Mists of War - DM Downrightamazed

Game Master downrightamazed

Three groups of gaijin approach the Son of the Heavens, ruler of the Empire of Mists, in his palace in far Lanzhu. A great war is underway in the west, this is known, but what could these strangers want?


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Parrdon, Lady. Beforre we starrt examining these pieces, do you know if the poorr Inspectorr's body is on holy grround? I neglected to check last night, and with the cause of his death, it is essential.


K(?)Nature, Local, Planes? on white Tengu 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

edit: Top o' the Page, Ma!


@Yohei and @San Pen:
White tengu are known as Frostborn, and live almost exclusively in the far north, which is perhaps obvious. :-) They are as reclusive as other tengu are sociable, and tend to be quite hardy, with thicker down and stronger muscle. Some Frostborn are born with working wings, though why some have this trait and others don't is a mystery.

It is not known how many of them there are, but they are rarely seen, and almost never spoken to. They tend to be much like the land they come from; bitter, cold, lonely, and unforgiving.


"Sifu...with so much that has gone on..I had not considered such a matter. His men were to make the preparations. We can check in on their efforts on our way to the palace."


Hmm, white Tengu. My drream had Shoto Imurri, who did not notice the soiling from white birrds on his shoulderrs.


Yohei looks up as San Pen mentions the Frostborn Tengu, but soon bursts out into laughter as the xorn describes his dream, "I never knew you had such an active imagination Sifu! So now all we have to look out for is a White Tengu taking a squat over the clan Shoto doorway!"


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges
Erudima del Fana del Solarian wrote:
Azami Ito wrote:

At Tea

Azami snorts, muttering to herself. "Figures. All these Houses, always posturing. All slippery."
Eru gives Azami a pained look, as if the crimson-haired warrior had just slapped her.

Azami internally berates herself for inadvertently insulting an emissary, especially given that Eru was kind to her. With a tiny sharp bow, she haltingly offers, "I meant no offense to you. Houses posture. Especially with other Houses. Mamban is not so far from my memory to forget...nor the Empire free from the same rivalries." It is the most elegantly-phrased statement Azami has yet made, and it is obvious that it required some effort.

Her eyes flicker briefly to Rhon Tai to assess him in a new way; his swift orders and competence with the cacodaemon reveals the command he holds over the group of gaijin, she wonders if he leads troops in their war. With his mention of Milisandria del Arroyo del Covas by only her first name, Azami wonders what his affiliation will turn out to be.

She turns away towards the artwork everyone is excited about, but her eyes only briefly survey it before scanning the room for threats.


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges
Kyras Erodal wrote:
Kyras picks the tub up almost effortlessly, carrying it out to Akiku's location. He is quite pleased to do anything to help Tokine. "Akiku, can you direct me to where I might incinerate this safely? If you could do me a favor and bring me my sword and armor? I plan on leaving the Temple." At her crestfallen face, he smiles to cheer her up. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon!"

As Kyras leaves the room, Azami follows behind, sighing to herself.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Not expecting the two Solarians to be so undisciplined in their speech, Shoto Imuri absorbs their replies. Clearly, one is not truly subordinate to the other.

He remains on the topic of the young Shoto musician. Her name is Shoto Asago, which means flower. She is actually from a vassal family of artists and...handmaidens. Within our Huse, we know them as the Iroke, but it is considered rude to refer to someone's vassal name instead of the name of their liege house.

Imuri makes eye contact with young Asago for the briefest second, not even speaking or raising an eyebrow. She immediately rises to her feet, her flawless thighs covered by her sarong, and glides to the tables, where she bows low to both gaijin.

You may have dinner with her, or anything else you like, Princess Solarian. I give her to you as my gift.

Imuri allows just enough time for the outliers to protest, knowing that Imperial ways are not as chaotic as the rest of the world. Asago-chan is honored to please you. This is my demonstration of loyalty. When the Shoto are gained as allies, their support is certain. No matter what other alliances you think you have, no matter what any dissemblers say. She would strike me down without a second's thought if I commanded her to.

Imuri turns his teacup back up, which the young musician immediately refills with a pleasant smile and graceful movement. She is a marvelous entertainer, perhaps one of our most skilled in generations. She is not a mere life or a slave as you might see it. She would make a fine herald. She is excellent marrying rank and deviously quick-witted. She will, in fact, tend to any desires, here the young girl absently brushes both Solarians with her hips while stepping in to refill their cups, because she is my servant, and because I have given her to you. I ask only that you treat her well.

DRA

Spoiler:
I think I will give one to each of the visiting parties. Not only is it a meaningful gesture to sweeten the pot of any future arrangements, but it is also an excellent way to observe how they receive such a gift. Will my girls be eaten? Abused? Treated gingerly so as not to anger my family? Will someone view it as slavery and object strenuously? We shall see.

Turning to Rhon, Imuri allows the abrupt subject change to cut off any objection. Forcing the gaijin to deny the gift twice would waste valuable time, and the ritual is not necessary among those who believe i resurrection.

The obvious value in the Black Dragonflight as allies is in their strength and ambition. Certainly, those traits makes them useful and predictable. If their goals benefit the Shoto and the Empire, I am duty-bound to consider their offer. Certainly, rumors of their attacks on our guests and citizens do not bode well for them, but we are willing to put up with gaijin antics. The naivete of Imperial families when they first began to trade beyond our borders is well known. We wait patiently, knowing that the Ancestors have rewarded those killed unjustly, and punished those who's untimely death was just for other reasons. If we determine we have paid a cost for their visit, we will receive compensation when we expel them, or when we arrange allegiance.

Of course, we have unsubtle allies and military strength exists in abundance in clan Shoto. It is fair to hear them out as you, and I will indeed hear the third group tomorrow.

Imuri looks to see if the Princess is still enraptured by Asago - Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 - , and continues. There is a black dragon, and a silver dragon. I have heard the name of another gaijin man referred to as "the Dragon", and last night I dreamed of a gold dragon. Our dragons are celestial, elemental creatures. They involve themselves in legendary affairs, and rarely converge on Lanzhu as these Westerners have. So...where is your dragon, Princess? Is it this Kyras Edoral?


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

DRA:

Spoiler:
Is it possible that a water shugenja with curse water could emulate the kind of brackish rot we need to please the black dragon when it comes to meal time? I fancy the Shoto as water and air shugenja (in the L5R campaign here at home, we use the oracle class). If we ruined fresh water and bought bad meat from a direputable dealer, maye we can give him a mediocre taste of home.


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11

Looking over his shoulder with the bucket of gore in hand, he notices Azami following him. After Akiku leaves to do what he asked, he turns to the red-haired woman. "Can I help you? Am I not free to go where I need to go with the promise that I will not run off?" His voice is just a little sarcastic.


At the Shoto City House:
Erudima, at least, does not seem at all bothered by the prospect of Shoto Asago being presented to her. However: "…but Imuri-san, I have no gift of anywhere near comparable value to present in exchange! I mean, once I have returned home I could certainly procure…something…that it would please me to give back to you for such a wonderful present, but at the moment I am "traveling light" as Naradil would say." She giggles, and Rhon gives her a significant look that he makes no effort to hide. It is the visual equivalent of "new topic please!"

When Asago's hips brush Eru's shoulder the young elf looks startled, then smiles up at the musician. It is a friendly smile, but also clearly one from a noble to a servant. The princess is still obviously quite enamored with Asago, but is no longer stealing glances at her. It's as if now she knows she will be able to have rather a lot more time with the musician, and as such is not as concerned about getting every last possible look she can.

Shoto Imuri wrote:
So...where is your dragon, Princess? Is it this Kyras Edoral?

Eru looks confused. "Kyras? My…dragon? I'm sorry Imuri-san, but I do not follow you… As for the Black Dragonflight, well, I understand your position, and while I was hoping maybe to convince the Empire to not even consider the Black Dragonflight's offer, to simply look out for their own interests, I believe now I miscalculated, and that those two things are mutually exclusive. In other words, you and other peers of this realm would never consider 'looking out for your own interests' to include a complete disregard for a potential ally's offer."

Keep in mind Eru and Kyras haven't met yet. That won't occur until after Rhon and Eru leave your company.


At the Shoto city house:

When Asago brushes up on Rhon, the scholar says "Oh. Excuse me, terribly sorry." and moves his shoulder out of the way. When presented with a girl of similar...qualities...Rhon's eyebrows shoot up in surprise and he looks at you. "Noble Imuri-san, I fear I may have accidentally deceived you. I will accept this gift if you wish it so, and I do so with many humble thanks and all possible gratitude that you would find me worthy of so noble a gesture, but it should be known that I am not of House del Solarian. I suppose it has not come up in our conversation, so it is completely understandable how you could assume such a thing given my friendship with the young princess, but I am not a noble of Erudima's house, or any of the great Houses of the city-state of Mamban, for that matter. I am from the woods, and while of a certain stature amongst my own people, concepts of nobility, I have found, do not translate as directly as one might hope from one elven society to another, and then to different races. This is by way of saying I do not believe my status earns me a gift such as this, all equivalencies considered, but I will certainly accept it if it is your will. She seems...er...quite useful."

DC22 Sense Motive:
Rhon seems to have no idea what to do with this girl.

The elf settles back into his chair. "I have mentioned how lovely this tea is, have I not? It is, in a word, stupendous." He takes a drink and then looks at you mildly, suddenly seeming quite alien for reasons you would find difficult to articulate. After Eru speaks, Rhon chimes in; "I, personally, am quite interested to see who strikes what bargain with which faction, if any. I have resigned myself to certain likelihoods based on the information at hand, but hope, as they say, springs eternal."


At the Temple:
As Kyras leaves, followed shortly thereafter by Azami, the rest of you are left to take in the painting. "I'll never get over how much magic is in these things..." Mutters Earanthil, clearly impressed.

The painting, while clean of line and almost crude in its minimalism, as Tokine points out, has a certain shimmering quality about it. If one stares at it for about thirty seconds or so, certain portions begin to quite literally come alive; the water seems to shimmer and move, the figures look ready to engage in activities right there before you. A story seems to be told. The effect is utterly transfixing, but not in any kind of enchanting way or mind-affecting way. It is merely lovely.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Imuri accepts the news about Rhon's 'station' stoically. My gift, of course is to the Princess, Rhon-san. And I do not need to be compensated. That would defy the nature of the gift, would it not? Simply treat my vassal well and think highly of the Shoto family when reeiving advice or doing business within the city. She will bring you much honor at home, and advise you well in matters of culture and etiquette when you plan your next trip to Lanzhu.

This Kyras, Imuri continues with an aire of business, If you do not know of him, be wary. I would request you tell me should you run into him. There are many gaijin in the city, and I fear he might be lost in the shuffle. Another day like yesterday, and I might lose my opportunity to meet him.

The Shoto refills the tea cups and pass out delicate cakes. The feeling in the room, augmented by a sudden cooling in the air and the subtle aroma of sweet peaches, is one of consummation - a feeling that eating the cake both concludes and confirms the business discussed.

So it is agreed. You will take a Shoto courtier as your own and she will obediently satisfy every whim. You understand that we have rapport, but that I am duty-bound to at least listen to the case presented by your competing factions. And you will watch carefully every bit of advice and information you are given within the city, for your own sakes.

Imuri raises his cup in one hand and the tiniy peach cake in the other. To a life of honor and good fortune for us all.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Yeah..I haven't been paying to the rest of the game since Imuri isn't privy to any of that information. I have caught some good scenes and great writing here and there, but largely I am trying to restrict my actions to what Imuri knows. I'll find out the rest soon enough. : }


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges

To Kyras:

"It is less that you run off than that you are protected. Our captain would be less than pleased if the brother of Bethany Erodel was unable to attend at the Palace tonight because I let him die in the alley."

Sense motive check 10:

Azami's Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

What she says is truth, and his running off would also be a bad thing.


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11

Sense Motive 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Kyras shrugs at Azami. "All right. Do what you want, but I've got a bit of a task at hand."


Shoto Imuri wrote:
Yeah..I haven't been paying to the rest of the game since Imuri isn't privy to any of that information. I have caught some good scenes and great writing here and there, but largely I am trying to restrict my actions to what Imuri knows. I'll find out the rest soon enough. : }

No worries.

RE: black dragon preparations:
Just realized I forgot to reply to your question re: preparing black dragon food. That is a quite fine plan, and I'm willing to hand-wave it so you can say that in the time you had between meeting the dragon yesterday and meeting with him at your City House today, that you were able to implement what you proposed.

Any other last-minute preparations before the dragon (the actual one, not Kyras) arrives?


Shoto Imuri wrote:
Imuri raises his cup in one hand and the tiniy peach cake in the other. To a life of honor and good fortune for us all.

Rhon and Eru raise their cups in return, and once the service is concluded, rise to depart. Both bow deeply and respectfully and while their form is not the best, their intentions are clearly sincere and honorable -- they wish you, and your house, well.

DC15 Perception:
There is a muffled grunting sound coming from a closet down the hall.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Unless I know better, I throw open the doors and place my hand on my katana in the iai style.

To summarize:

Guest preparations include gifts of black kimonos, the fallen geisha known as Winter's Flower, a shogi board with white showing an Imperial army (varying houses) and a Eastern dragon, and black showing a gaijin army (varying cultures) and Western dragon; and rancid meat from a bad dealer, warmed in fetid, ruined water.

Both parents will be there.

The honor guard of formal samurai includes armored naginata warriors with reach, samurai attendants with daisho, and well-hidden ninja among both the shadows and the sevice staff. The arrangement is to demostrate strength and honor our guests, and all measures possible are taken to avoid suggesting there is concern about an attack, or that if attacked from the outside, the dragon cannot defend himself.

To accomodate the beast's size, all arrangements are arranged in outside, open-air gardens. This allows both ease of entry and egress for our guest, and ease of targeting if he is ambushed or if we ambush him.

Events are paced to allow egress on time for me and my parents, with collapsible entertainment should we fall behind schedule and need to hurry things up without drawing attention to that fact.

I can't think of anything else I mentioned, and nothing else comes to mind, so I am ready to move on. Gulp!


@Imuri: There at the bottom of the closet is one of your servants, bound and gagged. There is fresh bandaging on his shoulder and his eyes are glassy. Despite that he does, however, seem to recognize you and immediately starts trying to speak. He is quite agitated.

DC15 Heal check:
Your best guess is he's recovering from some kind of knockout drug or sleep poison. He was struck in the back by a bladed weapon and the bandage, while hasty, is done very well. There appears already to be a salve applied underneath it to increase healing.


At the temple:

"This is just like what we saw, Rhon, you were right. Just like the one you brought, only of a different activity. So amazing..." the princes trails off.

Shaking herself clear of the painting, Erudima looks at Tokine. "Madame Curator, if...if it's not too much trouble, I have a new servant who is a fine musician. Would it be possible if she played while your artist painted my vision? And also, maybe when Azami returns, she could tell of her dream, too, and they could be combined." She pauses for a moment. "I...I do hope I'm not being too forward."


At the temple:

Rhon seems mortified. "Eru, really?"


Tokine looks between the two of them unsure of what is transpiring, but decides a change from the somber discussion of lost family members and forlorn music will be a good thing.

Tokine bows a smile to the Princess, "Music is always welcome in our halls. And I will arrange for Hiroke to bring his supplies." And with the slightest of winks to Yohei, and I will see if some lunch might be prepared....and some sake warmed to help sooth the morning's events." As she heads to the door thinking, I know I need some.


Yohei perks up at Tokine's mention of food and drink, "Hey, that sounds great!" he exclaims with a wide grin. As the Curator walks away and he is left with a table full of foreigners and a closed-lipped Xorn, he turns to the princess and winks, "So, how are you liking the Empire so far Princess?"


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Oh. Crap. Heal check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

I will order servants to watch the gaijin on their way out to see that no one accosts them from behind. I will also order for a water priest or sohei to come tend to the servant, as Imuri has little training in the healing arts. If he can speak, Imuri will demand he explain who did this, where and how long ago, even if it means he tells me with his last breath.

Help me understand - this happens just after the farewell toast? Or after the gaijin leave. obviously if they are still present I will command guards to secure our guests.


Shoto Imuri wrote:

Oh. Crap. Heal check 1d20+2

I will order servants to watch the gaijin on their way out to see that no one accosts them from behind. I will also order for a water priest or sohei to come tend to the servant, as Imuri has little training in the healing arts. If he can speak, Imuri will demand he explain who did this, where and how long ago, even if it means he tells me with his last breath.

Help me understand - this happens just after the farewell toast? Or after the gaijin leave. obviously if they are still present I will command guards to secure our guests.

This happens after Rhon and Erudima have left. They are already out on the street by the time you fling the doors to the closet open.

As servants scramble to fetch a priest, you pulls the gag out of the man's mouth. After gasping for air, he begins to beg for his life. "Noble Imuri-san! Please do not kill me! I am but a footman! I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder just as your noble guests were arriving, I reached back to touch the spot, and there was a shuriken in my shoulder! Oh the pain! I tried to be strong, but poison swam through my blood, then. I saw a grey shadow come at me from the ceiling, and I remember no more! Oh please spare my life! Noble Shoto! Great Shoto! I am but a footman! I am not a warrior and this was a ninja, oh I am sure of it! Please!"

A healing priest arrives and looks at the wound. Pausing, he looks back at you. "Imuri-sama, there is no more I can do for this wound -- it has already been expertly dressed. He will recover fully after a couple nights' bed rest. I can use magical healing, if you wish it, to expedite the process."

I don't know what Clan Shoto's rules would be about blowing magic healing on the servants, so I'm having the priest ask permission. If that's something he should just know, then feel free to retcon.


Yohei wrote:
Yohei perks up at Tokine's mention of food and drink, "Hey, that sounds great!" he exclaims with a wide grin. As the Curator walks away and he is left with a table full of foreigners and a closed-lipped Xorn, he turns to the princess and winks, "So, how are you liking the Empire so far Princess?"

"Oh, Yohei, thank you so much for asking!" she favors you with a smile like a glorious sunrise. You can tell she's gonna be a heartbreaker when she gets out of elf teenage-dom. "I think the Empire is beautiful. The manners and, um, what's the word...'ceremonies?' aren't too much more ridiculous than back home, and the people are so nice!" Eru gestures towards the now-open door, and a destructively beautiful young woman in a close-fitting but still quite tasteful kimono has appeared at the door. You can tell two things by how she looks and her mode of dress:

1.) She is a native of the Empire
2.) She is a member of Clan Shoto

"This is my new servant Shoto Asago." Says Eru with obvious pride. "She's an amazing musician! So much passion. Noble Shoto Imuri gave her to me as a gift. Isn't she beautiful?! Such poise! Her name means 'flower."


*facepalm*


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Life as a Shoto warrior is brutal and demanding. You might fail your gempukku if you don't kill your best friend to demonstrate loyalty. You might not be allowed to fight with nekode until you learn how to fight without an arm block. As regards healing, I would think that for the samurai cast, we don't heal unless something is incurable or lifethreatening. In war, we would spend healing liberally to get back to the front. As regards servants, I would think healing would be dictated for Macchiavelian principles. FOr example:

Imuri is considering what manner of spy would be interested in this meeting that would bother to dress the wound of his servant. Sera-chan he whispers. To the Solarian Princess, he says You told Sera-chan of our meeting today? Who else could have been privy to our location and time?

He then realizes the spy could simply be planted for the next meeting.

Fan out, he says through thin lips to his commanding guard. FInd the imposter. He is unlikely to look exactly like this man, but he is still out of sorts. Someone behaves as if they are new to their appointed task. Find them and corner them. I will confront hi alive.

To the priest and captive, he says We will not ask the ancestors to spend their favor on wounds that will heal. It is disrespectful enough to have failed them so. Perhaps we will embrace compassion and let mercy be healing enough, bonge.?


Turning with surprise at the young woman who has just appeared in the doorway, Yohei turns back to the Princess, "Quite a pretty one indeed!" Glancing to San Pen, he continues, "A gift from the Shotos is she? It seems you're making all kinds of friends Princess!"


The Sufi returns Yohei's look with one of his own. It is fortunate his race is alien to most of those here- it could be awkward if his opinion on the Shoto youth became public knowledge.


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges

Azami merely gazes back, "And that is?"


Azami wrote:
Azami merely gazes back, "And that is?"

Who are you asking what?


Azami is speaking to Kyras, whom she followed outside. His last comment to her was "All right. Do what you want, but I've got a bit of a task at hand."


Thanks. This can get confusing.


Tokine comes back into the room carrying a wide wooden board and a roll of thin paper. Following her is a middle-aged man carrying a tray of inks, brushes and charcoals.

"Princess, this is Hiroke. I have explained the situation, so he will work roughing out the form of the dream as you discuss the details. He will then add color and details. At this Hiroke nods in agreement and begins to arrange his supplies.

Tokine then turns to the young girl with the flute and bows. "And welcome my dear, I am Tokine and will be very honored to listen to your music. If you need anything to let you be more comfortable, please let me know." Tokine shows no reaction to the Shoto-style kimono, or her wearing of it, or of her implied station. Tokine makes a genuine attempt to put the woman at ease. Ends with giving her a large bow and smile.


San Pen wrote:
Thanks. This can get confusing.

No worries! ^_^


@Imuri: The servants scatter about the City House, searching in a thorough and organized manner. Their activity goes largely unnoticed amidst the preparations being made for the visit by the Black Dragonflight emisaries.

The sound of swifts can be heard outside, and a flock of the sleek, small birds goes arcing and spinning by outside, traveling from west to east and disappearing down the block. A jackdaw cackles its raucous cry. "CHYAK-CHYAK! CH-CH-CH! JYAK!"

After a bit, two of the servants return to you, carrying a nicely folded servant's uniform, the seams pulled a little bit as if the person who had been wearing it was too large for it. They bow low. "Imuri-san. We found this in a closet by the musicians' quarters. There is no other sign of an intruder thus far. We shall continue to search."

It is getting close to the time when the Dragon will be arriving.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

We can move on to that scene if you're ready. I think I have everything I need in my head. If not, it's only a dragon...


At The Temple:
Kyras goes through the motions of blasting the soiled and bespoiled paint pan to smithereens, his innate magical talents allowing him to melt the thing to slag and bury it under the dirt. Azami watches with a dispassionate expression, wanting simply to get on with doing her job and bringing him back to the captain.

Meanwhile, inside, Asago-san bows to Tokine with perfect form and with impeccable manners requests simply a glass of water to refresh herself while playing. Then, as the Shotos' erstwhile flower plays softly on her flute in the background, Erudima describes her vision in rapturous detail, obviously entranced by the process.

Gilly, the dwarf, seems to be quite deeply moved, his big eyes filling up with tears as he takes in the scene. Rhon, too, appears quite affected. Asago's playing and Hiroke's painting intertwine with each other and combine to create a new form of artwork spontaneously, with brush and breath responding to each other, nudging details and strengthening technique, lending vitality to the enterprise of both music and painting, and in the end it is as if the music has somehow been painted directly onto the canvas, and the majesty of Erudima's vision has become a theme in the music, developed and expanded on by Asago's mastery.

When all is done, the group stands before an impressive 'rough' of the sunrise as described by Eru. There is silence. Then a small, colorful bird with a long tail flies in and lands on the table. It has a crest on its head and its feathers are a riot of vibrant reds, blues, yellows, and even a bit of green by its head. It seems to regard the painting before warbling a single, perfect little song, a delighted-seeming call, and then flying back out the window open to the courtyard.

Tokine:
Shelyn has just blessed this endeavor, both process and result, and passed further grace onto your person for suggesting it be done. You may now cast either Guidance or Bless once a day as a spell-like ability.

Azami and Kyras return to see a roomful of stunned people all looking at the lovely painting, even Asago is simply looking rapturously at it, having stopped playing when Hiroke-san stopped painting. Even as it stands, needing final color and other touches, it is clear that it is going to be a superior work of art, one to be admired throughout the Empire and beyond. Hiroke-san looks at his paintbrush as if he doesn't recognize it, and Asago-san sets her flute on her chair with great care and tenderness.


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11

Kyras brushes his hands off, not wanting to get the charred ashes of the beast everywhere. He quietly regards the painting, not wanting to interrupt the entranced audience. It is quite nice, though Kyras rarely has the patience to truly appreciate art.


DRA:
I had chills reading your description of the painting...and then the visitation...and then opening the spoiler. Very nice. Tokine and I were both moved.

Tokine is enrapptured as she watches Hiroke work. Combined with Asago's playing, it seems to her that time slows and speeds up depending on the speed and gracefulness of the artisan's strokes.

Upon its completion, she begins to come back to her senses in time to watch the small bird fly in and trill its approval. Her heart seems lodged in her throat and tears well in her eyes. She rises and comes along side Hiroke. She kneels, placing her forehead upon the floor. Tears still in her eyes, she sits up, "Hiroke, you have brought great honor upon yourself, this temple, and all those allowed to watch your craft." She stands, hesitates a moment, but then leans in an gives the man a warm, wet kiss on his cheek.

She then moves to Asago and again kneels and bows. "Asago, your music has helped the creation of a wonderful new piece of art. Your playing truly honored those of us lucky enough to have been in your company. Tokine leans in and gives her a kiss too and a whisper, "You do not need a priestess to tell you that love is in your heart and your music. Keep your head up in all things and Shelyn's blessing will continue to find you."

When Tokine again rises. Izumi opens the door followed by Akiko with a tray of food and wine. Izumi's expression is confused, "Madame Curator..I thought we saw.." But as she sees Tokine's tears of joy.."Tokine?..So it was..?" At Tokine assenting nod, Izumi rushes to her and the two embrace, now both crying softly.

When they separate, Tokine shows her Hiroke's work and she bows deeply to his mastery. Tokine takes the moment of again taking in the majesty of the painting to compose herself. Turning back to her guests she sees the food and wine and takes her seat again. With a smile, "My pardons again...it has been a very emotional day."


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Wow. I think I might cry. Tokine-chan brings much honor to this game. : }

Spoiler:
I'm not really gonna cry.


Tokine:
Aw hey, Thank you! ^_^ Your response was basically perfect; love the way you RP'd it out, 'twas perfectly in-character and on-point.

Azami:
The painting is such an accurate depiction of your dream that it feels your heart has been ripped out and splattered on the canvas. Give me a DC15 Will save not to cry. If you fail it, it doesn't mean you start bawling or anything, you're WAY too tough for that. It does mean a couple tears will roll silently down your cheeks, though, and you can spoiler a Bluff check to see if anyone notices.


Sitting politely as the painting musical ceremony takes place before him, Yohei is thoroughly impressed and nods along to the tune of the flute. By the time things are finished though, he is beginning to feel a bit anxious that the lunch and sake haven't arrived yet.

As Izumi arrives with the food and drink, Yohei snaps to attention and a single tear falls from his eye, "It's so beautiful..." he stammers out. A casual observer might think the tengu is talking about the clearly masterful painting, sitting in the middle of the room, but anyone who knows Yohei well would clearly know that his attention is focused entirely elsewhere.


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges

Will Save:
Will Save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Her throat tightens to a point of choking, steely eyes locked on the canvas. Her hands flex unconsciously at her sides--there are no people, there is only the haze around her, and she is fading again, dying. Is that her blood there, in the rays of the sun --surely she feels it leaking from her body, too real to be a dream, too hauntingly real on the canvas.

She blinks and looks away, only certain her heart is still in her chest because it smashes against her ribcage in alarm.


In the Temple:

The lunch prepared by the Temple staff is delicious, and everyone finds the noon meal is badly needed after such a morning spent trading dire bits of information, dealing with multiple unwanted guests, and finally witnessing the creation of a Great Work.


At the Shoto City House

There is a fearsome thunder of great wings from the palace, and the massive black dragon blasts up into the sky, coasting down towards the Shoto land. At the same time, a large figure is seen striding through the back streets to that same house. They arrive simultaneously, the dragon is massive like buildings, like hills, and it lands in the courtyard with a flourish, it's huge wings sending up great gales of wind. It curls its tail about itself in a sinewy and disturbing manner. All the servants quail before the terrifying creature. Its hideous green eyes remind them of the lights of ghosts and undead, and for good reason.

The Oni Saru-Utsu comes through the garden door, and is a sight to behold. He has somehow procured for himself clothes befitting a great wizard of the realm, but in his massive size. He stands almost 10 feet tall and is bulky with muscle, yet all his bulk is packed into elegant black silk robes, a daisho set in his belt. Both swords are covered in glowing arcane runes. His jet black eyes gleam with unnatural evil intelligence and his tusks shine as if polished. He speaks no word as he enters and sits, lotus-style, on the hard ground. There is a stink about him of herd animals and sweat, blood and bone.

The Dragon's eyes take in many things, then, and at length he speaks. "nnnnnoblle ssssshoto clan. I ammmmm Inimitareh. thisssss meetinngggg beginssssss."

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