Jade Regent AP Bk 4 Ch1


Campaign Journals


The group has gotten settled into their rooms, bathed, and are feeling quite good about life. This truly is luxury. The mattresses are of the finest down, the sheets of rare silk. Warm fires crackle on hearths to keep the evening chill at bay. There is an assortment of beverages in each room - exotic tea, strange liquors, and a strong milky alcohol. There are a variety of strange foods and fruits set out on gold and silver platters.

As you are all relaxing, a knock at the door is followed by Sandru and Ameiko popping in long enough to ask that you meet them in a courtyard in front of the palace to discuss some plans.

Ameiko seems strangely at peace as you stroll into the courtyard. Sandru seems impatient as you all come up one by one. After all have assembled, Ameiko begins speaking.

"These last few days have been so pleasant that it is easy to forget everything that has come before. You have been my companions and protectors on this journey for nearly 6 months now. I owe you my life. But you already know that." She looks around at the perimeter of the courtyard trying to seem not-to-obvious about searching for eaves droppers, "But, as nice as this is, I have misgivings. How did this Prince Batsaikhar know about our coming? What does this portend for our path forward. Sandru has convinced me that I must stay within the protective walls of this palace. But I feel we must know more of what lies ahead. We must try to find out as much as we can about the political situation in Minkai as well."

She looks at you all, "Can I count on you to seek out this information?"

Grand Lodge

"I certainly don't trust this Prince. I agree that it is weird that the Prince knew that we were coming. It's likely he may be working with the Oni of the Five Storms." Cirwell keeps her eyes and ears open for eavesdroppers as well.

She sharpens her longsword, sitting in a chair facing the doors and windows.

"We could move elsewhere to other digs or setup a back up location while we scout for information. Perhaps I can get some people to talk."

Cirwell uses her Diplomacy skills to get the lowly staff to drop hints about what they know about the prince and his advisors.


Krastor looks up from studying and relaxing, trying to remember what his toes felt like after that frozen wasteland he had to trudge through and says, “Amieko, you know we will help you, but how do we know this isn’t a trap to separate us? I can speak the language here but know little of the customs and it looks like all of us are already persons of interest and any movement we make will be met with resistance. Oh… and Ameiko… we’ll expect even more reward when you’re set to your rightful position, ok? I want to retire with people to rub my feet as I explore with my mind”

A short pause happens and Krastor then looks over at Shizu, “Shizu, you know this area….perhaps we need to disguise ourselves and use the same divinations that were used against us against our enemy. While almost freezing to death and being blind I have finally seen an idea that may work and has only about a 50% change of getting us all killed! Things are looking up!”

Krastor fiddles around with his spell book looking for the right item to help until he finally exclaims, “Ahh! My new research has lead me to a spell which will let us disguise ourselves. Perhaps our enemy could see through it but not before we get the information we need about who they are first. Shizu, if I disguise our group to look like local residents, can I give you some of these coins for you to plant on persons of interest so we can turn the tables on them? Cirwell and I can speak the tongue and can perhaps gather some information. Parmenion can…make sure he has a strong cup of ale posing as our bodyguard or whatever they call it in these parts.”

//OOC – I’m proposing to cast Seeming on the group to disguise us all as locals and hope the illusion stays up long enough for us to gather information. I’m also going to cast Seeming to disguise the entire party to allow us to infiltrate and gather information without having a target on us. Also I want to cast Gilded Whispers – which will let me give Shizu 2-3 coins which can be scryed on for those who get them planted on their persons. I’ll also be casting Telepathic Bond so we can all communicate our maneuvers.\\

Grand Lodge

"Telepathic Bond's a good idea. I was worried about eavesdropping. Now if we had a private sanctum spell." Cirwell mutters absentmindedly.

"I do like the disguise magic. We'll need it for what we have in mind."


Ameiko and Sandru agree that Krastor's idea is likely a good one.

"I've forgotten that I might not be the only one the ONI want to hurt. At this point I'm pretty sure you are their list. You've killed a few now."

OOC - you can do the spell and attempt gather info and sleight of hand (to plant the coins). If you go out the first evening, you will notice fairly easily that you are being shadowed by palace guards, unless you cast Seeming hidden from view.

All the merchants will react coolly to you as you seem just another Tian.

You can roll for Diplomacy/gather info/whatever else your characters would be using.

I'll post results of info gathering session after I see what steps you take.

The evening would end with you presumably returning to the palace. Chua would greet you at the gate and make a comment on the hour and mentioning cut purses in the dark. He issues an invitation to meet the Prince the next day for a great feast and festival at noon. The Prince has commissioned the finest chefs in his city for the feast.


As Shizu notices Ameiko's eyes scanning the courtyard she takes the opportunity to make a PERCEPTION CHECK (26) to notice any eaves droppers of her own.

"There is a saying in these lands, keep your friends close but your enemies closer... I do not trust this prince and his intentions, but I do not believe he will harm us. Yet."

Shizu calmly walks up to Ameiko and places her hands on her shoulders while looking deeply into her eyes.

"I will be more than enough eyes and ears for you, but I cannot find fault in Krastor's plan. I know these lands well and have connections that might turn up useful information. The more we can gather the better prepared we will be for our journey, as it is far from over. You tell me who to follow and I will be their shadow."

//OOC - I wouldn't stay with the group, but instead would look into the seeder side of town to gather information (while disguised of course)

KNOWLEDGE LOCAL (29) to give everyone a good basic understanding of local laws, rulers, and popular locations. Common rumor, local tradition and lastly know hidden organizations.
KNOWLEDGE NOBILITY (22) to aid everyone in appropriate etiquette, line of succession and how to recognize current royal symbols.
DIPLOMACY (30) to gather information
SENSE MOTIVE (15) to ascertain if the information I was getting was accurate/truthful
PERCEPTION (31) to make sure I wasn't being observed
STEALTH (25) to blend into the crowed if being followed
BLUFF (13) to distract my targets
SLEIGHT OF HAND (19) to place coins


Krastor agrees with everyone we need to look around for any prying eyes or divination magic
*Cast detect magic*
Arcana roll - 31
Spellcraft roll - 31
to ID any scrying/other non-party magic.

Perception - 33 to see who is observing us

After the party agrees to the plan, Krastor hurries everything around a corner which we then Dimension door out of sight. Krastor says, "Ok, if anybody was following us we have a moment" and he begins to wave his fingers and cast an incantation.

Where once were elves and humans now appear to be normal human Tien citizenry of the place. The illusion now in place, Krastor casts another spell and beings to speak telepathically to his party, "We should be able to inform each other on what is happening without any interference now. I'm going to go to the magic curiosity shops and see what I can find out about the magical power structure in town."

Krastor heads to the various shops and chats up the locals, trying to find out about magic items and other merchant wares. He ends up purchasing an Ioun stone to get the purveyor of the shop to be a little more chatty. Speaking in Tien, Krastor says, "Friend, these are magnificent items you have. I'm a travelling merchant and would like to know who in this town could procure such powerful magic and wares? I may have a great business opportunity. I would make it worth your while of course"

Diplomacy - 17

Krastor spends the rest of the time observing any guards and if they or anybody else is following him as he continues to visit shops

Perception - 17

Krastor tells his allies telepathically, "I'm going to return to the inn where we can meet up and drop our disguise and head back to the gates. Meet me there"

Upon returning to their chambers Krastor asks Shizu telepathically "If you were able to plant the coins let's see what this person(s) of interest are doing right now on the evening of such a festival. Parmenion and Cirwell, is there anything else you found out?"

**Cast Scrying** and waits to see what the coin reveals
DC 22 Will Save if the subject possess the coin. Due to Gilded Whispers they get -5 on this save.


Ok - Shizu ... What type of info were you trying to gather?

You placed coins on a few folks who are groundskeepers in the palace during the day. You ran into them at a bar drinking Saki. It was easy to place the coins (if you want to target a specific person or type of person, let me know ...i.e. Guards or minor nobles.

Krastor...the shop keeper doesn't quite seem to trust you. It's an older woman and she keeps commenting on your accent and mannerisms...she asks where you are from, the south lands?

In your disguises you have no one following you. You managed to slip out unseen.

Scrying on the gardener reveals that they are questioned thoroughly the next day by Chua about anything they might have seen you do or heard you say the previous day (before you were in disguises). If Shizu targeted anyone else specifically I can address that.

----
Next day, Chua greets you all. A small army of servants is bustling about you all. They are dressing you, grooming you, fetching anything you need, bringing you breakfast and even attempting to feed you. If you wish to feed yourself with the chop sticks you need to roll a dex check DC 15 or fail miserably and make a mess. The servants would patiently instruct you in proper use. Breakfast is a strange thick pasty dish with pungent dried fruits, odd spices and a lightly sweet syrup.

At noon Chua summons you all to the feast. He leads you to a central garden on a small geothermally heated pond. A tent is setup and inside you see Prince Batsaikhar reclining on a palanquin propped up with many colorful pillows.

He smiles when he sees you. His smile deepens when he sees Cirwell and his eyes linger over her.

"Sit my friends! Please enjoy this feast and day of sport. I have arranged spectacular demonstrations of skill and might for you as we dine. Relax and be at peace."

You notice there are no chairs or tables. Just a colorful pile of rugs and pillows. In the center of the room are hundreds or porcelain dishes bearing a wide array of exotic dishes. icy duck heads; ox forehead; turtle casserole;
pigeon brains; fried chicken feet; and tiger, dragon, and
phoenix soup (made with cat, snake, and chicken meat).

As you dine, the Prince is silent and constantly smiling.

The entertainment is a display of mounted archery, bareback horse racing, and wrestling. In all, the feast lasts three hours. As the display is drawing to a close, the Prince challenges you all to put on a similar display of skill. He boasts that his samurai are the best in all the land, but would be honored to see a performance from such esteemed guests.

If you agree, one PC can attempt a skill once. You cannot aid one another. The first is mounted archery while moving. DC 15 ride check and AC 25 to hit a bulls eye.

Second task is bareback racing. Need three ride checks to navigate the course without falling off.

Third task is wrestling Huk, the local champ. First to make a pin wins.

The Prince bets you all that you cannot do it!


Krastor gets the information from Scry and relays to the party telepathically, “The guard Chua is asking about our every move. It appears we should watch him more closely, in addition to tracking this Prince. On our next day out let’s try to plant some coinage on him and if we’re lucky the Prince or one of his close associates. Let’s not discuss any plans unless through this magic connection, there appear to be too many ears”

**Next morning**

Krastor eats all the food he can muster and tries to use the chopsticks, after having been rebuffed by the local shopkeeper about his *Perfect* accent!

Attempt at using chopsticks – (Natural 1) for a total of 4.

Krastor yells out, “These things are useless and now I’m a mess!" The gross syrup leaking everywhere he curses again. As people watch he casts a spell and suddenly his clothes appears to be clean again (Prestidigitation) but not his mood.

During the festival Krastor is watching around, trying to find anyone looking at his party or staring for too long
Perception – 28

Krastor also continues to watch the Prince, hoping there is an opening for Shizu to get close enough to plant the coin to gather the much needed information. Perhaps a hulking brute of a fighter might provide the right distraction!

Krastor looks at the horses and the combat request and shrugs, telepathically he speaks to the party “If you want to feel more heroic I may be able to help!” He tries to have a diversion to make sure those participating have Heroism (if this isn’t allowed or impossible then ignore) Krastor thinks to himself “Why ride a horse when you can fly?”

When the wrestling tournament begins he hopes this can be the moment for Shizu to plant the coin on the prince or someone close to him. He thinks Parmenion should jump in and offers to get him “battle ready” by casting Grease so he will glisten and shine for certain victory and the locals might thinks he just has some sort of sweat gland problem!


I'd be trying to gather any and all information about seedy/questionable events surrounding the current prince and his regime (disappearances, corruption, miss deeds, vices, etc.). Also would look into what nobles are in the princes pocket and who openly or not so openly oppose him.

As for the coins I'd like to place them on the staff that have direct contact with Ameiko and/or her quarters, specifically anyone that looks scared or nervous.
________________________________
At the sight of chopsticks Shizu's eyes widen. She'd never been good with them and after years in the Western lands she questioned if she'd be able to manage, but being back in her native Tien Xia she needed the practice if she was to blend in with her surroundings once again. CHOPSTICKS (11).
Shizu slurps and drops food about the place and quickly tries to hide it from sight before any of the servants, or worse companions, notice. SLEIGHT OF HAND (17). However, after seeing Krastor's ineptitude she smiles and lets out a hardy laugh. "Never did like these damn things."

As the servants leave and the commotion dies down Shizu quietly gathers her companions. "I suggest we all double check our possessions and make sure nothing is out of place... Krastor, maybe you could detect if any divination magic is present while we're at it." PERCEPTION (26)
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KNOWLEDGE NOBILITY (15) to remind everyone of proper etiquette
PERCEPTION (30) take note of all the guests, guards and servants as well as their personal items
BLUFF(15) flirt with guards and servants to get on their good side
DIPLOMACY (14) small talk with guards and servants in hopes they let something slip
SENSE MOTIVE (20) discern princes intentions while silently watching us

//OOC - unless somebody else wants to do it or is in fact better suited for it, I offer my skills to the mounted archery and possibly the bareback horse riding challenge, however my ride is only at a +5 with no ranks....


Krastor - those actions would be fine. You'd be able to create enough of a distraction to cast heroism on a few people. However, Grease on Parm wouldn't go unnoticed.

---

Shizu - Ok, you'd be able to find servants who are taking care of Ameiko to place coins. Two young women, likely chosen for their beauty and grace. You would also be able to plant coins on minor nobles.

The information you've gathered Shizu reveals that the people of the city fear Prince Batsaikhar. He always smiles - even when beheading people. He will have subjects beheaded for no reason whatsoever.

---

Scrying on these coins would reveal that the servants are indeed spies. They report back to Chua everything Ameiko says and does.

The minor nobles would reveal about the same as what you've gathered. The Prince is a tyrant. However, it would also reveal talks of minor political concerns:

Trade between Ordu-Aganhei and Minkai along the Spirit Road has been slow or non-existent. The Nobles blame bandits along the road. One noble blames the spirits in the Forest of Spirits. This noble claims the spirits are unhappy and restless.

Another minor noble mentions a new arrival in town and that the guests are being taken care of.

---

The Feast:

Need to know if you plan on taking the Prince up on his challenge and who will take part.

---

The morning of the feast Ameiko would pull you all aside and ask if you've been able to learn anything of the road ahead or of the situation in Minkai.


Oh - and nothing is stolen from personal possessions.

---

During the feast the Prince keeps staring at Cirwell ... with a smug smile.

Grand Lodge

"Why in the world is that guy staring at me?" Cirwell mutters.

[OOC: Diplomacy 20 for previous information gathering efforts
Chopstick Dex check 12]

"We should setup an alternative base or two of operations outside of the palace in case things go south. We're too close to the snake for comfort. We should determine the Prince's weaknesses -- what are his favourite hobbies, pleasures, peeves -- it may prove useful if we decide to take him out if he stands in our way."

Cirwell paints strategy in her head.

"What worries me is if the Prince is aware of Ameiko's lineage. We should make sure to have a plan of action to get her out of harm's way if possible."

"Shizu is there any chance you can find out if the Prince has enemies that we could work with or use to our advantage? Perhaps rebel elements?"

Cirwell thinks we should get out of reach of the Prince as soon as possible.

"I almost wish we had a detect thoughts spell available, Krastor." Cirwell eyes the Prince with a sidelong glance.

"Shizu, Krastor if there's any way we can find out the weaknesses or vulnerabilities of the guard captain and Chua we should find those out too or anyone else with influence. We might be able to twist them against the Prince if push comes to shove." Cirwell moves a few chess pieces on a board she requested from the servants.

"Anyone think it worthwhile to spend 6000 gp for a few days of a hound archon to guard Ameiko in dog form for 10 days if the Prince or the Oni intend to move against us within the next week?"

[OOC:
She casts a "commune" spell for ten questions.

1. Will Prince Batsaikhar move against us within a week's time?
2. Does Prince Batsaikhar know that Ameiko is the heir to the Jade Throne?
3. Is Prince Batsaikhar working with the Oni of the Five Storms?
4. Will the Oni of the Five Storms ally with Prince Batsaikhar if he isn't already?
5. Does Prince Batsaikhar intend to kidnap or control Ameiko?
6. Can advisor Chua be turned against Prince Batsaikhar?
7. Will the Oni of the Five Storms move against us while we're in Prince Batsaikhar's domain?
8. Will we find allies within Prince Batsaikhar's domain that we can work with to take him out or counter his moves?
9. Is the trouble along the roads b/w Ordu-Aganhei and Minkai linked to the Oni of the Five Storms?
10. Are the Oni of the Five Storms operating out of the Forest of Spirits?]

Grand Lodge

Cirwell takes up the challenge of the mounted archery competition.

[OOC: Mounted archery ride check is 16, I pre-cast a true strike prayer (muttering a prayer for Nethys to guide my hand) and find a bow shot at a total attack roll of 39 (+20 insight bonus, 8 attack roll, +11 bow attack bonus]

"Nethys be praised."

"How was that Prince Batsaikhar?"


Ok - Challenge 1 won! Prince Batsaikhar applauds (and eyes his archers quizzically for a moment. "Congratulations! Your skill is remarkable indeed. As is your beauty. Such a rare combination!" He continues to look at Cirwell ... elevator eyes.

---

Cirwell -
1) No
2) Yes
3) No
4) No
5) No
6) No
7) Unclear
8) Yes
9) Yes
10) Yes

---

For expediency - we can assume that Parmenion would easily win the grappling challenge (very easily actually). We just need a volunteer for the bareback race.

---

Has anyone shared with Ameiko the newest revelation from scrying? About the nobles and bandits along the road?


Presuming someone would complete the last challenge (win or lose), the Prince would be suitably impressed with your performance and reward you with a +1 composite shortbow (Str to match recipient of bow), efficient quiver, and 10 +1 arrows.

---

The Prince would bid you all goodnight, all while smiling. You would all notice that he casts a glance at his "champions" and then at Chua. Chua would make notes in his notebook. The Prince departs and Chua intones:

"You have greatly honored the Prince with your display of skill. The Prince wishes to entertain you all again and has arranged a feast for tomorrow. You will all be honored guests for this most delightful event with traditional Tian entertainment of singing and theatre."

---

He would leave you to your own devices after that.

You are free to roam the city. Ameiko inquires as to any information about the road south and the situation in Minkai.

---

Fast-forward to next day (any actions between end of feast 1 and beginning of feast 2 will be addressed of course).

---

The second feast is held in a large chamber in the palace that is richly decorated with tapestries and silk screens painted with fanciful designs. The Prince has arranged comfortable cushions around the room for a good view of the central stage. There are names by the cushions and Cirwell's name is closest to the Prince.

---

The feast consists of: Steamed Hongali stone frogs, goose stomach,
goat’s feet tendons in wheat noodles, fish lips with celery,
solidified duck blood, and drunken shrimp (a delicacy in
which one dips live shrimp in alcohol before pinching off
their heads and eating their flesh).

By now you are all getting the hang of chopsticks. No need to roll to feed yourself (as you all failed MISERABLY - :) )

---

The entertainment is a wonderful shadow puppet display of “Why the Marmot Doesn’t Have Thumbs,” an ancient Hongali folk tale performed with pi ying xi (shadow puppet theater using leather puppets) accompanied by throat singing and music on the morin khuur, or horsehead
fiddle, a traditional Hongali stringed instrument.

The skit lasts about 30 minutes and is performed exclusively in Tian. If you don't know Tian - it all seems fairly amusing but is lost on you.

---

The Prince challenges you all to come up with a similar entertainment from your homeland. Something that will amuse and entertain. You may use any skills you think applicable. The more elaborate the entertainment - the more likely to amuse the Prince.

---

The Prince tries making small talk with Cirwell, inquiring into her health, whether or not she likes the play, if she finds the food pleasing. He leans close to Cirwell and whispers to her of the wonders of his city and the richness of the land. He comments on how fertile the soil is and how bountiful the harvest.

Grand Lodge

"My Prince, my health is fine. The play is certainly something we don't see back on our side of the world. The elves Kyonin also enjoy the performance arts though plays don't figure as much in our culture as music and dance."

[OOC: Cirwell does know Tian.]

"Thank you for the generous gift of the bow, quiver and arrows. I shall put it to good use, Prince. What kind of entertainment do you enjoy most?"

[OOC: Cirwell is diplomatic about his overtures, hoping to get on his good side and learn more about the troubles between Ordu-Aganhei and Minkai. Diplomacy check is 28 with a +5 bonus from a "greater spirit guide" prayer.]

"By the way I've also heard of troubles between Ordu-Aganhei and Minkai as well out of the Forest of Spirits. What are your people doing about that?"

[OOC: Later on Cirwell will peruse whatever library is nearby or within the palace for later recall with her "eidetic memory" prayer.]


Ok. The Prince is enjoying the conversation and is quite apparently interested in you.

He willingly divulges information about the merchants being attacked along the Spirit Road. He divulges, leaning closer to you, that he has suspicions that the attacks are not coming from vengeful spirits as the lowly commoners believe, but from patrols of Jade Regent guards. The patrols have been attacking merchants and stealing cargo. He says that he's trying to keep this secret for the time being as he doesn't want to upset the Jade Regent who seems to be quite the tyrant in Minkai and there are fears of a civil war there - which would be bad for business here in Ordu-Aganhei

The Prince then leans away and says, "This need not concern you though. You are under my express protection." He smiles broadly, warmly, at you.

In the library, researching everything the Prince said, you would be able to find MANY stories of the Forest of Spirits and connections with Oni and Kami spirits. One reference in an ancient document states that the Forest of Spirits is the birthplace of the Kami and references in a fragmented sentence "The House of Withered Blossoms".


For entertainment, the Prince says he would be pleased with any performance from your homeland. Singing, dancing, music, acrobatics. Anything that delights the senses.


We will make sure and inform Ameiko about the goings on about the nobles, bandits on the Spirit Road and the presence of the Oni of Five Storms, The Forest of Spirits and “The House of Withered Blossoms”

Krastor looks the puppet show, fully understanding it but not really appreciating the humor. When the Prince challenges him for something to match he thinks for a while and then…

Krastor suddenly slightly modifies shadows to look like a horse with a dragon‘s tail and fangs. There are sounds of hoof prints clamoring along rooftops. Krastor explains to the audience in Tien that this is the story of feared and hated “Sandpoint Devil” and how it would eat and murder those who would dare to go outside at night. Krastor recites with great detail the terrible stories Koya used to always be so afraid of when she was younger but so loved.

Ability to recall the Sandpoint devil and all the scariness – Knowledge Local – 32

Periodically he makes the sound appear all over! Next to someone’s ear, behind someone else, never knowing where the sound or terror is coming from, only the hoofs and then tales of people being attacked, never seen again, or simply a pile of ash. Only the terrible worshipers of Lamashtu waiting, waiting for any opportunity for her monsters to come forth and kill everyone, making sure it is spoken in Tian for maximum coherency.
(OOC Casting Haunted FEY aspect and Prestigitation for a minor illusion and Ghost Sound for the sounds)

Krastor finishes and mentions to the Prince, “Anyway, that is one of our happiest tales at least. Maybe later I can tell you about the real enemies in Varisia.”

After meeting up with Cirwell later in the library, Krastor tries to think of any history or local knowledge he might have picked up about this “House of Withered Blossoms” in his studies:

Knowledge History – 32

Krastor tries to think on this and any other local customs or ways to identify who the Oni around the area might be with after researching information here

Knowledge Local – 30

Krastor talks to Shizu, “We need to get closer to the Prince so we can find his real intention. I don’t trust a smiling man, especially one who never stops. We need to get more information on those close to him or we may not know exactly what he is up to before it is too late.” He then looks over at Cirwell, "If things come to it we at least know one thing he will be interested in"


Between Krastor's display and Shizu's display, the Prince is more than impressed. In fact, you saw several instances throughout the show where he was so caught up, that he forgot to smile.

Shizu - you would be able to get a peek at Chua's book and would see a list of names.

The Prince stands after the performance and spreads his hands wide, "Truly an amazing spectacle! You are quite the gifted performers! I will bestow upon you this, a gift from the gods if ever there was one."

The Prince snaps his fingers and pulls out a strange stringed instrument. It is elaborately carved and gilded with silver and gold.

http://www.promenademusic.co.uk/image/cache/data/atlas%20pipa-875x875.jpg

Like that - but fancier.

He states, "If a gifted musician were to play this, it would enthrall listeners for hours. It is truly magnificent."

"You will all be my guests for another feast tomorrow! I am having the best chefs from across my lands prepare the most decadent and sumptuous meal. In return, I challenge you to create dishes from your homeland to rival what my chefs can prepare. We shall then eat and decide whose dishes are best!"

---

Krastor - with your knowledge history and gathering information in the Library, you would be able to determine no more than what you've already come across. Most of the locals fear the Forest of Spirits and say that it is haunted.

You could find information detailing the myths and legends around the Oni and Kami. In summary - Oni = bad/evil, Kami=generally good/benevolent. The myths and legends of the Oni and Kami are an integral part of Tian lifestyle.


Any actions between feast 2 and 3 will be addressed. Fast-forward to feast 3.

---

The third feast is a contest between cuisines. The Prince has given you access to the kitchens and puts all the chefs at your disposal. He has challenged you to create a culinary wonder from your homeland. The local markets are yours to plunder, but have a strange assortment of foods, spices, and vegetables that are mostly unfamiliar to you. There are, of course, standards like fish, chicken, and root vegetables. There are various types of red meat, and after inquiring, you'd learn that cat, rat, dog, horse, and others are more readily available than beef.

You must craft a menu fit for a Prince! You can attempt to cook the dishes yourself (Profession - Cooking) or find some other method of preparing the dishes.

---

Sandru takes special interest in this competition and you've all noticed his voracious appetite at the other feasts. He seems to truly be enjoying all this exotic food.

Koya has been spending the majority of her time in the library learning what she can of this strange new land.

Shalelu seems disgruntled being cooped up on the palace, but she did enjoy the archery demonstration.

Ameiko thoroughly enjoyed the shadow puppet show, but has otherwise kept to herself. She seems a bit disturbed with the news of a potential civil war in Minkai. She comments that this Jade Regent must be behind all the troubles.


During our down time I would be actively seeking out the credible individuals that contest the Prince and the Jade Regent.

DISGUISE (18)
KNOWLEDGE LOCAL (32)
DIPLOMACY (24)

After being able to see into the book and seeing the specific names I would find one or two of them and ask if they knew what happens to the people on that list and hint that I might have seen their name on it. I'd offer help in exchange for information, but only if I felt I'd be able to trust that they wouldn't turn against us.

DIPLOMACY (14)

After the second feast and before the third, since we seem to be getting on his better side, Shizu would attempt to skulk around the palace and spy on Chua and the Prince.

DISGUISE (22)
STEALTH (29)
CLIMB (33)
ACROBATICS (41)
PERCEPTION (15)

Once I get close enough to Chua's quarters or the Prince's I'd vanish and go greater invis (can go up to 50 min of this) to observe them


Shizu would be able to find folks disgruntled with the Prince and his despotic rule.

Shizu would quickly learn that the names on the list or of those who have been beheaded. But none of the staff comment one way or another about this. They are all very tight-lipped.

Chua and the Prince have adjoining quarters. You'd be able to observe them, but notice nothing of any use. The Prince seems to enjoy comforts - lots of comforts. Especially women. Lots of women. Which might explain why he smiles so much. Chua just seems like a very loyal servant doing anything and everything that the Prince desires.


Krastor remembers he searched damn far and wide for a great cook and he better pay dividends now!

In rousing the caravan Krastor finds the cook sleeping and wakes him and says, "Remember when we saved your life from a terrible swarm of killer bees that we actually set loose? Well, you can repay us now" Ulf looks over and Krastor frown at him, "Not you. I think you're doing a great job navigating us by not moving"

Krastor being digging through the caravan trying to find their food supplies they were storing. He points to various odds and ends out to the cook to bring along with him.

"I want you to prepare a dish we can call 'Tears of Lucien'" Krastor says to the cook.

The dish includes
1) Artic Wolf sautéed over a bed of heart-shaped crackers
2) Crunchy spider leg appetizers
3) A leafy side with dangerous looking flowers shaped like moons. In the middle sits a green, almost acid looking dip for the crunchy spider legs.
4) Some nuts and shells when opened reveal an edible human man made out of chocolate, covered with some of the green dip. Most of the shells have a massive crack through them as if someone had tried to delicately cut in to the inside but instead gashed it entirely.

As people try it Krastor makes sure to serve it with his "Special Ingredient" (Casting Prestitigidation on the food) to make it taste delightful.


The cook has a Profession (Cooking) at +11 - he's an expert after all. I'll give you a +5 for prestidigitation and +5 for creativity. So, you can roll 1d20+21 ... You're luck with dice are probably better than mine.


Before the Feast

Shizu confronts her comrades and informs them of her findings. "I 'observed' our gracious host and his faithful servant this past night and have gained no new information. However, it would appear that the prince has a rather... healthy appetite for the opposite sex." She turns to Krastor, "if you could create more of those coins our good friend Cirwell here (gives a wink) might just be able to create the perfect diversion for me to place one on our dear prince."

//OOC - I would casually join a conversation between the two and wait for an opportunity to slip a coin on him. If he doesn't have any pockets or if the coin would be too out of place than I suggest Cirwell give him some clothing or item with the coin hidden in it as a "token" of gratitude or sexy sexy wink wink

DIPLOMACY (30)
PERCEPTION (25)
SLEIGHT OF HAND (17)
_________________________________________
Rebel Alliance

Despite her continual pursuit for the rebel forces, Shizu has come up with few leads. When not at the feasts or spying on Prince Batsaikhar and Chua, she spends her time pursuing her most credible source more heavily. After convincing her source to join her at a local tavern in a more casual environment she tries to loosen their tongue with drink.

DISGUISE (15)
STEALTH (30)
PERCEPTION (25)
DIPLOMACY (32)


Ok. Shizu is able to pull off getting a coin on the Prince.

As for rebels - yes, you've found a few that, after a few drinks, are willing to talk with you about movements underway to overthrow the Prince.

They seem very nervous, even after several shots of Saki. They say that there are those who dislike the Prince's rule and are willing to gather together to bring him down. They're not clear, but you get the impression these people willing to help are not from Ordu-Aganhei.

They promise to keep this between you and them.

In total, I'd say you were able to find 10 such individuals. All had the same story about "others" ready to aid.

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