They find their way to the ship. There are guards guarding the pier. They look over the group. Without needing any prompt or the like, one approaches and speaks. "You are expected. Please come with me." He then goes to head to the ship.
Silgara raises an eyebrow "We're expected? I did not think you had prior business with them?"
T'kharr indicates to Silgara "They at least aren't the type to interpret me as hostile on first sight" small chuckle to her, then nods to the man and follows "Ah, word must travel fast then"
"Not that fast..." Silgara looks on. Mingzhu follows T'kharr.
The man leads them inside the boat. It does seem rather opulent as well, tapestries, gold and trinkets around. Luxurious, for sure. The guard, however, leads them to a medium sized room, where there's a rich carpet on the ground, a woman on the far side, cushions for sitting around, four others besides for the woman. She wears a rather rich-looking robe, and a veil over her face. On a pedestal in front of her is a crystal ball, where she is waving her hands around. "Welcome. It seems fate chose this juncture for us to meet this time." The guards excuse themselves, leaving the group alone with the woman near the crystal ball. "I have foreseen your arrival. I expect you don't know what questions you are supposed to ask yet. A pity since you would have known last time, or next time, but it doesn't matter now. But I will still try to answer them."
T'kharr just smiles and laughs "I reckon you've at least heard rumor of wandering goods then? Whether by crystal ball or bird on shoulder."
She looks up to T'kharr "That, I have not, I'm afraid. My visions tend not to bother me with trifles of rumors, which are so often distortions of fate's weavings." Mingzhu feels uncomfortable at all the opulence. She tries to stay in the background.
Silgara looks over to the woman skeptically. "I'm a wizard and know the extent of divination magics. I also figure if you had that kind of power your company would not be facing troubles here."
"Ah. Has your crystal ball shown you something of one of the Riders then?" T’kharr asks.
The woman looks to Silgara and replies, seeming to have expected that. "Yes, I'm sure you are well studied. I also happen to know that your next family reunion will end in tragedy. They already know where you are but won't intervene for some time. You do at least have a chance to help with these troubles before it brings tragedy to those close to you again." Silgara quickly goes stony faced, and it shuts her up quickly.
Then She looks at T'kharr "Riders? Is that what you call the shadows that you are chasing? I have seen dark forces at the edge of my visions, scheming and plotting and sowing darkness in the hearts of men they can corrupt. So yes, I likely have seen the threads of fate interwoven with those whom you are destined to face against. I expect since you do not know what you are supposed to ask yet, I could tell you of the threads of fate I have foreseen, if you wish it."
Mingzhu listens quietly while standing behind Balan and T’kharr and listens while Silgara translates. The elf does but she seems upset.
"Yes, after a fashion, and it's not surprising, they've been pulling some strings here for a bit now. Have you run across anything more specific in your visions?" T’kharr asks.
The woman puts out her hand to the cushions. “Sit, they will be clearer with you here to help the threads of fate focus."
Balan goes to sit, watching curiously. “I hope it becomes clearer.”
When Balan sits, she starts waving her hands over the crystal ball, perhaps weaving some strange kind of magic, or perhaps a very expensive fraud? But she does seem very focused as she casts... "There once were three paths of fate, now there are two. Paths of Import, there are others before then, shifting tides and threads, but two now that hold stronger tides."
Mingzhu trains her eyes on the ethereal plane to see if there is something there. She keeps her eyes on the spirit world watching around. T’kharr sits on the cushions herself. As the woman continues. "Upon those paths, I see figures that may attach themselves to your cause. I see a being of unyielding and uncompromising wrath, overcorrecting what he sees is the right vision of the world. I see one who weaves in shadows and knives, less blood in that path but with compromises of its own. "On another, I see a warrior of freedom and rage, lashing out at chains, those imagined and not just their own, an axe of rebellion, on another path I see a warrior, dutiful, honorable, if only they were perhaps dedicated to the right master and cause.
I know there are places crying for help. I also see tragedy strikes where you leave for last, darkness has opportunity to creep in. Betrayal and death and shadows on one end, fires of rebellion and rage on another, raising up in a cause they fool themselves into believing is justified."
"What removed the third from the picture, and what was it?" T’kharr asks.
Mingzhu keeps 1/2 listening 1/2 watching the Ethereal. Whatever magic she's weaving, it doesn't seem to touch the spirits the shamaness is used to working. She narrows her eyes slightly at the seer but says nothing.
The woman continues. “And then I see, three forces of darknesses, isles they claim, a place where light frays and the shadows run from themselves, a trap that is not so easily escaped from, but in darkness' heart is where it can be banished once more."
She continues weaving, then pants, and leans back. "I'm afraid I cannot see further than that, I know perils lie ahead of you if you wish to continue on this path. You do at least have an option of dodging fate's threads and going elsewhere, should you feel you do not wish to confront this at its source. As for what removed the third from the picture, I would believe something in your actions had done so since you came to me now, rather than before."
"Hm." T’kharr raises an eyebrow to the seer's words.
The woman pauses, breathing out "I hope that was helpful. If nothing else so you know what questions to ask and what answers to seek when the time comes that you must rely on your own intuition." Silgara looks over, shaking her head at something
"It'll at least tell us of a few things to be watchful for, even if the powers speak...rather obliquely in this case." T’kharr considers.
"Such is the way of peering beyond the veil of the present." She nods in turn. "Ah, it seems I forgot to introduce myself this time. I am Seer Mrishnavurti, pleased to meet you."
"Such is the way of peering beyond the veil of the present." She nods in turn. "Ah, it seems I forgot to introduce myself this time. I am Seer Mrishnavurti, pleased to meet you."
T'kharr rises and bows "A pleasure indeed, seer Mrishnavurti. I am T'kharr"
Mingzhu watches how Silgara reacts to all of it. The elf regards her more stonily, like at the back of her mind she's screaming 'fraud' but not saying it just to be polite. Still, part of her does seem unsettled.
The seer says, “Well, was there ought else you wished to ask regarding my peering into the threads of fate? Or other matters? I know you have come here for purpose, even if you may not fully know what it is yet."
"I reckon not, given what's transpired so far. Thank you for your time" T’kharr bows politely "and may the Broken God's mercy ease your suffering"
Mingzhu quietly says, "We should tell the mayor of our successes in Rhakku.”
The seer looks up. “Before you go, I know that the threads of fate will put you on a collision course with one who has strayed from the Adama, of our homeland. I do not bear you ill will for what will come of that confrontation." She dips her head. "May fate be as kind to you as the threads allow."
The guards lead them off the ship. Their next stop; the mayor’s office. As they walk Silgara looks at T’kharr, still translating for Mingzhu. "What do you think of that so-called Seer's visions?"
"Oblique at best. It sounds like we should beware further companions, but otherwise there just wasn't much there..."
The elf nods, then shrugs. “I'm not one to put stock in primitive fortune telling over proper divination study." Though she sighs, something about that conversation seems to have troubled her.
Mingzhu says, “I saw no spirits attending her. I have my doubts. If she is a fraud, how did she come by the information she came by?"
"I could tell she was weaving magic in that crystal ball, at least. Arcane. Durpar does have traditions of diviners and seers. That or she's a remarkable faker, with spies." Silgara shrugs.
Mingzhu nods and thinks while they walk. "Are we going to the mayors? We do need to see him." Silgara nods. It's later in the day; they head to the mayor's office.
She Came from the Sea
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Winterhawk99
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
When they come to the mayor’s office and the door, they can hear an argument going on inside. The mayor’s guard stands on the outside, the door is closed, but he shrugs, looking at the group. “You can enter. By all means. Please interrupt that meeting." He steps out of the way.
Balan heads to the door looking at the others pausing just in time as Mingzhu moves in front and opens it. Walking in first she says, “I may have to take the lead on this one.” She doesn’t wait for an answer.
As they walk in, they can see the mayor, and the tax collector, arguing with one another. It doesn't seem like it's been a productive or friendly conversation. Mingzhu bows and looks at them in her leather path of enlightenment robes.
"I'm not going to tolerate rebellion brewing, mayor." The tax collector speaks.
"Then maybe your Daimyo should actually start doing his duties to his people then. And despite that, I am still not brewing rebellion nor sanctioning it." The mayor vigorously states.
A frown develops on T’kharr’s muzzle as Silgara translates what the tax collector said.
Mingzhu in a resolute voice says, “Excuse me gentlemen, Greetings.”
The Tax Collector and Mayor both look over as Mingzhu interrupts "Excuse me, I was in a meeting with business likely more important than yours." The Tax Collector speaks, irritated at the interruption.
"That's for me to decide." The mayor interjects.
"It is my decision to intercede when taxes are not being paid, when criminal elements are allowed and encouraged to run rampant, and rebellion is brewing. And I don't doubt that you know more than you let on." The Tax Collector still speaks.
The mayor looks like he's about to reply to Mingzhu but then looks to the Tax Collector. "Well since I've been hearing the same accusations over and over again from you without any sense of progress being made on actually upholding your end of your obligations, I don't know what you're expecting."
Mingzhu again forces herself into the conversation. “"I understand these are troubling times. Know that the celestial court sees all and all will be well in the future. I have come to let the mayor know that the plague in Rhakku is over. A cure has been found all because of these three brave souls that stand behind me."
They both perk up and look over at that. "Wait.... Rhakku's plague is gone? How?" The mayor looks over to her and speaks, even the Tax Collector has quieted down and seems ready to listen.
We went to Rhakku. My animal companion found where the plague started and the people responsible for developing it. We fought them. Then the witch Silgara the woman with the pointed ears developed a cure. I cut the rot out of the sea myself. We went back to the village and cured them."
The Mayor and Tax Collector looks to Mingzhu, then to Silgara, perhaps neither of them pleased with her presence. The Tax Collector speaks. "I'm not thrilled at the prospect of an unsanctioned Wu-Jen roaming around, magic is dangerous and should be strictly controlled. Still, if you have truly ended that problem in Rhakku, then you all have our thanks."
The mayor breathes a heavy sigh of relief. "That's been some of the only good news I've heard in a long time. You have our thanks."
"Aye, the party who was responsible for the plague is no more, as well" T’kharr nods to them.
"Honorable gentlemen, there seems to be a problem. As you know it is the duty of a shaman to help their community. Is there anything we may help the two of you with? Whatever it is. It seems dire in nature." Mingzhu speak with resolve.
Silgara looks over with irritation to the Tax Collector. "Magic can be of great benefit if utilized responsibly. Irrational fear of the unknown causes more problems than anything. Still, I was pleased to be of assistance."
The two look at Mingzhu, but then the Tax Collector cuts off and looks to T'kharr "Which parties were responsible for the plague? And do you have evidence?"
"It was a Talonite and someone working for the Rider of Plague. We have their notes and journals, as well as some trinkets we returned with" shows the tax collector the symbols they recovered.
"They were two westerners. A priest and a woman who wore a symbol. My companions tell me it was a symbol of a goddess called Talona." Mingzhu adds.
The Tax Collector looks them over, he seems revolted by them, the mayor also looks off-put. The Tax Collector Seethes. "More foreigners coming here and spreading their chaos here. Bah..."
T’kharr nods. “They were revolting figures regardless of heritage, for sure."
"But lone cultists and brigands do not matter much in the grand scheme of things. The problems have been organized, too much so for lone bandits. Did they reveal ties to anyone else?" The Tax Collector presses for answers.
Mingzhu nods. "They did. Two different groups wore amulets to demon-like creatures of despair. These four creatures are famine, Ware, Death, and pestilence. This group destroyed the machinations of Pestilence. but We suspect there are three more working together."
The Tax Collector considers... "Seem like depraved foreigner cultists..." He considers "Any links to the currently known trading companies?" Silgara doesn't seem inclined to interject as she now translates for T’kharr and Balan.
"Not at this time honorable tax collector." Mingzhu answers. He doesn't seem pleased, but he nods.
"Aye. We have destroyed Pestilence and dented Famine, so far." T'kharr shakes her head "Nothing solid enough to report at this time."
Mingzhu turns back and looks at Balan. Though the mayor rolls his eyes as Mingzhu calls the tax collector honorable. She notes it. He then looks at the tax collector. “I doubt you're looking in the right place eyeing those trading companies."
"Bah! I am sure they are involved somehow. Those foreigners spreading poison." The Tax Collector replies.
"Being a foreigner does not make one a criminal. I myself am Shou lung." Mingzhu flatly states.
The Tax Collector looks over "That is still more civilized than those westerners. Both of the culprits were Westerners, were they not?"
“It seems we all share that foreigner concept. Those that we remove were indeed different and reeked of evil though.” Balan supports Mingzhu.
The Tax Collector narrows his eyes at Balan, then rolls his eyes at him. "I do not expect you to be anything resembling civilized."
"And so are my companions. I do suppose that westerners with their foreign ideas cause trouble from time to time. But sir, think of your 8 million or the celestial court would they truly approve of judging before knowing?"
He looks over to Mingzhu, a breath out. "No... that is why I have not taken action against them, yet. I must be fair, after all. But I will keep my eyes out for treachery."
She nods, "You show wisdom. Keep that to your heart."
T'kharr then looks to the mayor. "Have you heard of troubles in yet other settlements since we departed for Rhakku?"
The mayor rubs his eyes. "I have." The Tax Collector huffs.
Then the Tax Collector looks over "Look, I know that Saduzki and Golamaru have problematic elements there."
The mayor speaks up again. "An undead sighting in Saduzki, another one, even though..."
The Tax Collector cuts him off. "You mean that the Yakuza there are trying to pretend it's not a problem and trying to hide it." He continues "But even that doesn't compare to what's going on in Golamaru with them fermenting active rebellion against the Daimyo."
Mingzhu listens carefully.
The mayor glares at the Tax Collector. "Then why have you only sent a total of ONE man at arms, not even a Samurai, to deal with a horde of Goblins and Oni?!"
T’kharr groans and rubs her forehead. The Tax Collector seethes and replies. "The Daimyo has many problems to deal with. You might find less trouble if those fermenting rebellion were not so keen on trying to hinder our efforts everywhere!"
"...is that man at arms still alive perchance?" T’kharr asks.
"Gentlemen. would it not be wise to give this group sanction to help in these troubling spots. We have already dealt with the plague. We could continue to help......... that is with proper and honorable sanction and the two of you will gain much honor for your part." Mingzhu asks.
The Tax Collector looks at T'kharr "You seem more civilized than that other Hengeyokai, but I will err on the side of caution and keep that to myself."
Mingzhu looks back at Silgara and shakes her head. The mayor speaks up however, looking to Mingzhu "You've already been of considerable help, gods willing, you will continue to do so." Then he sighs, looking over "Still, I think you will need to decide if you go to Saduzki or Golamaru first." Mingzhu bows to the mayor. "I will leave that to your discretion."
The shamaness turns back to the group. “T'kharr, Balan. You are our leaders which will we tackle?"
T’kharr says, "Golamaru seems like the much more pressing scenario now that it's causing major civil unrest. Nonetheless, I doubt that we're going to be able to assault that force head-on." Mingzhu waits. "So, I think it's wisest if we do not tarry in tackling it, but at the same time...we're going to need a very solid strategy, especially if we want to work independently of any potential rebels. Say, would either of ye happen to have something from that man at arms that was sent that way?"
“I would agree it may be difficult to hit them head on, but it is worth the time to keep helping and be of assistance to remove the evil that taints the land.” Balan adds.
T’kharr glances at Silgara. “How are your own skills at divining?”
"Unfortunately, I only know a few simple divination spells, I am not capable of performing a scrying, especially upon someone I have never met." Silgara shakes her head. “I would also consider that the villages of these islands likely do not have much in the way of armed forces, a rebellion would be poorly manned and equipped."
As they are discussing, Mingzhu turns back to the mayor and the tax collector. "May we have papers to act in accordance with your wishes as peacekeepers?"
"Aye, that's another concern. The villagers in the village that ran you out.... they did not seem any bit particularly organized" T’kharr says to Silgara.
“Basically, looked like whatever weapons they could grab, improvised stuff mostly, no armor of note.” The elf answers.
T'kharr then turns to the tax collector and mayor "Beyond the papers, would either of ye be able to give us some way of...reaching that man-at-arms? I'm thinking that if he's still alive, he might be a good source of information, given that he'd probably be studying the opposing force with a far more critical eye than the villagers here could bring to bear"
The tax collector looks over at Mingzhu, considering. "I do not have the authority to sponsor you. And I would not be certain of the Hengeyokai and Foreigners you keep. But if your group aids and behaves in accordance with the customs of this land, they will have no trouble." She bows.
The mayor looks over to the Tax Collector, then to T'kharr "That man at arms is his man, not mine. I have no way of contacting him. However, I have heard of another Hengeyokai there who you might be able to befriend. I have heard he is protecting the village." The Tax Collector practically seethes at hearing of the other Hengeyokai. "Also... regarding Saduzki... of other notable news, I have heard of a killer Kami, an agent of a Storm God, being active there recently. I know not of their activities though; most are terrified of them."
"That sounds troubling as well, but a bit more...beyond our experience" T’kharr says. Even the Tax Collector seems unsettled when the mayor mentions the Killer Kami. T'kharr looks to the tax collector again, awaiting an answer on contacting that man-at-arms. The Tax Collector doesn't seem inclined to answer T'kharr.
Mingzhu says, “An angered Kami is extremely dangerous.”
The mayor lets out a sigh "It's the information I have. I trust you'll decide what's best to do."
"I'd much rather not be going onto the field blind, and based on what I can piece together so far, your man-at-arms seems to be the best bet for a contact to receive us. Or have you not been able to reach him either since he started to investigate the matter?" T'kharr's question is aimed squarely at the tax collector.
The Tax Collector looks back. "And why should I entrust his safety to you? I know how the other Hengeyokai regards me."
"To us, you mean?" pointing around at the rest of the party as well.
"Yes, that." The Tax Collector considers.
"Because we have the best interest in helping the community that is entrusted to the two of your stewardship. As proven by what we have already done."
He looks over to Mingzhu, then a sigh "Fine, I do have a man there. His name is Minamoto. I have him stationed there to report on rebel activity and help deal with the goblin raiders. He's also due to retrieve a Rice Tax that is overdue." She bows.
“Aye we will seek him out then.” T’kharr says resolutely. Bowing the mayor and tax collector farewell "May the Broken God's mercy ease your suffering"
The mayor looks over "It may be best you seek out that other Hengeyokai, a badger if I am not mistaken. I believe his name is Fwangzhu".
T’kharr nods, “Noted, thank you.”
The Tax Collector Sneers "Keep away from that one, they are not fit for civilized company."
With that they depart. The Tax Collector sticks around the mayor's office a bit. Probably to resume their argument from before. Maybe it will be more civil. Maybe.
Mingzhu looks around. “Where to next?” As they walk, she adds. "I must apologize. when I heard the arguing. I had to take the lead. It's kind of my job to advise leaders of a community. I hope I did not offend."
"We're going to have to head up towards Golamaru, but cautiously. It may require us to travel under cover of darkness so as not to put us into the teeth of our foes"
Silgara looks aside, then shrugs "It was one way to get the discussion productive. It is unlikely the two had they kept going without interruption would have had any productive discussion."
T'kharr offers Mingzhu a reassuring smile "You did well there indeed"
Silgara gives T’kharr a look. “We may wish to pick up Mingzhu's animal companion before we do."
“We may want to wait for tomorrow. I promised the merchant woman I would dive for her tonight.” Mingzhu says.
Silgara considers. "I do admit I would think the potential troubles in Golamaru are likely more pressing than going pearling."
“It is coin that we will need in the future, and I try not to break promises.”
As they walk and talk however, an armed man, seeming well equipped approaches the group.
Balan heads to the door looking at the others pausing just in time as Mingzhu moves in front and opens it. Walking in first she says, “I may have to take the lead on this one.” She doesn’t wait for an answer.
As they walk in, they can see the mayor, and the tax collector, arguing with one another. It doesn't seem like it's been a productive or friendly conversation. Mingzhu bows and looks at them in her leather path of enlightenment robes.
"I'm not going to tolerate rebellion brewing, mayor." The tax collector speaks.
"Then maybe your Daimyo should actually start doing his duties to his people then. And despite that, I am still not brewing rebellion nor sanctioning it." The mayor vigorously states.
A frown develops on T’kharr’s muzzle as Silgara translates what the tax collector said.
Mingzhu in a resolute voice says, “Excuse me gentlemen, Greetings.”
The Tax Collector and Mayor both look over as Mingzhu interrupts "Excuse me, I was in a meeting with business likely more important than yours." The Tax Collector speaks, irritated at the interruption.
"That's for me to decide." The mayor interjects.
"It is my decision to intercede when taxes are not being paid, when criminal elements are allowed and encouraged to run rampant, and rebellion is brewing. And I don't doubt that you know more than you let on." The Tax Collector still speaks.
The mayor looks like he's about to reply to Mingzhu but then looks to the Tax Collector. "Well since I've been hearing the same accusations over and over again from you without any sense of progress being made on actually upholding your end of your obligations, I don't know what you're expecting."
Mingzhu again forces herself into the conversation. “"I understand these are troubling times. Know that the celestial court sees all and all will be well in the future. I have come to let the mayor know that the plague in Rhakku is over. A cure has been found all because of these three brave souls that stand behind me."
They both perk up and look over at that. "Wait.... Rhakku's plague is gone? How?" The mayor looks over to her and speaks, even the Tax Collector has quieted down and seems ready to listen.
We went to Rhakku. My animal companion found where the plague started and the people responsible for developing it. We fought them. Then the witch Silgara the woman with the pointed ears developed a cure. I cut the rot out of the sea myself. We went back to the village and cured them."
The Mayor and Tax Collector looks to Mingzhu, then to Silgara, perhaps neither of them pleased with her presence. The Tax Collector speaks. "I'm not thrilled at the prospect of an unsanctioned Wu-Jen roaming around, magic is dangerous and should be strictly controlled. Still, if you have truly ended that problem in Rhakku, then you all have our thanks."
The mayor breathes a heavy sigh of relief. "That's been some of the only good news I've heard in a long time. You have our thanks."
"Aye, the party who was responsible for the plague is no more, as well" T’kharr nods to them.
"Honorable gentlemen, there seems to be a problem. As you know it is the duty of a shaman to help their community. Is there anything we may help the two of you with? Whatever it is. It seems dire in nature." Mingzhu speak with resolve.
Silgara looks over with irritation to the Tax Collector. "Magic can be of great benefit if utilized responsibly. Irrational fear of the unknown causes more problems than anything. Still, I was pleased to be of assistance."
The two look at Mingzhu, but then the Tax Collector cuts off and looks to T'kharr "Which parties were responsible for the plague? And do you have evidence?"
"It was a Talonite and someone working for the Rider of Plague. We have their notes and journals, as well as some trinkets we returned with" shows the tax collector the symbols they recovered.
"They were two westerners. A priest and a woman who wore a symbol. My companions tell me it was a symbol of a goddess called Talona." Mingzhu adds.
The Tax Collector looks them over, he seems revolted by them, the mayor also looks off-put. The Tax Collector Seethes. "More foreigners coming here and spreading their chaos here. Bah..."
T’kharr nods. “They were revolting figures regardless of heritage, for sure."
"But lone cultists and brigands do not matter much in the grand scheme of things. The problems have been organized, too much so for lone bandits. Did they reveal ties to anyone else?" The Tax Collector presses for answers.
Mingzhu nods. "They did. Two different groups wore amulets to demon-like creatures of despair. These four creatures are famine, Ware, Death, and pestilence. This group destroyed the machinations of Pestilence. but We suspect there are three more working together."
The Tax Collector considers... "Seem like depraved foreigner cultists..." He considers "Any links to the currently known trading companies?" Silgara doesn't seem inclined to interject as she now translates for T’kharr and Balan.
"Not at this time honorable tax collector." Mingzhu answers. He doesn't seem pleased, but he nods.
"Aye. We have destroyed Pestilence and dented Famine, so far." T'kharr shakes her head "Nothing solid enough to report at this time."
Mingzhu turns back and looks at Balan. Though the mayor rolls his eyes as Mingzhu calls the tax collector honorable. She notes it. He then looks at the tax collector. “I doubt you're looking in the right place eyeing those trading companies."
"Bah! I am sure they are involved somehow. Those foreigners spreading poison." The Tax Collector replies.
"Being a foreigner does not make one a criminal. I myself am Shou lung." Mingzhu flatly states.
The Tax Collector looks over "That is still more civilized than those westerners. Both of the culprits were Westerners, were they not?"
“It seems we all share that foreigner concept. Those that we remove were indeed different and reeked of evil though.” Balan supports Mingzhu.
The Tax Collector narrows his eyes at Balan, then rolls his eyes at him. "I do not expect you to be anything resembling civilized."
"And so are my companions. I do suppose that westerners with their foreign ideas cause trouble from time to time. But sir, think of your 8 million or the celestial court would they truly approve of judging before knowing?"
He looks over to Mingzhu, a breath out. "No... that is why I have not taken action against them, yet. I must be fair, after all. But I will keep my eyes out for treachery."
She nods, "You show wisdom. Keep that to your heart."
T'kharr then looks to the mayor. "Have you heard of troubles in yet other settlements since we departed for Rhakku?"
The mayor rubs his eyes. "I have." The Tax Collector huffs.
Then the Tax Collector looks over "Look, I know that Saduzki and Golamaru have problematic elements there."
The mayor speaks up again. "An undead sighting in Saduzki, another one, even though..."
The Tax Collector cuts him off. "You mean that the Yakuza there are trying to pretend it's not a problem and trying to hide it." He continues "But even that doesn't compare to what's going on in Golamaru with them fermenting active rebellion against the Daimyo."
Mingzhu listens carefully.
The mayor glares at the Tax Collector. "Then why have you only sent a total of ONE man at arms, not even a Samurai, to deal with a horde of Goblins and Oni?!"
T’kharr groans and rubs her forehead. The Tax Collector seethes and replies. "The Daimyo has many problems to deal with. You might find less trouble if those fermenting rebellion were not so keen on trying to hinder our efforts everywhere!"
"...is that man at arms still alive perchance?" T’kharr asks.
"Gentlemen. would it not be wise to give this group sanction to help in these troubling spots. We have already dealt with the plague. We could continue to help......... that is with proper and honorable sanction and the two of you will gain much honor for your part." Mingzhu asks.
The Tax Collector looks at T'kharr "You seem more civilized than that other Hengeyokai, but I will err on the side of caution and keep that to myself."
Mingzhu looks back at Silgara and shakes her head. The mayor speaks up however, looking to Mingzhu "You've already been of considerable help, gods willing, you will continue to do so." Then he sighs, looking over "Still, I think you will need to decide if you go to Saduzki or Golamaru first." Mingzhu bows to the mayor. "I will leave that to your discretion."
The shamaness turns back to the group. “T'kharr, Balan. You are our leaders which will we tackle?"
T’kharr says, "Golamaru seems like the much more pressing scenario now that it's causing major civil unrest. Nonetheless, I doubt that we're going to be able to assault that force head-on." Mingzhu waits. "So, I think it's wisest if we do not tarry in tackling it, but at the same time...we're going to need a very solid strategy, especially if we want to work independently of any potential rebels. Say, would either of ye happen to have something from that man at arms that was sent that way?"
“I would agree it may be difficult to hit them head on, but it is worth the time to keep helping and be of assistance to remove the evil that taints the land.” Balan adds.
T’kharr glances at Silgara. “How are your own skills at divining?”
"Unfortunately, I only know a few simple divination spells, I am not capable of performing a scrying, especially upon someone I have never met." Silgara shakes her head. “I would also consider that the villages of these islands likely do not have much in the way of armed forces, a rebellion would be poorly manned and equipped."
As they are discussing, Mingzhu turns back to the mayor and the tax collector. "May we have papers to act in accordance with your wishes as peacekeepers?"
"Aye, that's another concern. The villagers in the village that ran you out.... they did not seem any bit particularly organized" T’kharr says to Silgara.
“Basically, looked like whatever weapons they could grab, improvised stuff mostly, no armor of note.” The elf answers.
T'kharr then turns to the tax collector and mayor "Beyond the papers, would either of ye be able to give us some way of...reaching that man-at-arms? I'm thinking that if he's still alive, he might be a good source of information, given that he'd probably be studying the opposing force with a far more critical eye than the villagers here could bring to bear"
The tax collector looks over at Mingzhu, considering. "I do not have the authority to sponsor you. And I would not be certain of the Hengeyokai and Foreigners you keep. But if your group aids and behaves in accordance with the customs of this land, they will have no trouble." She bows.
The mayor looks over to the Tax Collector, then to T'kharr "That man at arms is his man, not mine. I have no way of contacting him. However, I have heard of another Hengeyokai there who you might be able to befriend. I have heard he is protecting the village." The Tax Collector practically seethes at hearing of the other Hengeyokai. "Also... regarding Saduzki... of other notable news, I have heard of a killer Kami, an agent of a Storm God, being active there recently. I know not of their activities though; most are terrified of them."
"That sounds troubling as well, but a bit more...beyond our experience" T’kharr says. Even the Tax Collector seems unsettled when the mayor mentions the Killer Kami. T'kharr looks to the tax collector again, awaiting an answer on contacting that man-at-arms. The Tax Collector doesn't seem inclined to answer T'kharr.
Mingzhu says, “An angered Kami is extremely dangerous.”
The mayor lets out a sigh "It's the information I have. I trust you'll decide what's best to do."
"I'd much rather not be going onto the field blind, and based on what I can piece together so far, your man-at-arms seems to be the best bet for a contact to receive us. Or have you not been able to reach him either since he started to investigate the matter?" T'kharr's question is aimed squarely at the tax collector.
The Tax Collector looks back. "And why should I entrust his safety to you? I know how the other Hengeyokai regards me."
"To us, you mean?" pointing around at the rest of the party as well.
"Yes, that." The Tax Collector considers.
"Because we have the best interest in helping the community that is entrusted to the two of your stewardship. As proven by what we have already done."
He looks over to Mingzhu, then a sigh "Fine, I do have a man there. His name is Minamoto. I have him stationed there to report on rebel activity and help deal with the goblin raiders. He's also due to retrieve a Rice Tax that is overdue." She bows.
“Aye we will seek him out then.” T’kharr says resolutely. Bowing the mayor and tax collector farewell "May the Broken God's mercy ease your suffering"
The mayor looks over "It may be best you seek out that other Hengeyokai, a badger if I am not mistaken. I believe his name is Fwangzhu".
T’kharr nods, “Noted, thank you.”
The Tax Collector Sneers "Keep away from that one, they are not fit for civilized company."
With that they depart. The Tax Collector sticks around the mayor's office a bit. Probably to resume their argument from before. Maybe it will be more civil. Maybe.
Mingzhu looks around. “Where to next?” As they walk, she adds. "I must apologize. when I heard the arguing. I had to take the lead. It's kind of my job to advise leaders of a community. I hope I did not offend."
"We're going to have to head up towards Golamaru, but cautiously. It may require us to travel under cover of darkness so as not to put us into the teeth of our foes"
Silgara looks aside, then shrugs "It was one way to get the discussion productive. It is unlikely the two had they kept going without interruption would have had any productive discussion."
T'kharr offers Mingzhu a reassuring smile "You did well there indeed"
Silgara gives T’kharr a look. “We may wish to pick up Mingzhu's animal companion before we do."
“We may want to wait for tomorrow. I promised the merchant woman I would dive for her tonight.” Mingzhu says.
Silgara considers. "I do admit I would think the potential troubles in Golamaru are likely more pressing than going pearling."
“It is coin that we will need in the future, and I try not to break promises.”
As they walk and talk however, an armed man, seeming well equipped approaches the group.
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Re: She Came from the Sea
T’kharr agrees as the conversation continues, “Aye, The Golamaru situation sounds like it’s on the verge of boiling over.” She looks up seeing the man. She looks him over for a long moment.
Silgara sighs, “Alright, we can… hold on, someone’s coming.”
A western human, wearing chainmail armor approaches. He has a shield on his back and a sword sheathed on his belt. He looks like a veteran mercenary. He definitely looks like a fellow that’s more on the rough side of things. Mingzhu falls back behind T’kharr and Balan.
T'kharr steps forward, planting one end of her staff in the ground the red cord and attached trinket on her wrist clearly visible, and gives the man a bow "Hail, fellow traveler. Blessings of the Lord of the Rack upon ye."
The man looks over, he doesn't draw his weapon but definitely seems like he's capable of using it if needed. Still, it would be a fight in public, but he keeps his calm. "Hey, you that lot of adventurers? Sure, look like a freak show."
Balan stares at him, “Hello, friend.”
T'kharr gives him a modest laugh "Our reputation seems to precede us. Are you coming in from anywhere in particular?"
"Gonna assume so. Look, you wanted a meeting, apparently trader Samael from Diamond Industries actually did want to speak with you, despite how you treated his employee." Mingzhu listens to Silgara translate while Balan grumbles a bit and listens.
"Ah. We apologize for that, there were some poor assumptions made all around I reckon. We do have a bit of time for now to talk, yes, if you'd mind showing us the way?" T’kharr replies.
He looks up to T'kharr, skeptical maybe? But he keeps decorum, but alert. "Right, he got a reservation at an eatery nearby. He's paying for it, so behave yourselves. This way."
Mingzhu gets that old robe out of her pack that’s probably a size or two too big and throws it on herself. She looks at her giant companions waiting to move. T’kharr is the first to move and follow the man the rest join in.
He eventually shows the party that follows what looks like a more expensive place than they have been staying at, The Dizzy Panda. Upscale and luxurious would be overselling it, since there are limits to Port Ginji's opulence outside the trading company's boats, however it seems decent enough. The guard/thug leads them to a booth that seems relatively quiet on the side. Sitting there, at a table, is a man they've seen before. A westerner, in that very opulent, ostentatious-looking surcoat. Definitely expensive.
T'kharr bows "A pleasure, Sir Samael. These are my companions, Balan, Mingzhu, and Silgara" motioning to them in turn.
He looks up, noting the group. "Ah, greetings. I have heard of you. The heroes of the hour, it would seem. Well met indeed." He waves his arms in theatrical motions as he speaks. "Come, sit, enjoy a touch of fine faire. It would go well with business to discuss, I would think." Motions for them to sit at the table. "The waiters should come by to take your orders soon."
T'kharr seats herself directly across from Samael, after letting others slide in if need be. Mingzhu makes sure she sits next to Balan or even between Balan and T'kharr. A waiter comes by soon to take their orders. Samael orders some dumplings and spring rolls along with some sake. The menu is more opulent than most places in Port Ginji, but still relatively humble. With a decent selection of food. Most come with additives. It looks like a pretty expensive place. There are a decent supply of meat and fish dishes at least.
Balan looks around, taking in the environment a moment nodding to Mingzhu. She orders anything close to Szechuan shrimp or beef with just any kind of fruit juice they have.
There’s a fish tank and some lights around the place. The walls seem more decorated with paintings in- between walls. T'kharr looks at the menu for a bit, then orders...a whole roast fish as well, in addition to a fairly hefty pot of steamed vegetables, and tea to wash it down with.
"So, quite a diverse group. I've seen my share of adventuring companies. And of course, I'm familiar with how ah...." He gives something of a smirk. "Eager they can be." Samael comments.
"Aye" T'kharr nods in acknowledgement.
Balan adds. “In some cases, yes.”
Mingzhu listens to Silgara quietly keeping her assumptions to herself. Silgara makes a quiet order but does translate for Mingzhu's benefit. Samael definitely seems to notice this.
Samael just chuckles and smirks, before continuing "Ah, yes, of course. Right to business, I know the type. No time to break bread and share wine first? Well, no matter. Well, I am sure you have a tale to tell here," A theatrical pause. "And there is always something lost in a secondhand retelling." He looks at the crate, then looks to see if the goods it may have had are still there, sipping on some Sake.
"We found this crate on an island not far off the shores by Rhakku, in a cavern there inhabited by a Talontar druidess and her companion, an agent of the Rider of Pestilence. Perhaps you could fill us in on how it went wandering astray?" T’kharr says.
Balan leans back in his chair, staying a bit silent for the time being.
Samael looks at her. “Well now, that's a tall order there." He theatrically raises an arm, but then puts his glass down, relaxed. "But I think I can help you. When I heard, I did what I could to look through my ledgers to see what goods might have gone missing from my company. I do like to keep an efficient operation." He gives a smile, before continuing. "Alas! Not all of my company's ships had made it to port. A tragic outcome, when fine tradesmen become victim to chaos and their holds plundered by bandits and malcontents."
"Aye" She sighs "An issue all too common in the waves off here. It was full of trade goods and supplies when we found it, anyway, nothing particularly catastrophic."
"A pity, but by right of conquest and heroism, you had recovered them, did you not?" He gives a smile, then a theatrical shrug.
"Aye, that's not the concern, we were more concerned about how things were being misappropriated into dark hands. Did your organization suffer any losses, to the corsairs or otherwise, near the time when Rhakku first started being...plagued?"
Balan smirks slightly trying to feel the man out for any ill-conceived nature or recognition with his paladin powers.
"Ah," He takes a dramatic pause, tapping the sake glass. "I'm well acquainted with trade. I do know that loss is a part of the risk of doing business. Pirates, malcontents, sowing chaos in their wake, they do cause tradesmen to suffer. My own company included." He gives a dramatic shrug "Of course, finding out I had lost a ship is hardly instantaneous. I only see it when they do not arrive at port on schedule. With a bit of extra time to account for... accidents and unexpected things, of course." He gives a smile. "But yes, that would indeed, sound about right. With the best estimates I can make with what information I have, of course."
T'kharr nodded "Are there any specific bands of Corsairs that target your company, or is it just a free-for-all out on the seas?"
"Well now..." Samael gives a smirk. "That is a very interesting question indeed."
T’kharr thinks a bit. “And have you noticed any of your company's crates, or any other branded crates for that matter, showing up for...resale?"
"But perhaps," Samael puts a hand up to his chin, before a dramatic twirl. "A bit of setting the stage is in order. Tell me, how much do you know of this place's protector, Daimyo Kaluso?" Though he pauses to answer T'kharr "Ah... no, I have not. But I would expect any who would try such a blatant resale would then be known as a malcontent and thief, would they not? After all, it's a simple matter to simply..." Waves a hand "Take the goods into another container and sell them off."
"I'm thinking not of the goods inside, but someone selling or giving out the crates themselves. One ne’er-do-well to another...perhaps for shady purposes, even. And I have overheard some things, yes, it seems that he is extending a long hand with a large weight already on his back" Balan flatly states.
"Ah, now, not such trifles, my good fellow. Every protector and ruler have such troubles in some quantity." Samael brings his arms back up to center. "I meant his politics. His friends, connections!" He seems to be making theatrical emphasis with each word. rivals! enemies!"
Mingzhu listens quietly trying to fade into the background as much as possible.
The man smiles before looking to T'kharr again. "After all, there will always be brigands, malcontents, agents of chaos." A wave of his hands. "But such ilk are often transient, they last until their luck runs out at the end of a blade."
"No, I prefer not to delve into petty squabbling myself. Dulls one's senses, much like strong beverages" T’kharr takes a long sip of her tea
"Well now," Samael gives a smirk, and a chuckle. "If you don't pay attention to such things, you may find yourself blind-sided by them. But maybe that is a difference in perspective. An adventurer sees villains to vanquish. But perhaps I can set the stage for you. See," He waves a hand, continuing "Daimyo Kaluso does have rivals in his quarter, among other ones. Daimyo Yasima and Daimyo Zuodong each hold territories bordering where Daimyo Kaluso's land and seas are. And I can assure you there is little, little lost love between them." He gives a smirk. "But if you are wondering how this ties into raiders and chaos and malcontents..." A dramatic pause. "Isn't it just very interesting how only Daimyo Kaluso's territories are having trouble with these corsairs?"
"An interesting point, yes" T'kharr munches on appetizers while waiting for the main courses to arrive, washing it down with more tea.
The main courses do arrive. Samael is very precise and shows near perfect table etiquette with his meal. Not a single drop on his expensive surcoat. Silgara also seems to have good manners. Mingzhu says a prayer over her food and casts know motivation on herself while she’s doing it then studies the opulent man. She gets no reading from him.
Balan uses the utensils provided and enjoys the food. “You have our thanks.” Mingzhu eats her food quietly and continues listening to Silgara.
Samael seems fully focused on his meal. And with his conversation with T'kharr? That or his mannerisms are very well practiced. "Quite interesting indeed." A smile "Of course, I couldn't make any accusations, but it's hard not to notice when such coincidences line up."
"Aye, shortsighted leaders like to treat the world as a board of dragon-chess and those in their care as pawns but that aside, are there any other things you'd wish to share, particularly what you've heard of more recent wanderings of goods-crates?" T’kharr asks.
"An interesting perspective." He takes a sip of Sake, before putting it down. "Ah, where the Corsairs take their Ill-gotten gains, for sure? I do have some ideas. Such malcontents and agents of chaos would hardly trade in places like port Ginji. Too, too easy to get branded as a pirate and hung. Oh no. But there are others they can trade with, of course." A twirl of his glass "They could trade with those like the Yakuza. If you listen to rumor, there is a presence not too far off. Or maybe they'd go to one of Daimyo Yasima or Zuodong's ports where people are on lower alert for pirates. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if the Yakuza managed to end up getting their hands on stolen goods." He pauses his theatrical sounding speech to have some of his dumplings and spring rolls.
Mingzhu looks into the Eather to see if there are any spirits in the inn and if so, what they are doing. She sees no spirits, at least besides the ones that are drank. Though the stuff here is finer than that.
T’kharr gives him a nod, “"Aye, we're aware of some of the rumors at least. I was wondering if you'd heard anything more specific than that, though, rumors surrounding any given crate or its contents, pirates stealing things more dangerous than mere trade goods, and so on."
"Ah...." He twirls a glass. "I make it a habit not to rely heavily on rumors. Far, far too easy to make erroneous assumptions with those. No, I prefer more certainty." He takes a sip "But if you are looking for something more specific, I do have a little scoop you might find... interesting." Samael smirks.
"Oh, do go on then" as T'kharr digs into more of her food, washing it down with tea, and also offers the vegetables around for others.
"I've had my traders go to each of the villages of course. I know that Saduzki is making far, far more wealth than what they should be getting from just selling fish, rice, and crustaceans."
Mingzhu leans over and whispers into Silgara's ear, "T'kharr needs to be careful here." Silgara looks aside at Mingzhu, craning her head.
Mingzhu shakes her head when offered the vegetables. "I have to swim soon."
"How could that be, I wonder? Where could that extra coin possibly be coming from? It can't come from nowhere, after all." a smirk from Samael. "And spread to the village too. It keeps their elders and other people from asking too many questions."
"That would be consistent with what I've heard otherwise, yes." T'kharr nods.
Samael smiles. "The pretty little picture comes together more clearly now, doesn't it?"
"Yes, that does clarify a few matters at least." T’kharr responds.
"I do hope this gives you some better direction. I look forward to hearing more of your group's adventures. Ah, it's been a long time since I've dined with adventurers. They always have grand tales to tell." Samael smiles. Balan has a hearty low laugh to that comment.
Samael continues eating his dinner, it looks like he's about done, the others likely are if they've been eating well. Mingzhu finishes hers and seems to drift off in thought. Silgara looks off at MIngzhu but stays at the table. Samael also seems to notice but doesn't comment.
Balan considers, “From the words spoken it seems as though there is a place to gather information on this affair amongst the many other problems this island faces.”
"Well, that sounds like a better direction, then." A smile to Balan from Samael.
Silgara nods aside to Balan as well, though seems lost in thought, and silent for now, beyond translating for Mingzhu. Mingzhu meanwhile tries to determine whether Samael was purposely leading them in a direction and for what purpose. She cannot seem to figure it out though.
“Aye! It seems we have much to discover still now though with these bearers of plagues and evil upon this land though that will be a direct challenge. Would you have any insight on this?” Balan asks.
T'kharr simply finishes out her food, looking to the rest to see if they're done. Balan finishes his meal quickly and leans back.
Samael looks to Balan. "Alas, I only heard of active plague bearers from my employee that you met today. But I have admittedly tried to keep an eye on those Corsairs. I'm sure they have some kind of pirate haven on one of these islands. Of course, there are many places to hide. If you wish to deal with those agents of chaos, I do wish you all the best." Samael gives a smile.
“Even in plain sight if they needed, I would think.” Balan gives a hearty laugh. “We will need it, along with this meal it will help our bellies and our travels!”
"You did enjoy the meal, I'm sure. I know most adventurers do skimp on such things." He takes a sip of the Sake. "Well, I do have some further business to tend to. I'll go and settle the bill. You'll all have exciting adventures, I'm sure." He stands with a perfect, practiced, gentlemanly grace. "It's been a pleasure." Samael goes off to settle the bill.
T'kharr rises and bows "Thank you for your hospitality, Samael, and may the Crying God's blessings ease your pain." Samael gives T'kharr a polite smile before he'd go to settle the bill.
Balan gives a stern nod, “May the platinum guide your journey well.”
Silgara looks around the table once he departs. "Well..." She considers looking at T'kharr, Balan, then Mingzhu if she's still present, then looks around to ensure they're not being spied upon in their booth. "What did you think of that?"
"I could not read him. He is either extremely willful or protected. He seemed to lead the conversation though to the conclusion he wanted us to make." Mingzhu says in a low voice.
T’kharr returns to the table while Samael is settling the bill "A showman for sure. Perhaps a few useful nuggets, but nothing that changes our priorities, either, or not much that'd...definitively clear their name, given his demeanor. I think the corsair theory is the most likely one for how the crate of theirs went astray, yes, but that's mostly a matter of not imputing malice needlessly. It's not like he was willing to speak in more definite terms."
Silgara nods, translating for them. "It's at least a plausible explanation, if a ship does go missing, they're not going to instantly know about it, unless they have a diviner or magic like a Sending. Still, an astute point, Mingzhu." She sighs, rubbing her face. "Trading company politics. Then again... would you say he's more or less trustworthy than that seer we met?"
"I am from a small fishing village. I am not use to such opulence or slick togues. I honestly don't know Silgara. I do know something about him makes me................. shiver. It could just be how polished he is. It is something I am not use to." Mingzhu exclaims.
"He's a man used to winning folk over by dazzling them with his words, for sure." T’kharr comments.
"That much is clear. I would expect that from one who runs a trading company, though." Silgara sighs, rubbing her face. "At any rate, without further evidence or observations it will be difficult to make definitive determinations, and we have other priorities." Silgara pauses. "To Saduzki or Golamaru next? Either way, we'd best get ourselves prepared."
"I will go do my job. perhaps I will make enough to help our next endeavor." Mingzhu sighs.
"Golamaru for sure. Saduzki seems like a slower-boiling situation, at the moment at least" T’kharr
lowers her voice "We also still have to be concerned about the possibility that Famine's reapers have those firebombs..."
Silgara considers. "At this juncture any of our myriad foes could have them. It seems likely if the Yakuza are a fence for stolen goods that they could go to them. However, who they could sell them to, I'm not sure. At this juncture there isn't enough evidence to say one way or another."
"Do not forget that there are creatures interfering with another town. I think it would be war. They may have the items." Mingzhu stresses.
“I would agree to this we have no direct trail to follow only some crumbs.” Balan nods to her.
Silgara nods aside "Also a distinct possibility. If we are set on going to Golamaru, we'd best prepare for a likely to be nasty fight. I'll go scribe a scroll while I can and prepare appropriate magic."
Mingzhu bows to the group. "I will go back to the inn in 4 or 5 hours." She leaves and takes off her robe placing it in her pack. She then goes to the shore and dives into the sea. Balan goes with her but sits down in the sand and stares out at sea. She turns back just a moment to notice. She searches the surf for 3 hours picking out every 5th oyster. She finds a nice gold pearl and two white ones.
When she comes back, she turns them into Vishnu and gets 500 coin for them. She smiles at the woman, “I’ll get more when I can.” Leaving she goes back to the inn and goes to bed.
Silgara sighs, “Alright, we can… hold on, someone’s coming.”
A western human, wearing chainmail armor approaches. He has a shield on his back and a sword sheathed on his belt. He looks like a veteran mercenary. He definitely looks like a fellow that’s more on the rough side of things. Mingzhu falls back behind T’kharr and Balan.
T'kharr steps forward, planting one end of her staff in the ground the red cord and attached trinket on her wrist clearly visible, and gives the man a bow "Hail, fellow traveler. Blessings of the Lord of the Rack upon ye."
The man looks over, he doesn't draw his weapon but definitely seems like he's capable of using it if needed. Still, it would be a fight in public, but he keeps his calm. "Hey, you that lot of adventurers? Sure, look like a freak show."
Balan stares at him, “Hello, friend.”
T'kharr gives him a modest laugh "Our reputation seems to precede us. Are you coming in from anywhere in particular?"
"Gonna assume so. Look, you wanted a meeting, apparently trader Samael from Diamond Industries actually did want to speak with you, despite how you treated his employee." Mingzhu listens to Silgara translate while Balan grumbles a bit and listens.
"Ah. We apologize for that, there were some poor assumptions made all around I reckon. We do have a bit of time for now to talk, yes, if you'd mind showing us the way?" T’kharr replies.
He looks up to T'kharr, skeptical maybe? But he keeps decorum, but alert. "Right, he got a reservation at an eatery nearby. He's paying for it, so behave yourselves. This way."
Mingzhu gets that old robe out of her pack that’s probably a size or two too big and throws it on herself. She looks at her giant companions waiting to move. T’kharr is the first to move and follow the man the rest join in.
He eventually shows the party that follows what looks like a more expensive place than they have been staying at, The Dizzy Panda. Upscale and luxurious would be overselling it, since there are limits to Port Ginji's opulence outside the trading company's boats, however it seems decent enough. The guard/thug leads them to a booth that seems relatively quiet on the side. Sitting there, at a table, is a man they've seen before. A westerner, in that very opulent, ostentatious-looking surcoat. Definitely expensive.
T'kharr bows "A pleasure, Sir Samael. These are my companions, Balan, Mingzhu, and Silgara" motioning to them in turn.
He looks up, noting the group. "Ah, greetings. I have heard of you. The heroes of the hour, it would seem. Well met indeed." He waves his arms in theatrical motions as he speaks. "Come, sit, enjoy a touch of fine faire. It would go well with business to discuss, I would think." Motions for them to sit at the table. "The waiters should come by to take your orders soon."
T'kharr seats herself directly across from Samael, after letting others slide in if need be. Mingzhu makes sure she sits next to Balan or even between Balan and T'kharr. A waiter comes by soon to take their orders. Samael orders some dumplings and spring rolls along with some sake. The menu is more opulent than most places in Port Ginji, but still relatively humble. With a decent selection of food. Most come with additives. It looks like a pretty expensive place. There are a decent supply of meat and fish dishes at least.
Balan looks around, taking in the environment a moment nodding to Mingzhu. She orders anything close to Szechuan shrimp or beef with just any kind of fruit juice they have.
There’s a fish tank and some lights around the place. The walls seem more decorated with paintings in- between walls. T'kharr looks at the menu for a bit, then orders...a whole roast fish as well, in addition to a fairly hefty pot of steamed vegetables, and tea to wash it down with.
"So, quite a diverse group. I've seen my share of adventuring companies. And of course, I'm familiar with how ah...." He gives something of a smirk. "Eager they can be." Samael comments.
"Aye" T'kharr nods in acknowledgement.
Balan adds. “In some cases, yes.”
Mingzhu listens to Silgara quietly keeping her assumptions to herself. Silgara makes a quiet order but does translate for Mingzhu's benefit. Samael definitely seems to notice this.
Samael just chuckles and smirks, before continuing "Ah, yes, of course. Right to business, I know the type. No time to break bread and share wine first? Well, no matter. Well, I am sure you have a tale to tell here," A theatrical pause. "And there is always something lost in a secondhand retelling." He looks at the crate, then looks to see if the goods it may have had are still there, sipping on some Sake.
"We found this crate on an island not far off the shores by Rhakku, in a cavern there inhabited by a Talontar druidess and her companion, an agent of the Rider of Pestilence. Perhaps you could fill us in on how it went wandering astray?" T’kharr says.
Balan leans back in his chair, staying a bit silent for the time being.
Samael looks at her. “Well now, that's a tall order there." He theatrically raises an arm, but then puts his glass down, relaxed. "But I think I can help you. When I heard, I did what I could to look through my ledgers to see what goods might have gone missing from my company. I do like to keep an efficient operation." He gives a smile, before continuing. "Alas! Not all of my company's ships had made it to port. A tragic outcome, when fine tradesmen become victim to chaos and their holds plundered by bandits and malcontents."
"Aye" She sighs "An issue all too common in the waves off here. It was full of trade goods and supplies when we found it, anyway, nothing particularly catastrophic."
"A pity, but by right of conquest and heroism, you had recovered them, did you not?" He gives a smile, then a theatrical shrug.
"Aye, that's not the concern, we were more concerned about how things were being misappropriated into dark hands. Did your organization suffer any losses, to the corsairs or otherwise, near the time when Rhakku first started being...plagued?"
Balan smirks slightly trying to feel the man out for any ill-conceived nature or recognition with his paladin powers.
"Ah," He takes a dramatic pause, tapping the sake glass. "I'm well acquainted with trade. I do know that loss is a part of the risk of doing business. Pirates, malcontents, sowing chaos in their wake, they do cause tradesmen to suffer. My own company included." He gives a dramatic shrug "Of course, finding out I had lost a ship is hardly instantaneous. I only see it when they do not arrive at port on schedule. With a bit of extra time to account for... accidents and unexpected things, of course." He gives a smile. "But yes, that would indeed, sound about right. With the best estimates I can make with what information I have, of course."
T'kharr nodded "Are there any specific bands of Corsairs that target your company, or is it just a free-for-all out on the seas?"
"Well now..." Samael gives a smirk. "That is a very interesting question indeed."
T’kharr thinks a bit. “And have you noticed any of your company's crates, or any other branded crates for that matter, showing up for...resale?"
"But perhaps," Samael puts a hand up to his chin, before a dramatic twirl. "A bit of setting the stage is in order. Tell me, how much do you know of this place's protector, Daimyo Kaluso?" Though he pauses to answer T'kharr "Ah... no, I have not. But I would expect any who would try such a blatant resale would then be known as a malcontent and thief, would they not? After all, it's a simple matter to simply..." Waves a hand "Take the goods into another container and sell them off."
"I'm thinking not of the goods inside, but someone selling or giving out the crates themselves. One ne’er-do-well to another...perhaps for shady purposes, even. And I have overheard some things, yes, it seems that he is extending a long hand with a large weight already on his back" Balan flatly states.
"Ah, now, not such trifles, my good fellow. Every protector and ruler have such troubles in some quantity." Samael brings his arms back up to center. "I meant his politics. His friends, connections!" He seems to be making theatrical emphasis with each word. rivals! enemies!"
Mingzhu listens quietly trying to fade into the background as much as possible.
The man smiles before looking to T'kharr again. "After all, there will always be brigands, malcontents, agents of chaos." A wave of his hands. "But such ilk are often transient, they last until their luck runs out at the end of a blade."
"No, I prefer not to delve into petty squabbling myself. Dulls one's senses, much like strong beverages" T’kharr takes a long sip of her tea
"Well now," Samael gives a smirk, and a chuckle. "If you don't pay attention to such things, you may find yourself blind-sided by them. But maybe that is a difference in perspective. An adventurer sees villains to vanquish. But perhaps I can set the stage for you. See," He waves a hand, continuing "Daimyo Kaluso does have rivals in his quarter, among other ones. Daimyo Yasima and Daimyo Zuodong each hold territories bordering where Daimyo Kaluso's land and seas are. And I can assure you there is little, little lost love between them." He gives a smirk. "But if you are wondering how this ties into raiders and chaos and malcontents..." A dramatic pause. "Isn't it just very interesting how only Daimyo Kaluso's territories are having trouble with these corsairs?"
"An interesting point, yes" T'kharr munches on appetizers while waiting for the main courses to arrive, washing it down with more tea.
The main courses do arrive. Samael is very precise and shows near perfect table etiquette with his meal. Not a single drop on his expensive surcoat. Silgara also seems to have good manners. Mingzhu says a prayer over her food and casts know motivation on herself while she’s doing it then studies the opulent man. She gets no reading from him.
Balan uses the utensils provided and enjoys the food. “You have our thanks.” Mingzhu eats her food quietly and continues listening to Silgara.
Samael seems fully focused on his meal. And with his conversation with T'kharr? That or his mannerisms are very well practiced. "Quite interesting indeed." A smile "Of course, I couldn't make any accusations, but it's hard not to notice when such coincidences line up."
"Aye, shortsighted leaders like to treat the world as a board of dragon-chess and those in their care as pawns but that aside, are there any other things you'd wish to share, particularly what you've heard of more recent wanderings of goods-crates?" T’kharr asks.
"An interesting perspective." He takes a sip of Sake, before putting it down. "Ah, where the Corsairs take their Ill-gotten gains, for sure? I do have some ideas. Such malcontents and agents of chaos would hardly trade in places like port Ginji. Too, too easy to get branded as a pirate and hung. Oh no. But there are others they can trade with, of course." A twirl of his glass "They could trade with those like the Yakuza. If you listen to rumor, there is a presence not too far off. Or maybe they'd go to one of Daimyo Yasima or Zuodong's ports where people are on lower alert for pirates. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if the Yakuza managed to end up getting their hands on stolen goods." He pauses his theatrical sounding speech to have some of his dumplings and spring rolls.
Mingzhu looks into the Eather to see if there are any spirits in the inn and if so, what they are doing. She sees no spirits, at least besides the ones that are drank. Though the stuff here is finer than that.
T’kharr gives him a nod, “"Aye, we're aware of some of the rumors at least. I was wondering if you'd heard anything more specific than that, though, rumors surrounding any given crate or its contents, pirates stealing things more dangerous than mere trade goods, and so on."
"Ah...." He twirls a glass. "I make it a habit not to rely heavily on rumors. Far, far too easy to make erroneous assumptions with those. No, I prefer more certainty." He takes a sip "But if you are looking for something more specific, I do have a little scoop you might find... interesting." Samael smirks.
"Oh, do go on then" as T'kharr digs into more of her food, washing it down with tea, and also offers the vegetables around for others.
"I've had my traders go to each of the villages of course. I know that Saduzki is making far, far more wealth than what they should be getting from just selling fish, rice, and crustaceans."
Mingzhu leans over and whispers into Silgara's ear, "T'kharr needs to be careful here." Silgara looks aside at Mingzhu, craning her head.
Mingzhu shakes her head when offered the vegetables. "I have to swim soon."
"How could that be, I wonder? Where could that extra coin possibly be coming from? It can't come from nowhere, after all." a smirk from Samael. "And spread to the village too. It keeps their elders and other people from asking too many questions."
"That would be consistent with what I've heard otherwise, yes." T'kharr nods.
Samael smiles. "The pretty little picture comes together more clearly now, doesn't it?"
"Yes, that does clarify a few matters at least." T’kharr responds.
"I do hope this gives you some better direction. I look forward to hearing more of your group's adventures. Ah, it's been a long time since I've dined with adventurers. They always have grand tales to tell." Samael smiles. Balan has a hearty low laugh to that comment.
Samael continues eating his dinner, it looks like he's about done, the others likely are if they've been eating well. Mingzhu finishes hers and seems to drift off in thought. Silgara looks off at MIngzhu but stays at the table. Samael also seems to notice but doesn't comment.
Balan considers, “From the words spoken it seems as though there is a place to gather information on this affair amongst the many other problems this island faces.”
"Well, that sounds like a better direction, then." A smile to Balan from Samael.
Silgara nods aside to Balan as well, though seems lost in thought, and silent for now, beyond translating for Mingzhu. Mingzhu meanwhile tries to determine whether Samael was purposely leading them in a direction and for what purpose. She cannot seem to figure it out though.
“Aye! It seems we have much to discover still now though with these bearers of plagues and evil upon this land though that will be a direct challenge. Would you have any insight on this?” Balan asks.
T'kharr simply finishes out her food, looking to the rest to see if they're done. Balan finishes his meal quickly and leans back.
Samael looks to Balan. "Alas, I only heard of active plague bearers from my employee that you met today. But I have admittedly tried to keep an eye on those Corsairs. I'm sure they have some kind of pirate haven on one of these islands. Of course, there are many places to hide. If you wish to deal with those agents of chaos, I do wish you all the best." Samael gives a smile.
“Even in plain sight if they needed, I would think.” Balan gives a hearty laugh. “We will need it, along with this meal it will help our bellies and our travels!”
"You did enjoy the meal, I'm sure. I know most adventurers do skimp on such things." He takes a sip of the Sake. "Well, I do have some further business to tend to. I'll go and settle the bill. You'll all have exciting adventures, I'm sure." He stands with a perfect, practiced, gentlemanly grace. "It's been a pleasure." Samael goes off to settle the bill.
T'kharr rises and bows "Thank you for your hospitality, Samael, and may the Crying God's blessings ease your pain." Samael gives T'kharr a polite smile before he'd go to settle the bill.
Balan gives a stern nod, “May the platinum guide your journey well.”
Silgara looks around the table once he departs. "Well..." She considers looking at T'kharr, Balan, then Mingzhu if she's still present, then looks around to ensure they're not being spied upon in their booth. "What did you think of that?"
"I could not read him. He is either extremely willful or protected. He seemed to lead the conversation though to the conclusion he wanted us to make." Mingzhu says in a low voice.
T’kharr returns to the table while Samael is settling the bill "A showman for sure. Perhaps a few useful nuggets, but nothing that changes our priorities, either, or not much that'd...definitively clear their name, given his demeanor. I think the corsair theory is the most likely one for how the crate of theirs went astray, yes, but that's mostly a matter of not imputing malice needlessly. It's not like he was willing to speak in more definite terms."
Silgara nods, translating for them. "It's at least a plausible explanation, if a ship does go missing, they're not going to instantly know about it, unless they have a diviner or magic like a Sending. Still, an astute point, Mingzhu." She sighs, rubbing her face. "Trading company politics. Then again... would you say he's more or less trustworthy than that seer we met?"
"I am from a small fishing village. I am not use to such opulence or slick togues. I honestly don't know Silgara. I do know something about him makes me................. shiver. It could just be how polished he is. It is something I am not use to." Mingzhu exclaims.
"He's a man used to winning folk over by dazzling them with his words, for sure." T’kharr comments.
"That much is clear. I would expect that from one who runs a trading company, though." Silgara sighs, rubbing her face. "At any rate, without further evidence or observations it will be difficult to make definitive determinations, and we have other priorities." Silgara pauses. "To Saduzki or Golamaru next? Either way, we'd best get ourselves prepared."
"I will go do my job. perhaps I will make enough to help our next endeavor." Mingzhu sighs.
"Golamaru for sure. Saduzki seems like a slower-boiling situation, at the moment at least" T’kharr
lowers her voice "We also still have to be concerned about the possibility that Famine's reapers have those firebombs..."
Silgara considers. "At this juncture any of our myriad foes could have them. It seems likely if the Yakuza are a fence for stolen goods that they could go to them. However, who they could sell them to, I'm not sure. At this juncture there isn't enough evidence to say one way or another."
"Do not forget that there are creatures interfering with another town. I think it would be war. They may have the items." Mingzhu stresses.
“I would agree to this we have no direct trail to follow only some crumbs.” Balan nods to her.
Silgara nods aside "Also a distinct possibility. If we are set on going to Golamaru, we'd best prepare for a likely to be nasty fight. I'll go scribe a scroll while I can and prepare appropriate magic."
Mingzhu bows to the group. "I will go back to the inn in 4 or 5 hours." She leaves and takes off her robe placing it in her pack. She then goes to the shore and dives into the sea. Balan goes with her but sits down in the sand and stares out at sea. She turns back just a moment to notice. She searches the surf for 3 hours picking out every 5th oyster. She finds a nice gold pearl and two white ones.
When she comes back, she turns them into Vishnu and gets 500 coin for them. She smiles at the woman, “I’ll get more when I can.” Leaving she goes back to the inn and goes to bed.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
They wake up the next morning and begin to prepare themselves for a trip to Golamaru. Everyone goes as a group to the market. Balan smelling just how much coin Mingzhu has insists on her financing the expedition. Mingzhu is not pleased by this, but the group is somewhat of an extended family for her. She cannot refuse to help them in any way she can. They go to the Golden Sails.
Mingzhu purchases an amulet of protection, T’kharr uses her own coin to purchase 4 comprehend Language and 4 command scrolls. Silgara purchases 4 sleep scrolls again with her own coin. Balan sees a masterwork sword and wants Mingzhu to buy if for him. She grudgingly does. And asks him what he does with his coin, ‘Eat it?” For some reason he doesn’t answer her. The sword cost her 300 gold. She thinks to herself, “I should throw him into the water and tell him to get his own pearls.’ She is down to 1350 gold.
Mingzhu also purchases 8 cure light wounds and 4 sets of medical supplies for the trip costing 200 gold. She gives two of the kits to Silgara, so that after a battle she and the witch can bandage the others if need be.
They start out of town. Mingzhu picks up Snout on the way. He seems thrilled to see her and marches slowly by her side as they set for the next village. Tsaboru is on the way there. As they come into the village, they see that the villagers’ mood is till morose. They do seem friendly enough to the companions though still wary of Silgara.
Mingzhu checks in with the mayor to see if there is anything they can do. He tells her that there really isn’t at this time, unless she has the power to restore the burnt crops. T’kharr stands back and lets the shamaness handle the negotiations while listening to Silgara translate. Mingzhu nods, saying she will think about ways to help the village. Even if it is pleading with the tax collector. They are thankful for the aid, even if he describes that tax collector in some rather unpolite terms. She blesses him with a sign of the Path of Enlightenment. He bids her farewell then goes back to overseeing the farmers.
The group continues on to Golamaru. The small town is coastal but on the eastern side of the island. It also looks like there’s a number of rice crops. The air in the village is clearly tense. The only villagers seen around the outskirts are well armed and looking quiet on edge.
T’kharr looks at the shamaness and tells her via Silgara, “I reckon you should go forward and speak with the villagers, see if they can point us to the town leadership and any men-at-arms who have been organizing, especially Minamoto."
Balan adds, “Aye, that would be preferred. I think it best we do not have any conflict unneeded.
Silgara interjects. "Given what we heard of the state of things here, it may be unwise to mention Minamoto directly. Still, I would expect they would likely look distinct. But I'll follow your leads on this."
Mingzhu nods and thinks about it some. She then approaches a group of outlying villagers. As she does T’kharr says, “Ah, yes, the tax situation." T'kharr nods in agreement with Silgara.”
One of the Villagers looks to Mingzhu, they look quite on edge. "What is it? Who are you?"
"Greetings." She bows." I am Mingzhu, a shamaness of the enlightened path. I come from a village much like your own. I have come to help the village with the problems they face."
"Want to know our problems? Goblins, orcs, led by an Oni Warlord. Want to help? Join the militia's efforts on watch, and I hope you're the kind of shamaness that knows how to use a weapon and not just sit in a shrine and pray."
She smiles, "I am trained some with kung fu. yes. Could you direct me to the elders or mayor of your village. I and my companions have come to help in any way we may be of value to the village." Balan scratches the scales on his head looking confused between the two.
The villager motions towards the northern side of the village. "He's probably standing watch there. Northern front borders the woods, where most of the goblins come from. You want to make yourself useful, head there." She bows again and leads them in that direction. He speaks very tersely, yet there's a weariness under the tone.
She places her hand on his shoulder before she goes. "I can calm your nerves if you will let me?"
"Don't calm me, I need to be alert, Shamaness. Never know when goblin scouts are going to try sneaking in."
She breaths in. "As you wish, sir"
On the northern side of the village, there's an interesting scene, a short but strong-looking humanoid whose head looks like that of a badger, his hands having clear fur and claws. He wears tattered clothing, but there is a mail shirt underneath it. He also has a battleaxe drawn and shield worn, both bloodied. Looks like he's seen combat. To his side, a short distance away, there's a man wearing splint armor and has a well-made looking Katana, along with a shield and helmet. They seem very tense, especially towards each other.
Behind them is an older looking man, who has a well-worn and used hunting bow and leather armor. The elder of the village, clearly more used to combat even at an advanced age. To the side are about eight villagers, with crossbows and spears and an assortment of patchwork armor pieces.
T’kharr says to Mingzhu again, “Mind talking to the henge, or do you suspect neither the elder nor the man-at-arms understands common?"
In front of the three people, are arrayed corpses of orcs and goblins, the blood and battle still seems quite fresh, can't have been more than an hour ago. The older looking man swivels to the party, alert, he makes an order to the others. "Keep watch on the north in case another raiding party comes!" Then he looks at the group, speaking in low shou. "You there, identify yourselves!"
Balan looks at Mingzhu, confused. The Badger Hengeyokai looks over, as does the man at arms in the more expensive armor. Then he looks over, speaking to the man at arms. "They more of your corrupt jackass Daimyo's thugs? If they're here to take what's left of the rice crop, I'm kicking your ass first."
Balan goes a bit blank, “What are they saying.”
The man at arms sneers at the Badger Hengeyokai and replies. "Whomever they are, I sincerely hope they're less of a lowly barbarian than you." Silgara looks at Balan. "The older man asked us to identify themselves. The badger hengeyokai and the man are insulting each other."
Balan chuckles, “I see.”
The older man looks over. "What the... speak sense you lot! Identify yourselves!"
Mingzhu throws her hands to her sides in protection of the group. “Please may we talk? I am the shamaness Mingzhu of the Path.”
"A shamaness? You sure keep strange company. Who are they? Another Hengeyokai? Foreigners?"
The badger Hengeyokai snorts "That one's not a Hengeyokai. I can tell."
The man at arms replies to the other Hengeyokai "Well in that case there's a chance he's actually a properly civilized individual, unlike yourself." T'kharr just chuckles at Silgara's translation of the latest exchange.
Mingzhu intones very carefully, “One is T’kharr a priestess of the west. Another is called Balan. He is a holy warrior. The last is Silgara the witch.”
The Hengeyokai snarls at him. "I'll show you civilized after I maul your ass and throw your ass all the way back to the scum-sucker you lick the feet of."
The shamaness cuts in the conversation. “Gentlemen please. Calm yourselves.”
Silgara rolls her eyes. "I'm a /wizard/, not a witch. Witch is a term the uneducated regarding the specifics of magic use and has no bearing on actual practice."
The man replies. "I'm perfectly calm, I haven't turned this lowly thug into a pelt yet, despite the offense he gives on an hourly basis."
The badger snarls "Oh you're welcome to fucking try it! I'd love for a chance to turn you into a smear on the ground! See, I'm calm enough that I haven't done that yet despite him asking for it on a minutely basis." They don't seem to speak or understand western trade tongue. Silgara tries to keep up with the Translations though.
"Please, we are all here to defend the village are we not?" Mingzhu keeps trying to interrupt their train of thought.
"Well," T’kharr sighs "Do you wish to try speaking with the village elder and the man-at-arms Silgara, or translating for me for that matter? I'd need to burn almost all of my Comprehend Languages scrolls for this otherwise"
The Hengeyokai snarls "This scum-sucker is here to get the rice crop and then leave us to dry."
The man replies "Contrary to what this lowly brute thinks, I am actually here to assist in problems of security assailing this village. Though yes, that collection is part of my duties."
Balan starts picking at his teeth with a talon for the remains of any lunch.
Mingzhu gets between them again, “Gentlemen. Calm.”
The elder looks to the man. "And yet your Daimyo only sends you and no one else. It is clear show of where your priorities are."
She then turns to the elder. “Fighting amongst ourselves does not help with the situation.”
The man replies in turn to the elder, calm seems pretty lost on them right now. "If you did not openly speak of rebellion as did your fellows, maybe there would be more support."
Mingzhu tries to use her natural ability to calm emotions.
The elder looks back to Mingzhu, a sigh "It doesn't matter now, anyways. In one of the raids, the raiders ransacked our granary and stole our rice crop. We're being besieged, but sooner or later we'll run out of food, and I do not know if the fishermen can catch up." she nods and listens. "But even if we got it back, unless this horde is broken, our village remains under attack. And of course, the Daimyo is of no help at all."
The man interjects. "And yet I have lent my blade to this village's defense many times already."
T'kharr chimes in after Silgara translates the elder's line about priorities "I'd say it's a clear show of the Daimyo's priorities or lack thereof, no sense blaming someone for problems beyond their authority" then nods to the elder's line about the siege once it's translated, stepping in and motioning for Silgara to join her for translation's sake, addressing both the elder and the man-at-arms via Silgara "Mind speaking of what you know about our common foe here? We have arrived here to aid in the battle but little word about the scope of the foe has slipped beyond this village"
The badger Hengeyokai snarls at man. "Only because you want to grab the rice crop and run but are too chickenshit to fight the horde yourself for it."
"I assure you, elder, you have 4 more to add to your cause. Let us think about what we can do together." Mingzhu tries to soothe him.
The man snaps at the Hengeyokai "Call me a coward again, and I would gladly meet you blade to blade, any time, when my duties permit."
The Hengeyokai snarls "Oh I'd fucking welcome it! But right now, saving the village comes above giving you a well-deserved mauling."
Done picking his teeth, Balan looks among them all hearing the translation. “It would sound like some help is needed then by either removing the threat or making a treaty.”
T’kharr concurs, “Aye, first order of business is getting them to a cohesive point though" to Balan.
Looking between the henge and the man Balan says, “Best not to be at each other’s throats at this time though.”
Silgara translates for T'kharr, who then replies. "There's a horde led by an Oni, the horde consists of orcs and goblins. There were orcs and goblins before, but lately they've become more organized."
The Badger Hengeyokai just snarls at Balan. The man also gives him an annoyed look.
"That much I gathered" to Silgara "What we need to know but nobody seems to want to give us a read on is the size of the problem. 10 orcs? 100 orcs? 1000 orcs? Even an order-of-magnitude understanding would be sufficient to guide us further"
Balan blows a bit of smoke out of his mouth and laughs heartily at their looks.
Silgara looks at T'kharr, then asks.
The elder sighs, rubbing his face "We don't know. Their numbers have seemed endless lately. If not for the Hengeyokai guarding us, we would have been overrun already. He is a very capable warrior."
The man replies. "I have felled just as many as he has in the battles."
The badger Hengeyokai snarls at him "We all know who /you/ are fighting for, though."
T'kharr sighs and frowns "It seems that we will need to scout their positions more thoroughly then. Do you have local guidance among your ranks who can aid us in such or are we on our own as far as getting a handle on the true scale of the problem?"
The badger Hengeyokai looks over them. "If you lot aren't going to fall over at a stiff wind, I could track the way to their camp. I'd have done it myself if I had some competent help that didn't put the village at risk by taking them with me.”
“It seems you are both fighting at this time for the safety of this village is that not a common cause to come together even if it is a short time.” Balan replies.
The badger Hengeyokai snarls and turns around, drawing his axe and pointing north. "Weapons held high people we have incoming!"
Mingzhu purchases an amulet of protection, T’kharr uses her own coin to purchase 4 comprehend Language and 4 command scrolls. Silgara purchases 4 sleep scrolls again with her own coin. Balan sees a masterwork sword and wants Mingzhu to buy if for him. She grudgingly does. And asks him what he does with his coin, ‘Eat it?” For some reason he doesn’t answer her. The sword cost her 300 gold. She thinks to herself, “I should throw him into the water and tell him to get his own pearls.’ She is down to 1350 gold.
Mingzhu also purchases 8 cure light wounds and 4 sets of medical supplies for the trip costing 200 gold. She gives two of the kits to Silgara, so that after a battle she and the witch can bandage the others if need be.
They start out of town. Mingzhu picks up Snout on the way. He seems thrilled to see her and marches slowly by her side as they set for the next village. Tsaboru is on the way there. As they come into the village, they see that the villagers’ mood is till morose. They do seem friendly enough to the companions though still wary of Silgara.
Mingzhu checks in with the mayor to see if there is anything they can do. He tells her that there really isn’t at this time, unless she has the power to restore the burnt crops. T’kharr stands back and lets the shamaness handle the negotiations while listening to Silgara translate. Mingzhu nods, saying she will think about ways to help the village. Even if it is pleading with the tax collector. They are thankful for the aid, even if he describes that tax collector in some rather unpolite terms. She blesses him with a sign of the Path of Enlightenment. He bids her farewell then goes back to overseeing the farmers.
The group continues on to Golamaru. The small town is coastal but on the eastern side of the island. It also looks like there’s a number of rice crops. The air in the village is clearly tense. The only villagers seen around the outskirts are well armed and looking quiet on edge.
T’kharr looks at the shamaness and tells her via Silgara, “I reckon you should go forward and speak with the villagers, see if they can point us to the town leadership and any men-at-arms who have been organizing, especially Minamoto."
Balan adds, “Aye, that would be preferred. I think it best we do not have any conflict unneeded.
Silgara interjects. "Given what we heard of the state of things here, it may be unwise to mention Minamoto directly. Still, I would expect they would likely look distinct. But I'll follow your leads on this."
Mingzhu nods and thinks about it some. She then approaches a group of outlying villagers. As she does T’kharr says, “Ah, yes, the tax situation." T'kharr nods in agreement with Silgara.”
One of the Villagers looks to Mingzhu, they look quite on edge. "What is it? Who are you?"
"Greetings." She bows." I am Mingzhu, a shamaness of the enlightened path. I come from a village much like your own. I have come to help the village with the problems they face."
"Want to know our problems? Goblins, orcs, led by an Oni Warlord. Want to help? Join the militia's efforts on watch, and I hope you're the kind of shamaness that knows how to use a weapon and not just sit in a shrine and pray."
She smiles, "I am trained some with kung fu. yes. Could you direct me to the elders or mayor of your village. I and my companions have come to help in any way we may be of value to the village." Balan scratches the scales on his head looking confused between the two.
The villager motions towards the northern side of the village. "He's probably standing watch there. Northern front borders the woods, where most of the goblins come from. You want to make yourself useful, head there." She bows again and leads them in that direction. He speaks very tersely, yet there's a weariness under the tone.
She places her hand on his shoulder before she goes. "I can calm your nerves if you will let me?"
"Don't calm me, I need to be alert, Shamaness. Never know when goblin scouts are going to try sneaking in."
She breaths in. "As you wish, sir"
On the northern side of the village, there's an interesting scene, a short but strong-looking humanoid whose head looks like that of a badger, his hands having clear fur and claws. He wears tattered clothing, but there is a mail shirt underneath it. He also has a battleaxe drawn and shield worn, both bloodied. Looks like he's seen combat. To his side, a short distance away, there's a man wearing splint armor and has a well-made looking Katana, along with a shield and helmet. They seem very tense, especially towards each other.
Behind them is an older looking man, who has a well-worn and used hunting bow and leather armor. The elder of the village, clearly more used to combat even at an advanced age. To the side are about eight villagers, with crossbows and spears and an assortment of patchwork armor pieces.
T’kharr says to Mingzhu again, “Mind talking to the henge, or do you suspect neither the elder nor the man-at-arms understands common?"
In front of the three people, are arrayed corpses of orcs and goblins, the blood and battle still seems quite fresh, can't have been more than an hour ago. The older looking man swivels to the party, alert, he makes an order to the others. "Keep watch on the north in case another raiding party comes!" Then he looks at the group, speaking in low shou. "You there, identify yourselves!"
Balan looks at Mingzhu, confused. The Badger Hengeyokai looks over, as does the man at arms in the more expensive armor. Then he looks over, speaking to the man at arms. "They more of your corrupt jackass Daimyo's thugs? If they're here to take what's left of the rice crop, I'm kicking your ass first."
Balan goes a bit blank, “What are they saying.”
The man at arms sneers at the Badger Hengeyokai and replies. "Whomever they are, I sincerely hope they're less of a lowly barbarian than you." Silgara looks at Balan. "The older man asked us to identify themselves. The badger hengeyokai and the man are insulting each other."
Balan chuckles, “I see.”
The older man looks over. "What the... speak sense you lot! Identify yourselves!"
Mingzhu throws her hands to her sides in protection of the group. “Please may we talk? I am the shamaness Mingzhu of the Path.”
"A shamaness? You sure keep strange company. Who are they? Another Hengeyokai? Foreigners?"
The badger Hengeyokai snorts "That one's not a Hengeyokai. I can tell."
The man at arms replies to the other Hengeyokai "Well in that case there's a chance he's actually a properly civilized individual, unlike yourself." T'kharr just chuckles at Silgara's translation of the latest exchange.
Mingzhu intones very carefully, “One is T’kharr a priestess of the west. Another is called Balan. He is a holy warrior. The last is Silgara the witch.”
The Hengeyokai snarls at him. "I'll show you civilized after I maul your ass and throw your ass all the way back to the scum-sucker you lick the feet of."
The shamaness cuts in the conversation. “Gentlemen please. Calm yourselves.”
Silgara rolls her eyes. "I'm a /wizard/, not a witch. Witch is a term the uneducated regarding the specifics of magic use and has no bearing on actual practice."
The man replies. "I'm perfectly calm, I haven't turned this lowly thug into a pelt yet, despite the offense he gives on an hourly basis."
The badger snarls "Oh you're welcome to fucking try it! I'd love for a chance to turn you into a smear on the ground! See, I'm calm enough that I haven't done that yet despite him asking for it on a minutely basis." They don't seem to speak or understand western trade tongue. Silgara tries to keep up with the Translations though.
"Please, we are all here to defend the village are we not?" Mingzhu keeps trying to interrupt their train of thought.
"Well," T’kharr sighs "Do you wish to try speaking with the village elder and the man-at-arms Silgara, or translating for me for that matter? I'd need to burn almost all of my Comprehend Languages scrolls for this otherwise"
The Hengeyokai snarls "This scum-sucker is here to get the rice crop and then leave us to dry."
The man replies "Contrary to what this lowly brute thinks, I am actually here to assist in problems of security assailing this village. Though yes, that collection is part of my duties."
Balan starts picking at his teeth with a talon for the remains of any lunch.
Mingzhu gets between them again, “Gentlemen. Calm.”
The elder looks to the man. "And yet your Daimyo only sends you and no one else. It is clear show of where your priorities are."
She then turns to the elder. “Fighting amongst ourselves does not help with the situation.”
The man replies in turn to the elder, calm seems pretty lost on them right now. "If you did not openly speak of rebellion as did your fellows, maybe there would be more support."
Mingzhu tries to use her natural ability to calm emotions.
The elder looks back to Mingzhu, a sigh "It doesn't matter now, anyways. In one of the raids, the raiders ransacked our granary and stole our rice crop. We're being besieged, but sooner or later we'll run out of food, and I do not know if the fishermen can catch up." she nods and listens. "But even if we got it back, unless this horde is broken, our village remains under attack. And of course, the Daimyo is of no help at all."
The man interjects. "And yet I have lent my blade to this village's defense many times already."
T'kharr chimes in after Silgara translates the elder's line about priorities "I'd say it's a clear show of the Daimyo's priorities or lack thereof, no sense blaming someone for problems beyond their authority" then nods to the elder's line about the siege once it's translated, stepping in and motioning for Silgara to join her for translation's sake, addressing both the elder and the man-at-arms via Silgara "Mind speaking of what you know about our common foe here? We have arrived here to aid in the battle but little word about the scope of the foe has slipped beyond this village"
The badger Hengeyokai snarls at man. "Only because you want to grab the rice crop and run but are too chickenshit to fight the horde yourself for it."
"I assure you, elder, you have 4 more to add to your cause. Let us think about what we can do together." Mingzhu tries to soothe him.
The man snaps at the Hengeyokai "Call me a coward again, and I would gladly meet you blade to blade, any time, when my duties permit."
The Hengeyokai snarls "Oh I'd fucking welcome it! But right now, saving the village comes above giving you a well-deserved mauling."
Done picking his teeth, Balan looks among them all hearing the translation. “It would sound like some help is needed then by either removing the threat or making a treaty.”
T’kharr concurs, “Aye, first order of business is getting them to a cohesive point though" to Balan.
Looking between the henge and the man Balan says, “Best not to be at each other’s throats at this time though.”
Silgara translates for T'kharr, who then replies. "There's a horde led by an Oni, the horde consists of orcs and goblins. There were orcs and goblins before, but lately they've become more organized."
The Badger Hengeyokai just snarls at Balan. The man also gives him an annoyed look.
"That much I gathered" to Silgara "What we need to know but nobody seems to want to give us a read on is the size of the problem. 10 orcs? 100 orcs? 1000 orcs? Even an order-of-magnitude understanding would be sufficient to guide us further"
Balan blows a bit of smoke out of his mouth and laughs heartily at their looks.
Silgara looks at T'kharr, then asks.
The elder sighs, rubbing his face "We don't know. Their numbers have seemed endless lately. If not for the Hengeyokai guarding us, we would have been overrun already. He is a very capable warrior."
The man replies. "I have felled just as many as he has in the battles."
The badger Hengeyokai snarls at him "We all know who /you/ are fighting for, though."
T'kharr sighs and frowns "It seems that we will need to scout their positions more thoroughly then. Do you have local guidance among your ranks who can aid us in such or are we on our own as far as getting a handle on the true scale of the problem?"
The badger Hengeyokai looks over them. "If you lot aren't going to fall over at a stiff wind, I could track the way to their camp. I'd have done it myself if I had some competent help that didn't put the village at risk by taking them with me.”
“It seems you are both fighting at this time for the safety of this village is that not a common cause to come together even if it is a short time.” Balan replies.
The badger Hengeyokai snarls and turns around, drawing his axe and pointing north. "Weapons held high people we have incoming!"
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
T’kharr hears them coming too, an advancing force. Silgara draws her bow, translating. “Attack imminent.”
"If they're moving in with a scouting party, I can take my companions, and we can pincer around. If it's something substantial though, we're best-off staying here to help hold this position." T’kharr shouts. There's enough of a clearing between the village and the forest to let the group see them when they come, it’s a force of orcs and goblins coming in. T’kharr answers her own question. “Seems like the latter.” She wards up with Magic Weapon on her staff and a Shield of faith on herself, then readies her sling. Silgara casts mage armor on T’kharr. The villagers arm their crossbows, and the elder nocks an arrow. Balan draws his sword and lets out a roar.
A group of orcs charge in with many kinds of weapons bared including falchions, axes and others. Flanking them are goblins that all hold javelins except for one. T’kharr is the first to react. She uses her sling and tries to hit an orc but the shot sails over its head. Balan rushes forward so no allies are in front. He breaths out a cone of fire to hit as many as possible. Unfortunately, He breaths his breath weapon at maximum range and the effect is that it only singes their eyebrows. Minamoto the fighter and Fwangzhu the hengeyokai delay the orcs charge, rushing toward Balan while he holds his ground.
The orcs come upon Balan and attack him. One gets a solid hit on his ribs but doesn’t knock him down. The other three, disrupted by the two town-defender’s countercharge, miss him. T’kharr shouts out, “Don’t get too far out in front.”
Minamoto strikes one of the orcs with his katana nearly cutting off the monster’s arm. Fwangzhu goes in with a battleaxe but misses. The goblins charge in next. One of them pulls out a reddish orange globe. Silgara notices but is too slow on the draw to shoot them before the goblin hurls it at the militia formation. She calls out “Don’t clump! Scatter!” but it is too late. The globe flies out and lands in the middle of the gaggle. It explodes into a fiery ball nearly killing them all.
The rest run in, now 30 ft away from the front line, and start throwing Javelins. But they don't have precise shots, so it's a chaotic mess. Balan gets hit by one of them. In the foot. Javelins also come down around Minamoto and Fwangzhu but those all miss. The elder takes aim on an orc with his bow. He shoots it in the mouth killing it instantly. He gets another shot off and wounds it badly. Mingzhu casts obscuring mist on herself while Silgara kills another orc with her bow. Mingzhu looks over and sees all the militia members are down. Some are screaming, others are trying to crawl away.
T'kharr takes another shot with her sling. This time the stone hits a wounded orc, but he still does not go down. Balan jabs his sword into the center of another with a quick stance pulling his shield in front after. The sword cuts right through its armor and into its chest dropping it dead.
Fwangzhu the badger attacks his orc again hitting and nearly disemboweling it. By some miracle it survives the attack but only for a moment as Minamoto finishes it off. T’kharr yells out, “Crash down on the goblins!” to the front lines.
4 goblins charge ahead and attack, but the remaining 4 begin to run away. One of them hits Balan in the leg, another hists Fwangzhu along the ribs. The elder gets a bead on the fleeing goblins. He shoots a pair of arrows. One goes down an arrow through the neck. Another is hit in the shoulder and continues fleeing.
Mingzhu races forward and attempts to stun it with a forward kick. She hits and wounds it but misses its pressure point. It shakes the attempt off. Silgara finishes the goblin, she hits off as an arrow flies past Mingzhu, hitting it through the bladder. It falls. She attempts to turn and shoot one of the fleeing ones but misses her shot.
T’kharr tries a long distance shot on one of the fleeing goblins and hits him. He tumbles to the ground and doesn’t get back up. Balan tries to pull his sword out of the orc and stares down the goblin closest for a moment before attempting to remove its head snarling illegible grunts. Then he finds his sword is stuck in the orc.
Fwangzhu again puts a deep wound in another goblin while Minamoto finishes it off for good. The two goblins left miss their attacks. The two still fleeing make it to the tree line and disappear. The elder takes aim and shoots the two goblins left dead. One in the liver. The other in the eye.
Once the battle is done, the elder rushes to the militiamen who were downed by the blast globe explosive, Silgara goes to join him, trying to use her medical supplies to stabilize the ones that are downed but still alive. T'kharr sighs with relief as the fight ends but gives Silgara a soft frown "Got on the wrong side of the coin flip, was thinking it was a fifty-fifty between war and famine taking all the fire-goods, and it turns out it was war."
Mingzhu casts a Cure Moderate Wounds on Balan and a Cure Light Wounds on the badger as soon as combat is over. Balan huffs a bit turning around with a small amount of blood trickling down his face. “Well, that was something.”
The Hengeyokai Badger snarls "What in the eight million was that?! When did the goblins pull fireballs out of their asses?"
T'kharr joins Silgara in the effort to stabilize the downed militiamen as well, using her healing magic freely on anyone who isn't an obviously dead. Balan rushes over to assist T’kharr. Fortunately, it does look like the militiamen can be saved, no fatalities, but they are pretty severely burned.
T’kharr tells Fwangzhu via Silgara, “They stole them or got them from a fence. It was a shipment of such that was waylaid a while back. Definitely something we'll have to keep in mind for the future though."
Balan is able to stabilize one of them.
The Badger snarls and huffs, “Well that’s a new trick they pulled. Damn them.”
Mingzhu uses her last big level spell on another militiaman converting it to healing magic. The Hengeyokai gruffly thanks Mingzhu for the healing. After some time, the militia are either brought back up or carried back. The elder shouting orders to get a fresh rotation to the front. She has one smaller spell. She converts that also into a curing spell and heals another.
"Now that we have that dealt with...main issue is finding someone who can scout their camp properly. Don't doubt that they're guarding it to the hilt if they're fielding parties of this size on a repeated basis." T’kharr suggests.
Mingzhu gets another back up though he is still pretty singed from the blast globe. Any others that are hurt she does her best to help bandage them up. T’kharr helps her while she talks. Eventually they all get up and can walk. Silgara, after doing what she can with some alchemical mixes, looks over to T'kharr and translates for the Hengeyokai.
The Badger huffs, “Way they're set up is that they've got a number of smaller camps with individual war parties. But they've got a main camp in the woods housing the Warlord." Mingzhu listens while she works. The hengeyokai continues. “I'd maul all of the damned ones myself but that's too much, even for me."
"Okay. From that structure, it sounds like it's best to hit-and-run the smaller camps at night, keep them tied up and off balance if you will, seeing shadows. That gives us a window to do more in-depth scouting of the main force, but if they catch onto the raids, they may just drop everything on us..."
T'kharr looks to the elder and man-at-arms
Fwangzhu snorts "You do know that goblins and orcs are nocturnal, right?"
The elder nods "They can see in the dark. Cover of darkness means naught to them."
Balan looks up at T’kharr. “They can see in the dark like ourselves?”
Mingzhu answers, “Some of us can see in the dark too.”
"Or whenever they're asleep, really...if they're working night shift and sleeping days, we hit them in the daylight. They can't keep their whole force awake around the clock." T’kharr offers.
"Well, the Daimyo's loser can't. So maybe we should move in the night." The Hengeyokai badger snorts out
The man looks over with irritation. "I killed more of the enemy than you in that last battle. Show some respect."
The Badger Hengeyokai snarls back at him. "I really couldn't give a shit."
"In the name of the celestial court please start bickering there are wounded here." Mingzhu almost shouts. Neither the Hengeyokai nor the man seem to be amused by Mingzhu telling them to stop bickering.
Balan surmises, “They may not think that some would come after them at night since most of those around us cannot see at night.”
The Elder looks over "Well, Fwangzhu can show you the way, he knows these woods well. You've shown competence in that fight. I hope it will be enough. I will need to remain behind to keep the village safe."
Silgara struggles to keep up with the translating.
"Aye, that could be as well -- never rule out arrogance. Has anyone seen their main camp before, or do we just know it's out there?" T’kharr asks.
Balan looks between the arguing men. “If you cannot see past what has happened and that you both are willing to protect the town and lay down your anger towards each other this fight may have been won long ago.
Silgara looks to Balan "are you... sure I should translate that?"
Balan looks to her. “Is it not truth that temporary allies as they are if they fight it makes it harder to protect what they cherish no matter the cause.” Silgara sighs, then goes to translate for them
Fwangzhu looks over and snarls. "Oh, fuck off witch!"
“Arguing with each other leads to no good other than babble and noise that attracts harm and position on where they are.” Balan insists.
Minamoto sneers at her "I am not going to be judged for dereliction of duty by some foreigner."
Silgara translates, then looks to Balan. "Their reactions were predictable."
“I only ask you to put your grievances aside for this time or you could lose your town...village...whatever this is.” Balan answers.
Silgara shakes her head. “They’re perfect for each other. I’m tempted to rent an inn room for them.”
Balan swells up and gets between the two fighting in an attempt to intimidate them. Fwangzhu and Minamoto quiet down some, there’s a huff from them, Silgara just facepalms watching their antics. He looks at the two. “Now can we continue without the argument and slander?”
"Sure, sure, I can kick his ass after I maul that Oni's face off." It's clear there's still tension between them. He looks to Silgara to see if she wants to add anything. T'kharr sighs with some small relief as Balan's able to get them at least somewhat calmed down for the time being.
"I'd happily give you a lesson on swordsmanship and decorum any day, brute." Minamoto exclaims.
"Regardless, the orcs and goblins don't cover their trails, so their camps are easy enough to find. Of course, on the way they've got patrols. The badger hesitates for a moment. “And before you ask, yes." There's a growl from Fwangzhu "I have seen that Oni's ugly mug before. He prefers having the oh so big and ostentatious camp." Mingzhu just sits there and watches everything with a disapproving look. She does lighten up a little when the two calm down.
"If they're moving in with a scouting party, I can take my companions, and we can pincer around. If it's something substantial though, we're best-off staying here to help hold this position." T’kharr shouts. There's enough of a clearing between the village and the forest to let the group see them when they come, it’s a force of orcs and goblins coming in. T’kharr answers her own question. “Seems like the latter.” She wards up with Magic Weapon on her staff and a Shield of faith on herself, then readies her sling. Silgara casts mage armor on T’kharr. The villagers arm their crossbows, and the elder nocks an arrow. Balan draws his sword and lets out a roar.
A group of orcs charge in with many kinds of weapons bared including falchions, axes and others. Flanking them are goblins that all hold javelins except for one. T’kharr is the first to react. She uses her sling and tries to hit an orc but the shot sails over its head. Balan rushes forward so no allies are in front. He breaths out a cone of fire to hit as many as possible. Unfortunately, He breaths his breath weapon at maximum range and the effect is that it only singes their eyebrows. Minamoto the fighter and Fwangzhu the hengeyokai delay the orcs charge, rushing toward Balan while he holds his ground.
The orcs come upon Balan and attack him. One gets a solid hit on his ribs but doesn’t knock him down. The other three, disrupted by the two town-defender’s countercharge, miss him. T’kharr shouts out, “Don’t get too far out in front.”
Minamoto strikes one of the orcs with his katana nearly cutting off the monster’s arm. Fwangzhu goes in with a battleaxe but misses. The goblins charge in next. One of them pulls out a reddish orange globe. Silgara notices but is too slow on the draw to shoot them before the goblin hurls it at the militia formation. She calls out “Don’t clump! Scatter!” but it is too late. The globe flies out and lands in the middle of the gaggle. It explodes into a fiery ball nearly killing them all.
The rest run in, now 30 ft away from the front line, and start throwing Javelins. But they don't have precise shots, so it's a chaotic mess. Balan gets hit by one of them. In the foot. Javelins also come down around Minamoto and Fwangzhu but those all miss. The elder takes aim on an orc with his bow. He shoots it in the mouth killing it instantly. He gets another shot off and wounds it badly. Mingzhu casts obscuring mist on herself while Silgara kills another orc with her bow. Mingzhu looks over and sees all the militia members are down. Some are screaming, others are trying to crawl away.
T'kharr takes another shot with her sling. This time the stone hits a wounded orc, but he still does not go down. Balan jabs his sword into the center of another with a quick stance pulling his shield in front after. The sword cuts right through its armor and into its chest dropping it dead.
Fwangzhu the badger attacks his orc again hitting and nearly disemboweling it. By some miracle it survives the attack but only for a moment as Minamoto finishes it off. T’kharr yells out, “Crash down on the goblins!” to the front lines.
4 goblins charge ahead and attack, but the remaining 4 begin to run away. One of them hits Balan in the leg, another hists Fwangzhu along the ribs. The elder gets a bead on the fleeing goblins. He shoots a pair of arrows. One goes down an arrow through the neck. Another is hit in the shoulder and continues fleeing.
Mingzhu races forward and attempts to stun it with a forward kick. She hits and wounds it but misses its pressure point. It shakes the attempt off. Silgara finishes the goblin, she hits off as an arrow flies past Mingzhu, hitting it through the bladder. It falls. She attempts to turn and shoot one of the fleeing ones but misses her shot.
T’kharr tries a long distance shot on one of the fleeing goblins and hits him. He tumbles to the ground and doesn’t get back up. Balan tries to pull his sword out of the orc and stares down the goblin closest for a moment before attempting to remove its head snarling illegible grunts. Then he finds his sword is stuck in the orc.
Fwangzhu again puts a deep wound in another goblin while Minamoto finishes it off for good. The two goblins left miss their attacks. The two still fleeing make it to the tree line and disappear. The elder takes aim and shoots the two goblins left dead. One in the liver. The other in the eye.
Once the battle is done, the elder rushes to the militiamen who were downed by the blast globe explosive, Silgara goes to join him, trying to use her medical supplies to stabilize the ones that are downed but still alive. T'kharr sighs with relief as the fight ends but gives Silgara a soft frown "Got on the wrong side of the coin flip, was thinking it was a fifty-fifty between war and famine taking all the fire-goods, and it turns out it was war."
Mingzhu casts a Cure Moderate Wounds on Balan and a Cure Light Wounds on the badger as soon as combat is over. Balan huffs a bit turning around with a small amount of blood trickling down his face. “Well, that was something.”
The Hengeyokai Badger snarls "What in the eight million was that?! When did the goblins pull fireballs out of their asses?"
T'kharr joins Silgara in the effort to stabilize the downed militiamen as well, using her healing magic freely on anyone who isn't an obviously dead. Balan rushes over to assist T’kharr. Fortunately, it does look like the militiamen can be saved, no fatalities, but they are pretty severely burned.
T’kharr tells Fwangzhu via Silgara, “They stole them or got them from a fence. It was a shipment of such that was waylaid a while back. Definitely something we'll have to keep in mind for the future though."
Balan is able to stabilize one of them.
The Badger snarls and huffs, “Well that’s a new trick they pulled. Damn them.”
Mingzhu uses her last big level spell on another militiaman converting it to healing magic. The Hengeyokai gruffly thanks Mingzhu for the healing. After some time, the militia are either brought back up or carried back. The elder shouting orders to get a fresh rotation to the front. She has one smaller spell. She converts that also into a curing spell and heals another.
"Now that we have that dealt with...main issue is finding someone who can scout their camp properly. Don't doubt that they're guarding it to the hilt if they're fielding parties of this size on a repeated basis." T’kharr suggests.
Mingzhu gets another back up though he is still pretty singed from the blast globe. Any others that are hurt she does her best to help bandage them up. T’kharr helps her while she talks. Eventually they all get up and can walk. Silgara, after doing what she can with some alchemical mixes, looks over to T'kharr and translates for the Hengeyokai.
The Badger huffs, “Way they're set up is that they've got a number of smaller camps with individual war parties. But they've got a main camp in the woods housing the Warlord." Mingzhu listens while she works. The hengeyokai continues. “I'd maul all of the damned ones myself but that's too much, even for me."
"Okay. From that structure, it sounds like it's best to hit-and-run the smaller camps at night, keep them tied up and off balance if you will, seeing shadows. That gives us a window to do more in-depth scouting of the main force, but if they catch onto the raids, they may just drop everything on us..."
T'kharr looks to the elder and man-at-arms
Fwangzhu snorts "You do know that goblins and orcs are nocturnal, right?"
The elder nods "They can see in the dark. Cover of darkness means naught to them."
Balan looks up at T’kharr. “They can see in the dark like ourselves?”
Mingzhu answers, “Some of us can see in the dark too.”
"Or whenever they're asleep, really...if they're working night shift and sleeping days, we hit them in the daylight. They can't keep their whole force awake around the clock." T’kharr offers.
"Well, the Daimyo's loser can't. So maybe we should move in the night." The Hengeyokai badger snorts out
The man looks over with irritation. "I killed more of the enemy than you in that last battle. Show some respect."
The Badger Hengeyokai snarls back at him. "I really couldn't give a shit."
"In the name of the celestial court please start bickering there are wounded here." Mingzhu almost shouts. Neither the Hengeyokai nor the man seem to be amused by Mingzhu telling them to stop bickering.
Balan surmises, “They may not think that some would come after them at night since most of those around us cannot see at night.”
The Elder looks over "Well, Fwangzhu can show you the way, he knows these woods well. You've shown competence in that fight. I hope it will be enough. I will need to remain behind to keep the village safe."
Silgara struggles to keep up with the translating.
"Aye, that could be as well -- never rule out arrogance. Has anyone seen their main camp before, or do we just know it's out there?" T’kharr asks.
Balan looks between the arguing men. “If you cannot see past what has happened and that you both are willing to protect the town and lay down your anger towards each other this fight may have been won long ago.
Silgara looks to Balan "are you... sure I should translate that?"
Balan looks to her. “Is it not truth that temporary allies as they are if they fight it makes it harder to protect what they cherish no matter the cause.” Silgara sighs, then goes to translate for them
Fwangzhu looks over and snarls. "Oh, fuck off witch!"
“Arguing with each other leads to no good other than babble and noise that attracts harm and position on where they are.” Balan insists.
Minamoto sneers at her "I am not going to be judged for dereliction of duty by some foreigner."
Silgara translates, then looks to Balan. "Their reactions were predictable."
“I only ask you to put your grievances aside for this time or you could lose your town...village...whatever this is.” Balan answers.
Silgara shakes her head. “They’re perfect for each other. I’m tempted to rent an inn room for them.”
Balan swells up and gets between the two fighting in an attempt to intimidate them. Fwangzhu and Minamoto quiet down some, there’s a huff from them, Silgara just facepalms watching their antics. He looks at the two. “Now can we continue without the argument and slander?”
"Sure, sure, I can kick his ass after I maul that Oni's face off." It's clear there's still tension between them. He looks to Silgara to see if she wants to add anything. T'kharr sighs with some small relief as Balan's able to get them at least somewhat calmed down for the time being.
"I'd happily give you a lesson on swordsmanship and decorum any day, brute." Minamoto exclaims.
"Regardless, the orcs and goblins don't cover their trails, so their camps are easy enough to find. Of course, on the way they've got patrols. The badger hesitates for a moment. “And before you ask, yes." There's a growl from Fwangzhu "I have seen that Oni's ugly mug before. He prefers having the oh so big and ostentatious camp." Mingzhu just sits there and watches everything with a disapproving look. She does lighten up a little when the two calm down.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
Balan looks between them with a boisterous chuckle, “At times we must make unlikely allies even if it is temporary so, please let us do what is best for the place you reside.”
Minamoto nods "My duty demands that the Oni is dealt with, and the rice tax returned to the proper hands."
Fwangzhu interjects "Hands off that rice tax, your Daimyo can eat shit, it's going back to the village, not your grubby bootlicking hands."
Minamoto glares in turn. "That tax is rightfully owed to the Daimyo of these lands."
The elder glares at Minamoto in turn. "And yet your Daimyo only sends leeches and forgets his duties. Or is it incompetent at handling them."
Minamoto looks angrily at the Elder. "Do not insult my lord nor his honor."
Balan steps between the two, standing tall. “We need a time of peace between everyone if we are to combat those who are raiding.” T'kharr joins Balan, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the dragonborn for effect if nothing else.
Silgara looks over, then speaks to Fwangzhu and Minamoto. "Congratulations, your incessant arguing is wasting whatever time-based advantages we might have. In case both of you forgot, two of the goblins fled and are likely delivering a scouting report."
Fwangzhu snorts. "I'm fine. But if this ‘piss bucket’ tries to take the rice away from the villagers, I'm taking his hands."
Minamoto retorts. "And if you keep me from my lord's duty, I will give you the execution you so richly deserve, barbarian."
Mingzhu completely frustrated says, “May we settle this later. One thing at a time. We need to deal with the threat first...............taxes later."
Fwangzhu huffs, then looks over to Mingzhu "Right, you and yours ready to go knock some skulls? I can start tracking now."
Balan growls a bit. “Enough!” late to how the conversation had turned. Neither of them look at Balan impressed that time, Fwangzhu gives a look of 'oh just try me!'
Mingzhu explains, “"I am out of spells but have healing potions. If my companions wish to go then I shall follow."
"I am short magic as well; we can scout but we are best off staying clear of their patrols this time around." T’kharr nods in agreement.
Fwangzhu looks over, unimpressed. "One fight and you're already tapped out? Well, you still did good in saving the villagers that got blasted, so you're good in my view. How long will you lot need to get yourselves ready?"
Balan says, “I can only heal a small amount. It may be best we do not get in combat.”
T’kharr tells Fwangzhu, “Overnight, we'll be back up and ready in the morning."
Mingzhu grumbles. “That is why I’m out of spells I spent them on you and the villagers. They are people too. and needed help."
T’kharr stands with her. “Exactly, likewise!”
"Yeah, I got that. Just thinking that while you lot prepare, they could send another attack in." Fwangzhu huffs.
Balan calculates, “Then if we do not do this today, I will stand on your line and help.”
Minamoto looks over, narrowing his eyes, considering something. "This was the first time they deployed that fire-witchcraft, I do not know if they will be able to deploy that again, or how often."
"They have more of it where they got it from, I'm fairly sure. The thieves got their hands on a whole crate of that sort of thing" T’kharr tells him.
He shakes his head "That's terrible news. Where did they get it from and who were these thieves?" Silgara looks over to T'kharr, looking a bit wary, seeming a touch uneasy about translating this line of inquiry.
"It was stolen from traders, likely corsair work if I was to hazard a guess as to who actually stole it, then traded to the goblins by those in shadowed market." T’kharr says.
"All we can say is we know there is a crate of these globes known missing." Mingzhu looks at T’kharr not Minamoto. Silgara looks between the two women then says something in western trade tongue to T’kharr.
The gnoll checks herself then explains, "That said, if we can find where they are keeping them...one flaming arrow will rid us of the problem right quickly."
Minamoto narrows his eyes. "I and my lord will want to know more of this later. It is extremely hazardous if these savages have access to this kind of witchcraft."
Balan snarls a bit with his gob poking fangs. “I would think in their main camp.”
"It'd be a daring mission, for sure, but it'd eliminate this vector of threat." T’kharr comments.
Fwangzhu interjects. "Maul the Oni, maul anyone who gets in the way. Maul this Piss Bucket.” He looks at Minamoto. "For good measure. Then return with the rice crop, or what's left of it. Oni's using it to feed his horde. Sounds good to me."
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "Do not get in the way of my duty, brute."
Mingzhu suddenly has an idea. “Wait. if he’s using it to feed his horde, can we not poison a batch?"
Balan looks between Fwangzhu and Minamoto and bolsters, “Truce!”
Fwangzhu looks over, glaring. "Seriously? Even assuming we could get close, that's poisoning the village’s food supply."
".... probably not poison, because that'd make it useless to all others.... but I do have an idea if we can send a runner to the Port" T’kharr says latching on to the idea.
Minamoto also glares, looking over "I can't believe I'm agreeing with that savage, but use of poison is dishonorable, and I will not abuse the owed tax that way."
T’kharr asks, “Did the orcs and goblins show as evil to you, Balan?”
“They did. No doubt on that.”
"There are some tricks of...blessed alchemy, if you will, that one can pull to make things distasteful, or even outright harmful, to the evil hearted without affecting anyone else, I read about them a while ago and they're just starting to come back to mind. We can send a runner with letter to the Port Ginji traders and see if they have something of that nature available, or if the ingredients of such if Silgara here is familiar with which I speak, for that matter." T’kharr explains her thinking.
"I'm not saying the whole supply just a small batch. Then we take it on a cart they will attack, and we run away." Mingzhu states.
Silgara considers, then shakes her head. "I don't know of any alchemical concoctions that would do that. And that would also take a considerable investiture of time to make. I expect it may also require resources we do not have."
Balan takes his holy symbol in his hands a moment unleashing an aura of courage. “We must remove them and help this place.”
Fwangzhu looks over to Mingzhu "Problem with that is that the rice supply is already in the Oni's camp. We would already have to fight our way through to get there. Or send a scout, I guess. If you have one."
"We'd probably wind up sending a scout to do any sort of sneak-raid, yes" T’kharr says.
Mingzhu agrees, “We will have too.”
"Well do we have one?" Fwangzhu looks over the party.
Silgara looks over "I did not prepare any castings of invisibility. It would last only a few minutes."
"None of us are very stealthy unless there is a river by their camp." Mingzhu shakes her head.
"Invisibility and sanctuary wards might enable someone to get close enough for a hit-and-run, most likely on their stash of fire globes though." Silgara says trying to figure out a way this plan would work.
Balan gestures at his armor. “I do not think this clinking would be heard less than a few hundred feet away.”
"No, it's mostly forest up that way. They might have smaller camps by the coast, but I haven't gone that way." Fwangzhu shakes his head.
"There I can go using the sea as a shield." Mingzhu nods.
"Well, if you can scout around the coast, be my guest, but I know that their main camp isn't coastal. Unless you want to try doing a sneak attack from that direction." Fwangzhu considers.
She shrugs, "I have been trained to take care of and speak for a community, if necessary, not wage war."
He gives a snort. "Well, better start getting used to war fast, Shamaness." Balan chuckles a bit on that.
Silgara looks over to T'kharr "I expect unless we know the grounds very well, invisibility castings will not be sufficient to get there and out."
"Aye, not all the way there -- we'd have to get to a sighting-point, then cast quickly, make the final move in, strike, and run." T’kharr answers.
"And I am the only one that can breathe underwater." Mingzhu states.
Silgara considers "I can also only cover a few of us in Invisibility castings, cannot yet manage enough for all of us."
"It'd have to be a very small group, likely just you, me, and a guide Silgara.” T’kharr carefully says while going over it in her mind.
Mingzhu frowns, “If I am not going, I can scout the coast for camps."
T’kharr agrees with her. “That would make sense.”
Balan places his sword in front of them into the dirt. “You take all the time you need.”
"An additional complication is that unless the corresponding divination is also cast then those turned invisible would be unable to see each other." Silgara speaks.
"Aye, part of the reason it'd be reserved for the final move in.” T’kharr nods.
"What's the plan even if we do successfully sneak in there?" Silgara considers.
T’kharr closes her eyes to think and says, "The idea would be to gather any information on general scale of their main body of force that we can while laying torch to where they keep the flame globes, probably with a fire-arrow."
Mingzhu agrees, “We need to take out those globes if there is a chance.”
"Aye, those represent the single biggest threat they pose to the militia." Silgara says. Then she has her own idea. An additional consideration is that we could potentially commandeer them and use them against the horde."
T’kharr nods, "We'd have to find them unguarded or very lightly guarded to do that, it'd be much trickier to pull off."
“It is a good idea.” Mingzhu agrees.
"It's something we can keep as an option should we find the situation suitable, at least" T’kharr says.
Minamoto Shakes his head "We'd have to spot and kill whichever goblins or orcs have those things before they use them on us. I do not know how feasible that is."
"We're talking about their bulk supply." T’kharr says to Minamoto via Silgara.
"If there are coastal camps, I should swim at night that way they will not be able to see either me or snout and will not be looking seaward on their patrols." Mingzhu says.
"Aye, that'd be good to get an idea of the extent of their forces on the coast at least." T’kharr agrees.
Fwangzhu snorts "Do we really have time for all that when we could be hitting them more directly?"
Silgara looks over "Blundering and rushing in reduces likelihood of managing this operation successfully."
"The problem with direct hits is that we can only chip away at their numbers that way, and they have the advantage that they can win any war of attrition against us, at least with what sort of numbers they likely have given how long this has been going on." T’kharr tells him.
"Their forces outnumber ours in my estimation. Hitting them head-on could be disastrous."
Fwangzhu snorts, then shakes his head "If you're too scared to take them head on. Just say so."
Silgara rolls her eyes. "A decapitation strike on the leader would be optimal, I would think. According to available information, the Oni is keeping the horde together. Take them out of the equation and it will splinter apart again."
Mingzhu grumbles, “it’s not about being scared. It’s about being smart and not overextending your own resources."
"Got a way to figure out how to pull that one off then, genius?" Fwangzhu snorts
Minamoto shrugs "They are filthy savages. They will need to be culled regardless."
T’kharr looks at them all. "That'd be much more difficult indeed, an Oni is a formidable foe all by their lonesome from what little I have heard."
Mingzhu says, “I do not have those answers, but you are warriors. You can figure this out. All you need to do is use some of your wisdom and experience."
Fwangzhu snorts "Here's what my wisdom and experience say. We go in, maul the orcs and goblins that get in the way. Maul the Oni. Clean up. Simple." Silgara shakes her head, perhaps doubting that one has much wisdom to spare.
T’kharr says, “Were it ten orcs and an oni, I'd agree with you, but if they're able to spare a dozen or more on a raid to little effect, their numbers are likely to prove overwhelming to frontal assault." Balan puts his palm to his face.
"So, if we need to, we kill some, pull back. It would be good to go on the offensive for once." Fwangzhu shrugs
Silgara sighs "A pity they did not have potions of invisibility available in Port Ginji."
Minamoto looks over dismissively. "Why, so you can cower away, witch?"
T’kharr shakes her head. "A good strategy for the smaller camps but not so good when they have the numbers to just swallow us up whole" then looks to Silgara "No scrolls of such either I take it?"
Silgara looks over at Minamoto annoyed. "Contrary to whatever erroneous observations you were making, I was actively contributing to killing orcs and goblins in that battle."
"Yes, go on the offensive but let it be measured." Mingzhu says getting somewhat annoyed.
Silgara then looks to T'kharr "Afraid not. I would need to make them myself, which could take considerable time for sufficient quantity."
Fwangzhu snorts. "I hope you're not planning on sitting on your ass writing how to hide better while the orcs and goblins keep raiding us."
"...there is one other play we can make, and that's capturing an orc. It is one tongue I do know..." T’kharr suggests.
Silgara looks over, raising an eyebrow "Do you really think they'll cooperate?"
“It is doubtful but maybe worth the chance.” Balan asserts.
T’kharr nods, "It's worth a shot, I have scrolls of Command and I doubt the orcs are mindful enough to resist such effectively."
"I am unsure the spirits that touch me will give me anything that can touch the mind. but I could try." Mingzhu says.
Fwangzhu snorts "Well whatever. I'll be around for whenever you geniuses decide to overthink this then realize we're just going to have to go in axes swinging anyways. I'll keep watch for more ambushes while you make up your minds."
T’kharr suggests, "I think the plan for tomorrow, if we don't get raided again before then, would be to try to hit one of their small camps and return with a captive orc."
Minamoto shrugs "No big loss if that brute gets themselves killed charging in, but I do not want to delay too long lest the rice crop is eaten by our enemy."
Fwangzhu snarls back at Minamoto "And you keep your grubby hands off of it, Piss bucket!" Balan eyes them both.
Minamoto answers and glares back. "The offenses are lining up for when my honor demands my blade spill your guts for the repeated insults you have shown against myself and my lord."
Fwangzhu snarls in turn "You both deserve it!"
Minamoto snaps back. "Silence rebel savage!"
Mingzhu looks between everyone. “The question I have for you then is do you want me to come with you or scout the coast or do you want me to scout tonight and go with you tomorrow?"
T’kharr is the one who answers. “Scout the coast tonight if you can manage such and still have time to be rested for the morrow.”
Fwangzhu looks over to Mingzhu "I really don't give a shit! Just do whatever and let me know when you're actually ready to knock on some skulls."
The shamaness asks, “Which direction is best to go?"
Fwangzhu looks over. "To scout you mean. The horde's been attacking from the north. You can head northwards up the coast if you really want to waste time doing that."
She nods, "Whether there are camps or not it will be valuable information."
He snorts "Aren't you looking for their /main/ camp? It's not going to be along the coast. Well, whatever, have a look if you want. I'll be here knocking on the skulls of any goblins or orcs that come by. And maybe a few of the Daimyo's thugs on the side."
Minamoto glares and responds. "And I am more than happy to take my blade to any filthy savages. Especially the very loud and ill-mannered ones which forget their place."
Silgara just sighs "Is there any magic in particular I should prepare if we have some time to ready ourselves?"
"If there is a camp along the coast and the main is inland that means we can be easily surrounded if we go on the offensive." Mingzhu retorts.
"Knowing if they have a line to the coast is very valuable as that tells us if they have resupply and support from the corsairs, or are living off the land, as well." T’kharr agrees.
Fwangzhu shrugs "Sure, whatever. I don't care. Do what you want and let me know when you're ready to get some actual work done."
Silgara just rubs her face, speaking in Western trade. T’kharr and Balan look at her. Balan laughs. T’kharr takes it more seriously.
She then looks over to Fwangzhu. “Hold on, how did you know the stolen rice supply is in the Oni's personal camp?"
Fwangzhu looks over with a snarl "Because I have eyes and ears, genius."
Silgara continues "In fact you mentioned the Oni having a larger and more opulent tent."
Fwangzhu snorts "Congratulations witch, you learned how to listen."
Minamoto nods "My duty demands that the Oni is dealt with, and the rice tax returned to the proper hands."
Fwangzhu interjects "Hands off that rice tax, your Daimyo can eat shit, it's going back to the village, not your grubby bootlicking hands."
Minamoto glares in turn. "That tax is rightfully owed to the Daimyo of these lands."
The elder glares at Minamoto in turn. "And yet your Daimyo only sends leeches and forgets his duties. Or is it incompetent at handling them."
Minamoto looks angrily at the Elder. "Do not insult my lord nor his honor."
Balan steps between the two, standing tall. “We need a time of peace between everyone if we are to combat those who are raiding.” T'kharr joins Balan, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the dragonborn for effect if nothing else.
Silgara looks over, then speaks to Fwangzhu and Minamoto. "Congratulations, your incessant arguing is wasting whatever time-based advantages we might have. In case both of you forgot, two of the goblins fled and are likely delivering a scouting report."
Fwangzhu snorts. "I'm fine. But if this ‘piss bucket’ tries to take the rice away from the villagers, I'm taking his hands."
Minamoto retorts. "And if you keep me from my lord's duty, I will give you the execution you so richly deserve, barbarian."
Mingzhu completely frustrated says, “May we settle this later. One thing at a time. We need to deal with the threat first...............taxes later."
Fwangzhu huffs, then looks over to Mingzhu "Right, you and yours ready to go knock some skulls? I can start tracking now."
Balan growls a bit. “Enough!” late to how the conversation had turned. Neither of them look at Balan impressed that time, Fwangzhu gives a look of 'oh just try me!'
Mingzhu explains, “"I am out of spells but have healing potions. If my companions wish to go then I shall follow."
"I am short magic as well; we can scout but we are best off staying clear of their patrols this time around." T’kharr nods in agreement.
Fwangzhu looks over, unimpressed. "One fight and you're already tapped out? Well, you still did good in saving the villagers that got blasted, so you're good in my view. How long will you lot need to get yourselves ready?"
Balan says, “I can only heal a small amount. It may be best we do not get in combat.”
T’kharr tells Fwangzhu, “Overnight, we'll be back up and ready in the morning."
Mingzhu grumbles. “That is why I’m out of spells I spent them on you and the villagers. They are people too. and needed help."
T’kharr stands with her. “Exactly, likewise!”
"Yeah, I got that. Just thinking that while you lot prepare, they could send another attack in." Fwangzhu huffs.
Balan calculates, “Then if we do not do this today, I will stand on your line and help.”
Minamoto looks over, narrowing his eyes, considering something. "This was the first time they deployed that fire-witchcraft, I do not know if they will be able to deploy that again, or how often."
"They have more of it where they got it from, I'm fairly sure. The thieves got their hands on a whole crate of that sort of thing" T’kharr tells him.
He shakes his head "That's terrible news. Where did they get it from and who were these thieves?" Silgara looks over to T'kharr, looking a bit wary, seeming a touch uneasy about translating this line of inquiry.
"It was stolen from traders, likely corsair work if I was to hazard a guess as to who actually stole it, then traded to the goblins by those in shadowed market." T’kharr says.
"All we can say is we know there is a crate of these globes known missing." Mingzhu looks at T’kharr not Minamoto. Silgara looks between the two women then says something in western trade tongue to T’kharr.
The gnoll checks herself then explains, "That said, if we can find where they are keeping them...one flaming arrow will rid us of the problem right quickly."
Minamoto narrows his eyes. "I and my lord will want to know more of this later. It is extremely hazardous if these savages have access to this kind of witchcraft."
Balan snarls a bit with his gob poking fangs. “I would think in their main camp.”
"It'd be a daring mission, for sure, but it'd eliminate this vector of threat." T’kharr comments.
Fwangzhu interjects. "Maul the Oni, maul anyone who gets in the way. Maul this Piss Bucket.” He looks at Minamoto. "For good measure. Then return with the rice crop, or what's left of it. Oni's using it to feed his horde. Sounds good to me."
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "Do not get in the way of my duty, brute."
Mingzhu suddenly has an idea. “Wait. if he’s using it to feed his horde, can we not poison a batch?"
Balan looks between Fwangzhu and Minamoto and bolsters, “Truce!”
Fwangzhu looks over, glaring. "Seriously? Even assuming we could get close, that's poisoning the village’s food supply."
".... probably not poison, because that'd make it useless to all others.... but I do have an idea if we can send a runner to the Port" T’kharr says latching on to the idea.
Minamoto also glares, looking over "I can't believe I'm agreeing with that savage, but use of poison is dishonorable, and I will not abuse the owed tax that way."
T’kharr asks, “Did the orcs and goblins show as evil to you, Balan?”
“They did. No doubt on that.”
"There are some tricks of...blessed alchemy, if you will, that one can pull to make things distasteful, or even outright harmful, to the evil hearted without affecting anyone else, I read about them a while ago and they're just starting to come back to mind. We can send a runner with letter to the Port Ginji traders and see if they have something of that nature available, or if the ingredients of such if Silgara here is familiar with which I speak, for that matter." T’kharr explains her thinking.
"I'm not saying the whole supply just a small batch. Then we take it on a cart they will attack, and we run away." Mingzhu states.
Silgara considers, then shakes her head. "I don't know of any alchemical concoctions that would do that. And that would also take a considerable investiture of time to make. I expect it may also require resources we do not have."
Balan takes his holy symbol in his hands a moment unleashing an aura of courage. “We must remove them and help this place.”
Fwangzhu looks over to Mingzhu "Problem with that is that the rice supply is already in the Oni's camp. We would already have to fight our way through to get there. Or send a scout, I guess. If you have one."
"We'd probably wind up sending a scout to do any sort of sneak-raid, yes" T’kharr says.
Mingzhu agrees, “We will have too.”
"Well do we have one?" Fwangzhu looks over the party.
Silgara looks over "I did not prepare any castings of invisibility. It would last only a few minutes."
"None of us are very stealthy unless there is a river by their camp." Mingzhu shakes her head.
"Invisibility and sanctuary wards might enable someone to get close enough for a hit-and-run, most likely on their stash of fire globes though." Silgara says trying to figure out a way this plan would work.
Balan gestures at his armor. “I do not think this clinking would be heard less than a few hundred feet away.”
"No, it's mostly forest up that way. They might have smaller camps by the coast, but I haven't gone that way." Fwangzhu shakes his head.
"There I can go using the sea as a shield." Mingzhu nods.
"Well, if you can scout around the coast, be my guest, but I know that their main camp isn't coastal. Unless you want to try doing a sneak attack from that direction." Fwangzhu considers.
She shrugs, "I have been trained to take care of and speak for a community, if necessary, not wage war."
He gives a snort. "Well, better start getting used to war fast, Shamaness." Balan chuckles a bit on that.
Silgara looks over to T'kharr "I expect unless we know the grounds very well, invisibility castings will not be sufficient to get there and out."
"Aye, not all the way there -- we'd have to get to a sighting-point, then cast quickly, make the final move in, strike, and run." T’kharr answers.
"And I am the only one that can breathe underwater." Mingzhu states.
Silgara considers "I can also only cover a few of us in Invisibility castings, cannot yet manage enough for all of us."
"It'd have to be a very small group, likely just you, me, and a guide Silgara.” T’kharr carefully says while going over it in her mind.
Mingzhu frowns, “If I am not going, I can scout the coast for camps."
T’kharr agrees with her. “That would make sense.”
Balan places his sword in front of them into the dirt. “You take all the time you need.”
"An additional complication is that unless the corresponding divination is also cast then those turned invisible would be unable to see each other." Silgara speaks.
"Aye, part of the reason it'd be reserved for the final move in.” T’kharr nods.
"What's the plan even if we do successfully sneak in there?" Silgara considers.
T’kharr closes her eyes to think and says, "The idea would be to gather any information on general scale of their main body of force that we can while laying torch to where they keep the flame globes, probably with a fire-arrow."
Mingzhu agrees, “We need to take out those globes if there is a chance.”
"Aye, those represent the single biggest threat they pose to the militia." Silgara says. Then she has her own idea. An additional consideration is that we could potentially commandeer them and use them against the horde."
T’kharr nods, "We'd have to find them unguarded or very lightly guarded to do that, it'd be much trickier to pull off."
“It is a good idea.” Mingzhu agrees.
"It's something we can keep as an option should we find the situation suitable, at least" T’kharr says.
Minamoto Shakes his head "We'd have to spot and kill whichever goblins or orcs have those things before they use them on us. I do not know how feasible that is."
"We're talking about their bulk supply." T’kharr says to Minamoto via Silgara.
"If there are coastal camps, I should swim at night that way they will not be able to see either me or snout and will not be looking seaward on their patrols." Mingzhu says.
"Aye, that'd be good to get an idea of the extent of their forces on the coast at least." T’kharr agrees.
Fwangzhu snorts "Do we really have time for all that when we could be hitting them more directly?"
Silgara looks over "Blundering and rushing in reduces likelihood of managing this operation successfully."
"The problem with direct hits is that we can only chip away at their numbers that way, and they have the advantage that they can win any war of attrition against us, at least with what sort of numbers they likely have given how long this has been going on." T’kharr tells him.
"Their forces outnumber ours in my estimation. Hitting them head-on could be disastrous."
Fwangzhu snorts, then shakes his head "If you're too scared to take them head on. Just say so."
Silgara rolls her eyes. "A decapitation strike on the leader would be optimal, I would think. According to available information, the Oni is keeping the horde together. Take them out of the equation and it will splinter apart again."
Mingzhu grumbles, “it’s not about being scared. It’s about being smart and not overextending your own resources."
"Got a way to figure out how to pull that one off then, genius?" Fwangzhu snorts
Minamoto shrugs "They are filthy savages. They will need to be culled regardless."
T’kharr looks at them all. "That'd be much more difficult indeed, an Oni is a formidable foe all by their lonesome from what little I have heard."
Mingzhu says, “I do not have those answers, but you are warriors. You can figure this out. All you need to do is use some of your wisdom and experience."
Fwangzhu snorts "Here's what my wisdom and experience say. We go in, maul the orcs and goblins that get in the way. Maul the Oni. Clean up. Simple." Silgara shakes her head, perhaps doubting that one has much wisdom to spare.
T’kharr says, “Were it ten orcs and an oni, I'd agree with you, but if they're able to spare a dozen or more on a raid to little effect, their numbers are likely to prove overwhelming to frontal assault." Balan puts his palm to his face.
"So, if we need to, we kill some, pull back. It would be good to go on the offensive for once." Fwangzhu shrugs
Silgara sighs "A pity they did not have potions of invisibility available in Port Ginji."
Minamoto looks over dismissively. "Why, so you can cower away, witch?"
T’kharr shakes her head. "A good strategy for the smaller camps but not so good when they have the numbers to just swallow us up whole" then looks to Silgara "No scrolls of such either I take it?"
Silgara looks over at Minamoto annoyed. "Contrary to whatever erroneous observations you were making, I was actively contributing to killing orcs and goblins in that battle."
"Yes, go on the offensive but let it be measured." Mingzhu says getting somewhat annoyed.
Silgara then looks to T'kharr "Afraid not. I would need to make them myself, which could take considerable time for sufficient quantity."
Fwangzhu snorts. "I hope you're not planning on sitting on your ass writing how to hide better while the orcs and goblins keep raiding us."
"...there is one other play we can make, and that's capturing an orc. It is one tongue I do know..." T’kharr suggests.
Silgara looks over, raising an eyebrow "Do you really think they'll cooperate?"
“It is doubtful but maybe worth the chance.” Balan asserts.
T’kharr nods, "It's worth a shot, I have scrolls of Command and I doubt the orcs are mindful enough to resist such effectively."
"I am unsure the spirits that touch me will give me anything that can touch the mind. but I could try." Mingzhu says.
Fwangzhu snorts "Well whatever. I'll be around for whenever you geniuses decide to overthink this then realize we're just going to have to go in axes swinging anyways. I'll keep watch for more ambushes while you make up your minds."
T’kharr suggests, "I think the plan for tomorrow, if we don't get raided again before then, would be to try to hit one of their small camps and return with a captive orc."
Minamoto shrugs "No big loss if that brute gets themselves killed charging in, but I do not want to delay too long lest the rice crop is eaten by our enemy."
Fwangzhu snarls back at Minamoto "And you keep your grubby hands off of it, Piss bucket!" Balan eyes them both.
Minamoto answers and glares back. "The offenses are lining up for when my honor demands my blade spill your guts for the repeated insults you have shown against myself and my lord."
Fwangzhu snarls in turn "You both deserve it!"
Minamoto snaps back. "Silence rebel savage!"
Mingzhu looks between everyone. “The question I have for you then is do you want me to come with you or scout the coast or do you want me to scout tonight and go with you tomorrow?"
T’kharr is the one who answers. “Scout the coast tonight if you can manage such and still have time to be rested for the morrow.”
Fwangzhu looks over to Mingzhu "I really don't give a shit! Just do whatever and let me know when you're actually ready to knock on some skulls."
The shamaness asks, “Which direction is best to go?"
Fwangzhu looks over. "To scout you mean. The horde's been attacking from the north. You can head northwards up the coast if you really want to waste time doing that."
She nods, "Whether there are camps or not it will be valuable information."
He snorts "Aren't you looking for their /main/ camp? It's not going to be along the coast. Well, whatever, have a look if you want. I'll be here knocking on the skulls of any goblins or orcs that come by. And maybe a few of the Daimyo's thugs on the side."
Minamoto glares and responds. "And I am more than happy to take my blade to any filthy savages. Especially the very loud and ill-mannered ones which forget their place."
Silgara just sighs "Is there any magic in particular I should prepare if we have some time to ready ourselves?"
"If there is a camp along the coast and the main is inland that means we can be easily surrounded if we go on the offensive." Mingzhu retorts.
"Knowing if they have a line to the coast is very valuable as that tells us if they have resupply and support from the corsairs, or are living off the land, as well." T’kharr agrees.
Fwangzhu shrugs "Sure, whatever. I don't care. Do what you want and let me know when you're ready to get some actual work done."
Silgara just rubs her face, speaking in Western trade. T’kharr and Balan look at her. Balan laughs. T’kharr takes it more seriously.
She then looks over to Fwangzhu. “Hold on, how did you know the stolen rice supply is in the Oni's personal camp?"
Fwangzhu looks over with a snarl "Because I have eyes and ears, genius."
Silgara continues "In fact you mentioned the Oni having a larger and more opulent tent."
Fwangzhu snorts "Congratulations witch, you learned how to listen."
-
Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
Before Mingzhu goes scouting she tells everyone she will report what she finds at breakfast after her meditation. Just before she walks off, she takes Silgara to the side and asks her if she can make someone’s hands light up if needed? Silgara looks to her, considering. “What specifically were you thinking off? Catching fire? Glow?
Mingzhu nods, “If I clap my hands at breakfast make someone’s hands glow. You’ll know who.”
Based on the context, I assume you would want something that is imperceptible. I am afraid the magic I know of has a verbal and somatic components, so would be noticed even by those who are not used to magic.” She considers. “What is this for?”
“If all goes well, I’ll do a little ceremony on our two miscreants that are at each other’s throats. If I do this ceremony, I want them to fell or see something. Faith, and religion can be… enhanced a bit.
"I... see." She considers. "Unfortunately, while I could make someone's hands glow with a cantrip, there are complications. The spell requires a magical chanting, as well as that I touch the object in question. Such would make it extremely obvious that I would be the one making them glow. And I have already been introduced as a witch."
“Is there something else you can do?”
Silgara pulls out a spellbook, considering the contents and thinking. "Dancing lights, or a Ghost Sound, maybe." She considers. "For the former, it would create several motes of light, I could do it at a distance. I would need to be away from where it is cast though, because it does involve verbal and somatic components, so if I am seen, the jig is up, as it were." Then she pauses. "A ghost sound is similar; I can make an auditory illusion. However, I would still need to be hidden from where I could be viewed as invoking witchcraft, and the distance is shorter than for the dancing lights."
“Well then only if you get the chance to without being seen. I will clap my hands tomorrow at breakfast if you can’t then don’t worry about it if you can it will enhance the effect, I want.........that is if it happens.”
"There may also need to be enough ambient volume that my casting is not overheard."
"Maybe you can work that out with Grinny.... Balan."
"Perhaps... still, are you sure this will work? The antipathy the locals and the badger Hengeyokai have for Minamoto is intense, and I can tell he returns it."
"If it does, we will have no more problems with them being at their throats."
"Here's hoping... though I also expect that they will not likely all gather together unless on watch as well. Bear in mind this village is essentially under siege; they're not going to want to drop their guard."
Mingzhu nods. "I must go now. Perhaps, I will find if there is a ship supplying them.
"Very well, warm winds and bright suns be with you. I'll prepare what I can." Silgara goes back to making preparation work. "Actually... one thing, Mingzhu?" She says, suddenly turning around. She is too late. Mingzhu and Snout are diving into the waves to start their scouting to the north.
Mingzhu nods, “If I clap my hands at breakfast make someone’s hands glow. You’ll know who.”
Based on the context, I assume you would want something that is imperceptible. I am afraid the magic I know of has a verbal and somatic components, so would be noticed even by those who are not used to magic.” She considers. “What is this for?”
“If all goes well, I’ll do a little ceremony on our two miscreants that are at each other’s throats. If I do this ceremony, I want them to fell or see something. Faith, and religion can be… enhanced a bit.
"I... see." She considers. "Unfortunately, while I could make someone's hands glow with a cantrip, there are complications. The spell requires a magical chanting, as well as that I touch the object in question. Such would make it extremely obvious that I would be the one making them glow. And I have already been introduced as a witch."
“Is there something else you can do?”
Silgara pulls out a spellbook, considering the contents and thinking. "Dancing lights, or a Ghost Sound, maybe." She considers. "For the former, it would create several motes of light, I could do it at a distance. I would need to be away from where it is cast though, because it does involve verbal and somatic components, so if I am seen, the jig is up, as it were." Then she pauses. "A ghost sound is similar; I can make an auditory illusion. However, I would still need to be hidden from where I could be viewed as invoking witchcraft, and the distance is shorter than for the dancing lights."
“Well then only if you get the chance to without being seen. I will clap my hands tomorrow at breakfast if you can’t then don’t worry about it if you can it will enhance the effect, I want.........that is if it happens.”
"There may also need to be enough ambient volume that my casting is not overheard."
"Maybe you can work that out with Grinny.... Balan."
"Perhaps... still, are you sure this will work? The antipathy the locals and the badger Hengeyokai have for Minamoto is intense, and I can tell he returns it."
"If it does, we will have no more problems with them being at their throats."
"Here's hoping... though I also expect that they will not likely all gather together unless on watch as well. Bear in mind this village is essentially under siege; they're not going to want to drop their guard."
Mingzhu nods. "I must go now. Perhaps, I will find if there is a ship supplying them.
"Very well, warm winds and bright suns be with you. I'll prepare what I can." Silgara goes back to making preparation work. "Actually... one thing, Mingzhu?" She says, suddenly turning around. She is too late. Mingzhu and Snout are diving into the waves to start their scouting to the north.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
The coast along the shoreline north seems clear. For some time, it seems rather uninhabited beaches and forest zones. Probably a no-man's land between the village and the orc and goblin infested woodlands.
As Mingzhu keeps going north though, she would eventually find what looks like a small goblin camp. It doesn't look like a war-camp though, though the goblins do have weapons lying around. It seems like the camp is more for fishing, here.
She sees that the fishing camp seems relatively small. There appears to be one that’s chief, and a few warriors, she only sees 4 of them. There are about a dozen goblin fishermen there. She looks to see if this fishing post has any crates from ships parked near the shore. It doesn’t look like it. It looks like it’s primitive and poorly made, it has the strong scent of goblin about the place. She moves on to the north. As she does, she looks for docks where the Oni might be able to trade with ships.
Another goblin fishing camp comes into view further to the north. It’s got a similar setup to the other one. As for docks, they do have some rafts. They look pretty shaky but are serviceable. Some of the goblins take them out deeper to sea for fishing. There is no dock that a ship could bring in supplies. They do have a small storage yard but from what she can tell it’s loaded with junk. Nothing truly useable. Again, she checks for any shipping crates. Seeing none, she follows one of the rafts quietly from below. The goblins don't really have advanced construction. The rafts just go out to sea. It's pretty clear the goblins really aren't that competent at fishing, they just float out, and they struggle to make the primitive rafts go (and not fall apart). And then they start fishing.
Being that they are fishermen and not warriors, she lets them go slipping way and going back to the village meanwhile she searches for incidental oysters along the way home. She does find a nice silver pearl of good quality and translucency. She puts it in her purse on the way back. Snout gobbles up the remains of the oyster while she does.
When she comes back home, she gets some sleep. Just before dawn she goes to the cemetery for her meditation. Once she is done with that, she casts commune with spirits. “Ancestral and community spirits of Wa. I have a question. What is the most embarrassing thing that Fwangzhu and Minamoto hold secret to their hearts that they want no one to know?”
The spirits of the town surround her and whisper into her ear. “Minamoto when he was young accidentally and rather inappropriately tumbled into a young noblewoman’s butt. It was especially embarrassing because he is a commoner.”
Another spirit whispers to her. “Fwangzhu got into a brawl when he was young and lost against some other boys. He got mauled instead of doing the mauling.”
Mingzhu goes to breakfast… smiling like a mother hen.
Breakfast is an informal affair. There isn’t a set time. The militia on watch try to get it done quickly so they can take up their shifts. T’kharr scarfs up whatever she can find. Mingzhu wants to make sure her friends, Minamoto and Fwangzhu, are all there. Fwangzhu is speaking with the Elder, Minamoto's not far by the northern front. This time it seems the local militia with crossbows are keeping spread out. She calls the badger and Minamoto to the group.
Minamoto moves over to her. “Yes, Shamaness?”
"Ah before we go, I have a story for everyone. We all like stories don’t we and Balan never wants to go anywhere without a good story. Isn't that right Balan?" She narrows her eyes at him.
"Shamaness, we are under siege by a warlord. Now is not the time for bedtime stories."
Minamoto shakes his head.
“It’s a good story! And short.”
"Make it fast then. The warlord and their forces take precedence." The warrior acquiesces. Balan stares at her not understanding. Minamoto looks rather impatient, the elder and Fwangzhu aren't listening, they confer with each other and watch the north. Silgara tries to remain out of sight.
Mingzhu studies Fwangzhu. “Once upon a time there was a little village on an island. This Island was a small island where the wind gods liked to play. The winds blew strong and constantly giving the villagers much worry. One day the wind blew so strongly that it blew over half the village.”
She then looks at the Elder and Minamoto, “One of those homes was the home of two brothers. They vowed to fight the wind until their dying breaths.
The older brother took up his mighty sword and shield and went into the hills above the village. The younger followed with his bow. The wind blew hard and pushed them back again and again. It didn’t care and didn’t even notice the two brothers struggling and fighting it.
The older brother swung his sword to and through, this way and that. He tried to cut the wind again and again in vain, for he could not part the wind. The younger brother watched and saw that it was futile yet the older still fought.
The two were pushed back again and again until they reached the other side of the island. As they got to the edge the younger fell to the ground and tried to shout to the older brother that his doom was neigh. The elder paid no attention and kept swinging his mighty sword this way and that, trying to cut the wind.
He kept fighting with the wind in his face as it pushed him back until he stepped back and nothing was there. He fell off a great cliff and broke his body on the rocks below.
The younger brother had to march back to the village alone seeking cover from the wind from time to time so it would not push him back to the cliff. All the while he thought. ‘How can you fight something you cannot strike with sword or pierce with arrow?’ By the time he made it to the village he had an idea.
The very next day the younger got all the village together. They built great walls to channel the wind into adjacent valleys away from the village. Then he built windmills within to grind the island’s grain. The great winds turned the mills so fast that all the grain of the island could be done in a day.
He built ships with strong canvas sails the wind could not throw or tear, then brought more grain from the mainland to turn. The mainland, overwhelmed by how quickly the village could turn grain, gave them all the business the village could take.
After all of this the Younger had grown old and amassed great wealth. As he looked out of his new office at all the ships in the harbor bringing grain to his mills and the pleasant breeze that blew in the harbor now protected from the wind, he came to the realization that he never had to fight the wind. Instead, he only need make it…. His Best Friend.” She then watches their reactions.
Minamoto simply listens, raising an eyebrow. "I... see, I'm sure there's wisdom to be gleaned from this tale, however I'm afraid my mind remains on more imminent events, here."
She looks at Fwangzhu. He and the Elder aren’t listening to her at all. She gets angry. “I am tired off all this bickering so I will say it so the two of you understand it. Fwangzhu, I hear you breathe one more word of malice at Minamoto I will tell every villager about how your brother Fwangfrow mauled you so badly that you hid in your den for a 10 day. and Minamoto if you say another word to Fwangzhu in malice I'll tell them how much you loved Lady Toysoki's butt! NOW DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTIONS!"
Minamoto gives a shocked look, but then his visage darkens, perhaps wondering how she came to know that. Fwangzhu, however, looks rather annoyed. He looks over. "Do you fucking mind Shamaness? I was actually discussing something useful, like the enemy troop movements with the Elder. You know, for that horde bearing down on us?!"
Balan takes a step back next to T’kharr and says something to her. She replies and Balan laughs at it and says something back.
Fwangzhu moves over to Mingzhu. "So, what is that what you were actually doing when you said you'd be scouting? Did you actually find out anything of relevance?"
“I did. There are two goblin fishing villages to the north. The first is poor they don’t even have boats. there were 4 warriors and a chief there. they are insignificant. Further north there was another goblin fishing village again no warriors of note, but they did have rafts. though not the kind that could carry shipping crates from ships. So, they did not get their globes from ships it had to come by land.
A huff, Fwangzhu grumbles. "Well, not a total waste of time then. As for the horde, they've sent some reinforcements to put guard shifts and buffers between us and the Oni's camp."
"Hitting their fishing villages and trying to hit their food supply won't really stop the Horde when they've managed to steal the village's, I'm afraid." The elder interjects.
Minamoto considers "It sounds like they're likely preparing for another attack."
"As I said they are insignificant it would be best to leave them alone." Mingzhu insists.
Fwangzhu snarls at him. "No one asked you, tyrant's bootlicker!"
Minamoto glares in response. "Continue to show such disrespect at your peril, savage."
Mingzhu quite loudly says, “Elder, let me tell you about the time Fwangzhu was a baby and he…….” She narrows her eyes at the hengeyokai.
The elder glares at Minamoto "He's been more helpful than you ever will be!"
Fwangzhu snarls at Mingzhu "No one gives a shit!"
“They will!” She retorts.
Fwangzhu steps up right up close to Mingzhu. The elder and Minamoto are arguing with each other.
"In fact, how the fuck did you even find out about stuff like that? Huh?" The badger Hengeyokai looks pretty snarly and angry.
“I’m a shamaness with a community spirit guide. I can find out anything about you or anyone else. I can make your mother look like a saint on her worse cramp day! OH, can I see those scars Fwangfrow gave you?"
"Oh! So, let me get this fucking straight!" Fwangzhu snarls, rolling his eyes. "You actually have spirit magic that can tell you things. But oh no, you use it to try and find blackmail material instead of, oh, I don't know," He shouts, snarling. "Using it to find out how we can defeat this Oni and their Horde?! If you had a spirit guide, then why the fuck didn't you ask them for a way out of this mess?!?"
"Because this has to end first for us to be a cohesive unity.” She tries to grab his whiskers.
"Oh, you know what shamaness?" He snarls again. "I don't really give a shit. Go right the fuck on. Tell everyone. But if you're going to try and play politics here? Get out of the way and let people who are actually doing something do their jobs. At least the Daimyo's Bootlicker actually killed some goblins and orcs."
The fight begins.
As Mingzhu keeps going north though, she would eventually find what looks like a small goblin camp. It doesn't look like a war-camp though, though the goblins do have weapons lying around. It seems like the camp is more for fishing, here.
She sees that the fishing camp seems relatively small. There appears to be one that’s chief, and a few warriors, she only sees 4 of them. There are about a dozen goblin fishermen there. She looks to see if this fishing post has any crates from ships parked near the shore. It doesn’t look like it. It looks like it’s primitive and poorly made, it has the strong scent of goblin about the place. She moves on to the north. As she does, she looks for docks where the Oni might be able to trade with ships.
Another goblin fishing camp comes into view further to the north. It’s got a similar setup to the other one. As for docks, they do have some rafts. They look pretty shaky but are serviceable. Some of the goblins take them out deeper to sea for fishing. There is no dock that a ship could bring in supplies. They do have a small storage yard but from what she can tell it’s loaded with junk. Nothing truly useable. Again, she checks for any shipping crates. Seeing none, she follows one of the rafts quietly from below. The goblins don't really have advanced construction. The rafts just go out to sea. It's pretty clear the goblins really aren't that competent at fishing, they just float out, and they struggle to make the primitive rafts go (and not fall apart). And then they start fishing.
Being that they are fishermen and not warriors, she lets them go slipping way and going back to the village meanwhile she searches for incidental oysters along the way home. She does find a nice silver pearl of good quality and translucency. She puts it in her purse on the way back. Snout gobbles up the remains of the oyster while she does.
When she comes back home, she gets some sleep. Just before dawn she goes to the cemetery for her meditation. Once she is done with that, she casts commune with spirits. “Ancestral and community spirits of Wa. I have a question. What is the most embarrassing thing that Fwangzhu and Minamoto hold secret to their hearts that they want no one to know?”
The spirits of the town surround her and whisper into her ear. “Minamoto when he was young accidentally and rather inappropriately tumbled into a young noblewoman’s butt. It was especially embarrassing because he is a commoner.”
Another spirit whispers to her. “Fwangzhu got into a brawl when he was young and lost against some other boys. He got mauled instead of doing the mauling.”
Mingzhu goes to breakfast… smiling like a mother hen.
Breakfast is an informal affair. There isn’t a set time. The militia on watch try to get it done quickly so they can take up their shifts. T’kharr scarfs up whatever she can find. Mingzhu wants to make sure her friends, Minamoto and Fwangzhu, are all there. Fwangzhu is speaking with the Elder, Minamoto's not far by the northern front. This time it seems the local militia with crossbows are keeping spread out. She calls the badger and Minamoto to the group.
Minamoto moves over to her. “Yes, Shamaness?”
"Ah before we go, I have a story for everyone. We all like stories don’t we and Balan never wants to go anywhere without a good story. Isn't that right Balan?" She narrows her eyes at him.
"Shamaness, we are under siege by a warlord. Now is not the time for bedtime stories."
Minamoto shakes his head.
“It’s a good story! And short.”
"Make it fast then. The warlord and their forces take precedence." The warrior acquiesces. Balan stares at her not understanding. Minamoto looks rather impatient, the elder and Fwangzhu aren't listening, they confer with each other and watch the north. Silgara tries to remain out of sight.
Mingzhu studies Fwangzhu. “Once upon a time there was a little village on an island. This Island was a small island where the wind gods liked to play. The winds blew strong and constantly giving the villagers much worry. One day the wind blew so strongly that it blew over half the village.”
She then looks at the Elder and Minamoto, “One of those homes was the home of two brothers. They vowed to fight the wind until their dying breaths.
The older brother took up his mighty sword and shield and went into the hills above the village. The younger followed with his bow. The wind blew hard and pushed them back again and again. It didn’t care and didn’t even notice the two brothers struggling and fighting it.
The older brother swung his sword to and through, this way and that. He tried to cut the wind again and again in vain, for he could not part the wind. The younger brother watched and saw that it was futile yet the older still fought.
The two were pushed back again and again until they reached the other side of the island. As they got to the edge the younger fell to the ground and tried to shout to the older brother that his doom was neigh. The elder paid no attention and kept swinging his mighty sword this way and that, trying to cut the wind.
He kept fighting with the wind in his face as it pushed him back until he stepped back and nothing was there. He fell off a great cliff and broke his body on the rocks below.
The younger brother had to march back to the village alone seeking cover from the wind from time to time so it would not push him back to the cliff. All the while he thought. ‘How can you fight something you cannot strike with sword or pierce with arrow?’ By the time he made it to the village he had an idea.
The very next day the younger got all the village together. They built great walls to channel the wind into adjacent valleys away from the village. Then he built windmills within to grind the island’s grain. The great winds turned the mills so fast that all the grain of the island could be done in a day.
He built ships with strong canvas sails the wind could not throw or tear, then brought more grain from the mainland to turn. The mainland, overwhelmed by how quickly the village could turn grain, gave them all the business the village could take.
After all of this the Younger had grown old and amassed great wealth. As he looked out of his new office at all the ships in the harbor bringing grain to his mills and the pleasant breeze that blew in the harbor now protected from the wind, he came to the realization that he never had to fight the wind. Instead, he only need make it…. His Best Friend.” She then watches their reactions.
Minamoto simply listens, raising an eyebrow. "I... see, I'm sure there's wisdom to be gleaned from this tale, however I'm afraid my mind remains on more imminent events, here."
She looks at Fwangzhu. He and the Elder aren’t listening to her at all. She gets angry. “I am tired off all this bickering so I will say it so the two of you understand it. Fwangzhu, I hear you breathe one more word of malice at Minamoto I will tell every villager about how your brother Fwangfrow mauled you so badly that you hid in your den for a 10 day. and Minamoto if you say another word to Fwangzhu in malice I'll tell them how much you loved Lady Toysoki's butt! NOW DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTIONS!"
Minamoto gives a shocked look, but then his visage darkens, perhaps wondering how she came to know that. Fwangzhu, however, looks rather annoyed. He looks over. "Do you fucking mind Shamaness? I was actually discussing something useful, like the enemy troop movements with the Elder. You know, for that horde bearing down on us?!"
Balan takes a step back next to T’kharr and says something to her. She replies and Balan laughs at it and says something back.
Fwangzhu moves over to Mingzhu. "So, what is that what you were actually doing when you said you'd be scouting? Did you actually find out anything of relevance?"
“I did. There are two goblin fishing villages to the north. The first is poor they don’t even have boats. there were 4 warriors and a chief there. they are insignificant. Further north there was another goblin fishing village again no warriors of note, but they did have rafts. though not the kind that could carry shipping crates from ships. So, they did not get their globes from ships it had to come by land.
A huff, Fwangzhu grumbles. "Well, not a total waste of time then. As for the horde, they've sent some reinforcements to put guard shifts and buffers between us and the Oni's camp."
"Hitting their fishing villages and trying to hit their food supply won't really stop the Horde when they've managed to steal the village's, I'm afraid." The elder interjects.
Minamoto considers "It sounds like they're likely preparing for another attack."
"As I said they are insignificant it would be best to leave them alone." Mingzhu insists.
Fwangzhu snarls at him. "No one asked you, tyrant's bootlicker!"
Minamoto glares in response. "Continue to show such disrespect at your peril, savage."
Mingzhu quite loudly says, “Elder, let me tell you about the time Fwangzhu was a baby and he…….” She narrows her eyes at the hengeyokai.
The elder glares at Minamoto "He's been more helpful than you ever will be!"
Fwangzhu snarls at Mingzhu "No one gives a shit!"
“They will!” She retorts.
Fwangzhu steps up right up close to Mingzhu. The elder and Minamoto are arguing with each other.
"In fact, how the fuck did you even find out about stuff like that? Huh?" The badger Hengeyokai looks pretty snarly and angry.
“I’m a shamaness with a community spirit guide. I can find out anything about you or anyone else. I can make your mother look like a saint on her worse cramp day! OH, can I see those scars Fwangfrow gave you?"
"Oh! So, let me get this fucking straight!" Fwangzhu snarls, rolling his eyes. "You actually have spirit magic that can tell you things. But oh no, you use it to try and find blackmail material instead of, oh, I don't know," He shouts, snarling. "Using it to find out how we can defeat this Oni and their Horde?! If you had a spirit guide, then why the fuck didn't you ask them for a way out of this mess?!?"
"Because this has to end first for us to be a cohesive unity.” She tries to grab his whiskers.
"Oh, you know what shamaness?" He snarls again. "I don't really give a shit. Go right the fuck on. Tell everyone. But if you're going to try and play politics here? Get out of the way and let people who are actually doing something do their jobs. At least the Daimyo's Bootlicker actually killed some goblins and orcs."
The fight begins.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
Angry badger goes to grapple Mingzhu. Minamoto and the Elder look over. That seems to interrupt their argument. Fwangzhu is relatively short but he's vicious and very strong, he doesn't waste time in getting Mingzhu into a very firm grapple hold. Then he goes to pin her to the ground.
Minamoto approaches, hand reaching his Katana hilt. "Unhand the shamaness, Savage!"
That seems to distract Fwangzhu from Mingzhu, looking to Minamoto "Fuck off, slug!" T'kharr jumps in at seeing this, making a dash for Fwangzhu and Minamoto. Balan takes a few steps forward watching.
Mingzhu manages to get the upper hand in grappling for a moment, but her kick misses the mark. The Elder comes over... however Fwangzhu goes back and tries to re-assert control on the grapple. The advantage switches as Fwangzhu turns the tables on her. He is quite a bit stronger than Mingzhu physically, despite her kung fu training. He tries to punch her but misses. Minamoto draws his blade. "That is enough! Unhand the Shamaness or I shall strike you down here and now!"
The elder draws his bow "Stay out of this, minion of that tyrant!"
Minamoto looks back to the Elder. "Do not press for rebellion now!"
T'kharr yells something at Balan that Mingzhu can’t understand. She goes for Minamoto. Balan goes after the Badger. Balan moves quickly to try to separate Fwangzhu from Mingzhu.
"Oh, more of you? Come right the fuck on! I'll maul the shit out of all of you!" the hengeyokai exclaims.
Minamoto is caught off guard, he was wholly focused on Fwangzhu, enough that he doesn't see T'kharr coming and T'kharr is able to get him in a grapple. "Unhand me savage, unless you want to join the other in execution!"
T'kharr simply holds him in the grapple, wrenching his sword arm to the point where it's of no use to him "Silgara, can you explain to the thick-skulled pair how much the Oni enjoys their infighting?"
The Elder joins in and tries to tackle Balen. Mingzhu is still scraping with the badger. The Elder is able to get a grapple hold on Balan while Fwangzhu gets the advantage back from Mingzhu a second time. He claws her across the face and blood starts to seep from the wounds. The Elder holds Balan tight, “What do you think is your place here, Foreigner?!”
Minamoto tries to break T'kharr's hold. T'kharr is just barely able to keep him in a grapple hold, but it's pretty tough, he's pretty clearly well trained. The local militia look on, alarmed and perplexed, but they don't intervene for now.
Balan lets out a guttural growl flexing his arms to push the Elder away. He gets the upper hand turning and getting the Elder into a hold. T'kharr simply holds the grapple on Minamoto to keep him from escalating matters further, while Mingzhu breaks Fwangzhu’s grip. She punches him with a devastating blow to the chest knocking him back, but he shakes off the disabling effect of her pressure point blow. Still the blow hurts him severely. He tries to counter with a punch of his own but she’s too quick and he misses her. They lock up again into a hold.
T'kharr manages to keep Minamoto grappled in her grip. The Elder gets the advantage on Balan again and gets him in a locking hold. As Mingzhu and the badger roll around fighting she calls out, “Bring it on! You oversized skunk!” She manages again to get a strike in. This time a kick to the head further hurting and infuriating him.
Fwangzhu enters a rage and goes to strike again. “You wanna go bitch?!? Let’s go!!" He gets another punch in sending her back in turn. Her left eye turns purple and starts to swell up.
Balan breaks the Elder’s grip and tries to pull Fwangzhu off of Mingzhu once again. Balan attempts again to pull the hengeyokai off his friend. He grapples the Badger and puts him in a hold. Fwangzhu is raging still. “Oh! Bring it on.”
The Elder Grabs Mingzhu and puts her in a locking hold. “Enough!” Minamoto finally breaks T’kharr’s grip and draws his katana. Fwangzhu is able to punch Balan. Surprised he releases his grip on the hengeyokai.
Mingzhu stands down. She is not going to fight with the Elder. The elders of a village and a shaman have a tight relationship. She respects his action, but says, “You should have let me continue. This is needed.”
"No, it is not! Th.." He looks over at Minamoto drawing his weapon. "You had better put that away, Daimyo's dog!" The Elder states.
Balan again tries to engage the Badger but can’t get a firm grip. Fwangzhu is strong and ferocious enough that the dragonborn can’t maintain a good grip.
Suddenly, while everyone's brawling, a loud sound can be heard, it sounds like an orcish war cry from the north, someone shouting something like 'CHARGE'! or 'WAAAAGH'
Balan looks back towards it, “T’kharr!” Mingzhu goes running after the sound of the war cry while wiping blood from her nose. She heads north but quickly sees there are no orcs. T'kharr immediately whirls at hearing it and heads for wherever the line's forming up at, staff in hand. Balan pushes away from the badger draws their sword and shield heading that way as well.
As the villagers seem to get the news of an incoming raid, Minamoto draws his weapon and heads to the front, the Elder draws his bow then looks around, seeming perplexed, Fwangzhu also gets his axe out, looking for some orcs to vent his frustrations out on... But some time passes, and no orcs come.
Silgara strolls over, rubbing her face, then lets out an annoyed huff as she looks over the gathered people there. "So, while we are under siege by an Oni warlord, whose bright idea was it to start a brawl right on the front lines with an enemy force nearby, again?"
Fwangzhu looks over, snarling "Fuck off witch!"
Minamoto glares. "Do not fault me for the activities of these brutes and your foreigner companions."
The elder looks over to the north, then back to Silgara, narrowing his eyes... Silgara strolls over, looking annoyed. "That was a ghost sound cantrip. It does at least prove you are willing to stop mauling each other in the face of a perceived threat. But would any of you ladies and gentlemen who decided to start punching each other and drew weapons on each other care to explain your thoroughly irresponsible and idiotic behavior?"
Minamoto glares. "I do not need to explain myself to you, witch."
The elder looks over. "A false alarm with your witchcraft. Who do you think you are doing that, outlander?"
Silgara looks back with an annoyed glare. "Someone who's actually trying to be a responsible adult here, which I would have expected the rest of you to be to some extent, and clearly my expectations have been too high."
T’kharr says, "Started with the badger losing it at Mingzhu trying to convince him to listen to her" to Silgara with a sigh
"I will explain my actions. I did not expect a fight; however, I did consider that could happen. If so, I had hoped to subdue the one who started it. Subdue him and force him to become a blood brother to one of the other antagonists in the eyes of the celestial court so that their karma would be intertwined. In doing so when one caused harm or did good to the other it would reflect back on them 5-fold."
Fwangzhu snarls, then Minamoto shakes his head. "Really? Blood brother to that savage, Shamaness? I'd sooner gift his pelt to my lord. Eight million knows he's enough of a nuisance to warrant becoming a special gift."
Fwangzhu looks like he's about to snap at Mingzhu, then looks to Minamoto "Just fucking try it!"
The elder glares at Minamoto "Do not threaten him, he has done more for this village than your lord or his men ever have!" Silgara just sighs deeply, rubbing her face.
Mingzhu continues, “None of my plans worked though. Diplomacy didn’t work, nor my story, nor knowledge, antagonism or shame. I could not get you to work together. I failed you both.” She walks off to the beach, sits down and looks out over the water.
T’kharr follows her. Silgara says something to Fwangzhu before she goes. He snarls back at her. Silgara just shakes her head in frustration. Snout joins Mingzhu and lays down at her back trying to nuzzle her.
Silgara and T’kharr converse while Mingzhu thinks about her failure to get people to work together. Balan comes over too after a few minutes. Mingzhu finally speaks in low shou. “I have tried everything I was taught, and I failed to get them to work together. Some shamaness I turned out to be." The others speak in soft voices around her in a language she doesn’t know.
Silgara quiets down, seeming to notice Mingzhu's mood, then looks to T'kharr, then Balan. She starts to translate for Mingzhu. They seem to be discussing whether to go to the next town or try to solve this one themselves.
Mingzhu knows the great risk that they would take trying to stop an Oni on their own still she suggests, “I say we do it alone and risk it. These two miscreants will not stop fighting each other. I do not want them in our group. It will cause too much distress."
T’kharr says, “Likewise, it seems that the Oni is...playing with his food for the time being"
"I don't think we can accomplish enough on our own for the reward to be worth the risk, not without knowledge of the Oni's camps itself we knew the woods, and the patrols, and so on...it'd be a different story, but we don't." She seems to be agreeing with Balan.
Mingzhu asks, “Can you call an animal to scout for us Silgara? Snout is too big and too slow on land to scout.”
"Unfortunately, my conjurations of that nature do not last very long, under a minute. It would not provide reliable intelligence."
Balan insists, “It may be unwise to pursue attacking them directly.”
"Aye, that's my thought -- we can't take them head on, even with the support of the village behind us" T’kharr nods.
Silgara considers, "Attempting to starve them won't work if they have managed to steal the village's food supply."
"Aye, that's another problem, we'd have to sabotage their food supply if we wanted to do that." T’kharr nods.
Silgara sighs, “I didn't get an answer to how Fwangzhu knew so much about the horde's placements either. When I asked him, he responded with crude language."
"We can try to return to Port Ginji with what we've gleaned and make an attempt at gathering more suitable supplies" T’kharr mentions.
T’kharr says, “Only thing I can think of is he's been eyes-on with them. Like, he's done some scouting of his own."
“Most likely.” Mingzhu interrupts.
Silgara considers "That's possible, how would he do that though? He's... clearly not the stealthy type."
Mingzhu sighs, “He can turn into a badger. Badgers dig.”
"He can? Oh, that would explain things then." Silgara nods to that, a breath out.
T’kharr smiles, “Ah, yeah, that'd explain it at least"
Mingzhu looks at them all almost as if they are children. “That’s what hengeyokai are. They are animals that can assume human form.”
"Right, which probably explains why I got confused for one from the sounds of things" small chuckle from T'kharr
"Still, that doesn't leave us with an answer on what to do at this juncture. We're going to have to come to a decision." Silgara cranes her head, looking around at the group
"It seems our best bet is to head for the other village for now then circle back to the situation here." T’kharr remarks.
"We take out enough of the Oni's fighters he will come to the village. then we support the others when that time comes." Mingzhu says rather resolutely.
"The issue with that approach is that the Oni could turn on us, specifically, with the full as-yet-unknown might of his horde." T’kharr counters. Silgara looks to Balan to see if he has any input on this. T’kharr continues. “4 of us against 40 orcs and goblins? we'd have an outside chance of out-skirmishing that. Against 400 or 4000 though? We’re toast."
Balan looks around thinking then answers Silgara. “Aye it may be a coin toss on either side of that and to the fact that we have no idea on the numbers we will face nor what will happen during that encounter if it were to come. That is only something the gods may know and judge towards, perhaps it best to skirt this issue with as much caution as we are able and take it slow.”
"I really don't want to risk us getting flattened by a full-powered horde which then can turn on the village and completely, utterly overwhelm any hope that militia might have." T'kharr answers.
Mingzhu shrugs, "I do not know war and seems I have much to learn about people too. I really thought I could get them to work together. I failed so miserably."
T'kharr snugs Mingzhu some at that in reassurance "You were facing some pretty tough odds, all in all -- don't lose heart."
Balan speaks again his words measured. “I find it unreasonable to face them alone, so it seems we either be on our way to the next village or find a way to make a good face with those in the prior for assistance. Though that seems unlikely.”
The people of Rhakku were not warriors, and even so, recovery may take some time. It would be irresponsible to send them to a warzone." Silgara interjects.
"Aye. Sending the other villages would be but meat for the grinder without proper preparations." T’kharr agrees.
“The people of Rhakku are a simple people. like my own. they are not warriors. they have been through enough with the plague. Let them recover. Well, if we could find the riders and put an end to them then yes. That would be an option.” Mingzhu adds.
T’kharr nods, "That would definitely help, but we don't have a lead on that unless they're continuing to harass the same village they initially attacked.”
Silgara considers. "It is possible the Oni has some form of cooperation with one of the riders. Unlike the orcs and goblins, an Oni would be clever enough to have such an alliance. Their forces having the blast globes may not be a coincidence. Still, that is at this juncture unproven."
Mingzhu thinks a moment then mentions, “We know the blast globe came by land not sea. Thus, what Silgara says makes some sense.”
"That'd make sense at least." T’kharr nods.
Balan adds, “There are several challenges to face with any route taken towards resolving this conflict.”
Silgara considers, looking over "Well, what do we do then?"
"My thinking is Sudzuki is our best bet for now. Unless we'd rather head back to the first village and see if they're being attacked again by Famine's raiders." T’kharr votes.
“Aye and let us hope that this village can survive a bit longer.” Balan agrees. Silgara translates and looks at Mingzhu, to see if she's on board with it as well.
The shamaness sighs, “At this point I would rather just go home but I have a debt to T'kharr. I will follow.”
Silgara heaves out a sigh, then a nod "Well, I guess we can see if the problems in Sudzuki are within our capabilities to resolve, then. I do believe that we can head back to Tsaboru then head northwest from there. Sudzuki is also coastal, if I'm not mistaken." She looks Mingzhu over, noting her state, but she doesn't seem to know what to say, so she just prepares to set off with the others.
Mingzhu stands and motions for snout to follow her.
Minamoto approaches, hand reaching his Katana hilt. "Unhand the shamaness, Savage!"
That seems to distract Fwangzhu from Mingzhu, looking to Minamoto "Fuck off, slug!" T'kharr jumps in at seeing this, making a dash for Fwangzhu and Minamoto. Balan takes a few steps forward watching.
Mingzhu manages to get the upper hand in grappling for a moment, but her kick misses the mark. The Elder comes over... however Fwangzhu goes back and tries to re-assert control on the grapple. The advantage switches as Fwangzhu turns the tables on her. He is quite a bit stronger than Mingzhu physically, despite her kung fu training. He tries to punch her but misses. Minamoto draws his blade. "That is enough! Unhand the Shamaness or I shall strike you down here and now!"
The elder draws his bow "Stay out of this, minion of that tyrant!"
Minamoto looks back to the Elder. "Do not press for rebellion now!"
T'kharr yells something at Balan that Mingzhu can’t understand. She goes for Minamoto. Balan goes after the Badger. Balan moves quickly to try to separate Fwangzhu from Mingzhu.
"Oh, more of you? Come right the fuck on! I'll maul the shit out of all of you!" the hengeyokai exclaims.
Minamoto is caught off guard, he was wholly focused on Fwangzhu, enough that he doesn't see T'kharr coming and T'kharr is able to get him in a grapple. "Unhand me savage, unless you want to join the other in execution!"
T'kharr simply holds him in the grapple, wrenching his sword arm to the point where it's of no use to him "Silgara, can you explain to the thick-skulled pair how much the Oni enjoys their infighting?"
The Elder joins in and tries to tackle Balen. Mingzhu is still scraping with the badger. The Elder is able to get a grapple hold on Balan while Fwangzhu gets the advantage back from Mingzhu a second time. He claws her across the face and blood starts to seep from the wounds. The Elder holds Balan tight, “What do you think is your place here, Foreigner?!”
Minamoto tries to break T'kharr's hold. T'kharr is just barely able to keep him in a grapple hold, but it's pretty tough, he's pretty clearly well trained. The local militia look on, alarmed and perplexed, but they don't intervene for now.
Balan lets out a guttural growl flexing his arms to push the Elder away. He gets the upper hand turning and getting the Elder into a hold. T'kharr simply holds the grapple on Minamoto to keep him from escalating matters further, while Mingzhu breaks Fwangzhu’s grip. She punches him with a devastating blow to the chest knocking him back, but he shakes off the disabling effect of her pressure point blow. Still the blow hurts him severely. He tries to counter with a punch of his own but she’s too quick and he misses her. They lock up again into a hold.
T'kharr manages to keep Minamoto grappled in her grip. The Elder gets the advantage on Balan again and gets him in a locking hold. As Mingzhu and the badger roll around fighting she calls out, “Bring it on! You oversized skunk!” She manages again to get a strike in. This time a kick to the head further hurting and infuriating him.
Fwangzhu enters a rage and goes to strike again. “You wanna go bitch?!? Let’s go!!" He gets another punch in sending her back in turn. Her left eye turns purple and starts to swell up.
Balan breaks the Elder’s grip and tries to pull Fwangzhu off of Mingzhu once again. Balan attempts again to pull the hengeyokai off his friend. He grapples the Badger and puts him in a hold. Fwangzhu is raging still. “Oh! Bring it on.”
The Elder Grabs Mingzhu and puts her in a locking hold. “Enough!” Minamoto finally breaks T’kharr’s grip and draws his katana. Fwangzhu is able to punch Balan. Surprised he releases his grip on the hengeyokai.
Mingzhu stands down. She is not going to fight with the Elder. The elders of a village and a shaman have a tight relationship. She respects his action, but says, “You should have let me continue. This is needed.”
"No, it is not! Th.." He looks over at Minamoto drawing his weapon. "You had better put that away, Daimyo's dog!" The Elder states.
Balan again tries to engage the Badger but can’t get a firm grip. Fwangzhu is strong and ferocious enough that the dragonborn can’t maintain a good grip.
Suddenly, while everyone's brawling, a loud sound can be heard, it sounds like an orcish war cry from the north, someone shouting something like 'CHARGE'! or 'WAAAAGH'
Balan looks back towards it, “T’kharr!” Mingzhu goes running after the sound of the war cry while wiping blood from her nose. She heads north but quickly sees there are no orcs. T'kharr immediately whirls at hearing it and heads for wherever the line's forming up at, staff in hand. Balan pushes away from the badger draws their sword and shield heading that way as well.
As the villagers seem to get the news of an incoming raid, Minamoto draws his weapon and heads to the front, the Elder draws his bow then looks around, seeming perplexed, Fwangzhu also gets his axe out, looking for some orcs to vent his frustrations out on... But some time passes, and no orcs come.
Silgara strolls over, rubbing her face, then lets out an annoyed huff as she looks over the gathered people there. "So, while we are under siege by an Oni warlord, whose bright idea was it to start a brawl right on the front lines with an enemy force nearby, again?"
Fwangzhu looks over, snarling "Fuck off witch!"
Minamoto glares. "Do not fault me for the activities of these brutes and your foreigner companions."
The elder looks over to the north, then back to Silgara, narrowing his eyes... Silgara strolls over, looking annoyed. "That was a ghost sound cantrip. It does at least prove you are willing to stop mauling each other in the face of a perceived threat. But would any of you ladies and gentlemen who decided to start punching each other and drew weapons on each other care to explain your thoroughly irresponsible and idiotic behavior?"
Minamoto glares. "I do not need to explain myself to you, witch."
The elder looks over. "A false alarm with your witchcraft. Who do you think you are doing that, outlander?"
Silgara looks back with an annoyed glare. "Someone who's actually trying to be a responsible adult here, which I would have expected the rest of you to be to some extent, and clearly my expectations have been too high."
T’kharr says, "Started with the badger losing it at Mingzhu trying to convince him to listen to her" to Silgara with a sigh
"I will explain my actions. I did not expect a fight; however, I did consider that could happen. If so, I had hoped to subdue the one who started it. Subdue him and force him to become a blood brother to one of the other antagonists in the eyes of the celestial court so that their karma would be intertwined. In doing so when one caused harm or did good to the other it would reflect back on them 5-fold."
Fwangzhu snarls, then Minamoto shakes his head. "Really? Blood brother to that savage, Shamaness? I'd sooner gift his pelt to my lord. Eight million knows he's enough of a nuisance to warrant becoming a special gift."
Fwangzhu looks like he's about to snap at Mingzhu, then looks to Minamoto "Just fucking try it!"
The elder glares at Minamoto "Do not threaten him, he has done more for this village than your lord or his men ever have!" Silgara just sighs deeply, rubbing her face.
Mingzhu continues, “None of my plans worked though. Diplomacy didn’t work, nor my story, nor knowledge, antagonism or shame. I could not get you to work together. I failed you both.” She walks off to the beach, sits down and looks out over the water.
T’kharr follows her. Silgara says something to Fwangzhu before she goes. He snarls back at her. Silgara just shakes her head in frustration. Snout joins Mingzhu and lays down at her back trying to nuzzle her.
Silgara and T’kharr converse while Mingzhu thinks about her failure to get people to work together. Balan comes over too after a few minutes. Mingzhu finally speaks in low shou. “I have tried everything I was taught, and I failed to get them to work together. Some shamaness I turned out to be." The others speak in soft voices around her in a language she doesn’t know.
Silgara quiets down, seeming to notice Mingzhu's mood, then looks to T'kharr, then Balan. She starts to translate for Mingzhu. They seem to be discussing whether to go to the next town or try to solve this one themselves.
Mingzhu knows the great risk that they would take trying to stop an Oni on their own still she suggests, “I say we do it alone and risk it. These two miscreants will not stop fighting each other. I do not want them in our group. It will cause too much distress."
T’kharr says, “Likewise, it seems that the Oni is...playing with his food for the time being"
"I don't think we can accomplish enough on our own for the reward to be worth the risk, not without knowledge of the Oni's camps itself we knew the woods, and the patrols, and so on...it'd be a different story, but we don't." She seems to be agreeing with Balan.
Mingzhu asks, “Can you call an animal to scout for us Silgara? Snout is too big and too slow on land to scout.”
"Unfortunately, my conjurations of that nature do not last very long, under a minute. It would not provide reliable intelligence."
Balan insists, “It may be unwise to pursue attacking them directly.”
"Aye, that's my thought -- we can't take them head on, even with the support of the village behind us" T’kharr nods.
Silgara considers, "Attempting to starve them won't work if they have managed to steal the village's food supply."
"Aye, that's another problem, we'd have to sabotage their food supply if we wanted to do that." T’kharr nods.
Silgara sighs, “I didn't get an answer to how Fwangzhu knew so much about the horde's placements either. When I asked him, he responded with crude language."
"We can try to return to Port Ginji with what we've gleaned and make an attempt at gathering more suitable supplies" T’kharr mentions.
T’kharr says, “Only thing I can think of is he's been eyes-on with them. Like, he's done some scouting of his own."
“Most likely.” Mingzhu interrupts.
Silgara considers "That's possible, how would he do that though? He's... clearly not the stealthy type."
Mingzhu sighs, “He can turn into a badger. Badgers dig.”
"He can? Oh, that would explain things then." Silgara nods to that, a breath out.
T’kharr smiles, “Ah, yeah, that'd explain it at least"
Mingzhu looks at them all almost as if they are children. “That’s what hengeyokai are. They are animals that can assume human form.”
"Right, which probably explains why I got confused for one from the sounds of things" small chuckle from T'kharr
"Still, that doesn't leave us with an answer on what to do at this juncture. We're going to have to come to a decision." Silgara cranes her head, looking around at the group
"It seems our best bet is to head for the other village for now then circle back to the situation here." T’kharr remarks.
"We take out enough of the Oni's fighters he will come to the village. then we support the others when that time comes." Mingzhu says rather resolutely.
"The issue with that approach is that the Oni could turn on us, specifically, with the full as-yet-unknown might of his horde." T’kharr counters. Silgara looks to Balan to see if he has any input on this. T’kharr continues. “4 of us against 40 orcs and goblins? we'd have an outside chance of out-skirmishing that. Against 400 or 4000 though? We’re toast."
Balan looks around thinking then answers Silgara. “Aye it may be a coin toss on either side of that and to the fact that we have no idea on the numbers we will face nor what will happen during that encounter if it were to come. That is only something the gods may know and judge towards, perhaps it best to skirt this issue with as much caution as we are able and take it slow.”
"I really don't want to risk us getting flattened by a full-powered horde which then can turn on the village and completely, utterly overwhelm any hope that militia might have." T'kharr answers.
Mingzhu shrugs, "I do not know war and seems I have much to learn about people too. I really thought I could get them to work together. I failed so miserably."
T'kharr snugs Mingzhu some at that in reassurance "You were facing some pretty tough odds, all in all -- don't lose heart."
Balan speaks again his words measured. “I find it unreasonable to face them alone, so it seems we either be on our way to the next village or find a way to make a good face with those in the prior for assistance. Though that seems unlikely.”
The people of Rhakku were not warriors, and even so, recovery may take some time. It would be irresponsible to send them to a warzone." Silgara interjects.
"Aye. Sending the other villages would be but meat for the grinder without proper preparations." T’kharr agrees.
“The people of Rhakku are a simple people. like my own. they are not warriors. they have been through enough with the plague. Let them recover. Well, if we could find the riders and put an end to them then yes. That would be an option.” Mingzhu adds.
T’kharr nods, "That would definitely help, but we don't have a lead on that unless they're continuing to harass the same village they initially attacked.”
Silgara considers. "It is possible the Oni has some form of cooperation with one of the riders. Unlike the orcs and goblins, an Oni would be clever enough to have such an alliance. Their forces having the blast globes may not be a coincidence. Still, that is at this juncture unproven."
Mingzhu thinks a moment then mentions, “We know the blast globe came by land not sea. Thus, what Silgara says makes some sense.”
"That'd make sense at least." T’kharr nods.
Balan adds, “There are several challenges to face with any route taken towards resolving this conflict.”
Silgara considers, looking over "Well, what do we do then?"
"My thinking is Sudzuki is our best bet for now. Unless we'd rather head back to the first village and see if they're being attacked again by Famine's raiders." T’kharr votes.
“Aye and let us hope that this village can survive a bit longer.” Balan agrees. Silgara translates and looks at Mingzhu, to see if she's on board with it as well.
The shamaness sighs, “At this point I would rather just go home but I have a debt to T'kharr. I will follow.”
Silgara heaves out a sigh, then a nod "Well, I guess we can see if the problems in Sudzuki are within our capabilities to resolve, then. I do believe that we can head back to Tsaboru then head northwest from there. Sudzuki is also coastal, if I'm not mistaken." She looks Mingzhu over, noting her state, but she doesn't seem to know what to say, so she just prepares to set off with the others.
Mingzhu stands and motions for snout to follow her.
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Re: She Came from the Sea
As they start off to a new city T’kharr says, “Let’s stop at Tsaboru briefly. Simply to make sure they aren’t still being beset.”
Balan concurs, “Agreed then.”
The party ventures off from Golamaru and towards Tsaboru, then. Tsaboru seems much akin to how they had left the place before. The damage from the field burners has already been done, and they're doing what they can to make ends meet. Still, there at least have not been any further attacks.
Mingzhu looks for the Elder. She finds him overseeing the handling of what’s left of the rice crop. He looks over towards her. She bows, “"Greetings Elder I have something for you to help with rebuilding or to replace a portion of your rice tax." She gives him the silver pearl she found.
He looks over, then dips his head "Thank you, it's appreciated. We may need to purchase food from another island, after all..."
She nods, "Spirits guide you Elder."
"Eight million be with you, Shamaness."
They return to their fields, The four companions head to Sudzuki: Now finding Tsaboru is in no major further danger for now.
The trip to Suzuki is by in large, uneventful. When they arrive at Suzuki, at least from afar, it looks more prosperous, with more care in the buildings. Still small like a village, but things do seem in better condition and more expensive. However, the air in the village is tense, people shudder about and shuffle away. Few are outside. And those that are, seem terrified out of their minds. In fact, it seems like people are in a hurry to avoid something, then stepping inside quickly. Silgara looks around. "The behavior observed appears abnormal."
“It does seem quite off.” Balan observes while looking around.
Silgara nods, “Let’s move around, see if anyone's roaming around town? Though I expect there's eyes watching things here."
“Yakuza, yes.” Mingzhu answers her.
"Aye, it seems like there are prying eyes about. We should keep to the shadows ourselves. As well as be especially mindful of where we camp for the night." T’kharr says while looking around.
Silgara nods, as they walk along, while most of the residents seem like regular villagers, they do come across something unusual... A kobold, but there's something strange about them. Across their head and muzzle, and down their neck is a peculiar mark, it looks like this mark is energized somehow. They seem to have fins on the sides of their head where their earholes would be. He's got bracers on his arms, equipped with a Siangham on his right one, though holstered for now, as well as having a crossbow on his belt. Wearing attire that looks practical but well made. Whomever this kobold is, they look exceptionally snuggly and in need of hugs dangerous, and definitely not in a good mood.
Mingzhu studies the kobold. She realizes that he's got a blessing from a Tun Mi Lung, a Typhoon Dragon. The blessing could definitely be from the angry storm god she's heard about, the Kami their agent. She puts her hand out to stop Silgara. She looks at Mingzhu quickly. Mingzhu says, “That one is blessed by a typhoon dragon. The only evil dragon of the celestial court. He is a kami: an agent for the dragon.” The kobold looks to the group, locking eyes, then starts approaching.
Silgara replies, "That does not sound good, it's approaching. Advice?"
Mingzhu keeps her eyes on the creature, "Be very nice but on guard."
Silgara nods, “Acknowledged.”
The kobold approaches, looking over at the group, taking a good, long stare at them, boring eyes like he's begging for head pats looking down at them and through them as he does so. He then speaks up. "This one has not seen you before here. Identify yourselves."
Mingzhu steps in front and bows. I am Mingzhu. Shamaness of the Path. These are my companions, T'kharr priestess of the west. Balan holy warrior of the west. and Silgara witch of the elves."
Silgara seems to prepare a retort when referred to as a witch. She can't help herself. "That's /wizard/, not witch." She sighs
The kobold looks up to Mingzhu, then looks to Silgara, then back to Mingzhu. "Strange company you keep, Shamaness. What brings you here?" The villagers seem to be moving very, very far away from the kobold, like they don't want to be anywhere near him.
"We have heard of troubles around this town. There are rumors of undead. As a holy group we have come to lend any aid we may."
The kobold looks up, then a nod "A Shamaness of the Path would be more trustworthy than most." He looks around, almost like glaring at someone who might not be there, his claws on his left-hand flex, then he looks over to Mingzhu and company then. "Discussion is warranted. Follow me." His tone is commanding, like in such a way that compliance is very much not optional, at least he expects it that way. Silgara seems rather nervous or perhaps offended that a kobold would be ordering her around, or that she would actually consider acquiescing. Either way the kobold starts moving off.
Mingzhu follows him. The others are hesitant but fall in line and also follow. The kobold brings them to what looks like a commandeered or abandoned small homestead at the edge of the village. It seems accommodating enough, save for a few bloodstains on the ground that might have been missed last cleaning. The windows are boarded up. The kobold then locks the door once everyone is inside, then goes to speak.
"Introductions. This one is Zsikhou, executioner of Qianfeng'laoxzhen of Storms. My lord has sent me to this island to investigate unacceptable deviations to the Mandate of Heaven and bring wrath upon any who are furthering deviations. Now, problems. This one has been investigating this village. Have already dealt with some undead that showed up unexpectedly. However, the locals are currently not proving fully cooperative."
T'kharr gives Zsikhou a polite nod in acknowledgement at him introducing himself. He grumbles, then looks around; then, to Mingzhu again. "Yakuza are uncooperative. Elder is uncooperative and perhaps intentionally misleading this one. Am sure they are hiding things."
she nods "We have heard that a triad has great sway in this town. That would have been my first question. The Elder what kind of man is he?"
Zsikhou sneers "The kind of man who would bend and break any way for their own gain. Slippery like an eel. Asked him for answers many times. He gave this one false trails to follow that would have gotten this one out of the village." He gives a snort. "Investigated the source of undead in the forests to the north. Nothing there related, though. Am honestly considering having that one executed for wasting this one's time and misleading this one. Though I am holding off for now in case he turns out to just be an idiot rather than intentionally undermining the mandate of heaven."
Mingzhu asks, “Do you think I have a better chance to deal with him?”
A nod "That is why this one called you here. Have tried speaking with the Yakuza as well. They fear this one but still feign ignorance. None are willing to strike against this one directly, but nor are they honest. Am sure of this."
She looks at her companions, “I am not sure who would be best to try to deal with them… or willing.”
He flexes a claw "If they were involved in a breach against the Mandate of Heaven this one would have them all executed, and blood given as an offering to the bringer of Storms. Undoubtedly they know this and don't want to incriminate themselves."
She nods, “I give you to Silgara our translator then so that Balan and T'kharr may speak their minds." Silgara translates for Balan and T'kharr, then looks to see if they have any input.
“It seems like there is a slight impasse with information then. Though I would be a fan of the corruption being removed from these yakuza, as you call them.” Balan states.
T’kharr asks, “"Do you know much about the nature of the undead, quantity, what they're being used for, so on?"
"So far, only a few. Seemed like a type of ghoul. Killed them when they saw them. Found them on the shoreline, but didn't find where they came from." Zsikhou clicks his tongue as he speaks, looking at the group. "The elder suggested this one investigate to the forests north for clues. Turned out to not be related to the undead though."
T’kharr asks, "Ghouls on the shoreline, noted. No signs of them harassing the villagers or such?" Then she says, "The woods are a different sort of trouble."
"This one killed them before they could harm the villagers." Zsikhou flexes a claw, there's a few sparks of electricity that seem to come from them, but he seems wholly relaxed as he does so. The sparks don't last long.
"It is most likely someone is guiding them someone with a pendant of a daemon." Mingzhu calmly states. Silgara keeps quiet, or rather, only translates, but seems to not really want to speak with the kobold.
Zsikhou looks to Mingzhu, refocusing on her. "Interesting perspective. Why do you believe this to be the case?"
“We have defeated someone at the village of Rhakku who wore a pendant of a daemon representing plague. And a man that tried to burn the fields of Tsaboru that had a pendant the represents a daemon of famine.”
Then he looks to T'kharr, perhaps wondering if he should press on that matter. or maybe ask for head pats.
“We know of two other daemons one of pestilence and another of war.” Mingzhu adds.
Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Don't you mean death and war?"
“Yes, death and war. My apologies." Mingzhu corrects herself.
Zsikhou looks to Silgara at the correction, then looks to Mingzhu, a nod "This one sees. So that would explain what my master sensed, and his anger at the breach of the Mandate of Heaven. If so, then all of these who further the work of these daemons, must have wrath brought upon them."
Mingzhu still seems very subdued but she’s still performing her duties within the team. Those of her friends know she’s not feeling very lively. just going through the motions.
Zsikhou looks around at those gathered, perhaps waiting to see if anyone else speaks up.
Mingzhu studies him for quite a while. "As one representing the celestial court through your master, I hope no excess is applied. I hope we can work together against a common enemy here. I wish no fighting between my group and one who represents a faction of bureaucracy."
Zsikhou looks over to Mingzhu "This one hopes you are not suggesting this one would be lax on carrying out their duties. This one is charged with carrying out the wrath of storms on those who would bring disruption to the Mandate of Heaven and will not shirk from such."
She nods, "I understand your duties sir, Though I do worry of excessive justice against the innocent. I have your word this will not happen?"
There's a glare from Zsikhou "This one does not bring wrath upon the innocent. Only upon those who have breached the Mandate of Heaven." Almost seems like he feels insulted that he'd go beyond his duties.
She bows her head slightly, "I will seek out the elder than and see if I can get the information we need."
She gets up and seeks out the elder.
Balan concurs, “Agreed then.”
The party ventures off from Golamaru and towards Tsaboru, then. Tsaboru seems much akin to how they had left the place before. The damage from the field burners has already been done, and they're doing what they can to make ends meet. Still, there at least have not been any further attacks.
Mingzhu looks for the Elder. She finds him overseeing the handling of what’s left of the rice crop. He looks over towards her. She bows, “"Greetings Elder I have something for you to help with rebuilding or to replace a portion of your rice tax." She gives him the silver pearl she found.
He looks over, then dips his head "Thank you, it's appreciated. We may need to purchase food from another island, after all..."
She nods, "Spirits guide you Elder."
"Eight million be with you, Shamaness."
They return to their fields, The four companions head to Sudzuki: Now finding Tsaboru is in no major further danger for now.
The trip to Suzuki is by in large, uneventful. When they arrive at Suzuki, at least from afar, it looks more prosperous, with more care in the buildings. Still small like a village, but things do seem in better condition and more expensive. However, the air in the village is tense, people shudder about and shuffle away. Few are outside. And those that are, seem terrified out of their minds. In fact, it seems like people are in a hurry to avoid something, then stepping inside quickly. Silgara looks around. "The behavior observed appears abnormal."
“It does seem quite off.” Balan observes while looking around.
Silgara nods, “Let’s move around, see if anyone's roaming around town? Though I expect there's eyes watching things here."
“Yakuza, yes.” Mingzhu answers her.
"Aye, it seems like there are prying eyes about. We should keep to the shadows ourselves. As well as be especially mindful of where we camp for the night." T’kharr says while looking around.
Silgara nods, as they walk along, while most of the residents seem like regular villagers, they do come across something unusual... A kobold, but there's something strange about them. Across their head and muzzle, and down their neck is a peculiar mark, it looks like this mark is energized somehow. They seem to have fins on the sides of their head where their earholes would be. He's got bracers on his arms, equipped with a Siangham on his right one, though holstered for now, as well as having a crossbow on his belt. Wearing attire that looks practical but well made. Whomever this kobold is, they look exceptionally snuggly and in need of hugs dangerous, and definitely not in a good mood.
Mingzhu studies the kobold. She realizes that he's got a blessing from a Tun Mi Lung, a Typhoon Dragon. The blessing could definitely be from the angry storm god she's heard about, the Kami their agent. She puts her hand out to stop Silgara. She looks at Mingzhu quickly. Mingzhu says, “That one is blessed by a typhoon dragon. The only evil dragon of the celestial court. He is a kami: an agent for the dragon.” The kobold looks to the group, locking eyes, then starts approaching.
Silgara replies, "That does not sound good, it's approaching. Advice?"
Mingzhu keeps her eyes on the creature, "Be very nice but on guard."
Silgara nods, “Acknowledged.”
The kobold approaches, looking over at the group, taking a good, long stare at them, boring eyes like he's begging for head pats looking down at them and through them as he does so. He then speaks up. "This one has not seen you before here. Identify yourselves."
Mingzhu steps in front and bows. I am Mingzhu. Shamaness of the Path. These are my companions, T'kharr priestess of the west. Balan holy warrior of the west. and Silgara witch of the elves."
Silgara seems to prepare a retort when referred to as a witch. She can't help herself. "That's /wizard/, not witch." She sighs
The kobold looks up to Mingzhu, then looks to Silgara, then back to Mingzhu. "Strange company you keep, Shamaness. What brings you here?" The villagers seem to be moving very, very far away from the kobold, like they don't want to be anywhere near him.
"We have heard of troubles around this town. There are rumors of undead. As a holy group we have come to lend any aid we may."
The kobold looks up, then a nod "A Shamaness of the Path would be more trustworthy than most." He looks around, almost like glaring at someone who might not be there, his claws on his left-hand flex, then he looks over to Mingzhu and company then. "Discussion is warranted. Follow me." His tone is commanding, like in such a way that compliance is very much not optional, at least he expects it that way. Silgara seems rather nervous or perhaps offended that a kobold would be ordering her around, or that she would actually consider acquiescing. Either way the kobold starts moving off.
Mingzhu follows him. The others are hesitant but fall in line and also follow. The kobold brings them to what looks like a commandeered or abandoned small homestead at the edge of the village. It seems accommodating enough, save for a few bloodstains on the ground that might have been missed last cleaning. The windows are boarded up. The kobold then locks the door once everyone is inside, then goes to speak.
"Introductions. This one is Zsikhou, executioner of Qianfeng'laoxzhen of Storms. My lord has sent me to this island to investigate unacceptable deviations to the Mandate of Heaven and bring wrath upon any who are furthering deviations. Now, problems. This one has been investigating this village. Have already dealt with some undead that showed up unexpectedly. However, the locals are currently not proving fully cooperative."
T'kharr gives Zsikhou a polite nod in acknowledgement at him introducing himself. He grumbles, then looks around; then, to Mingzhu again. "Yakuza are uncooperative. Elder is uncooperative and perhaps intentionally misleading this one. Am sure they are hiding things."
she nods "We have heard that a triad has great sway in this town. That would have been my first question. The Elder what kind of man is he?"
Zsikhou sneers "The kind of man who would bend and break any way for their own gain. Slippery like an eel. Asked him for answers many times. He gave this one false trails to follow that would have gotten this one out of the village." He gives a snort. "Investigated the source of undead in the forests to the north. Nothing there related, though. Am honestly considering having that one executed for wasting this one's time and misleading this one. Though I am holding off for now in case he turns out to just be an idiot rather than intentionally undermining the mandate of heaven."
Mingzhu asks, “Do you think I have a better chance to deal with him?”
A nod "That is why this one called you here. Have tried speaking with the Yakuza as well. They fear this one but still feign ignorance. None are willing to strike against this one directly, but nor are they honest. Am sure of this."
She looks at her companions, “I am not sure who would be best to try to deal with them… or willing.”
He flexes a claw "If they were involved in a breach against the Mandate of Heaven this one would have them all executed, and blood given as an offering to the bringer of Storms. Undoubtedly they know this and don't want to incriminate themselves."
She nods, “I give you to Silgara our translator then so that Balan and T'kharr may speak their minds." Silgara translates for Balan and T'kharr, then looks to see if they have any input.
“It seems like there is a slight impasse with information then. Though I would be a fan of the corruption being removed from these yakuza, as you call them.” Balan states.
T’kharr asks, “"Do you know much about the nature of the undead, quantity, what they're being used for, so on?"
"So far, only a few. Seemed like a type of ghoul. Killed them when they saw them. Found them on the shoreline, but didn't find where they came from." Zsikhou clicks his tongue as he speaks, looking at the group. "The elder suggested this one investigate to the forests north for clues. Turned out to not be related to the undead though."
T’kharr asks, "Ghouls on the shoreline, noted. No signs of them harassing the villagers or such?" Then she says, "The woods are a different sort of trouble."
"This one killed them before they could harm the villagers." Zsikhou flexes a claw, there's a few sparks of electricity that seem to come from them, but he seems wholly relaxed as he does so. The sparks don't last long.
"It is most likely someone is guiding them someone with a pendant of a daemon." Mingzhu calmly states. Silgara keeps quiet, or rather, only translates, but seems to not really want to speak with the kobold.
Zsikhou looks to Mingzhu, refocusing on her. "Interesting perspective. Why do you believe this to be the case?"
“We have defeated someone at the village of Rhakku who wore a pendant of a daemon representing plague. And a man that tried to burn the fields of Tsaboru that had a pendant the represents a daemon of famine.”
Then he looks to T'kharr, perhaps wondering if he should press on that matter. or maybe ask for head pats.
“We know of two other daemons one of pestilence and another of war.” Mingzhu adds.
Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Don't you mean death and war?"
“Yes, death and war. My apologies." Mingzhu corrects herself.
Zsikhou looks to Silgara at the correction, then looks to Mingzhu, a nod "This one sees. So that would explain what my master sensed, and his anger at the breach of the Mandate of Heaven. If so, then all of these who further the work of these daemons, must have wrath brought upon them."
Mingzhu still seems very subdued but she’s still performing her duties within the team. Those of her friends know she’s not feeling very lively. just going through the motions.
Zsikhou looks around at those gathered, perhaps waiting to see if anyone else speaks up.
Mingzhu studies him for quite a while. "As one representing the celestial court through your master, I hope no excess is applied. I hope we can work together against a common enemy here. I wish no fighting between my group and one who represents a faction of bureaucracy."
Zsikhou looks over to Mingzhu "This one hopes you are not suggesting this one would be lax on carrying out their duties. This one is charged with carrying out the wrath of storms on those who would bring disruption to the Mandate of Heaven and will not shirk from such."
She nods, "I understand your duties sir, Though I do worry of excessive justice against the innocent. I have your word this will not happen?"
There's a glare from Zsikhou "This one does not bring wrath upon the innocent. Only upon those who have breached the Mandate of Heaven." Almost seems like he feels insulted that he'd go beyond his duties.
She bows her head slightly, "I will seek out the elder than and see if I can get the information we need."
She gets up and seeks out the elder.