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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Daisuke nods as Kyras speaks, displaying none of the Warbanian's humor, "I'm glad that's your decision. I believe we should hunt down the remaining demons immediately."


@Imuri: Aki-chan's face is troubled, but only just for a moment. Slyly using her fan to direct her words, she whispers to you; "Very well, Imuri-san. Meet me in the Park of the Suihan Sanyou one hour after midnight. I will do what I must to slip away and meet with you. There is a large fir tree by the abandoned fountain. I will find you there." With a light step, she walks over by two of Captain Takagami's men, to give them her statement.


Imuri only:
Yup, I remember you had Bethany/Scarecrow removed to the Shoto Estate proper. Removed she has been.


@Tokine, Detect Magic results:
The dragon doesn't cast an aura so much as it seems to resonate on some ancient magical frequency, vibrating sympathetically with the life and breath of the Land; Wild Magic, this is, and it is said to be that which powers the Land, and what makes it so attractive of a target for conquerers and madmen. For true Wild Magic, the texts and scrolls all agree, exists nowhere else in the Multiverse but here.

This is fairly common knowledge amongst all magic users, but the term Wild Magic is usually glossed over as just a blanket term describing all natural magical energy. But after concentrating on this statue for over a minute, you are beginning to think maybe there is something more to it. Something huge, and old, and worth fighting for. At the very least, it would be worth researching to see what else has been written on the topic.

The stone is simply a stone. Pretty, but utterly mundane.


@Chu: Captain Takagami replies. "Shoto Imuri speaks of the Temple of Cultural Exchange, I am certain. it has been the center of much…strange…activity of late, though I am certain Madame Curator could tell us much more."


@Kyras: Two of the Captain's guards finally make their way around to you, their faces impassive under their helmets. "Honored guest of the emperor, is there anything about this evening you wish to add to our records? In addition, may we know your name and place of residence?"

DC22 Perception, Kyras only:
You felt a strange pulling sensation and look down to notice that one of the guards is stealthily removing the small dragon statue -- the one you got from Bethany's storage unit -- from your person.

She is attempting to steal it from you.


@Daisuke: Sera Zhongyi looks at you for a long, cold second.

Zhongyi Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

In the end she simply nods, her eyes seeming to lance right through you, but not the web of deceit you have woven around yourself. "Very well. I hope the Hoshi have an answer for all of this. We will be conducting our own investigation, independent of the palace's"

Daisuke Only:
As she speaks you feel a strange movement on your person. A quick and subtle search of your pockets reveals the source; as Curator Nagano is casting magic on the dragon statue in her hands, the jawbone you stole off the Erinyes is moving, as if trying to speak.

Zhongyi abruptly steps away from you then and walks over to Azami.


@Azami: Zhongyi strides up to you for the second time this evening, her steps still filled with power and purpose, even after all she has gone through. Her hard eyes bore unflinchingly into your own. "Ronin guard. Mambani. May your rest be untroubled this night. We will speak more later." Bizarrely, she clasps forearms with you in a completely unexpected gesture of warrior solidarity.

Azami only:
As she pulls her hand away, the elder Sera slips something into your palm. It feels like a stone. Almost immediately, one of the palace guards turns to look at you. He stares for a moment, then slowly goes back to what he was doing.

DC16 Perception, anyone except Azami:
Sera Zhongyi just slipped something into Azami's hand. You cannot see what it is, but you know she gave her something.

Zhongyi bows shallowly and walks away. "Aki-chan! Beloved sister! Come! It is time for us to return home." She says clearly, her voice cutting across the room.


Daisuke immediately disregards Zhongyi as she walks away.

He returns to the messy corpse of the "Hoshi cleric". He searches the body for any evidence, taking a quick glance toward Zhongyi and Azami before returning to the investigation.

perception (Sera Zhongyi) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
perception (Search) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

DM only:
Kyras has the jawbone. I planted it on him before they questioned Wong Tsai.


@Daisuke:
Oh! Sorry, for some reason I had it in my head that you took it back. Let's say, though, that you still notice the fact the jawbone is moving on Kyras' person, and I'm gonna give that spoiler to Kyras. Oh man, someone is about to be deeply hosed. :-D

The garments of the cleric, you realize are of poor quality, and were probably enhanced by a minor glamer to give the illusion of nobility. In short, whoever this person or being was, they most certainly were not actually a member of Clan Hoshi.

Aside from this, you find a small ring with a purple stone set in the shape of a plum blossom at the crown, but nothing else of value or note.

DC20 Perception, Daisuke only:
While squatting down and looking through the gore-soaked clothing, you notice something on the floor in the art gallery room. It is small and brown, roughly the size of a pine cone, but you can't tell exactly what it is from here.


@Kyras only:
Something is moving in your pants pocket.

Shadow Lodge

Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Chu noticed the strange exchange between Zhongyi and Azami, his scaled features betrayed no emotion, as he watched the other goings on in the room with keen eyes. He gives the Captain a brief nod of respect before turning away and heading back to his quarters. "I must collect my things and I will meet those brave enough to investigate the Temple."

He picked up his ruined robes and, miraculously, the stains began to flee from the well made garment. As if that wasn't amazing enough, the few tears in his garments worked themselves shut as he donned his renewed robes. Without another word he walked briskly from the dining hall and back to his chambers to recover his personal gear, namely Kotei no kiba.


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11

Perception vs. Guards 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Perception vs. Zhongyi 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Bluff 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Kyras looks between the guards, trying to size them up. "I'm pretty certain that the Emperor knows me and where I'm staying." He doesn't trust these two. Something's off about them. As he feels a moving sensation in his pocket, he tries to keep his face passive. Who knows what the statue or magnifying glass might be doing in there. He subtly reaches down to secure them.


Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Daisuke removes a ring from the mess that used to the be cleric and examines it momentarily.

Palming the ring, he rises from the corpse.

"Interesting. This creature wears a crude approximation of the vestments of Nethys, he must have been using magic to give the illusion of quality. Other than looking like Wong Tsai, he seemed very much like a Hoshi noble when I spoke to him moments ago."

He looks across the room, toward an object on the floor, and approaches it, gesturing for Kyras to follow, "Kyras, come take a look at this."


@Kyras:
Reaching into your pocket, you realize that something else is there that was not there before. It is a little sharp, very dry, and brittle. it isn't too large, maybe a few inches in diameter at the most. It is open at one end, but otherwise curved all the way around, sort of horseshoe-shaped. Feeling along its edges you realize it has tiny bits fit in on the larger bit. it wobbles and pulls in your hand like a thing alive.

Without looking at it, you don't have the faintest idea what it could be. You are about to check the other items when Daisuke summons you across the room.

The guards notice you sizing them up. One is tall and shapely and slender, obviously female. The other is a stocky short man. You tower over both of them. They exchange dubious looks under your withering gaze. They shrug. The man speaks again; "Of...of course sir. Thank you." He makes a note in his notebook and they bow before walking quickly away towards Azami.


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

Got some catching up to do...

Azami openly shakes her head in disgust at the revelation that there are two more Wong Tsai's to uncover. "We can always follow the trail of carnage," is her only respose. The chains from the two demon's necks hang from her wrist, uncertain if she should pocket them for some purpose or turn them over to the guard.

Seeing Captain Takagami alive gives her more relief than she would admit openly, but she gives a moderately deeper than normal bow to the man when he is not preoccupied with the wounded and the dead. It is surprising how he managed to kill one of the Wong Tsai's without being deluged with the foul blood-ichor.

When Tokine pulls her and Kyras aside, she is well beyond resisting; the surge of cool power from the curator's touch washes over her as though diving underwater in the river not far from the Kagawa estates. The wounds seal, tinkle of small bells pulling a heavy sigh of relaxation from Azami's lips, followed by a soft word of thanks.

HP:69, thank you!

Listening to Tokine, Azami has the urge to tell her of what Daisuke has claimed, as well as their realization about Bethany and Imuri. But then the Shoto scion arrives, handing the curator the magic items, to which she immediately attends.

The Advisor has cleaned Imuri of most of the blood, but he still stinks of foul fluids just like the rest of them. It would be an amusing irony to someone who had an ounce of patience left in them. Right now, it unconsciously marks him as one of her team, and it is in that familiar tone that she addresses Imuri.

"Imuri-san, a Wong Tsai attacked Kyras and I earlier this day here in the palace, during the illusionary attack from the Black Dragonflight. I do not know if these were the same one. He summoned powerful magics to attack us, and the guards...protected him from us." It occurs to her that the Erinyes and Tiefling are also dead, and she wonders if this five-headed death was not connected with the Blackdragonflight emissaries.

And where is the Queen? Her eyes briefly flicker over to Captain Takagami again.

At Imuri's suggestion of using the necklaces as a way to track the demons, Azami adds, "Then, perhaps, we should obtain the one from the catacombs as well before we use such magics so we are not misled by..."

It is at this moment that Sera Zhongyi strides towards her and abruptly clasps her arm in warrior-fidelity. The gesture is not unfamiliar to any soldier, but from Clan Sera, it is certainly a surprise to Azami. She focuses her expression to serious in order to honor the gesture, giving a nod to the Sera's words since she cannot think of something suitable to say in return--and finds herself holding some stone.

At Daisuke's call to Kyras, Azami moves towards the remains to join them, pocketing the stone as she crouches down to look closer (a bad idea, really, since the mess turns her stomach. Did she eat? She cannot remember, and she hopes not.)


Trying not to get too far ahead of everybody here, but I'll throw out a couple more bits.

The guards are almost done cleaning up, and it is clear that the party, for tonight anyway, is over. As honored guests, you are all free to stay or leave as you wish. The Sera sisters depart through the gardens.


@Daisuke, @Kyras, and @Azami only:
Walking into the gallery area you see what Daisuke is pointing at. Lying on the ground, in perfect condition and untouched by blood or gore, is a pine cone. Attached to it is a tea leaf unlike any you have ever seen...

...except, perhaps, in dreams.


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

Was waiting for the guard captain or Azami to broach this so as not tro encriach on their interests, but....I have not seen any comment asking about or confirming the Emperor's status. Imuri certainly cares, but he's done a lot of stuff post combat and I feel it's someone else's spotlight.


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

Checking my notes, it looks to me like Imuri has stuff to check on back at the city house, a meeting after midnight, and morning rice (morning rice is a midmorning meal in Lanzhu?)at the posh tea house. Other than the possibility that we need to vouch for the Emperor's safety or that we need to go ooking for a fifth Wong Tsai, am I missing anything?

The guard capatin is not soaked and Imuri is naturally suspicious. If nothing else, he is incredulous that someone could execute a reaver and come away looking more presentable than he.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 +2 if Tagami has no levels of courtier or bard but has a fighting class.

Whatever, Imuri. Whatever.


Daisuke holds the ring out for Azami and Kyras to examine.

"In addition to this strange pine cone, I discovered this ring on the corpse of Wong Tsai the priest."

Daisuke holds the ring for examination in his left hand, turning it to reveal the plum blossom stone.

"Note the plum blossom symbol. The five-headed demon seems to to prefer this symbol."

Sleight of Hand 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Kyras: Perception DC26:
Daisuke removes the moving object from your pocket and conceals it in his sleeve.

Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Do I know anything about the plum blossom symbol? Are there any local legends that might give it special relevance?


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

Azami looks at the pine cone for a long moment, and then addresses Daisuke.

"The Plum Blossom could be connected with the syndicate of the same name. There was a similar ring on the Wong Tsai Imuri-san took into another room. I removed it from him and gave it to Imuri just before the commotion rose in the garden. Likely, then, the one in the catacombs had one and Captain Takagami has it. We should ask." She holds her hand out to Daisuke to give her the ring, implying that <em>she</em> will ask the Captain.

Her eyes stray back to the pine cone and the tea leaf. "That has to mean something. Perhaps the Curator will know what that is," Azami walks over to it and takes a closer look, bending down. There's the strangest urge to touch it...and a similar urge to have nothing to do with it.

Assuming Daisuke gave her the ring, she will rise and walk over to the Captain.


Shoto Imuri wrote:
Checking my notes, it looks to me like Imuri has stuff to check on back at the city house, a meeting after midnight, and morning rice (morning rice is a midmorning meal in Lanzhu?)at the posh tea house. Other than the possibility that we need to vouch for the Emperor's safety or that we need to go ooking for a fifth Wong Tsai, am I missing anything?

The midmorning rice (think of it as The Empire's version of elevenses) meeting may be rendered unnecessary by your meeting after midnight, since both were with Aki-chan. But we shall see how things go...

Shoto Imuri wrote:

The guard capatin is not soaked and Imuri is naturally suspicious. If nothing else, he is incredulous that someone could execute a reaver and come away looking more presentable than he.

Captain Takagami is one of the greatest swordsmen in the entire empire; his CR is about twice that of a blood reaver. Imuri would be well aware of Takagami's renown. It's the kind of thing where you'd be surprised if the captain wasn't virtually untouched.


@Daisuke: You know that the plum blossom is the symbol of the Plum Blossom Syndicate, which is one of the most powerful crime syndicates in the city. Their reputation is a bit dubious as they are well-known for both their tyrannical subjugation and exploitation of the lower classes and their Robin Hood-ish stealing from the upper classes to give money to the poor and destitute and/or build new places for them to live, etc. Basically they make the lower classes' lives better so they are in better shape for them to use and abuse. They control most of the drug trade and have their hands in countless other interests.


@Azami: The captain smiles and bows as you approach. "Ito-san. It is good to see you are well after this bizarre attack. What have you learned thus far of what happened here?"


Tokine pockets the stone, still unsure of its purpose. Any markings on it? But keeps a tight grip on the dragon statue, Such an unusual power seems to emanate from it....

Lost in her thoughts she moves to join the others. She follows the talk of doubles and demons, but at Azami's mention of her name she comes over.

Looking at the tea leaf on the floor and Azami's interest in it, "Go ahead..touch it. I think you are right to be drawn to it. I saw a mountain in my visions, the same mountain from yours and the Princess' visions. In mine, a tea tree sits at the top, a sign of wisdom and serenity. It seems to await...us."


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
DM Downrightamazed wrote:


The midmorning rice (think of it as The Empire's version of elevenses) meeting may be rendered unnecessary by your meeting after midnight, since both were with Aki-chan. But we shall see how things go...

Actually, the PC have a meeting, including with the gaijin and ronin. I'm not saying they'll all be there. But in the flophouse we'd agreed to meet in the morning to discuss what we'd all learned. Imuri told the ronin to dress up. Yes?


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges
Shoto Imuri wrote:
DM Downrightamazed wrote:


The midmorning rice (think of it as The Empire's version of elevenses) meeting may be rendered unnecessary by your meeting after midnight, since both were with Aki-chan. But we shall see how things go...
Actually, the PC have a meeting, including with the gaijin and ronin. I'm not saying they'll all be there. But in the flophouse we'd agreed to meet in the morning to discuss what we'd all learned. Imuri told the ronin to dress up. Yes?

Oh man, I have /no/ recollection of Azami being invited to Imuri's house. *goes back several pages of this day.


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

hmm, retconning a bit here...talking to Tokine first, then going to the captain.

Azami actually raises a brow at Tokine, not in disrespect, but in uncertainty. I don't know that I am the best person to do that, if this is something from a dream. My dreams do not hold promise." She stands, stepping away from it uncomfortably.

"Oh, the Captain is about to leave. I should speak with him before he goes.


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

Walking towards the Captain.

She returns the bow with deep respect. Captain Takagami."Azami stands significantly apart from him, gesturing to her blood-soaked clothing. "Forgive the distance, but I am amazed that you did not get showered in the beast's explosion, and would not share this foul ichor with you."

"I am well because of the ministrations of the Curator and the blessings of Shelyn. As for what I have learned, not much more than you, most likely." Her hand unfurls to reveal the plum blossom ring. "But both devils we destroyed were wearing this, and one of these," Azami lifts her wrist where the two necklaces sans gems hang. Her voice falls slightly."Did yours have either of these? I'm eager to find the other two and destroy them. As well as inquire as to the safety of our most illustrious Emperor."


With her glaive and the statue in her hands she considers pocketing the statue, but does not want it knocking against the stone already in her pocket. Then another thought occurs to her...or was it a vision. A red dragon wrapped about the Temple protectively. "Kyras? Can you please hold this a moment?" She holds out the statue to him.

Kyras dc 20 Hunch Sense Motive:

Tokine seems to want a free hand, but in handing the statue over, she watches it with more intent than one would, assessing its artistic value.
You sense no deception on her part, merely curiosity.

With a free hand, she will pick up the tea leaf and examine it.


Shoto Imuri wrote:
DM Downrightamazed wrote:


The midmorning rice (think of it as The Empire's version of elevenses) meeting may be rendered unnecessary by your meeting after midnight, since both were with Aki-chan. But we shall see how things go...
Actually, the PC have a meeting, including with the gaijin and ronin. I'm not saying they'll all be there. But in the flophouse we'd agreed to meet in the morning to discuss what we'd all learned. Imuri told the ronin to dress up. Yes?

Yup! That meeting is earlier in the morning, isn't it? I don't remember how early a time was agreed upon, or if it was mentioned. It's handwave-able. "The morning" will suffice.


Daisuke hands the ring to Azami without hesitation and kneels to examine the pine cone once again.

What did the syndicate want with the Hoshi clan?


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11

Perception vs. Daisuke 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Sense Motive vs. Tokine 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Kyras notices Tokine's significant glance at the statuette. "Of course, no problem." He smiles a little inwardly that she selected him rather than Shoto Imuri to hold the item. He glances around, checking to see how many are nearby that he does not trust. His eyes rest on Daisuke and Shoto Imuri, considering the relative value of that judgment. He stands next to Azami, watching her show the necklaces and ring. "Azami, take a look. We have accumulated quite a few items today, more than I can keep track of." He finds a table and places the statue on it. "This is what I've got. Everybody else, let's have it out." He empties his pockets, spreading out the contents on the table for them to see. He keeps a close eye out for those who are not involved in this strange night's events.

Honestly, I've forgotten what I've got. The dragon statue, I think, and the magnifying glass? I'll let DRA make the determination of what I've got.

Shadow Lodge

Chu made his way back to his chambers quickly and quietly, casually looking over his shoulder to make sure there was nothing strange following him. His keen eyesight pierced even the darkest halls and he kept one eye even on the lowest of servants. Many could call this being paranoid but after tonight's events, no one could be trusted, he had to be more cautious then ever until this was finished.

His quarters were small and tidy, he was accustomed to out of the way places and found the tight quarters comforting. He quickly shut the door behind himself as he uncovered and checked on Kotei no kiba. He quickly placed it on the bed as he recovered each of his weapons in turn. His Hanbo was placed casually next to his desk and his magic vestments was mixed in with what little clothing he owned. He slipped off his robes of office and donned his vest, as the straps on his vest cinched tight, he recovered some cold iron bolts from where he had stashed them and slung Kotei no Kiba to hang loosely along his side.

As he stepped out the door he picked up a potions belt and tied it about his waist, satisfied with the fit and that the potions were secured. He picked up his Hanbo and used it to walk casually back out into the hall. From here he slowly made his way back to the dining 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

Thanks to the ministrations of the Imperial Advisor, Shoto Imuri is not only completely unharmed, but looks whole and unstained from the night's events. He forces the weariness from his face to project as much resolve as possible. Loathe to take any healing magic from those who need it, he gives the assembly of warriors and survivors a wide birth until Tokine is finished. He then approaches his new companions with a final question,

How do we determine whether the night is over, or whether there is a fifth demon in need of slaying? If we can find the last reaver, I am committed to ending it and testing these tales about its immortality.


Azami Only:
I leave it up to you whether you are going to contribute to Kyras' impromptu show-and-tell.

Daisuke Only:
I leave it up to you whether you are going to contribute to Kyras' impromptu show-and-tell.

Kyras Only:
Just before you go to empty your pockets on the table, the weird movement stops, and things feel suspiciously light.


As the guards help the wounded to their feet and all of them depart together, the six of you, along with Captain Takagami, gather at a central table where Kyras is standing. He has already set down the ancient dragon statue that Tokine handed him not a minute ago. He then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a very strange magnifying glass that is wrapped in a most spectacular "cloth" that appears to be made entirely of stones.

Kyras Only:
The dragon statue you got from Bethany's storage unit is gone.

I leave it up to the rest of you whether or not you're going to participate in this, in terms of pooling items. Right now you seven are the only ones left in the main hall.


Azami Ito wrote:

Walking towards the Captain.

She returns the bow with deep respect. Captain Takagami."Azami stands significantly apart from him, gesturing to her blood-soaked clothing. "Forgive the distance, but I am amazed that you did not get showered in the beast's explosion, and would not share this foul ichor with you."

"I am well because of the ministrations of the Curator and the blessings of Shelyn. As for what I have learned, not much more than you, most likely." Her hand unfurls to reveal the plum blossom ring. "But both devils we destroyed were wearing this, and one of these," Azami lifts her wrist where the two necklaces sans gems hang. Her voice falls slightly."Did yours have either of these? I'm eager to find the other two and destroy them. As well as inquire as to the safety of our most illustrious Emperor."

As you and the captain gather with the others he answers your queries. "The Son of the Heavens is quite safe," he says loud enough for everyone to hear, "and will have use for us all later. Right now he..." Takagami pauses, then goes on. "...is preparing to speak with us all. As for the gore of these devils, I am able to strike from sufficient distance so as not to be so befouled. As for the chains, yes; I did see one. I left it for the guard to take and place in Evidence, though, so the Emperor's magic users can perform a divination on it."

Azami Only:
When the captain sees the ring, he immediately shields your hand from view and guides it down and away. "I can get your full report later..." he says, by which he means "come talk to me about this when no one else is around."

Shadow Lodge

Chu entered the hall and hid his surprise when he saw the odd gathering around the table. He adjusted Kotei no Kiba to hang more against his lower back, so he didn't rub up against any of the others gathered closely around the central table.

Seeing the strange items he bowed his head slightly to Curator Nagano. "With your permission, Curator Nagano, I would like to examine these items."

If he gets permission~:

He bows to Tokine and moves to find a discarded bottle of wine in the debris about the room. After returning to the table he focused his mind and cleared his thoughts as he summoned up his Ki and began identifying the items. The bottle of wine begins to glow faintly and between castings of his spells Chu pauses only long enough to take a quick drink of wine before continuing.

Cast Detect Magic, Follow 3 rounds later by Identify

Spellcraft 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (9) + 24 = 33
Spellcraft 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (4) + 24 = 28
Spellcraft 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 31

Once out of his trance he nods to the Captain's words. "It is good to hear the Emperor is safe, I had feared for the worst after the what happened in his gardens. The omens are ill of late..."


Tokine adds the nondescript stone from her pocket to the collection on the table. "Not sure why the thief grabbed this at the same time as this statue." She then lays the tea leaf on the table too. "Also not sure what role this plays. The statue is old and radiates what I can only assume is wild magic, not ever having seen it before."

She steps back from the table to give Adviser Chujitsuna space. "I have one additional item to share, but would like to wait for the Emperor."


Currently on the table is Curator Nagano's dragon statue, Kyras' magnifying glass, sitting on its strange cloth, the plain jade stone the thief had grabbed, the pine cone, and the tea leaf. The Loyal Shadow begins summoning the spirits to him in order to cast his magic...

Chu DC25 Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

...and suddenly reels as if punched. The glass of wine leaves his hand and crashes to the stone floor. He steps back, then shakes his head as if trying to clear it.

Chu take 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 points nonlethal damage.


@Chu only:
You are hammered by an impossibly Overwhelming aura of evil from the magnifying glass, sitting there on its little stone cloth. A vision comes to you, of pages glimpsed in a high, dusty tower in the university of Stormfare, long decades ago; the pages of Fen's Omnibus, the only book in existence to have catalogued...them...

The Twelve Abominations of Marianasu.

This is one of them, you are sure of it beyond a doubt. This is The Magnifying Glass of Total Reversal. If wielded correctly, it can cause the very fabric of reality to warp in on itself and reverse back to the beginning of time, and it can do so to anything from the smallest ant to, in theory, the entire multiverse.

Shadow Lodge

Con - 1 = 15 Con, Hp 48/53 (Normal 60)

Chu was still reeling from the shock of what sat upon the table, the Curators words were lost on him now as he stared into space. Reliving the strange memory that had appeared in his mind. His voice cracked as he spoke. "Of Course Curator." He bows respectfully too her. "If that is what you wish, I will not demand more of you. Can anyone tell me where this magnifying glass was found? Does anyone know what this is?" He carefully wrapped the magnifying glass back in its cloth and kept it underhand as he waited for an answer, he couldn't help but be nervous and sadly it showed.


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

Too much is happening at once. Her hand closes around the ring as she looks around the room. The people here were the one's she knew; perhaps the Captain had some sense of something else there.

Afterall, where was the Queen? Might she still be among them?

"Perhaps we should do this else..." Azami begins to say before Chu falls back as if something had hit him; already her hand is moving towards her katana. When the Adviser recovers, her hand falls away, although she continues to be wary.

Raising her voice, Azami speaks. "While I am certain that all of these items are important to examine, there are two demons killing citizens of the Empire right now, and possibly bent on seeking the Emperor. I think we should refocus on that task and evaluate these items at a later time."

Turning to the Captain, she realizes she basically just gave orders in front of him; she immediately offers a bow. "Captain Takagami, where can we get these chains to shujgena so that we may find the other demons?"

Kill the demons, go to the dig, speak with the Captain alone, rest, review what they have found...the list is getting longer. And Kyras still has his secret, and I have mine.


@Azami: The captain raises an eyebrow at your impetuousness but says nothing. Perhaps a small smile is turning up one corner of his mouth. He holds out his right hand, and you can see that many tiny spatters of blood decorate his knuckles, indicating he did not fully escape the death explosion of the blood reaver. "I will take them, Ito-san.

Shadow Lodge

Chu's meekness was washed away by the ronin's impetuous nature, raising a single golden eyebrow at her as he spoke plainly. "You speak truly but you are blind to more insidious threats, perhaps my earlier favor was too quickly judged... In either case you are right. For now I will hold onto this, for later study." He wraps up the magnifying glass and deposits it inside of his vest pocket, securing it firmly before moving away from the table.

Sometimes a warrior's eyes look only for blades and daggers, when the most insidious threat is a poisoned needle in there bedding... He rose and stood ready to follow the others out of the Palace. He bows deeply to Captain Takagami. "With you protecting the palace, I shall seek our enemies elsewhere. May honor go with you Captain."

Seeing that some of the others were still covered in gore, Chu summoned forth his Ki and banished the blood stains and evidence of their previous struggles from each of them. "Best we don't scare the citizens as we go about looking for the remaining demons..."

Prestidigitation, I do abuse thee. ;D


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

I'm assuming your italics are not telepathy but Chu's thoughts.

The Adviser's words cause Azami to bristle, her steel-hard patience worn down to a thinness that is more evident than usual. I am right, yet I am wrong. How fitting of a political serpent. Normally, she would not care - if the Adviser needed to raise himself up by walking all over her, it was not her concern. But here...now...is not the time.

As Chu takes the magnifying glass and begins to slip it into his pocket, it becomes too much to remain quiet - he is taking something that belongs to Kyras, that could be important to their charges from the Emperor. With a curt bow, she clears her throat. "Most honourable Adviser, this item was entrusted to Kyras-san, and has been placed in his care by those whose judgment is unquestionned. Since we cannot know when we will next meet with you - for I imagine your mastery shall be called upon in many directions - I believe it should remain with the Warbanian until which time we can reconvene for your study."

Azami holds up her hand when the Adviser prepares to remove the gore from her clothing, stepping back a bit. "There is no need for you to waste your efforts and energy on me, Adviser-sama. There will be more gore this evening, and no magics will keep me from burning these garments when my duty is finished. They are fouled." It galls her that the Adviser treats her so dismissively with his mixed admonishment-praise, especially in front of her superior.

She truly wishes that the political players would recognize their place: the palace has been attacked, and there is possibly great danger for all of them. Let them fan their lying faces at a fashion show, not in the face of battle and duty.

Nevertheless, she tries her best to not let the bile infect her suggestion, "The shugenja may tell us where we can look next - we may wish to stay until we have their insight."

Turning away from the Adviser back to the Captain, there is something of an apology in the gaze she gives him - Azami knows her behavior is inappropriate for the political dance usually required; these are not typical circumstances. She hopes he also sees the weariness that mingles with that apology, as well as feel the press of her hand into his when she surrenders the two neck-chains, asserting her faith in Captain Takagami also in that hand-over. If there is an alliance made in Azami's mind, it is with the Captain and not with the Adviser.

Shadow Lodge

You are correct, if it was telepathy I would make a point of putting something in a spoiler or text directing it to you ;D

Chu finishes his spell anyways banishing the gore from Azami's person. As he released his gathered ki he looked back to Azami with an even stare. "Its not a waste and burn your garments if you wish, but I will not walk among the citizens with anyone covered in gore, we don't even know yet if the other demons were dealt with and causing an unwarranted scare is unneeded." He pulls the magnifying glass out of his pocket and holds it up to Kyras. "I will word my questions better the next time and hope they do not go unanswered and perhaps we can avoid this in the future. I merely saw items upon a table honourable warrior with not a name attached and if my authority is questionable then I can only guess as to wh..." He pauses as she has turned her back on him, obviously the conversation was over, he would have smiled if he could. This one bared watching...

Looking to Kyras he bows his head in apology holding the item up to to the large Warbanian. "My apologies to you Kyras, I mean't no dishonor and will step more lightly in the future."

Kyras only:

A presence slowly forms in your mind, like a door opening and shortly after Chu's voice is quietly heard. {My apologies to you again, but I must warn you... The item you carry is more dangerous then an army of demons and if wielded correctly, it can cause our reality to warp in on itself and reverse back to the beginning of time, and it can do so to anything from the smallest ant to, in theory, the entire multiverse. I can tell you more of what little I know of it, but I thought you should know that you carry a dangerous abomination with you Kyras...} His presence remains, withdrawn but its there.


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11

If the Dragon had still been awake, Kyras would have likely taken the serpent's hand off at the wrist and made some snide joke about how snakes weren't meant to have limbs. Fortunately, Azami had stepped in before the sluggish stranger in his psyche could awaken. He offers a faint smirk as Azami rushes through the political delicacies with as much care as he would. If one had whispered in his ear this morning at the temple that he would feel as close and loyal to her as he does now, Kyras would have laughed it off. This long, strange day had led the two of them to a strange partnership, and he finds himself valuing her opinion over all others.

His eyes settle on the beautiful, enigmatic Curator. While he would likely sell all his possessions for a moment of her smile, he does not know her. He trusts her without thought or question, but he thinks to himself that he doesn't know her. Still, not like Shoto Imuri. He feels that he knows Shoto Imuri quite well, and particularly dislikes him. The young scion certainly makes a lot of fine words about loyalty and honor to the Empire, but Kyras suspects that it is just noise. Azami is about honor and loyalty, and yet she isn't constantly talking about it. He vows to keep an eye on him. He grimaces unconsciously as he thinks of Imuri.

This Chu, though, has just ticked him off. "I understand, and I can handle it. But the magnifying glass is mine." He takes the magnifying glass and puts it back in his pocket. Now, just to figure out where his dragon statue is. Considering that he just acquired another one, it's unlikely to be a coincidence that the first one disappeared. He gives a significant look to Azami, but will wait until they are alone to tell her.

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