The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

Mingzhu prepares the site for casting then sits down in full lotus. Everyone else takes a walk so not to disturb her. She casts trance to attract the spirits to her and waits for a community spirit to come. A community spirit is most likely an elder of the town that passed some time ago revered for his wisdom.

A spirit hears here and comes over. She looks up at it. “Thank you for coming spirit. I have three question and three questions I wish to know.” The spirit doesn’t speak. It just waits for the questions.

“Is Captain Fareed in any danger from the spirit Cerabo?”

“No.”

“What kind of spirit is the spirit, Cerabo?”

“Fox-Yokai.”

“What is Kanako’s true race?”

“Kitsune.”

The spirt fades. Mingzhu sighs, stands and goes back to the group. Silgara, Zsikhou, Fwangzhu, and Minamoto look over to her as she strolls over, waiting.

She looks at them, "The captain is in no danger from the spirit. However, Cerabo is a fox-yokai and Kanako is also a Kitsune which most likely means Kanako is either Cerabo herself or Cerabo's daughter." For those that do not know Fox-yokai are always evil though they do not kill. they enthrall the opposite sex and steal their wealth leaving their lover destitute that at least what they usually do."

T’kharr nods slowly, “So, it sounds like we will need to bide our time and gain more strength before we tackle the fortress on the north side of the isle. It may be best if we set sail again?"

Zsikhou clicks his tongue. "At this point am wondering if this one should have Kanako and the elder dealt with for their constant misdirection." He huffs. Fwangzhu huffs, then gives a nod.

Silgara looks over to Mingzhu. "Did they clarify if Ceroba was a supernatural creature or just a powerful

"The spirit said that Cerabo is a Fox-yokai specifically." Mingzhu reiterates.

"Yokai, not a Hengeyokai?" Silgara raises an eyebrow, considering, then a huff. "I... how does the word 'Yokai' translate into common, anyways? Does it mean spirit? Demon? I have noticed it's used as something as a catch-all term for fiends, but I have a feeling some of the context is lost in translation."

Zsikhou grimaces, "So, if we're not mistaken. This village is under protection of a Yokai, one who's presence has been actively concealed from us. This one is entirely unamused." He shakes his head.

Minamoto also considers flexing his hands. "Explains their reluctance. A bargain with a fell being… would be punishable by death by the Daimyo's law."

Silgara looks aside, "Let’s not be hasty here." She looks to Mingzhu again "You know this land best. What do you think?"

"I would like to know what a Kitsune is doing working with a yokai and why a yokai is protecting the town. There must be something else something here that the yokai is protecting and/or doesn’t want revealed. Also, a Yokai is not a spirit at least in the way we easterners regard. It is a demon of some sort or another...… I cannot deal with it in the way I deal with spirits. So Kanako mislead you about Cerabo." Mingzhu says with a frown.

Silgara nods, "It does make sense, they wouldn't want us to know that they’re protected by a fiend." She sighs.

Minamoto looks over. "It's a crime deserving of execution."

Zsikhou looks over, "This one does have the option of telling their master that this island needs a full correction."

Mingzhu looks over at Zsikhou with dread. “And have a typhoon destroy not only the bad people but the innocent as well?”

Zsikhou looks over. "An island under protection of a Yokai, overrun with Tsuno and Gaki?" He huffs, "This is a bad situation, Shamaness."

Silgara looks over, fidgeting. "I'd... rather not resort to such an extreme situation."

T’kharr agrees and adds, “Aye, I'd far rather not resort to such an extreme."

Mingzhu looks back. "What are your thoughts T'kharr?"

"It's a messy situation, but an uneasy stalemate, a dark balance all the same, one that's unwise to disturb without a very good plan in hand, and the ability to execute it with confidence"

Mingzhu sighs, “We have to at least free the captain.”

Silgara looks over. "So, what's the plan, then...?"

The shamaness fidgets. “I would rather not fight a powerful magical yokai if we can get away with it. negotiation seems the best option."

Zsikhou narrows his eyes, then a huff. "That's dangerous, Shamaness."

Mingzhu nods, "I know, and we don't really have anything the demon wants most likely"

Minamoto looks over. "The law of the land is clear. Bargaining with Yokai is forbidden and those that do so are put to death. Which would include the village elder and Kanako."

Fwangzhu snarls at Minamoto, "Oh fuck off! Like the Daimyo does anything for these people. No wonder they turned to Ceroba to protect them. They're doing a lot better than the other losers who rely on him."

"I worry for innocents becoming hurt or involved. and I worry for the captain who is in the hands of a seductress demon. If you want to wait until morning i can ask the spirits if Kanako is indeed Cerabo or if Kanako is Cerabo's daughter those are both two very valid questions." Mingzhu explains.

Fwangzhu huffs, "As for what Ceroba wants? Kanako said she wants that self-proclaimed demon queen in the Tsuno fortress gone."

Mingzhu smirks, “Of course, she wants to retain being queen bee."

Minamoto looks over to Fwangzhu. "If you end up getting involved with a Youkai I will not hesitate to execute you."

Fwangzhu snarls, "Oh, if anyone's going to end up being suckered, it's you. But you already kowtow to a tyrant. So, what's new with you?"

Mingzhu gets irritated. “Boys, how many times are we going to have this conversation. This is not helping the situation; only inflaming it to the point that we could make wrong choices because the two of you will not stop fighting. be at least logical and remember we are just as much a family as any other. You two are brothers so...…. STOP IT!"

Minamoto and Fwangzhu look over to Mingzhu, then a huff, "We are /not/ brothers or family." They say it both at once, it's kind of impressive in an irritating way. Mingzhu breaks out into a giggle and then starts to laugh.

Zsikhou looks over. "We are going to need to decide how to handle Kanako, and the Elder."

Mingzhu then looks at the two idiots. "I need a wooden spoon. A big one...…. with a hole in the middle."

Silgara looks over. "Kanako did offer to have us meet Ceroba."

Silgara raises an eyebrow. "You can probably get one at the market.... uh, why that particular permutation?"

Mingzhu narrows her eyes and looks at the two miscreants, "I'm betting they know exactly what I mean."

Fwangzhu snorts, "Just say it fucking straight for once."

Zsikhou shakes his head. "I digress; we have more important matters. How do we handle Kanako?"

Mingzhu asks, “What are your thoughts, T’kharr?”

"For now, or when we return?" The gnoll answers.

Mingzhu looks at her. “For now.” The party seems ready to follow their lead. Though Minamoto and Fwangzhu are at a hair's length of coming to blows, as usual. Mingzhu looks over, "T'kharr?"

"For now, we're better off not upsetting that applecart -- think of it this way, if we move on that now, we'd be stuck being their replacement."

Silgara nods, "Makes sense, but what do we do then?"

“We could talk to the mayor and/or Kanako again and try to get this mess straightened out.” Mingzhu replies.

Minamoto looks over. "I should have both of them executed."

Fwangzhu snarls at him, "Try it and I bury an axe in your skull."

Minamoto glares, "Try that and I will execute you as well. You deserve it."

T’kharr doesn’t consider an alternative. "No, I recommend we take our leave now."

"And what if this queen demon is one of our Yokai released from that dark island?" Mingzhu states.

Zsikhou looks over. "And just ignore everything we've learned about this mess?"

"No, we put a pin in this to come back later when we have more capacity to do something about it that won't just screw over the townspeople or leave us stuck here in a bad way." T’kharr says.

Minamoto looks over. "If we are going to do that, we might as well execute the Elder and Kanako before we go."

Fwangzhu snarls, "You better not fucking try it!"

Now T’kharr is irritated. "That's exactly the last thing we want to do. Screwing over the townsfolk by leaving them to the proverbial wolves, or hyenas if you'd rather, and then walking away would be an act as evil as any."

Mingzhu adds, “If we do that the town will be open to the Tsuno attack. Everyone will be wiped out, Minamoto. Let me ask Minamoto. What if your wife, your sons, your daughters all lived in this town what would you do then."

"I would likely move them out. Preferably to a place that is untainted and follows the Daimyo's law." Minamoto replies.

"Would you evacuate the whole town, then?" T’kharr asks.

"No!" He replies.

"Course the Asslicker wouldn't." Fwangzhu snarls in turn.

Zsikhou looks over. "Think we are in a place to demand some answers, though."

T'kharr glares down Minamoto. "Why not, then?"

"My duty to the Daimyo and to Family come first." Minamoto replies. Silgara can't help but roll her eyes.

Mingzhu stares at the man-at-arms. “Congratulations, you just killed a whole town of tax receipts." she says sarcastically. T'kharr Kanako seems to trust you. Perhaps, you could talk to her, and I could speak with the Elder?”

"I could try speaking with her, yes, are there specific points you want me to hit?" T’Kharr replies

Fwangzhu huffs, "I'll come with."

"Just that we know what is going on and we wish to help the situation when the time is right. use your intuition for anything else and I think it’s a good idea for Fwangzhu to go too." Mingzhu tells her.

Silgara looks over. "Which team should I go with, then?"

Minamoto looks over. "I am entrusted to enforce the Daimyo's law, Shamaness."

Fwangzhu snarls at Minamoto, "If I find out you killed the elder, I'm burying you next."

Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu. "Just like you to befriend and protect rotten, treacherous elders."

"I think your services would be best dealing with Kanako. I will take Minamoto. and no do not kill the elder. He is competent." Mingzhu says to Silgara then Minamoto.

"If he has broken the Daimyo's laws by brokering a deal with a Youkai, his life is forfeit." Minamoto says.

"We do not know that, at least not yet" Mingzhu chides.

"Then I will hear him out first." Minamoto says, "But if I have a duty to perform, I will carry it out."

“Zsikhou can also come with me though I should be able to handle the mayor alone if necessary.” Mingzhu adds.

"I can take Silgara with me" T’kharr says agreeing with Mingzhu’s advice.

Fwangzhu narrows his eyes. "Maybe that Asslicker should be benched."

Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu. "Do not give me orders, savage."

Mingzhu holds her ears with both hands and shakes her head. "If the three of you pass by the market, could you get me a meat tenderizer with a very large head."

Zsikhou looks over to Mingzhu. "Will see about picking one up for you."

"Thank you, Zsikhou." She replies.

T'kharr can’t help but smirk to Mingzhu at that with a twinkle in her eye

Silgara sighs, "Well, to our assignments then?"

[Winterhawk99]

T’kharr, Fwangzhu, and Silgara roam around town. They eventually find Kanako playing some music by the dock. She's playing on some eastern instrument, but she seems to have noticed you, she flashes a quick smile, but keeps playing, giving the docks some ambience. T'kharr bows to Kanako, not wanting to interrupt her performance.

After some time, she stops. Fwangzhu approaches. "Hey there."

Kanako smiles in turn. "Oh, hey big guy. Enjoyed the music?"

Fwangzhu manages a grin. "Oh, definitely, certainly livens the place up some!"

Kanako giggles in turn, "Why thank you. Oh, you're such a fine gentleman too."

Silgara Ahem's, then looks to T'kharr. "Let’s interrupt them?"

T’kharr smiles at Fwangzhu’s new jovial nature. “Ah, hello there Kanako, mind if we ask a few questions? And a fine performance, yes."

Kanako smiles in turn. "Oh! Certainly! What can I help you with?" She idly strums a few notes as she waits for T'kharr to speak.

"Ah. Come to think of it, we just wanted to let you know that we're aware of the situation and we'll be returning to help out with the demon queen when we are able to do so in a meaningful way."

"Ah...?" Kanako looks over, considering "Well, alright. I understand. Storming that fortress and dealing with the demon queen is going to be difficult." She sighs ... "I have been looking for alternative ways too, so far I came up with nothing.” She thinks about it. "Unless she has some scrolls or something that can help, but... well, that's not my first option." Kanako considers again, "I... suppose if you want me to, I could ask?" She looks back at T'kharr.

"Oh, if you could that'd be appreciated, I'm not expecting anything but it's at least worth asking the question." T’kharr says emphatically.

Kanako nods, "Anything else you wanted to ask? Or ah, want me to ask her?"

The gnoll looks at Silgara. “Was there anything else you could think of?"

Silgara whispers aside to T'kharr, "Do you think we should confront her with what we know? I am still wondering where she got all of those magic items."

She whispers back to Silgara, “We could ask about the magical items, I guess? Might be good to hear her out at least, see if there are any tells in her answer." Silgara nods in turn.

T’kharr asks the Kitsune, “Hm, mind telling me a bit more about your magical trinkets. Family heirlooms, gifts from a special friend, or?"

"Ah... they're gifts from her." A smile from Kanako. "Just in case I need to defend myself from a Gaki, Tsuno, or other malcontent."

"Ah, from the spirit?" T’kharr asks.

Kanako nods to T'Kharr. "Indeed."

Silgara looks over. "So, what did you have to pay for them?"

Kanako looks over. "Hrm? Oh, she gave them as gifts."

"Ah." T'kharr nods, "We will not take more of your time then, thank you and may the Broken One ease your pains."

"As in, I didn't pay any favors for them." Kanako smiles in turn. "Oh! Of course. Have a wonderful day!" Kanako smiles at them, then resumes playing her instrument. Silgara begins to head off. Fwangzhu stays behind with Kanako.

T’kharr joins Silgara as they start to go to regroup with the party. Silgara then looks at T'kharr, then back to Fwangzhu "What do you think...?" Then she looks over. "I also think Fwangzhu might be about to go the direct route..."

"It at least gave us a bit more understanding of the situation and relationship between the two." T’kharr mentions.

"Well, what do you think is going on, then?" Silgara looks to T'kharr.

"I'm not entirely sure, we'll have to put some more pieces together."

Fwangzhu and Kanako talk a bit, then Kanako suddenly looks rather flustered... Silgara looks over. "And what do you want to bet, the badger just told her that we knew..."

"Aye. that we know she's kitsune."

"And that we know Ceroba is a Yokai, not a spirit." Silgara rubs her face. Fwangzhu and Kanako continue talking. Silgara heaves a heavy sigh, Kanako and Fwangzhu keep talking. "So, what do we do now?" Silgara rubs her face again.

"I'm honestly not sure. We may have to stick around for a bit to make sure Fwangzhu doesn't get himself into a fight." T’kharr states.

"I'm admittedly not worried about that." Silgara shakes her head. "Unless he catches Minamoto trying to execute someone. But I'm going to assume that Kanako now knows we know." She looks over.

"Right."

"Should we go talk to them again?" Silgara looks to T'kharr.

"I don't think interrupting them again would be wise." T’kharr says as she watches the two talk.

"Well, I suppose it depends on how valuable his information is against how..." The two watch as Kanako and Fwangzhu approach.

"Look uh..." Kanako sounds rather frantic now. "Fwangzhu just told me what's going on. I think we need to get to the elder's like, right now. If that Tax Collector executes the elder mom is going to react /very/ badly!" Then she and Fwangzhu run off.

"That's why we have a couple of our people there!" T’kharr shouts.

Fwangzhu snorts, "Yeah the Kami who will probably agree with him and the Shamaness who's too chickenshit to stop him and unlike the Kami, won't listen to her!" They don't waste any more time talking and run off...

Silgara glances aside. "Did Kanako just say 'mom' will react very badly...?"

"Great" T’kharr follows with a frown and a nod to Silgara. "That makes one other piece of the puzzle clear, at least." The two begin to chase Fwangzhu and Kanako through the streets.

[Winterhawk99]

As Mingzhu and company head to the Elder’s home, they spy Balan playing with some children. His arms are straight out, and they are hanging from them. Mingzhu motions with her hand and after a few minutes Balan says goodbye to the children and rushes up to continue with them. When they get there, she knocks on the door. He opens the door and perks up. "Ah, Shamaness, greetings again. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Balan stops just behind her and looks down nodding. Zsikhou narrows his eyes at the elder, Minamoto also gives him a hard look. Mingzhu smiles. "I would like to speak with you alone before the gentlemen with me come in. As you know, as a community shamaness, I work with the elders over various situations and problems that they have."

Minamoto looks over. "No, I need to hear this as well."

The Elder looks over. "Well, if you wish, Shamaness. What can I help you with?"

Balan gives a stare at Minamoto, “Best to let her talk first I would think.”

Minamoto gives a stare back at Balan. "I have my duty."

“Aye and she has hers.” Balan retorts.

Mingzhu turns her head to the side and stares at Minamoto. “You work for me, Balan and T'kharr. Stand down now and wait while I talk to the elder.”

Balan stands a bit more diplomatically aggressive. Throwing out his chest.

Minamoto looks over. "I work for the Daimyo first and foremost."

Zsikhou looks over to Minamoto. "Let the Shamaness do what she needs to do."

Minamoto looks over to Mingzhu. "Then I trust that, should there be any breaches of the Daimyo's law, that you inform me." Mingzhu nods. Minamoto clearly doesn't like this. But he stays where he is for now.

Mingzhu comes in and closes the door so she and the Elder can be alone. “May I sit, Elder.”

"Of course." He sits down

Balan lets them leave and stands firm like a stone in front of the door on the outside. Minamoto looks over, a huff, clearly not liking this. Balan looks to his huff, “We all have our roles to play whether it to our gods or our communities.”

Mingzhu sits down with him. "You seem to be very competent and experienced. You have protected your sources about how you did some of the things you did to keep your people safe. I understand but Cerabo is a fox yokai and Kanako a Kitsune. Did you know this?"

He looks over, a pause, then a heavy sigh, leaning back "Yes, I am aware. I have been the whole time." And I take it that the Tax Collector and Kami know. I figure I know what they will do now." He sighs in a resigned manner. "So, what did you want to ask me then? If you already know that secret." The Elder adjusts some tableware.

"They are protecting your town. But now there is a what we think is a western demon gathering the Tsuno and preparing them to invade. I believe that is why Cerabo is so keen to help us through Kanako. She wants to keep being queen bee. I worry about the people of your town. Tell me how we can work together in this endeavor when we come back to deal with the problem?"

He considers. "What problem is there? Ceroba has been this village's protector for as long as this village has been here. It's a relationship that has been maintained by every elder since the founding of this village."

“What does this cost the town?”

"Quite frankly, compared to a western demon, she is the much better option. And a better one to both Daimyo Kaluso and Daimyo Zuodong. I know what they're like." He sighs "Kaluso would not protect us and even if he had the forces to spare, they would extort us. And I know enough about Zuodong to realize that any bargain made with him would come at a terrible price. Dare I say, he's more competent than Kaluso, but significantly less trustworthy."

She nods, “From what I have heard you would be correct.”

"As for what it costs the town, every elder is her consort. And well, sometimes she takes men from the village to have fun with them. But in all the years I and the past elders have known her, she has not unduly harmed any, so long as they have not brought harm among the village. For the corsairs, raiders, other men who would bring us harm? I know what she does. She takes them and well, in those cases, they do not survive spending time with her." The elder nods.

"I honestly do not know how to deal with this situation to tell you the truth elder. You know that Cerabo at any time could decide to fulfill her darker desires, and it would be very wrong. But she does protect you. Our group as decided to leave for a time until we can come back and deal properly with this other demon and her Tsuno. I do not want to leave you without Cerabo's protections, but she also must give Captain Fareed back. His superiors are worried about him and his crew. Can you arrange that?"

The Elder considers, thinking. "I figured that likely happened. I only confirmed it later. I'll see what I can do, though Ceroba, well, she is fickle and capricious. Trying to arrange that is a rather delicate matter, I'm sure you understand." She nods. He continues. He sighs "But then again, if either the Tax Collector or the Kami come to execute me, I expect diplomacy for that is going to be off the table. She would definitely retaliate against the one responsible. Probably the Tax Collector more than the Kami."
He pauses, considering. "Does your group have the means or methods to deal with the Tsuno and their new foreign demon at this time? I'll understand if you don't."

She shakes her head. “If what I heard is correct they are imbedded in the mountains. They have created or taken over a fortress and have very strong defenses not something my group can handle at this time."

He nods, "If only there was a way to bypass those defenses... Ceroba might know. She has a sort of... awareness over what goes on within the island. I don't fully understand it myself, but if anyone would know how to do so, it's her. But I know that dealing with her is... tricky. Even for me. Even for Kanako, though she does dote on her."

"Is Kanako her daughter?"

The elder nods, "She is."

“And yours?”

"Not mine, no." He shakes his head. "But... well, I try to look after her."

Mingzhu nods, "Minamoto is not very smart and is looking to behead anyone he thinks breaks the rules. but I and the others will stop him from doing anything unruly as such. Have no fear of that. Are you ready then?”

The elder looks over. "Ready for what?"

“For the men to come in or should I tell them that we are leaving you in peace?”

Then he shrugs. "As for Minamoto, well, I've met others of the Daimyo's men. There are ones that are sticklers for the laws no matter what they are or how much they break. And then Ceroba took them, and well... I don't think they survived her 'playtime'."

Mingzhu nods. “May I let them in, or do you wish to speak any further on matters at hand?”

He shrugs, "Send them in if you like. Unless you had further questions for me that you don't wish them to hear."

Mingzhu nods. She opens the door and lets everyone in, "I have discussed some things with the elder we will speak about after we leave the island." She goes over then and sits back down beside the Elder. Minamoto comes in, and so does Zsikhou. Balan moves in first to take his place in a guarding position over Mingzhu.

Minamoto looks over to Mingzhu. "Did the elder confess to any violations of the Daimyo's laws?"

"As a shamaness of the community the discussions I have with an elder will always remain private. Minamoto. That is our tradition." She states quite dryly.

Minamoto nods to Mingzhu. "Very well."

The shamaness then says, “I do expect you will hold to that tradition."

Zsikhou looks over, perhaps needing lots of snuggles an unasked question of if retribution or execution is warranted, but doesn't say anything

Mingzhu then looks over at each of them in turn. “If you have questions for the Elder, Please speak them.”

"Very well." Minamoto gives the Elder a harsh glare. "We know about Ceroba. We know she is a Yokai. You have been concealing what you know of her. I need an answer as to why. You know dealing with Yokai is forbidden."

The elder sighs, leaning back, "What a Youkai might or might not do isn't something I can control. I expect there are few that can." Zsikhou narrows his eyes, then looks over at Mingzhu. She listens and is a bit stoned faced as she herself deals with the information she was given.

Minamoto glares, "We know that it was Ceroba who dealt with the Corsairs. What kind of unholy bargain was struck for her to do that?"

The elder shrugs, "Who says it was a bargain? Like I said, what a Yokai does is up to them. They do what they will, and to a simple port village, we really don't have anything that could stop a Yokai."

Minamoto glares in turn, "And yet you don't train any men at arms or the like to defend yourselves. It sounds like you're relying on this youkai to defend yourselves."

The Elder shrugs, "Then perhaps the Daimyo if he and his men feels our village is poorly defended should send some forces to assist us. Though I have rarely seen any at all."

Minamoto seethes, "I know you are being evasive elder. This will not stand." Zsikhou doesn't speak, but he looks closely at Mingzhu.

She catches the eye contact and nods, “We can talk later if you so desire Zsikhou.” Zsikhou nods, though motions her aside to speak quietly. She goes over and looks to Balan to keep between Minamoto and the elder.

Zsikhou looks at Mingzhu, a quiet aside. "This one knows the trust between elders and shamans is confidential. Just have one simple question for you. Yes or no. Is whatever bargain is in place here in violation of the mandate of heaven or not?"

"I am..... unsure Zsikhou. possibly, possibly not. It’s a tangled web that includes many generations.”

Balan takes a step between the Elder and Minamoto. Minamoto looks to Balan "Do you have something to say?"

Zsikhou nods in turn "Believe it or not, not every bargain with a Youkai goes against the Mandate of Heaven. With foreign fiends, it does... but..." He sighs "Won't ask for more."

Mingzhu whispers back, "We will speak more once we leave this island and I will explain my main purpose is getting the captain back. The elder will do his best to do this."

Zsikhou nods "Do you think he can?"

“I think its a 50/50 but I am giving him a chance to try." She gages. Zsikhou nods in turn.

“I believe in some instances there is no right way to see how one acts whether a yokai or even a normal human, both will do what is best in their interest or those of the people they must protect.” Balan states.

Minamoto looks at Balan. "The Daimyo's laws exist for a reason, and bargaining with a Yokai or making deals with one is forbidden as well."

The elder just shrugs, "We alas, have plenty of monsters on the northern side of the isle. It's not something I really have control over. I do what I can to look after my people."

Balan nods, “Perhaps this was not the man that made the deal but has no way out of it.”

Minamoto looks over at Balan. He's seething, but he realizes he has no proof, then a sigh, "Well whomever it was, I will need to deal with them."

The elder shrugs, "Then I wish you the best of luck in your investigations." He clearly doesn't mean it.

Balan gives a gentle nod, “Aye”

Mingzhu rises. “I think it’s time to go gentlemen.”

Balan affirms her, “I would agree.”

Minamoto stands, clearly not at all liking this, but then sighs "Right, we have work to do." Zsikhou nods aside, then follows Mingzhu. Balan gestures for Minamoto to go ahead of himself. The party leaves the Elder’s house. As they come out, they find Kanako and Fwangzhu running to them. T’kharr and Silgara aren’t far behind.

Just before Mingzhu leaves she goes to the elder and whispers, “I will stay 2 more days to see if the package has been delivered then she exits the home herself.

Minamoto glares at Kanako, "What are you two doing running here?"

Fwangzhu snarls back at Minamoto, "Going for a jog, what the fuck does it look like?!"

Kanako stops running, then looks at Minamoto, noting his weapon has no blood on it and doesn't look drawn. She breathes a sigh of relief.

T’kharr is the first to speak, “Folks were worried, that's all. We can all agree that fears did not come to pass, no?" a look to Balan and Mingzhu at that.

Mingzhu confirms, “I took council alone with the elder and know much of the story now.”

Balan gives a smirk, “Aye there is no real proof on who started this is there.”

Minamoto looks to Balan "Started what?" He narrows his eyes.

The dragonborn gives off a hearty laugh at Minamoto and holds up a carved pearl. “Cracking a small joke.” Silgara snarks at Balan's joke.

Fwangzhu snarls, "Started smashing your face into a latrine. Because you fucking deserve it."

Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu. "Watch it Savage."

Balan looks between the two. “Could you both stop with your hatred against each other it is interfering with what we are attempting to accomplish.”

Minamoto looks aside. "Don't think I don't know when my duty is being thwarted..." He seethes. "But I will conduct myself with honor*

Fwangzhu snorts, "Maybe when this jackass stops licking the ass of a worthless tyrant, I can stop slamming his stupid face into the ground."

Minamoto glares "Just try it, Savage..." Then he looks at Kanako "And you..."

Then Fwangzhu gets up in Minamoto's face. "Threaten her again and I'm mauling you until you cry, you fucking got it?"

“We have a course and mission of a greater fiend attempting to destroy the very things you both would protect in whichever way you would do it.” Balan steps between the both glaring them down.

Minamoto snorts, "Wow she really does have you wrapped around her finger." Fwangzhu huffs, looking at Balan, then grunts. T'kharr steps in as well, back-to-back with Balan. Minamoto glares while Fwangzhu is snarly, but then Fwangzhu goes back to Kanako's side. Mingzhu uses her Calm Emotions ability on the group.

Silgara rubs her face. "If you gentlemen are done beating your chests in some kind of man-off, can we discuss our next steps?"

“Aye.” Balan looks between the two with a bit of anger.

Both Minamoto and Fwangzhu calm down. Mingzhu just sighs with relief. Though Kanako starts rubbing Fwangzhu's musculature once he's backed up to her and playfully smirks to him. That also seems to help the badger calm down.

Silgara rubs her face. "Back to the tavern then? I imagine that we will want to go over our next steps and some of us drowning in Sake might help make them more sensible, despite the statistical improbability." Mingzhu nods and follows along now that her job is done.

[Winterhawk99]

Kanako splits off to go speak with the Elder. The rest of the party goes to the tavern. As they walk Mingzhu says, “I gave the Elder two days to accomplish something. Hopefully our talk will bear fruit."

Minamoto looks over to Mingzhu. "Accomplish what?"

"A task. I must linger here for a couple of days then we can set sail... I am interested in that town on that island from the books of the ship. Does anyone remember that town? It would be the town they went to before they were to sail for the port to help with the situation."

Silgara looks over, raising an eyebrow. "Which one again? ..."

“There was a letter from the Daimyo saying to put down a rebellion in a city on another island. Do you remember that Silgara?”

"Ah, yes, that one". Silgara nods, "If I recall that's..." She pauses, considering "East of Renkao, if I'm not mistaken."

“Soljura isle is that right?” Mingzhu asks.

"That's the one, yes." Silgara nods.

"I would like to see what happened there."

T’kharr recollects it, “Ah, yes, the island to the east is it not?”

Mingzhu asks Silgara, “How long would it take us to go there and get back?”

"Correct." Silgara nods "We sailed west from Sakurajima to get here." She considers. "I'd have to do some calculations. Assuming we aren't waylaid, it could be two or three days, I expect."

Mingzhu sighs, “So, it would be after my deadline.”

Balan nods, “Aye, that sounds about right.”

"If you wanted to go there and back, it would be several days. Alternatively, we could go for a closer island." She considers, "There is another port to the north from here, another to the west, though I believe that one is in Daimyo Zuodong's territory. Or we could go back east to Sakurajima. We have options. So, where to next, then? Or do we simply spend the night here?" Silgara looks over to Balan.

He replies, “If there is one close we could journey there or we could rest for a time and make sure our plans are in order.”

“If we spend the night here, I will go pearl diving all day. Someone has to feed this crew. and that should add some padding to our coffers.” Mingzhu offers.

Silgara looks over. "We could travel to the isle north, or back to Sakurajima and back in about a day or two, I think. Depending on how busy we get on that isle. Or head west. Though we don't have a lot of leads for either of those yet."

“Balan, T'kharr what do you think?” Mingzhu asks the other two leaders.

“If we need more gold and we take the time to acquire it I could potentially carve a few pearls to increase their value in that time.” Balan suggests.

T’kharr has a different idea. “I think we head to Sakurajima, we're still not ready for the isle to the north."

“Aye that as well.” Balan replies.

Silgara looks over. "We don't know what will be on the isle to the north. The place with Magistrate Josou was north of Sakurajima, so it is Northeast of where we are now."

"I'm certainly not ready to deal with a court with a hard ass sitting on the chair." Mingzhu states.

Zsikhou looks over at T'Kharr. "Thought Sakurajima was stabilized. What are you looking for there?"

Silgara looks over. "Well, are we ready to commit to a decision then?"

“Isn’t Sakurajima where they have the best market in the daimyo's land perhaps, we could get court ware there if that is so?” Mingzhu asks.

Zsikhou nods, then a huff "Is it a human thing? Whatever. If you feel the need to go shopping, go ahead."

"If we're lucky the island won't have burned down while we were gone..." Silgara shakes her head. “Though a thought does occur to me... actually, if we return to Sakurajima..."

Mingzhu glances in Silgara’s direction. “What is it Silgara?”

"Well..." She considers "If fighting our way to that fortress is a problem... I wonder if that flying carpet that the Azure Winds has might provide tactical utility." Snout visibly perks up.

"Can we all fit on it?" Mingzhu asks. Then she looks down. "No, you will not be the pilot." Snout looks rather dejected at that.

“I have my doubts it would hold everyone, yet some could benefit from it.” Balan shakes his head.

Silgara shrugs, "Maybe. Well, are we set on our course then?"

"Oh, I meant the island to the east. Apologies, I misheard something.” T’kharr corrects.

“We could go to one of the villages not the port to see how they fare?” Mingzhu suggests.

"Sakurajima is to the east, unless you mean the ah... isle to the east of Sakurajima? Kizamine, I think?" Silgara speaks up.

“What’s supposed to be at the island to the east again?” Mingzhu asks suddenly, confused.

"Apparently a way to look into treachery. Our sources wasn't particularly forthcoming." Silgara huffs.

"It is rather vague." Mingzhu answers.

"So, what's the plan then? Stay here for some time? Go north? East to Sakurajima? Northeast to Renkao? Further east to Kizamine? Further Northeast to Soljura? Or West to Zuodong's territory?" Silgara asks. Mingzhu looks to Balan and T'kharr for guidance.

Balan asks, “Do we see any benefit from entering into an unknown territory.”

"Kizamine is the island to the east of what we initially started off on right?" T’kharr asks.

“In Soljura yes but it is too far away. I have an appointment with the elder in two days.” Mingzhu replies to Balan.

Silgara nods to T'Kharr, "Correct."

"Or is that Soljura that we were pointed at regarding the other source?" T’kharr asks momentarily confused.

"The Durpari pointed us to Kizamine. Soljura was an island that Kaluso had quelled a rebellion on." Silgara notes.

“Soljura is where the Daimyo's troops put down a rebellion before they were sunk by a pirate ship. I want to see for myself the damage the Daimyo's troop's wrought and if there were innocents killed.” Mingzhu says.

"Ah. Do you think we could investigate Kizamine and return at least?" T’kharr asks.

Mingzhu sighs, “Look the more I speak with elders, and Hattori the more suspicious I am becoming that the court of Daimyo Kaluso has been infiltrated by evil. There is much circumstantial evidence that it is. that is why I want to go to Soljura but not necessarily right this moment.” She stops and looks at the gnoll, “That’s a good idea T’kharr

Fwangzhu snorts, "Or maybe he's just an evil tyrannical jackass who needs an axe in his skull."

Minamoto scowls, "Silence, savage. I will not hear more of your bile against my liege."

Mingzhu smiles so sweet and innocently then turns to the elf, “Silgara did you happen to buy that thing I mentioned?" Zsikhou offers Mingzhu a wooden spoon.

Silgara smirks, “I think the kobold beat me to it.”

Mingzhu takes the spoon and swats Fwangzhu. “Stop instigating! From now on you two want to act like children, I will treat you like children!”

Fwangzhu snarls at Mingzhu, "What? Can't handle what I say being true? Because you know it fucking is."

Minamoto glares, "Silence savage. No one is interested in whatever diseased thoughts go through your debased mind."

Balan shakes his head. “Please.”

"We will find out what happened until then we do not know." Mingzhu insists.

Fwangzhu snorts, "Those of us who have lived here fucking know."

Minamoto looks over. "Those of us who have lived here know you're a dirty, rebellious savage who of course can't function in civilized society."

Mingzhu takes a swat at Minamoto’s face. “That’s enough!” She misses and it plinks off his armor. “Maybe I should give this to Balan.”

Zsikhou glares at the both of them. "Maybe this one should just stab them already." He seethes.

Balan has a large smirk now flexing his hand open. Silgara rubs her face. "Well, once you are done dealing with these two, have we decided where to go yet? Going to investigate Kizamine and then back is possible."

“I think Kizamine is a good idea it’s close enough to get back in time for my answer.” Mingzhu states.

"Well, I'll get the boat set up then." Silgara sighs. "Be sure that these two children behave."

Fwangzhu snarls, "Oh shit it, witch!"

Minamoto glares at Silgara, "Do not patronize me, foreigner witch."

Mingzhu looks at her spoon. “Metal meat tenderizer. I need to find one of those.” Zsikhou offers her one. She smiles and looks at Fwangzhu and Minamoto. She bows, takes it and swings it at Minamoto. “Stop antagonizing our Wu-Jen!”

Minamoto pulls up an armored armband to block it, then glares. "Do /not/ strike me, Shamaness."

"I'll stop when you learn to be a man!"

Zsikhou looks over to Minamoto. "If you attack the Shamaness this one will offer your heart to the god of storms."

Minamoto glares, "I am a man, and I will not be debased in this manner!"

Fwangzhu snickers and laughs at Minamoto. "Oh you debase yourself all the time!"

Minamoto seethes, "Silence, savage!"

Mingzhu narrows her eyes at Fwangzhu. “Not another word!” Then she gives him the look.

Fwangzhu crosses his arms, "I'll say what I fucking like."

Balan starts cracking his knuckles staring both of them down. Mingzhu smiles. “This is good training for me one day I'll be a mother with two delinquent teenagers."

Fwangzhu snarls, but then he and Minamoto quiet down. The tension is still there though. It's palpable and thick. Zsikhou narrows his eyes. "If we're done, we'd best follow the Wu-Jen as she gets the boat ready. Shall we?"

T’kharr and Mingzhu join Silgara in preparing the ship with the riggings and lines. After some time. It is ready to sail.

[Winterhawk99]

Once they are on their way Mingzhu calls everyone to gather round her. "Port Ginji is on the way if we want to do any shopping while on route to Kizamine. If we are committed to that?" Silgara says as she gets ready to set sail.

Mingzhu nods to her. “It is not necessary at the moment. I do what to talk to all of you about what the elder and I talked about."

Minamoto looks over. "Didn't you say that that was confidential?"

“I did and it is but being a member of this team, you all need to know so that we may approach this all together. You are my team, and I am a member of your team. We work together for the good of all people, so you need to know this. I also said we would discuss this when we got on the boat and sailed. Do you remember that Minamoto?"

Minamoto nods. Mingzhu continues, “Cerabo had lived on the island long before people came. When they did and when there was a village big enough to need an elder, she came to them. This would have been many generations ago. She made a pact with the village. The pact was that she would be their protector and in return She would have the elder as her consort, and she could use any village man she wanted if that was not enough for her at any given time. She promised not to hurt them as long as they did no harm to the village.

That pact has been kept by both sides. She has defended the village and now town and she has gotten what she has wanted in return. Now at the moment she has the captain and is playing with him. The spirits say he’s been a good boy, and he will not be harmed until released.”

T'kharr listens, nodding along. The shamaness continues again, “I have asked the Elder for his return and he told me he would do his best to have her give up the captain. I need to meet with him in two days to see if the job has been completed.

Does this break the mandate of the heavens... I am unsure. Is the Elder innocent of the pact. I believe so because he did not make this pact. He was trapped into it by becoming the Elder. Also, as far as the Elder knows Cerabo has never harmed a villager unjustly. That was the bulk of our conversation.

There were other things said but those details I will not divulge. they are more sensitive to the Elder and to the town which have little to do with us and our goals of helping the people.”

Minamoto looks over. "So, he is still dealing with a Yokai, then?"

“He is her consort, Minamoto as all Elders have been for generations. That is the pact. As far as I am concerned if he gets the captain back, he has met my agreement with him, and you should leave him alone. I will ask Zsikhou, does this break the mandate of the heavens? It is not an easy thing for me to thread through myself."

Zsikhou considers... "Complicated situation for certain."

Mingzhu nods "Yes, it is."

Silgara looks over to Mingzhu, "You're an expert here, what is this kind of Yokai like? It sounds different from western demons."

Fwangzhu snorts, "Sounds like they'd be overrun without her."

“Fox yokai have a passion for sex. Most often they choose someone of the opposite sex and seduce them until they have the victim wrapped around their finger. Once that is done the Fox yokai will take everything that the victim has leaving them destitute. Fox yokai can also take their victims vitality too if they want.” Mingzhu states.

Minamoto looks over. "Do you think we can slay this Youkai?"

Balan considers the situation. “I am not sure that would be wise to attempt.”

Mingzhu considers her next words carefully, "I don't want to leave the town defenseless against the Gaki and Tsuno. Cerabo has upheld her end of the bargain through the generations. Thus, I do not see us breaking that pact unless forced to. Also, once I can call upon a greater spirit perhaps it will have understanding on how best to meet the situation. The lesser spirits I can call now I fear would not have the knowledge or experience to guide me on this."

Silgara keeps the boat on course. Minamoto then looks over to Mingzhu "What is Kanako's role in all of this, then?"

“She is Cerabo's daughter though not the Elder’s.” Mingzhu replies.

Minamoto nods, "So she's probably on her side and her agent, then."

"Unless Kanako shows signs of being evil she is of no concern as far as I am concerned. In fact, I would consider her somewhat of an ally in getting the captain back to where he belongs. She more than the Elder could influence her mother that giving the captain back. That would be a better choice. If Cerabo does not give the captain back, we will see her ourselves.... Those that will come with me. and see if we can persuade her. Though it would be extremely dangerous.” Mingzhu states while looking up to the heavens almost pleadingly.

Silgara looks over. "We'll investigate Kizamine in the meantime?"

Balan nods, “I believe that is the plan.”

“Aye.” Mingzhu states. Silgara nods, piloting the boat off... it does take some time, a day of sailing ...
Thankfully, the boat ride is largely uneventful. At least going there.

Coming to the dock, it looks like there's a number of fishing boats, but also a ship from Diamond Industries. The dock is a decent size. This time there actually do seem to be some men at arms there. But otherwise, things in the village seem to be going over smoothly, at first. Silgara looks over "We're approaching port. So, what's the plan?"

Mingzhu looks to Balan and T’kharr. T’kharr responds, “Hm. I think we may just have to land and take a bit of a low profile for a bit, see what we can pick up on?"

Mingzhu looks around at the group and grins. "Low profile............ ok."

Silgara looks over "Given the composition of this group, we definitely stand out. Keeping a low profile is.... likely to not work so well... well we can try it. Let’s go." She sighs.

Zsikhou looks over. "Can stay hidden if needed."

"I would not worry, Zsikhou." Mingzhu says looking around at everyone.

Silgara looks over. "Starting with the elder's abode would be a starting place, at least. Otherwise, we are kind of looking blind here." Zsikhou nods to her.

T’kharr looks over the docks. "Aye, start with the elder's abode then hit the tavern I guess."

"Tavern is always a staple..." Silgara chuckles.

"Elder's it is then. come on Snout we are going to meet more new people." Mingzhu starts down the dock.

As they move through the village, it does seem reasonably well off. Not as prosperous as Zalusu but it does seem like Kizamine is quite well off. Unlike Zalusu, there do seem to be regular men at arms on patrol. But they watch Minamoto closely. Though the townsfolk and guards keep wary of Zsikhou and seem to try to avoid him. They do eventually find the elder's abode, however.

"I guess I'm on." Mingzhu says. She knocks on the door.

[Winterhawk99]

A somewhat irritated voice replies to the knock. “Who is it?”

“Community Shamaness Mingzhu of the Path, Elder. Greetings and peace be with you."

There's a sigh, but the elder moves over, and then opens the door. "Well, I'm in a meeting, but come in." Mingzhu bows, takes off her shoes and comes in. Seated at the elder's table in a relatively humble abode looks like a rather official looking man, clearly from the east, a Wa native, but his robe, poise, and other attire makes him look like someone of importance. But his dress and attire is quite different to Hattori's. Mingzhu notes it but still bows to him.

Minamoto enters, then he looks over to the other man. "Greetings. I did not expect to see an envoy of Daimyo Yasima here. To what do we owe the pleasure?" While Minamoto's words are polite, there's a harsh and suspicious undertone.

The official shrugs, then offers a smug smile. "I'm simply discussing some matters with the elder. Points of mutual concern to my lord and yours."

“Concerns?” Mingzhu asks, innocently. T'kharr stands back and lets Mingzhu take the lead here, although she does listen in.

The official looks over Mingzhu. "Matters of piracy, stability, and order. Of course, we sympathize with what is happening here and do not wish it to spill into my lord's domain. He believes in solving things before they become a problem." He gives a courtly smile.

The elder looks over at Mingzhu. "Quite a retinue you have, Shamaness. To what do I owe this meeting to?"

Mingzhu nods gravely. “As do we. We have already sunk one of the pirate ships and cut off one of their supply lines.” Fwangzhu and Minamoto both have narrowed eyes at the official. It's clear neither trusts him.

The Official looks over. "You have? Truly? That is a welcome reprieve." Though he sounds quite skeptical

‘Yes. There was someone called a Khan that had somewhat of a private island. We found our way there and destroyed his fort. The pirates were trading with him. It is one less thorn in our side.” Mingzhu tries to sense his reaction as she says it; However, she cant get a clear read on him. He’s too well trained behind his mask of courtly grace.

"I do admit, I am curious about this Khan and private island. I would appreciate what you can share." The official says, he has a scribing quill and notes already.

Mingzhu looks over at T’kharr. The gnoll doesn’t react. She says, “The only means to the island was by magics I shall not name. We found it and a dock where the pirates stored much of their foodstuffs and other goods. We went inland and found the Khan's fort. We took out the pier first and destroyed the pirates and their yokai pets. Then we attacked the Khan himself, defeating him. We then took a ship back with all the food and gave it to port Ginji for distribution to the populace. That is what happened."

The official looks over, rubbing his goatee as he considers. "This sounds like a rather fantastical tale, Shamaness. I must admit to being skeptical of this."

She smiles, "That is for you to deduce, sir. I have said what has happened."

Minamoto looks over "It is nonetheless true."

The official looks over at Minamoto. "And you had a large hand in it, I take it? Hrm, well it is good to see that some of your lord's men are doing their due diligence in properly protecting their people." He gives Minamoto a smile. Minamoto gives a scowl in turn. The Elder looks to Mingzhu to see if she has more to add.

"What she says is true. The Khan was providing supplies, aid, and comfort to the corsairs, and we wound up having to knock him off his flying nightmare mount." T’kharr adds.

"After that he had little chance against both Minamoto and Fwangzhu." Mingzhu points to Fwangzhu then she strategically changes the subject. "So, what problems with the pirates do you have to deal with? Do you know ship numbers? Leads on supply lines. Anything that may help us deal with these fell men? I have an excellent and experienced team to help the fair people of this island."

Fwangzhu grins, "We showed those fuckers who was boss."

The official winces a bit. Fwangzhu seems to appreciate his discomfort. The Elder looks over. "As for pirates, we have had to deal with some raids but fortunately we have enough defenses to hold them off. Unfortunately, they still do pick off fishing boats that go out. I'm afraid we've lost some. As for supply routes or ship numbers, I don't know."

The Official looks over. "Unfortunately for myself, I have not received conclusive information regarding their areas of activity."

The Elder then interjects, "I've been more worried about shipments of medicine myself but supplies of those have been coming in nicely."

"Why medicine is there something else that ails the community?" Mingzhu asks.

"We recently had an outbreak of illness throughout the village. I've been doing what I can to contain it. Fortunately, I was able to request medicines and herbs from a neighboring island." The elder says.

The official smiles and takes a sip of tea. "As I mentioned, my liege does want to ensure that the chaos that affects our dear neighbors doesn't spread, so we are taking what steps we can to intercede and aid."

Mingzhu smiles, "Of course and why would your daimyo have such interest when you could go directly to our daimyo's court and coordinate? It would be more effective would it not?"

The official shrugs, then looks to Mingzhu, his tone practiced and carefully guarded. "Quite simply, a degree of urgency. Disease has a habit of spreading if not controlled and it would not have been prudent to waste time with official bureaucracy when decisive action was needed. Petitioning a magistrate would have taken some days to reach, then days to process, and days to reach back, days which we did not feel we could waste when we could contain an outbreak more efficiently." The Official smiles in turn.

Minamoto looks over. "I expect you will clear up the paperwork afterwards, of course."

The official gives a smug smile. "Oh, of course." Fwangzhu looks like he wants to maul the official but keeps himself under control.

Mingzhu asks the official, “Does Daimyo Kaluso even know you are here?"

"I am sure Daimyo Kaluso has a lot on his mind right now, dear Shamaness." The Official Replies.

Mingzhu smiles and looks at her group "Of course. "Well, we do have three healers in this very group. I, the hengeyokai T'kharr is a priestess and the rather large...... golden gentleman, Balan is a holy warrior. Where do we start?"

Balan gives a toothy smile. The elder looks over. "We do have a large town hall being used as a place where we have taken those who have fallen ill. Converted into a field hospital. It would help if you started there."

Mingzhu nods and bows. “Thank you, Elder.” She then looks to everyone else to see if they have any questions.

T'kharr nods. "Do you know when and how this started, and how well the patients have been responding to treatment?"

The Elder looks over at T’kharr. “It started about two and a half weeks ago, so far, our treatments have been mostly effective. Usually, recovery happens in about three or four days if proper treatment is given."

"I take it people have not fallen ill again after they have recovered the first time?"

"They have not, no." The elder shakes his head.

"Alright then, that at least tells us it behaves like...most mundane illnesses do, whatever it is."

The Elder nods, "Did you have any further questions?"

T’kharr continues the conversation, “Can you describe their symptoms? Or if there's a pattern to who's affected?"

"Fevers, chills, fatigue, coughing and runny noses with plenty of mucosa." The Elder mentions.

"A classical pattern of illness of the throat" T'kharr nodded sagely. "I take it it's been going through the community at large then? Are there people who have taken more severely ill from it?"

"Usually the young or older, or frailer people, but no one exceptionally more severely ill than others." The elder says.

T'kharr nods, "If it's been going for two and a half weeks...I wonder if it's a fair ways through running its course?"

"I would think so, but newly infected seem to crop up sometimes, with slightly altered symptoms. I'm not sure why." The Elder says, "Though I'm sure it will pass in time."

"Hm, it seems that if it is not causing severe illness in anyone... It may be best to spare limited resources, then."

"I'd rather my people remain well." The Elder replies.

The official looks over in turn. "I am glad to ensure that a supply of medicines is going to continue to arrive, of course."

"That said, I do wonder if you have any idea who the first person to fall ill was?" T’kharr almost insists.

"Let’s see... I believe his name was..." The elder pauses and thinks a moment. "Hao, he's a carpenter."

"Ah. Does he raise livestock as well? Or did he have to take a trip to another island?"

"He doesn't, no, he's a woodworker." The Elder shakes his head.

"Ah. Hm. No trips to other isles as well?"

Mingzhu listens carefully as the two speak.

"Not that I know of, but he does get a lot of customers." The elder mentions.

"Hm. Interesting. I take it he has recovered since then?" T’kharr asks.

"He has, yes." The Elder nods.

"I reckon we speak to him next." Then she turns to the rest of the party "unless anyone objects?"

Mingzhu shakes her head. "No objection here. It is our goal to help our people in any way we might be of use."

“Aye, we may be able to connect it somehow to a source.” Balan suggests.

"Aye, I want to rule out that this is anything other than a simple mundane disease." T’kharr says.

The elder nods, "Thank you for your assistance, Shamaness, and friends."

"Where can we find this Hao then? Does he keep a shop?" T’kharr asks.

The Official nods "Do have a good day."

The elder nods "Ah, yes, he does." He gives some directions.

Mingzhu bows picks up her shoes and leaves.

[Winterhawk99]

After they leave, Zsikhou perks up. "Did that... conversation seem at all strange to you as well?"

Mingzhu nods, “Very, I had to be somewhat careful.”

Minamoto looks over. "It would not do me well to speak ill of another Daimyo."

“It looks like another daimyo is interested in incorporating this island into his territory. At least that is what it appears to me at this moment." Mingzhu states.

T’kharr comes out last. She bits the two men, “Thank you” and takes her leave joining the rest of the crew. She begins to lead the party to Hao’s shop.

Minamoto nods. "Such would be highly improper." But his tone suggests he agrees that it is likely what Yasima is doing.

Fwangzhu snorts, "Like I fucking care. Yasima is the type of shit to have a scheme that fucks everyone over to his own benefit. Wouldn't put it past them to start the fucking plague so they could come in and save it or some shit."

Mingzhu nods "I was thinking that myself Fwangzhu. it might be waterborne. I could check the wells."

Minamoto looks at Fwangzhu. Unlike his usual objections however, he makes no corrections to Fwangzhu's statements. Like he doesn't want to say it, but he agrees with the sentiment. Silgara looks over. "We might want to keep in mind that one other plague was being actively aggravated. It's not impossible for a second data point on this matter."

"The perpetrator of that other plague is dead." Mingzhu says.

While T’kharr is thinking she says, “This is airborne more likely than waterborne" to Mingzhu. "That said, it's why I want to run this down -- rule out that this is something more than natural"

Zsikhou nods, "Could visit Hao or the Town Hall. Might as well visit this Hao then."

T’kharr agrees, “Aye, lets visit Hao first, I do wish to speak with him at least briefly, see if he noticed anything odd about his customers shortly before he fell ill himself."

Mingzhu nods. “It doesn’t sound like this plague is as deadly, so we have some time before going to city hall and getting to work.” Zsikhou nods to her. The party heads over to Hao's place. It looks like he's putting a chair together, when he notices the party.

T'kharr bows to Hao with a greeting, "Hello there. Do you have a moment to talk, or would we be better served returning another time?"

Hao looks over "Hrm...? Interesting group. I have time. Can I help you?"

T’kharr responds, "Ah. We heard about your recent bout of illness, and were wondering if you saw any...unusual customers shortly before you fell ill yourself?"

"Unusual customers? Hrm... if I recall I had eight on the day before I started noticing the symptoms... wish I had sooner, I might have spread it around more than I needed to." He sighs, "Let’s see, I was visited by... twere...ames were..." He pauses, thinking. "Bo, Feng, Mei, Rynard, Tianyu, Sakura, Hana, Haoyu."

"Take your time . We need to get it right so that we can find out how quickly and over what area it spread." Mingzhu cautions.

“Of those that stood out, Rynard was the only foreigner, part of Diamond Industries, but he wanted some furniture for their ship." Hao shrugs.

"Did the ship leave since?" Mingzhu asks.

"No, they're still here." Hao says. "Or, rather..." Ahems. "They did leave, they made some trips, but they're back in port now, if I'm not mistaken." He corrects.

"Do the native fishing junks visit other islands often?" She adds.

"They do. Or at least go around the seas looking for fish to catch. I do get fishermen as customers regularly, looking for repairs to their boats and the like." Hao says.

"I take it none of the eight you mentioned on that day were at all ill themselves or?" T’kharr asks.

"Not that I saw." Hao shrugs.

T'kharr looks thoughtful. "Hm...."

"If the Diamond Industries ship left then came back, we must assume the plague is not contained to this island." Mingzhu notes.

"Aye. Do you know which customers came to you on the day before you fell ill, for that matter?" T’kharr asks him.

"I just said that. Their names are Bo, Feng, Mei, Rynard, Tianyu, Sakura, Hana, Haoyu." Hao replies.

“Rynard would be the foreigner. I believe,” Mingzhu says to T’lkharr.

“It could be worth the time for some of us to ask if they have fallen ill as well.” Balan says.

T’kharr nods, “Oh, apologies. Aye, let’s ask around and see if any of them fell ill as well."

"I do believe some of them fell ill but... I hadn't kept track. Apologies." Hao shakes his head.

"It's fine. Do you know if any of them are shopkeepers or such themselves?" T’kharr continues.

"Bo and Haoyu are fishermen, Feng is a Potter, Mei is a rice farmer, Tianyu is a tea brewer, Sakura is an herbalist, and Hana is a weaver." Hao replies.

T'kharr nods along. "Alright then. I think that will be it, thank you for your time."

Hao nods, "Of course. Do you need any woodworking done?"

T’kharr then turns to the party. "Do you think starting with the farmer, the fishers, or the shopkeepers would be better?" Then shakes her head to Hao, "Thank you for the offer, but nay, not at the moment."

Mingzhu gets a funny look in her eyes. “Can you make a wooden spoon as long as a katana...... with holes in it? It has to be very tough........And hurt!"

"I.... that is a most unusual request. But I can work on that." Hao replies.

Minamoto rolls his eyes. "What are you doing, Shamaness?"

"Keeping a couple of delinquents in line."

"Don't overstep, Shamaness. I am one of Daimyo Kaluso's men at arms." He replies.

Fwangzhu snarls at him, "That shit is nothing to be fucking proud of."

"I would like to hear you when you tell you Daimyo that you were beaten stupid by a woman with a wooden spoon." Mingzhu retorts. Silgara snickers.

"I will not entertain such abuse, Shamaness. Do not try it." Minamoto's tone is sharp and serious.

Fwangzhu laughs at Minamoto's expense. "Dang, I would love to see that happen!" Hao just looks somewhat horrified and confused.

Mingzhu looks at Hao. “See he gets it.”

Minamoto glares at Mingzhu. "If this is going to be the norm, then perhaps I am better off working with Hattori more directly instead."

Fwangzhu huffs, "Don't let the door hit your fat ass on the way out. None of us will miss you."

Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu, "Silence yourself, savage." T'kharr just steps between the two.

"Let me tell you something Minamoto, and you too Fwangzhu. You will start getting along and stop baiting each other or you will get smacked. The rest of us are tired of the constant barbs and fights. You want to act like teenagers then you will get treated like one." Mingzhu says fumbling for her meat tenderizer.

"Aye, what would Hattori think of hearing you constantly arguing and falling for taunts?" T'kharr speaks very pointedly to Minamoto.

"That savage slammed Hattori through a table. I think he would want that savage hanged." Minamoto seethes.

"He fucking deserved it! It was great!" Fwangzhu grins.

"We are a team start acting like one." Mingzhu retorts.

[Winterhawk99]

There is a tense standoff at Hao’s place. Balan decides to walk off to help at the town hall with treating the sick. It’s clear to everyone that neither Fwangzhu nor Minamoto think the other is on ‘their team.’ Silgara looks over to who are left, “So where to next?”

Mingzhu purses her lips and looks at the two fighters, “I had forgotten where we are while taking care of the infighting. Balan is helping the sick so what is our next step?”

Silgara rubs her face, “Anyways, Hao mentioned he met eight persons the day he became ill. Though it might be just a coincidence.”

T’kharr stares daggers at both Fwangzhu and Minamoto. “Let them accompany Balan, even.”

Minamoto looks over, unamused. Fwangzhu snarls, “Fuck off witch.”

T’kharr glances at Silgara and Mingzhu. “It’d be a good experience for them, and a better use of their time than letting them stew at each other on the boat.”

Minamoto looks over, "If you wish, but I'm no healer. And I suspect the savage isn't either."

Fwangzhu snarls, "Fuck off."

Mingzhu says, “You can move bedpans and keep the place clean.”

Zsikhou glares at the two, "You two assist Balan at the Townhall. If this one hears more of your infighting this one might just rip your hearts out. Now begone." The kobold needs a hug seethes.

T’kharr softly but forcefully says, “Aye, healers often need extra hands.”

Fwangzhu huffs, "Right, I'll do it for this village's people." He heads off.

Minamoto lets Fwangzhu get some distance, then looks to Zsikhou, who looks snuggly pissed off, then he backs off and heads towards the town hall. Silgara breathes out a sigh of relief. “Well, that saves us a headache. So, what’s the next step?” She looks at the girls.

Zsikhou looks over. "Could interview the other eight if we think this plague is being induced. Or you could all spend time at the town hall tending to the ill. Still, sounds like it's in hand."

“No one seems to be dying or deathly ill. They just feel like it for a while. Yes, perhaps find the source and find out who they have been around.” Mingzhu suggests.

Silgara shrugs, "Well, there were eight people who visited Hao that day. Any of them could know something. Maybe Sakura first since she is an herbalist?"

T’kharr nods, “That would be reasonable, yes.”

"I like that idea she would have some knowledge.” Mingzhu states.

Silgara nods, "Let’s try to find her then..." The three girls start their search for Sakura. It takes some investigating and wandering but she does have a hut on the edge of the village. The door is initially locked, but with some prodding she does open it.

They see a tired looking young woman in stained clothes, likely from having harvested her own herbs. She looks over, “Yes, Can I help you?”

T’kharr is the one that answers her, “Ah, mind describing your visit to Hao on the day before he fell ill?”

Sakura looks up, eyes weary, she regards T'kharr warily. "I asked for a new cot and a new chair. I paid him, we did business. That was about it." She speaks rather tersely, "Was there anything else?" She looks at those present.

"Ah. I take it you didn't notice anything off about him at the time?"

"No, I didn't." She looks at T'kharr. "He didn't appear sick then."

“Fair enough.”

Mingzhu decides to step in with some diplomacy. “We only wish to help Sakura. I am shamaness Mingzhu. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Sakura looks over to Mingzhu, a breath out "A Shamaness of the Path, and.... " She looks over at Silgara and Zsikhou. "And you travel with a Kami. A dangerous one... I ..." She sighs.

Mingzhu nods, “ he is also here to help… Not hurt anyone.”

"Look,... I ... no, you couldn't have been responsible." She huffs and sighs, "I recently had a break-in. A lot of my medicinal herbs were stolen. Well, not so recently, just around the time the plague started hitting hard." Sakura rubs her face tiredly.

Mingzhu listens then asks, “Were these herbs specific to a certain type of disease?”

"Not really? I kept a varied stock, and... urgh, herbs are not just a one-size fit-all for medicine. You have to make the mixture and dosages just right and it depends on the recipient's health too."

A soft, sympathetic frown spreads across T'kharr's muzzle as she lets Mingzhu take the lead in questioning for now. Mingzhu looks to the side then back to Sakura. “I am not so knowledgeable of herbs and medicines that is why I ask.”

Sakura nods, a sigh, "Basically the bulk I had in stock at the time. So, I couldn't tend to newly ill and collect more herbs at the same time, couldn't keep up."

“What do you mean that we could not be responsible. Would that be for the outbreak or the theft?” Mingzhu asks concerned.

"Then Yasima and his bunch show up with a lot of new stock." Sakura mentions, then she shakes her head "For the theft. You weren't here two weeks ago when it happened. Would have gotten word around in the village. I haven't even told the Elder of this. I don't want to start making accusations, and all the damned politics right now..." Sakura mutters bitterly

Mingzhu says, “Quite the coincidence that your supplies are stolen then a small flu or cold erupts in the populace and all of the sudden Yasima has just what is needed. It looks more and more like this plague did not start naturally.”

"I had that same thought too. But I don't need the more superstitious loud mouths shouting that and... urgh..." Sakura rubs her eyes tiredly. "Yes, I've got my suspicions. But I don't have a clue as to who might have stolen them."

"Aye, the choice of plague could very well have been done to give plausible deniability. I was originally thinking we should speak with the rice farmer next but I'm wondering if we should check with one of the fisherfolk or the trader instead." T’kharr suggested after summarizing. Mingzhu listens to T'kharr and nods.

Sakura shrugs, "I haven't really been investigating. I've been overloaded trying to scavenge for herbs and treat people's illnesses at the same time."

T’kharr nods, “That's entirely understandable, that'd keep any of us busy.”

Mingzhu asks, “Sakura do you know of anyone that has caught a seriously bad case that needs immediate help? I can cure one person at this time.”

"No. If they were really bad, they'd be in the town hall and I'd hear about it. Thankfully because of Yasima's medicine shipments we've been able to keep it from getting too bad. Whatever you might think about him." Sakura rubs her eyes tiredly again.

Mingzhu listens then says, "Hold still a moment." She casts lesser restoration on Sakura. "This will reinvigorate you for a time. get some rest." Sakura jolts a bit. Mingzhu then looks over at T’kharr.

"No time to rest, got too much work to do..." Sakura huffs, invigorated for now.

"Want to see if the fisherfolk are around at least?" T’kharr suggests.

Sakura removes a few strands of hair from her face. “Right, was there anything else?”

Mingzhu practically orders, “Make sure you get some rest. You do no good to others looking like you are strung out on opium." The herbalist nods.

Silgara looks over. "There were two fisherfolk mentioned... Bo and Haoyu."

T’kharr looks around. “Right. I suppose we find them next.”

Mingzhu agrees, “Let us find them then. We look for Bo first.”

[Winterhawk99]

They eventually find Bo by the docks, about to set out on his fishing boat. Mingzhu calls to him, “Excuse me are you Bo the fisherman?”

"That is me, yes. How may I help you, ma'am?" Bo looks up.

"We would like to ask you a few questions about when you met the carpenter. Did you get sick?”

"Yes, I did." He sighs, "To be sure, I did what I could to repent and get better. But I know that it's still going around."

"Are you well now?"

"Of course I am!" He smiles. "I wouldn't be out fishing if I wasn't in good health."

"How long was it before you got sick after meeting Hoa?” The shamaness asks.

"Uh... a day or two if I recall correctly." Mingzhu nods and looks over at T’kharr. Bo then asks, “Uh, who are you again? Don’t think I’ve seen you round here.”

She responds, “Shamaness Mingzhu.”

"Ah, I see. Well, I do hope your presence here will help with the lack of piety here and help the illness go away. The illness is surely proof the gods are angry with us for straying." Bo says like he's confident in that answer.

"What do you mean Bo? Did something happen before the plague?"

"It's for general greed and straying from the ways of the gods, you know? Greed, materialism, welcoming those foreigners who share their greed with us? All of that!"

Zsikhou looks over, narrowing his eyes. "If the gods were angry, you would know, unambiguously. They do not punish through plagues."

Bo looks over at Zsikhou, nervous of the Kami. "I... I... well, the gods work in many ways, right?"

"The one, this one serves, would bring a storm of divine proportions if it were warranted. Not a plague." Zsikhou retorts.

Bo gulps, “I.... I'll repent! I won't presume to know the gods so well!" Bo Stammers.

Zsikhou huffs, then sighs, muzzle pawing. “Do you have any more questions for him, Shamaness?"

She smiles. "Bo you from what I have seen are a faithful man. Do not worry so much that you are doing right and wrong. You are following the path." Gives him a small blessing for good fishing.

Bo seems pleased. "Thank you, Shamaness."

Silgara looks over, wondering if there's any more questions they want to ask. T’kharr shakes her head. “I don’t think we’ll get much further. Shall we try to find the other fisherman?”

Silgara nods. They head off in search for Haoyu the fisherman.

[Winterhawk99]

Haoyu isn't at the docks but he's at his home. They are directed there. They knock on the door and he answers, “Hrmm...?" He looks ready to go to bed, though it's early morning "Huh...? Who is it? Hello?"

Mingzhu answers, “Hello, I am shamaness Mingzhu. Could you answer some questions?”

"Shamaness? Alright, what do you need?" Haoyu asks.

"We would like to talk to you about your visit to Hoa's. Were you sick before you came to him or after?"

"After, blegh... it's been a while but..." Haoyu thinks.

"How many days after your visit did you get sick, a week, something like that?

Two or three days I think.”

Mingzhu nods. “You are feeling ok now?

"After having some medicine, I'm fine, yeah..." Haoyu nods. "And some time to recover of course." He says.

"Where did you get the medicine from the herbalist or someone else?"

"I didn't ask where it came from. I also had some of Tianyu's tea when I started feeling ill. Didn't help as much as I thought it would, the tea." He shrugs.

Mingzhu notes it. “Who is Tianyu?”

"He's the tea brewer in town. He's been making a lot of it since the outbreak..." Hao says, "Though maybe I shouldn't have his tea..." he muses to himself.

"How long has he been in town?"

"Tianyu? Long as I can remember. Why?" Haoyu asks.

Mingzhu nods and says, "I'm very new in town just covering all my options."

"Ah. I think we visit the tea-brewer and then the trader if that works for you?" T’kharr says.

"Ah, right. Well, I had thought maybe I should stop drinking his tea, but maybe his reasons for chatting up with Rynard late at night aren't... bleh, I shouldn't be paranoid. Got enough superstitious idiots around..." Haoyu muses.

Mingzhu cocks her head remembering the name. “Rynard, tell me more, please.”

"Rynard? He's from diamond Industries? That foreign trading company? Can't say I know him too well." Haoyu shrugs. "Maybe he just likes tea at late night strolls, I don't know."

"Rynard, he was also sick, wasn't he?"

"No idea." Haoyu shrugs.

"I think we talk to the tea-brewer then." T’kharr says almost in frustration. Mingzhu nods.

"Uh, you need anything else?" Haoyu asks.

One last question if you don’t mind Mingzhu replies. "It is early in the day and it seems you are getting ready for bed. Why is this?"

"The best fishing I find is done at night. So, I tend to sleep in the day and fish at night. " Haoyu answers. Mingzhu is pretty sure he’s telling the truth. T’kharr can tell he is definitely telling the truth.

Mingzhu looks over at T’kharr. “Ready?”

T’kharr nods in agreement. “Aye, Ready.”

“So, Tianyu next?” Silgara asks.

Mingzhu and T’kharr affirm to her. They start off to Tianyu’s tea shop.