The companions sail to Port Ginji. They are able to have a long rest in the interim. Both Minamoto and Fwangzhu leave the ship first and go separate ways. Zsikhou groggily awakens by the time they reach the port. Balan looks over at the ships and merchant stalls. “We need to speak to a few of the trading companies here, correct?”
“Aye.” T’kharr affirms.
“That may be the best place to start if we would like.” Balan agrees.
“Diamond industries and golden sails most definitely.” Mingzhu adds.
“Aye.” Balan nods to her.
“Silgara should come for sure. I am unsure of Nor’vee, but he may recognize someone which may be a tremendous help.” Mingzhu says. Zsikhou perks his snout over, raising an eye ridge. She looks over. “I am unsure Zsikhou is well enough to come with us.”
“It may be best for us to stay together since we all have some difference in information.” Balan says musing over the others. Silgara nods and steps up with the leaders. Balan adds. “For most of the other place I was doing what I could while you all went out.”
T’kharr comes with them as well although she does hang back a bit. Balan walks with them towards the diamond industries ship. There's a pair of guards there. One of them looks over. "State your business."
Balan takes the lead, “A report to your leader.”
"Written?" The guard looks over.
“No, we need to speak with them. It is important.” Balan informs.
"Your names, and what you want to talk about?" The guard insists.
Mingzhu speaks up, “I am Mingzhu and we wish to speak about Kizamine and Zalusu.”
“Samael and I have spoken several times before." T’kharr says. Balan nods in affirmation.
Mingzhu begins to use her diplomacy, “We are also petitioning for Zee Vogel to become the new governor of the island and wish to speak to Samael about his nephew.” She watches for the guard’s reaction.
The guard looks at Mingzhu, then... one just bursts out into a snicker fit. "Zander Vogel? Governor? ... Seriously? Him of all people?!?"
Balan smiles getting it, “Aye! That is true.”
The other just bursts out laughing. "Oh, that guy would spend the entire fund wenching, gambling, and probably make all of that legal!" Mingzhu laughs with them.
The guard coughs some, trying to hide the snicker fit, then composes himself "Alright, alright, save the jokes for when we're off duty. What do you really need?"
"Nah, keep them coming. This shift is boring as hells." The other guard chimes in.
Now Mingzhu gets to the meat. “We need to see Samael for about some goings ons, on the other islands we have uncovered quite a few conspiracies and need more information that he might be able to provide.”
The guard sighs, making a motion. "Right, we'll let him know. He'll contact you when, and if he can."
One of the guard heads in the boat.
Balan looks over at another ship. “So, we wait here or should we notify the other one as well.”
Mingzhu shrugs, “You two are the western culture experts.”
The guard comes back. "The message is delivered. You'll need to wait until they're ready to see you though."
Mingzhu looks at her comrades. “So, we stay here and wait?” She looks down at Snout. He looks sad for some reason.
They might need to wait a few hours. Seems Samael is quite busy actually running his company, but eventually he strolls out the docking ramp. "Ah, the fine company of heroes." He keeps his usual poise, and dramatic arm movements as he speaks "So, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Mingzhu steps back for Balan and T’kharr to speak.
Balan says to him, “This may be best talked of in private.”
"Well now, well now, you know I am a busy man." He gives a smile "So, something to whet the appetite, yes?"
"Aye, we were wanting to follow up with you on the situation on Kizamine" T’kharr says.
"Ah..." A dramatic sigh "Well, I have already fired Sebastian. And Rynard is dead. But you already know this. So, what else did you wish to discuss on the matter?" Samael asks.
"Ah, I think that's a large part of what we wish to know, even. Thank you for your time, unless any of my compatriots have something they wish to raise?" looks between Mingzhu, Silgara, and Balan.
“I do.” Mingzhu steps up. "Samael there is a small island that was attack by pirates near Kizamine. They have a guardian spirit that went missing after a battle with a mage. A westerner. The pirates seemed to have enslaved most of the village population, "You haven't heard any rumors or tales of anything about this, have you?"
"Rynard being bought like that cost the company a lot of business. And of course. What's on your mind?" He pauses, a grim expression "Ah, a most grim tale you speak of. Sadly, I have not. A powerful mage, and a westerner? Interesting. But magi often have tricks to hide their trails, especially in a land such as this, where unsanctioned magi are quite against the emperor's law."
Mingzhu frowns and nods then asks, “Have you heard anything about the island of… I can’t remember the name there was a revolt there. Have you heard about their shaman or anything about the westerners he is reported to be running around with?”
"I'm afraid that isn't a lot to go on, my dear. Alas, most of my information comes along the lines of politics and commerce. Was there more to go off of, there?" He asks.
Mingzhu shakes her head and moves on. “Have you done any trade with either of these islands?”
"I cannot say I have, and Rynard's lack of professionalism has cost me all my business in Kizamine. Though I know the Golden Sails were, awfully… quick on the uptake to have us replaced. Makes me wonder what they might be up to." A dramatic pause, flexing some fingers, considering "But for those, you'll have to give me names on a map."
"Soljura, no?" T’kharr replies. Mingzhu nods to her.
Mingzhu corrects herself, “The one the pirates took was Zalusu where the guardian spirit was either killed or abducted. the other where the shaman is Soljura.”
“Ah yes.” T’kharr smiles.
He considers... "Soljura, I think I did send some traders there a while ago, but I decided that the place wasn't worth the business in the end, it didn't outweigh the costs and risks, so I pulled them out."
"Aye, I think your decision proved wise in the end." T’kharr muses.
"What costs and risks?" Mingzhu asks.
Then Samael shakes his head "I have not sent traders to Zalusu. I think the Azure Winds did." He smiles at Mingzhu. "Risks of being waylaid by corsairs. Costs of transportation and management against profit gained. All manner of business metrics."
She tries to sense the motive behind the odd smile, but it seems he's telling the truth. He looks like he could talk for hours about economics. "That's a simple summation, but I figured that doing business on other islands was a better use of my company's resources." Samael smiles at Mingzhu.
She smiles back, “Of course. Thank you, Samael.”
"Of course, Milady. Was there anything else I could help you with?" He smiles. She shakes her head. He then looks at Balan and T’kharr.
Balan shakes his head, “I think that is all.”
T’kharr nods, “I think that that suffices, yes, thank you for your time ser Samael" She curtsy bows to him.
"Of course. Have a fair afternoon, my good heroes." He gives a courtly gesture in farewell, then heads back to the ship.
Mingzhu huffs thinking about the conversation. There was something there, but she missed it. She feels like she missed something. She says, “Well, we have something to discuss with azure winds now too."
Silgara looks over, "Well, where to next, then?"
"Well, lead on then." Silgara nods. They head to the Azure Winds stall.
There are merchant stalls along the docks. There are some merchants there. "Salam Alaikum, honorable customer. Can I get you anything?"
Mingzhu hangs back playing with Snout but listens.
She Came from the Sea: Book 2
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Winterhawk99
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
The Azure Winds merchant looks the party over, waiting to see what they do. T’kharr bows to the man, “If you could let ser Khalid know we wish to speak to him please? We do have a matter or two to follow up with him on."
"Ah, I believe he is at our company boat that's docked. If you wish to see him, you'll need to ask for him there." He nods politely.
"Thank you" she bows, then turns to the party "Shall we head to the boat then?"
Silgara nods, "Of course." T’kharr leads the party to the Asure Wind’s ship. There's once again two guards, but they seem happy to invite the party in. One of the guards escorts them to a room below deck. T’kharr dips her head to the guards in passing.
There's a bit of a wait time, but eventually Khalid strolls over. "Salam Alaikum, friends. I have heard that Captain Fareed was found, though he was... sparse with the details of what happened. Nevertheless, I appreciate your aid in this matter. It would be fitting to reward you for services rendered. If you would like one of these.” He motions to a man who holds a few items to pick one of. A scimitar, a Longbow, a staff, or some robes. The weapons are +1 enchantment/ 1-6 electric damage. The robe is +1 ac 5/- fire resistance.
T’kharr bows to Khalid, “Aye, good seeing ye, and yes, he had a bit of an...adventure." Silgara seems interested in the longbow.
"Well, if you have time, I would like to hear of it. Though I understand there were other matters you wished to discuss?" Khalid inclines his head.
Mingzhu motions to the robe. She looks it over and gives it to Silgara. She did not notice her interest in the longbow. Silgara rubs the side of her head, raising an eyebrow, but doesn't comment at first then accepts them saying, “Well, I might have been able to use the bow more, but thank you. I'll put these on later."
"Was there ought else you wished to discuss, then?" Khalid looks over the group waiting to see if the party wishes to discuss anything else.
Mingzhu steps back to let T’kharr and Balan do the talking but when they hesitate and say nothing she steps back up again. She asks, “What will you do now that the captain is free. Will you continue to trade on the island?"
"Of course. ..." Khalid raises a quizzical eyebrow at Mingzhu mentioning the captain is freed. "Freed? He didn't say what happened to him while he was missing. I did find that most curious. Nevertheless, I do intend to continue trading with them."
As soon as Diamond industries was banished from the island of Golden Sails moved right in within hours as if they knew what would happen. Is there any way they could have known without magic? Do you have any theories Khalid?"
Khalid considers, then shrugs "Saruma, my counterpart in the Golden Sails, is a shrewd businesswoman. She does like to keep tabs on things and likes to send her employees wide. That said, I'm afraid I cannot say how she might have known."
Silgara shakes her head. "We didn't see any Durpari humans on Kizamine. Though someone in there in theory could be paid off to report back to the company."
Mingzhu looks at Snout. He has mischief in his eyes. He’s looking at the carpets very intently. She chides, “Snout!... No.”
Khalid looks over, mildly amused. "Don't worry. I've had it secured since your companion's last caper."
She nods, "He got another ride on the island of Kizamine. We went to two other islands. One was attacked by pirates, and their guardian spirit was attacked by a necromancer. could you offer any information about it?"
Silgara looks over. "Wasn't it Zalusu he got the ride on?"
Khalid looks over, he frowns, then shakes his head. "I'm afraid I haven't heard anything about Guardian Spirits or necromancers nearby."
Mingzhu nods and looks at Silgara. “Might have been Silgara.” She turns back to Khalid. “We think the guardian spirit may still be alive but captured by this necromancer though we are unsure."
"What I can tell you is that corsair attacks have been particularly heavy on the western side of Daimyo Kaluso's island chain. If they have a base, I expect it's somewhere between the domains of Daimyo Kaluso and Daimyo Zuodong, However, I do not have an exact location." Khalid replies.
“That may be where we may search next. Do you know anything about the island of Soljura and what happened there?"
"Soljura, ah...." He considers "I had sent a group of traders there a while ago. However, from what I was told, the reception to foreigners there was particularly... heated. As I understood the politics of this region were particularly unstable there. Tensions between their people and the Sheikh of this island chain. But I opted to have my people withdraw from there. I did not feel we were welcome and while I might have been able to overcome it in time, I felt that my company's resources were best sent elsewhere." Khalid shakes his head "I had not heard anything further after that."
Mingzhu nods. "There is no one left, the town has been abandoned. There were undead all around. We dealt with the undead but... there were many angry spirits that would not depart."
Khalid heaves a sigh. "That is terrible news. I'm sure you and your company did what they could. I'll make note of that for future endeavors. Thank you." Khalid nods.
Mingzhu thinks a long time then asks, "Khalid if there were refugees from a few of the villages on this island what would it cost to transport them to somewhere like Soljura?"
"Are you sure such is a good idea?" Khalid cranes his head "An island full of restless spirits... in my homeland there are tales of lands that become cursed in such manners. To send people to live in such straits, I do not think that is something an honorable person should do."
“There is also the island that was attacked by pirates. Though we would have to deal with the pirates first.”
Khalid nods, "Should you have the specifics, it is something I can do. Fees would depend on risks, number of passengers, as well as travel time."
The shamaness nods, “That’s fair enough for now. Much needs to be done, before we can move people to a safer location.”
"Of course, let me know when you have such. I'll see what I can do with available resources." Khalid dips his head "Was there anything else?"
Mingzhu thinks a long time then asks, “Khalid, Tell me about Zalusu?”
"That is where I asked you to find Captain Fareed, yes? From what I know it is a larger, more advanced and prosperous village than many in this chain. From what I understand the locals were welcoming. Fareed before his disappearance was quite optimistic in mutually beneficial exchange." Khalid nods "That's why his disappearance was a concern. I'm glad he is back now."
"There have been rumors of western yokai in the realm, demons. Have you heard anything among your men or in your travels any mention of one? Or even strange occurrences?"
Khalid shakes his head. "The only thing I had heard of in that regard was in regard to Captain Fareed's disappearance, but I had not found out any details on the matter. Fareed's message back did not explain why he had disappeared. I thought it odd, but he said that trade could resume, so I will take him at his word and hope no other unforeseen circumstances arise. I do have some tradesmen further out west, but I have not received word from them in some time. Unfortunately, that is expected given the distance and corsair interference." Khalid offhandedly mentions.
"Do you have the names of the islands you send them to? We are apt to look there for what we are looking for."
"Hrm..." Khalid unfolds a map of the region. Seems he's been using it; there's a lot of scrawl on it. But it does look like he's sent a fair number of traders over in Daimyo Zuodong's territory. Some in Yasima's, but not nearly as many. There's quite a few to look at. Zalusu is one of them. Daimyo Zuodong's territory is further west of Zalusu.
"How do you get along with Daimyo Zuodong and Yasima?" She asks.
"If you are asking if I have met either of those Sheikhs, I have not. I will say that their men are typically far more open to foreign trade than those under Sheikh Kaluso. I have noticed that Sheikh Yasima mostly favors trade with Diamond Industries above other companies. That said, he still welcomes foreign trade, and his waters are safer than those under Sheikh Kaluso by a notable margin."
Mingzhu nods. "It is all I have to ask. Thank you for your valuable time."
"Of course, I hope this is of help. Ma'as Salama." Khalid nods, then goes to go about his business, while
Silgara seems to make a note of which islands were marked as doing business with the Azure Winds.
T’kharr bows Khalid farewell, "Thank you."
Silgara looks over. "Where to next? Golden Sails?"
“That's up to T'kharr if she wants to speak with them about the speed in which they came in after Diamond industries was banished.” Mingzhu remarks.
Silgara looks to T'kharr. T’kharr nods, “Golden Sails works...”
"Right then, let’s get going then." Silgara nods as the party moves off to the Golden Sails boat.
"Ah, I believe he is at our company boat that's docked. If you wish to see him, you'll need to ask for him there." He nods politely.
"Thank you" she bows, then turns to the party "Shall we head to the boat then?"
Silgara nods, "Of course." T’kharr leads the party to the Asure Wind’s ship. There's once again two guards, but they seem happy to invite the party in. One of the guards escorts them to a room below deck. T’kharr dips her head to the guards in passing.
There's a bit of a wait time, but eventually Khalid strolls over. "Salam Alaikum, friends. I have heard that Captain Fareed was found, though he was... sparse with the details of what happened. Nevertheless, I appreciate your aid in this matter. It would be fitting to reward you for services rendered. If you would like one of these.” He motions to a man who holds a few items to pick one of. A scimitar, a Longbow, a staff, or some robes. The weapons are +1 enchantment/ 1-6 electric damage. The robe is +1 ac 5/- fire resistance.
T’kharr bows to Khalid, “Aye, good seeing ye, and yes, he had a bit of an...adventure." Silgara seems interested in the longbow.
"Well, if you have time, I would like to hear of it. Though I understand there were other matters you wished to discuss?" Khalid inclines his head.
Mingzhu motions to the robe. She looks it over and gives it to Silgara. She did not notice her interest in the longbow. Silgara rubs the side of her head, raising an eyebrow, but doesn't comment at first then accepts them saying, “Well, I might have been able to use the bow more, but thank you. I'll put these on later."
"Was there ought else you wished to discuss, then?" Khalid looks over the group waiting to see if the party wishes to discuss anything else.
Mingzhu steps back to let T’kharr and Balan do the talking but when they hesitate and say nothing she steps back up again. She asks, “What will you do now that the captain is free. Will you continue to trade on the island?"
"Of course. ..." Khalid raises a quizzical eyebrow at Mingzhu mentioning the captain is freed. "Freed? He didn't say what happened to him while he was missing. I did find that most curious. Nevertheless, I do intend to continue trading with them."
As soon as Diamond industries was banished from the island of Golden Sails moved right in within hours as if they knew what would happen. Is there any way they could have known without magic? Do you have any theories Khalid?"
Khalid considers, then shrugs "Saruma, my counterpart in the Golden Sails, is a shrewd businesswoman. She does like to keep tabs on things and likes to send her employees wide. That said, I'm afraid I cannot say how she might have known."
Silgara shakes her head. "We didn't see any Durpari humans on Kizamine. Though someone in there in theory could be paid off to report back to the company."
Mingzhu looks at Snout. He has mischief in his eyes. He’s looking at the carpets very intently. She chides, “Snout!... No.”
Khalid looks over, mildly amused. "Don't worry. I've had it secured since your companion's last caper."
She nods, "He got another ride on the island of Kizamine. We went to two other islands. One was attacked by pirates, and their guardian spirit was attacked by a necromancer. could you offer any information about it?"
Silgara looks over. "Wasn't it Zalusu he got the ride on?"
Khalid looks over, he frowns, then shakes his head. "I'm afraid I haven't heard anything about Guardian Spirits or necromancers nearby."
Mingzhu nods and looks at Silgara. “Might have been Silgara.” She turns back to Khalid. “We think the guardian spirit may still be alive but captured by this necromancer though we are unsure."
"What I can tell you is that corsair attacks have been particularly heavy on the western side of Daimyo Kaluso's island chain. If they have a base, I expect it's somewhere between the domains of Daimyo Kaluso and Daimyo Zuodong, However, I do not have an exact location." Khalid replies.
“That may be where we may search next. Do you know anything about the island of Soljura and what happened there?"
"Soljura, ah...." He considers "I had sent a group of traders there a while ago. However, from what I was told, the reception to foreigners there was particularly... heated. As I understood the politics of this region were particularly unstable there. Tensions between their people and the Sheikh of this island chain. But I opted to have my people withdraw from there. I did not feel we were welcome and while I might have been able to overcome it in time, I felt that my company's resources were best sent elsewhere." Khalid shakes his head "I had not heard anything further after that."
Mingzhu nods. "There is no one left, the town has been abandoned. There were undead all around. We dealt with the undead but... there were many angry spirits that would not depart."
Khalid heaves a sigh. "That is terrible news. I'm sure you and your company did what they could. I'll make note of that for future endeavors. Thank you." Khalid nods.
Mingzhu thinks a long time then asks, "Khalid if there were refugees from a few of the villages on this island what would it cost to transport them to somewhere like Soljura?"
"Are you sure such is a good idea?" Khalid cranes his head "An island full of restless spirits... in my homeland there are tales of lands that become cursed in such manners. To send people to live in such straits, I do not think that is something an honorable person should do."
“There is also the island that was attacked by pirates. Though we would have to deal with the pirates first.”
Khalid nods, "Should you have the specifics, it is something I can do. Fees would depend on risks, number of passengers, as well as travel time."
The shamaness nods, “That’s fair enough for now. Much needs to be done, before we can move people to a safer location.”
"Of course, let me know when you have such. I'll see what I can do with available resources." Khalid dips his head "Was there anything else?"
Mingzhu thinks a long time then asks, “Khalid, Tell me about Zalusu?”
"That is where I asked you to find Captain Fareed, yes? From what I know it is a larger, more advanced and prosperous village than many in this chain. From what I understand the locals were welcoming. Fareed before his disappearance was quite optimistic in mutually beneficial exchange." Khalid nods "That's why his disappearance was a concern. I'm glad he is back now."
"There have been rumors of western yokai in the realm, demons. Have you heard anything among your men or in your travels any mention of one? Or even strange occurrences?"
Khalid shakes his head. "The only thing I had heard of in that regard was in regard to Captain Fareed's disappearance, but I had not found out any details on the matter. Fareed's message back did not explain why he had disappeared. I thought it odd, but he said that trade could resume, so I will take him at his word and hope no other unforeseen circumstances arise. I do have some tradesmen further out west, but I have not received word from them in some time. Unfortunately, that is expected given the distance and corsair interference." Khalid offhandedly mentions.
"Do you have the names of the islands you send them to? We are apt to look there for what we are looking for."
"Hrm..." Khalid unfolds a map of the region. Seems he's been using it; there's a lot of scrawl on it. But it does look like he's sent a fair number of traders over in Daimyo Zuodong's territory. Some in Yasima's, but not nearly as many. There's quite a few to look at. Zalusu is one of them. Daimyo Zuodong's territory is further west of Zalusu.
"How do you get along with Daimyo Zuodong and Yasima?" She asks.
"If you are asking if I have met either of those Sheikhs, I have not. I will say that their men are typically far more open to foreign trade than those under Sheikh Kaluso. I have noticed that Sheikh Yasima mostly favors trade with Diamond Industries above other companies. That said, he still welcomes foreign trade, and his waters are safer than those under Sheikh Kaluso by a notable margin."
Mingzhu nods. "It is all I have to ask. Thank you for your valuable time."
"Of course, I hope this is of help. Ma'as Salama." Khalid nods, then goes to go about his business, while
Silgara seems to make a note of which islands were marked as doing business with the Azure Winds.
T’kharr bows Khalid farewell, "Thank you."
Silgara looks over. "Where to next? Golden Sails?"
“That's up to T'kharr if she wants to speak with them about the speed in which they came in after Diamond industries was banished.” Mingzhu remarks.
Silgara looks to T'kharr. T’kharr nods, “Golden Sails works...”
"Right then, let’s get going then." Silgara nods as the party moves off to the Golden Sails boat.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
The ramp on the boat has two guards stationed there. As they approach, one guard looks at the other, then looks at the group. "You are expected. Please, come with me." As he invites them inside. T’kharr vows to the guards then heads in. Mingzhu and Snout follow along after Balan and T’kharr. They are lead to a room that is lavishly decorated. They had already been there of course. Carpets on the ground. A woman sitting cross-legged on cushions, a crystal ball on a table before you. Mrishnavurti looks over, relaxing and withdrawing her hands from the crystal ball.
"Welcome back. Once again, the threads of fate have brought you here. I do hope you know what questions you should ask this time." She gives a smile, waving her hands some around the crystal ball, as if peering into it for something that They can't see. T’kharr seats herself. Mingzhu follows holding Snout. Balan and the rest then follow them.
T’kharr asks, “Perhaps you can give us your perspective on what happened on Kizamine, for starters?"
Mrishnavurti gives a smile underneath the veil she's wearing. "I mentioned that you should venture there if you wanted to follow the threats of fate to uncover treachery. Following a trail of a small conspiracy that can lead to revelations of a larger one. Is that what you found when you and your company ventured there?"
"Quite so indeed."
"Then I'm glad my advice assisted you." Mrishnavurti nods in reply. Mingzhu stays silent but looks a bit angry too. Mrishnavurti waits for further questions.
T’kharr says, “We noticed that you moved in quite swiftly after the departure of the other traders."
Mrishnavurti nods "I foresaw that such would happen should you succeed in uncovering their treachery. So, I advised Saruma to be ready to send a boat with medicinal herbs to that island when the time was right. It was an easy enough decision to follow when I perceived that thread of fate."
"Ah, that makes sense then." T’kharr replies.
She nods, "She most often asks for my talents as a Seer when she asks me which routes our ships should take so they are not waylaid by the Corsairs. So far, my visions have kept our people as safe as they can be in these times."
Silgara huffs. "Well, that's quite a use of divination. Knowing when to take advantage of a competitor's misfortune." Silgara offhandedly mentions aside, "In the same time she gave that hint, she hinted that we shouldn't go to Renkao or we risk 'falling off a knife's edge' before."
Mrishnavurti looks over to Silgara. "Perhaps. But the move all the same did free their people from treachery, which is what you wanted, yes? And also provided supplies for them they'd needed at the time as well."
Mingzhu asks, “Renkao?”
“To visit the Magistrate.” T’kharr reminds.
Mrishnavurti's stance suddenly becomes more worried, tense. But her posture and demeanor posits herself like she's expecting a question. Mingzhu notes it. The seer keeps quiet, waiting for someone else to speak up and ask her a question. T’kharr looks to Balan to see if he has something to say. Mingzhu finally asks, “What was that?”
Mrishnavurti raises an eyebrow, looking to Mingzhu "You'll need to be more specific."
Mingzhu purses her lips, “You saw something.”
"I'm a seer. I see the threads and weavings of fate and follow them to where they are determined to go and offer what guidance I can so that others who walk along the chords of fate follow where it is best." She replies. "I see many things. But it depends on if you know the right questions to ask."
"We did not ask a question but suddenly you looked worried and tense. What was it?" Mingzhu insists.
"An anticipation of a question you would ask. It unfortunately does not have a pleasant answer no matter how it treads the weavings of fate at this juncture I am afraid." Mrishnavurti comments.
Silgara huffs, looking somewhat annoyed at Mrishnavurti. "She's alluding to what she mentioned to us last time. That going to Renkao, further north, would not be advisable, because we would fall off the knife's edge, whatever she means by that."
"The difficult choice about whether and how to present our case to the Magistrate, I'm sure." T’kharr observes.
Mrishnavurti shakes her head. "That... is a thread of fate that will not happen anymore, alas. Not in that way. It will not be a dance of courts even should you rush there now."
“And why not?” Mingzhu asks.
"And should you go there then at least one whose fate is tied closely to yours will be severed forever." She mentions.
"And what if we do not take this person with us?" Mingzhu asks.
"For why..." Mrishnavurti heaves a breath out "You chose other threads to follow. They had their own benefits and drawbacks. But as for what happens to the Magistrate..." She considers, "It might be best to show you, you have something tied to him symbolically? You might be able to string them along. But the moment they find out, strained bonds will shatter and only entropy will exist from then on." Mrishnavurti says.
Mingzhu turns to her companions, “So… We have the summons?”
Silgara nods, "We should have that, yes. That would suffice for a scrying focus. Do you want to hand it over?”
Mingzhu says, “Yes.” Silgara hands it over to Mrishnavurti.
She nods, placing it before the crystal ball, weaving her hands around it as though she's doing some casting... A vision of what looks like a courthouse, with an angry mob outside of it. Throwing torches onto the courthouse, guardsmen desperately trying to keep them out and safe, and it looks like there's definitely been blood drawn. Soldiers defending the courthouse, holding out, but slowly being overwhelmed by a relentless angry mob, rebellion, armed and dangerous. They greatly outnumber the soldiers. Eventually, the scene on the crystal ball fades. Mrishnavurti leans back some. Even Silgara seems to note what’s going on.
"Has this already happened?" Mingzhu asks insistently.
"Happening." Mrishnavurti mentions. "But you won't have any way to make it in time now before lines are crossed that cannot be taken back. And unfortunately, the visions become darker, because Daimyo Kaluso has sent a force to re-take the island from that rebellion." She shakes her head. "I have seen that you have balanced yourselves, dancing on the knife's edge without falling to one side or another. But in this conflict, I do not foresee any threads of fate where finding a peaceful solution is possible. You can side with one, but you will earn the enmity of the other forever."
Mingzhu thinks a long time then says, "Minamoto and Fwangzhu."
"More than just them, in this case." Mrishnavurti says. "If you wish to remain on the knife's edge, you cannot go there."
"That's my job Mrishnavurti. to keep peace between the common people and the rulers of the land." Mingzhu looks appalled then looks over at Silgara.
Mrishnavurti looks over. "You won't be able to in this case. And should you pick a side in this conflict, then your ability to do so in the future will be greatly hindered." She shakes her head. "This is what the portents and the threads of fate have said. I'm afraid I don't have a way you can navigate this one. Only guide you to where your efforts can still be of greater impact on the threads of fate."
Silgara seethes, looking at Mrishnavurti. "Why didn't you /tell/ us this before?!"
Mingzhu suddenly casts trance and shouts out. "Spirits of the sea come to me!"
Mrishnavurti replies, then shakes her head. "You know that answer better than anyone, Sun-child. Going there would still have forced you to dance off the knife's edge. You might have been able to save the Magistrate with less bloodshed, but still at the cost of fractured bonds, and at the cost of harm prevented elsewhere."
As the sea spirits of the area gather around Mingzhu she casts commune with lesser spirit. One comes to her the others leave through the very hull of the ship. Silgara narrows her eyes at Mrishnavurti then looks aside staring at Mingzhu.
Mingzhu concentrates on the spirit. “Spirit is Renkao in revolt?”
“Yes.”
“Is there an instigator of evil purpose leading or advising this revolt?”
“No.”
Mingzhu looks to the others to see if they have a question they do not. She asks the spirit, “Can we get there in time to save the magistrate?”
“Unknown.”
“Is Mrishnavurti human?”
“Yes.” The spirit fades as Mingzhu thanks him.
She looks at Silgara, "Mrishnavurti is not one of the ones we are looking for Silgara. She’s human."
Mrishnavurti looks over to Mingzhu "The only way you could possibly save the Magistrate now, and even then..." She shakes her head "Are you willing to massacre the people of Renkao in order to save the Magistrate?" The way she asks it it's like she's asking a rhetorical question.
Mingzhu suddenly looks depressed, “Of course not. What if we go to the Daimyo’s court?”
"That is one thread of fate you can follow. You would need to go further North than Renkao." Mrishnavurti nods.
"Hm, was Renkao some sort of...satellite court for the Daimyo?" T’kharr asks.
"It was the court that largely oversaw his southern holdings." Mrishnavurti answers.
“Got it.” T’kharr says.
Mingzhu looks at the others. “The answers to my other questions. Yes, Renkao is in rebellion. No there is no instigator. The spirit was not sure if we could get to the island in time to save the magistrate.
Silgara sighs, "It begs the question of why it's in rebellion. And if Magistrate Josou is on the level."
"I can’t ask any more questions until tomorrow. Mingzhu mutters rather loudly.
T’kharr huffs, “That is a very good point, perhaps we can get some answers tomorrow?"
"If we want to stop by Renkao, it seems like we need to go /now/." Silgara states, "If we delay by a day, we might be too late. That or... that or we skip going there altogether."
"We would have to save the magistrate without being seen somehow and before the daimyo's ship gets there if it does the corsairs are still a problem and we know more about the corsairs than most." She
looks to T’kharr as not to say too much.
"Aye, we'd have to somehow save the magistrate without being noticed by the rebels. We'd also have to know that we aren't just creating more trouble than we hope to solve...” T’kharr nods.
Mingzhu looks forlorn and says, “"The only place I can think to go is the Daimyo's court unless we want to risk investigating in other territories. I still can’t believe there is no way to strike a balance."
Silgara looks back and forth between T'kharr and Mingzhu, waiting to see what they decide on.
Mrishnavurti goes back to a resting position, though her eyes look heavy.
Mingzhu turns to Mrishnavurti, "Do you understand what we are up against? The gravity of where we stand. There are western demons somewhere in these territories causing utter havoc and two daimyos trying to disrupt the balance of power in the region. Do you realize that? Do you even care?"
Mrishnavurti looks over to Mingzhu, offering a shrug, then a breath out "Your anger is misplaced. It's why I suggested you go where I said. So, you could uncover such treachery."
"Best I can come up with is sailing for Renkao and communing on the way there." T’kharr suggests.
“Mrishnavurti said that would be a mistake. We should go to the Daimyo's court. I think I need to talk to Hattori first and then if we go to Renkao then we need to talk to everyone including Fwangzhu and Minamoto. If we go it has to be purely voluntary with a full understanding about what is going on.” Mingzhu insists.
Silgara lets out a sigh, "I know how it will go if we include both Fwangzhu and Minamoto on this. Fwangzhu will side with the rebellion. Minamoto will side with his Daimyo."
"Let’s talk to Hattori then. At least he has some common sense. At least more than those two empty headed battering rams."
T’kharr considers everything then says, “Aye, Hattori might be useful in that regard, and if we do sail for Renkao, it'll have to be about uncovering what sparked the rebellion and why, not taking sides."
"I expect that Fwangzhu and Minamoto both will take a side. As will Hattori." Silgara rubs her face. "I'll prepare two castings of dimension door, I expect we might need them if we're to pull this rescue off successfully, or... whatever we might be planning."
“We have to try Silgara and besides Hattori may be able to provide some intelligence.” Mingzhu mutters.
"If you feel that's best, let’s go, but he isn't exactly the model of being reasonable from what I've seen." Silgara rubs her face. "But we'd better do something."
"I still think we avoid Renkao and go to the Daimyo's court, but I am only one person." Mingzhu mutters obviously so upset that she’s contradicting herself.
"Should I go fetch Nor'vee as well?" Silgara asks.
T'kharr rises and bows to the seer, "Thank you for your time, and may your burdens be eased." then turns to Silgara "If you think Hattori won't flip out over meeting him, sure."
"May the threads of fate be as kind to you as they can." Mrishnavurti gives a nod farewell, though does look tired.
"I figured I might want to get him on the boat; I figured it's better than him drinking at the Dizzy Panda while ranting nonstop about how cats are the worst things in the realms." Silgara sighs "What about Fwangzhu, should I get him on the boat too or should we leave him behind for this one?"
Mingzhu looks frustrated by the idea. “I don’t know yet Silgara. it depends on if we go to Renkao if we do, I don’t want Minamoto or Fwangzhu around.”
"Well, if we go to Renkao, we need to set sail as soon as we can." Silgara says. "Do we go there or not? Time is at a premium on this one."
"I reckon he'll be nothing but an argument source for Hattori. As to Renkao...yes. We'll have to leave both of them behind shall we head there, given the place's current state. Let’s visit with Hattori first" T’kharr replies.
Silgara nods. Mingzhu says, “Alright then.” They head to Hattori’s office.
"Welcome back. Once again, the threads of fate have brought you here. I do hope you know what questions you should ask this time." She gives a smile, waving her hands some around the crystal ball, as if peering into it for something that They can't see. T’kharr seats herself. Mingzhu follows holding Snout. Balan and the rest then follow them.
T’kharr asks, “Perhaps you can give us your perspective on what happened on Kizamine, for starters?"
Mrishnavurti gives a smile underneath the veil she's wearing. "I mentioned that you should venture there if you wanted to follow the threats of fate to uncover treachery. Following a trail of a small conspiracy that can lead to revelations of a larger one. Is that what you found when you and your company ventured there?"
"Quite so indeed."
"Then I'm glad my advice assisted you." Mrishnavurti nods in reply. Mingzhu stays silent but looks a bit angry too. Mrishnavurti waits for further questions.
T’kharr says, “We noticed that you moved in quite swiftly after the departure of the other traders."
Mrishnavurti nods "I foresaw that such would happen should you succeed in uncovering their treachery. So, I advised Saruma to be ready to send a boat with medicinal herbs to that island when the time was right. It was an easy enough decision to follow when I perceived that thread of fate."
"Ah, that makes sense then." T’kharr replies.
She nods, "She most often asks for my talents as a Seer when she asks me which routes our ships should take so they are not waylaid by the Corsairs. So far, my visions have kept our people as safe as they can be in these times."
Silgara huffs. "Well, that's quite a use of divination. Knowing when to take advantage of a competitor's misfortune." Silgara offhandedly mentions aside, "In the same time she gave that hint, she hinted that we shouldn't go to Renkao or we risk 'falling off a knife's edge' before."
Mrishnavurti looks over to Silgara. "Perhaps. But the move all the same did free their people from treachery, which is what you wanted, yes? And also provided supplies for them they'd needed at the time as well."
Mingzhu asks, “Renkao?”
“To visit the Magistrate.” T’kharr reminds.
Mrishnavurti's stance suddenly becomes more worried, tense. But her posture and demeanor posits herself like she's expecting a question. Mingzhu notes it. The seer keeps quiet, waiting for someone else to speak up and ask her a question. T’kharr looks to Balan to see if he has something to say. Mingzhu finally asks, “What was that?”
Mrishnavurti raises an eyebrow, looking to Mingzhu "You'll need to be more specific."
Mingzhu purses her lips, “You saw something.”
"I'm a seer. I see the threads and weavings of fate and follow them to where they are determined to go and offer what guidance I can so that others who walk along the chords of fate follow where it is best." She replies. "I see many things. But it depends on if you know the right questions to ask."
"We did not ask a question but suddenly you looked worried and tense. What was it?" Mingzhu insists.
"An anticipation of a question you would ask. It unfortunately does not have a pleasant answer no matter how it treads the weavings of fate at this juncture I am afraid." Mrishnavurti comments.
Silgara huffs, looking somewhat annoyed at Mrishnavurti. "She's alluding to what she mentioned to us last time. That going to Renkao, further north, would not be advisable, because we would fall off the knife's edge, whatever she means by that."
"The difficult choice about whether and how to present our case to the Magistrate, I'm sure." T’kharr observes.
Mrishnavurti shakes her head. "That... is a thread of fate that will not happen anymore, alas. Not in that way. It will not be a dance of courts even should you rush there now."
“And why not?” Mingzhu asks.
"And should you go there then at least one whose fate is tied closely to yours will be severed forever." She mentions.
"And what if we do not take this person with us?" Mingzhu asks.
"For why..." Mrishnavurti heaves a breath out "You chose other threads to follow. They had their own benefits and drawbacks. But as for what happens to the Magistrate..." She considers, "It might be best to show you, you have something tied to him symbolically? You might be able to string them along. But the moment they find out, strained bonds will shatter and only entropy will exist from then on." Mrishnavurti says.
Mingzhu turns to her companions, “So… We have the summons?”
Silgara nods, "We should have that, yes. That would suffice for a scrying focus. Do you want to hand it over?”
Mingzhu says, “Yes.” Silgara hands it over to Mrishnavurti.
She nods, placing it before the crystal ball, weaving her hands around it as though she's doing some casting... A vision of what looks like a courthouse, with an angry mob outside of it. Throwing torches onto the courthouse, guardsmen desperately trying to keep them out and safe, and it looks like there's definitely been blood drawn. Soldiers defending the courthouse, holding out, but slowly being overwhelmed by a relentless angry mob, rebellion, armed and dangerous. They greatly outnumber the soldiers. Eventually, the scene on the crystal ball fades. Mrishnavurti leans back some. Even Silgara seems to note what’s going on.
"Has this already happened?" Mingzhu asks insistently.
"Happening." Mrishnavurti mentions. "But you won't have any way to make it in time now before lines are crossed that cannot be taken back. And unfortunately, the visions become darker, because Daimyo Kaluso has sent a force to re-take the island from that rebellion." She shakes her head. "I have seen that you have balanced yourselves, dancing on the knife's edge without falling to one side or another. But in this conflict, I do not foresee any threads of fate where finding a peaceful solution is possible. You can side with one, but you will earn the enmity of the other forever."
Mingzhu thinks a long time then says, "Minamoto and Fwangzhu."
"More than just them, in this case." Mrishnavurti says. "If you wish to remain on the knife's edge, you cannot go there."
"That's my job Mrishnavurti. to keep peace between the common people and the rulers of the land." Mingzhu looks appalled then looks over at Silgara.
Mrishnavurti looks over. "You won't be able to in this case. And should you pick a side in this conflict, then your ability to do so in the future will be greatly hindered." She shakes her head. "This is what the portents and the threads of fate have said. I'm afraid I don't have a way you can navigate this one. Only guide you to where your efforts can still be of greater impact on the threads of fate."
Silgara seethes, looking at Mrishnavurti. "Why didn't you /tell/ us this before?!"
Mingzhu suddenly casts trance and shouts out. "Spirits of the sea come to me!"
Mrishnavurti replies, then shakes her head. "You know that answer better than anyone, Sun-child. Going there would still have forced you to dance off the knife's edge. You might have been able to save the Magistrate with less bloodshed, but still at the cost of fractured bonds, and at the cost of harm prevented elsewhere."
As the sea spirits of the area gather around Mingzhu she casts commune with lesser spirit. One comes to her the others leave through the very hull of the ship. Silgara narrows her eyes at Mrishnavurti then looks aside staring at Mingzhu.
Mingzhu concentrates on the spirit. “Spirit is Renkao in revolt?”
“Yes.”
“Is there an instigator of evil purpose leading or advising this revolt?”
“No.”
Mingzhu looks to the others to see if they have a question they do not. She asks the spirit, “Can we get there in time to save the magistrate?”
“Unknown.”
“Is Mrishnavurti human?”
“Yes.” The spirit fades as Mingzhu thanks him.
She looks at Silgara, "Mrishnavurti is not one of the ones we are looking for Silgara. She’s human."
Mrishnavurti looks over to Mingzhu "The only way you could possibly save the Magistrate now, and even then..." She shakes her head "Are you willing to massacre the people of Renkao in order to save the Magistrate?" The way she asks it it's like she's asking a rhetorical question.
Mingzhu suddenly looks depressed, “Of course not. What if we go to the Daimyo’s court?”
"That is one thread of fate you can follow. You would need to go further North than Renkao." Mrishnavurti nods.
"Hm, was Renkao some sort of...satellite court for the Daimyo?" T’kharr asks.
"It was the court that largely oversaw his southern holdings." Mrishnavurti answers.
“Got it.” T’kharr says.
Mingzhu looks at the others. “The answers to my other questions. Yes, Renkao is in rebellion. No there is no instigator. The spirit was not sure if we could get to the island in time to save the magistrate.
Silgara sighs, "It begs the question of why it's in rebellion. And if Magistrate Josou is on the level."
"I can’t ask any more questions until tomorrow. Mingzhu mutters rather loudly.
T’kharr huffs, “That is a very good point, perhaps we can get some answers tomorrow?"
"If we want to stop by Renkao, it seems like we need to go /now/." Silgara states, "If we delay by a day, we might be too late. That or... that or we skip going there altogether."
"We would have to save the magistrate without being seen somehow and before the daimyo's ship gets there if it does the corsairs are still a problem and we know more about the corsairs than most." She
looks to T’kharr as not to say too much.
"Aye, we'd have to somehow save the magistrate without being noticed by the rebels. We'd also have to know that we aren't just creating more trouble than we hope to solve...” T’kharr nods.
Mingzhu looks forlorn and says, “"The only place I can think to go is the Daimyo's court unless we want to risk investigating in other territories. I still can’t believe there is no way to strike a balance."
Silgara looks back and forth between T'kharr and Mingzhu, waiting to see what they decide on.
Mrishnavurti goes back to a resting position, though her eyes look heavy.
Mingzhu turns to Mrishnavurti, "Do you understand what we are up against? The gravity of where we stand. There are western demons somewhere in these territories causing utter havoc and two daimyos trying to disrupt the balance of power in the region. Do you realize that? Do you even care?"
Mrishnavurti looks over to Mingzhu, offering a shrug, then a breath out "Your anger is misplaced. It's why I suggested you go where I said. So, you could uncover such treachery."
"Best I can come up with is sailing for Renkao and communing on the way there." T’kharr suggests.
“Mrishnavurti said that would be a mistake. We should go to the Daimyo's court. I think I need to talk to Hattori first and then if we go to Renkao then we need to talk to everyone including Fwangzhu and Minamoto. If we go it has to be purely voluntary with a full understanding about what is going on.” Mingzhu insists.
Silgara lets out a sigh, "I know how it will go if we include both Fwangzhu and Minamoto on this. Fwangzhu will side with the rebellion. Minamoto will side with his Daimyo."
"Let’s talk to Hattori then. At least he has some common sense. At least more than those two empty headed battering rams."
T’kharr considers everything then says, “Aye, Hattori might be useful in that regard, and if we do sail for Renkao, it'll have to be about uncovering what sparked the rebellion and why, not taking sides."
"I expect that Fwangzhu and Minamoto both will take a side. As will Hattori." Silgara rubs her face. "I'll prepare two castings of dimension door, I expect we might need them if we're to pull this rescue off successfully, or... whatever we might be planning."
“We have to try Silgara and besides Hattori may be able to provide some intelligence.” Mingzhu mutters.
"If you feel that's best, let’s go, but he isn't exactly the model of being reasonable from what I've seen." Silgara rubs her face. "But we'd better do something."
"I still think we avoid Renkao and go to the Daimyo's court, but I am only one person." Mingzhu mutters obviously so upset that she’s contradicting herself.
"Should I go fetch Nor'vee as well?" Silgara asks.
T'kharr rises and bows to the seer, "Thank you for your time, and may your burdens be eased." then turns to Silgara "If you think Hattori won't flip out over meeting him, sure."
"May the threads of fate be as kind to you as they can." Mrishnavurti gives a nod farewell, though does look tired.
"I figured I might want to get him on the boat; I figured it's better than him drinking at the Dizzy Panda while ranting nonstop about how cats are the worst things in the realms." Silgara sighs "What about Fwangzhu, should I get him on the boat too or should we leave him behind for this one?"
Mingzhu looks frustrated by the idea. “I don’t know yet Silgara. it depends on if we go to Renkao if we do, I don’t want Minamoto or Fwangzhu around.”
"Well, if we go to Renkao, we need to set sail as soon as we can." Silgara says. "Do we go there or not? Time is at a premium on this one."
"I reckon he'll be nothing but an argument source for Hattori. As to Renkao...yes. We'll have to leave both of them behind shall we head there, given the place's current state. Let’s visit with Hattori first" T’kharr replies.
Silgara nods. Mingzhu says, “Alright then.” They head to Hattori’s office.
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
As they walk to Hattori’s place, Mingzhu looks angry as hell, “Now that we know Mrishnavurti isn’t the western yokai leading the trade company I’m pisses at her. She could have helped us! She could have..........warned us! What the hell are we supposed to do to bring peace to this realm!?"
"She was definitely not above manipulating our steps for her and her company's end. Though keep in mind she's not the leader of that company. Saruma, who I don't think we've met, is." Silgara states. She sighs, looking over to T'kharr "What do you think...? We did come across real trouble in Kizamine after all."
T’kharr snorts, “I think she could be trying to balance on her own knife's edge."
Mingzhu thinks then asks, “Do you think Mrishnavurti may be a conduit for Saruma and Saruma might be the yokai?"
T’kharr nods, “That can’t be ruled out.”
Mingzhu continues, “The woman uses no traditional magic for her visions that’s why I am suspicious.”
"I did catch her casting a scrying back there, but... most of her visions don't follow typical divinations that I am used to." Silgara nods
Mingzhu asks, “Could this yokai be sending her these visions in some way?”
"It's entirely possible." Silgara nods, “It would take notable illusion magic to do that, but a fiend's knowledge conveyed so can be interpreted as visions."
Mingzhu considers, “It would have to be proven. Also, the other two would have to be ruled out." Silgara nods to her.
They get to Hattori’s T’kharr knocks and says, “Do you have a minute? We have a few matters we wish your counsel on."
They hear a voice say, “Enter.” T'kharr steps in then steps aside to let Mingzhu and Silgara speak. Hattori and Minamoto are in his office. Minamoto has been bandaged to an extent from his badger-related wounds. Both of them look rather annoyed as they enter.
Mingzhu bows, "Has Minamoto reported to you. Are you up to date on our affairs?"
Hattori speaks. "He has. I /also/ heard about how that savage rebel you keep company attacked him. And then how he was shoved in a barrel. I hope you have an explanation for this behavior. I did not send him with you to have him treated in such a fashion."
"The barrel was merely a means of separation, lest the matter continue to boil." T’kharr states rather flatly.
Mingzhu backs her up. “Fwangzhu and Minamoto got into a brawl. Minamoto took it to the next level and drew his sword. that’s when we acted to separate the two.”
"I would have expected you to put down that rebel once he attacked. And that savage also has claws. I had to have his wounds thoroughly bandaged on a visit to Sensei Minh." Hattori scowls, seemingly unimpressed. "I expect you to treat the Daimyo's men-at-arms with due decorum."
Mingzhu already angry at the last visit retorts him, “I would expect The Daimyo's men to act with decorum.”
"And from the account I have heard, he had every reason to believe his life would be in danger. You realize that he could have drowned had that badger thrown him overboard? Swimming in armor is not feasible." Hattori scowls. "I hope you have more than excuses for your companion's actions, Shamaness." Hattori continues.
“He would not have drowned I would have retrieved him. And that isn’t the first incident either as both Minamoto and Fwangzhu have baited each other at every opportunity. Minamoto isn’t innocent here either. I have constantly had to step between the two of them. I have counseled each on how to treat each other for the good of the group to accomplish our mission at bringing peace to the realm, but it goes in one ear and out the other with both of them.”
"Then perhaps you should stop making excuses for that badger's actions." Hattori narrows his eyes. "Did you do anything to punish him for his actions?"
Mingzhu answers him, “Yes. We did. We forcefully separated both to cool down.”
Hattori huffs "I'll take your word for it. I do not appreciate how Minamoto had to suffer such a gross indignity." He shakes his head. "Do you have anything else to speak about?"
“Other than Renkao in rebellion and the magistrate about to be murdered........... no.”
... He blinks. "What?!?" ... That gets his and Minamoto's full attention. Hattori seethes, then a blink like a thousand-yard stare, then clenches his fist. "Then you know what you need to do. Head over there immediately and rescue the Magistrate and put down that rebellion if you can. But saving the Magistrate would come first."
“I don’t know if we can Hattori. The whole of the southern prefect is crumbling around our ears. Two entire islands have been wiped out! Daimyo Kaluso seems to only know tyranny at least that’s how it looks from my end at the moment. He certainly hasn’t helped his position with the common people. If we go there, and attempt to rescue the magistrate how will the people feel about that?”
Hattori looks over to Minamoto, "Despite the dishonor visited upon you, duty comes first. Go with them, rescue the magistrate. Put down any rebels you need to do get this done." Then he scowls at Mingzhu. “What? How dare...?!... * He huffs "Are you serious, Shamaness? A bunch of lawless rebels are going to murder a magistrate! This is not the time for discussion. If you can talk down the rebels from this madness, fine. But I cannot allow the Magistrate to be murdered like this."
“I am the bridge between the common people and the rulers of the land, Hattori. I see both sides and try to negotiate between them. I don’t know this magistrate and I do not know the people of Renkao. If we go there, I will do my best to negotiate a peace between the people, and the magistrate.”
"Then if that is the route you will take, then do that. But do not let the Magistrate die by the hands of some rebels." Hattori states.
T’kharr tries to add some levity to the situation. “The Daimyo is trying to grab hold of a mudball ever tighter, only for more to squeeze through his fingers. We need to get to the bottom of what's going wrong, whether he's lost his own touch or being led astray by faulty advice."
"Just get it done. It sounds like time is of the essence, so stop dallying." Hattori just states very plainly.
"Before we go, what can you tell us about Magistrate Jousou?" T’kharr insists.
"This isn't the time for idle gossip. He's a magistrate of the Daimyo's court. He handles matters of legal dispute in these lands. That's what's important right now. His life is in jeopardy." Hattori states.
"We need every bit of intelligence we can get to try to get to what is motivating such trouble to brew." T’kharr again insists.
Hattori sighs, "I know him mostly by his position and duty, I would not say I'm personally close to him. He takes his duties seriously, as do I. That's about all I can tell you." Silgara looks aside, perhaps contemplating or feeling regret, but she keeps quiet.
She nods slightly, "If you have no observations, that is fair." She than looks to her companions, "Renkao or not, 'tis the question at hand. I'm leaning towards going, as we need to find out what is driving the upheaval given what we've been able to rule out so far"
"Go there. Stop the magistrate from dying. If you decide not to go there, I'm going to try some other means to do so." Hattori's statement implies he'll be keeping Minamoto if you don't go to Renkao.
"I have a duty to my lord in this matter." Minamoto speaks up. He still looks a touch livid, but keeps his cool, for now.
Mingzhu says, “"I say no. We cannot take a side in this and if we go to Renkao we will most likely have to take a side. I would rather go to the daimyos court itself and try to find out if one of these demons is influencing him. That's my vote."
Hattori huffs, "I would believe that your sense of duty would compel you to take a side now. Murder of a magistrate goes farther than what is tolerable."
"We'll have to ensure we are fully prepared should we go the route of appearing before the Daimyo's court. I seriously doubt he'll let us drop in on a whim any more than Josou would have." T’kharr tells Mingzhu.
"That's why I wrote you a writ! So, you could go to Josou's court!" Hattori slams a fist on his desk, frustrated. "To get you to meet with Josou!" ...
“We were a little busy trying to save other islands from plague and utter mayhem, Hattori!” Mingzhu retorts.
"We had other things come up, other matters that we saw as more urgent, and some of them added greatly to what we could bring to the Magistrate as evidence and testimony." T’kharr says.
"I get that. But you should not hesitate to assist them now." Hattori snaps
"Do you even understand my position?" Mingzhu asks in a low tone.
"I already said that if you want to find a way to pacify the rebellion with words rather than steel, you can and should. You should not be hesitating to stop a magistrate from being murdered if you can!" Hattori huffs.
"I think we make do time north and try to maximize our ability to gather information along the way. You still have the writ, right?" T’kharr asks
Mingzhu huffs and looks away, “Fine, you have a point.”
Silgara nods. “We still have it.”
T’kharr looks at her, “Good, we may need it still.”
"Set out as soon as you can then." Hattori speaks. Minamoto stumbles a bit but then starts to move off.
T’kharr bows to Hattori. “Burdens be eased.” The group leaves.
Mingzhu goes to her room on the ship and slams the door shut.
Silgara looks over to T’kharr. Well, “This just got…” she sighs, “Fwangzhu and Nor’vee wandered off some time ago, but I can go get them if you think it’s best. This next situation we’re going into…” She frowns, looking aside.
"Nor'vee might be useful, I'm not so sure about Fwangzhu though, he might be rather too hotheaded for this trip..." T’kharr considers.
Silgara heaves a sigh while Snout plays with a ball on the deck. "Well, we've gotten stuck with Minamoto it would seem. I'm worried having him along is going to be potentially problematic too. Nor'vee, well, I guess we'll see if he wants to join in on this too. That or we just skip Renkao altogether and go elsewhere. Up to you though."
"She was definitely not above manipulating our steps for her and her company's end. Though keep in mind she's not the leader of that company. Saruma, who I don't think we've met, is." Silgara states. She sighs, looking over to T'kharr "What do you think...? We did come across real trouble in Kizamine after all."
T’kharr snorts, “I think she could be trying to balance on her own knife's edge."
Mingzhu thinks then asks, “Do you think Mrishnavurti may be a conduit for Saruma and Saruma might be the yokai?"
T’kharr nods, “That can’t be ruled out.”
Mingzhu continues, “The woman uses no traditional magic for her visions that’s why I am suspicious.”
"I did catch her casting a scrying back there, but... most of her visions don't follow typical divinations that I am used to." Silgara nods
Mingzhu asks, “Could this yokai be sending her these visions in some way?”
"It's entirely possible." Silgara nods, “It would take notable illusion magic to do that, but a fiend's knowledge conveyed so can be interpreted as visions."
Mingzhu considers, “It would have to be proven. Also, the other two would have to be ruled out." Silgara nods to her.
They get to Hattori’s T’kharr knocks and says, “Do you have a minute? We have a few matters we wish your counsel on."
They hear a voice say, “Enter.” T'kharr steps in then steps aside to let Mingzhu and Silgara speak. Hattori and Minamoto are in his office. Minamoto has been bandaged to an extent from his badger-related wounds. Both of them look rather annoyed as they enter.
Mingzhu bows, "Has Minamoto reported to you. Are you up to date on our affairs?"
Hattori speaks. "He has. I /also/ heard about how that savage rebel you keep company attacked him. And then how he was shoved in a barrel. I hope you have an explanation for this behavior. I did not send him with you to have him treated in such a fashion."
"The barrel was merely a means of separation, lest the matter continue to boil." T’kharr states rather flatly.
Mingzhu backs her up. “Fwangzhu and Minamoto got into a brawl. Minamoto took it to the next level and drew his sword. that’s when we acted to separate the two.”
"I would have expected you to put down that rebel once he attacked. And that savage also has claws. I had to have his wounds thoroughly bandaged on a visit to Sensei Minh." Hattori scowls, seemingly unimpressed. "I expect you to treat the Daimyo's men-at-arms with due decorum."
Mingzhu already angry at the last visit retorts him, “I would expect The Daimyo's men to act with decorum.”
"And from the account I have heard, he had every reason to believe his life would be in danger. You realize that he could have drowned had that badger thrown him overboard? Swimming in armor is not feasible." Hattori scowls. "I hope you have more than excuses for your companion's actions, Shamaness." Hattori continues.
“He would not have drowned I would have retrieved him. And that isn’t the first incident either as both Minamoto and Fwangzhu have baited each other at every opportunity. Minamoto isn’t innocent here either. I have constantly had to step between the two of them. I have counseled each on how to treat each other for the good of the group to accomplish our mission at bringing peace to the realm, but it goes in one ear and out the other with both of them.”
"Then perhaps you should stop making excuses for that badger's actions." Hattori narrows his eyes. "Did you do anything to punish him for his actions?"
Mingzhu answers him, “Yes. We did. We forcefully separated both to cool down.”
Hattori huffs "I'll take your word for it. I do not appreciate how Minamoto had to suffer such a gross indignity." He shakes his head. "Do you have anything else to speak about?"
“Other than Renkao in rebellion and the magistrate about to be murdered........... no.”
... He blinks. "What?!?" ... That gets his and Minamoto's full attention. Hattori seethes, then a blink like a thousand-yard stare, then clenches his fist. "Then you know what you need to do. Head over there immediately and rescue the Magistrate and put down that rebellion if you can. But saving the Magistrate would come first."
“I don’t know if we can Hattori. The whole of the southern prefect is crumbling around our ears. Two entire islands have been wiped out! Daimyo Kaluso seems to only know tyranny at least that’s how it looks from my end at the moment. He certainly hasn’t helped his position with the common people. If we go there, and attempt to rescue the magistrate how will the people feel about that?”
Hattori looks over to Minamoto, "Despite the dishonor visited upon you, duty comes first. Go with them, rescue the magistrate. Put down any rebels you need to do get this done." Then he scowls at Mingzhu. “What? How dare...?!... * He huffs "Are you serious, Shamaness? A bunch of lawless rebels are going to murder a magistrate! This is not the time for discussion. If you can talk down the rebels from this madness, fine. But I cannot allow the Magistrate to be murdered like this."
“I am the bridge between the common people and the rulers of the land, Hattori. I see both sides and try to negotiate between them. I don’t know this magistrate and I do not know the people of Renkao. If we go there, I will do my best to negotiate a peace between the people, and the magistrate.”
"Then if that is the route you will take, then do that. But do not let the Magistrate die by the hands of some rebels." Hattori states.
T’kharr tries to add some levity to the situation. “The Daimyo is trying to grab hold of a mudball ever tighter, only for more to squeeze through his fingers. We need to get to the bottom of what's going wrong, whether he's lost his own touch or being led astray by faulty advice."
"Just get it done. It sounds like time is of the essence, so stop dallying." Hattori just states very plainly.
"Before we go, what can you tell us about Magistrate Jousou?" T’kharr insists.
"This isn't the time for idle gossip. He's a magistrate of the Daimyo's court. He handles matters of legal dispute in these lands. That's what's important right now. His life is in jeopardy." Hattori states.
"We need every bit of intelligence we can get to try to get to what is motivating such trouble to brew." T’kharr again insists.
Hattori sighs, "I know him mostly by his position and duty, I would not say I'm personally close to him. He takes his duties seriously, as do I. That's about all I can tell you." Silgara looks aside, perhaps contemplating or feeling regret, but she keeps quiet.
She nods slightly, "If you have no observations, that is fair." She than looks to her companions, "Renkao or not, 'tis the question at hand. I'm leaning towards going, as we need to find out what is driving the upheaval given what we've been able to rule out so far"
"Go there. Stop the magistrate from dying. If you decide not to go there, I'm going to try some other means to do so." Hattori's statement implies he'll be keeping Minamoto if you don't go to Renkao.
"I have a duty to my lord in this matter." Minamoto speaks up. He still looks a touch livid, but keeps his cool, for now.
Mingzhu says, “"I say no. We cannot take a side in this and if we go to Renkao we will most likely have to take a side. I would rather go to the daimyos court itself and try to find out if one of these demons is influencing him. That's my vote."
Hattori huffs, "I would believe that your sense of duty would compel you to take a side now. Murder of a magistrate goes farther than what is tolerable."
"We'll have to ensure we are fully prepared should we go the route of appearing before the Daimyo's court. I seriously doubt he'll let us drop in on a whim any more than Josou would have." T’kharr tells Mingzhu.
"That's why I wrote you a writ! So, you could go to Josou's court!" Hattori slams a fist on his desk, frustrated. "To get you to meet with Josou!" ...
“We were a little busy trying to save other islands from plague and utter mayhem, Hattori!” Mingzhu retorts.
"We had other things come up, other matters that we saw as more urgent, and some of them added greatly to what we could bring to the Magistrate as evidence and testimony." T’kharr says.
"I get that. But you should not hesitate to assist them now." Hattori snaps
"Do you even understand my position?" Mingzhu asks in a low tone.
"I already said that if you want to find a way to pacify the rebellion with words rather than steel, you can and should. You should not be hesitating to stop a magistrate from being murdered if you can!" Hattori huffs.
"I think we make do time north and try to maximize our ability to gather information along the way. You still have the writ, right?" T’kharr asks
Mingzhu huffs and looks away, “Fine, you have a point.”
Silgara nods. “We still have it.”
T’kharr looks at her, “Good, we may need it still.”
"Set out as soon as you can then." Hattori speaks. Minamoto stumbles a bit but then starts to move off.
T’kharr bows to Hattori. “Burdens be eased.” The group leaves.
Mingzhu goes to her room on the ship and slams the door shut.
Silgara looks over to T’kharr. Well, “This just got…” she sighs, “Fwangzhu and Nor’vee wandered off some time ago, but I can go get them if you think it’s best. This next situation we’re going into…” She frowns, looking aside.
"Nor'vee might be useful, I'm not so sure about Fwangzhu though, he might be rather too hotheaded for this trip..." T’kharr considers.
Silgara heaves a sigh while Snout plays with a ball on the deck. "Well, we've gotten stuck with Minamoto it would seem. I'm worried having him along is going to be potentially problematic too. Nor'vee, well, I guess we'll see if he wants to join in on this too. That or we just skip Renkao altogether and go elsewhere. Up to you though."
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Zsikhou after a while stumbles up and goes to visit Mingzhu. He wobbles a bit as he moves and looks exceptionally snuggly right now, though he looks over to Mingzhu. "Pardon, this one is not interrupting, he hopes?"
Mingzhu puts her tea down and looks at him, “No, you’re not Minamoto or Fwangzhu and I have no time for children like them. I just… I know it’s my fault… But nothing can be done about it now.”
Zsikhou raises an eye ridge. "This one was out for a while. What happened this time?"
“Fwangzhu and Minamoto got into a fist fight that went too far and we learned that Renkao, the island the judge is on is in rebellion. I had to spill the beans on that before something bad happened at port Ginji. Which means Minamoto will at least be coming on this very complicated mission. He will tilt the scales to far I believe. If I had not insisted on going to Soljura. If I had not been afraid to speak to the judge this would have never happened and we could have saved lives."
Zsikhou sighs, a huff, "This one doesn't blame you for this. We were not aware of how bad things were, and things on the other islands required correction as well."
"Theres not much left of the southern territories I’m afraid. Two whole islands are wiped out. Another is about to be."
Zsikhou's tone becomes sharper though, like he's back on the job. "Focus though. This one was out of the loop. Briefing on the situation is going to be needed here. Think. Need to know what is going on first."
"We went to the western traders and learned that the island of the magistrate was in rebellion. I confirmed it with my spirits. They will kill the magistrate if we do not act fast. The Daimyo is sending a ship to quell the rebellion." Zsikhou considers, but for now, just listens to what Mingzhu says, “I will split from the group and try to find the elder or elders to calm the people down if I can. The others will try to save the magistrate.”
Zsikhou considers, "Do you wish this one to come with when you do that?"
“It might be helpful. I don’t want those two idiots with me though. Each causes too much trouble one way or another.”
"It sounds likely that the two of them if they are coming with will come to blows. Especially if the Daimyo's ship arrives before we do." Zsikhou considers.
“Most likely.” Mingzhu agrees.
Zsikhou huffs, shaking his head. "If that occurs, if the Daimyo's ship is already there before we arrive, do you have a plan?" Mingzhu shakes her head. He continues, "What will you do if these humans in question prove to be beyond reason?"
"At this time Zsikhou. I don’t know. I just don’t know. it will be a dynamic situation: Too complex to know until it happens.”
Zsikhou nods... "Ultimately for our goals it is best if the Magistrate survives. We need him for greater purposes. That said, if he turns out to be corrupt or in breach of the Mandate of Heaven, this one would be obligated to execute him." He shakes his head. "Then again, it's not like this one can assert such authority anymore. Well, this one could, but it's likely if it reaches a higher court, they'll have a shaman who can confirm that this one's position has been revoked."
"I don’t know. I just deal with the spirits and try my best to save as many lives and souls as possible."
Zsikhou paces around, in thought, considering. "Guess we'd better discuss our plan to resolve this while we sail to Renkao."
Mingzhu puts her tea down and looks at him, “No, you’re not Minamoto or Fwangzhu and I have no time for children like them. I just… I know it’s my fault… But nothing can be done about it now.”
Zsikhou raises an eye ridge. "This one was out for a while. What happened this time?"
“Fwangzhu and Minamoto got into a fist fight that went too far and we learned that Renkao, the island the judge is on is in rebellion. I had to spill the beans on that before something bad happened at port Ginji. Which means Minamoto will at least be coming on this very complicated mission. He will tilt the scales to far I believe. If I had not insisted on going to Soljura. If I had not been afraid to speak to the judge this would have never happened and we could have saved lives."
Zsikhou sighs, a huff, "This one doesn't blame you for this. We were not aware of how bad things were, and things on the other islands required correction as well."
"Theres not much left of the southern territories I’m afraid. Two whole islands are wiped out. Another is about to be."
Zsikhou's tone becomes sharper though, like he's back on the job. "Focus though. This one was out of the loop. Briefing on the situation is going to be needed here. Think. Need to know what is going on first."
"We went to the western traders and learned that the island of the magistrate was in rebellion. I confirmed it with my spirits. They will kill the magistrate if we do not act fast. The Daimyo is sending a ship to quell the rebellion." Zsikhou considers, but for now, just listens to what Mingzhu says, “I will split from the group and try to find the elder or elders to calm the people down if I can. The others will try to save the magistrate.”
Zsikhou considers, "Do you wish this one to come with when you do that?"
“It might be helpful. I don’t want those two idiots with me though. Each causes too much trouble one way or another.”
"It sounds likely that the two of them if they are coming with will come to blows. Especially if the Daimyo's ship arrives before we do." Zsikhou considers.
“Most likely.” Mingzhu agrees.
Zsikhou huffs, shaking his head. "If that occurs, if the Daimyo's ship is already there before we arrive, do you have a plan?" Mingzhu shakes her head. He continues, "What will you do if these humans in question prove to be beyond reason?"
"At this time Zsikhou. I don’t know. I just don’t know. it will be a dynamic situation: Too complex to know until it happens.”
Zsikhou nods... "Ultimately for our goals it is best if the Magistrate survives. We need him for greater purposes. That said, if he turns out to be corrupt or in breach of the Mandate of Heaven, this one would be obligated to execute him." He shakes his head. "Then again, it's not like this one can assert such authority anymore. Well, this one could, but it's likely if it reaches a higher court, they'll have a shaman who can confirm that this one's position has been revoked."
"I don’t know. I just deal with the spirits and try my best to save as many lives and souls as possible."
Zsikhou paces around, in thought, considering. "Guess we'd better discuss our plan to resolve this while we sail to Renkao."
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Silgara rubs her face. "I'll go fetch Nor'vee then. I think he went to the Dizzy Panda. Fortunately, the trip is long enough that if he did get himself drunk that he'll have time to rest it off." T’kharr picks up her staff and accompanies Silgara to the Dizzy Panda ordering herself a tea once she gets there.
Nor’vee is there, he seems to be ranting, drinking Sake, and eating Cheese. "CAT DOES NOT DO NICE! CAT DOES BUTTHOLE! OH! But one look from human and HUMAN BRAIN GOES EMPTY! Humans see big eyes and go no thoughts. Just ‘aww soft baby.’ BABY WHAT? Baby DEMON! Cat could be actively committing crime and human still like ‘who’s a good kitty?’ NO! CAT IS BAD!” Some of the bar patrons seem rather amused by Nor'vee's ranting.
T’kharr looks over at Nor’vee. "That particular cat you were dealing with was bad, but that doesn't mean all cats are bad, just like one human being bad doesn't mean all humans are bad." Trying to talk him down from the rant.
“NO. NO, NO, NO.” Nor'vee points to T'kharr. “This is EXACTLY what humans say. ‘Not all cats.’ That is CAT PROPAGANDA. CAT GOT TO YOU DOG LADY! DOG LADY SHOULD KNOW BETTER! CAT KNOCK THING OFF TABLE! Humans laugh. ‘Oh, silly cat!’ WRONG. CAT TESTING LIMITS. CAT CHECKING HOW EASY IT IS TO RUIN YOUR LIFE!”
She laughs and shakes her head at being called 'dog lady'. "No, it’s just a good general principle to live by, judging individuals on their own merits."
"What is good general principle to live by is KNOWING THAT CAT IS BUTTHOLE! CAT KNOCK THINGS OVER THEN LOOK OVER SMUG! You know what CAT is doing then? CAT SAYING THIS IS YOU NEXT! CAT PLANS MURDER!" Nor'vee keeps ranting. Silgara just looks over with a sigh, though also looks mildly amused.
T’kharr lets out a soft sigh of her own, shaking her head. “Do you keep uh...familiars at all?" She asks as she turns to Silgara.
"I don't have one, no." Silgara rubs her face.
Some of the other patrons look at Nor'vee, who looks over, continues ranting. A squeak of irritation. “CAT SLEEP ALL DAY. Human jealous. ‘Wish I had cat life.’ OF COURSE CAT SLEEP! CAT CONSERVING ENERGY FOR NIGHT CRIMES.”
"Never have, never will, or just haven't ever had the chance?" T’kharr asks Silgara whilst sipping her tea.
"I don't know yet, just... hasn't really come up for me." Silgara shakes her head.
T’kharr considers the answer. "Ah, fair enough. Not something you've considered really, then?"
Silgara shakes her head. "Not really, and right now it would be impractical."
“Aye, I reckon, so.” T’kharr muses.
Nor'vee keeps going. “CAT BRING DEAD MOUSE TO HUMAN. Humans say ‘aww.’ NO. That is THREAT. CAT IS SAYING ‘THIS IS YOU NEXT IF YOU STOP FEEDING CAT!’” The Barkeep offers Nor'vee another Sake.
T’kharr bites her tongue instead of arguing with Nor’vee’s rant, shaking her head again. Nor'vee just keeps ranting. “AND HUMANS LET CAT DECIDE BEDTIME. CAT YOWL AT DOOR AT NIGHT. Humans get up. OPEN DOOR. Close door. CAT YOWL AGAIN. Humans do it AGAIN. THIS IS TRAINING. CAT TRAIN HUMAN.”
Silgara looks aside. "Is this normal for his species? Do humanoid rodents get hunted by humanoid cats or something here?"
T’kharr shakes her head, “Haven’t a clue.”
Nor'vee keeps going. “Cat look at human. Look at teacup. PUSH TEACUP OFF TABLE AND SPILL TEA EVERYWHERE! HUMAN SAY, He’s curious.’ NO. CAT SAYING ‘WATCH ME RUIN YOUR JOY. THIS IS YOUR BLOOD NEXT!’”
Silgara looks over to Nor'vee. "And here I was getting concerned that our new travelling companion was too sane for us."
“CAT RUB AGAINST LEG. Humans say ‘affection.’ NO. CAT MARKING YOU. IS SLAVE BRAND SCENT TO CAT! CAT SAYS YOU ARE RESOURCE!” Nor'vee takes another drink, keeps ranting.
Silgara sighs "As amusing as this is, I think we'd better get our rodent companion with us. I'll go pay his tab."
The barkeep smirks. "You know, I ought to put this fellow on a stand. This is great standup comedy."
"Aye, they'll need to sleep it off on the boat." T’kharr smirks and shakes her head.
“AND DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON LITTER! YOU THINK YOU CONTROL LITTER BOX? NO. CAT CONTROLS YOU! THEY BURY THEIR CRIME SCENES AND HUMANS CLEAN UP AFTER THEM. HUMANS SLAVES TO CLAWED TERRORS!" Nor'vee keeps ranting. “CLAWED TERRORS!" Nor'vee keeps ranting. Silgara sighs and speaks with Nor'vee. Eventually, she pays his tab, and they head back to the boat. T’kharr follows along.
Nor’vee is there, he seems to be ranting, drinking Sake, and eating Cheese. "CAT DOES NOT DO NICE! CAT DOES BUTTHOLE! OH! But one look from human and HUMAN BRAIN GOES EMPTY! Humans see big eyes and go no thoughts. Just ‘aww soft baby.’ BABY WHAT? Baby DEMON! Cat could be actively committing crime and human still like ‘who’s a good kitty?’ NO! CAT IS BAD!” Some of the bar patrons seem rather amused by Nor'vee's ranting.
T’kharr looks over at Nor’vee. "That particular cat you were dealing with was bad, but that doesn't mean all cats are bad, just like one human being bad doesn't mean all humans are bad." Trying to talk him down from the rant.
“NO. NO, NO, NO.” Nor'vee points to T'kharr. “This is EXACTLY what humans say. ‘Not all cats.’ That is CAT PROPAGANDA. CAT GOT TO YOU DOG LADY! DOG LADY SHOULD KNOW BETTER! CAT KNOCK THING OFF TABLE! Humans laugh. ‘Oh, silly cat!’ WRONG. CAT TESTING LIMITS. CAT CHECKING HOW EASY IT IS TO RUIN YOUR LIFE!”
She laughs and shakes her head at being called 'dog lady'. "No, it’s just a good general principle to live by, judging individuals on their own merits."
"What is good general principle to live by is KNOWING THAT CAT IS BUTTHOLE! CAT KNOCK THINGS OVER THEN LOOK OVER SMUG! You know what CAT is doing then? CAT SAYING THIS IS YOU NEXT! CAT PLANS MURDER!" Nor'vee keeps ranting. Silgara just looks over with a sigh, though also looks mildly amused.
T’kharr lets out a soft sigh of her own, shaking her head. “Do you keep uh...familiars at all?" She asks as she turns to Silgara.
"I don't have one, no." Silgara rubs her face.
Some of the other patrons look at Nor'vee, who looks over, continues ranting. A squeak of irritation. “CAT SLEEP ALL DAY. Human jealous. ‘Wish I had cat life.’ OF COURSE CAT SLEEP! CAT CONSERVING ENERGY FOR NIGHT CRIMES.”
"Never have, never will, or just haven't ever had the chance?" T’kharr asks Silgara whilst sipping her tea.
"I don't know yet, just... hasn't really come up for me." Silgara shakes her head.
T’kharr considers the answer. "Ah, fair enough. Not something you've considered really, then?"
Silgara shakes her head. "Not really, and right now it would be impractical."
“Aye, I reckon, so.” T’kharr muses.
Nor'vee keeps going. “CAT BRING DEAD MOUSE TO HUMAN. Humans say ‘aww.’ NO. That is THREAT. CAT IS SAYING ‘THIS IS YOU NEXT IF YOU STOP FEEDING CAT!’” The Barkeep offers Nor'vee another Sake.
T’kharr bites her tongue instead of arguing with Nor’vee’s rant, shaking her head again. Nor'vee just keeps ranting. “AND HUMANS LET CAT DECIDE BEDTIME. CAT YOWL AT DOOR AT NIGHT. Humans get up. OPEN DOOR. Close door. CAT YOWL AGAIN. Humans do it AGAIN. THIS IS TRAINING. CAT TRAIN HUMAN.”
Silgara looks aside. "Is this normal for his species? Do humanoid rodents get hunted by humanoid cats or something here?"
T’kharr shakes her head, “Haven’t a clue.”
Nor'vee keeps going. “Cat look at human. Look at teacup. PUSH TEACUP OFF TABLE AND SPILL TEA EVERYWHERE! HUMAN SAY, He’s curious.’ NO. CAT SAYING ‘WATCH ME RUIN YOUR JOY. THIS IS YOUR BLOOD NEXT!’”
Silgara looks over to Nor'vee. "And here I was getting concerned that our new travelling companion was too sane for us."
“CAT RUB AGAINST LEG. Humans say ‘affection.’ NO. CAT MARKING YOU. IS SLAVE BRAND SCENT TO CAT! CAT SAYS YOU ARE RESOURCE!” Nor'vee takes another drink, keeps ranting.
Silgara sighs "As amusing as this is, I think we'd better get our rodent companion with us. I'll go pay his tab."
The barkeep smirks. "You know, I ought to put this fellow on a stand. This is great standup comedy."
"Aye, they'll need to sleep it off on the boat." T’kharr smirks and shakes her head.
“AND DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON LITTER! YOU THINK YOU CONTROL LITTER BOX? NO. CAT CONTROLS YOU! THEY BURY THEIR CRIME SCENES AND HUMANS CLEAN UP AFTER THEM. HUMANS SLAVES TO CLAWED TERRORS!" Nor'vee keeps ranting. “CLAWED TERRORS!" Nor'vee keeps ranting. Silgara sighs and speaks with Nor'vee. Eventually, she pays his tab, and they head back to the boat. T’kharr follows along.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Balan comes off the ship and starts down the docks looking for Fwangzhu. He knows the hengeyokai started off toward the mayor’s office. He finds Fwangzhu there apparently filling the mayor in on what’s going on with the group’s adventures. Balan knocks on the open door. The mayor looks up says, “Enter.”
Balan steps in. “Hello.”
Fwangzhu nods, a grunt, "Hey. I was just filling in the mayor about what's going on with the other islands. You need something?"
“Just checking in to see if you were staying behind or joining us.” Balan responds.
"Yeah, I'm good to go when you are." He grunts, then stands up. "I just about finished filling him in anyways."
The mayor nods in turn. "It's appreciated. Though... disturbing. Soljura... by the Eight Million..." He sighs heavily.
"More than one fucking atrocity there..." Fwangzhu huffs "Right, let’s go then?"
“Alright as long as we keep the peace with our companions,’ okay?” Balan chides.
Fwangzhu snorts, "Yeah, yeah."
They head back to the ship. As they walk Balan says, “Just keep your anger at bay or you get the barrel next time.” he laughs on the way back.
Balan steps in. “Hello.”
Fwangzhu nods, a grunt, "Hey. I was just filling in the mayor about what's going on with the other islands. You need something?"
“Just checking in to see if you were staying behind or joining us.” Balan responds.
"Yeah, I'm good to go when you are." He grunts, then stands up. "I just about finished filling him in anyways."
The mayor nods in turn. "It's appreciated. Though... disturbing. Soljura... by the Eight Million..." He sighs heavily.
"More than one fucking atrocity there..." Fwangzhu huffs "Right, let’s go then?"
“Alright as long as we keep the peace with our companions,’ okay?” Balan chides.
Fwangzhu snorts, "Yeah, yeah."
They head back to the ship. As they walk Balan says, “Just keep your anger at bay or you get the barrel next time.” he laughs on the way back.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Eventually the party reconvenes on the boat. Silgara looks over. "I'll plot a course to Renkao immediately. It looks like we'll need to hurry there if we're to stop this situation from getting worse."
"If that Asslicker does something to deserve it I'm shoving him in a barrel myself." Fwangzhu snorts.
.
T’kharr looks to Balan and Fwangzhu as they approach the boat with a slightly raised eyebrow but says nothing for the time being.
Then Silgara looks over "Tactics time. I'm going to prepare some spells. I know the dimension door spell. It's a short distance teleport. I can only take two people with me when I cast it though. If that helps you figure out how we're going to fix this situation, I'll get to preparing the spells as soon as I can. If you want me to prepare anything in particular or have a plan, best come up with it now. We'll have time to renew our magic and hopefully time for Nor'vee to sober up before we touch the docks." She gets the ship moving.
Fwangzhu looks over. "Did the Nezumi get drunk or something?"
T’kharr comments to Silgara, “That does sound helpful, yes. Hopefully Mingzhu can get another spirit-speaking in before we reach our destination?" then to Fwangzhu "Aye and ranting about cats."
Balan looks Nor’vee over, “I could use a spell to improve his condition.”
"If you have time for that and to rest before we arrive, sure." T’kharr responds looking over to them.
Fwangzhu snicker snorts "Heh." He nods and heads off while Balan casts a Lesser Restoration on Nor’vee.
The nezumi gasps a bit, then a huff. He seems a touch less sauced now. He grumbles. "Thanks... Hunting again so soon? Was hoping for some time off after Soljura." Nor'vee squeaks.
"Sadly, the world doesn't wait, and we have more urgencies to handle." T’kharr tells him. Nor'vee squeaks then nods, then goes to try to rest off the hangover.
The travel to Renkao takes enough time that they can rest in between. Minamoto looks heavily worried, but keeps to himself, sharpening his blade. He seems to glower when he notices Fwangzhu boards. A death-glare. The badger doesn't notice. He keeps quiet...
After a good rest they manage to sooth Mingzhu out of her cabin. They gather around her to do some spirit speaking a few hours before they land. She looks at the group frowning but closes her eyes and tries to calm down. “What questions do you want to ask?”
Silgara's at the head of the ship trying to get to Renkao as soon as possible. Zsikhou stays close to the shamaness. When she doesn’t get an immediate answer she asks again, “What questions do you wish to ask?”
Balan furrows his bone ridge, “I am not sure fully. We know evil does not lead what is happening so...”
"Is the magistrate alive?" might be a good one? Although we might be better off asking the spirits if they can give us any insight into motivation, since the magistrate's safety could change at any moment....” T’kharr responds.
“I have two questions myself is there any other question you wish?” Mingzhu asks.
“Asking if it can be fixed seems invalid.... anything can be fixed in time.” Balan says deep in thought.
T’kharr looks up. “I think ‘what is driving the citizens to rebel?’ is probably the best one we can ask, anything else might set us up for failure if it changes by the time we get there.”
Mingzhu nods and goes to the bow. She calls the spirits of the ocean with a Trance spell. Then she casts commune with spirit. A spirit is called and awaits questions. Mingzhu calls out, “Spirit. Is the magistrate of Renkao still alive?"
“Yes.”
"Spirit What is driving the rebellion of Renkao?"
"Complicated." Zsikhou who can also hear the spirit rubs his muzzle at that raising an eye ridge, like he’d want to execute the spirit for insubordination.
"Spirit How long before the Daimyo's ship arrives in Renkao?"
"Already has."
"Spirit where is the location of Renkao's Elder?"
"Rakusinan." The spirit fades. Mingzhu tells the rest of them the answers she received.
Zsikhou considers. "Think that's what the inner town there is called. If this one recalls, Renkao has a larger population than most of the outer islands, there's a port-town and an inner town with most of the population."
T’kharr huffs, “Noted on the geography...and great." last word spoken sarcastically "We're going to have to hope that everything's still hung up in the port town I reckon, and may not want to land there either..."
Zsikhou looks over. "Time may be of the essence here. But what's the plan?"
Mingzhu sighs, "I plan to find the Elder and better understand the situation."
Zsikhou huffs. "We may not have time if the Daimyo's ship is already there. Odds are they've already attacked the port town and will be on their way next to Rakusinan."
T’kharr thinks then suggests, “Land backside of isle, make a dash for the main town, Mingzhu and Fwangzhu split off to find the elder, rest of us search for the magistrate. Unless you want Balan with you as well Mingzhu?" Fwangzhu and Minamoto both come up on top deck, independent of one another.
Silgara looks over. "Landing on the back of the isle is going to take time. Are you sure we have time to spare?"
"If the port's clear, we can try using it and hoping we don't get noticed too much...." T’kharr says shaking her head.
"Direct course goes right to the port. If you want me to divert I can but..." Silgara nods, "Right."
Mingzhu looks at the two, "I am unsure I can deal with our children right now."
"What's your call then?" Silgara shouts out.
Zsikhou looks over, "Just let this one know if you want either of them executed." Minamoto ignores them and just looks out to sea, like he's anxious to dock. Fwangzhu narrows his eyes, then looks over to the others.
“I don’t want anyone executed Zsikhou we are a team. Balan will be needed to ease the magistrate and Daimyo's men if needed I will take Fwangzhu.” Mingzhu explains. “If only to split them up.”
"Alright. Take Fwangzhu then, Balan goes with the rest of us." T’kharr says. Zsikhou nods.
“Sounds like a good plan.” Balan nods.
Silgara looks over. "Final call, where do you want me to dock? Port or off the coast?"
"We go close to the port, dock if it’s clear." T’kharr orders.
"Aye, aye, captain." Silgara nods.
Okay, eventually, you come up near the docks. It looks like from afar that the Daimyo's ship, a rather impressive looking vessel from afar, has already docked. It's hard to tell from a distance but it looks like there's already been fighting, though it might have quieted down now. You're not sure...
Silgara looks over. Minamoto does too. He says, "What are we waiting for? Dock immediately."
Silgara gives Minamoto an annoyed glare, then she looks to T'Kharr. "To the docks or around?"
"To the docks so far."
"Taking us in." Silgara takes the boat into dock. No time to de-size the ship either. The ship docks on one of the loading ramps. Up close, it's clear the docks have been a site of recent combat and carnage. It looks like plenty of the villagers formed a militia, armed with spears, many are dead. There's a few of the Daimyo's men at arms dead around as well, though it seems like the villagers took more casualties.
Once they dock, some of the Daimyo's men at arms spot them. It seems they're led by a Samurai; He’s got clearly more impressive armor than the others and seems to be in command. A lot of them look like they've just finished a battle and are prepared to move out.
"If that Asslicker does something to deserve it I'm shoving him in a barrel myself." Fwangzhu snorts.
.
T’kharr looks to Balan and Fwangzhu as they approach the boat with a slightly raised eyebrow but says nothing for the time being.
Then Silgara looks over "Tactics time. I'm going to prepare some spells. I know the dimension door spell. It's a short distance teleport. I can only take two people with me when I cast it though. If that helps you figure out how we're going to fix this situation, I'll get to preparing the spells as soon as I can. If you want me to prepare anything in particular or have a plan, best come up with it now. We'll have time to renew our magic and hopefully time for Nor'vee to sober up before we touch the docks." She gets the ship moving.
Fwangzhu looks over. "Did the Nezumi get drunk or something?"
T’kharr comments to Silgara, “That does sound helpful, yes. Hopefully Mingzhu can get another spirit-speaking in before we reach our destination?" then to Fwangzhu "Aye and ranting about cats."
Balan looks Nor’vee over, “I could use a spell to improve his condition.”
"If you have time for that and to rest before we arrive, sure." T’kharr responds looking over to them.
Fwangzhu snicker snorts "Heh." He nods and heads off while Balan casts a Lesser Restoration on Nor’vee.
The nezumi gasps a bit, then a huff. He seems a touch less sauced now. He grumbles. "Thanks... Hunting again so soon? Was hoping for some time off after Soljura." Nor'vee squeaks.
"Sadly, the world doesn't wait, and we have more urgencies to handle." T’kharr tells him. Nor'vee squeaks then nods, then goes to try to rest off the hangover.
The travel to Renkao takes enough time that they can rest in between. Minamoto looks heavily worried, but keeps to himself, sharpening his blade. He seems to glower when he notices Fwangzhu boards. A death-glare. The badger doesn't notice. He keeps quiet...
After a good rest they manage to sooth Mingzhu out of her cabin. They gather around her to do some spirit speaking a few hours before they land. She looks at the group frowning but closes her eyes and tries to calm down. “What questions do you want to ask?”
Silgara's at the head of the ship trying to get to Renkao as soon as possible. Zsikhou stays close to the shamaness. When she doesn’t get an immediate answer she asks again, “What questions do you wish to ask?”
Balan furrows his bone ridge, “I am not sure fully. We know evil does not lead what is happening so...”
"Is the magistrate alive?" might be a good one? Although we might be better off asking the spirits if they can give us any insight into motivation, since the magistrate's safety could change at any moment....” T’kharr responds.
“I have two questions myself is there any other question you wish?” Mingzhu asks.
“Asking if it can be fixed seems invalid.... anything can be fixed in time.” Balan says deep in thought.
T’kharr looks up. “I think ‘what is driving the citizens to rebel?’ is probably the best one we can ask, anything else might set us up for failure if it changes by the time we get there.”
Mingzhu nods and goes to the bow. She calls the spirits of the ocean with a Trance spell. Then she casts commune with spirit. A spirit is called and awaits questions. Mingzhu calls out, “Spirit. Is the magistrate of Renkao still alive?"
“Yes.”
"Spirit What is driving the rebellion of Renkao?"
"Complicated." Zsikhou who can also hear the spirit rubs his muzzle at that raising an eye ridge, like he’d want to execute the spirit for insubordination.
"Spirit How long before the Daimyo's ship arrives in Renkao?"
"Already has."
"Spirit where is the location of Renkao's Elder?"
"Rakusinan." The spirit fades. Mingzhu tells the rest of them the answers she received.
Zsikhou considers. "Think that's what the inner town there is called. If this one recalls, Renkao has a larger population than most of the outer islands, there's a port-town and an inner town with most of the population."
T’kharr huffs, “Noted on the geography...and great." last word spoken sarcastically "We're going to have to hope that everything's still hung up in the port town I reckon, and may not want to land there either..."
Zsikhou looks over. "Time may be of the essence here. But what's the plan?"
Mingzhu sighs, "I plan to find the Elder and better understand the situation."
Zsikhou huffs. "We may not have time if the Daimyo's ship is already there. Odds are they've already attacked the port town and will be on their way next to Rakusinan."
T’kharr thinks then suggests, “Land backside of isle, make a dash for the main town, Mingzhu and Fwangzhu split off to find the elder, rest of us search for the magistrate. Unless you want Balan with you as well Mingzhu?" Fwangzhu and Minamoto both come up on top deck, independent of one another.
Silgara looks over. "Landing on the back of the isle is going to take time. Are you sure we have time to spare?"
"If the port's clear, we can try using it and hoping we don't get noticed too much...." T’kharr says shaking her head.
"Direct course goes right to the port. If you want me to divert I can but..." Silgara nods, "Right."
Mingzhu looks at the two, "I am unsure I can deal with our children right now."
"What's your call then?" Silgara shouts out.
Zsikhou looks over, "Just let this one know if you want either of them executed." Minamoto ignores them and just looks out to sea, like he's anxious to dock. Fwangzhu narrows his eyes, then looks over to the others.
“I don’t want anyone executed Zsikhou we are a team. Balan will be needed to ease the magistrate and Daimyo's men if needed I will take Fwangzhu.” Mingzhu explains. “If only to split them up.”
"Alright. Take Fwangzhu then, Balan goes with the rest of us." T’kharr says. Zsikhou nods.
“Sounds like a good plan.” Balan nods.
Silgara looks over. "Final call, where do you want me to dock? Port or off the coast?"
"We go close to the port, dock if it’s clear." T’kharr orders.
"Aye, aye, captain." Silgara nods.
Okay, eventually, you come up near the docks. It looks like from afar that the Daimyo's ship, a rather impressive looking vessel from afar, has already docked. It's hard to tell from a distance but it looks like there's already been fighting, though it might have quieted down now. You're not sure...
Silgara looks over. Minamoto does too. He says, "What are we waiting for? Dock immediately."
Silgara gives Minamoto an annoyed glare, then she looks to T'Kharr. "To the docks or around?"
"To the docks so far."
"Taking us in." Silgara takes the boat into dock. No time to de-size the ship either. The ship docks on one of the loading ramps. Up close, it's clear the docks have been a site of recent combat and carnage. It looks like plenty of the villagers formed a militia, armed with spears, many are dead. There's a few of the Daimyo's men at arms dead around as well, though it seems like the villagers took more casualties.
Once they dock, some of the Daimyo's men at arms spot them. It seems they're led by a Samurai; He’s got clearly more impressive armor than the others and seems to be in command. A lot of them look like they've just finished a battle and are prepared to move out.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Fwangzhu growls at seeing the Daimyo’s men. Minamoto glares over at Fwangzhu, fingers idly wagging over his katana hilt. Nor’vee keeps in the back, quiet. Mingzhu says, “Fwangzhu you go off and do something stupid I will hold you. Our mission is to speak to the elder not deal with samurai.”
Fwangzhu looks over to Mingzhu. "Why, what the fuck is going on here?"
"All you need to know is our mission is to go to the Elder.” She returns shortly.
"Aye" T’kharr nods in reinforcement to Mingzhu. "We need to get to the bottom of the situation, not start a bunch of useless fights"
Fwangzhu nods, a gruff huff. The Samurai and men at arms look like they're already moving out to take the road off. T’kharr leads the party around the samurai and inland, hoping that as a somewhat smaller group, they can move more quickly and beat the samurai in this footrace. Minamoto looks over. "Why are we avoiding them?"
Mingzhu wants to ask passersby to point the direction of Rakusinan, but it seems that there's no one outside, besides the Daimyo's men. If there are other people, they've locked their homes and are hiding inside. No one is out in the streets, save the Daimyo's men and the dead. T’kharr looks at Minamoto. "Don't want to get distracted or entangled." Before looking at Mingzhu "no need for directions when there's only one road to choose from it seems." Mingzhu nods and heads in that direction.
"Right, we go in, save the magistrate then." Minamoto nods.
Fwangzhu snarls "A corrupt piece of shit of a magistrate.”
"We don't know that." T’kharr chides.
Minamoto just glares in turn, but he looks at Fwangzhu like one would stare someone down before a duel to the death. Mingzhu orders, “Fwangzhu stay on mission! You are with me and not them let us find the elder.” Fwangzhu huffs, a nod. Silgara, Nor'vee, and Zsikhou look over to see who they're going with.
Mingzhu says, “Zsikhou with us, the rest with the group.” Zsikhou falls in line with Mingzhu.
Nor'vee looks over. "This seems like a bad idea. Why get in between angry stupid humans being angry and stupid? Don't see this working out well no matter what we do."
T’kharr concentrates on the troops slowly moving forward. “We need to figure out what’s making folks mad.”
Silgara looks over. "If our information is correct, then we can't delay too long or the magistrate will die."
Fwangzhu snorts, "Fucker would deserve it."
Zsikhou looks over. "We need him alive for our mission."
They reach Rakusinan's outskirts eventually. However, they see that the Daimyo's party is approaching, and their weapons are drawn. Looks like they're going to begin their attack imminently. T’kharr Looks to see what the Daimyo's party is charging into. It looks like the rebels have assembled a militia. They mostly have crossbows, spears, and some light armor between them. It's possible the Elder might be overseeing the defense... but it looks like battle is about to close very soon.
It looks like the rebels have assembled a militia. They mostly have crossbows, spears, and some light armor between them. It's possible the Elder might be overseeing the defense... but it looks like battle is about to close very soon. Fwangzhu looks over. "Oh fuck... they're coming to, it's going to be Soljura all over again. No, fucking, way, not on my watch."
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu. "No, you will not."
Fwangzhu snarls at him. "Oh what, are you going to join them? If you join in this butchery, this time I'm fucking burying you."
T’kharr yells, “We don't have time for this! We need to find the elder and the magistrate now." She scans the ground for someone who might be the elder or commander to point Mingzhu at. She isn’t sure. The militia looks ill equipped and plenty, ragtag. The Samurai is the clear leader of the Daimyo's forces though. The Daimyo's party is quite outnumbered, but they’re clearly better trained and equipped. Mingzhu is the first to spot him. He is with the militia who’s about to be attacked. Silgara looks over, realizing that the party won't be able to make it in time before the fighting begins.
T’kharr calls out. “"Okay. Once Mingzhu, Zsikhou, and Fwangzhu break off to speak with the elder, the rest of us swing around and make for finding the magistrate."
Minamoto looks over. "I was entrusted to get the magistrate safely. He will likely be in the courthouse. I do not know exactly where it is, but it should be larger and more notable than other buildings."
Zsikhou looks over. "Not sure we'll have time to speak. Looks like the fighting is about to start."
Fwangzhu huffs, "Then we'd better defend the elder."
“We need to get between them if we can.” Mingzhu says.
Minamoto looks over, glaring. "That would be an act against the Daimyo. You must not stop the Samurai and his men from doing their duty."
Fwangzhu snarls at Minamoto. "Oh fuck no. I'm not letting those bastards do another fucking massacre!"
Zsikhou looks over "We won't make it in time..."
T’kharr exasperated yells, “STOP ARGUING BEFORE I HOLD YOU."
Mingzhu says, “Do not fight with them Fwangzhu we need to stop the battle before the elder dies.
Without going to blows.”
Silgara looks over... "If I cast a Dimension Door, I can only bring two of us."
Fwangzhu snarls, looking over. "Think it's too late for that."
T’kharr nods, “Our best bet is to peel the Elder off the fight, I reckon.”
Mingzhu orders, “Do it Silgara put me between them.”
"If you think that'll get respect and not just you both getting attacked...." T’kharr worries. Zsikhou steps forward, volunteering to go as well.
"Mingzhu, do you want Fwangzhu to go to the elder directly or?" T’kharr asks as bolts and arrows start to fly.
Mingzhu nods, “As long as you can put me in between the fighting, yes.”
T’kharr then orders, “I'll lead Fwangzhu there then, swing around from back. Balan, go with the frontliners. Minamoto and Nor'vee, you two head to the courthouse." Minamoto looks over, Nor'vee squeaks, not seeming enthused about this. But Minamoto rushes into the village to look for the courthouse.
Silgara casts Dimension door, bringing Mingzhu, Balan and herself in between the fighting before it closes... But it seems too late. They are already fighting. Mingzhu immediately casts Call Animal Ally (Giant Crocodile). T’kharr takes Zsikhou as well as Fwangzhu with her, sweeping around the end of the militia formation and into the backline to catch up to the elder.
Silgara isn’t sure what to do. She just looks around worriedly. She doesn’t move to cast any further spells. Militiamen are already ready with their spears and shooting crossbows. The Daimyo's men at arms are already doing the same. It appears that there's a lot more fronts than just the one they’re at, and it looks like further down, the daimyo's men and militia are already stabbing each other. The Daimyo’s men are closing fast trying to move around Mingzhu’s group.
Mingzhu calls out, “Do not strike them with weapons, Balan. Try to hold them back from each other.” As she’s working her way through another casting. Balan lets out a guttural roar to try to stall their movements. Some of the men at arms are rattled. They seem to opt to go around. The samurai is in the middle of the formation. He with the other archers shoot at the rebel formation. So far they are trying to avoid Mingzhu, Balan, and Zsikhou.
A militiaman goes down. The ones with crossbows return fire. They haven’t gotten in melee yet, but it looks like there’s plenty of crossbows and arrows flying back and forth. The giant croc appears. Mingzhu commands it to hold position between the two armies and not to attack. Silgara still looks shell shocked and still does nothing.
They keep shooting back and forth. Thanks to Balan's intimidation the men at arms are going around him, but they'll be in melee range soon enough by going on the flanks. The flank to their left is already engaged.
T'Kharr, Fwangzhu, and Zsikhou keep moving forward. Mingzhu keeps directing the croc to look intimidating and keeping the two sides apart as much as possible. Balan tries to stop any from passing him without severe injuries while crying out, “Idiots!” He positions himself in a clear line of sight between the two groups and envelops the ground using his fire breath creating a barrier between them. “Figure this out soon! He calls out to Mingzhu.
T'kharr continues to direct Fwangzhu and Zsikhou to the elder. Mingzhu uses her Community Domain power Calm Emotions where they are engaged in melee fighting. The Daimyo's men at arms have slightly stronger will but it seems that a bunch of them and the militia have been calmed. There's still plenty more fighting around them. More shots go out from the archers on both sides; this is getting pretty messy. Mingzhu gives the crocodile orders to try to hold the lines.
T'Kharr, Fwangzhu, and Zsikhou aren't there yet, but noting the fighting, Fwangzhu draws his axe. Mingzhu gives the crocodile orders to try to hold the lines.
T’kharr yells at Fwangzhu, “Hold back, keep your axe down. Jumping in would just waste our time at this point."
"Waste our time? People are dying! Fuck that, I'm gonna axe the Daimyo's butchers." Fwangzhu snarls.
"We can't afford to throw all our credibility into the latrine here. If you run off, you will get held. Understood?" T'kharr gives Fwangzhu a predatory stare.
"And just let them slaughter the town?!? Fuck that!" Fwangzhu snarls, "Unless you have some way to stop them from killing the people, I'm doing shit MY way."
"Mingzhu, Balan, and Silgara are out there doing their bloody best to break this up." T’kharr retorts.
"Yeah, and is it fucking working?" Fwangzhu snarls back to T'Kharr.
Mingzhu shouts out, “ONE MORE MINUTE BALAN AND I'LL THROW OBSCURRING MIST TO PREVENT THE ARCHERS FROM TARGETING."
T’kharr looks Fwangzhu dead in the eye as they continue to make their way to the village elder, “You heard what Mingzhu shouted?!” She see also sees that Silgara seems lost for what to do. She shouts out to her, “BE A DISTRACTION! THROW WHATEVER YOU HAVE THAT CAN INTERFERE OUT THERE!"
Balan shifts his blade in his hand and smacks the closest target to know them out. Balan smacks a rebel with the flat of his blade but doesn’t knock him out. Some of the rebels see this and strike at him. The men at arms attack the rebels around him. None of the rebels can get through Balan’s armor with their weapons.
Mingzhu casts an Obscuring Mist into the middle of the field so that neither side can target the other. It does ass some confusion to the battle, but they don’t stop fighting. T’kharr stops seeing the look on Fwangzhu’s face and readies a Hold Person spell in case he charges off into the front. Silgara in the meantime just kind of freezes, then turns invisible: Casting invisibility on herself. Zsikhou moves further towards the fray but is not engaged yet.
T’kharr and her group gets to the edge of where the front is. It's kind of confusing, hard to say where the Elder is with all of the arrows going around, with people ducking to cover. They start to look for him. Balan goes into a defensive stance to keep as many distracted as possible. The militia and men at arms go back to stabbing each other. One of the men at arms gets speared twice. In turn one of the militiamen goes down. Fwangzhu jumps into action running back to the front. T’kharr casts her spell. Fwangzhu freezes in place.
Mingzhu casts Substitution and tries to get in between the fighting taking the blows herself. T’kharr continues looking for the Elder as fast as she can. She spots him taking cover, shouting orders and trying not to get shot. He has a crossbow with him. She dives for cover as she reaches him. “We need to talk, if you have a second. We need to know why things have gone so far off the rails here, tell me about the provocations that pushed you this far." She looks over to Zsikhou as the kobold slides to join her.
There are still lots of arrows flying… one hits near T’kharr, aimed at the Elder. Zsikhou ends up swatting one of the arrows near him away. "This is the plan?!" He hisses.
"We kind of had to make a bunch of last-second changes" She answers to Zsikhou "Adapt on the fly as it were."
T’kharr tries to ask the Elder again "Please, just explain to us what sparked the rebellion at least. We can't do anything about it if we don't know what started the troubles." motioning to Zsikhou at the 'do'.
"My people are DYING right now!!…" The elder focuses instead on trying to coordinate defense, then takes a shot at one of the men-at-arms.
"Take a deep breath, sir. We can get you out of here if that'd be better for talking, but even if you win this battle, do you really think the Daimyo's not going to just send more and more men after you?" T’kharr states emphatically.
Zsikhou looks over, hissing "Damn it, we're..." He's cut off as he darts back from some arrows coming by, aiming at the other militiamen.
T’kharr becomes more urgent. "Talking to me is the only way you'll be able to find a way out of this that doesn't leave you perched on a tightrope at all times."
The elder snaps back. "Well good luck getting the Daimyo's bastards to not execute all of us then!!"
"I can't, in good conscience, just 'pick a side' like everyone is asking me to do here; not without knowing what has driven decent folk to such measures." T’kharr is quite stubbornly insistent in her demand for answers, even in the middle of a battle
The elder looks back. "Bastard of a Daimyo. Bastard of a magistrate. Bastard of his men. Too long to go into now! If you don't want to get caught in the fight, then take cover damn it!" He tries to get back to the fighting.
"Start at the beginning. I don't need every single blow-by-blow, but I do need to know where this spiral into madness started." T’kharr answers.
The elder doesn't reply. He clearly doesn't have the time.
The men at arms kill another rebel. Mingzhu and her croc try to get between the lines to keep them apart even if it means taking a hit from one side of another, she will take it without retaliating. It’s her only option at this point. The sides try not to strike at her, but... it's a messy, chaotic melee. Errant strikes come close but miss her. She shouts out, “STOP! STOP! THIS NEEDLESS FIGHTING IN THE NAME OF THE CELESTIAL COURT!" The battle continues raging on, it looks like the militia are on the losing end, as good of a fight as they're giving, and even outnumbering the Daimyo's men. She tries blocking maneuver after blocking maneuver. Unfortunately, both sides keep striking at each other, weaving around her.
"T'KARR TELL HIM TO ORDER A RETREAT SO WE CAN SEPERATE THE SIDES AND GET THEM TO TALK TO EACH OTHER!" Mingzhu shouts.
Zsikhou just looks around, antsy, like he wants to dispense hugs stab someone but isn't used to solving problems he can't stab to death.
"If you could at least order a retreat, we can try to get the Daimyo's men to back off for a bit as well." T’kharr insists to the Elder.
Fwangzhu breaks the hold person spell. The samurai leader is getting into the melee himself. Balan looks at him. “Stand down! it is better for both sides and the land. as he fends off both sides from killing each other.”
He just gives an annoyed glare. "Out of my way foreigner! I do not have time, and I have a duty I must accomplish!"
Mingzhu throws a Hold Person spell against Fwangzhu. He freezes in place again.
Fwangzhu looks over to Mingzhu. "Why, what the fuck is going on here?"
"All you need to know is our mission is to go to the Elder.” She returns shortly.
"Aye" T’kharr nods in reinforcement to Mingzhu. "We need to get to the bottom of the situation, not start a bunch of useless fights"
Fwangzhu nods, a gruff huff. The Samurai and men at arms look like they're already moving out to take the road off. T’kharr leads the party around the samurai and inland, hoping that as a somewhat smaller group, they can move more quickly and beat the samurai in this footrace. Minamoto looks over. "Why are we avoiding them?"
Mingzhu wants to ask passersby to point the direction of Rakusinan, but it seems that there's no one outside, besides the Daimyo's men. If there are other people, they've locked their homes and are hiding inside. No one is out in the streets, save the Daimyo's men and the dead. T’kharr looks at Minamoto. "Don't want to get distracted or entangled." Before looking at Mingzhu "no need for directions when there's only one road to choose from it seems." Mingzhu nods and heads in that direction.
"Right, we go in, save the magistrate then." Minamoto nods.
Fwangzhu snarls "A corrupt piece of shit of a magistrate.”
"We don't know that." T’kharr chides.
Minamoto just glares in turn, but he looks at Fwangzhu like one would stare someone down before a duel to the death. Mingzhu orders, “Fwangzhu stay on mission! You are with me and not them let us find the elder.” Fwangzhu huffs, a nod. Silgara, Nor'vee, and Zsikhou look over to see who they're going with.
Mingzhu says, “Zsikhou with us, the rest with the group.” Zsikhou falls in line with Mingzhu.
Nor'vee looks over. "This seems like a bad idea. Why get in between angry stupid humans being angry and stupid? Don't see this working out well no matter what we do."
T’kharr concentrates on the troops slowly moving forward. “We need to figure out what’s making folks mad.”
Silgara looks over. "If our information is correct, then we can't delay too long or the magistrate will die."
Fwangzhu snorts, "Fucker would deserve it."
Zsikhou looks over. "We need him alive for our mission."
They reach Rakusinan's outskirts eventually. However, they see that the Daimyo's party is approaching, and their weapons are drawn. Looks like they're going to begin their attack imminently. T’kharr Looks to see what the Daimyo's party is charging into. It looks like the rebels have assembled a militia. They mostly have crossbows, spears, and some light armor between them. It's possible the Elder might be overseeing the defense... but it looks like battle is about to close very soon.
It looks like the rebels have assembled a militia. They mostly have crossbows, spears, and some light armor between them. It's possible the Elder might be overseeing the defense... but it looks like battle is about to close very soon. Fwangzhu looks over. "Oh fuck... they're coming to, it's going to be Soljura all over again. No, fucking, way, not on my watch."
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu. "No, you will not."
Fwangzhu snarls at him. "Oh what, are you going to join them? If you join in this butchery, this time I'm fucking burying you."
T’kharr yells, “We don't have time for this! We need to find the elder and the magistrate now." She scans the ground for someone who might be the elder or commander to point Mingzhu at. She isn’t sure. The militia looks ill equipped and plenty, ragtag. The Samurai is the clear leader of the Daimyo's forces though. The Daimyo's party is quite outnumbered, but they’re clearly better trained and equipped. Mingzhu is the first to spot him. He is with the militia who’s about to be attacked. Silgara looks over, realizing that the party won't be able to make it in time before the fighting begins.
T’kharr calls out. “"Okay. Once Mingzhu, Zsikhou, and Fwangzhu break off to speak with the elder, the rest of us swing around and make for finding the magistrate."
Minamoto looks over. "I was entrusted to get the magistrate safely. He will likely be in the courthouse. I do not know exactly where it is, but it should be larger and more notable than other buildings."
Zsikhou looks over. "Not sure we'll have time to speak. Looks like the fighting is about to start."
Fwangzhu huffs, "Then we'd better defend the elder."
“We need to get between them if we can.” Mingzhu says.
Minamoto looks over, glaring. "That would be an act against the Daimyo. You must not stop the Samurai and his men from doing their duty."
Fwangzhu snarls at Minamoto. "Oh fuck no. I'm not letting those bastards do another fucking massacre!"
Zsikhou looks over "We won't make it in time..."
T’kharr exasperated yells, “STOP ARGUING BEFORE I HOLD YOU."
Mingzhu says, “Do not fight with them Fwangzhu we need to stop the battle before the elder dies.
Without going to blows.”
Silgara looks over... "If I cast a Dimension Door, I can only bring two of us."
Fwangzhu snarls, looking over. "Think it's too late for that."
T’kharr nods, “Our best bet is to peel the Elder off the fight, I reckon.”
Mingzhu orders, “Do it Silgara put me between them.”
"If you think that'll get respect and not just you both getting attacked...." T’kharr worries. Zsikhou steps forward, volunteering to go as well.
"Mingzhu, do you want Fwangzhu to go to the elder directly or?" T’kharr asks as bolts and arrows start to fly.
Mingzhu nods, “As long as you can put me in between the fighting, yes.”
T’kharr then orders, “I'll lead Fwangzhu there then, swing around from back. Balan, go with the frontliners. Minamoto and Nor'vee, you two head to the courthouse." Minamoto looks over, Nor'vee squeaks, not seeming enthused about this. But Minamoto rushes into the village to look for the courthouse.
Silgara casts Dimension door, bringing Mingzhu, Balan and herself in between the fighting before it closes... But it seems too late. They are already fighting. Mingzhu immediately casts Call Animal Ally (Giant Crocodile). T’kharr takes Zsikhou as well as Fwangzhu with her, sweeping around the end of the militia formation and into the backline to catch up to the elder.
Silgara isn’t sure what to do. She just looks around worriedly. She doesn’t move to cast any further spells. Militiamen are already ready with their spears and shooting crossbows. The Daimyo's men at arms are already doing the same. It appears that there's a lot more fronts than just the one they’re at, and it looks like further down, the daimyo's men and militia are already stabbing each other. The Daimyo’s men are closing fast trying to move around Mingzhu’s group.
Mingzhu calls out, “Do not strike them with weapons, Balan. Try to hold them back from each other.” As she’s working her way through another casting. Balan lets out a guttural roar to try to stall their movements. Some of the men at arms are rattled. They seem to opt to go around. The samurai is in the middle of the formation. He with the other archers shoot at the rebel formation. So far they are trying to avoid Mingzhu, Balan, and Zsikhou.
A militiaman goes down. The ones with crossbows return fire. They haven’t gotten in melee yet, but it looks like there’s plenty of crossbows and arrows flying back and forth. The giant croc appears. Mingzhu commands it to hold position between the two armies and not to attack. Silgara still looks shell shocked and still does nothing.
They keep shooting back and forth. Thanks to Balan's intimidation the men at arms are going around him, but they'll be in melee range soon enough by going on the flanks. The flank to their left is already engaged.
T'Kharr, Fwangzhu, and Zsikhou keep moving forward. Mingzhu keeps directing the croc to look intimidating and keeping the two sides apart as much as possible. Balan tries to stop any from passing him without severe injuries while crying out, “Idiots!” He positions himself in a clear line of sight between the two groups and envelops the ground using his fire breath creating a barrier between them. “Figure this out soon! He calls out to Mingzhu.
T'kharr continues to direct Fwangzhu and Zsikhou to the elder. Mingzhu uses her Community Domain power Calm Emotions where they are engaged in melee fighting. The Daimyo's men at arms have slightly stronger will but it seems that a bunch of them and the militia have been calmed. There's still plenty more fighting around them. More shots go out from the archers on both sides; this is getting pretty messy. Mingzhu gives the crocodile orders to try to hold the lines.
T'Kharr, Fwangzhu, and Zsikhou aren't there yet, but noting the fighting, Fwangzhu draws his axe. Mingzhu gives the crocodile orders to try to hold the lines.
T’kharr yells at Fwangzhu, “Hold back, keep your axe down. Jumping in would just waste our time at this point."
"Waste our time? People are dying! Fuck that, I'm gonna axe the Daimyo's butchers." Fwangzhu snarls.
"We can't afford to throw all our credibility into the latrine here. If you run off, you will get held. Understood?" T'kharr gives Fwangzhu a predatory stare.
"And just let them slaughter the town?!? Fuck that!" Fwangzhu snarls, "Unless you have some way to stop them from killing the people, I'm doing shit MY way."
"Mingzhu, Balan, and Silgara are out there doing their bloody best to break this up." T’kharr retorts.
"Yeah, and is it fucking working?" Fwangzhu snarls back to T'Kharr.
Mingzhu shouts out, “ONE MORE MINUTE BALAN AND I'LL THROW OBSCURRING MIST TO PREVENT THE ARCHERS FROM TARGETING."
T’kharr looks Fwangzhu dead in the eye as they continue to make their way to the village elder, “You heard what Mingzhu shouted?!” She see also sees that Silgara seems lost for what to do. She shouts out to her, “BE A DISTRACTION! THROW WHATEVER YOU HAVE THAT CAN INTERFERE OUT THERE!"
Balan shifts his blade in his hand and smacks the closest target to know them out. Balan smacks a rebel with the flat of his blade but doesn’t knock him out. Some of the rebels see this and strike at him. The men at arms attack the rebels around him. None of the rebels can get through Balan’s armor with their weapons.
Mingzhu casts an Obscuring Mist into the middle of the field so that neither side can target the other. It does ass some confusion to the battle, but they don’t stop fighting. T’kharr stops seeing the look on Fwangzhu’s face and readies a Hold Person spell in case he charges off into the front. Silgara in the meantime just kind of freezes, then turns invisible: Casting invisibility on herself. Zsikhou moves further towards the fray but is not engaged yet.
T’kharr and her group gets to the edge of where the front is. It's kind of confusing, hard to say where the Elder is with all of the arrows going around, with people ducking to cover. They start to look for him. Balan goes into a defensive stance to keep as many distracted as possible. The militia and men at arms go back to stabbing each other. One of the men at arms gets speared twice. In turn one of the militiamen goes down. Fwangzhu jumps into action running back to the front. T’kharr casts her spell. Fwangzhu freezes in place.
Mingzhu casts Substitution and tries to get in between the fighting taking the blows herself. T’kharr continues looking for the Elder as fast as she can. She spots him taking cover, shouting orders and trying not to get shot. He has a crossbow with him. She dives for cover as she reaches him. “We need to talk, if you have a second. We need to know why things have gone so far off the rails here, tell me about the provocations that pushed you this far." She looks over to Zsikhou as the kobold slides to join her.
There are still lots of arrows flying… one hits near T’kharr, aimed at the Elder. Zsikhou ends up swatting one of the arrows near him away. "This is the plan?!" He hisses.
"We kind of had to make a bunch of last-second changes" She answers to Zsikhou "Adapt on the fly as it were."
T’kharr tries to ask the Elder again "Please, just explain to us what sparked the rebellion at least. We can't do anything about it if we don't know what started the troubles." motioning to Zsikhou at the 'do'.
"My people are DYING right now!!…" The elder focuses instead on trying to coordinate defense, then takes a shot at one of the men-at-arms.
"Take a deep breath, sir. We can get you out of here if that'd be better for talking, but even if you win this battle, do you really think the Daimyo's not going to just send more and more men after you?" T’kharr states emphatically.
Zsikhou looks over, hissing "Damn it, we're..." He's cut off as he darts back from some arrows coming by, aiming at the other militiamen.
T’kharr becomes more urgent. "Talking to me is the only way you'll be able to find a way out of this that doesn't leave you perched on a tightrope at all times."
The elder snaps back. "Well good luck getting the Daimyo's bastards to not execute all of us then!!"
"I can't, in good conscience, just 'pick a side' like everyone is asking me to do here; not without knowing what has driven decent folk to such measures." T’kharr is quite stubbornly insistent in her demand for answers, even in the middle of a battle
The elder looks back. "Bastard of a Daimyo. Bastard of a magistrate. Bastard of his men. Too long to go into now! If you don't want to get caught in the fight, then take cover damn it!" He tries to get back to the fighting.
"Start at the beginning. I don't need every single blow-by-blow, but I do need to know where this spiral into madness started." T’kharr answers.
The elder doesn't reply. He clearly doesn't have the time.
The men at arms kill another rebel. Mingzhu and her croc try to get between the lines to keep them apart even if it means taking a hit from one side of another, she will take it without retaliating. It’s her only option at this point. The sides try not to strike at her, but... it's a messy, chaotic melee. Errant strikes come close but miss her. She shouts out, “STOP! STOP! THIS NEEDLESS FIGHTING IN THE NAME OF THE CELESTIAL COURT!" The battle continues raging on, it looks like the militia are on the losing end, as good of a fight as they're giving, and even outnumbering the Daimyo's men. She tries blocking maneuver after blocking maneuver. Unfortunately, both sides keep striking at each other, weaving around her.
"T'KARR TELL HIM TO ORDER A RETREAT SO WE CAN SEPERATE THE SIDES AND GET THEM TO TALK TO EACH OTHER!" Mingzhu shouts.
Zsikhou just looks around, antsy, like he wants to dispense hugs stab someone but isn't used to solving problems he can't stab to death.
"If you could at least order a retreat, we can try to get the Daimyo's men to back off for a bit as well." T’kharr insists to the Elder.
Fwangzhu breaks the hold person spell. The samurai leader is getting into the melee himself. Balan looks at him. “Stand down! it is better for both sides and the land. as he fends off both sides from killing each other.”
He just gives an annoyed glare. "Out of my way foreigner! I do not have time, and I have a duty I must accomplish!"
Mingzhu throws a Hold Person spell against Fwangzhu. He freezes in place again.
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
As the battle turns around them T’kharr again tries to entreat the Elder, “Order a retreat and my comrades will do their bloody best to get the Daimyo's men to stand down long enough so that folks can get to the bottom of this, okay?"
"They're not going to!" He just gets back to the battle. He seems to ignore T'kharr and go back to trying to win the battle.
Balan grabs on to the samurai to stop him. The samurai swings his sword, but it just bounces off Balan’s armor. The samurai shoves him off. "If you seek to interfere with my duty, foreigner, I will have no choice but to strike you down!" He says, after shoving Balan away, he moves off to join the melee, going after the rebels, weapon in hand.
Zsikhou hisses over to T'Kharr. "Damnit this isn't working!"
The samurai strikes one of the militiamen down.
"Got a better idea?" T’kharr looks at Zsikhou, curiously, “Without just throwing our lot in with a side that is."
"Withdraw and focus on our initial objective!" Zsikhou hisses.
"Head for the magistrate then?" T’Kharr asks
"Yes!" Zsikhou replies.
"Okay, we'll break off this then." She gives a nod to Zsikhou.
Mingzhu runs to the samurai and Balan. But she doesn’t attack the samurai every time he goes to strike her, she puts herself in front of the blade. It looks like he’s trying to kill an unarmed shamaness of the path. Perhaps any faithful of his men will stop the fighting she thinks. So every time he swings she will try to meet the blade instead of the one he’s aiming at.
The Samurai looks perplexed at Mingzhu. "What are you DOING?!"
"I’M STOPPING THE KILLING SO THAT THIS CAN BE TALKED OUT!"
T'kharr scrambles up from cover and heads back for the courthouse. Zsikhou follows T'Kharr, out of the battle area.
“There is reason in her words and if you do not listen you will have my force to deal with call your men back.” Balan says. The samurai ignores Balan.
Mingzhu keeps her body in line with the samurai’s blade. The Samurai scowls. "I don't have time for this! Move!" Then he goes to try to move around her, not attacking her. She tries to keep up with him and any one he attacks she tries to block.
Balan works with Mingzhu keeping others from attacking each other. “This is bullshit!”
Unfortunately, it's a pitched battle, and there's only two of them. But they are next to the Samurai. He scowls at them but is delayed in joining in on the melee. Fwangzhu breaks free of Mingzhu’s hold spell. "If you are not involved in this battle then stay out of the way!" The Samurai bellows.
Mingzhu does what she has to every time the samurai takes a swing, she tries to block the sword with her body instead of it connecting with whoever he’s trying to aim at. While shouting at him, "TELL THEM TO STAND DOWN!" He puts his sword in a rest position.
Balan asks, “Where did T’kharr and Zsikhou go?”
She looks around then shouts to Balan, "THEY ARE GOING TO SAVE THE MAGISTRATE I THINK."
The Samurai scowls "I'm here to save the magistrate and punish this rebellion! Do not interfere with my duty!"
"STOP KILLING OR MAKE ME A MATYR!" She sputters back, “YOU DO YOU NOT WANT PEACE ON THIS ISLAND. DO YOU WANT TO TURN IT INTO ANOTHER SOLJURA!"
Balan keeps on keeping on doing what he can to spare people from killing each other trying to scare them into retreat. While they are holding the samurai up, it does look like their side is winning the battle... and they're not stopping.
The Samurai seethes. "I will NOT stop my mission to rescue the magistrate and put down this rebellion. State this now. Are you here to stop me from doing this or not? I do not have time nor patience now."
"I AM HERE TO STOP THE TWO SIDES FROM KILLING EACH OTHER AND MAKING THIS ISLAND ANOTHER WASTELAND! LIKE Soljura AND Kizamine!"
... The Samurai just looks at Mingzhu. "What are you talking about?! No, I don't have time!"
"THEY ARE DEAD ALL OF THEM DEAD CAUSED BY THOSE THAT WOULD SPREAD CHAOS IN THE SOUTHERN REALMS. SOLJURA HAS ONLY CURSED SPIRITS ON IT NOW AND kIZININE HAS BEEN DESTROYED BY PIRATES THE ONLY LIVING THING ON THAT ISLAND NOW IS AN OLD WOMAN LIVING IN A RUINED HOME! EVEN THE GUARDIAN SPIRIT OF THE ISLAND IS DEAD OR CAPTURED BY A NECROMANCER!" She shouts over the battle.
He just quizzically looks to Mingzhu "Then speak of this AFTER I finish the battle here! I have a duty to accomplish!" He shouts some orders at his soldiers. It does look like his side is winning though...
"YOURE DUTY WILL DESTROY THIS ISLAND AND ALL ITS INHABITANTS. "ORDER THEM TO STAND DOWN!"
T'Kharr and Zsikhou move to where they think the Courthouse is. They are unfamiliar with this place. It takes some time, and it's still in chaos.
Zsikhou looks around. "Don't know this place but a Courthouse should probably be a more notable building. This place does look like it... was… in better condition than the other villages. Higher population. More care in the buildings..." He hisses "Damnit, no time... What do...."
T'Kharr finds a place that has an expensive looking fence around it, and a gate, that looks like it was smashed open. The building beyond could be considered opulent for the villages They’ve been in. Or it COULD have been, if it wasn't on fire, with the windows smashed... and looks like it had been under siege.
T’kharr scrambles up to its entrance, trying to judge just how badly it’s burning and also casts an elemental resistance ward on herself. The building is in bad shape. It looks like the villagers had been throwing torches and other things at it for a while. The inside also looks pretty well trashed. Looks like fighting extended inside the courthouse. T’kharr looks around for signs of Minamoto or Nor'vee, if they went in or where they headed. As T'Kharr and Zsikhou run in, they find Nor'vee running for the exit, he's panting, huffing... "Mission is a bust... time to go!"
T’kharr asks, “Is the magistrate dead or?"
"Magistrate's dead. Your companion fighting other humans. Didn't stick around. Time to go." Nor'vee says.
Zsikhou clenches his hand claws, hissing angrily. Cursing in draconic.
"How long was he dead for?" T’kharr asks frowning, "Were you able to find him alive but were forced to retreat, or was he dead before you got there?"
"Dead about when Nor'vee got there. Your companion got spotted by rebels, went to fight them. Nor'vee snuck off to find magistrate. Got to the records room just in time to see him get stabbed to death." Nor'vee clatters some.
She frowns and sighs "Dammit. Nothing is having much success here. The elder's so preoccupied with the situation that he can't explain a thing, and we got there late enough that stopping the fight's being a pain in the rear end."
"Nor'vee says let stupid angry humans be stupid angry humans, get your colony out." He huffs, preparing to leave.
Zsikhou hisses, growing, a huff, "This mission is a failure. We need to retreat."
"I'm not sure we can get to Silgara and the others...they made a very bold gambit there, going for the middle of the battle like that." T’kharr sighs and shakes her head "Not bold enough to snap people out of it though."
"Least we can do is try though, let’s go." T’kharr motions.
Zsikhou rubs his face. "They were already killing each other by the time we got there. Not the best place to try to talk someone down."
Nor'vee nods, "Get colony and let’s go. Rest is dangerous waste of time."
T'kharr begins to lead Nor'vee and Zsikhou back towards the front. "Mingzhu and Balan, at the very least, are doing their damnedest to try to put the brakes on this runaway wagon"
Nor'vee squeaks and looks over to T'Kharr "Your Daimyo man with you is still fighting other angry humans inside courthouse."
"Bringing him into the front from this side won't solve anything." She replies.
Fwangzhu, who had just broken a Hold spell is rushing into the action again. The samurai angerly shouts at Mingzhu, "Enough, you've wasted enough time! Out of the way." He tries to move around but still doesn't attack.”
Balan tries to pin him down again while Mingzhu tries to stay in front of his sword. The samurai stabs Balan getting through his armor for a nasty cut in the side. “So be it!” The man angerly shouts. Mingzhu tries to shield Balan with her body but fails the first attempt. She looks over at Fwangzhu and starts to shed tears as he downs a man at arms. Killing him with one swipe of his axe.
Balan winces, “Mingzhu I’m going to hit the bastard if he does that again.” Again, he tries to tackle the samurai. The samurai misses Balan this time and also manages to miss Mingzhu attempting to take the hit for her friend.
Mingzhu insists, “Do not hit him Balan! We cannot take sides!”
The samurai then spins off of the tackle and pushes Mingzhu away, “Get out of the way and to safety!" He stammers. He then attacks Balan but misses. Fwangzhu notices what is going on and charges at the samurai, raging. Mingzhu tries to intercept his axe with her own body but can’t reach them in time. She does manage to slide just between them. The battle rages on.
The Samurai getting jammed like that attracts the attention of other men at arms. Some of them attack Fwangzhu, he attacks them back. T’kharr and company come back to the battlefield. They see it has been a bloody one while they were way. T’kharr runs into the melee.
Balan attempts to tackle the samurai to the ground again. He fails. Fwangzhu starts to fight furiously the men at arms around him. He starts receiving wounds. The samurai again pushes Mingzhu to the side and gives Balan another nasty cut. Mingzhu sees the danger where Fwangzhu is. She gets up and tries to put herself between him and his attackers.
Nor’vee runs over but doesn’t engage. “Magistrate's dead! Time to leave!"
The Samurai looks furious "You! … If not for your blasted interference!"
Mingzhu voice dies down as she says, “Sadly, if we could not get there in time behind the lines you would not have either.”
"Mingzhu's right. We had folks break off and head pretty much right for the courthouse, but they only almost got there in time." T’kharr explains.
The fight is still going on but it's dying down. It's starting to look like the Samurai's side is winning. That said,... given they seem to now note that Balan and Fwangzhu are active hostiles...
"They're not going to!" He just gets back to the battle. He seems to ignore T'kharr and go back to trying to win the battle.
Balan grabs on to the samurai to stop him. The samurai swings his sword, but it just bounces off Balan’s armor. The samurai shoves him off. "If you seek to interfere with my duty, foreigner, I will have no choice but to strike you down!" He says, after shoving Balan away, he moves off to join the melee, going after the rebels, weapon in hand.
Zsikhou hisses over to T'Kharr. "Damnit this isn't working!"
The samurai strikes one of the militiamen down.
"Got a better idea?" T’kharr looks at Zsikhou, curiously, “Without just throwing our lot in with a side that is."
"Withdraw and focus on our initial objective!" Zsikhou hisses.
"Head for the magistrate then?" T’Kharr asks
"Yes!" Zsikhou replies.
"Okay, we'll break off this then." She gives a nod to Zsikhou.
Mingzhu runs to the samurai and Balan. But she doesn’t attack the samurai every time he goes to strike her, she puts herself in front of the blade. It looks like he’s trying to kill an unarmed shamaness of the path. Perhaps any faithful of his men will stop the fighting she thinks. So every time he swings she will try to meet the blade instead of the one he’s aiming at.
The Samurai looks perplexed at Mingzhu. "What are you DOING?!"
"I’M STOPPING THE KILLING SO THAT THIS CAN BE TALKED OUT!"
T'kharr scrambles up from cover and heads back for the courthouse. Zsikhou follows T'Kharr, out of the battle area.
“There is reason in her words and if you do not listen you will have my force to deal with call your men back.” Balan says. The samurai ignores Balan.
Mingzhu keeps her body in line with the samurai’s blade. The Samurai scowls. "I don't have time for this! Move!" Then he goes to try to move around her, not attacking her. She tries to keep up with him and any one he attacks she tries to block.
Balan works with Mingzhu keeping others from attacking each other. “This is bullshit!”
Unfortunately, it's a pitched battle, and there's only two of them. But they are next to the Samurai. He scowls at them but is delayed in joining in on the melee. Fwangzhu breaks free of Mingzhu’s hold spell. "If you are not involved in this battle then stay out of the way!" The Samurai bellows.
Mingzhu does what she has to every time the samurai takes a swing, she tries to block the sword with her body instead of it connecting with whoever he’s trying to aim at. While shouting at him, "TELL THEM TO STAND DOWN!" He puts his sword in a rest position.
Balan asks, “Where did T’kharr and Zsikhou go?”
She looks around then shouts to Balan, "THEY ARE GOING TO SAVE THE MAGISTRATE I THINK."
The Samurai scowls "I'm here to save the magistrate and punish this rebellion! Do not interfere with my duty!"
"STOP KILLING OR MAKE ME A MATYR!" She sputters back, “YOU DO YOU NOT WANT PEACE ON THIS ISLAND. DO YOU WANT TO TURN IT INTO ANOTHER SOLJURA!"
Balan keeps on keeping on doing what he can to spare people from killing each other trying to scare them into retreat. While they are holding the samurai up, it does look like their side is winning the battle... and they're not stopping.
The Samurai seethes. "I will NOT stop my mission to rescue the magistrate and put down this rebellion. State this now. Are you here to stop me from doing this or not? I do not have time nor patience now."
"I AM HERE TO STOP THE TWO SIDES FROM KILLING EACH OTHER AND MAKING THIS ISLAND ANOTHER WASTELAND! LIKE Soljura AND Kizamine!"
... The Samurai just looks at Mingzhu. "What are you talking about?! No, I don't have time!"
"THEY ARE DEAD ALL OF THEM DEAD CAUSED BY THOSE THAT WOULD SPREAD CHAOS IN THE SOUTHERN REALMS. SOLJURA HAS ONLY CURSED SPIRITS ON IT NOW AND kIZININE HAS BEEN DESTROYED BY PIRATES THE ONLY LIVING THING ON THAT ISLAND NOW IS AN OLD WOMAN LIVING IN A RUINED HOME! EVEN THE GUARDIAN SPIRIT OF THE ISLAND IS DEAD OR CAPTURED BY A NECROMANCER!" She shouts over the battle.
He just quizzically looks to Mingzhu "Then speak of this AFTER I finish the battle here! I have a duty to accomplish!" He shouts some orders at his soldiers. It does look like his side is winning though...
"YOURE DUTY WILL DESTROY THIS ISLAND AND ALL ITS INHABITANTS. "ORDER THEM TO STAND DOWN!"
T'Kharr and Zsikhou move to where they think the Courthouse is. They are unfamiliar with this place. It takes some time, and it's still in chaos.
Zsikhou looks around. "Don't know this place but a Courthouse should probably be a more notable building. This place does look like it... was… in better condition than the other villages. Higher population. More care in the buildings..." He hisses "Damnit, no time... What do...."
T'Kharr finds a place that has an expensive looking fence around it, and a gate, that looks like it was smashed open. The building beyond could be considered opulent for the villages They’ve been in. Or it COULD have been, if it wasn't on fire, with the windows smashed... and looks like it had been under siege.
T’kharr scrambles up to its entrance, trying to judge just how badly it’s burning and also casts an elemental resistance ward on herself. The building is in bad shape. It looks like the villagers had been throwing torches and other things at it for a while. The inside also looks pretty well trashed. Looks like fighting extended inside the courthouse. T’kharr looks around for signs of Minamoto or Nor'vee, if they went in or where they headed. As T'Kharr and Zsikhou run in, they find Nor'vee running for the exit, he's panting, huffing... "Mission is a bust... time to go!"
T’kharr asks, “Is the magistrate dead or?"
"Magistrate's dead. Your companion fighting other humans. Didn't stick around. Time to go." Nor'vee says.
Zsikhou clenches his hand claws, hissing angrily. Cursing in draconic.
"How long was he dead for?" T’kharr asks frowning, "Were you able to find him alive but were forced to retreat, or was he dead before you got there?"
"Dead about when Nor'vee got there. Your companion got spotted by rebels, went to fight them. Nor'vee snuck off to find magistrate. Got to the records room just in time to see him get stabbed to death." Nor'vee clatters some.
She frowns and sighs "Dammit. Nothing is having much success here. The elder's so preoccupied with the situation that he can't explain a thing, and we got there late enough that stopping the fight's being a pain in the rear end."
"Nor'vee says let stupid angry humans be stupid angry humans, get your colony out." He huffs, preparing to leave.
Zsikhou hisses, growing, a huff, "This mission is a failure. We need to retreat."
"I'm not sure we can get to Silgara and the others...they made a very bold gambit there, going for the middle of the battle like that." T’kharr sighs and shakes her head "Not bold enough to snap people out of it though."
"Least we can do is try though, let’s go." T’kharr motions.
Zsikhou rubs his face. "They were already killing each other by the time we got there. Not the best place to try to talk someone down."
Nor'vee nods, "Get colony and let’s go. Rest is dangerous waste of time."
T'kharr begins to lead Nor'vee and Zsikhou back towards the front. "Mingzhu and Balan, at the very least, are doing their damnedest to try to put the brakes on this runaway wagon"
Nor'vee squeaks and looks over to T'Kharr "Your Daimyo man with you is still fighting other angry humans inside courthouse."
"Bringing him into the front from this side won't solve anything." She replies.
Fwangzhu, who had just broken a Hold spell is rushing into the action again. The samurai angerly shouts at Mingzhu, "Enough, you've wasted enough time! Out of the way." He tries to move around but still doesn't attack.”
Balan tries to pin him down again while Mingzhu tries to stay in front of his sword. The samurai stabs Balan getting through his armor for a nasty cut in the side. “So be it!” The man angerly shouts. Mingzhu tries to shield Balan with her body but fails the first attempt. She looks over at Fwangzhu and starts to shed tears as he downs a man at arms. Killing him with one swipe of his axe.
Balan winces, “Mingzhu I’m going to hit the bastard if he does that again.” Again, he tries to tackle the samurai. The samurai misses Balan this time and also manages to miss Mingzhu attempting to take the hit for her friend.
Mingzhu insists, “Do not hit him Balan! We cannot take sides!”
The samurai then spins off of the tackle and pushes Mingzhu away, “Get out of the way and to safety!" He stammers. He then attacks Balan but misses. Fwangzhu notices what is going on and charges at the samurai, raging. Mingzhu tries to intercept his axe with her own body but can’t reach them in time. She does manage to slide just between them. The battle rages on.
The Samurai getting jammed like that attracts the attention of other men at arms. Some of them attack Fwangzhu, he attacks them back. T’kharr and company come back to the battlefield. They see it has been a bloody one while they were way. T’kharr runs into the melee.
Balan attempts to tackle the samurai to the ground again. He fails. Fwangzhu starts to fight furiously the men at arms around him. He starts receiving wounds. The samurai again pushes Mingzhu to the side and gives Balan another nasty cut. Mingzhu sees the danger where Fwangzhu is. She gets up and tries to put herself between him and his attackers.
Nor’vee runs over but doesn’t engage. “Magistrate's dead! Time to leave!"
The Samurai looks furious "You! … If not for your blasted interference!"
Mingzhu voice dies down as she says, “Sadly, if we could not get there in time behind the lines you would not have either.”
"Mingzhu's right. We had folks break off and head pretty much right for the courthouse, but they only almost got there in time." T’kharr explains.
The fight is still going on but it's dying down. It's starting to look like the Samurai's side is winning. That said,... given they seem to now note that Balan and Fwangzhu are active hostiles...