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  #121  
Old Aug 15th, 2021, 05:43 AM
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Troubled Waters
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As Ikari steps onto the bridge there is a flurry of activity amongst the indistinct figures lurking there; a sense of regular motion disturbed, of not just alarm but interruption. Only With her Perception Check of 15Sophie, peering through her goggles, recognises the telltale signs of construction underway. The noise must have been lost in the roar of the waterfall, but there are regularly-spaced lines of deeper blackness lining the cliff-edge opposite; posts driven into the earth, perhaps. The figures had been building something.

That you have interrupted their labours is, you quickly discover, for the best. A half-hidden shape on the bridge resolves itself, in the circle of light Ikari's torch casts before it, into a squat humanoid figure. A familiar form: a bakemono, perhaps one standing lookout. Unlike the masked and darting shapes you confronted the night before, however, this creature stands its ground... and it is wearing armour. It is dressed in tattered and ill-fitting regalia that the torchlight reveals to be the very same red and black as that of the soldiers at the sekisho, a night and a day before. The armour of a Tenkan soldier.

It stares Ikari down, leaning on its naked blade. A third of the bridge lies between them: despite the rushing waters, it must have heard his cry for parley. Still, though, it does not speak. Several long moments pass... before it glances back over its shoulder, nods briskly to the young villager, then turns and marches back across the bridge.

There, at the other end, the shadowy figures are assembling...

OOC Bad luck Turushno - still need that Con save from Tsuyui Kokoro!

A diplomatic approach (and good rolls) here has won you a little time to decide your next move. This may well turn into a combat, but you have some space now to decide where to position yourselves, how to approach it, cast preliminary spells and so on. Or you could withdraw, and try something else!

If you need any more information to decide a plan (of attack, or otherwise), please ask away
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  #122  
Old Aug 16th, 2021, 10:42 AM
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Tsuyui Kokoro
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Tsuyui Kokoro stalked up to the bridge with Ikari but let the graceful fisherman do the talking. He hoped his towering presence would have the positive affect of granting them passage across. When it was revealed those at the other side were more Bakemono, he bent his knees prepared to sprint across the bridge and demolish whatever it was the little creatures were building but he deferred to Ikari who spoke eloquently to possibly diffuse the situation. His eyes darted back and forth between Ikari and the goblins at the far side of the span. He would follow his ally's lead but any sense of danger from the far side and the Bakemono would have 330 pounds of angry barbarian coming their way.



 


 
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  #123  
Old Aug 16th, 2021, 06:42 PM
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Jun / Ikari
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Moonlight and the flame of the torch Ikari held high brought life to the night and caused the shadows around Tsuyui Kokoro and him to dance. That is how his grandfather had described Yomi-no-kuni, the land of eternal gloom that housed the spirits of the dead. Much like normal shadows they too resembled what they had once been in life in a disturbing, twisted way, both attracted to and repulsed by the light that had given them birth.

Despite being surrounded by darkness, Ikari was not afraid, trusting in the fire in his hand and the one inside him. As he was slowly crossing the bridge the shadows on the other side of it finally started taking form, that of several humans constructing something that resembled a wall or barricade. But why would they choose to work under the cover of darkness and why didn’t they need the light only fire could provide to guide their hands in their task? One of the shadows left the rest and approached the Kyojin and the fisherman‘s son, each step bringing the armored figure closer to them until the light of the torch touched his face and revealed the truth.

Bakemono!

They had been tricked! As a group of bakemono pursued the party, another was trying to block their path towards Taisha, effectively trapping them like the famous Matagi hunters did before delivering the killing blow to the great black bears that were their prey.

Dragon eyes met those of the bakemono sentinel and Insight check 20saw into his mind. The creature regarded Ikari and his companions as enemies and no matter what threats or promises he made and what gifts he gave the bakemono, nothing would change that. No, if they were to escape this trap, they would have to act resolutely and with cunning.

As the sentinel started turning his back to the pair to return to the ones working on finishing the barricade, Ikari’s fingers closed around the crystal hanging from a leather cord around his neck and he started softly cast „sleep“chanting something that was more akin to a serpent‘s hissing than a dragon‘s growling. A mist-like smoke emerged from his mouth and nostrils and within moments enveloped the bakemono.

The sentinel gasped softly in surprise, but said nothing. He had no time to attack or shout a warning to his people, suddenly finding himself unable to stay awake. As if having been touched by the deadly hand of a Shinigami, all life seemed to desert his body, assuming he has a total of 25 HP or lessand he slumped to the ground with a thump.

"Tsuyui, we must hurry! Carry the unconscious bakemono back to the group. If anyone tries to stop us, I shall unleash the dragon’s breath upon them. Come, before they realize that their sentinel has been incapacitated."

Ikari‘s words were spoken softly, but they were as confident and determined as anything that came out of Meiji’s mouth. It wasn’t a heimin’s request, but a prince’s command. The dragon would accept nothing less.

Only when Tsuyui Kokoro had lifted the bakemono guard, armor and all, as easily as one would lift a doll and was swiftly retreating, did Ikari follow the Kyojin, his gaze focused on the figures on the other side of the bridge. If they chose to follow them, they would be forced to leave their defenses, which would be a tactical mistake. If not, the group would have the time to interrogate the bakemono and gather valuable information about the ones blocking their path. No matter what they chose to do, they would be at a disadvantage.

The dragon growled inside Ikari, eager to unleash his power. It seemed that he would get the chance soon enough.

 
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  #124  
Old Aug 18th, 2021, 03:58 PM
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Bridge Suspension Smoke coils snakelike around the bakemono sentinel; he opens his mouth to cry out, and the dragon steals his voice, steals his senses, sends him slumping to the slippery wooden slats of the bridge. He did not have more than 25 hitpoints Asleep.

The bustle of activity beyond the river does not cease. The roar of the waterfall dampens sound, and for now (it seems) the crest of the bridge hides enough of the light from Ikari's torch to keep you from sight... but still, it can be only moments before your presence is discovered. Whatever action you take now, you must take quickly.


OOC If Tsuyui Kokoro does indeed dart forwards to retrieve the sleeping sentinel, he will need to pass a fairly difficult Stealth check or be detected. In addition, he'll be rolling with Disadvantage unless Ikari puts out that light! He'll still be able to see just about well enough to retrieve the bakemono and sneak back across the bridge, but for the record: I strongly discourage crossing dilapidated wooden bridges by moonlight in real life. With or without small, possibly haunted persons slung across your shoulder.

If anyone else can think of a clever way to help out, go for it! I'm not sure what else could commute that Disadvantage but you might be able to soften the DC of the check a point or two.
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  #125  
Old Aug 21st, 2021, 02:05 PM
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Darkness
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'Now darkness falls,'
quail chirps,
'what use hawk eyes?'


The boards Stealth Check: 14creak under Tsuyui Kokoro's bulk, but the rushing water Bakemono Perception Check: 13!drowns sound. In moments he has slung the little armoured creature child-like across his shoulder and is padding back across the bridge, his way barely lit by the gentle glowing of the kabi cradled in Ikari's palms.

Tense seconds pass... but the two of you return safely to your companions, waiting in the murk at the foot of the bridge. The figures on the other side continue their work, their shadowy industry just barely perceptible to the keen-eyed. No hue and cry has gone up, and their sentinel sleeps on in your midst.

OOC I was on the fence about that little manoeuvre, but Tsuyui Kokoro's Stealth Check wasn't too bad and you were out of the bakemono's Darkvision range so RAW they shouldn't have been able to spot you at all. I decided to make them roll for it, and their negative 1 Wisdom modifier clinched it

You now have a captive! He will remain unconscious for about 50 more seconds, or until Ikari chooses to end the spell, or until someone uses an action to shake or slap (mean) him awake.

You'll be tough to spot from the bakemonos' end of the bridge, and sound won't travel that far easily either. Still, the longer you hang out the higher the chances of something untoward happening...

 
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  #126  
Old Aug 25th, 2021, 10:03 AM
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Turushno
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Turushno watches the pair return with their inert cargo - nicely done. They toss the prone Bakemono into the centre of the group. Turushno unfurls some of the rope tied around his waist and uses it to bind their captive's hands and feet - tight, but not constrictive. No point in going overboard when it's in the middle of this many potential hostiles.

Turushno, of course, has no wish to be hostile. "Let me try to speak to him first, please."

No one objects, and so when the Bakemono rouses from its induced sleep, Turushno is the first thing it sees, the Mae-Nichi monk having sidled right up to its face. It recoils in surprise, and Turushno holds up a hand in supplication. "Easy. We have no reason to harm you yet. Are you of the oni's flock of followers?"

He slowly brings out a crude, travel-worn item - the fetish provided to Turushno long ago by another Bakemono. Turushno isn't even sure it'll work as a tool of persuasion - for all he knows, this Bakemono is from a tribe that had little respect for such items.

"We would prefer there to be no bloodshed, but we will defend ourselves if needed. As we already have done. Will your people let us through?"


OOCOriginally 14 on Persuasion, but tried a re-roll for a 6. So T is pretty flimsy on compelling diplomacy here, it seems.


 
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  #127  
Old Aug 25th, 2021, 11:22 AM
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Jun / Ikari
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As silent and stealthy as shadows, the Kyojin and Tenkajin, one of them carrying the bakemono, the other keeping the night at bay with the seed of fire that he held tightly in his hands, returned to their companions, their hostage still asleep in the giant‘s arms. Ikari’s plan had been a bold one and it had taken as much luck as skill for it to succeed, but succeeded it had! Not only had they incapacitated one of the enemies, they now had a bakemono in their hands, a valuable source of information.

"Well done, Tsuyui-san!", called out Ikari, his face bathed by the kabi‘s fire, now left unchecked. "I am glad you joined me. I never could have accomplished such a feat by myself."

Not in this weak body at least.

Elation, however, soon gave way to impatience and impatience to anger as Ikari listened to Turushno trying to glean the truth from their prisoner. The monk paused repeatedly to rub first his forehead, then his leg, his eyes seemingly lacking focus, his voice having lost its timbre, which was extraordinarily soft and powerful at the same time. It was clear that Turushno‘s exhaustion was affecting him more than he would have probably cared admitting and that caused no end of irritation to the young man and especially the angry spirit within him.

Hold your tongue, fool! Kindness will not get you far with creatures such as this. They only understand the voice of fire and thunder!

Ignoring the dragon’s protests, Ikari remained still, though it cost him more than the others realized, the Tenryuu‘s flames of divine anger threatening to engulf his body. Jun knew that Turushno was not at fault here, in fact he admired the monk for his adherence to non-violence whenever such an option presented itself. It was not easy walking such a path in a divided Tenka, threatened both by the celestial fire of the Tenryuu and the impure flames of gaijin contraptions, but it was a noble path. A path of peace…

There can be no peace while darkness and impunity taint the land of the kami! Only fire can cleanse it. Only fire will allow it to be reborn in glory. You are a vessel of the fire and nothing more. Do not resist. Do not refuse the call. Unleash the fire‘s fury!

And yet Ikari would not bow before the dragon prince. Not yet. Not while the hope remained that Turushno‘s way was the right way, the virtuous way, the most effective way. The dragon howled and growled, furious at the defiance of his mortal flesh, but there was nothing he could do.

Soon, soon. The thunder of my voice will drown the din of the waterfall and the bakemono’s body will break like clay before my power. You will see, disobedient child. You will see and come to regret your insubordination. Soon.

 
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  #128  
Old Aug 29th, 2021, 07:09 AM
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Bonds
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The bakemono's whistle is probably not this nice.
The little warrior starts in confusion as it awakens from its unnatural slumber, straining furiously at its bonds. It quickly grows still, however, at Turushno's address. Do its eyes grow a little wider at the sight of the little carved figure he presents..? Impossible to say. Suddenly surrounded by such looming, outlandish figures, the bakemono has plenty of reason to look surprised.

Turushno makes his plea for a peaceful resolution, and for a few moments all is still. Then - in indistinct but perfectly comprehensible Tenkan - the little warrior answers.

"Honourless dogs! Faithless dragonlings! This is our daimyo's land now, and you are all trespassers!"

The bakemono snarls Persuasion Check: 6 Sorry T!its defiance, apparently enraged... but in the now-unhidden light of the kabi, you can suddenly see that it has been calmly working to Dexterity Check: 18free a hand from its bonds. Your prisoner makes a grab for a scrap of something pale hung about its throat: a simple little flute or whistle. A signal - an alarm!

OOC It'll be a contested Sleight of Hand or Grapple check to stop the bakemono from sounding the alarm; it rolled a 13 in advance, so you only need to equal or beat that. I'm going to say that a maximum of two PCs can attempt to just grab it, though: as always, more elaborate solutions are very welcome!
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  #129  
Old Aug 29th, 2021, 02:23 PM
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Ishiguro Meiji
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Was it thanks to the light of that strange, caged kabi? Perhaps, instead, it was merely the pale hue of the bakemono's whistle; the item catching a glint off the moonlight as it shone high above. Whatever the reason, Meiji took note of the captive's wriggling and foresaw his plan of action before it could be made manifest.

Juuuust squeaked by with a 13 on my Grapple Check!In an instant, and just in the nick of time, the mounted samurai slouched down on his horse and seized the creature's offending hand right at the moment the whistle reached his chapped lips. Better still, it was no stroke of luck that, even if the creature had thought to blow against the item with all his might, nary a peep would ring out, for the grapple of the rider engulfed not only the bakemono's own hand but also sealed the slit of the whistle all the same.

And then, in an effort to make clear the disparity between them, Meiji began to lift the poor foot soldier from the safety and security of the earth. Higher, e're higher... until that foul creature need look down upon the mounted lord.

"Strong words from such a weak creature," the youth barked up at the Bakemono. "I do wonder, are you so brave when facing certain death? Care to find out?"

To accentuate his point, Meiji slowly steered his horse towards the edge of the bridge thereby, so that the captured guardsman could be held aloft over the dark expanse below. Yes, you could hear the water crash against the rocks... but it was so dark that one could not see all the way down; worse, one would not be able to anticipate when their bones would break upon them should they take a tumble.

"Now, tell me: who is your daimyo? What awaits us on the other side of this bridge? And be quick! My arm is growing heavy..."

These words, spat like venom from behind grit teeth.

Pale eyes narrowed into murderous slits.

A fist clenched, coiled, asphyxiating...

Meiji has a serpent's heart.

A villain's heart.



OOCI took the liberty of presuming my success meant the Bakemono was, in fact, grappled and ran with it. I wasn't certain whether or not you wanted me to make a follow-up roll for intimidation or not. If so, let me know!

21 on Intimidation with Advantage, per DM's request.



 

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  #130  
Old Sep 1st, 2021, 03:46 PM
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Whistling The wind whips up the walls of the chasm, and the bakemono dangling from Meiji's grip kicks the air. His eyes dart frantically about, striving against reason to find a way out, a foothold, another path to safety.

Intimidation Check: 21There is none.

"Coward! Cross the bridge and find out!"

The little warrior tries for defiance, but cannot conceal his desperate terror.

"This is the daimyo's mountain!" he continues, flailing. "The dragons shut him and his warriors away, but now that their power is breaking they are crossing the Floating Bridge once more! Cross the bridge and see!"

The bakemono's speech is rapid, unclear; torn between honourable refutation and the fear of death, he is answering Meiji's questions with words spat like curses.

"Three Warrior Monks, usuallysōhei and a dozen more fighters await you! None may pass unless the daimyo wills it!"

For the six of you the kabi's warm light illuminates just a little; as she watches Meiji work Usui's face is bathed in shadow, but the fist she makes around the straw of her mantle is clear to see. She still hasn't dared to put the thing back on. Now, though, she takes a half-step forwards, gripping the nearest person's shoulder uncertainly.

"Ain't... ain't this enough?"

Her hissed question comes just as the captive bakemono runs out of words, and tries to bite Meiji.

OOC The bakemono definitely didn't hurt Meiji (he rolled a 12), but I'll let you decide exactly why not Chylopan. Some solid anti-heroing on display here!
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  #131  
Old Sep 5th, 2021, 05:34 PM
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Jun / Ikari
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"There is no word to describe you, rogue, scoundrel, banditakutō, for even a worm serves a purpose in this world! You, however, defy the natural and divine order and disregard the covenant between the kami and the mortal races. For this you are less than the dirt beneath my feet!"

The voice that came out of Ikari’s mouth was not his own. It was not a voice that could have ever belonged to the child of a mortal mother. It held the fire of the heavens and the fury of the storm and every word uttered hurt the bakemono‘s face like the breath of the wind blowing down the slope of a mountainOroshi.

Usui’s timid intervention was met with a growl that seemed to come from the very bowels of the earth.

"The Mae-Nichi woman is right, Ishiguro Meiji. No true servant of the Tenryuu would tolerate such insolence and insubordination. Let the cliffs below teach him humility and the water carry away his filth. Then draw your ōdacchi and prove your worth to your Emperor. Let us teach this false daimyō a lesson of blood and scorching fire. Let us turn night into day and have the kami remember your skill and bravery for generations to come!"



 
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  #132  
Old Sep 8th, 2021, 09:53 AM
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Turushno
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It's uncomfortable to watch Meiji act the brute, but after Turushno's diplomacy failed he has to concede that it might yield results. They're in a tight situation here and can't afford to idle away on futile rapport. Does that justify the harsh measures taking place here, as a Bakemono is threatened with a punishing fate, dashed on the rocks below like a spilled clay bowl? Perhaps. Perhaps not. The day's buoyancy has slipped into a mellow contemplation, appraising the unfolding events with as much removed scrutiny as he can manage.

That impartial air vanished once Jun speaks. It is clearly not Jun. The boy is a host ... or is he the passenger, a skin for the true host that dwells within that unassuming frame? To spit invective at their captive is one thing. But now he ... it? ... calls for war and bloodshed.

"Enough is enough," Turushno spits with quiet determination, stepping in front of Ikari and cupping the boy's cheek with an open but tense hand. It's a gesture poised between affection and aggressive intent - the merest flick of a wrist would turn the hand into a chopping blow into Ikari's collarbone. "Ito Jun is not alone in there and I call you out, spirit. Perhaps you're powerful, but you are not our master. You are certainly not my master. And we will not slaughter for your whims alone. If your serpent's tongue is only capable of this bile, then keep it behind your teeth."

Turushno's palm shimmers against the boy's skin - it roils with water, chill to the touch. It hisses slightly against Ikari's cheek, water meeting fire.

"These Bakemono are small in the order of things, Meiji," Turushno calls to the ronin, not daring to take his eyes away from Ikari. "Kill him if you must. But he is small. Would you be satisfied from stepping on an ant?"




 
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Old Sep 8th, 2021, 08:24 PM
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Ishiguro Meiji
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The bakemono's fangs found purchase after his hasty and sputtering spiel, but only upon the samurai's hardened vambrace — it registered nothing; the effort was futile.

In fact, it wasn't the captured watchman at all that stirred Meiji from his hateful leer. The spirited outburst from the possessed youth, that humble fishmonger's ward known as Jun (or Ikari?), was cause enough for the Lord-Ronin's head to be put on a concernedly slow swivel.

Translation: "What the Hell?"何だこりゃ (Nanda Korya)!?

For one, however much Meiji might have agreed with the rationale put on offer by the spirit (if that's truly what it was), the fact that it came through such an assertive — nay, damn near authoritative — tone of voice irked him to no end. And if his compatriots had learned anything in the time that they had spent together, traveling or in combat, it was that you didn't bark orders at the man who barked all the orders.

But before a retort could shot from soon-to-be sneering lips, Turushno interjected with his thoughts on the matter. More still, the stares of Tsuyui, Sophie, and the Mae-Nichi woman began to make him bristle. Worse! Though he hated to admit it, Turushno was right — if only about this one thing, just this one time. What was such a lowly creature to the son of a daimyo? Small and unworthy, for starters; there was no honor to be gained slaying such a cowardly foe; he would serve only to taint the samurai's blade with his foul, monstrous blood.

"Tch," Meiji snorted. "It would take a thousand-dozen more to halt me, wretch." He then tossed the bakemono before the hooves of his mighty steed, safely away from the pitfall which would have most assuredly brought doom. "Go then, servant, and tell your Lord that the daimyo of Ochima, and his retinue, seek an audience."



 

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  #134  
Old Sep 9th, 2021, 12:10 PM
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Jun / Ikari
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Turushno touched the young man‘s skin and he found it burning with fever and the madness of uncontrollable anger. The boy, the dragon, unused to being touched by mortal flesh, instantly turned his head to look at the insolent wanderer, his fire ready to consume him, but the Mae-Nichi‘s hand remained firmly in place, strong, compassionate, cool, like gentle rain falling upon a raging forest wildfire.

Glazed eyes cleared and started blinking rapidly as sweat and tears started flowing down the boy‘s brow, cheeks and back, cooling his body and easing the turmoil in his soul. No matter how he longed to do so, the dragon was not yet strong enough to return to the world. He was bound to the human‘s body still, weak flesh containing his righteous fury at the injustice and the sorrow the gaijin had inflicted upon Tenka. The balance had been upset and it was up to him as Prince of land and sky to restore it, but he was unable to do so. Not yet. But soon. Soon. Soon…

With a sigh Jun‘s form slumped forward, his hands firmly placed upon his knees to keep himself from collapsing. As he raised his head to look at Turushno there was shame and guilt in his eyes, but also a kind of determination.

"The Prince… he was not always like that, I believe. It is pain and loss that twist his noble nature. That and the mists of Yomi constantly swirling around him, calling him to oblivion. *Sigh* I have dreamt of him as he ruled the heavens with his siblings, bringing the blessings of the Celestial Dragon Emperor to the people. It must have been hundreds of years ago, but it seemed like only last week. I… I want to serve him with all my heart, but I feel that his vision is… distorted. He needs help and I cannot provide it. I need to go to the Great Shrine, Turushno-sama. We must find a way!"

 
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  #135  
Old Sep 12th, 2021, 05:56 AM
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Therru Therru is offline
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Parley The bakemono sentry starts to his feet and stares, stunned, around the group. Then Tsuyoi - nervous in the darkness, nostrils flaring at the little warrior's unfamiliar scent - plunges, and the sentry skips back a pace, glances once more at the fearsome crew ranged about him, then turns on his heels and tears off into the night.

The sentry dashes back across the bridge, head down, as if he expects an arrow in his back at any moment. Usui watches him go. She frets with the rough straw trim of her mantle as the bakemono disappears into the gloom.

"I suppose no-one else would consider just... turnin' around? Tryin' to find another way through?" she asks, in a tone of voice that suggests she doesn't much expect an answer. She looks at Meiji, astride his horse, and takes a long few moments to study the - what, repentant? defiant? - Ito Jun. Then - turning pointedly away from Jun, and swearing softly in her own language - she dons her mantle.

left-aligned image

It seems like only seconds have passed before she speaks again. "Here they come."

A shape is crossing the bridge towards you. Tall, rangy, pitch-skinned... and familiar. Can this be the same creature you vanquished last night? It is difficult to be certain. The heavy studded club it drags along behind it: that, at least, must be new. The sentry Meiji spared walks a few paces before it (and scurries to keep things that way, as the monster's long strides eat up the bridge); in a strangely civilized touch, it comes unarmed, carrying a blazing torch in one hand.

Behind the approaching oni, darker shadows seem to dance around the fringes of the torchlight. "Three..." Usui breathes, confirming what the rest of you can just barely make out in the darkness. "There are three of them."

The creature in front stops a little more than halfway across the bridge, and its gaze seems to move slowly to each of your faces in turn. Then - in a voice like the screaming of white-hot steel plunged into cold water - it speaks.

"The Daimyō of Ochima is not here. What fool present hopes to deceive me?"

The bakemono sentry seems to say something, all but cringing from the looming figure. The oni tips its head on one side, listening, then peers out into the darkness once more.

"You, on the horse. You dare invoke the name of your better? Our lord does not tolerate such pridefulness in the peasantry. Any more than does the Daimyō Ishiguro."


OOC What an exciting play! Let's chat to this demon I've updated the map just for your reference, but we're not in any sort of combat situation so don't be too alarmed (yet). And feel free to make any checks that seem like they might be interesting: unlike the last oni you met this one's standing still while relatively brightly lit, so this is a rare chance to scope it out.

 

Last edited by Therru; Oct 9th, 2021 at 02:53 PM.
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