DM NomadSage's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master nomadicc

He is not going with you, he is staying behind to run the army operations. He did tell you Isao's address in Kasai, though.

cool. That's what I thought but wanted to make sure we actually knew where To find Isao.

Kasai, By Air
Date: 29 Sarenith 4712

After making final preparations, you gather in the misty morning at dawn. The land is calm but for the chorus of morning birds and river frogs filling the air. Harlan casts the spell, with a touch transforming each of you into cloudlike vapor. Lastly, he changes himself into mist and leads you up into the sky.

You climb higher and higher, until you are skimming the tops of the low clouds dotting the sky. With a vector nearly straight south, you pick up a steady pace, cruising with the speed of the wind. The landscape below seems to crawl by slowly, but you know that you are crossing the miles rapidly.

The swampy lands south of the river and Ajo eventually give way to open plains, dense with farms and rice patties. The mountains to your left eventually taper off into emerald green hills, and in the hazy distance to your right, the long coastline comes into view. You fly over army encampments along a defensive line blocking all roads leading to the capital. Finally, after flying for nearly eight hours with few breaks to rest, you see the outline of Kasai on the edge of the sea before you.

Kasai is a huge metropolis, easily the largest city most of you have encountered. Unlike other cities and towns you have been to, and on a scale beyond the other cities in Minkai, Kasai's shining walls, straight boulevards and manicured gardens, are set into a strict order.

From a vantage high above the city streets, you can see a long queue of peasants, pilgrim monks and arriving merchants extending from the guarded gates of the city. The guards are closely inspecting -- and in some cases, aggressively interrogating -- each visitor, making the process of entering Kasai slow and painful. Some have their goods confiscated, and are led away in tears under the harsh glare of suspicious eyes. Others seemingly satisfy their examiners with honeyed words or surreptitious bribes as they pass inside.

The guards are dressed in emerald green livery of the Typhoon Guard. Each unit has a commander, marked with a vertical flag, or sashimono emblazoned with the white dragon of Minkai on a green field. The guards are focused primarily on inspecting the long lines of entrants, but you notice the commanders occasionally scan the skies. So far, they haven't spotted you high up in the sky.

How would you like to enter the city?

Posting a picture of the guards and a map of the city into Roll20.

Heng observes to the others, "We may be conspicuous up here even in our ghostly form. Should we land and disguise ourselves to enter at the north gate or see if another gate is less popular?"

"Ghostly and invisible if you'd like ... I prefer skipping the conventional entrance myself."

As before, we're loaded with invisibility for folks ... recommend we blow by the mooks again. May need to stop and cast it though

Just looked at the map ... quite a city. Palace is to the northeast I assume? What's that largish building to the SW of Isao's house?

Harlan shakes his wispy head.

"I don't think we'll ever blend in. Invisible is the way to go I think."

"I can certainly offer invisibility to any who wish it, plus I still may summon the monkeys if we need a distraction!" Kiyomi smiles, though none can see it.

Heng nods. "Let us approach invisibly then. I think that the less interaction we have with the guards, the better."

we can cast spells in this form, yes?

Malnival nodds his head in agreement. "We should asume they know who whe are and descriptions have been given to guards. We should enter with caution and stealth."

"Invisible it is," Ameiko nods. "We won't be able to see each other, so lets meet at Asachi Isao's house, there," she says, pointing out the large house. "I'm going to fly high overhead then drop straight down fast. I don't want to get close to those walls."

@ Parity: The area to the northeast of Isao's house is some kind of garden/memorial/graveyard. You are not certain of its significance.

When you are ready, Kiyomi, Parity and Ameiko pass out invisibility magic. Trackless as a gust of wind, you fly over the streets of Kasai and dive towards your destination.

Despite your illusion, a couple of the guard captains along the northern walls hone in on your position as soon as you drop out of the clouds. Just before you enter into the cover of the city streets, you see them rise into the air and fly towards your last seen position.

Line of sight is broken, but you estimate you have 20-30 seconds before they are overhead. You are within a block of Isao's. Actions?

Moving with amazing speed, Heng rushes to his destination before the guards come into view and looks for an entrance or at least a hiding place.

The Isao household is a small mansion in size and layout. It includes a walled garden, fairly dense with flowers and trees. A tall outer gate is of heavy, metal-banded wood. The inner walls and doors are mostly sliding panels.

Malnival runs as soon as his feet touch the ground.

Heng leaps the garden wall and hides in a shed...bushes... what have you.

Harlan also flies into the estate grounds and seeks cover from the searchers.

Kiyomi too runs as she hits the ground, but shimmers and becomes her fox self. Tail held high and ears up, she leaps for a good hiding hole, reveling in her fox-freedom!
Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Parity drops in and bolts for a hiding place away from the others.

-Posted with Wayfinder

You scatter like field mice, eschewing your magical stealth for more traditional methods. Under the cover of the garden canopy, or out of sight in the nearby alleyways, you quickly find the best hiding spots you can. As a small fox, Kiyomi disappears into a patch of flowers.

Less than a minute later, the Typhoon Guard captains fly past overhead. Split up and hiding out of sight, they do not pick you out of the city clutter. They scan the streets ahead, apparently looking for a group instead of individuals. A few seconds later, and they are out of sight to the south.

After a minute's peace, Ameiko suddenly appears at the manor's inner door. She knocks and calls quietly inside. "Master Isao. We are friends of Hirabashi Jiro. He said that you would expect us. We need to get off the streets quickly."

A terse minute passes before an ancient Tien man opens the main panel. He bows low to Ameiko and gestures her inside. "Welcome, princess. I am Asachi Isao. You and yours are my honored guests. Please, come in." He glances around the garden, looking for you, then gives a half-shrug.

"Come on, hurry!" Ameiko calls, waving.

Pic of Isao added to Roll20.

Heng slithers out from under the shrubbery and bear walks quickly through the door to stand before realizing that he hasn't brushed the dirt off his gi. His hands drop to his side and he just bows to Isao, looking slightly abashed. "Thank you. We are sorry if we have endangered you, Isao-san. We do not do so lightly, we have grave need of your assistance."

Parity dumps his invisibility as he moves up to be near Ameiko, grunting as he does so and pushes his way into the home checking quickly for hostiles and other unknowns.

Perception: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37

Kiyomi shimmers and reappears as the young woman. She joins the others and bows to Isao-san.

Isao waves you all inside, smiling and bowing to each of you in turn. Once you are all within the house, he slides the panel closed and guides you to a larger room, cleanly decorated with cushions arrayed around a central brick fireplace. The old man enjoins you to sit and be comfortable while he stokes the coals and sets a tea pot to boil.

"On behalf of the struggling people of my country, I welcome you to Kasai," Isao starts, speaking mainly to Ameiko at first. "Hirabashi Jiro has been discreet with his words, but their meaning became crystal clear when rumors of your coming reached the city streets. Despite his most ruthless efforts, the Jade Regent cannot squash the winds of truth." The man shakes his head in wonder, beaming. "You have the look of your great-grandmother. I cannot believe it, yet here before me is an Amatatsu. It has been so long."

He looks around to include everyone, "You must have questions, and I hope I can answer them: the situation here in Kasai, the Jade Regent and his minions, or the state of our meager resistance -- how can I help you?"

"Yes," says Heng. "Though we have quickly secured support for the true Empress here, we are still new to this land. There is still much that we do not know. Tell us first of the Jade Regent. We have only faced his Oni allies so far. Do all his guards have the ability to fly and see the invisible?"

"You... you knew my great-grandmother?" Ameiko stammers, visibly shocked.

"Indeed," Isao replies, smile widening. "Amatatsu Sakura was my cousin; she cared for me when I was a child, before she married into the royal family. I knew your grandfather Tsutoku well -- he and I tutored together, so many years ago, before they had to flee the capital and Minkai," he pauses, his smile taking a wistful turn. "In fact, my wealth and prosperity is entirely due to the generosity of your great-grandfather. When he took your ancestors and fled, he entrusted to me much of the Amatatsu wealth they could not take with them. I have honored his trust, carefully investing and reinvesting over the years. I have benefited greatly, of course, but I kept the original funds intact... they are yours, my Princess, whenever you need them." Isao bows respectfully.

Ameiko is stunned to silence.

To Heng's question, Isao's smile fades, "Only those who are oni tricksters disguised in the form of men. Ogre magi and kuwa infest the Typhoon Guard. I believe they expected you and have taken measures to see through invisibility, illusions and simple disguises."

Isao finishes brewing the tea, offering cups to any who wish to partake. After serving, he sits, takes a sip, and lets out a short sigh. "The Jade Regent is a man named Soto Takahiro. He's a lifelong friend and former bodyguard of Emperor Higashiyama Shigure. They grew up together as children. Since taking the throne, however, he's changed. His hand falls heavy upon Minkai. His regency is not at all what the people expected."

"I fear Emperor Shigure was never prepared to rule. He came to the throne about four years ago after the sudden and tragic deaths of his elder siblings. Within a few weeks, rumors arose of threats to his life by the same forces that killed his kin. He fled into hiding and exile, and I have not seen him since. He must have granted Takahiro the Right of Regency, for without it, the Jade Throne would accept no other. Without the emperor's blessing, Takahiro would have no mandate to rule. But because the throne accepts him, so too did the people... until now."

Harlan frowns.

"If he holds the throne legally then we need to make sure we do more than just kill him. Which was our plan anyway so that works. Tell me Isao-san, what changed that you think the people reject him now? Forgive me but a man as rich as yourself can't know what the peasants are thinking."

Isao raises an eyebrow. "A fair point, if somewhat naive. For example, say a fisherman is denied rights to his favored fishbed, and because of his lost earnings cannot afford to upkeep his ship. Without means to feed himself and his family, they starve. You are not a fisherman, but can you not understand his plight? I spent two decades as the Minister of Agriculture, working very closely with many farmers and growers from all across Minkai -- as a matter of professional pride, I hope I came to understand their concerns and desires, even though I was blessed with wealth and a position of influence."

"But I digress... Minkai is ready for a new ruler because it is like a starved, beaten dog. It craves care and feeding, and the return of a legitimate Amatatsu heir fills that need. Had the Jade Regent ruled these last four years with a firm but just hand, he would be loved and respected, and Ameiko would have a much colder welcome. Instead, Takahiro and his policies have only further divided Minkai's people and exacerbated its stagnation."

His face turns dark as he continues. "Here in Kasai, things have become even worse in the last few months. The Typhoon Guard are collecting a heavy rice tax, taking food from farmers and storing it away. The soldiers gorge themselves while the people go hungry. The Jade Regent has also taken many of our daughters -- they accost women in the streets, dragging them away to gods know what fate. My own daughter, Harumi, is held somewhere in the palace, along with daughters from other prominent families. Officially, they are 'wards' of the Jade Regent, but we know they are hostages, leverage to keep us compliant."

"Lastly, the people are afraid. The Jade Regent's inquisitors are everywhere. They know our thoughts when we conspire against him, and they drag off any who might stir rebellion, torturing them for information before staging public executions in the marketplace." His demeanor grows more intense. "He'd have us believe that Ameiko is an imposter, that the Amatatsu line died out long ago. But I knew the Amatatsus. I know the truth. Ameiko's return is the will of the gods. Your destiny is to make things right again."

"You said the Jade Throne would accept no other. Can it be tricked? What are its actual restrictions? I assume it has no care about how the empire is actually ruled, just whether or not the individual has the right to sit on it?"

The once pit fighter ponders some more, "So they couldn't have replaced the Regent, they could only have persuaded him to join through deception or corruption?"

Parity withdraws and inspects Suishen, "I assume he can be killed like any other man?"

Isao's eyes widen at the sight of the ancestral blade. He nods, "Takahiro is a man, yes. The man I knew was a samurai of exceptional prowess, but also great pride. He will not flee from hostilities, but neither is he an idiot. Perhaps if faced with impossible odds, he will submit to reason and honor." He frowns, shaking his head and shrugging. "His closest allies are powerful individuals in their own right. It would be difficult to sow discord between them."

"As to the Jade Throne, it is just an object. But it is like so many things are in Minkai: bound by rituals. When the goddess Shizuru blessed the five royal families to rule Minkai, she also set the laws that would protect it from imposters and invaders. If Emperor Shigure followed the strictures, he could have passed temporary regency to Takahiro. But any legitimate heir could displace him with the proper authority. In this case, Ameiko must gain the blessing of the past emperors to rightfully claim the throne."

Heng nods and affirms, "It IS our destiny. We have seen how well the Oni can corrupt first hand, but the Regent is only a placeholder for Emperor Shigure. You say that it is assumed that he appointed Takahiro. Is there no more direct proof? If we could find him, could he not recognize Ameiko. It may be difficult; he could be hiding, imprisoned or dead." Heng touches his tattooed scalp. "I have the gift of vision. I can seek answers in the place beyond time."

Ninja GM

"Proof? No... only that the throne did not reject him outright. He was a close friend of the emperor's, so we had no reason to suspect a deception." Isao ponders for a moment, then adds, "Only after he took control did Takahiro's cruelty come to light. Some say it was the influence of his closest cabinet, Anamurumon and the oracle Renshii Meida, that twisted his heart, but I think those are just the hopes of naive apologists."

"As for Emperor Shigure, no one has seen him these last four years. The Jade Regent has made assurances of his security, but none can confirm the truth. It was said Emperor Shigure went to hide at the Imperial Shrine, a small island close to Kasai that houses the mausoleums of the royal families. Only those of royal blood, or their appointed guardians, are able to set foot there. You will need to travel there to secure blessings for Ameiko -- perhaps you can verify these rumors."

"Ameiko-sama, you said your reading had pointed you to the Imperial Shrine as well. This seems to be our destination. I do not expect that it will be left unguarded given its importance."

"We have traveled far today, but I fear that we endanger our friend Isao with our presence here. Perhaps we should thank him for the tea and be on our way."

Harlan nods.

"We've expended only our travel power, and if inquisitors can read minds we're best away from here. We don't have the practice at disguising our thoughts to evade them long. Let's get to the island and surprise them before they can harden their defenses."

The sun touched halfling bows deeply to Isao.

"I have wronged you with my doubt, please forgive me. I believe and trust you. We will put Ameiko on the throne and free your daughter if we are able."

Isao returns Harlan's bow, smiling again. "It is nothing. I appreciate a skeptical mind. All too many go through life without understanding."

"Years ago, I spent good coin to protect it from prying eyes and unwanted surveillance. It is how I have managed to evade Renshii Meida and the inquisitors for so long. You are safe here, as safe as any place in Kasai could be, anyway."

"I have already arranged food and beds in a discreet basement. If you wish to go now, so be it, but my home is yours for as long as you wish it."

Heng states that he does not mind staying if the others prefer, he could seek a vision as he mentioned before, but he does not mind moving on either. He observes that it sounds like they can return after they visit the shrine as well.

Kiyomi bows deeply to Isao as well. "Thank you, honored sir. Your hospitality and dedication to the royal line does you much credit and honor. I only hope that we may live up to your expectations."

"You all want to cast the deception spells before we depart the premises? I don't believe we need to rest any more, but it might be smart to get out and scout where we are headed."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Hang nods. "It does not seem that invisibility will do us any good. We must rely on disguises."

Kiyomi smiles at this. "If we can secure makeup and some textiles, I can disguise us all."

With a disguise kit, taking 10 on Disguise gives me a 30. I think I can make us look different even without magic.

Did we not just buy some scrolls as well to disguise our intent

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Just because some of them can see through invisibility doesn't mean they all can. We should still take precautions."

Heng rubs his scalp. "Could being invisible draw even more attention? If the Oni can see us, do they know that we are invisible? I think flying definitely attracted their attention. Perhaps we should disguise ourselves and try to leave from the docks."

"Isao, do you know someone reliable who can take us to the island?"

Yes false vision and seeming

"Heng, let's use the seeming scroll to disguise our physical selves."

-Posted with Wayfinder

I believe the false vision is already in action

Heng had hoped to save the seeming scroll for an emergency, but cannot argue that using everything in their means to avoid early detection is not a better use. "Yes. Ameiko-sama, would you use the scroll and let us make our way to the Imperial Shrine."

Correct, already used false vision before flying south.

Isao nods to Heng, "Indeed I do. An old fisherman I know to be trustworthy. If you wish, I can send him a message to expect passengers before he sets out tomorrow morning."

Heng rubs his scalp and looks at the others. "I do not think it is a good idea to try wind walking again when the Hurricane Guard are watching for that. I think it may be better to wait and go with the fisherman in the morning. Of course, the false vision will not last that long, but Isao has said that we are safe here."

if we left now, how were we planning on reaching the island? I think we would get caught if we wind walk again.

Ameiko shakes off her stunned silence. "You guys are my protection, so I'm happy with whatever you decide."

"If we stay the night, we can go in fresh, maybe disguised from that scroll, and get to the docks in the darkness before dawn."

"I agree with Ameiko-sama. I will keep watch as I only need 2 hours of meditation for rest. ring of sustenance Perhaps some materials can be gathered for Kiyomi's physical disguise as well. It cannot hurt to bolster the magical disguise spell. While I rest, I will seek a vision about Emperor Shigure's location."

"Sounds good to me! I'll help you keep watch Heng."

I also have a ring of sustenance. What, you think I'm going to eat what I'm cooking?