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Day 4
Nov 28, 2012 3:46:14 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Nov 28, 2012 3:46:14 GMT -5
Nergüi took stock of his companions' discomfiture and peered at the strange archway.
"What? Should we pull it down?"
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 4
Nov 28, 2012 8:13:43 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Nov 28, 2012 8:13:43 GMT -5
Akane looked at the torii with happiness and caution because she was home. She looked to Tama. "We need to keep our distance from this torii..."
Akane knowing this torii well just pushed her horse forward without looking at it again.
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Day 4
Nov 29, 2012 23:45:00 GMT -5
Post by AzalaTerran on Nov 29, 2012 23:45:00 GMT -5
Nan Fa Ra Duk frowned and said loudly
"Avoid it. Like the sign says. Torii are nothing but trouble and the things that live in them are..." he glanced over at Akane, "No offense, dangerous."
the Bard sighed, "Lets go around."
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 0:15:27 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Nov 30, 2012 0:15:27 GMT -5
Akane picked up on the tone. "Non-taken..." She rolled her eyes as she it sarcastically. But than Akane turned and looked at the Torii again and smirked.
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 9:58:44 GMT -5
Post by cancerbones on Nov 30, 2012 9:58:44 GMT -5
Aeon rides up as close as he dares to the gate and reaches out with his senses to test the waters so to speak.
"perhaps it is a shortcut..."
((energy theory [dice=20]+5))[rand=887433277675882631495688809081938463083840906629601080538704991]
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 11:00:05 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Nov 30, 2012 11:00:05 GMT -5
Akane gasp and sharply turned. "DON'T!"
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 14:27:08 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Nov 30, 2012 14:27:08 GMT -5
Aeon's senses tingle as a potent force feels like it is about to run right into him. His attempt to reach at the gate with his mind proved to help prepare for a surprise attack.. REFLEX [dice=20]+5+bonus 5 = 12 [failure] ..But it was not enough. An electric swipe knocks him off his horse. The horse whinnies but aside from the brief startle does not seem fearful. [1 hp damage to Aeon] Our heroes see some kind of figure that was in front of Aeon leap back to the front of the gate. A moment later the perpetrator reveals himself; a spirit in the form of a human, with an electricity-laced axe in his hand. The most startling thing is that this spirit is split down the middle; only half of his body appears to be visible at all. Akane knows this spirit well, and Duk has heard tales about these fierce beings. This is a Doc Cu’O’c, a kind of spirit usually seen more frequently in the Free Islands. They are often tasked by humans to guard over places in the realm of the living. Although they are not necessarily evil, the only thing that drives them is the contract to protect what they have been tasked to protect.[rand=06803952766696386844577788269557428765338309689978322990732447493]
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 15:42:38 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Nov 30, 2012 15:42:38 GMT -5
Akane groaned and leapt off her horse. She cautiously went up towards Doc Cu’O’c.
"Doc Cu’O’c-san..." Akane announced with high respect. "Please, accept my deepest apologizes for my acquaintances ignorace..." Akane tried to plead with the spirit. "As you can see..." She glares at Aeon. "He isn't from around here...please...we are not looking for any trouble." Akane was ready to go on her knees to do a dogeza.
(Diplomacy [dice=20]+3=22)[rand=95163984224200251802957241889089355245895101688819415697921067476]
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 15:48:02 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Nov 30, 2012 15:48:02 GMT -5
For his part, the Beggar Khan merely eyeballed the strange entity.
I hate Fa Rei. Even the monsters look ridiculous.
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 16:21:30 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Nov 30, 2012 16:21:30 GMT -5
The Doc Cu'O'c leers at Akane, and back at the rest of our heroes, before the electricity across its body and blade die off, and it disappears in thin air before them.
Nam Il takes the breath he was holding.
"Thank goodness.." He placed his palm on his chest.
"That spirit must be guarding that gate.. I wonder for what purpose..?"
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 16:54:24 GMT -5
Post by Barnzi88 on Nov 30, 2012 16:54:24 GMT -5
Tun Si let out a sigh of relief as the spirit left the group.
"Thank you, Akane. I hate to think the worst case scenario if you hadn't leapt in."
She glanced at the torii. "I'm not sure if I want to find out that purpose. After seeing that thing..."
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 17:12:40 GMT -5
Post by cancerbones on Nov 30, 2012 17:12:40 GMT -5
Aeon stares at the gate and looks up as nam il speaks.
"or who made it, i wonder."
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 17:43:47 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Nov 30, 2012 17:43:47 GMT -5
"These gates are often erected by locals in places that are said to connect to the Spirit World, as a sort of signal to those passing by. But they are usually dangerous enough, I have not heard of a gate that has someone actively preventing entry.." Nam Il informs Aeon in an almost outgoing fashion. Talk of the knowledge found in books was definitely something he seemed ready to discuss whenever possible. But the more Nam Il spoke about it, the more curious he himself became.
"This is actually a fascinating find..!"
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Day 4
Nov 30, 2012 18:34:41 GMT -5
Post by AzalaTerran on Nov 30, 2012 18:34:41 GMT -5
Nan Fa Ra Duk yelped loudly when the Doc Cu'O'c appeared. He knew these spirits had a reputation for violence and he had only just told everyone this would happen... then Akane pleaded and the creature stood down.
Still Anxious the Bard was about to open his mouth when Nam Il, Tun Si, and Aeon started pondering the mysteries of the Torii out loud by a door they knew was guarded. He looked around dumbfounded at his group
"Have you all lost your minds? The Doc Cu'O'c nearly cut us to ribbons for pokeing at it and now you all want to play mystery solvers? Can we please just go around now and leave before the guard decides he's had enough questions?"
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 4
Dec 1, 2012 1:23:57 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Dec 1, 2012 1:23:57 GMT -5
Akane sighed in relief and she turned on Aeon. "For someone who reads minds you're sure horrible at reading SIGNS!" Akane shook her head. "You're damn lucky I was able to talk him down from attacking us."
Akane turned around and started down the road, she gently took the rein of her horse and lead it down the road, she looked to Tama. "We are very close to the town that I live close to, we should be able to stock on food and supplies and possibly new gear."
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Day 4
Dec 1, 2012 2:29:56 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Dec 1, 2012 2:29:56 GMT -5
Nergüi spat into the dirt.
"I agree with the spider-thing, which should tell you something. We're wasting time."
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Day 4
Dec 1, 2012 18:06:08 GMT -5
Post by cancerbones on Dec 1, 2012 18:06:08 GMT -5
Aeon nods.
"lets leave this place."
sparing another glance at the gate Aeon turns his horse from it. and starts away.
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Day 4
Dec 4, 2012 12:58:53 GMT -5
Post by RoseNasty on Dec 4, 2012 12:58:53 GMT -5
Tama merely observed as everything happened around the torii, not even reacting when the Doc Cu'O'c appeared. Not visibly reacting, anyways. She was intrigued, however, and made a mental note of the being and location for future reference. To Akane, she responds, "As I've said before, we are not stopping until we reach Shion Pa." With that, she urged her horse onward.
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Day 4
Dec 4, 2012 20:42:12 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Dec 4, 2012 20:42:12 GMT -5
A couple of hours after the torii, and our heroes are beginning to hear the sounds of civilization. Coming to a clearing, they see the outer walls of Shion-Pa. The city is less than half as large as Fa-Ten, but still very impressive, and much larger than the average towns of Fa-Rei. Much of its previous architectural splendor has aged well with time, giving much of the city an appealingly ancient feel. Entering the city, it’s clear that the greater majority of the city is composed of Fa-Reinese. There are not even any samurai lord buildings, not in the city, anyway. Far in the horizon atop a mountain, the massive Kusanagi Castle can be seen overlooking the city. Nam Il gives a warm sigh. “I don’t come here too often, but it’s always breathtaking every time I do.. ..the government center is just up ahead, that's where we'll get our instructions for location one of the Instruments of Nirvana.” Riding through, our heroes can't help but notice many townsfolk stares aimed at them. Specifically, at Akane, as well as whispers. "What is the Jorogumo doing here?"
"The Jorogumo never leaves the forest.."
"You did not tell me the Jorogumo was so beautiful!"
"Who are those strange folk she is with?"
"That Onna Bugeisha is not human..."A quite elderly man trots up surprisingly quickly, head bowed, towards Akane's horse and follows our heroes as they move. The man's demeanor was one of fear and respect, and his head dips in a bow multiple times as he walks, his hands up in a shaky prayer. "Lady Akane, I thank you again for your wise advice, my family rejected the man's business offer, and we are all the more prosperous because of it. My grandson has been chosen to attend the Tsong Lakes academy. My family and my spirit will always be grateful to you," He finally stops, letting our heroes continue into the city, as he continues bowing and chanting thanks to the fortune teller.
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 4
Dec 4, 2012 22:10:54 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Dec 4, 2012 22:10:54 GMT -5
Akane ignored the whispers.
But when the elder came up to her, she gave him a sweet smile and pat his hands when they were raised in a shaky prayer. "I was happy to help and congratulations to you and your family, wish you nothing but happiness."
She waved gently as she rode off with the group.
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Day 4
Dec 4, 2012 22:44:57 GMT -5
Post by Barnzi88 on Dec 4, 2012 22:44:57 GMT -5
Shion-Pa, to the young monk, felt like just another Fa-Ten city but smaller, so it didn't feel all that new to her. Although, she did find the city's ancient architectural design appealing.
After the elderly man left, she pulls her mount closer to Akane and whispered to her. "These folk know you well, I see."
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OkeyDJ
Lvl 1 - Traveler
Posts: 157
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Day 4
Dec 5, 2012 0:31:48 GMT -5
Post by OkeyDJ on Dec 5, 2012 0:31:48 GMT -5
Akane gives Tun Si a little smirk. "Well, I am the Jorogumo of Shion-Pa." Akane gives her a quick wink. "A lot of these people come to me for advice, just like you did." Akane smiles a little wider.
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Day 4
Dec 5, 2012 3:10:19 GMT -5
Post by Cole Deschain on Dec 5, 2012 3:10:19 GMT -5
Nergüi had taken stock of the place, and had found it wanting.
Sheep for the slaughter. The world would be no poorer if we burned this place to the ground.
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Day 4
Dec 5, 2012 16:44:53 GMT -5
Post by cancerbones on Dec 5, 2012 16:44:53 GMT -5
Aeon looks about him at the town as they travel through.
"its quiet, ill give it that much."
He then glances over at the khan and gives him a knowing smirk. then puts a finger to his lips.
"shh. it may yet come to that. What are we looking for here again?"
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Day 4
Dec 5, 2012 20:56:36 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Dec 5, 2012 20:56:36 GMT -5
"Instructions for where we must locate an Instrument of Nirvana. The kingdom has one of the five, and there are four scattered throughout the kingdom.. We're one of the four teams sent out simultaneously," Nam Il happily recapped to Aeon.
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Day 4
Dec 5, 2012 21:03:15 GMT -5
Post by AzalaTerran on Dec 5, 2012 21:03:15 GMT -5
Nan Fa Ra Duk looked around at the city and the peoples fawning over Akane for her great abilities. He'd have to remember to come back to this town and sell stories and songs about her...
While the rest of his team was talking about the town the Geshou (we're calling bards Geshou now.) urged his horse over to Tama.
"So, we finally made it here...." Duk said, his gaze steady on the road ahead then he looked over at Tama,
"Tell me, does Mifune have anything that she.... favors? Something that... oh say someone might gift to her?"
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Day 4
Dec 6, 2012 0:53:27 GMT -5
Post by RoseNasty on Dec 6, 2012 0:53:27 GMT -5
Unsurprised but feeling slightly uncomfortable as to the obvious motives behind the question, Tama responds evasively. "Such a subject has never come up between us and I am unaware of her want of anything. I think it's best if you set aside any idle thoughts of courtship until after we complete this misson. It will only distract you..." Indeed, it was a bit awkward for Tama. Out of politeness, she did not express how little she estimated his chances of winning over her Leiutenant were, and tried her best to keep the skepticism from showing in her face.
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Day 4
Dec 6, 2012 18:29:53 GMT -5
Post by AzalaTerran on Dec 6, 2012 18:29:53 GMT -5
Nan Fa Ra Duk nodded slightly at Tama's words
"Of course, she wouldn't know," he thought to himself, "She's not a very hands on leader."
Outloud the Geshou said "Hmm yes, well it's probably better I get her something from the heart. Show her I'm not just another. No doubt men throw themselves at the feet of such a beauty all the time. I must be genuine. Thanks for the advice."
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Day 4
Dec 6, 2012 22:45:15 GMT -5
Post by PyrasTerran on Dec 6, 2012 22:45:15 GMT -5
Our heroes enter the large government building, leaving their horses in the nearby stable. making their way through its interior halls to a heavily guarded room, with Nam Il's guidance, they found adviser Lao Kune Do inside, the same head of the king's council that moderated the meeting three nights ago. Looking to Nam Il, the others could see that he was not happy, nor did the portly town lord, whom Nam Il and Akane know as Pai Chang, look any more pleased. “Nam Il! What took you so long to get here!? The other three teams collected and left Shion-Pa yesterday!” "Ah! Uh, well, you see-" "Do not bother me with details, I've-" He stops as he is approaching Nam Il, and looks to our heroes with something mixed of shock and confusion. "Wait.. this, this is the team you put together? A couple of scrawny vagrants and a young woman??" "W-wh-" Pai Chang interrupts Nam Il. "-is that, an Ulanese?? How can you find his ilk worthy of this mission!?" Chang scoffs, eyeing each member of the team with scrutiny. "You had some sense to recruit an Onna Bugeisha, but you couldn't even find a human for the job.. to say nothing of the, Jorogumo," He looks at Akane with disgust. The two were not on good terms, for Akane's influence in the town did nothing to help Chang's insecurities of his grip of power on Shion-Pa. With a disapproving grunt, Chang walks past our heroes. Nam Il has never looked so small to the rest of the team, as Lao Kune Do presses his brow with his fingers. "Understand, Nam Il, the only reason I am even letting this slide is because we wouldn't have made it this far without your research and commitment. I am putting my faith in you that this team of yours is as capable as the onna bugeisha, warriors, samurai and monks that came through here just yesterday." "..y-yes.. I understand." Nam Il's eyes did not leave the floor. With a final nod, Lao hands Nam Il a pack of scrolls. “Here are your checkpoint wavers and travel approval papers. The last Instrument of Nirvana left without someone to retrieve it, is the Lung of Lungs, and it is located in the Free Islands.” ".. In, the Free Islands, sir?" "Yes, as you're well aware, the other nations have quarantined Fa-Rei, not allowing anyone to enter their borders, for as long as the red star phenomenon occurs. In those papers are directions to a secret underground passage into the Free Islands. Our soldiers are keeping it secret and safe for you." The Free Islands: The youngest nation in Shyuu next to Talzistan, the Free Islands are South of Fa-Rei and East of Rhasmapatra, making up the land and islands of the South East Sea. They are governed by various states, one for every major island. They pride themselves in their neutrality in international affairs, though this independence and free-thinking ideology has led to more than its fair share of corrupt elements, from crime syndicates to pirates. Many in the civilized world see the Free Islands as no more than wretched hives of scum and villainy. Aeon has done much business in the Free Islands, and Duk and Nergüi, in their vagrancy, have been within the borders on occasion. Tama has dealt with her fair share of bandits and pirates from that region, and Tun Si and Akane are only aware of the nation by name. “Now, I suggest you take the day to prepare for your journey, and leave at sunrise tomorrow. Just because we have 26 days left before the supposed prophetical return does not mean you can go lollygagging about.” With that, Advisor Lao waves to the guards to see the team out of the government center. Outside, our heroes seem to now have the day to themselves. Nam Il, meanwhile, simply hangs his head sadly as he reviews the papers. "Right.. well, we've been given access to rooms in the inn across the street.. I'll look through the paperwork." He slumps away towards the inn.
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Day 4
Dec 6, 2012 23:59:42 GMT -5
Post by Barnzi88 on Dec 6, 2012 23:59:42 GMT -5
Once everyone was outside, Tun Si felt glad to away from the noblemen's irritable ranting. But she had been paying attention to details of their next destination. She was fully aware of the dangers that the Free Islands posed, especially to young girls such as herself, or so she had been warned since childhood by her fellow nobles.
But for the time being, Tun Si swept away those thoughts for later and turned her gaze up at the streets of Shion-Pa. Having not been anywhere aside her homecity and Tsong Lakes, she wasn't sure where to go to stock up supplies.
[Streetwise] [dice=20]+1
While the streets of Shion-Pa appeared similar to Fa-Ten, the young monk didn't feel very comfortable wandering into areas she wasn't familiar with. She might have to ask a few folk around for directions.
OOC: Wow...bad roll XD....[rand=026631254004314542849352505756542155867239926010371058810125105083]
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