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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Shoto Imuri wrote:
This Ahara - is she pretty well defined? What do I know about her? or do you want me to just make her up?

She's a pretty well-fleshed-out and built NPC. I'll PM you some details.

Shadow Lodge

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I was thinking of a low/mid ranked marshall but this works very well. :) I swear I aim too low in my posts... :/

Chu arcs an eyebrow at the general before speaking plainly. "Make sure you send warning to other monasteries, temples and any other holy places that they need to be vigilant, no doubt they have something nefarious in mind for our beloved Empire. See to it we stay informed Honorable General as to what you discover."

He bows respectfully and leaves the general to his planning, no doubt he has much of that to do after the news Wei dropped in his lap.

After moving back out into the hall Chu moved to the Herbalists chambers and inquired about the Fish Oil that Wei asked about. The fighting monk deserved no less but the best treatment after delivering news of enemies at the very gates of the Empire. They will know not to trifle with The Empire... Not ever again. Once it was received he handed the Fragile looking container to Wei and led him to a comfortable spot so that he could rest a moment. "You mentioned directing your fists and indeed I shall when the time is right, for now though we have other matters to attend to..." Chu thoughtfully scratches at his scaled chin as he tried to think of what else was in store for him today.


@Chu and @Wei: As you are making your way out of the palace, you see the Clan Sera city house disgorge a large force of black-clad samurai. The mighty Sera Zhongyi is leading them, and she is accompanying a pair of gaijin. Wei does not recognize them, but Chu instantly recognizes them as Kyras and Azami. The lot of them appear to be headed into the temple district, an unsurprising destination given the day's events.

Shadow Lodge

Chu hid his surprise well, despite his seething outrage at how brazen Kyras was. Walking, in full view of everyone on the street. Chu wouldn't be surprised if he'd be joining the late captain for his deceit. His words seethed with suppressed annoyance, which was clearly not directed at Wei, as he spoke. "Sadly there will be no rest, I hope that Swift can manage a little longer as I must see what this is all about. You may accompany me if you wish Honorable Khangzhi-Lung."

With that they headed down and joined the throng of warriors on the street...


AC: 28 (T:28/FF:24) - Hp: 58/114 - Ki: 4/9 - F:11/R:11/W:12

Staring with unconcealed interest at the mass of samurai, Khangzhi replied, "He must manage as well as anyone today. But given the mass of strange incidences recently, I somehow would not be surprised if following anyone of them could lead me to where I need to be. I must hope that fate is with me, rather than against me. Therefore, I will accompany you, as there does not seem to be any more obvious forward course of action." As the monk follows Chujitsana, he thinks to himself, Ayaaaa... this city has gone even madder. Must be a warm-blooded thing.


Sera Zhongyi wrote:
"Madame Curator." Zhongyi bows low, respectfully. "Clan Sera is here to aid in the rescue of...certain individuals." she casts a dubious eye at the silver-and-ivory clad westerners. "Who would these be...?"

Tokine smiles, "Ah, I am warmed to see such aid offered by the Noble Sera House. These are representatives of the New Church of the Old Kings. New to me, but seem to share a common enemy beneath this city. They have offered aid to help cleanse the warrens."

She smiles in greeting to Azami, but it fades in the corners as she acknowledges Kyras. She tries to cover the sadness in her expression with a bow and turns to greet Erudama.

Sense Motive -> 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

Tokine greets each of the Princsss' party with a determined and encouraging smile. When sh reaches Eruama she bows deeply. "It is good to see you recovered so quickly." Noting the tension in her expression. She adds in a low voice, slightly confused "We have gathered foes of the Plum Blossoms. Rescuing Rhon is our priority. They will be an aid in that, no? I had hoped for some magical assistence as well?" Tokine cranes her neck to see if she overlooked anyone.

Chu, you did say you would accompany us. So glad DRA has handled the reinvitation.


@Tokine only:
Eru leans in and whispers softly "These...these are, or could be..." she stops, then tries again; "I trust you, Madame Nagano-sama, but I also implore you; do not let these gaijin soldiers out of your sight, inasmuch as that is possible with 200 of them..."


As the Black Orchid samurai and the westerners sort of eye each other up, there are more footsteps, and you see from the north, from the City House district, approaches the noble Shoto Imuri, and from the west, from the Palace district, comes Advisor Chujitsuna Kage, trailed by another lizard- or serpent-like humanoid that none of you immediately recognizes.

DC20 K(Local):
As he gets closer, you recognize the newcomer as Wei Khangzhi-Lung, a peaceful monk who tends a small nature and wildlife preserve on the western road a ways out of the city. It is...odd to see him here.


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

Eek! Imuri doesn't show up! He slips in as a Sera samurai!


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

The manner by which the Western stragglers efficiently and seamlessly compose themselves into a organized army is, at the very least, deeply upsetting; Azami cannot help but recognized the threat to the Empire that is implied in such a coordinated effort. But--why are they heading to the Temple?

In the interplay between Clan Sera and the Curator, she gains a name for the group - the New Church of the Old Kings. Could they follow the Uniter? The insignia is missing, but that is no proof of anything. The common enemy of the Plum Blossom could also mean the common enemy of...

She shakes her head, not willing to think on that just now.

Tokine's smile is surprisingly welcome amid all of this, but when it crumbles at the sight of Kyras, Azami's insides tighten against reaction.

Later. The dead - all of them - will be mourned when the battle is complete. Not before, the soldier reminds herself.

Returning a short bow to Tokine, she clamps a rough hand on the woman's shoulder for a moment as she silently moves past to let the Curator manage the continued influx of people.

Knowledge Local:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Azami scans Erudima and the remains of her group, particularly Naradil and Gwen, wondering if these few adventuring types can lead such an motley army with different purposes. Catching sight of Kyras, she also wonders who will willingly follow, and who will forge their own path.


Shoto Imuri wrote:
Eek! Imuri doesn't show up! He slips in as a Sera samurai!

LOL! Sorry. Didn't know your intent. Gimme a disguise check then? I'm assuming your Hat of Disguise is in play, yeah?


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

The jingasa of disguise gets little rest the last few days.

Sera samurai, local 101 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23

Imuri waits for a moment to approach Sera-san, as the two forces meet and take one another in. He quietly motions to Sera Zhongyi to step aside, briefly shuffling his feet into a Spider dueling stance before returning to a more neutral (or Sera-like) gait.


@Imuri: Zhongyi gives you the briefest narrowing of her eyes in recognition, then goes about her business.


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

Imuri does not accept her dismissal. He produces the silk bag from the Plum Blossom and dangles it before Sera's eyes. You are not the only one to lose sleep last night, Sera-san. A word with you and Kyras Erodal about today's events and missing sisters.


Zhongyi stops dead. She recognized the dueling stance, of course, but assumed that a Shoto was simply making his presence known, a situation that would be curious to her, but certainly acceptable. At the intimation of knowledge beyond what she herself possesses, though, her focus turns to the new visitor.

She nods to Imuri and then walks carefully over to the Dragonborn to speak softly to him, though not so soft Azami cannot hear it. "Kyras-san. A word with you, please? In private." She gives Azami a look the ronin recognizes as apologetic. "We need not trouble your warrior-companion or the others with this." She nods to a space off to the side and waits to make sure Kyras is coming with.

Shadow Lodge

Chu strode proudly between the separate ranks of the assembled warriors and made note of the foreign look of the larger force. He approached the Curator first and nodded to her as he spoke nonchalantly and introduced his friend to the Madame Curator."Madame Curator Nagano, this is the Honorable Khangzhi-Lung he who protects and cultivates a wildlife preserve outside the city. Khangzhi-Lung this is the Madame Curator Nagano and she commands the most inspiring of Shelyn's Temple's to ever grace the Empire." He doesn't waste anytime as he turns and continues speaking. "Now, I recall offering to assist you in your rescue attempt, had I known you were having such a gathering I would have made greater preparations. Please explain Madame Curator why exactly there are two Kaisha (Companies) outside your temple?" He says this without trying to be rude Curator, as he continues to pace himself and watch the goings on as best he can.

Bluff 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

Bluff DC 27:

The Adviser is anything but calm or indifferent and he is doing surprisingly well on hiding just how angry he really is. You barely catch his tail twitching ever so slightly and the see the most subtle coiling of his scales, reminding you of how a snake looks just before striking.\ For the briefest of moments he eye's Kyra's, his eyes barely perceptible slits, before he looks back to the two Kaisha's formed up before him.


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

"If it will trouble him, it will likely trouble me sooner than you think." If not already, she thinks.

She was not addressed, and it would not be the place of a guard to say such a thing - but she was no longer a guard or under such courtly demands. Nevertheless, Azami gives a clipped nod to Kyras before turning her attention to her pack and armor, adjusting sodden ties for any give they may have gained in the rain.


AC: 28 (T:28/FF:24) - Hp: 58/114 - Ki: 4/9 - F:11/R:11/W:12

Khangzhi bows courteously with to the curator, and then with just the barest hint of a smile, the nagaji monk watches the proceedings with interest.

Bluff to look aloof and inconspicuous (with appropriate modifiers): 1d20 - 50 ⇒ (8) - 50 = -42


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11

Bluff (to appear unconcerned) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23
Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Kyras swaggers over to Sera Zhongyi, apparently unconcerned about his status as a hunted man. Even amongst all the gaijin, he stands out with his Warbanian stature and complexion. He pulls the hair out of his eyes, flattened and wet in the rain, as he approaches. If he notices the disguised Shoto Imuri, he doesn't make any indication of it. He offers a small bow to the Sera sister. "Sorry about being rude earlier. I've been having a bad day, but I'm much more myself now."


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

The lone Sera samurai steps in to close the circle created by the three of them. Imuri does not try to disguise his rich voice, but he does speak in low tones.

Then you will be pleased to hear some good news for a change. Both of you have missing sisters and I have clues to help liberate both of them.[/]

He allows the revelation to settle, but resumes before anyone speaks. [b]This matter is complicated, but we can rescue both if they are willing. This requires some explanation, but first you must trust me. We will rescue them both.

Imuri lets the disguise fall away and holds up the silk bag given him by the Plum Blossom messenger. First, we save Kirei-chan.


Zhongyi's nostrils flare, but she maintains her icy cool. "The Black Orchid regiment is my will made manifest." She looks pointedly at the bag. "I'm listening."


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

Imuri remains calmly detatched - fully in control of his emotions. Yesterday I impersonated Kyras-san to determine why the Plum Blossom Syndicate was in league with the Black Dragonflight, or if he was wanted by multiple enemies of the Empire. In so doing I was brought before their leader, a notorious criminal named Scarecrow. I attacked during this meeting and kidnapped the man in order to question him. Later, I was contacted by a Syndicate member and offered the safe return of your sister and the fox spirit Vu in exchange for the Scarecrow.

Imuri pauses to allow the details to sink in. I spoke with the Scarecrow this morning about the Syndicate, about Kyras, and about events in the Empire. This Scarecrow knows of the Telestari and I believe can be trusted to work for the Empire throughout these events. The Scarecrow agreed to the exchange in order to retrieve Sera Aki-Kirei, and assuming this Vu is still alive, here the Shoto dangles the bag again, the fox spirit has information we need, and is a great deal more important than I suspected yesterday.

He looks at Kyras to ensure everyone is prepared for his next revelation. The Scarecrow insists we make the exchange to save Vu and Sera-san. This is important because after our exchange this morning I left the Gossamer Palace to interrogate the man I kidnapped before the state dinner last night. I had him delivered to a remote keep and traveled there this morning. When the Scarecrow was healed to consciousness and divested of his disguise, it was revealed to us that the man Scarecrow was actually the gaijin woman, Bethany Erodal.

He looks at Kyras placidly. She is safe, Kyras. The Scarecrow has been operating in Lanzhu for some time. There was no way I could know until this morning.


AC: 28 (T:28/FF:24) - Hp: 58/114 - Ki: 4/9 - F:11/R:11/W:12

Unable to stop himself, Khangzhi stares at the Sera noblewoman, large foreigner and strangely inconspicuous samurai as they discuss things off to the side. As the samurai waves a bag around, he thinks to himself, Ah... this must be politics in action. I wonder who that samurai is. He is behaving strangely bold with his leader. Noting the red haired foreigner samurai near the trio, Khangzhi approaches Azami.

"A strange day indeed, so many foreigners in the city. And you appear to be as I am, another adopted citizen of the empire. My name is Wei Khangzhi-Lung. Please call me Wei. Or Khangzhi. I will not be offended if you don't use the honorific. I have been here nearly thirty years and I still need to think about it sometimes."


Zhongyi's face becomes more ordered and neutral as Imuri speaks. At the end, both the Shoto and Sera nobles are gazing levelly at Kyras, almost expectantly.


Tokine nods at the Princess's advise. "They have not given me reason to distrust them, other than a very strong eagerness to help....and a strange dream....I will keep your council well.

Upon the arrival of Chu and his companion.

Chujitsuna Kage -Loyal Shadow- wrote:

Chu strode proudly between the separate ranks of the assembled warriors and made note of the foreign look of the larger force. He approached the Curator first and nodded to her as he spoke nonchalantly and introduced his friend to the Madame Curator."Madame Curator Nagano, this is the Honorable Khangzhi-Lung he who protects and cultivates a wildlife preserve outside the city. Khangzhi-Lung this is the Madame Curator Nagano and she commands the most inspiring of Shelyn's Temple's to ever grace the Empire." He doesn't waste anytime as he turns and continues speaking. "Now, I recall offering to assist you in your rescue attempt, had I known you were having such a gathering I would have made greater preparations. Please explain Madame Curator why exactly there are two Kaisha (Companies) outside your temple?" He says this without trying to be rude Curator, as he continues to pace himself and watch the goings on as best he can.

Bluff 1d20+15

** spoiler omitted **

Sense Motive -> 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

"hmmmm...yes. Thank You Advisor Chujitsuna for coming, especially after the day's events. And more help is most welcome, Khangzhi-chan." She looks about taking in the crowd. "Till an hour ago , I thought only a handful of us might be going down in search of the lost Rhon. But is seems shared interests have brought the Sera House and visitors calling themselves the Church of the Lost Kings...Iridians by their claim."

Tokine taps her temple and gives Chu a knowing look suggesting she would like a more private conversation. I am not sure how much to trust either group, but they should occupy the Plum Blossom troops. I would ask you to help keep an eye on them as the day unfolds....and.....this is odd, but I may ask you for a distraction later if you are willing and able...and keep an eye out for a prized scroll tube among the Syndicate elite. I feel the Church members here will do anything to acquire it...it is similar to the one I showed you earlier. They carry two and seek the third. They have agreed to provide me with all three once they have "viewed" the "joining' of the paintings. I suspect they seek a gate. I carry a decoy to hopefully swap. It may fall to me if young Shoto does not arrive, I had hopes of utinilizing his unique skills. Can I count on even more of your help?" Tokine gives the Advisor a wan smile.


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

Azami gives a suitable bow. Ito Azami - I myself have only been in the Empire for twelve years. What brings you to delve into the Undercity with us, Khangzhi?"

Shadow Lodge

Chu arcs an eyebrow at the large force from this so called Church of Lost Kings. His previous emotions forgotten as he thought on this strange new force. "The honor is all mine Madame Curator. Now, Iridians you say? Very surprising to see so many here, hmmm. So when do we leave for the undercity?" He casually spyed the Curator tapping her temple and paused for a moment as he formed a mental connection with her so they could speak more privately. After listening to her words his scaled brows lower and eye slits expand as he mull's over her request. {Yes, I will do what I can Madame Curator and completely agree that these strangers cannot be allowed to have what they seek.} He completely agreed with her motives as to why this strange force of the Lost Kings could not be allowed to acquire what they were seeking.

In the midst of their conversation he checked the belts on his gear, ensuring everything was in place and in order.


AC: 28 (T:28/FF:24) - Hp: 58/114 - Ki: 4/9 - F:11/R:11/W:12

"Undercity, you say? To tell you the truth, I have know idea what is going on here. I had business with Chujitsana, and mere coincidence has led me here. For what purpose do you venture into the undercity? To place it under siege?"


"There is a Syndicate of Crime by the secretive name, the Plum Blossom. They hide and move about the city from the tunnels beneath our feet. They are a plague on the city and have stepped up their activities to include the audacity of disrupting the activities at the Palace and attacks upon my Temple. They would seem to be in league with powers of great evil in hopes of raising even greater evils. Above these needs, the soul of a friend has been taken captive. It is for that I have helped arrange this. Others...others come for their own personal reasons, and are welcomed to help overwhelm the defenses that will likely be arrayed against us. If this is not your fight, I ask caution in knowing what you might be agreeing to and applaud your wisdom in asking. "


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11
Sera Zhongyi wrote:
Zhongyi's face becomes more ordered and neutral as Imuri speaks. At the end, both the Shoto and Sera nobles are gazing levelly at Kyras, almost expectantly.

Bluff (to appear unsurprised) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

Kyras has trouble hiding his surprise when the Sera bodyguard turns out to be Shoto Imuri. He considers hitting him out of anger for being rebuffed by the Shoto clan or out of annoyance that he is expected to cooperate with them nit half an hour later. When Shoto Intuition starts talking about Bethany, he trades between hope and anger that this is the first he's heard about it. If he doesn't believe Imuri, he doesn't say anything. "My sister is a secret crime lord? Well, that just fits. I'd say I'm surprised at her, but she's capable of most anything in pursuit of her goals. Can I speak to her before we do this?"


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

Sadly, Kyras-san, she declined the opportunity to communicate. She requested that I convunce you not to attempt to rescue her after the exchange, however she and I agreed you would attempt such a rescue anyway

Imuri turns to Zhongyi. Which brings me to this gathering. Sera-san. You know flooding the Undercity with these samurai will only get them killed. Their lives are yours to lay down, but it is a most expensive diversion. Are you committed to this course of action? Nagano-san should also be discouraged from throwing the gaijun away. The traps and winds are unsuitable for an invasion.


"The Black Orchid are a feint, but not a sacrifice. There are places where pitched battle will occur, and strength of numbers will be of great value."


Gwen speaks up. "That's the truth. Had we a full platoon of gorumite brutes, we would not be preparing for this erstwhile invasion. As long as a core group of us are prepared to complete the rescue while the others fight...the time these warriors will buy is will be invaluable."

"That being said, I also see value in a second, fully-silent team going down by a separate route. A double-feint. Who here is a skilled infiltrator? Who would go down with the quiet team? Naradil and I are obviously out; we'll go with the Iridianese companies."


AC: 28 (T:28/FF:24) - Hp: 58/114 - Ki: 4/9 - F:11/R:11/W:12

At the mention of the Plum Blossom, Khangzhi's attention focuses quickly to Tokine, and his demeanor swiftly changes from casual interest to fiercely serious. "The Plum Blossom syndicate? You need say no more. This IS my fight." The monk moves his hands and feet into a practice stance. It is a slow and strangely graceful motion, one that speaks of tightly controlled strength and aggression.

"When do we strike?"


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

Azami glances towards the quieter group off to the side, waiting to see if they are finished with their business. "Silence is not my forte, by far."

Her attention turns back to Khangzhi. "You, too, have found purpose to fight them? I wonder how many others have been touched by the Syndicate's influence, and how many in the city count them enemy or ally."

She changes weight in her stance, again, ready to descend; patience is wearing thin.


Gwen arches an eyebrow. "I guess we all just go in directly, then. Fine with me. Tends to be my approach anyway. Are you three done over there?" she calls, indicating Zhongyi and Imuri and Kyras, "My blade thirsts and my armor is far too clean. Yesterday's gore has dried and fallen off." Naradil laughs cruelly.


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

"What do we know of the Plum Blossom Syndicate, other than what the Honorable Curator states? They have influence in the palace itself - and we found a plum blossom ring and a pine cone together the other evening after all of the killing, as though a message. It was...connected, and the highest people knew. And now those people have been--removed." Once again, she dearly wishes she could have reached the Captain before his death to discuss the nature of those rings, and what else.


Not hearing any further discussion or dissent, Gwen shrugs and marches over to Tokine. "In we go, then. Do you know how to open this door in your temple -- the one we came out of -- or do we need to find another way in?"


"I know how to close it, but unfortunatley, not how to open it from this side of the door. Ghar had some knowledge of how to get in and out, but if he thinks that won't work for this group, I have learned of a warehouse that will likely meet our needs."

Tokine will look around for Ghar to see if he could lead by the route he escaped from, but if not, she will lead the way to the warehouse that Envoy-Six told her about.

Edited to reflect Ghar not apparently being there


Naradil looks surprised. "You saw Ghar? Already?! That's impressive, even for him. We lost him below."


"He looked like he battled his way out. That was an hour ago. I would have thought he was then on his way to join up with you. We can swing by the park he mentioned as a meeting place on the way to my possible entrance. If we find him there, we can consult to see if his way might be better."


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11
Shoto Imuri wrote:
"Sadly, Kyras-san, she declined the opportunity to communicate. She requested that I convince you not to attempt to rescue her after the exchange, however she and I agreed you would attempt such a rescue anyway."

Kyras snorts derisively at them, but doesn't disagree. "So what's the point of invading," he says while gesturing to the samurai around him to illustrate his point, "if we're just going to trade her for Vu and Aki-kerei? Why not just negotiate a better deal and get Rhon back as well? Seems like the two are somewhat mutually exclusive, and I'm more of a fan of the underground brawl option. If we're going to go fight, why give up my sister? I need her to fulfill the mission that the Emperor gave me - something that I told your father not half an hour ago."


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

This invasion was planned for the gaijin. If you intend to pursue your sister over her objection, you should do so under the cover of this attempt. However, you will not be aiding this attempt.

Imuri realizes that shogi or kenjitsu illustrations will be useless, so he searches for other words. The wise hunter sends in dogs to flush the fowl. It is his bow that brings home the game.

He looks for understanding to replace the irritation in the gaijin's eyes. I do not barter a better bargain because the life of the Sera is worth your sister's. Because the Plum Blossom knows I was helping the Sera clan and does not know or care about my relationship to the gaijin. And because in obtaining the kitsune, we will have help retrieving Bethany if we are tasked to do so later.

He continues, his voice low and firm. In such things, Kyras-san, you must trust me. My father knows your plight and knows the Spider have been aiding you all along. You are slow to learn our language, but we are swift to speak it.


As the gorumites get impatient and Kyras and Zhongyi and Imuri continue to "negotiate", there is a soft clanking sound from the door of the Temple of Cultural Exchange, and when you turn to look, a most extraordinary creature is standing there; whether it is a tiny man in metal, or a construct, or some other such thing you are not immediately sure, but whoever -- or whatever -- it is, their metal is made in the most fantastic, baroque, ornamented style you have ever seen in your life. It is roughly six feet tall, and the main body appears to be mithral, or something near-as-damnit, but gold trim and filigrees abound, winding and twisting off the body proper in elegant little turns and circllets, wave-like designs that tease and distract the eye. It does not appear to have any weapons on it, but is clothed in spectacular an ancient garments that would astonish any of the seamstresses and gossips and fashionistas in the shops around your temple; a tri-corner hat with an enormous white feather sits atop the metal head (or helmet), a gilt choker is around the neck. The jacket is cut long, fully down mid-thigh, and is a rich dark blue color. The vest is crimson, the shirt blazing white. There is a gold sash of some sort over the vest but under the jacket. The pants are short, a type of breech, really, and supplemented with long hose. The shoes appear to be solid if unspectacular leather get-abouts.

"Envoy-Six!" breathes Tokine. She sounds oddly relieved, or grateful.

This...being moves with alarming quickness and grace and speaks in a strange, strangled, gargling sort-of voice. "Madame Nagano, I heard your call earlier but was occupied. I came as quickly as I could, but only because I happened to be in the area, you understand? I have opened the portal here so you and your, um, friends can enter. And now I have to go! Now!" The brusque creature seems cranky and unhelpful, even as it is helping your cause.


Male Half-elf Dragon Disciple 11
Shoto Imuri wrote:

This invasion was planned for the gaijin. If you intend to pursue your sister over her objection, you should do so under the cover of this attempt. However, you will not be aiding this attempt.

Imuri realizes that shogi or kenjitsu illustrations will be useless, so he searches for other words. The wise hunter sends in dogs to flush the fowl. It is his bow that brings home the game.

He looks for understanding to replace the irritation in the gaijin's eyes. I do not barter a better bargain because the life of the Sera is worth your sister's. Because the Plum Blossom knows I was helping the Sera clan and does not know or care about my relationship to the gaijin. And because in obtaining the kitsune, we will have help retrieving Bethany if we are tasked to do so later.

He continues, his voice low and firm. In such things, Kyras-san, you must trust me. My father knows your plight and knows the Spider have been aiding you all along. You are slow to learn our language, but we are swift to speak it.

Kyras stares at Shoto Imuri with a look of incomprehension. "What in the Abyss does that even mean?" He waves his hands to show that the question is rhetorical. "I've come a long way and many years to find my sister, and she trusts you before meeting with me? Well, like it or not, I'm going to get her. And you'll probably be right there with me and Azami, because that's what's best for the Empire. Look, I'm not going to argue here, mostly because I feel the need to kill something after the bad afternoon I've had. Are we going to do this or what?"


Tokine smiles and gives a small bow, and gently responds, "Of course. Well, thank you for coming Envoy-Six. Especially as....it seems you were busy." She tries hard to maintain her composure, especially infront of so many.

She leans in close if allowed, "I owe you big time for this my friend. I hope you can let yourself allow me to repay you someday." and tries to give him a small peck on the cheek. "On your way then, with our thanks."


At Kyras' final outburst, Naradil rolls his shoulders and growls "Finally! Count on a Warbanian to be the only other one here with any damn sense!"


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

Azami raises a brow at Naradil, wondering who was the other person with sense in the room, especially considering the oddest metal man just appeared and reported into Tokine. She resists the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose at all of this oddity.

Peering over at the knot of people talking with Kyras, the guard gestures. "Negotiations concluded? Let's follow Madame Curator to the entry in the temple, then."


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

This post was sent yesterday and apparently didn't take. Sorry.

Imuri affects a practiced look of polite patience, blending a beneveloent and condescending grimace. As you wish, Kyras-san. I go to make the exchange now.

He turns to look at both Zhongyi and Kyras at once. [b]It should be clear to Kyras whether the Sera samurai are still to be used as a distraction. After the exchange, I will see to it that Aki-Kirei-san is comfortable and
free of harm. I will have her delivered safely to the Sera city-house after the Undercity raid is underway, so as to prevent her from joining you out of loyalty.[b]

He backs away, bowing to Sera Zhongyi, then a more shallow bow to Kyras.

Shadow Lodge

Chu snaps out of his intense investigation of the beautiful construct that had emerged from the temple, he goes as far as to look questioningly at the Curator as he nods to the impatient and cranky 'Envoy-Six'. "Your help is appreciated, may honor go with you." He steps back so that the Curator can speak to her intriguing helper in private. Chu watched the exchanges, clearly impressed with the Curator and her skill to bring so much together, while simultaneously making it all look so effortless. He turned at the sudden outburst from Naradil and sighed, hissing between his folded fangs in annoyance at the Gourmites want to meet there god so soon.

He slipped his hands into the folds of his robes, waiting patiently and trying to watch everyone at once. Deep in thought as he contemplated the path ahead.

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