect magic to try and locate the Gaki. Gorvak swings at a skeleton, dropping it. Mulan is entranced by the music. Zenako is entranced by the music. Hatori is also entranced by the tunes.
Ashiko hearing the tunes, becomes entranced. Til'k using a Spider Climb Potion, climbs up the pillar, looking for the Gaki, ignoring the futile attacks from the skeletons near him. Skeletons in the room move to adjust to foes and hit some (breaking the trance), and another 30 skeletons arise from around the space between the inner and outer walls. Noku, hears the tune and cannot pull his mind from it. Gorvak continues to swing at skeletons. Mulan, the trance broken by skeleton damage, takes two swings on skeletons near her, dropping one. Zenako, also freed from the trance by Skeleton damage, goes into a frenzy and strikes and drops a skeleton and moves to block a doorway. Hatori still finds the tune compelling.
Ashiko continues to be entranced, Til'k scurries along the rafters searching for the Gaki, seeking to put an end to his tunes. The hoards of skeletons swarm into the chamber and surround many of the heroes. They take numerous swings and actually manage to damage a few people, including Hatori and Ashiko. Noku is still entranced, having not been attacked. Gorvak whales away at skeletons, inflicting wounds on the bony horrors. Mulan calls it time to start kicking butt and strikes twice, dropping a couple piles of bones. Zenako has many targets and also drops two with mighty blows. Hatori, broken free from the trance, by a skeleton's attack, snaps out his No-Dachi and chops a bony foe in twain.
Ashiko, the trance broken, moves and engages her foes. Til'k continues about the rafters and spots the Gaki and closes. The skeletons swarm over the heroes, but are largely ineffective with their blows. The Gaki, seeing that all his foes have evaded his trance, drops his Biwa (which hits the floor and shatters) and attacks Til'k and manages to latch on, and begin draining his lifeforce (CON). Noku casts a Fireball upon a massive pile of skeletons (nearly 20 of them) near Ashiko (who is somewhat protected from fire). His blast fells most of them, with only a handful standing afterwards. Gorvak continues to swing away and drops another. Mulan swings at two more and drops one. Zenako follows up her companions and drops two more. Hatori takes a mighty blow with his blade and sunders the skeleton near him.
Ashiko moves to a good position and casts burning hands, which collapses more skeletons with ease. Til'k is in a struggle with the Gaki, and tries to free himself from its grip, but fails. The Gaki takes his attacks and drains some CON. The skeletons continue to attack, but with little effect. Noku casts a Magic Missile at the Gaki, hurting it. Gorvak and Mulan take attacks on skeletons and drop many of them, but they are running out of opponents. Zenako, knowing all too well from personal experience what the Gaki is doing to Til'k, dashes across the room and leaps into the air to strike the hovering Gaki, hits him and cuts him deeply with her enchanted blade. Hatori casts a magic missile at the Gaki, which hurts it more, but will take a while to drop him.
Ashiko finds another small cluster of skeletons and casts another Burning Hands and crisps more of them to cinders. Til'k tries to free himself by jumping off the rafters to use his weight to pull himself free of the grasp, but the Gaki just levitates, while holding onto Til'k. The Gaki continues to drain the CON of Til'k. Remaining skeletons attack others ineffectively. Noku, inspired, casts a Dispel Magic on the Levitation or Flying of the Gaki and succeeds in forcing the combatants to the ground. Gorvak steps up and takes swings at the Gaki. Mulan moves and strikes the Gaki a nice blow. Zenako, not having to jump this time, takes her last frenzied blows and hits twice. The Gaki is severely shaken. Hatori fires off magic missiles and further weakens the spirit.
Ashiko, moves to the battle and reaches out and using her wand of Shocking Grasp, discharges a shock, which finally defeats the Gaki. The remaining two skeletons attack Gorvak and Noku. Noku smashes the one near him and Gorvak sunders the last bony foe. The field is won. Til'k has been noticeably weakened. (His CON has been drained by 4 points.)
After some healing (mostly on Til'k), a detect magic reveals some divination class magic on the Dias and faint conjuration magic as well. The four statues in the corners also detect conjuration magic. On top of the Dias is a Mandela type arrangement, with some Shugenja based spell magics it looks like. Ashiko is very happy. Til'k finds a hidden compartment on the Dias and as he opens it, as piercing shout is heard, which if Til'k had not been healed up, might have been fatal in his impaired condition. In the compartment are found 5 scrolls of divine spells, all 3rd level spells, 2 per scroll and of a Shugenja source. The scrolls were: 1) Gust of Wind and Windwall, 2) Meld into Stone and Plant Growth, 3) Daylight and Searing Light, 4) Remove Curse and Remove Disease and 5) Dispel Magic and Protection Elements: Sonic.
Examining the Gaki, the only thing of note is the enchanted belt it wore. This Obi of Giant Strength will turn out to be a +2 STR version. The Biwa it used was damaged beyond repair.
Ashiko is able to determine some of the abilities of the dias. While seated on it, she could cast Summon Natures Ally III and then use her Sense Elements Power to summon an elemental being from one of the chosen elements in the four corners. When higher level, she could cast Summon Nature's Ally V and get a more powerful elemental. Later still, using a 6th level spell, she could Commune with Elementals, like a Contact Other Plane. This site will enable the spell casters to make peaceful contact with the elemental forces that they have been seeking (without having to drag us all to the elemental planes with uncertain routes of return).
After exhausting most higher level spells, the group decides it is wise to return to base camp. The durations of many of the enchancement spells is starting to expire, and we need not take risks unless forced to. Til'k will recover the Temporary Stat drain, but it will take a few days. Back to camp and determine our course of action and split up the booty.