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A handsome yet devious tiefling scans the area with his orange eyes. The light red tiefling is bare chested but wears a black long coat with the symbol of Cheliax on both sleeves. At his side is holstered a strange weapon with a wooden handle and a metal tube. The tiefling sneers as he sees the other members of the group.
"I'm Diluvious, Diluvious Belevin of the great nation of Cheliax."
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Slaine tamps off his boots before stepping into the ruined estate. Although the state of the building makes this unnecessary, his decorum demands that he follow proper protocol. Having been in Tian Xia on "unofficial" Exchange business, he was pulled in by VC Li for this duty. Since his acquisition had been accomplished, Slaine was more that happy to oblige.
Although he appears elderly, his gray hair and scarred face hide the fact that he is quicker than most and his years have given him wisdom to handle most situations. Those that doubted his reflexes seldom have a second chance to test them and Slaine has no qualms about shooting the unarmed, assuming they deserved it. Most people he's paid to "obtain" have deserved it...
With his musket slung easily over his shoulder he moves into the room and sizes up anyone else gathered. Noticing the sidearm on Diluvious, he gives him a sidelong smirk.
'Nother boomer, eh? Make sure ye know which end means business.[b] He says, as he gives a not unkind smirk to the tiefling. [b]Name's Slaine and I'm lookin' for a feller by the name of Mai...er mehbe she's a gal. Can't tell wit these Xian names. Yer from Cheliax, eh? Good law-abaidin nation there.
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A hulking, ham handed man heavily marches down the road making it clear to all those in a 500 meter radius that he was there with his loud, earth shaking stomps.
When he stumbles into two other guys on the road he gives his best smile and boldly pronounces
I am Starke
and proceeds to sit down and pull out a whole roasted chicken from his bag (One of the only things in it) and without any manners, eats it, bone and all
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"Aye, law abiding. And I know my way around a firearm, though I was trained by a great archer by the name of Erik. A good Pathfinder, though I disagree with his, outlook on certain things." Diluvious says to Slaine. Then looking at Starke with a smile "A dull one I see, but by the looks of you, you more than make up with it in your strength."
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Starke nods excitedly and picks up two small rocks from the ground putting one in each hand, he then slams them into each other causing them to crack and with a triumphant look on his face says
Starke strong like boar.
But after saying this lays down in a food coma from his chicken, and sleeps there waiting for more people to arrive
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Well, I was about to greet that feller, but looks like he's done take a nap! Well, Diluvious, m'name's Slaine. Mighty fine ter meet ye. That's a right fine piece ye got there. I weren't never no good at the pistols. It will be a pleasure te see ye in action. Now where's the rest of the crew that Li promised us?
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You notice a slender but muscular Tian approaching down the lane. He is bald and darker skinned than many of the local Tian you've seen. He also has tattoos in geometric patterns on his chest and back. You note a scimitar belted to his waist.
Excuse me, I'm looking for someone named Mai Chun. Might any of you be Mai Chun? I wasn't told what he or she looked like so I'm afraid I'm a bit at a loss. My name is Wu-Tang and I hail from Minata in southeastern Tian Xia. I'm supposed to be looking for a group of Pathfinders, if you've heard of them, and was sent by Amara Li.
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Stepping out from behind some concealment, a thin and angular man strides toward the group. Removing his hat, his eyes dart to and fro observing even the smallest detail on each person. His well tailored suit and neck-cloth seem out of place on this dusty, country road. Good day to you Slaine. I do hope your recent adventures in Absalom were successful. Mr Belevin, you really should do something about your susceptibility to acid. Wu-Tang, I'm curious as to how your clothes do not catch fire with your special gifts. Holmes nudges the sleeping man with his toe. And this fellow... He crinkles his nose and turns away. I'm sure we can find some use for him. My name is Holmes. I specialize in the art of observing, not merely seeing. I am pleased to offer my considerable talents to fellow Pathfinders. With that, he takes out a gold, Taldan pocket watch and busies himself with winding the mechanism.
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While in his deep sleep, dreaming about killing and roasting wild boar, Starke feels a tap from the real world and with a great yell, jumps up in a wrestlers ready position and says Who? Wha? I'm hungry....
Then notices the two new arrivals and puts his huge hands up for a high-five from both of them saying Hi, I Starke! I can eat, punch, and sleep!
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With the team assembled, you make your way further down the road until you come to an unassuming house tucked in the small town of Ashima.
The screen door opens, filling the doorway is an elderly woman of regal bearing who wears a lopsided smile. Long white hair meets her waist over colorful robes that would not be out of place in the salons of Tian Xia’s largest cities. The grandmotherly woman speaks with a deep, rich voice.
What fates and fickle winds bring blooming lilies to our forest island. With such winds does history ebb and flow.
Having introduced herself with this couplet, she bows and adds, Yes, yes you’ll do perfectly. I hope you’re fond of bears.
She grins and steps aside, raising a welcoming arm. Quickly, come in. And off with your shoes!
You recognize Mai Chun’s poetic couplets as a form of communication that highly educated people use in many parts of Tian Xia, particularly in regions like Shokuro that have experienced Minkaian influence. Such couplets are often meant to be complemented with an equally poetic reply.
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May I assume you are the honorable Mai Chun we've been asked to meet with? While bowing deeply he says, My name is Wu-Tang. Amara Li has gathered some local and far afield pathfinder members together. How are we able to be of service to you?
Lucky notices that Wu-Tang has no shoes to remove, but does brush off most of the dirt from his feet before entering.
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Starke scratches his head at the confusing words and sentences but then perks up at the mention of bears.
Hi! I Starke He then flexes both his arms (which may or may not have been washed in a while) and then continues I wrestle bears and eat them!
He then proceeds to sit down like a child and start taking off his sandals.
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Joining her inside, Mai Chun’s house is delightfully cluttered. Papers and parchments are stacked perilously high, piles of books lean against disorderly shelves, and swords and shields are displayed on every wall. Out of place amid the chaos is an orderly circle of concentrically arranged cushions around a chalkboard.
Please have a seat in my classroom. As you gather around and take your seats Mai Chun begins to tell you why you are here.
I’d like you to enter the nearby Li Sho forest and explore a ruined estate. I believe that it was an old estate for military officers during the days of Imperial Lung Wa. I hope it contains relics or information about Lung Wa that Shokuro can use to enhance its reputation among the Successor States. She pauses and let's you take it in then continues,
The villagers I initially sent to scout the estate report seeing a dire bear prowling the courtyard. They fled, which is exactly what I would’ve wanted them to do. Who would make the harvest festival stew if Wu got his head bitten off? No one, that’s who. You lot, though? You look like you can handle a big bear if you had to. She gives you a confident smile.
Now the forest is dense but I think I can show you the way! She picks up the chalkboard and begins to draw a map.
Do you have any questions?
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Mai Chun smiles at Wu-Tang, I like attentive students, but sadly I can’t give specifics, as I don’t know exactly what’s there. Shizuru curse any looters that may have already gotten to it. But, if anything remains, I’m looking specifically for documents. Maps, letters, scrolls, things of that sort. Other than that, any treasure could be significant. If it’s shiny and not bolted down, pick it up. If it is bolted down, I have pliers. She lets out a silly sounding laugh.
As to hazards, it sounds like bears might be a concern, wolves too, I've heard a tale of giant spiders, but I doubt it's true.
Wu-Tang recalls that Li Sho Forest is a surprisingly dense forest that thwarts easy travel. The forest was much smaller during the days of Imperial Lung Wa when much of the area was settled, the forest has reclaimed area with surprising efficiency.
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Suddenly a Sylph walks into the room confidently, arrogantly, and gracefully and announces clearly and snobbishly.
I am Archibald Antonidos a wizard of increasing power. Kados you are needed in the Grand Lodge enjoy your boat ride. He says handing him a small bag of gold. As Kados exits.
I will be joining you on this quest and by the looks on your faces He pauses for dramatic effect. You are excited to have me, you have no doubt heard of my works. Conjuration 101, Breeding and Training Greensting Scorpions, The Clever Caster, and Sonnets From a Broken Heart.
Looking around at the party somewhat embarrassed. What I like poems He says defensively in the most snobby of tones, turning his head slightly
It seems as if we are in need of my vast knowledge right away.
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Welcome Archibald, come in, sit down! I like poems too in fact I like to write them. Then she begins to orate.
Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.
Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.
A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove's shade.
A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.
If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.
In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.
Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as Great.
This is my goal, the person I strive to become.
She lets quiet settle over the room for a moment, Now then where were we, oh yes! Bears!
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Missy, I do'n know what you jus said, but I did hear ye mutter som'thin about some military barracks in that estate. What kin ye tell us about this Lung Wa feller? What sort of things might'n ye be thinkin would help ye with yer reputation. I'm understandin that this here Shokoro state has it's share o' tyrants. Is this something teh help with that? Ye seem like good law-abidin folk 'round here. He glances to Diluvious to get confirmation on his own last sentence and also nods an understanding acknowledgement of Diluvious' expression.
Fir the bears an such... He pats his musket and sneers. We kin manage.
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Mai Chun nods to Slaine, For nearly 500 years, Imperial Lung Wa united and ruled an immense portion of Tian Xia. With the death of Aroden, the empire fractured into the competing Successor States, with Lingshen, Po Li, and Quain at the shattered empire’s heart. So far, none of the three have managed to recapture the fallen empire’s glory and influence, resulting in a tense stalemate among them. Agents from each nation keep an eye out for anything they might use as a symbol of legitimacy as the empire’s worthiest successor.
She pauses a moment before continuing her story, Lingshen has the strongest military of all the Successor States. Shortly after Lung Wa’s fall, it annexed the fertile land we now reside on, Shokuro, and compelled the peasants to labor on Lingshen’s behalf. Over several decades, Lingshen turned its attention elsewhere, convinced that the subjected territory would serve without complaint. When a Minkaian samurai named Toriaka witnessed the cruel serfdom, however, he rallied the peasants and helped the territory secede as an independent nation. With a well-trained militia and an equitable trading policy with Lingshen that placates the larger nation’s need for food imports, Shokuro now enjoys some stability. Even so, the Sun Shogun Shokuro Toriaka recognizes that to the three stronger Successor States, Shokuro remains a prospective chess piece in their future ambitions.
As she describes it she draws a rough sketch of the region on the chalkboard. For my nation to gain the standing to fend off our expansionist neighbors, we must acquire some of the same political currency—namely, symbols of old imperial authority.
Then addressing Wu-Tang, My role was small and inconsequential, I experience more lose and sorrow than victory and glory then. But I did help form the new government for a few years before returning here. I see myself more of as chronicler of Shokuro’s new statehood now than anything else.
Did we have tea?! I don't see any tea cups, oh I'm so sorry, let me get the tea!
She rushes off, but you get the feeling she is being humble about the role she played in Shokuro's rise.
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Honorable Mai Chun, thank you for your hospitality. Tea would be wonderful
Addressing the rest of the team while she's out of the room, Can anyone think of anything else we should ask about? Are we all prepared for a foray into the forest? I for one am excited to be surrounded by the energy of the Green.
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Slaine arches an eyebrow at the wispy fellow, glances at Diluvious as if to say "who's this guy?" and then turns to Wu-Tang. I got my gun an plenty 'o ammo. Some hard tack an some water in my skin. I be ready. Might'n be good ter know what sort of artifacts she's lookin fer. He then turns back to Archibald. Hey Archie, watta ya think about turnin yer immense intellect ter helping get The Exchange established with trade in this bread basket o' Shokur'a? We might'n be able to get some law 'n order established and help this here young state get of ter a good'n start. And if we make a small profit in return, all the better, eh?
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Why yes, I've heard of the Exchange -- good business partners I hear. Mai Chun comments, and chats with Slaine a bit longer about the prospects.
After the tea and some more good conversation, you set out for the ruined estate. The Li Sho Forest is as dense a forest as was advertised. Travelling is tough, but just as she said Mai Chun’s directions lead to a narrow path that was once a wide road. The forest has reclaimed most of it, with only a few paving stones peeking up from the soil, the landmarks that Mai Chun mentioned are easy to spot: corroded lantern poles overgrown with ivy, an empty hunter’s shack, and finally an old military watchtower. Should be far until you reach the estate.
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Perhaps I can spot something, I do not have the most keen eyes but I do know a lot of about many things in this world. Just let me know if you need some of that expertise because chances are I already know it. Additionally, I do speak tien. 我可以說. If you need some help reading anything.
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Slaine moves into a good position, not so stealthily, but gets a good look.
The stone tower still stands, but some of the stonework looks decrepit. Slaine can see where a wooden door once blocked out the outside world, but it has long sense rotted away. Through the open doorway, it's clear that the steps leading up have collapsed from age.
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Well, seein' as how the rest o these fellers are standing' slack-jawed. I mightn' as well go check that place out wit Woodang.
Slaine runs up to the tower, keeping an eye on the top level. He does a quick peak of the grounds. After that, he slings his loaded musket over his shoulder and tries to climb to the top level.
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Climbing the old watchtower is easy for Slaine who finds plenty of hand and footholds. At the top of the watchtower, Slaine finds a sturdy waterproof box which contains a longbow, a quiver with 10 arrows, and an old letter written in a language Slaine doesn't understand. Bringing it to the group Wu-Tang recognizes it as Tian; the letter seems to be from a child to his father who must have been a soldier who stood guard at this tower long ago.
Moving on, after around 6 hours of travel (total), gaps in the forest canopy allow shafts of light to fall on the ruins you seek. A once opulent manor lies ahead. The manor’s facade is covered in leafy vines, and the once-neatly manicured shrubberies of the courtyard now wildly over spill their bounds. An acrid stench assaults the senses as corpses of humanoids and beasts alike litter the grounds.
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Where are the bodies on the ground? I think I'll move along the north wall towards the side building at top left. Wanting to peer inside and hopefully make sure that room is empty so we don't leave anyone at our back.
Hey Slaine, can you come with me? Maybe you could help me check the side building then stay back after it's cleared and provide some cover as we approach the main building. I don't like all this carnage.
Can I tell anything about the animals as I pass?
Lucky, notice anything we should be aware of before I move out?
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Wu-Tang begins to move into the courtyard trying to make sense of all the various remains. As Slaine follows along. As Wu-Tang calls out to Lucky a very aggressive and agitated bear emerges overgrowth near the front doors of the estate.
Initiative
Round 1
Diluvious
Slaine
Starke
Archibald
Bear
Lucky
Wu-Tang