Minkai Sengoku Jidai (Inactive)

Game Master Loup Blanc

Adventure, intrigue, romance, in the height of Minkai's warring states.


51 to 100 of 130 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | next > last >>

Hiro pushes out with his energy, and the large bandit is knocked off-balance for a moment, but he catches himself before being thrown full-force into the doorframe. With a howl of rage, he charges straight for the northerner, his fellow bandits close behind. The leader is deceptively quick and he comes in with an unbridled fury, and despite Hiro's readiness to dodge, the brigand is faster--he seems not necessarily trained, but skilled nonetheless. Hiro's eyes go wide with pain as the kama sinks into his shoulder, rending flesh and crunching against the bone. (Ouch, a critical to start off the campaign. That's 37 damage in Injury, Hiro. Damn.)

The other bandits swipe out with their handaxes, aiming for the other men equipped with close-range weapons--Haruto and Yasei. Haruto brings up his sword at the last second, barely deflecting a blow aimed for his chest, and the bandit snarls. (6 Strain.) Yasei, however, merely shifts his feet and throws his weight against the brigand attacking him. Combined with the momentum of his charge, the bandit lets out a scream as he flies forward, and the sound is cut off with a wet crunch as he lands on his own axe, lying still in the dirt.

Haruto, Ryushi, and Yasei are up. There's the leader now next to you, along with a regular bandit attacking Haruto, and then the lone bandit surrounded by your foot soldiers.

Rolls:
Leader Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33 Uhm.
Confirmation: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 Yow.
Damage: 2d10 + 30 ⇒ (6, 1) + 30 = 37 At least there's that.
Bandit v. Haruto: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Bandit v. Yasei: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Fumble Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Well sh*t.
Bandit Kills Self: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6) + 6 = 18

Grand Lodge

Male Human(Tian-La)Human || (HP 33/33) | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:18 | CMD 20 | Fort +5| Ref +8 | Will +6 | Init +4 | Perc: +8 | Speed 20ft) || Warlord(Bushi) // Ranger(Hooded Champion) 3

Ryushi drops his bow, as he puts his hands on his daisho's grip. As the samurai flexes his legs he bellows a mighty roar...

Using Leaping Dragon. Swift action jump with a +10 competence bonus. Aiming to land in a flanking position with Hiro

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 10 = 35

... and a second after, Ryushi is leaping towards the leader. Drawing his swords as he flies, the young Higashiyama lands behind the leader and spins, his blades cutting deep in a cross figure.

Power Attack Katana: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
Power Attack Wakizashi: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23

Damage Katana: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8
Damage Wakizashi: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 22
If crit add...: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch

Yasei roars and lays about him with his tetsubo, swinging it as though it was a switch.

Using Flurry Strike (Standard) and Minute Hand (Swift) to make 3 attacks, the third at -2. Starting with the bandit leader, if he dies switching to the other nearest bandit.

Normal Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Flurry Strike Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Minute Hand: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Are you absolutely s~+#ting me

Unfortunately this just makes him look like a raging incompetent, as he strikes nothing of significance.


Actually, Yasei, those first two hit. Go ahead and roll damage.


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

Haruto easily brushes the bandit's blow aside, then twists and retaliates with a swift overhead slash.

Attack (Inspired): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18
Damage (Inspired): 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch
GM Loup Blanc wrote:
Actually, Yasei, those first two hit. Go ahead and roll damage.

Oh wow, those Barbarian ACs man.

Damage 1: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Damage 2: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Yasei's smashes his tetsubo into the lightly armored bandit's side, and then using the momentum of the bounce, swings it into the side of his head.

The extra +2 damage are because Flurry Strike is a Broken Blade Maneuver, and those get +2 damage with Discipline weapons.


Initiative: Hiro, Bandit Leader, Haruto, Ryushi, Yasei, Bandits, Soldiers
Would you believe he isn't a barbarian? You shouldn't, because he absolutely is.

-Round 3-
Having charged in, the new bandits face a counterattack from the honor guard. Haruto reacts quickly and efficiently to his assailant, swiping across with his katana. The bandit only just moves far enough to avoid death, instead taking a nasty slash across an arm. Ryushi and Yasei, meanwhile, move to assist Hiro, and blade and club hail blows on the large man, who twists and turns, shrugging off attacks like water.

Over where the soldiers have another brigand surrounded, he lashes out one more time, missing entirely, and then shrieks as the soldiers spear in as one, catching him with several stabs and bringing him to the ground.

Round 4: Hiro's up!

Rolls:
Bandit Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Soldiers: 7d20 ⇒ (7, 2, 14, 10, 5, 17, 10) = 65 4 hits
Damage: 4d8 + 12 ⇒ (4, 2, 3, 8) + 12 = 29


Hiro recoils from the grievous wound, grunting with pain as the blood pours from his shoulder. He takes a step back, and the wind around him whips again into a frenzy, lending power to the blow of his fist as he lashes out and slams his fist into the man's throat. "You will bow before the wind, or you will snap like a twig," he growls through the pain. His fist channels his inner ki, shooting it forward from his fist into the man's throat, hoping to stun the man to prevent further attacks.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 3) + 11 = 15

Using Stunning Fist; DC 14 Fortitude Save or he's stunned for 1 round. Also, Hiro is still fighting defensively while also using Piranha Strike.


Hiro, how are you calculating your kinetic fist damage? It looks like you've added in the regular bonus from Constitution, which doesn't apply here, it's just a straight 1d6 bonus. Unfortunately I kind of need to know whether that's right or not before I can update, since it potentially affects whether this guy's still up or not.


Hiro deals d6+6 normally from an Unarmed Strike, which is boosted to 2d6 with Kinetic Fist. Elemental Overflow gives Hiro's kinetic blasts (and, by extension--I think--Kinetic Fist attacks) a +1 attack and +2 damage bonus, and then Piranha Strike adds an additional +2 damage. Then, Haruto's Inpsire Courage grants me a +1 attack and damage bonus. That was my understanding, but I may be incorrect.

Grand Lodge

Male Human(Tian-La)Human || (HP 33/33) | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:18 | CMD 20 | Fort +5| Ref +8 | Will +6 | Init +4 | Perc: +8 | Speed 20ft) || Warlord(Bushi) // Ranger(Hooded Champion) 3

Which reminds me... I didn't add Hiro's IC to my damage. So that should be another 2 or 3 damage. For what it seems we are discussing, the big guy isn't so big anymore.


Ahh, okay, I forgot about the Inspire Courage bonus, which works. I don't believe Elemental Overflow applies to Kinetic Fist, though--from what I can tell of the talent, it just adds straight d6s to your unarmed attacks. The attack bonus applies, I think, but the damage specifically calls out that it removes all modifiers.

That said, factoring in the bonus 3 points to Ryushi's attacks, it all comes out in the wash. The leader did what I figured he'd do--come out and hit somebody hard, and then soak up a round of attacks before going down. This is far from a real boss encounter.

Hiro focuses his energy into one more punch, and it slams forward into the large brigand's throat. The man's breath hitches, he gives a strangled sound, and then he drops to the earth. The final brigand takes one more swipe at Haruto, but the attack is off-balanced and half-hearted, as the brigand tries to run away. (Provoking an attack of opportunity from Haruto as everyone but Hiro comes up in initiative.)

Bandit Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

"You cannot flee from justice!" Though it is slightly dishonorable, Haruto feels no pity for those who pray on the weak or the innocent. He strikes out with his blade at the fleeing man, slashing down with brutal efficiency on his exposed back.

Attack (Inspired): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 = 28
Confirm? (Inspired): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13
Damage (Inspired): 1d8 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13


Eh, I'm not sure I'd even call that dishonorable. If this were a duel of some kind, or you were facing a fellow warrior of standing, maybe, but bandits have basically forsworn any opportunity for "honorable" conduct through their actions.

Haruto slashes through the bandit's back as he turns, and the man howls and falls to his knees, then topples over into the mud. The warriors breathe heavy for a moment more as silence falls on the village. The battle is over, and justice has triumphed--even more so when the soldiers report that their ally still breathes, and he's patched up enough to prevent bleeding out. A few bandits still cling to life as well, but the care provided them is more swift, and fits their crimes.

As the warriors deal with the aftermath, the villagers cautiously approach, and a middle-aged woman comes up to give the honor guards a deep bow. "Our thanks for killing those wicked men, my lords," she says. "You have freed our village from their terrible clutches."

Sense Motive DC 16:
Her tone is not simply that of respect and gratitude--it is mixed with apprehension and some fear. And why not? This village exists in a limbo state, the land is without law, and she's just witnessed four men dispatch eight bandits with the same ease those bandits had conquering her village in the first place. Even if two of your number look to clearly be samurai of noble clans, that's no assurance with the way things are today--certainly not in Nakajima lands.


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch

Take 10.

Yasei gets right to the point.

"You are free from the bandits, yes. We have neither the time nor inclination to take their place. We also do not have the time or manpower to leave people to protect you. You will have to defend yourselves from now on."


Hiro winces as the combat ends, the real pain in his shoulder now flooding through his body. He grits his teeth, though, and ignores the pain as he walks up to the bandit leader; while the man is certainly unconscious, he is not necessarily dead. Clutching at his wounded shoulder, Hiro brings a foot down swiftly onto the man's neck, snapping it beneath his heel before turning to the woman who has approached them. "I have performed my sworn duty, nothing more. These men--" he says, gritting his teeth as his head grows fuzzy, "--were vermin, and they have been dealt with as the law provides. I serve the Higashiyama, and I--" Hiro starts, before stumbling and falling to his knees. He pulls away his hand, now covered in blood, and examines his wound more closely. "I could use a healer," he mumbles, almost inaudibly.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

It's still attacking someone who's stopped fighting from behind with intent to kill. Even if these men have forsaken honor, Haruto would rather hold himself to a higher standard. He'll still do it, and people might not blame him for it, but he still doesn't have to like or want to do it.

Versatile Performance (Sing): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Haruto absently pulls a rag from inside his belt pouch and quickly and methodically wipes down his blade, cleansing it of his enemy's blood before he sheaths his blade again. "My... blunt friend speaks the truth. We are representatives of the Five Families, an alliance of nobles who wish to bring an end to a land where these men can simply do whatever they wish to the people. Even if the Nakajima family has fallen, their friends have not forgotten their people." He cuts off as Hiro staggers forward, barely able to move. "No!" He rushes to the monk's side, drawing a spiraling wand of cedar wood from within his coat. He touches it to Hiro's side, a small gold glow blooming from the tip as he runs it along the man's wound.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"If anyone else is injured, please bring them to me and I'll treat them as well."


As the healing magic staunches his bleeding and closes the skin over his wound, Hiro shakes his head and rises to his feet. "My talents are taxing on the body, and can wear me out quite easily. Even non-life threatening wounds can lead to problems, on occasion." Hiro rolls his shoulder, wincing as the magically healed skin stretches and strains over his wound. "Do not waste more of your magic on me, tend to their sick and wounded. My wounds can be dealt with when we regroup with the others and rest for the night."


The woman gives Yasei a wry look. "It is good you've helped us, and good to hear you won't abuse us as those men would. But how are we to defend ourselves? We are a small number, and now all our men are dead. We have no defenses, no warriors." The words of Hiro and Haruto mollify her for their duration, but she seems simmering angry. "I have heard of an alliance between clans, one to end the wars. I do not know if you can end the war across the land, but one battle here does not free us. There are more bandits in this region."

Grand Lodge

Male Human(Tian-La)Human || (HP 33/33) | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:18 | CMD 20 | Fort +5| Ref +8 | Will +6 | Init +4 | Perc: +8 | Speed 20ft) || Warlord(Bushi) // Ranger(Hooded Champion) 3

Right after the battle...
Hiro cleans his blades using the bandit leader's clothes before sheathing it. After retrieving his bow from the spot he left it, Hiro walks towards the rest.
When the woman speaks...
Watching as the villagers arrive with mixed feelings, the young Higashiyama silently starts moving from bandit corpse to the next.

Choose ten for Sense Motive. Total of 17
The samurai gathers the worthy items the bandits were carrying, as well as their weapons and puts them in the middle of the village. Finally, Hiro does the same with the bandit leader, but not before checking if the man carried any letter or signaling item, as he suspects foul play may be involved: not every Clan desires the alliance.

Once he is finished, the young Higashiyama returns to the rest and waits to speak as to not interrupt

"I know is but a meager retribution, but I have gathered anything of worth those beasts carried. With that you could hire warriors to protect the village... but I suggest you use the money and weapons in other way: train to be able to defend yourselves. If you rely only in others to protect you, you will live in fear of them failing." he says to the woman "Please don't misunderstand me. I am a sworn defender and I wish to remain here until appropiate protection is established... but I have sworn to protect others for a greater purpose that will prevent situations as this from ever happening again."

"And I give you my word: I will speak to my lord of this village and the bandits that roam the region to be dealt with, if possible by my own hand."


The woman turns to Higashiyama and lets out a short bark of a laugh. "Forgive my rudeness, my lords, but training? Look around you." She gestures at the village: a pair of smoldering buildings, the rest run-down, and a collection of women, children, and one old man who's missing a leg. "We are a small village, and now we are defenseless. Who would teach us? Perhaps in the high castles and cities every man, woman, and child is taught to wield a blade, but none of us has so much as touched such a thing. Even our smith knew more of sickles than swords."

"Auntie!" A younger woman steps forward, a worried look on her face. "Show respect!" She steps before the older woman and kneels down, nearly prostrating her self. "My sincerest apologies, my lords. Please forgive her, she forgets herself."

"Bah, they killed those bandits and seem more interested in leaving than enforcing rules here." She shuffles forward and does dip her head in another bow. "You seem to speak bluntly, so why not me? We can't defend ourselves. If you're too busy to help, so is the way of the world, but don't toy with half-plans and promises you can't keep. Hope goes a long way with strength to back it up, hmm?" She lets out a chuckle.


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

"It is not wrong to speak the truth, even if the truth is unpleasant to hear," Haruto says calmly. "And it pains me to admit, but we cannot stay to continue a protracted battle against the bandits that plague your homes. As much as we wish to defend the people, we have duties that must be attended and a limited time in which to do them." He sighs and looks over the remaining villagers. "Perhaps..." He turns to the soldiers and points to whoever has the highest rank Or seems most experienced if they're all the same rank. "You, come here. I have a task for you."

He clears his throat and turns back to the crowd. "People! I believe that there is a solution to your problem. This place is your home, and this may not please you, but I fear that it is not safe for you to remain. As long as these bandits roam the area, you will eventually come under threat again. I beseech you, allow my men to escort you to a safer place, another settlement with stronger defenses, until we are able to return and cleanse these lands of the filth that prey on you."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25


"Teach yourselves," Hiro replies, his expression neutral. "I came from a village much like this one, before I was sworn into service to the Higashiyama. I never received formal training in combat, nor how to wield a blade or other weapons; truth be told, I know no more of such things than you do. I learned to fight because it was necessary--I needed to defend myself, much like you do now." He holds up one of his bandaged hands, rolling back to bandages slightly to reveal cracked skin and gnarled knuckles, clearly previously broken. "My fists broke upon the ice, until the ice yielded before me. If you have the will, you will succeed." He pauses then, as Haruto begins to speak. He watches the other warrior calmly, but still seems to think they could handle themselves if they wished to.

Grand Lodge

Male Human(Tian-La)Human || (HP 33/33) | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:18 | CMD 20 | Fort +5| Ref +8 | Will +6 | Init +4 | Perc: +8 | Speed 20ft) || Warlord(Bushi) // Ranger(Hooded Champion) 3

Ryushi smiles kindly at the woman's words "There's no shame on speaking the truth, even if bluntly said." says the samurai "As my brother in arms has stated we cannot stay, as much as I desire to do so, but heed his advice... seek shelter in a better defended place until we can establish peace here. It saddens me that's the only thing I can do to help you now..."


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch

"Try building some walls. Or at least dig a trench. Or both. Bandits tend to be lazy cowards. Make their job too hard, and they'll leave you alone."


The soldiers accompanying the four warriors are all just footmen, but one is clearly older than the others, and they seem to look on him as a veteran with some respect. He bows to Haruto and begins telling the others a plan for guarding the villagers on the way. The woman, meanwhile, gives a small bow of respect to the four warriors and comes up with a smile. "My thanks, my lords. There is another village a day's journey from here, if we press for it. They have more buildings, more people. We'll try to build a wall, or something of that nature. And maybe even train to fight as you suggest?" She chuckles and bows again. "Sincerely, my thanks and the thanks of the village. Your work here will be remembered."

It doesn't take very long for the villagers to gather up their belongings--through necessity and hardship, they live frugal lives. Soon they are packed and ready to leave, with the eight soldiers escorting, but as they make their way, the middle-aged woman returns, bearing a wooden box. "It isn't much, but I would offer this to you for your aid. An old family treasure, supposed to bring good luck, but it seems to have run out for us. Maybe it will bring better fortune to new blood." She opens the box to display a carved figure; it's clearly old and simply done, but it looks to be a representation of Shizuru, made of green jade. "Or it might fetch a good price at a market, or simply serve as a pleasant gift. It's yours, whatever you decide." She closes the box and hands it over, bows once more, and departs.

Leaving this here for now to A) finally get out the update, and B) let you guys respond to anything before moving back to the main entourage.


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch

Yasei takes the box, but looks uncomfortable.

"It does not feel right to take such a reward from those so poor. Perhaps it would be best as a gift for Lady Miu?"


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

"I find myself agreeing with you again my friend," Haruto says. "It's a beautiful gift, but surely they can't afford to just give something like this away..."


"Bah," the woman replies, waving a hand in dismissal. "Who would I sell it to? No one in the villages here has money enough, and no merchant who comes through would pay its worth, even if they had the coin. Besides, I wouldn't sell such a thing. Like I said, it's a family treasure." A glimmer enters her eye and she clasps her hands. "That carving was given to my great-great-grandfather by a traveler in these lands. My ancestor mended his horse's broken leg, and let the traveler stay in his home while the beast recovered. The traveler was a poor wandering swordsman, and had no money, but he gave this to my grandfather. 'A gift to the righteous worthy,' he said it was, and then he rode off, away from our village."

She sighs and nods, more to herself than to the warriors. "Mostly it's a curiosity, an heirloom that's passed down and sits on a shelf. We consider it a beautiful gift, but, well. If it is to the 'righteous worthy,' then I can think of no one better to take it now." She smiles and presses the box into Yasei's hands. "Please, consider it our deepest thanks. If you think it right to pass it onward, you can do so as you please." She bows one more time, and then the villagers begin to set off down the river, the soldiers riding in front and behind to keep them safe.


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

Haruto bows his head. "We will endeavor to remain worthy of it," he says. "And I wish you safety and luck on the road ahead." With the villagers on their way, he turns back to his companions. "And I believe we should get on the road as well. They'll be waiting for us."


"They'll be waiting for us, and I'd like some medical attention as well. No use in exhausting finite resources when we can rejoin the others and have it dealt with there instead." Hiro holds his shoulder, the new skin over the wound stretching and pulling with every motion until he gets back onto the horse to ride onward. "I'd prefer if we could hurry, though. I might be conscious, but this wound is still quite painful. I'd... rather not deal with it longer than necessary." Hiro flicks the reins on his horse, ready to head back to their objective at hand.

Grand Lodge

Male Human(Tian-La)Human || (HP 33/33) | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:18 | CMD 20 | Fort +5| Ref +8 | Will +6 | Init +4 | Perc: +8 | Speed 20ft) || Warlord(Bushi) // Ranger(Hooded Champion) 3

Before the villagers leave, Ryushi bows his head to them "May you have the best of lucks in this endeavour."

Watching them march protected by the soldiers, he can heelp but help that something good has been done that day. Turning to his companions, the young Higashiyama nods "We should hurry, indeed. Hiro has said it plainly, and I am worried this may have been a distraction..."

Ryushi jumps on his horse and waits for the rest before heading towards the main group.


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch

"Yes. Let's get moving."


So our four warriors ride back to the main road, and with only a little hard riding they return to the entourage. Nakano Sota is quick to ask them what happened at the village, and he frowns when they explain where the eight soldiers went. "You sent them off? We needed those men. These are dangerous lands, and every soldier we brought was selected in order to help protect--"

"Sota." Shojinawa Miu's voice is soft, but commanding, from her horse. She doesn't turn around, but her emotions are clear in her her tone. "Protecting the people is the very reason for our journey, is it not? Bringing peace and safety to this wartorn land. I should think having soldiers escort villagers is just the right thing to do." She turns and gives a radiant smile over her shoulder. "And if these warriors are as fine as I've heard, they will more than make up for eight conscripts."

Nakano Sota draws in a deep breath and bows low. "Of course, Lady Shojinawa. I forgot myself." He bows again as she turns back and resumes her horse's walking pace, and when his gaze returns to the honor guards, it's softer. "My apologies to you, as well. You performed well, and protecting villagers is honorable and just. I expect nothing less of such fine young men." He declines his head in a show of respect, and returns to his own horse. This excursion may be over, but the long march to Moekami no Kaori Castle is far from it.

A successful first fight and all, and I don't really have anything set in mind for the journey until you're into the mountains, so let's port over some subsystems I like! Each of you can write up an Interlude monologue of your character, as in Savage Worlds; you can pick your own topics (Love, Loss, Pride, what have you). I don't like giving XP directly for that and I'm not strictly counting it for this game in any case, so this will result in you gaining Inspiration a la Fifth Edition: a free reroll on any d20 roll to be used at any time. I'll move us forward in a day or two, or once you've all posted here. A good framing for the Interlude would be chatting with troops around the campfires in the evenings or something along those lines.


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

"I too owe you an apology. It was presumptuous to send your soldiers on another mission without your permission, but I could not in good conscience allow the villagers to go off unguarded while they were still in danger." He bows his head. "Forgive me, but I made the best of the situation."

I'll do the Interlude tomorrow.


"Forgive me if I seem blunt," Hiro continues, addressing the nobles before him. "My people see little point in political tact, and it isn't a skill I possess. While we did manage to defeat the brigands, I was rather seriously wounded in the battle. While it isn't life threatening for the moment, I would appreciate some medical attention. I can hardly take the place of eight conscripts with a wounded shoulder."

Grand Lodge

Male Human(Tian-La)Human || (HP 33/33) | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:18 | CMD 20 | Fort +5| Ref +8 | Will +6 | Init +4 | Perc: +8 | Speed 20ft) || Warlord(Bushi) // Ranger(Hooded Champion) 3

Ryushi stands silent during the talking. He knew their decission was the correct one and was prepared to face punishment if necessary... he didn't expect Lady Shojinawa to be so caring of the common people, so kind to her protectors... the young Higashiyama couldn't help but smile.

When Hiro voiced his pain, Ryushi searched for bandages and healing herbs. He learned long time ago how to treat wounds for himself, and could help his companion.

"Let me take a look at your wound, Hiko Ikari." he said as he prepared the items needed "Don't move or I may cut your arm by mistake!" tried to joke, but he was still nervous around such legends of the land and close to Lady Shojinawa.

I would picture Ryushi as taking his time to treat Hiro's wound but I am unsure if he can take 10 or 20 while treating Deadly Wounds. Also, I just realised my profile is lacking Ryushi's backstory -curse you Paizo's Forum for eating my pedantic writing!- which I intend to solve today, extending the information with the interlude.


Nakano Sota turns back to the group as Haruto speaks, and even gives a thin smile. "You did well, young Amatatsu. Don't be so hasty to apologize for what's already forgiven--especially when you were in the right. You were all fine samurai today." He glances to Hiro, and more specifically, his wounded shoulder. "Ah, yes. I will seek healers, they will look to you."

I don't know that there are rules against taking 20 to treat deadly wounds, although it would take over three hours at that point. Between your work and other healers with the group, though--they don't have many magical healers but they have a few--Hiro will get back up to full HP by the time we have our next encounter.

Grand Lodge

Male Human(Tian-La)Human || (HP 33/33) | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:18 | CMD 20 | Fort +5| Ref +8 | Will +6 | Init +4 | Perc: +8 | Speed 20ft) || Warlord(Bushi) // Ranger(Hooded Champion) 3

Interlude...
The first night after the group returned to the roads, Ryushi made sure he was sitting by the campfire close to Hiro.

The young Higashiyama remained silent at first, giving furtive looks to his companion until he decided to speak. "Master Hiro... how did you learn to be one with the wind? he asks with a humble tone.
"I saw how you fought with the bandit leader and I must say I envy you, as I cannot control my inner fire with such mastery. In fact it comes from my wrath and will to survive..." Ryushi gazes at the dancing flames, changing his tone andandso volume so the rest can hear his story.
"During my first ride as a samurai I fought against a large band of bandits who preyed upon the poorest inhabitants of the plains. These bandits abused those who had nothing, with fear and violence, wiping an entire village who stood up against their rule to serve as an example."

The young Higashiyama continued, caressing the hilt of his blades as he did so "I was infuriated by their crimes... so furious that I hunted them like animals, stalking them in the night and ambushing them when they separated from the main group. I did so for three months, until they gathered a force to bring my head to their leader."

"I escaped their ambush by sheer luck and distrust: a formal challenge by their leader, a duel with me to settle the 'war' I declared on them. When I arrived at the place of the duel I found the forest silent, and knowing something was wrong... I fled. They pursued me for two days, without stop. By the time they cornered me against a mountainside I was exhausted, I could barely move my body one more step... and so decided to leave this world with honor, battling those honorable bandits in a last stand."

"I set up my arrows and prepared to face my fate, but when the first wave of men reached my sight I remembered the vanished town... I remembered the burnt bodies: men, women and children slaughtered like cattle and burnt to the ground."

Ryushi looks Hiro into his eyes and gives a sad smile "I don't know what happened next, as I lost control of my mind. But I do remember waking up hours after, surrounded by the bodies of those that were too bold or courageous to keep advancing. They were all pierced by my arrows, but they were also burnt by my inner flames."

"Since that day I've strived to control it, to master my fire and become one with it so it can serve a greater purpose than slaughter."


I should finally have time to interlude tomorrow.


"How did I--" Hiro says as his companion finishes his story, shaking his head. "Master Ryushi, my people are quite different than you southerners. I was born under the Sign of the Dragon--a rare an auspicious birth among our small band of villages--and thus, I was marked as a warrior from my birth. Many amongst my people are warriors, but few can claim to possess the Fist of the Dragon, to wield the awesome might that the creatures whose sign I bear possess. The dragons of the north bear a breath made of frost that can freeze a man's bones in seconds, and wings that are capable of whipping up hurricanes. We--the rare few like myself born to this Sign--are trained to wield a mere fraction of that power to protect our kinsmen. Only one who possesses this power can train another, and it's rare to see more than one or two born within your own lifetime. By the time another is born, often their predecessor has begun to grow old. My own sensei has protected the villages for the last thirty-seven years." Hiro coughs, wincing as his mending shoulder lurches. "Discipline is the key to all things, including my power. I have trained so diligently that my earliest memory is practicing katas on an ice sheet with Sensei Toruk."

Slowly, Hiro unwraps the bandages from his hands that he has left wrapped for the duration of the duration. Beneath them, his hands are gnarled and calloused, his knuckles clearly having broken and healed repeatedly over his short life. "We do not have the means to construct practice dummies from materials such as wood, nor the patience. Sensei Toruk had me practice my forms upon solid ice blocks from the time I was five years old. When I was young, my knuckles bled and scraped nearly to the bone more times than I could possibly count, but now I do not flinch at slamming a fist into the solid steel of some brigand's cuirass." He cracks his knuckles, a nasty crunching noise that would make anyone other than Hiro wince, then re-wraps his bandages. "When word of this summit reached us, we all believed Sensei Toruk would be here in my place, but he sent me in his stead; he told me he was too old, and that I had learned everything he would teach me. As is custom, he passed down our teachings to me, and I carry them with me still. I practice the movements daily--these are the forms I have typically begun before you all have woken--and I will continue to do so until every brush stroke on the scrolls is a fluid extension of my spirit, and my body remembers the movements without hesitation." Hiro then grasps his own head and jaw, twisting rapidly to crack his own neck. He sighs contentedly, then looks again to Ryushi. "If you believe it might help, I would not scoff at your joining me in the mornings... but I start early."


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

"An interesting tale," Haruto says after a few moments of thought. "And one that I am familiar with in a way. As a son of the Amatatsu family, I have had expectations places on me ever since I was young enough to walk. My eldest brother is a wise ruler and my second brother is a great sorcerer, I was expected to possess such talents as well. I spent many weeks sequestered with sword masters and scholars, attempting to learn the ways of command and combat so that I might prove the people's faith in me justified. Though your own practice methods are a bit more... intense than anything I experienced. My masters were relentless, but I was fortunate to have access to the resources of my family to obtain practice dummies and weapons without any real worry." He smiles ruefully, his voice taking a hard, almost sarcastic tone. "Isn't it nice how we nobles have it so easy while the common folk can't do much more than hope we deign to use our skills to protect the people we're supposed to be responsible for."


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch

Yasei exhales sharply, almost laughing.

"It seems none of us really had a choice but fight or die. All in the Oni Clan are warriors, to some extent or another. As small as we are, we can't afford the luxury of true noncombatants like some of the larger clans."

"At a young age, around four or five if you're lucky enough to know your birthday, they take you from whatever family you may have and put you in groups. We train from dawn to dusk in exercises meant to strengthen the body, and study into the night the history of our clan. Those who show promise are put into smaller groups, and given more specialized training."

"The elite warriors of our clan learn the forms of the tetsubo, the weapon of our namesake demon. We learn to turn a seemingly crude weapon into a brutal art, and then turn it on each other. One on one combat with real tetsubo against our fellow students. We are not meant to kill each other, but accidents happen. Death is rare, but crippled limbs and mind-addling are common to both losers and supposed winners alike."

"The graduates from this class serve as junior officers in the clan's army from the age of 13 or 14."

Yasei gives a rueful smile.

"Believe it or not, I was a failure. My opponent's club splintered my arm, bone jutting through the skin." here he displays a nasty looking scar on his left forearm.

"Took months to heal, years for the pain to truly stop. I served as a footsoldier for ten years before I earned a commission in battle. Some border skirmish with the Teikoku, before we allied. I was promoted by virtue of being the only one of my squad to survive the battle."

"It has taken me much longer than that to earn the position I have now, and rightfully complete the training I started as a boy. That one failure set me back so far, I've been afraid to fail again. Thankfully our clan is long-lived, and I am patient."


Nice Interlude tales, everyone. Go ahead and mark Inspiration in your alias profile, or wherever you'll remember it.

The next few days of travel pass by without event, but as the entourage begins climbing the old trails into the Kyojin mountains, they must slow their progress. Narrow ravines require supply wagons to move slowly in single file, and steep and winding paths make what could be a quicker journey a lengthy trek. The need for caution is also stressed, and the honor guard is spread out to provide forward scouting and rear vanguard alike. Come the twenty-second day of the month, we join our four warriors at a place of particular honor--the very front guard, providing the most forward eyes and swords for the entire caravan.

As they crest one ridge along the ever-ascending path, they come across a scene of import: armed soldiers ahead, a cohort of some dozen-odd men, with no mounts or followers. They wear armor and bear spears and swords, and when the four warriors spy them, they're some fifty feet away. With nowhere to hide, both parties see one another almost immediately, and the apparent commander of the other group hastily calls for them to organize together, raising their weapons and a tattered banner as he himself draws his sword and steps forward.

Perception DC 15:
These soldiers don't look fresh by any means, and in fact they barely look battle-ready. Their armors are damaged--you can pick out scratches and dents across the surface--and a pair of men have spears without heads, simply raising them as staves. All about them is a sense of weariness, covered up in hopes of either showing honor, scaring you off, or both.

Knowledge (Nobility) DC 15:
The banner displays the mon of the Okuda clan, a smaller clan with holdings near the base of the Kyojin mountains. The Okuda are neither allies nor enemies of the Shojinawa, and in recent times have been more concerned with simply holding onto their own lands than getting involved in the larger conflict.

Perception DC 21:
You notice a few stray pebbles skitter down the pass's walls a little ways behind the soldiers, and a flicker of movement atop the ridge catches your eye. It seems at least one person is lurking above, although you can't be certain of who or what they are.

Stealth: 2d20 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

The Perception checks are for two different things, so do roll two of them. Also, this has caught you somewhat off-guard (just as it has the other guys), and things are suddenly tense with weapons being drawn, so no taking 10! :)


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Well, I got the bad rolls out of the way.


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Haruto raises a hand to call a silent stop to their group as the group of armed men comes in to sight. "Hold! These men are soldiers of the Okuda clan. They have never been enemies of the Shojinawa, more interested in holding their own lands than politics, and look..." He gestures to the rag tag band. "Their armor is worn and scarred. These men have seen recent battle. Perhaps we can resolve this without violence." He clears his throat and calls out across the distance. "Brothers! We do not come to your lands to make war! Might we speak as reasonable men?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Grand Lodge

Male Human(Tian-La)Human || (HP 33/33) | AC:22 | T:15 | FF:18 | CMD 20 | Fort +5| Ref +8 | Will +6 | Init +4 | Perc: +8 | Speed 20ft) || Warlord(Bushi) // Ranger(Hooded Champion) 3

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Ryushi raises an eyebrow at Haruto's display of knowledge and wisdom. He hadn't noticed the details, least distinguished their allegiances.

The young Higashiyama steps to his companion's side and speaks as well.

"Indeed, good men, we only seek passage! Let our voices speak instead of our blades!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18


The leader of the soldiers stands wary for a moment, his sword held before him in a guarded stance. But the heroes' words of peace--and their lack of drawn blades--leads him to nod and lower his weapon, and his men follow suit. He steps forward again, and although he doesn't fully approach the honor guard, he does call out in reply. "I would be honored to speak with reason and voice, rather than savage blades." His voice is hoarse and stern, the voice of a veteran, perhaps even more so than the oldest soldiers in the Shojinawa entourage. "I swear on my ancestors and my honor that I will stay my sword unless another would strike me down. Do you so swear?" Once he receives acknowledgement and agreement, he sheathes his katana and steps forward.

Knowledge (Martial) DC 11:
The man's stance was a particularly notable one, following classical sword forms used by highly-trained warriors. He must be a swordsman of no small skill. (Functionally he was in Scarlet Einhander, which only requires you to be a level 1 initiator, but even that's well above, say, a level 1 warrior or even base fighter in some ways.)

"What brings you to these mountains, travelers? Even the paths are perilous, with many a foul man or creature about. They say that oni still haunt these crags." He removes his helmet, showing a head of close-cropped hair the color of iron, matching his groomed beard. "It's rare enough that I come here, let alone outsiders traveling the roads."


Human (Tian-Min) Monk (Scaled Fist)/Sorcerer 3 | HP: 25/33 | AC: 17, T: 16, FF: 15 | CMD: 19 | Fort: +5, Reflex: +6, Will: +4 (+7 vs mind-effecting) | Init: +6 | Perc: +7 | Ki: 4/4 | 1st: 6/6

Knowledge Martial: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Wow, apparently Haruto doesn't recognize a stance he is currently using...

"I swear on my honor, and the honored ancestors who came before me that I will not draw my blade against you lest another would do the same to me." He steps forward to meet the man, obviously the commander, and offers him a hand. "It is a pleasure to meet honorable men this far out. We are merely the scouts of a larger group that is passing through toward Moekami no Kaori Castle"


HP: 38/38| AC: 20 Touch: 17 Flatfooted: 17 CMD 22| Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +7|Init +3| Perception +9, Sense Motive +9| Ki Pool: 9/9| Current Stance: Running Hunter's| Special Senses: Darkvision, Scent, Deathwatch

I think since we are no longer in combat, we can just take 10?

Yasei snorts a small ironic laugh at the mention of oni haunting the crags.

1 to 50 of 130 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / Minkai Sengoku Jidai Gameplay All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.