Kiyomi frowns, and sighs. Trying to help Heng's line of questioning, she entreaties the shaman. "Please. These people are barbarians from a far land and do not know our ways; it is not their fault. They have good hearts and wish to see our land and people prosper. Please, tell him what he asks. The spirits will not smile upon any of us if we allow stubbornness to prevent justice."
Harlan nods.
"We are barbarians, we've seen some pretty terrible things. You should see what I had to do in order to keep my black bean goat chili up to standards. But forgiveness is yours if you want it and truly desire it. Otherwise it will be repentance."
"I came into Gangasum's company when he struck into Minkaian-occupied lands. He asked me to join, but ultimately, I serve only the call of Lady Nanbyo."
|
Heng draws upon his mystic insight to ken the name of the god.
Heng grunts with distaste. "Plague, disaster and suffering. That is what you serve. You are no better than our Oni enemies. I had hoped you might be an unwilling servant of evil, but I see that is not so."
"I will defend you no longer. The lord of this fortress will now determine your fate, but I will advice that you be swiftly executed."
Parity smiles.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Hirabashi Jiro nods in agreement, and the guards take the bird-shaman away. He loses composure, squawking protests and insults until he is out of hearing.
***
Date: 5 Gozran 4712
After several weeks of downtime, you have settled into a routine of relative normality, slowly transforming the old fortress into a semblance of a home. Even the ever-rolling caravan has taken on the aspect of a long-term camp, merging with the edge of the growing village.
On a balmy if windy day, Jiro summons the group to his office in the fortress, including Ameiko, Miyaro, and Hatsue. A strategic map of Minkai, from the borders of the Forest of Spirits to the southern coast near Kasai. On it are markers and tokens representing military positions, lines of supply and communications, and more.
When all are gathered, Jiro begins. "Thank you for your prompt attendance. Hatsue and I have finished correlating our latest scout reports, and I think the time has come for us to decide the path forward." He gestures to the map while continuing. "The Jade Regent has already begun massing troops in strongholds across Minkai. He clearly perceives a threat to his rule, even though our force is little more than a skirmish party. Happily, there is no movement north, as of yet. In addition to the defensive posture, the governor of the capital, Kasai, has been accused of treason. Minkai has become alienated from the other nations of Tian Xia, creating a long-term trade crisis."
"I believe this chaos has created for us some potential allies, which we desperately need to survive the Regent's forces when he decides to come north. I propose meeting with representatives of Minkai's military, merchant and criminal underground, either to sway them to our cause, or buy their neutrality at the least."
|
|
Heng runs his head over his tattooed scalp concentrating on what Jiro is saying. "Pardon my ignorance, Jiro-san. As you have said, we may find allies among merchants who have been hurt by lost business. I certainly see the value in denying the enemy money and goods. Also, allies among the military and government- might the governor join our cause?- are undeniably useful. But I must ask, how could criminals help us?"
"Enemy of my enemy and all that. If you prefer, Heng, I could touch base with the criminals and see if there're any mutual interests we can align ourselves with."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Harlan nods at Parity's words.
"I can handle the merchants, and I think Parity is right, we'll need everything we can get to fight this. At the least if we can get the criminals to leave our side alone we won't have to worry about theft and loss of supplies. The real question is, are we fighting a long war, or a quick one? Can we take out the Jade Regent and end this quickly, or will we need to deal with the entire oni army?"
Kiyomi bows respectfully. "This one may have some small talent at speaking to the faithful bureaucrats and politicians. Perhaps I might determine their loyalties?"
Jiro nods to Harlan and responds, "I would hope for a quick conflict, for the common folk will suffer the most in an extended war. Taking on the Jade Regent directly would be ideal, and swift, but Kasai is unassailable. His forces are massed around the south in a tight perimeter. I would not risk sending Ameiko into a such danger."
"However, if we should incite a large rebellion in the north, I believe it will force the Jade Regent's hand. He will send forces our way, breaking the defensive perimeter enough that we can send you through to Kasai. It will still be dangerous, but not certain death."
"The budding merchant class of Minkai is centered in the western cities of Akafuto, Enganoka, and Sakakabe," Jiro continues, pointing at the map. "The merchants there resent the decline of Minkai's economic standing more than any other. To add insult to injury, they and the local daimyos are also taxed heavily to pay for the Jade Regent's Typhoon Guard, a mercenary army of uncertain origin. Of course, these hardships are just then squeezed out of the lower classes." He shakes his head in disdain. "The fruit for rebellion is ripe, but we must pick it carefully."
"I believe the best way to gain the support of the merchants is through the geisha, who know many secrets and can be used to manipulate the empire's merchants and nobility."
"To this end, I recommend visiting the renowned Kiniro Kyomai Teahouse in downtown Sakakabe, whose entertainment district is second only to that of Kasai. The owner of the Kiniro Kyomai, a skilled and respected geisha named O-Kohaku, is a niece of the late governor of Kasai, and likely counts the Jade Regent an enemy for killing her uncle."
With a eye to Heng, he adds, "And, you could see to the shops while in the city..."
Malnival grins and shakes his head," Yes my friend the two might have too much in common."
Harlan frowns at Mal.
"I'll say it again Mal, my brother has done nothing to warrant such accusations."
He turns to the others, smiling again.
"But I do agree Sandru will be helpful with the merchants. Shall we start there?"
"Sandru is a bit more... provincial in his methods than the merchants here would be used to, and he doesn't speak the language. Besides, what Jiro proposed has us working through the geisha, and not directly with merchants."
"As for diplomacy, we have Kiyomi," Ameiko grins. "And me!"
"We could send him to negotiate with the criminal element, knowing him he will probably return to us as their king."
|
|
Heng smiles slightly at Malnival's crack, despite his effort to remain somber. He looks at Ameiko and begins rubbing his shaved head once again in thought.
"I was actually wondering if we might just take all the members of the caravan. We would be moving away from the Regent in the south and his focus may remain on this area due to our recent activities. The caravan itself would attract too much attention, but perhaps a small group of foreigners would be less noticeable. What does the group think? I am sure Koya would wish to see something more of Minkai than a rustic outpost."
Malnival holds his hands outwards toward Harlan in an effort to calm the halfling . " I know, I know. He is just an honest business man."
|
|
Heng relishes sharing the news with Koya knowing that she will be excited to see this foreign city. He is a bit more introspective when visiting Habesuta Hatsue. He will miss the sohei's company. He demurs from any expression of anything other than companionship, but tells her he looks forward to seeing her again when his mission has ended.
*
Hatsue bows with a smile as Heng shares his sentiment. "We will speak again when you return." Her smile fades a bit as she adds, "Please keep safe and keep a low profile, as best as gaigin can manage. Unwanted attention could be as detrimental as a battalion of Regent shock troops."
***
Date: 6 - 12 Gozran 4712
With the agreement to engage with the geisha first, you break council and see to preparations. Sandru has kept the caravan's horses in good health, and though they aren't the best riding stock, they meet your needs. Even after only a few weeks, Sandru is itching to travel again, though he is visible concerned to leave behind his caravan. Still early in her pregnancy, Kelda decides to join you on this journey.
The next day, you set out from Seinaru Heikiko with Miyaro again guiding the way. The road to Sakakabe leads southwest, leaving the forested foothills of the Sankyodai Mountains and paralleling the range for a few days before crossing pastoral rolling hills and an increasing density of farms. Weather remains chaotic in the Springtime but mostly pleasant, and with the bandit menace defeated, the weeklong trek is uninterrupted.
Sakakabe is built on a series of steep terraces that extend from the port to the top of the hills, where the richest houses are built. The entertainment district, or hanamachi, is built on one of
the highest terraces, centered on a large street called the Way of the Songbirds. Two gates stand at either end of the street, manned by local guards, who summarily check visitors to ensure
that no beggars (or worse, ronin, who tend to be rowdy as well as penniless, and are forbidden by decree) enter.
As you near the gate, you settle into the back of a queue of entrants.
Kiyomi leans over to Heng. "We would do best if we pretend to be merchants. A bribe, subtly passed, would be appropriate to assure them of our richness. Would you like me to speak for us?"
Kiyomi smiles and nods.
When the line finally brings them to the front, she smiles pleasantly at the guard.
Sandru chuckles, then offers, "I did manage to fit some actual goods in my bags." He pats his saddle bags, which are packed to their limit. "I can play the part of the ignorant foreign trader, and will follow Kiyomi's guide. Sound like a plan?"
Kiyomi smiles at the guard and bows reverently. "Please, honored sir, I have the disgrace to be Anniko Morikuga, poor translator for the foreign devils you see behind me. They are here to purchase fine Minkai silks and spices to take back to their barbarian lands. They speak only a smattering of our tongue, and have contracted me to act as their translator. Please, they wish to offer your honor a token of their appreciation at being allowed into our beloved city and in honor of your fine service," She humbly bows to the guard, then takes his hand and discreetly presses five platinum pieces into it.
The guard takes the coins, looks from Kiyomi to Sandru and the group, back Kiyomi, and again at the coins. After a stunned, silent moment, he bows and waves for the gatesmen to let you through. "Welcome to Sakakabe. May our humble city meet your every desire," he greets Sandru in stilted Avistani.
Inside the gates, the entertainment district is a pleasant area of
nice shops, small gardens, a few shrines, and upscale teahouses, including the famous Kiniro Kyomai, easily identifiable by its ornate
roof and brightly polished brass gutters. The city has a bustle and sound that are all too familiar, though the faces, scents and language are different (except for Kiyomi, of course).
Sandru chuckles, then offers, "I did manage to fit some actual goods in my bags." He pats his saddle bags, which are packed to their limit. "I can play the part of the ignorant foreign trader, and will follow Kiyomi's guide. Sound like a plan?"
Heng breaks his stern facade and smiles broadly when he sees Koya's eyes light up. "Shall we, Madam?" he asks in formal Taldane. "I do not believe that we have had an opportunity like this since Kalsgard. Honestly, I found Ordu-Anghei a bit disappointing."
Koya smiles, "Indeed, and even Kalsgard was a tad provincial. While that has its charms, it has been quite some time since we were in the heart of the civilized world."
Harlan smiles at the opportunity to shop and relax for a bit.
"Let's see if I can find somebody to work on my crossbow!"
Wands or a staff would be outstanding! Maybe some gloves or boots?
Kiyomi bows deeply to the guard and ushers the rest of the party into town. Once safely in town, she smiles and says "Where would you like to go first? I know many tea shops where the geisha are quite accommodating to foreign visitors." She smiles slyly on the 'accommodating' part, implying all sorts of carnal pleasures.
Malnival glances over at Kelda and quickly shakes his head. "I think I am good, thank you."
Ameiko takes Parity's arm. "We should take a tour of the city, like we did back in Kalsgard." With a look to Kiyomi, she asks, "It should be safe, for the most part, right?"
Kiyomi smiles. "I believe so, Emp... Ameiko. I will accompany you and attempt to provide some small measure of entertainment."
"I don't think we can count anywhere as safe any more Ameiko. What we're doing, why we're doing it...we won't be safe again until we've won or died."
The halfling seems unusually solemn as he says this.
"It will be safe as long as I am with you, Ame". Parity taps Suishen on the hilt with a single lift of his finger.
"We do owe it to you to get out and see the people though. You and we need to understand this culture. Speaking of which," Parity turns to Kiyomi.
"Are there any customs or strange laws we need to know about to avoid landing us in prison for say ... spitting on the street?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Kiyomi smiles at Parity's word choice. "The usual laws apply here, but importantly, we must not speak against the nobility and the wealthy. Here you have no rights as a foreigner."
|
|
The half-orc nods at Kiyomi's advice. "Not so different from Avistan then. At least in my personal experience. We will meet you here in a few hours after we have taken in some of the city." The 'bodyguard' motions Koya onward and they walk through the city. Koya waits impatiently as Heng spends a good deal of time in the local shrine to his patron God taking in the instructive murals and purchasing a blessed gi of radiant white with blue trim. It suits him far better than the rather sinister black costume that he wore for so long.
You split off into Sakakabe to enjoy the city's shops and sights. The merchants are especially grateful for the business, for though it isn't dead, you can tell trade is particularly slow -- shelves are fully stocked and there is little competitive haggling. The foreign faces betray nothing to most of you, but Kiyomi can sense a certain unease throughout the city.
You encounter no trouble. In fact, you find the city remarkably clean, orderly and well-policed. Besides a few odd stares, the locals do not harass you. Most say nothing unless you address them directly.
Eventually you end up meeting again in front of the Kiniro Kyomai teahouse. It is late afternoon.