Toko ignores Shonne's comments, and observes the pathfinders that take their turn with the dummies, and seems particularly interested in attempts of Gorund Kahn, Narayan Singh, and Lin Kai. The rest of the attempts don't pique her curiosity much. She and the scouts of the Twenty-Four Masks observe and try to imitate the techniques employed, some of them inquiring with the Pathfinders about various stances used, then comparing notes, but most of them fail to imitate the carnage caused to the dummies.
Afterwards, the scout sergeant walks over to Shonne. "You don't have to -prove- anything.", Shonne's attitude is not lost on Toko, though the origin of it eludes her. "I offered you to showcase your particular talents so that we can improve the cohesion between the Twenty-Four Masks and yourselves. I would like to remind you that we are headed into the Kaimuki Forests, a particularly notorious area, considering the mission of our ancestors. We're in one boat. Why rock it?"
The remainder of the evening is spent with cooking and general banter of your companions. The occasional merchant caravan that goes by considers moving along through the mountains, but later think more on it and set up camp nearby. The scouts that return give their reports of no unusual activity in the area and head to sleep. The ones who were in camp start drawing straws for first night patrol. After a meal, most of the tengu head to their tents to get a good night's rest, with a few staying outside guarding the fire and getting into position to perform their lookout duties.
The morning after, the entirety of the camp, and a few merchants who camped near you for the night set to pass the Kimu Mountains.
Just after cresting the Kimu Mountains, the Kaimuko Wood immediately comes into view below: a majestic expanse of woodland that covers more than half of Tianjing. From the high vantage point, individual clearings can be seen through the Wood, marking the location of aasimar villages, lakes or dams, lumber yards, and even military observation posts.
The foot of the mountain range serves as a natural border between Kwanlai and Tianjing. Farther down the mountain pass, a large wooden arch stretches across the road.
responsibility.
As you come closer to the gate, Tai Dan approaches you. "This torii reminds me that, for some of you, this is your first trip through Tian Xia. Foreigners often consider Tian Xia as a very spiritual land. I know, however, that’s just a polite way to say something’s haunted. Actually, this talk of spirits and qlippoth reminded me of another matter. We should have mentioned this earlier, but some governments expect spellcasters to formally register their powers so that the governments can call on them during an emergency. Or so that governments can control them. It depends on the government. In Tianjing, it seems to vary from fort to fort. It’s routine for us, as we need to register our presence as soon as possible, lest we get mistaken for an invading band of common bandits. For you though, I suppose the choice is your own. There may be benefit in hiding your spellcasting, there might not. Best make a decision before we reach the fort though. My soldiers won’t say a word either way. That's your call, but you should know."
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"This torii gate, it is rumored to guard the boundary between worlds of mortal and spirit, yes? I hear they are fairly common in Tian Xia. In the Minkai area it is said these torii have a significance of the ancient responsibility of the people of Tianji."
He thinks to himself for a moment. "I hope that does not mean it will work against Koh'Nangohr. I need his spirit to be effective in combat."
Upon hearing the registration that happens, Kahn shakes his head at the idea of hiding his spellcasting. "If there is good that my healing can do to these soldiers, I must service to my goddess. Hiding it would be blasphemous to her very name."
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Kai nods as Gorund shares what he knows about the torii gates, finding he has nothing further to add.
Tian Xia's a spiritual place? Well, what my parents describe of Goka doesn't sound particularly concern spiritual. But it is a big place... Kai finds himself looking forward to what he encounters. Although they are nowhere near his parents' homeland, to be in Tian Xia brings him closer to his ancestral roots.
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Afterwards, the scout sergeant walks over to Shonne. "You don't have to -prove- anything.", Shonne's attitude is not lost on Toko, though the origin of it eludes her. "I offered you to showcase your particular talents so that we can improve the cohesion between the Twenty-Four Masks and yourselves. I would like to remind you that we are headed into the Kaimuki Forests, a particularly notorious area, considering the mission of our ancestors. We're in one boat. Why rock it?"
"And how many training dummies do you suppose we will be facing in the wood? It seems to me we have been the shiny trinkets in your showcase Toko, and that I and my companions have only really witnessed the Twenty-Four Masks's skill as rather large company of guides. I do not trust you Toko. You work for pay. That is all."
"Hm."
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Narayan grins happily at Kahn's acquiescence, "Willing sservicce to the greater whole is the cornersstone of ssocciety. But I undersstand if any of you wish to ssecret away your giftss." He looks for a moment at his hands, "Ssometimes tyranny makess hiding neccesssary." His expression brightens again, "Though I do not think that is the casse here!"
Toko is visibly set aback by Shonne's comments on the Masks, and the Masks witnessing the exchange start speaking to one-another in hushed voices. The few seconds seem like awkward minutes for many involved, and Toko merely nods in acknowledgement and quietly leaves for the sergeants' tent to sleep on the issue.
The next day, even before reaching the Kaimuko Woods, the Twenty-Four Masks seem colder than the last day. They march on silently, with the scouts out of sight. Only Toko is present, riding front with Tai Dan, Naki and Shiyo. They occasionally exchange a few words, but otherwise ride in silence, and observing the fog-ridden woods that surround you.
Shiyo separates from the sergeants, and waits on the side of the road until you pass. He joins your line, and greets you with a nod. He waits for a silent moment in the conversation to speak: "I am a Tengu from Kwanlai. I've dedicated my life to become a warrior of merit. While one can always learn more, I like to think I can handle myself in a fight, as did my ancestry, when they defended this area from the creatures of the Abyss. We have a heritage here. We train for years to be in shape, in both body and mind. The unfortunate side-effect of this lifelong duty is that you do not leave the area. There are differences in our cultures, and I will not pretend that I know how you westerners treat your allies."
He waits for a few seconds, as if considering something, then continues. "Is it normal to insult your cohort in the west? I never heard of such a thing, outside of banter between friends in the camps."
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Victoria will try to make peace with Shiyo.
Honorable, Shiyo. We may have started off on the wrong foot.
In the west, it is not normal to insult our allies. It is also not normal to question our trusted allies abilities to meet their obligations once they have been selected or volunteered for a mission.
She pauses to let him consider the other side of the equation.
So, as you say, there are cultural differences between us. I believe is it nothing more than miscommunication and no insult was meant by any words or deeds. Discussing tactics is certainly well advised. I am sure during the travels together, we will grow in understanding of the similarities and differences of our cultures and organizations and develop a deep friendship. I hope you and your company would agree.
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"Brave Shiyo..." Kahn quietly says, his way with do not inspire confidence. "I cannot vouch for the elf. From the realm of the very Earth we are a patient kind who do not always intercept. I cannot mend with words for what was said."
Obvious disappointment in Kahn's face, and then he reaffirms to what he has always known and only knows. "I promise under my oath of Dalenydra, and my life dedicated to her, that as long as we travel together I will do everything in my power to not allow a single mask to fall." He then concentrates on the ethereal forces embedded into his weapon, and focuses it into existence once again. He then drags one hand across the blade until a visible wound comes up. "This I swear on my blood."
Shiyo doesn't seem to be convinced, but nods reluctantly. He urges his horse to pick up speed and moves to his original position at the front of the march.
Just after cresting the Kimu Mountains, the Kaimuko Wood immediately comes into view below: a majestic expanse of woodland that covers more than half of Tianjing. From the high vantage point, individual clearings can be seen through the Wood, marking the location of aasimar villages, lakes or dams, lumber yards, and even military observation posts.
The foot of the mountain range serves as a natural border between Kwanlai and Tianjing. Farther down the mountain pass, a large wooden arch stretches across the road.
responsibility.
As you come closer to the gate, Tai Dan approaches you. "This torii reminds me that, for some of you, this is your first trip through Tian Xia. Foreigners often consider Tian Xia as a very spiritual land. I know, however, that’s just a polite way to say something’s haunted. Actually, this talk of spirits and qlippoth reminded me of another matter. We should have mentioned this earlier, but some governments expect spellcasters to formally register their powers so that the governments can call on them during an emergency. Or so that governments can control them. It depends on the government. In Tianjing, it seems to vary from fort to fort. It’s routine for us, as we need to register our presence as soon as possible, lest we get mistaken for an invading band of common bandits. For you though, I suppose the choice is your own. There may be benefit in hiding your spellcasting, there might not. Best make a decision before we reach the fort though. My soldiers won’t say a word either way. That's your call, but you should know."
After several hours of travel, you reach your destination. A fortress in the forest with several hundred feet of trees outside of the walls cut down.
The North Winds Watch is a squat fort featuring a lower level of ancient stone and an upper level with additional wooden structures of more modern design. Tai Dan heads directly to the main gatehouse to register the Twenty-Four Masks. The Masks themselves tend to their gear and animals as they wait for the registration to complete. other than that, the fortress seems fairly empty. Many tents do not have gear outside of them, and it seems like a lot of them weren't used for a few days at least. As you look around, you notice disheartened soldiers sitting around in silence, looking into the distance, many blank stares, pointless fire poking, and similar moods. A general sense of apathy is overwhelming.
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Kahn goes to register for his spellcasting.
"Greetings, friend. I am Gorund Kahn of the Pathfinder Society. I would like to register my healing powers for the services of this fortress." He looks around seeing the apathetic mood.
"Tell me friend, it is nice day outside. Why is everyone so distraught?"
Asking around, you find out that a recent visit from a Fei Hengan priest and several of his sermons are the main cause of the low morale. The man preached about the negative aspects of the passive stance on the qlippoth threat, and claimed that resources are spread thin until the threat itself is dealt with. After several days, the priest called upon the soldiers to join him on a journey to reclaim their ancient Tianji legacy. Over fifty soldiers, led by the fort’s second-in-command Lieutenant Kaneka Riko, effectively deserted, leaving the fort with the priest to seek out a final solution for the qlippoth threat. Last week, one of the few remaining patrols discovered evidence of an unnatural blight — a creeping pale orange fire that doesn’t burn, but rather freezes and corrupts whatever it touches—spreading throughout Kaimuko Wood. Many within the fort believe that the blight serves as a precursor to a full qlippoth invasion. Though the fort’s commander has officially requested reinforcements, the Tianji government has not yet sent any response. The remaining soldiers are demoralized, knowing that they may need to face a qlippoth invasion while understrength and understaffed.
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"Stealing away troops for some nefarious deeds and destroying the morale of those left behind is foul work at best. Whether or not he is in league with the qlippoths, he works against our allies and sworn alliance
."
She smiles
"We will restore their hope by finding this deserter and ending his plans."
Most of the soldiers you question say they didn't actually see the blight. "You should find Noro Yuto, one of the scouts. He was one of the first people to see it in the woods. He's been spending a lot of time talking to the Commander recently.", they point you towards the officers' tent, the place where Tai Dan went to register the Twenty-Four Masks. The Masks are nearby the tent, unloading their supplies from the carts and oxen, and setting up tents of their own.
Sigh. Shonne walks to the officer/registration tent. "Noro Yuto?" Shonne asks, then (once he's has time to at least look up) she says: "Register."
A tian-min man speaking to the commander turns his head towards you, bow and raises his index finger in a "just a moment" gesture. Another soldier hands you a sheet of papers for registration. It contains multiple questions on your origin and your temporary whereabouts on your visit to the area. The papers also ask you to briefly describe your abilities as a magic wielder. It doesn't seem like a complicated form. There are a few questions that raise eyebrows. Such as "In the event of an invasion from one of the other planes, are you willing to participate in a counteroffensive?"
Kai follows Shonne to the officers' tent, and looks for Tai Dan. As soon as convenient, he shares with him what they have found out, especially on the Fei Hengan priest and the pale orange fire. "Do you know of a Noro Yuto?"
Tai Dan and Shiyo both listen to Kai's explanation of the situation in the camp, agreeing to look into the matter with haste. When asked about the scout, the both point to the Tian man discussing something with a decorated soldier enarby, likely the fort's commanding officer.
Victoria joins the others in visiting the officer tent. We believe this is critical to the success of our mission, please share what you know.
Once Noro Yuto is done with the fort's commander, the walks over and introduces himself, explaining the blight situation.
"I just spoke to Commander Xiang about this. I have been attempting to recruit men for a mission into the woods to find out more about the blight I have found a few days ago. Unfortunately, the men seem reluctant to join, with the deserters being the prime topic of discussion, I find it hard to boost morale> Perhaps you have a way with words to help out? Commander Xiang approves of the mission but the morale is low already."
Another discussion emerges in the tent. A surprisingly tall, well-muscled aasimar speaks to Commander Xiang. She sighs as if she has had this discussion several times in the recent days. The man speaks of cooking a proper meal to the soldiers still in the fort to boost morale, complaining about the usual gruel not exactly doing wonders for the fort.
The Xiang stands up and interrupts the aasimar. "Fong, we spoke about this several times. We don't have the manpower to keep proper watch on the walls, let alone give you people to help with the cooking. When reinforcements arrive, we can talk about it, but now now. We're missing five-dozen soldiers, for crying out loud!"
Visibly irritated she sits down again. "I'll send another missive to the capital to request more men. I didn't get a response so far. You know this. I told you. Have patience."
The aasimar doesn't seem satisfied with the outcome, but there is also a sort of acceptance in his expression. A lightbulb seems to flash in his head as he sees you, however, and he walks over. "Good day! My name is Fong. I am the head cook here in the fort. You wouldn't happen to have any cooking experience, would you? These men don't know why are they fighting for. They didn't see their wives and children in months, let alone their home towns. They need to be reminded why they are here. We need to cook them a proper traditional meal. Just like the ones their mothers made them when they were younglings! That should remind them why they are stationed here. These soldiers need a proper Taijing meal to keep the spirit up, but I need more people to help with preparation or ingredients gathering."
Tai Dan chimes in, offering the commander to do some drills with the Twenty-Four masks in the yard. "If some of your soldiers join in, the excercise might do them good. Somehow."
Commander Xiang sits in her chair and reaches for some paper and an inkwell. "Very well. I'll take care of this letter and then join you outside."
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Kahn goes to join Tai Dan and the masks with drills in the yard. Rather than demonstrate the precision capabilities of the ground forces, he decides the best example to show is from another discipline entirely.
"As a member of the Naval Expedition forces of the Society, and captain of the Kamen' Ili Rakovina, repelling invaders is a common practice. Less so with cannon fire and explosive, more with the very ground itself and clever use of our weapons."
Kahn demonstrates his discipline not as a soilder, but as a sailor who has spent many long hours and days with footwork on deck, parrying with a large blade, and showing the long and hard endurance required to run a ship.
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Another discussion emerges in the tent. A surprisingly tall, well-muscled aasimar speaks to Commander Xiang. She sighs as if she has had this discussion several times in the recent days. The man speaks of cooking a proper meal to the soldiers still in the fort to boost morale, complaining about the usual gruel not exactly doing wonders for the fort.
The Xiang stands up and interrupts the aasimar. "Fong, we spoke about this several times. We don't have the manpower to keep proper watch on the walls, let alone give you people to help with the cooking. When reinforcements arrive, we can talk about it, but now now. We're missing five-dozen soldiers, for crying out loud!"
And yet they did not test our cooking skills even once, Shonne thinks wryly.
The aasimar doesn't seem satisfied with the outcome, but there is also a sort of acceptance in his expression. A lightbulb seems to flash in his head as he sees you, however, and he walks over. "Good day! My name is Fong. I am the head cook here in the fort. You wouldn't happen to have any cooking experience, would you? These men don't know why are they fighting for. They didn't see their wives and children in months, let alone their home towns. They need to be reminded why they are here. We need to cook them a proper traditional meal. Just like the ones their mothers made them when they were younglings! That should remind them why they are stationed here. These soldiers need a proper Taijing meal to keep the spirit up, but I need more people to help with preparation or ingredients gathering."
"You have wizards here, yes? Hedge mages, augers, sorcerers, and the like at least. There is a simple spell called prestidigitation. I have seen a check box for it on your forms. Find these wizards. Have them cast the spell. You are a cook. You tell them how much. And before you ask, 'no.'"
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Kai moves over to the North Winds Watch soldiers. He looks at how dejected they look and his heart sinks. While never having been a soldier before, he recalls his life as a watchman, and the camaraderie was something he looks back with fondness. Stepping up to their midst, he speaks.
"I was never a soldier, nothing so prestigious like you. I was just a simple watchman for much of my life, with the city of Absalom. You know, we use to joke about the soldiers - that the marching up and down the yard must of shaken their brains to mush. And they always rib us back - that we are just rats scurrying about the city's trash. But I think deep down, we respect each other for the work we do, for in our respective ways, we fight to defend the city that we love. To death where necessary. I know things look hopeless now, but this is when our courage is tested. We have to stop this blight before it proceeds. We need you. You know this place, and more importantly, you have a stake here. Noro Yuto, and we, need you."
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Auto-Assisting on the diplomacy
I am not a natural cook, but Shonne is correct in her thoughts if not necessarily her delivery.
I just happen to have the arcane ability to make a meal as she described. So step up and place your orders.
Victoria tries the lift the spirits of the troops if the diplomacy was not enough.
♪♫♪♫ Fight the good fight every moment
Every minute of this day
Fight the good fight every moment
Make it worth the price we pay
♪♫
Gorund Kahn joins Tai Dan in the yard for drills. While naval and ground forced vary in tactics, both require some of the same thing - discipline, training, and camaraderie. He helps Tai Dan and the Twenty Four Masks in the drills, and it seems some of the aasimar soldiers decide to participate. Meanwhile - Lin, Victoria, and Narayan run around camp attempting to raise spirits by words of encouragement and songs. This also seems to work, as several soldiers stand up to either join in ont he drills or speak with Scout Yuto about the blight investigation mission.
The sun settles on the horizon, and the day draws to an end. Scout Yuto seems satisfied with the amount of men that volunteered to find the deserters, and morale seems to be better in the camp overall. Cook Fong didn't gather men or supplies for a traditional meal, but the fort is used to gruel at this point and it doesn't hinder your activities. Commander Gu Xiang joins the soldiers for supper and gives her men a short speech.
"Fellow warriors, the Kirin Path sent us these mercenaries to help with the blight situation.", she gestures towards you and the Masks. "Early tomorrow, the Twenty Four Masks and the Pathfinder agents are leaving to investigate the Kaimuko Wood and the corruption which has settled within. Scout Yuto and some of you will be joining them. I want to thank you for the courage you express with this act, and would like to thank our guests for making it possible." She pauses briefly, and sighs. "Nevertheless - remember that the deserters swayed by the Fei Hengan priest are out there. I know some of you have good friends among their ranks, but I appeal to your sense for duty - these deserters are to be trialed and punished for what they have done. I would like you to keep it in mind. Thank you, and good luck!"
Afterwards, she approaches your table. "I would like to thank you for helping us. Since we lack men, I will allow you to pick some of the extra gear from our armory. Speak to me after the meal, and we can arrange it."
1x masterwork cold iron katana
1x masterwork cold
1x iron short sword
1x oil of bless weapon
1x oil of daylight
2x oil of magic weapon
1x potion of cure serious wounds
1x +1 mirrored light steel shield
1x lesser enlarge metamagic rod
1x wand of dimension door with 11 charges remaining
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Victoria would be interested in the wand.
She nods and bows to her host
"Excellent, you are most welcome. We are here to help and we will put an end to this menace. The items from the armory will help. I am not a warrior but if you have any items of arcane or protective nature, that would be appreciated ."
She bows again.