(June 13, 2004) Chronicler: Isaku
Month 6, Day 10, Year 1562 --
Lord Isaka requested our help with a peace mission. We are to escort Lady Asako Emiko to Hodate, the capital city of the Dragon lands, to marry the heir to the Dragon throne, in the hopes of smoothing out relations between the Phoenix and Dragon clans. The lady is accompanied by four maid servants (Suziko, Korako, Samiko, and Osuko), and a samurai bodyguard (Shiba Gozumo). Her dowry is carried on a mule train led by Kashgar, a korobokuru mule tender from the enclave near Marike.
Ashi remembered that the Asako family is known for monk training, and some have become henshin mystics. Hatori checked our route to the Dragon lands and noted some towns to avoid because they may not be in favor of peace between the clans.
We set off with all of our party except for Mulan, who was busy scouting with her father. Til’k was in the lead, with Gorvak, Birkat, Hatori, Noku following, then Lady Asako and her body guard, her maids, Zenako, and myself and Raji bringing up the rear.
We reached Brightstone Keep and spent the night there, as we have not yet worn out our welcome there. The night passed uneventfully, but a storm seeed to be brewing.
Month 6, Day 11 –
The weather was too stormy for travel, so we spent the day at the keep. Ashi offered to control the weather, but Lady Asako declined, fearing to upset the air spirits on such a trivial matter.
We spent the day in various activities for entertainment. The nobles performed the tea ceremony, while the rest of us (Gorvak, Til’k, Birkat and myself) went off to spar for a while.
Later, Noku related stories about tea ceremonies gone wrong and created some origami objects, Ashi gave an acceptable performance on the flute, Hatori recited Haiku, and I performed some tumbling feats.
Month 6, Day 12 –
The weather was overcast, but no longer stormy. We set off from the keep, beating our own path through the forest, rather than following the known path. Soon, Gorvak heard something in the bushes and shouted a warning to the party. We soon found ourselves in a battle with 10 Tsuno (1 Ravager, 1 Soultwister, and 8 regular Tsuno). The Soultwister cast a yellow cloud of noxious fumes around Gorvak, Birkat, and Hatori.
I managed to kill one Tsuno with a flying kick, while Gorvak and Birkat engaged some of the others. Noku cast a wall of fire between all the Tsuno and the rest of the party, with Gorvak, Birkat, Raji and myself on the same side as all the Tsuno. We fought them off for a while, but Birkat, Raji and I all went down before the others were able to rejoin us and finish them off.
After everyone was pretty much healed up, Hatori quietly performed some divinations, and learned that something from the deep dark (underdark) wants to hurt Lady Asako. Apparently it was hired by surface folks who wish to stop the wedding, but they are not of the Crane or Dragon clans.
Hatori decided to inform Lady Asako of the warnings. She was not very surprised that some might want to stop the wedding, but she didn’t know anyone specific who might be after her. She was glad to hear that the Tsuno attack appeared to be unrelated.
Month 6, Day 13 –
Mulan caught up with us and we moved through the hills. The weather has gotten better, and the day and night passed quietly.
Month 6, Day 14 –
Another quiet day of travel through the hills.
Month 6, Day 15 –
We got out of the wild, and started seeing trails and villages. Still quiet.
Month 6, Day 16 –
We encountered a patrol of 20 mounted samurai of the Togashi family, who asked who we are. Hatori introduced himself and explained that we are heading for the Dragon capital. The patrol allowed us to pass, and gave us directions to Hodate. Mulan believed it was a direct route, so we took it.
We found an inn for the night. There, we met six samurai of the Mirumoto family who have heard of us, and would like to travel to the Dragon capital with us. They report to Mirumoto Senjan, the Dragon clan leader. While we spoke with the Mirumoto, Ashi detected the leader’s surface thoughts, and he appeared to be relieved that we had arrived safely. I also sensed their motivations; they seemed to be loyal, with a desire to complete their mission. Perhaps they were sent to escort Lady Asako to the wedding?
Til’k inspected Lady Asako’s room to make sure there were no secret doors. Once we were satisfied that all was in order, we settled down for the night. The night passed uneventfully.
Month 6, Day 17 –
We continued towards Hodate with the Mirumoto party as our guides. We found another inn for the evening, and this time got our own building with several rooms. After inspecting the rooms, Zenako set up the watch order for the night.
During the third watch, seven ogres and a mind-sucker teleported into the main room of the building. The mind-sucker wore studded armor and a shield. Once everyone woke up, we were able to defeat the ogres. The mind-sucker fled the battle in blindness. (I didn’t see what happened, but I assume it was blinded by one of our spell-casters.) One of Lady Asako’s maids was injured in the battle, but nothing serious. Everyone was soon healed up.
Month 6, Day 18 –
We delivered Lady Asako to Hodate safely, completing our mission. Mirumoto Senjan was very pleased, and a bit bemused by our diverse party. He offered hospitality for all, and we gladly accepted.