(August 17, 2003) Chronicler: Tsuruchi Zenako
Prelude
As was previously reported, The Doc Cu'o'c Relocation Committee did indeed return on the 15th, somewhat late in the day. They report that a fine ceremony was held on the 14th, after a reasonably quick council meeting resulted in the barbarians deciding they liked the idea. The ceremony wasn't too long, though the party that followed lasted well into the wee hours of the morning, with much dancing, drinking, and other barbaric uncouth behavior. None of your companions got more carried away by the excitement, though all three partook in the celebration to some extent. Several handsome (sort of) young barbarian men spent much of the night competing for Lady Ashi's attention, as she seemed to be the hero of the day, distracting her quite successfully, while Hatori observed and was amused, ready to intervene if necessary, and Noku chatted quietly with the local shamans. (Still no invitation into the shrine, but Noku has no plans to marry a chieftain's daughter here anyways...)
After returning to camp, the next day was spent making preparations and casting long lasting spells so that we might head back to the ruins on the morning of the 17th fully prepared and completely healed of all wounds.
12/17/1561
On this morning, after suitable prayer to our ancestors that they guide us in this endeavor, the company of 8 (Zenako, Til'k, Mulan, Gorvak, Hatori, Ashiko, Isaku and Noku along with a much improved and larger Raji (Isaku's wolf)), return to the ruins and head straight for the Great Shrine of the Enlightened One. Once close to the ruins, our casters enhance the abilities (Strength, Dexterity and Constitution) of a number of us. Six Bull's Strength spells were cast, four Cat's Grace spells were cast and three Endurance spells were cast. Along with the constant protection or resistance to Fire that Noku grants us each day, our preparations were complete.
In the southeast corner of the ruined Ming Yo Temple complex stands a mighty structure. This is one of the largest standing structures and is an intact two stories tall. As we approach we can see that the main hall is open to the north and south with what appears to be a great icon of the Enlightened One filling the central hall and whose eyes can gaze upon the upper story. As the group properly approaches the structure from the south, we split with some going up the western stairs, others going up the eastern stairs and the always-flying Ashiko just going up over the stairs. There are a number of statues of the temple guardians strategically placed about the floor and we are quite wary of them, fearing perhaps that in its current state that the temple might choose to attack us, and send its constructs to lay us waste.
This wariness perhaps explains why we were then surprised by the Hyakuhei warriors that swarmed out from the darkness and cover along the inside walls of the Shrine. Even more would be found along the railing to the opening of the Great Statue and they would be hurling javelins at our company from that advantage for some time. The warriors of the Great Shrine of the Enlightened One would turn out to number 4 dozen, consisting of a dozen javelin hurlers, a dozen long spear wielders (able to strike from reach) and the remaining were sword wielders. All were wearing Ashigaru Armor. The battle was not long, but it was dangerous, for when faced with warriors from beyond the pale such as these, all living beings in close proximity must conquer their own inner fears or panic and freeze. The greater the number of these undead spirits, the greater the force of fear that must be overcome. As the Hyakuhei swarmed about the lead members of our company, many were overcome with the unnatural fear that these beings impart and froze.
A detailed accounting of the blows struck in a battle of this scope is not instructive, but the actions of note shall be enumerated for the record below. Til'k was first to engage the foes, followed closely by Mulan. Both continued to strike when they could, but both were overcome at times with dread. Gorvak had raged ahead, but was unable to engage any at first, he was then surrounded, two deep and was frozen with dread for a moment, broke free of the panic, and then succumbed again as his wounds mounted. Zenako struck down those she could reach and Blessed the efforts of the Party and raised their Morale (and save vs Fear). Isaku placed a Bane upon the efforts of those Hyakuhei nearby and then Smote those he could reach. Hatori called upon his powers and summoned forth two great beasts to battle the Hyakuhei, a Dire Bear and a Firey beast. As opportunities arose, Hatori smote other Hyakuhei with his great sword, and finished off some of the javelin hurlers on the railing with Magic Missiles. Fire Lord Noku cast forth his roiling balls of fire upon the Hyakuhei not once, but twice and managed to but singe a handful of his companions. Noku also caused the stone of the pillar to burst forth and dig into the bodies of a number of the Hyakuhei when that was his best option, and along with Hatori, pumped Magic Missiles into javelin hurlers from above. Ashiko moved into close proximity and caused great flames to emanate from her hands, not once, but twice and then after a brief moment of fear, moved to heal the seriously damaged Barbarian.
The warriors then charged up the stairs to engage the remaining Hyakuhei warriors along the railing and defeated them in short order. Isaku exerted his spiritual powers and drove three of the undead away from his location. This is a new aspect of his studies, which have reached more and more into the realms of the spirits. Til'k observed one of the Hyakuhei turn from the railing, move to a far door, hesitate and then enter a chamber in the south west corner of the upper floor. A heartbeat later, the Hyakuhei literally came flying out of the room and smashed lifeless on the wall opposite the door, which swung closed. Either some powerful sorcery or trap waited beyond that door or an entity of such presence that it could defeat a Hyakuhei with ease. With a number of us wounded from the battle with the undead, a few moments were taken to heal those wounds and to assess the contents of the lower floor and then some of the other chambers on the second floor, some of which we had already entered in pursuit of Isaku-turned Hyakuhei who had fled into them.
The Great Buddha in the central chamber was an interesting sight. Scattered about the raised dais were numerous offering pots and signs of ancient, now decayed, offerings in them. At the corners of the dais, were small statues holding scraps of ancient parchments, which we determined were holy teachings and writings and will be returned to Waterstone Temple when next we get back. Unfortunately, it appeared that a few other ancient writings perished in some of the battle due to the various fires that infused much of the area at times. Under close scrutiny, Til'k observes what he describes as a small access panel to the core of the Buddha, and Ashiko verifies that indeed some magical power lies within. Using some of his many skills, Til'k obtains access to the chamber and reveals 5 more blocks of incense, like the half burned one lying in the central pan near the Buddha. One of our quests had been to retrieve some enchanted incense from the ruins of Ming Yo Temple, but we do not believe that these blocks are those we seek, but we shall bring them with us. Other than a profusion of weapons and armor last used by the Hyakuhei nothing else of value is found on the lower level.
On the upper floor, we examine each room in order from the northwest in which we find a collection of Ivory tubes (5) that all contain scriptures of various Shaman spells (many of which will require future study to correctly cast, to the northern chamber (nothing) to the northeast chamber, where we do find a collection of six flasks which have markings on them and we presume to be potions of some sort. Their nature will be deduced later, but Til'k believes that the markings on two of them indicate a Protection Elements (Sonic) and a Kiss of the Toad effect. The markings on the other four are too faded and cryptic to decipher. The chamber in the southeast corner has a chest or footlocker in which are found some enchanted weapons: a Nunchaku, a Sai and 16 Shuriken. Again we will need to study these more closely back at camp. The southern chamber is empty and we find nothing of value there. This leaves only the mysterious chamber, which hurled a Hyakuhei out of it to its doom. Not knowing what sort of spirit might still be within, extra preparations are made and the group prepares to enter the room.
Opening the door, Zenako reveals a green robed "man" sitting across the room. His head is largely hidden by the folds of the robe. We can spot a brilliant red Obi around his waist. Noku moves to a better angle to observe what is happening. Til'k, who also observes that this "man" is now nothing but bones when he spots the bony wrists moving slightly in the folds of the robes as he dashes forward. With surprising speed, the Undead Monk, strikes at Til'k many times and seriously wounds him, but the Hasted Til'k is composed enough to withstand this assault and strike back at the Monk. Mulan then follows in and also strikes the Monk a blow. Hatori moves slightly and unloads a magic missile into the monk. Zenako cannot get a good position to engage him in melee, so hastily empties her supply of war darts into the monk, with a surprising number of them hitting him (3 of 4). Ashiko flies into the small chamber and gets into position. Gorvak and Isaku move towards the doorway and get ready to attack the Monk should he try to fight his way out.
Noku has moved to get a line of sight and fires a Magic Missile at the monk. The monk, faced with many foes, ponders his actions for a moment, acknowledges those of accomplishment in the room, and then proceeds to pummel Mulan and others nearby, but fails to stun or drop any of his foes. Til'k attacks with a hasted frenzy of blows and wounds the monk some more. Mulan takes two great blows and then steps back. Hatori, having observed the force of the blows of the Monk decided that Shielding his person would be prudent. Zenako seeing the opening left by Mulan moves in and strikes this Monk with Frenzied hasted blows four times. The monk appears to be seriously hurting and our weapons and spells do appear to be having affect. Ashiko moves next to the heavily wounded Mulan and heals some of her wounds. Gorvak and Isaku maintain their vigilant watch at the doorway with readied weapons.
Noku sensing that the end might be near takes a risk and casts a Magic Missile at the monk (as opposed to a defensive magic) and hurts him yet more. The monk appears to be desperate now and commences to tumble past many of the warriors in the room avoiding any chance of attacks of opportunity from us. The monk strikes a retributive blow on Noku but does not drop the WuJen. However, even the best Tumble is no match for a Readied Barbarian who lashes out at the monk as he nears the doorway and the cleaving axe of cold strikes the Undead Monk a final blow, and the foe collapses.
The bones of the monk are soon decaying and we remove the Green Robe from the remains and the Red Obi. Both are enchanted and some of us feel the power or spirit that must be still active within the robe. A search of the rest of the chamber uncovered no other treasures.
Having used many of our spells and abilities for the day, we do not push our luck, and instead gather up the spoils of battle and victory and bring it all back to the encampment to study and understand. That next day (12/18/1561), while recuperating and studying the items, everyone except Zenako advances a level (Zenako had advanced her studies of the ways of the Temple Sohei after the last experience). Mulan enhances her strength and begins her studies as a Shadow Scout, following in the footsteps of her father. Gorvak enhances his dexterity and continues to become one with his Barbarian ancestors. Til'k furthers his Roguish studies. Isaku hopes to learn from the adventures and enhances his Wisdom and focuses his study on the art of the Monk. Hatori, having spent much time recently swinging the Great No-Dachi of the Glove, determined that enhancing his strength would be prudent and he continues to explore the mysteries of the Oracle. Noku, having seen and learned many things during this exploration, enhances his Intelligence and continues his transformation into a greater Fire Lord. Lady Ashiko, already amongst the shining stars of any gathering, becomes even more forceful in her presence and enhances her Charisma and continues her transformation into a marvelous Air Lord.
We learn that the five scrolls in the ivory tubes are the following: 1) Trance, Inflict Light Wounds; 2) Speak with Plants, Know Motivation, and Resist Elements: Acid; 3) Restoration; 4) Control Winds; 5) Forced Shapechange. The six potions were determined to be the following: 1) Protection Elements: Sonic; 2) Cure Serious Wounds; 3) Spider Climb; 4) Aid; 5) Kiss of the Toad; 6) Protection from Evil. The 51/2 blocks of incense recovered from the chamber of the enlightened one are Incense of Concentration, which will grant a bonus 1st level spell to any caster for that day. Each block is good for 8 days of burning. The weapons recovered from the chest are the following: Nunchaku +1 with Ghost Touch, the Sai is +2, and the Shuriken are all +1 magic ammo. The Red Obi worn by the undead monk is one of Giant Strength +4. The Green robe is known as the Kimono of the Ki Warrior. When worn, it transforms unarmed attacks into the equivalent of Jade as well as enhances the effect KI power of the wearer if studying the path of the KI Warrior. The spirit within reflects that of all monks and is clearly of a lawful character. In addition to the magical items, the group also recovered the arms (Yari, Javelins and Swords) and armor (Ashigaru) of the 48 Hyakuhei as well as their Obsidian tokens of the company (worth about 50 gold each).
With winter looming, we cannot spend too much time in reflection and must continue our exploration in a timely fashion, so late on 12/18/1561, long lasting spells are cast in readiness for our return the ruins tomorrow. Our trek back to the Great Shrine of the Enlightened One was uneventful, but shortly after we entered the ruins of the crafters quarters just north of the shrine, we were ambushed by five Shikki Gaki. Three of the Gaki had been lurking unseen until we passed, and then they swooped in and attacked some of the company near the rear. Moments later, two more Gaki attacked from the front, flying invisibly to the lead-most members of the party, including Lady Ashiko who had just flown to the front of the party to gain a proper perspective on the battle. While not a fearsome combatant, the Shikki Gaki is possessed of a virulent disease, which rots away the vitality (CON) of the living who succumb to the infection. The battle to defeat the Gaki took but a couple of rounds, but before they were slain, their vile claws had infected Til'k, Ashiko and Noku. Having encountered this form of Gaki in the past, and having suffered the consequences of the infection, Zenako had made sure that the group had procured a scroll of Cure Disease, but that would only help but a single one of the three souls that were corrupted.
After a few moments thought, our spirit masters recall that one of the abilities of the Doc Cu'o'c was to cure disease once a day and we know where two of these beings reside in the ruins. Taking care not traverse any region not previously cleansed of undead, we hastily hustle over the Guardian of the Garden and petition his aid. Having previously gained his good favor, this boon was granted and he also instructed that his nephew in the orchards was to aid us as well. Combined with our scroll, this allows us to remove the horrid disease from all infected members of the company. While we were offered the opportunity to meditate in the gardens, we deferred since we had many enchantments that would expire in a matter of hours. The company hustled back to the region where the Gakis had ambushed us.
Not far away, the Shrine of the Lucky Gods was still standing and we proceeded to investigate it. It is a simple structure with a single opening on the south-facing wall. Inside reside four statues, iconic representations of the four seasons and aspects of life. As the group examines the icons, we are suddenly engaged with a half dozen ghostly spirits. When we first encountered these beings some time back, it was painfully learned that their touch could drain the strength of the victim in a permanent manner. Zenako reacting with super speed catches the appearing ghosts unawares and strikes one with blinding speed, dropping it. The ghosts struck, but failed to do any lasting damage. Ashiko steps slightly and casts Burning Hands upon many of the ghosts, and manages to avoid most of the characters. Til'k strikes one near him. Hatori hits one of the ghosts with a magic missile. Gorvak strikes one near him, dropping it. Noku fills the chamber, and avoids the far two Icons with a blazing (29 point) Fireball, which destroys the rest of the ghosts, and also inflicts some serious hurts on many of the company, but it was a good tradeoff to avoid possible lasting affects if the ghosts had wounded any of us. Curing multiple attribute drains would have forced us to send someone back to at least Waterstone Temple, or even Marike, and that was a delay we would not like to endure unless absolutely necessary.
After defeating the "ghosts" our company was able to more carefully examine the Four Lucky Gods in this Shrine. In the Southwest was the Lucky God of Spring and Happiness, and it bore a Unicorn inscription on the back of its hands. In the Northwest corner was the Lucky God of Summer and Victory and it bore the symbol of the Falcon on its hands. In the Northeast corner was the Lucky God of Autumn and Wealth and it bore the symbol of the Monkey on its hands. Finally in the Southeast Corner was the Lucky God of Winter and Longlife and Health and it bore the symbol of the Crane on its hands. Our Shugenja and Shaman both felt certain powers present in this Shrine and that became abundantly clear shortly. Zenako, seeing the Lucky God of Spring bearing the Unicorn Symbol of her clan, bowed and offered thanks and prayers to this god. Noku, who seems attracted to all things Crane (perhaps he was raised in those lands), also decided without much hesitation to offer his thanks and prayers to the Lucky god of Winter. As the other members of the company pondered a bit, one by one they too chose one of the corners to offer thanks and prayers to the Lucky Gods. Gorvak, Til'k and later Mulan, all offered prayers to the Lucky God of Summer with the Falcon Tattoo. Hatori perhaps recognizing the burden of his station chose the Lucky God of Autumn and Wealth with the Monkey tattoo. Ashiko and the surprisingly smart simian Saru chose to join Zenako and offer their prayers to the God of Spring and Happiness. Isaku initially chose to offer his prayers to the Lucky God of Winter, but the power of the Shrine entered his mind, and swayed his choice to go elsewhere and he too then chose the to join the others at the Lucky God of Summer and Victory and Falcon Tattoo. As we all offered our thanks and prayers, a sense of calm and oneness settled over the Shrine and time passed without notice. The mysteries of the ancestors entered our spirits and wove into them the boons and blessings of each Lucky God as each of us had selected. When the time for prayer had passed, each one of us was now marked with a like Tattoo on the back of each hand, indicating the Lucky God we had chosen. Those with the Unicorn Tattoo (Zenako, Ashiko and Saru) would be blessed with the chance to snatch back time and try again once each day. (One re-roll per day of any roll, before results are known.) Those who had selected the Falcon Tattoo (Gorvak, Til'k, Mulan and Isaku) would know no fear and in fact embolden those near them to also resist any Fear effects. Having just recently been overcome by Fear with the Hyakuhei warriors two days ago, those who received this boon were much pleased to know that they would not succumb to such situations again. Hatori, who had chosen to offer his prayers at the God of Autumn and Wealth, was granted the Monkey Tattoo, which imbues the recipient with numerous skill improvements that can all lead to gaining wealth. (+1 to nine different skills, mostly from the rogue lists, including some trained only.) Lastly we have Noku who had chosen the Lucky God of Winter and Long life and was blessed to receive the Crane Tattoo, which grants it bearer immunity to diseases. Noku had just earlier this day been infected with the vile Gaki pestilence and could well appreciate the magnitude of this benefit if we are to continue exploring ruins such as this Temple Complex.
Everyone was very pleased with the boons that had come our way, and we then looked over the temple more closely and spotted a small trap door tile in the floor by each of the statues. When opened, they revealed a few treasures to be removed and put to use. There were 4 items: 1) Scroll: Permanency; 2) Scroll: Dance of the Unicorn; 3) Potion: Heroism and 4) Talisman of the Soaring Crane (Haste). By this time, with the extra time spent going back and forth to the Doc Cu'o'c many of the enchantments on us were getting closer to ending so the decision was made to return to the encampment and prepare for our return on the following day.
Upon our return to camp, and after settling in, Zenako reviews the treasures gathered in the most recent explorations and decides that it is time to once again allocate them in a lasting manner to each member of this company. Those results will appear later in another missive. Having just recently advanced in levels none of the company will be advancing again after the last experience.