The outlaw who swore by the Emperor gulps and nods. i know what I said.
@hayashi. They have a shed that you can work into a makeshift jail.
Most of the bandits meekly obey Hayashi. It's clear that during another time, these men we're simple farmers and commoners,, content to ply their trade and serve dignitaries and nobles of auspicious lineages. Maybe their families lived here, maybe they came to Shenmen like Fa Shi or Bai-Cheng, hoping for a better life. Somehow, though, they fell into barbarity, and lost the enlightenment of society.
One of the bandits, a man named Gao, is not like the others. He has the shoulders of a bull, the fierce strength and pride of a tiger, and the walk of a wolf. While the lesser bandits content themselves to throw their cloaks on the ground to make simple bedrolls, Gao shouts at them to clean the area. He pushes and prods them to spread out clean straw and and place their cloaks over it. They organize crates and other items to serve as makeshift chairs.
Hayashi knows that this man, with the right prodding, could be very useful.
An-Bao and An-Ya whimper when Hayashi mentions interacting with the bandits. But, they seem to relax when their husbands wrap arms around them. We will feed them, Lord Hayashi. We are not monsters, like they are. Bai-Cheng bows politely and walks away.
Fa Shi lingers. Honorable lord, you are a brave warrior. Proud and fierce. I have heard of your prowess from Bai-Cheng and Lord Baolin. I trust you when you say these men will do is no harm.. He pauses as thigh to say more, but turns and guides An-Ya back to the house.
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An-Bao and An-Ya whimper when Hayashi mentions interacting with the bandits. But, they seem to relax when their husbands wrap arms around them. "We will feed them, Lord Hayashi. We are not monsters, like they are."
Bai-Cheng bows politely and walks away.Fa Shi lingers. "Honorable lord, you are a brave warrior. Proud and fierce. I have heard of your prowess from Bai-Cheng and Lord Baolin. I trust you when you say these men will do is no harm."
He pauses as though to say more, but turns and guides An-Ya back to the house.
Hayashi nodded silently, observing the man.
"Heavens preserve them," he whispered, turning to report to his commander.
"Shall we start giving Jia-Hua the chase?" he asked, moving up to where Baolin and Xiang Lun stood.
"Let us go," Dawei agreed.
"We can pursue, but once we return we should speak with these who remain here, to see what information they possess. I would interrogate them now, were time not of the essence."
Baolin nods to qinglong, who climbs into the sky as the bandits surrender below them. He cannot allow Jia-Hua to escape! The dragon grows stronger each day, but has yet to recover its full and glorious speed. Its ascension is slow as qinglong takes two minutes to spiral upwards to one hundred feet above the trading post. Baolin's soul is the dragon's tether to the mortal world, and going beyond a certain point strains their connection. As the dragon soars in the sky, Baolin strides to meet the bandits - now his prisoners - where Hayashi is organizing their security. "You have chosen wisely," he tells the men. "I give you my word that no harm will befall you so long as you are in our custody. You will have the chance to repent, to redeem yourselves in the eyes of the gods, and in time your crimes will be forgiven and forgotten. Tell me, in what directions are your horses?"
He summons his connection to qinglong above, looking out in the directions with the dragon's eyes. His own eyes turn to starry spheres as he looks for the escaped enemy. As soon as he receives the direction from the bandits, he will turn the dragon's sharp sight in hopes of spotting the bandit lieutenant.
Fa Shi and Bai-Cheng step up to Baolin. They awkwardly hold jians in their hands and peer out at him from underneath battered helms. Each bows before the lord, simultaneously clasping their fists before them, and holding their swords. The effect would be comical, if it weren't so sincere. Lord Baolin, you have done so much for us, and we are forever in your debt. We are simple people, with ignoble lineages. But, we offer our services to you. We will guard the bandits while you pursue their leader and end their threat! They bow again and stand to either side of the door. It's an ineffectual display, but they clearly mean well.
Inside, the makeshift prison cell is oddly orderly. The prisoners have lain straw and cloaks on the floor to create a makeshift tatami mat to sleep on. Currently, most of them are sleeping. But, the one Hayashi recognizes as Gao, is still awake in a corner. As Baolin opens the door to the room, the former bandit stands and crosses his arms.
The others won't talk. They're tired, and too afraid of Ya Xue, our boss. But, you are a man of your words, and you have the favor of the Celestial Dragon. You are a noble warrior with a proud disposition. I feel that I can trust you. He uncrosses his arms and produces a set of shuriken, which he places at Baolin's feet. I do this to show you that I, also, can be trusted. I am from Po Li, and I was raised to trust in the Eternal Emperor, may he live for ever. My father gave me to the oracles to train as a temple guard when I was very young. But, they were corrupt and were not interested in the strength of my arms, or my devotion to the Eternal Emperor, may he live forever. I am shamed to say that I slew several people in the Jade Lotus Palace when I finally escaped them. I came to Shenmen hoping for a new life, lost and alone. I hold no love nor loyalty to Ya Xue. She is cruel and dishonorable. She lies and betrays her own men. Ya Xue is just as bad as the oracles of Po Li. For this reason, I tell you, now. We made a small camp to the north of here, along the river's edge. There, you will find our horses. Ya Xue's camp is further on, in the wetlands surrounded by two rivers. Whatever fate you assign me, I accept with open eyes.
The dragon soars high above the trading post, peering through the sodden air as Dawei and Hayashi fan out on foot. Hayashi heads east and Dawei heads west. Carefully, the two warriors search the sodden mud and trampled grass. Unfortunately, Hayashi picked the wrong direction, and finds nothing. But, Dawei, who went west, struck a bit of luck! He finds a lone pair of boot tracks heading off towards the mountains, roughly in the direction of where Fa Shi's house is. He gives a sign and Qinglong roars! The dragon's keen eyes spot a horse in the same direction.
No one said they're doing this, but I'd figure I'd give it anyways.
You get 6 suits of studded leather armor, 6 shortbows, and 6 jians (longsword)
With his spell for detecting magic still active, Xiang Lun looks at the bandits, attempting to see if any of them have magical auras matching those of the shinobi who attacked them previously.
With his spell for detecting magic still active, Xiang Lun looks at the bandits, attempting to see if any of them have magical auras matching those of the shinobi who attacked them previously.
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+10
None of the prisoners have the aura of magic hanging aobut them.
Baolin takes the shuriken, offering a bow of thanks as he does. They are weapons that he could have used to kill one of the villagers under his protection. "Shenmen will be a place for everyone seeking a new beginning, and you are no different. Honor is a precious thing, taking many years to cultivate, but there are very few whose honor is beyond saving."
He exits, nodding to Bai-Cheng and Fa Shi as he does. He leans in to them to whisper his instructions. "Be wary. They have a chance to redeem themselves, but let us not make the assumption that they will take it. Keep a watchful eye upon them at all times." He heads to the stables to collect the horses and give pursuit to the dishonorable and vile Jia-Hua. He mentally calls qinglong to return to his side from above.
The two men bow deeply. Yes, Lord Baolin! We will serve faithfully and protect our families!
After Baolin heads towards the stables Jian Xi steals a moment with Jade Moon.
"Are you alright my beloved? " He asks as he places his forehead against hers and closes his eyes.
After Baolin heads towards the stables Jian Xi steals a moment with Jade Moon.
"Are you alright my beloved? " He asks as he places his forehead against hers and closes his eyes.
Jade Moon cannot help but smile while he touches her forehead with his. She too closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Yes, I am fine simply because you are."
"Things go well. The bandits show no trouble. I am thinking of preparing tea to take with the one known as Gao. He seems much more cooperative than the others, and I believe he would be open to discussion regarding these lands."
Dawei followed the trail as best he could, until he was sure he had a good idea of its general direction, before turning back to inform the others.
Jian Xi heads to the stables to join Baolin in the hunt for Jia-Hua. "What do you make of Gao's story?" He asks as he climbs up in the saddle while checking to make sure he can draw his sword cleanly. An eager glint to his eyes as he hopes to catch up with the bandit.
Jade Moon follows Jian Xi to prepare the horses Yuki's claws clutch her shoulder being nervous around the horses. She gives Jian Xi a sympathetic look for she knows his deep dislike for horses. She reaches out one hand and gently places it on his shoulder. "Are you ready my love? "
Xiang walks over to where An-Bao is, and asks, "Could you prepare a tea service for two. I believe one of these bandits may have valuable information regarding this "Stag Warlord" and Jia-Hua, and he may reveal it to me over tea."
Dawei trails Jia Hua for nearly half a geng. The path twists and turns through the hills surrounding the trading post. Clearly, Jia Hua is trying to lose any pursuers.
Despite the holy warrior's best efforts, Dawei is unable to actually find Jia-Hua. However, the path is clear. The path leads farther up towards the mountains.
Yes Lord Xiang Lun An-Bao scurries off to the kitchen, followed by An-Ya. A few minutes later, the two women return carrying trays of tea. The two women walk with Xiang Lun to the makeshift prison. Hayashi walks along side as a silent guardian. As the wizard approaches, Gao stands.
The bandit gives a polite bow, but remains silent.
As the tea service is set out, Xiang says, "Please, sit. Have some tea."
Suiting action to words, Xiang sits before Gao, taking a sip of tea, and patiently waiting for him to sit as well.
Gao nods and sits. My lord, how may I be of service?. Despite his outward confidence, Xiang Lun can tell that the man is incredibly confused. He's not a danger to anyone. But he still carries himself with some bearing of authority. The other prisoners defer to his judgement in all things. Even now, they're on the other side of the table exercising, providing Gao and Xiang Lun the illusion of privacy.
"I am curious for you to tell me something of these lands and those who dwell here. For instance, what can you tell me of Jia-Hua and his abilities?"
Dawei returned to the others.
"The coward fled for the mountains," he said. "He tried to confuse the trail, but I was not deceived."
Baolin sits astride the powerful horse with qinglong wrapped around his torso and shoulders. The dragon's head sits above his own, scanning the area for the man that they are hunting. "We must press onward," he tells the others. They left Hayashi and Xiang Lun back at the trading post, but the rest should be capable of tracking the bandit. He looks into the sky, checking for the hour. "It is the Geng of the Sovereign Dragon. He will grow arrogant now. We will find him and bring him to justice. Let us go!" He spurs on his horse further into the hills towards the mountains, leading his group to mete out this justice.
"Yes let us go, I love you." He says as he lifts his mask off for a moment giving Jade Moon a kiss before setting off for the bandit.
Baolin and the others race through the hills, following Jia Hua's trail. The path twists and turns, it's clear the dog is trying to lose the noble warriors. But, King Huang's chosen are faithful to their duty! They will not relent! Jia Hua's trail bounds over small streams and winds around tall rocky outcroppings crowned by gnarled willows.
The ever-present mist thickens into a heavy downpour. The trail grows slick with mud that clings at the horses' hooves, threatening to trip them up and break their legs. Undaunted, the heroes press on. The wind picks up, stirring the rain into a frenzy. Lightening flashes in the distance, thunder crashes. Cautiously, the brave nobles follow the trail ever deeper into the mountains.
Beneath one willow tree, Jade Moon spots a snow white fox wearing what appears to be a string of pearls around its neck. It stares at her calmly, batting a ball of rice between its paws. Jade Moon gets the sense that the fox is trying to tell her something.
Sure enough, the fox rolls the ball of rice directly in front of the horses and then bounds away.
Gao bows and pours tea for Jiang Lun and then himself. My thanks, Lord Jiang Lun. You are most generous and merciful to offer one such as I even the smallest of kindnesses. He sips his tea and looks inward, clearly thinking about what he knows and will tell. Jia Hua is one with the shadows. They say he has bound himself to the yaoguai, and become a slave of the oni. He can control shadows and darkness, and can kill without being seen. I have heard that he comes from a place called the House of Fallen Leaves. Gao gulps and looks around him. He is an onimusha, and uses knowledge forbidden by the Eternal Emperor, may he live forever.
As they round a bend in the path, Baolin sees the silhouette of a man wheel his horse around and hold a spear into the air. Lightning flashes around him, illuminating him for a moment. It's Jia-Hua! You have fought well. King Huang chose well when he selected you for his task. But, my masters will never allow the Empire to reform! We are but falling leaves on the winds of fate! I am ready to meet destiny! Are you?
"Dark, forbidden powers, indeed. He may prove difficult to bring to justice. I have heard spoken of others in this land. One of them is a dark warlord who's symbol is a stag. We have encountered many agents bearing this mark, all of whom have opposed us. What can you tell me of him?"
Xiang Lun sipped his tea, waiting for any answer Gao may have.
"My destiny will come if I am ready or not," Dawei answered as he drew his bow, nocked, prayed to the Eternal Emperor and his sublime judgment, and loosed.
"Dark, forbidden powers, indeed. He may prove difficult to bring to justice. I have heard spoken of others in this land. One of them is a dark warlord who's symbol is a stag. We have encountered many agents bearing this mark, all of whom have opposed us. What can you tell me of him?"
Xiang Lun sipped his tea, waiting for any answer Gao may have.
Gao shudders. You speak of the Stag Lord. He is terrible, Lord Xiang Lun. He has... they say he has turned his back on the kami, and even the gods themselves. He slays the kami he finds here and has allied hismelf with the yokai. He destroys the shrines to all the gods, even General Susumu! All warlords serve the Black Daimyo. Gao makes a sign to ward off evil. May the Eternal Emperor, may he live forever, shield me from his Winged Horse's path. He has a fortress to the east. It is an old castle, from before the fall of Lung Wa. The Eternal Emperor, may he live forever, built it to control the region, when the regional governors proved too weak to pacify the yokai. I have heard some of his soldiers say that the fortress is his Summer Palace, and his true home is deeper still in Shenmen. He is cruel and evil... do not... do not strike against him, my lord. Gao falls to his knees, clasping his hands before him in a deep bow. I do not wish to dishonor you or bring shame to your noble purpose, but the Stag Lord is a powerful force, my lord. He has slain many warriors with a single blow! And his stag... it is no simple deer, great lord! It has fangs and claws for hooves! He feeds it meat and it has a hunger for blood!
"My destiny will come if I am ready or not," Dawei answered as he drew his bow, nocked, prayed to the Eternal Emperor and his sublime judgment, and loosed.
Jian Xi:
Lady Jade Moon:
Tsui Dawei:
Qinglong:
Jia Hua:
Shinobi:
Hu Boalin:
Jian Xi:
Lady Jade Moon:
Tsui Dawei:
Qinglong:
Dawei's arrow flies true, but a gust of wind carries the arrow wide and it plants in the soil at the Jia Hua's feet. Lightning flares and wind roars. The rain pelts the noble warriors as they stand upon the promontory overlooking a vast expanse of wilderness. Jia Hua glares death that King Huang's trusted blades. If he even registered the arrow sprouting from the earth, he doesn't let on.
The air is charged with power, and Jia Hua seems to almost radiate a dark energy. The shadows are dark about his feet, his eyes shrouded in blackness, and, though the storm rages about him, his cloak doesn't even stir.
Shadows! Attack! He lifts his hand into the air and clenches his fist tight. The trees and rocks rustle in the wind and four black-clad shinobi descend to the earth. Each carries a sharp kusari-gama at their belts, rain evaporates as it lands on their glowing clenched fists.
He lifts a bow and takes careful aim at Dawei. You will suffer for my dishonor!
Jade Moon halted her horse and raised one hand silently to stop the others. She looks at the fox and gives a respectful bow. "Fellow child of Diakitsu..."
She watches as the fox bats the ball of rice towards her horse and bound away. Jade Moon hops off of her horse and cautiously walks towards the rice ball. Retrieving the ball she then remounts her horse and looks at her husband confused as to what this could mean. This did not seem to be of any coincidence to Jade Moon and read it as a message or omen from the holy fox mother. "What kind of message could the celestial fox den have sent us with the white fox and the rice?" She holds the rice ball up to further examine.
After continuing the dark rain soaked ride upon seeing Jia-Hua she is immediately repulsed. However she is surprisingly calm and collected as the four shinobi drop from the trees. Reciting a quick incantation she sweeps her hands in mystical passes causing a blanket of exhaustion to lay over the ninja. "My dear Daikitsu touch them with slumber from your den."
"We are blessed by the gods, Jia-Hua! Your tricks will not spare you from your reckoning!" The rain pours down upon them as Baolin stiffens and delays slightly in order to synchronize his movements with qinglong.
Dawei wheeled and loosed an arrow at the bandit nearest Hu Baolin.