As the sun begins to creep out over the horizon, you make your way back to the Hidden Tiger. Guava is already impatiently pacing outside the front door.
You were to be here at first light, do not make tardiness a habit, the Grandmother demands, and deserves promptness.
He paces in front of you a few more times, self absorbed in his own importance and creating a dramatic moment.
As you know, the Empire, the Grandmother, have many needs. Some jobs are not worth the risk to highly trained soldiers who will serve their destiny gaining honor on the battlefield. For those jobs, we have you, the Empire's newest Junk Crew.
One of the greatest benefits to the Empire is we risk very little if you die in service. Junk Crew is replaceable, and cheap.
However, if you should choose to try and desert or betray the Empire, you will be tracked and killed. Do not worry about "how," The Grandmother has her ways, just know you will be killed. Killed slowly.
He paces some more, wanting his words to sink in and resonate.
Junk Crews main job, clean up the Empire's trash.
A few days ago, a group of humanitarians bringing aid to a flooded village near the Sea of Ghost went missing somewhere South of the Szaezan Crags. We can not risk Hwanggot spies crossing our borders and stealing from the Grandmother. You will travel East and find out what happened to these servants of She who is Generous. They are presumed dead, and thus will make easy pickings for the vultures of Hwanggot. Recover what you can, clean up the rest. We can leave nothing for the Hwanggot to find. You will know you have found them as they will have this patch on their uniform.
He hands you a bright blue patch that could easily be mistaken for the Bachuan flag, except in the middle where there is usually a bright sun, is a small white circle with a red + in the middle.
The Grandmother will pay her Junk Crew for their service. For every patch you return with, your Crew will be paid 5pp. The Empire will also pay 30% of the value of items you recover from the humanitarians. You will also be permitted to keep 30% of everything you find along the way. The rest will be given generously to the Empire.
You were to gather what you would need before this meeting, so I trust you are ready to depart and begin gratefully serving Grandmother Pei.
The oarsman's face is red, puffy, and he is squinting in the dawn light. He looks unwashed, but stands ready, bow slung over his back and leather lamellar armor worn.
"Euh... Ready to depart, sir!"
He looks over the patch, carefully switching which eye is open to commit the design to memory. He looks east, and immediately shields his face from the morning sun's glare. Shaking his head, he starts staggering off in the direction of the sun.
Chkaia nods, tucking a silver plated acorn into the sash around his leather lamellar.
"A rock tumbles down a hill, and does not rest until it reaches a destination."
Bai-Yin, dressed in simple but loose black changshan with a blue sash, had strapped his Jian and shortbow on his back. With his pack slung over one shoulder he announces
"Don't worry, I'm here! The heroics can now begin!"
---In the village sometime prior to receipt of the notice---
I continue with my mundane existence. It has been only a month since my master departed this world and I took up his place in the local militia.
All my life things were always moving. All my life I struggled to get by and achieve my lifelong dream. Now I have it……to what end. I am so bored!! Patrolling the same route, occasionally intimidating people who look up to no good and settling disputes in town. BORING!
I waited years for this and now that I have these talents, there is nothing to do. My final battle with my master was the best it ever got. Something needs to change. Maybe I should leave?
Wait that’s it! There is a rebellion going on. I am not fond of the Grandmother’s rule but nor do I hate it, but maybe fighting against it would be more exciting and a chance for me to get my name out. Kenji Masada the great rebel general. I like it.
---I receive the notice just a few days later---
Meet at the hidden tiger? By the Kami, did they hear already that I was planning to join the rebels? What do I do? I crumple the note in my hand. I go. I will be ready for whatever they try. I will take my new sword with me so as not to be caught off guard. I them make my way to the meeting place.
---At the Hidden Tiger---
When asked to select tiles I ponder. This isn’t what I was expecting. I wonder what it all means? Green huh? I guess I will have to see what happens next.
I wait. Then they announce the fate of the green tiles. I sit and ponder the words of the Nagaji in disbelief.
Fate? Destiny? To serve the grandmother? Do I really have a purpose? Is this what I am supposed to do? I was ready to seek out the rebellion and now this. Maybe this is what I am meant for? Very well. No harm in trying.
I pocket the tile and bow respectfully to the Nagaji commander. ”Thank you for this opportunity sir. I will prepare to depart at once.” As I leave I cannot help but feel a surge of excitement rush through me. I almost bounce with anticipation. Finally! Something new! I cannot wait to get started. I hope master Ueki is watching over me. I will do my best.
---The Next Day---
Anxious to get started I bolt out of bed and quickly freshen up and don my gear. Quickly making my way to the Hidden Tiger.
Late? Damn! I am already making a bad impression on my new destiny. I would have waited at this tavern all night just to not screw up and somehow I managed to screw up all the same.
I bow deeply in the Minkakian custom show of respect. ”I humbly ask for your forgiveness my lord. I must have been so overwhelmed with honor at being called to serve that I lost track of time. It will not happen again. I stake my life of it.”
I listen intently to the instructions and bow once more. ”It will be done. We shall recover everything for Grandmother. I will not let you down again.” I wait anxiously for the quest to begin.
Wow 5 Platinum Pieces? I have never had such an offer. I could buy all sorts of things with that. Even Sake! Man master never shared his sake with me. I only ever got to finish the bottle he left behind. Good stuff. Militia never paid me enough to have anything but, blech, ale. This may be just what I was looking for.
---To the other players present----
Kenji Masada is a young man with long unkept dark hair and trimmed equally dark beard. He is just under six feet. He looks he looks Minkakian but carries himself as a Wanshou and even speaks a hybrid accent of the two cultures. He is clearly a foreigner to Bachuan. He is decked out in Kikko armor but carries a Minkai katana. In his dark eyes you see an overeager young man.
A nagaji with dull scales tinged with green and bedecked in lamellar made of shell and horn enters the Hidden Tiger in response to the summons of the last night. Around his neck a rope is looped and weighed down on each end with a stone. At his belt tucked around the band is a three-sectioned staff and upon his back lie a shield of turtle shell and a short spear. He is young, though carries himself with confidence.
He listens patiently and with a neutral expression at Guava explains the will of Bachuan. His status as expendable was to be expected, as was the view of Grandmother with respect to the rebels. He took the words at face value, having been taught that one learns by doing and the truth of the issue will be clear when experienced.
Responding to Guava "I am indeed ready to depart senpai, and will perform the bidding of Grandmother" giving a respectful bow.
Well then, if you are all ready, you should follow the blubbering drunk and start heading East!
Guava turns to re-enter the Hidden Tiger almost as an after thought, he shouts back, "Be careful!" It almost sounds like he is laughing as he makes that last comment...
Taking leave of the somewhat offensive fellow Kenta indeed follows his instructions and begins trudging Eastwards in step with the so called drunk. Initially silent, once the party has left the confines of the village Kenta speaks to all and no-one in particular "It would appear that we are bound together by promise of coin and threat of Grandmother. If I may be as bold as to request your names? I am Kenta Gushiken, a warrior of what lies between."
The drunk bows in return quickly and fluidly. "A thousand blessings, Kenta Gushiken. My name is Tan Jianguo."
His eyes already look considerably less puffy.
As we depart my excitement begins to build. When Kenta speaks I cannot help but utter an outburst of sheer joy. "YES! This is incredible. I would not say we are bound by coin or threat though. We are bound" Dramatic pause for effect "By destiny. Sweet and glorious destiny."
I look around at the others suddenly aware I am with complete strangers. I blush at my silliness. "Sorry. I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Kenji Masada, and well, um.....I am sadly no one of any special importants with no titles to speak of. See I just became a samurai a couple months ago and this is my first real opportunity to do something important. So.......yeah. I am really excited to be doing this. I hope we face many great challenges and dangers along the way and prove ourselves important."
I puff out my chest in pride and strut. "Enemies of Bachuan and the Grandmother beware! For we are the mighty....eh..... the mighty......junk crew?" I scratch my head in confusion. "Wow we have got to come up with a better name than that...though I am not very good at names. Maybe the Pai Crusaders......nah. Any of you have any good ideas?"
I look to the others hoping someone shares my enthusiasm
Jianguo sways and responds, "Eh... I've always preferred to be... a scavenger. A finisher? Yeah, a finisher..."
Kenta turns to regard each in turn as they speak. While talking you get a sense that you have his attention entire and no judgement or bias crosses his features. His response to Kenji's enthusiasm is measured and even "I would gauge that we all are as steel yet to be tempered... and yes there is a feeling that this has been pre-fated. Our tao is before us." growing reflective at the last phrase. He offers no suggestions as to what name would be suitable.
Chkaia is silent as the others communicate with one another. When a suitable silence is available in which to speak, he forms a mudra with his arms and hands.
"No voice in the Cosmos is more pure, and none more delicate, than the nameless."
He stands straight again, allowing the words to have their effect before continuing.
"I am known by many names, in many tongues. But here you may call me by the name that comes easiest to the tongue of tengu. Chkaia Linthel."
"As for fate, some are at the whims of its mercy, some forge the paths that swirl through it, swallowed again by time as identity is confounded."
I listen to the others and then the birdman. I have an expression of compete bewilderment on my face. "Say what now? Wow you all are a strange bunch. Very...ah I can't think of a good way to describe it but I truly hope you guys lighten up once we get to know one another. After all we have a lot to do so we may as well enjoy it."
Bai-Yin looks at the others, a grin splitting his face in excitement. "Oh relax Kenta, whatever comes, whatever happens we'll be ready! Look at us. Five brave warriors adventuring out into the wilderness, a race against time to save poor souls doomed to be desecrated by foriegn bandits! By the gods, with my help, you're all on your way to becoming heroes! This is a great day, an auspicious day! So break out a little wine and lets enjoy this!"
As Yaksha moves further into the background, Junk Crew approaches a forested area immediately in front of them. Their destination on the other side. Peering into the wooded area, the trees block out the sun, creating dim light to travel by. Birds fly out of a tree ominously in front of you.
If someone is native to Bachuan, or Hwanggot, or makes a DC10 Knowledge local or geography...
Kenta offers a slight nod and smile at the banter of the men. We shall see on which side of the border the bandits lie...
As the forest draws near he gives it some thought before proferring "We either go through, or South and skirt the border between Bachuan and Hwanggot... both taos hold their own experiences." pausing for a few moments before concluding "But I would walk the tree lined path."
Bai-Yin looks at the forboding woods with a curious eye. "Well that looks like a place ripe for a little excitement. He glances at the tall nagaji then grins. Looking at the rest of the group, he says "I'm with Kenta, we're not going to back down from a bunch of trees are we?"
"The shade of the tree, as the shadow of the self, balances the light and dark. I suggest we enjoy it for a while."
I examine the trees carefully. "Time is of the essence here as we were asked recover something before someone else does." I nod and point into the forest. "Fastest way is straight forward. Let's go."
I move briskly with the others through the forest. "So what are the Hwanggot like anyways? Like what kind of special warriors they got?" I ask hoping someone knows what we could be up against.
Jianguo looks around. "I'd prefer the river, but... if it's the trees for everyone, it's the trees."
Answering Kenji, Jianguo adds, "I ferry people back and forth across the Shuidao between Bachuan and Hwanggot. Never had any problem. Then the Hwanggot built towers along the river, and Grandmother said not to cross anymore."
I look at Tan puzzled. "Why did the Hwanggot build towers? Were they planning an invasion or preparing to defend against one. On that note, just how do the two governments feel towards each other. I get the impression Grandmother doesn't like Hwanggot too much but what of the other way around? Who didn't like who first?" I ponder as we walk. I look at the group. "Anyone know?"
Bai-Yin half pays attention to the Kenji and the drunk's conversation, concentrating instead on the large nagaji Kenta as they walked. "So Kenta, why all the weapons? A big scaly brute like you could probably bull his way through any foe that crossed his path."
Making your way through the forest, you're suddenly alerted by a series of "clicking" noises off to one side, a Giant Ant of some kind moves from behind some trees.
I am going to put initiative orders below, please put what you want to do for the fist round of combat. Remember, the trees have created a condition of dim light, if you do not have dakvision, or if someone does not do something to create brighter light, you will also need to roll a percentage (1d100) dice if you melee attack. A roll of 1-20 will be a miss due to the low light.
Initiatives:
Bai
Kenji
Tan btw, your sheet says init +1, but its 2
Chkaia
Kenta
Meaning the following order:
Ant
Kenji
Kenta
Tan
Chkaia
Bai
The ant will cautiously advance toward the hulking Nagaji Kenta and try to bite! The bite slips past Kenta's shield and digs into scaly flesh for points of damage!
Once you all have your round of actions up I'll either progress the forest or post round 2
Bai-Yin Dao drops his pack and draws his sword (move action) then readies an action to move to the next enemy that appears.
Years of survival have taught me to respond quickly to danger. The ant moves in to attack Kenta. "That is one big @$$ bug!" if possible I move in behind the ant taking maneuvers to avoid it nasty mandibles and set up to flank with Kenta.
Move action
Draw katana
Acrobatics to avoid AoO: vs ant's CMD, unless 20feet is enough movement to avoid AoO altogether.
If possible be in position to flank.
Standard action:
Using two hands to attack with my Katana
Bonuses: +3 Str +1 BAB +2 Flank, -1 power attack
Attack: For: Str+Power attack + two hands.
The ant screams in pain at Kenji's strike, making another series of clicking sounds, and remaining alive and active in combat.
Round 1:
Feeling the teeth of the ant bite through his leg Kenta turns back to his training. In a fluid movement he steps away from the beast and sets the surujin from around his neck swinging. Taking a long grip and beginning the dance he balks before sending the stone weight at the ant's head...
Meteor Hammer Attack: for Miss chance:
The ant hisses and bleeds profusely, one eye crushed in from Kenta's blow, it barely stands but continues to live, hoping for another taste of the Nagaji.
The clicking sound it was making earlier reappears from another ant, this time from behind, moving in fast towards Bai, triggering his readied action (at the bottom of initiative).
Round 1: 8/8 HP, AC 17/14/13
Chkaia quickly moves into a ritual stance, drawing one of the temple swords from his back. The charms and holy symbols dangling from its bar jingle in the breeze, before the weapon suddenly flies from Chkaia's grasp towards the new ant that appears.
Hand of the Acolyte
for
After this sudden movement, the sword jingles past the ant without striking it then returns to Chkaia's grasp.
Jianguo unshoulders his bow, weaves to lean against a nearby tree, and launches an arrow at the ant.
The arrow practically tangles in the bow and drops at his feet.
That will end round 1, since Bai had only readied a move to intercept the new enemy.
The first weakened ant staggerly creeps towards Kenta, apparently liking the taste of the nagaji. (was within 5ft, so no AoO)
The second ant responds to the interception from Bai and trys to bite him as he moves in.
Ant 1 vs Kenta's AC. With one crushed eye, the ant is clearly unable to focus clearly and widely misses Kenta.
Ant 2 vs Bai's AC, this bites barely misses, giving Bai a close call.
Post round 2 actions
Round 2: 8/8 HP, AC 17/14/13
Chkaia takes another ritual stance, drawing the second temple sword and readies an attack against the first ant or other enemy to come within range.
for
Round 2 HP 11/11 AC 17/15/12
Kemji focuses on his attack. This time he goes for precision rather than power to finish off the pest quickly
Attack: +1 Bab +3 Str +2 Flank
Damage: +4 Str
Round 2: 8/8 HP, AC 17/14/13
Chkaia takes another ritual stance, drawing the second temple sword and readies an attack against the first ant or other enemy to come within range.
1d20+1 for 1d8+1
Chkaia misses, but gets the first ants attention with its one remaining eye.
Round 2 HP 11/11 AC 17/15/12
Kemji focuses on his attack. This time he goes for precision rather than power to finish off the pest quicklyAttack: +1 Bab +3 Str +2 Flank1d20+6
Damage: +4 Str1d8+4
This attack hits, which ant do you want to hit? 1 or 2? Also, roll a d100 to see if it hits in the dim light.
The one I was fighting first, wasn't aware the other was in reach.....or flanked for that matter.
Dim light:
You're right, my mistake, thought someone had flanked the other one as well.
Kenji's strike makes it through, the first any crumples the forest floor no longer active in combat.
Jianguo belches. "Okay, that's enough from the ants." He picks himself up again and fires at Ant #2.
Once again he fumbles with his bow, as if he has no idea how to use it.
I triumph over the ant. "Haha, how do you like that you foul beast." I turn towards the other. I notice Tan fumbling. "Maybe you should lay of the liquour friend. Your aim may improve."
Round 1:
As the first ant falls, Kenta immediately turns his attention to the second. Surujin whirling with force he brings it down upon the second ant from a wide arc...
Meteor Hammer Attack: for Miss chance:
The meteor hammer seems to be spot on, but the dim light plays tricks on Kenta's eyes and the stone pounds into the ground with a resounding the 'thud.'
Round 3: 8/8 HP, AC 17/14/13
Chkaia moves forward, the charms on both temple swords jingling as he swings them at the remaining ant.
for sword damage.
for [dice[1d8[/dice] sword damage.
for bite damage.
.
One attack, the first one will hit, but roll d100 for the miss chance...
It hits all the same!
Chkaia makes a slash in the second ant, who screams in pain.
I believe Bai still has a round 2 action, everyone else can post round 3 actions, if Bai kills it we'll just move on.