Parity stands back and blasts the Jade Regent with a force blast of his own striking him unerringly. "It's over."
force damage
HP = 72/101
AC/T/FF = 24/16/21 (25% ignore sneak/critical)
Weapon Equipped = +1 Holy Light Crossbow
Bolts = 60/60
Speed = 15'
Channel = 0/6 (7d6)
Energy Body = 13/13
Oracle Spells Known (CL 14th; concentration +19)
7th 1/3-mass cure serious wounds, greater restoration, celestial fanfare
6th 4/5—mass cure moderate wounds, greater dispel magic, heal, wind walk
5th 6/7—break enchantment, breath of life*, mass cure light wounds, wall of stone, wall of time
4th 6/7—air walk, blessing of fervor*, cure critical wounds, holy smite*, restoration, tongues
3rd 3/7—cure serious wounds, dispel magic, invisibility purge, magic circle against evil, neutralize poison, stone shape
2nd 1/7—aid, cure moderate wounds, ghostbane dirge*, resist energy, lesser restoration, shield other, spiritual weapon
1st 8/8—bless, burning disarm*, command*, cure light wounds, detect evil, detect undead, sun metal*
0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, detect poison, guidance, light, mending, purify food and drink*, spark*, stabilize
* Save DC = 15 + Level
Status Effects = Haste, Resist Cold/30
Seeing her able to act Harlan blasts both her and the Regent with more divine trumpets.
Parity's force blast hits the Takahiro with a dull thud. Already wavering, the usurper is thrown back down the steps of the Jade Throne. He clatters to the floor, dead.
"Nooo!" Meida screams in rage and sorrow as the Jade Regent falls. Harlan drowns out her cry with another celestial fanfare, then Heng steps sideways through the blade barrier and easily grapples the woman. She thrashes against his grip, but ultimately her effort is futile.
The echoes of Harlan's spell fade away into relative silence. Ameiko steps forward. She looks around tentatively. "Is it... is it over?"
"It is, my Empress. The Pretender is no more! Long live Ameiko!"
Parity hunts around for the Raven Prince, "I guess the clans made good on our request."
After securing the room, he heads to Ameiko dropping Suishen to the ground, "You OK, Ame?"
Ameiko nods, "A little roughed up by that tornado, but not bad. You alright?" She walks up towards the Jade Throne, stretching out a hand but stopping a few inches short. Her hand is visibly shaking.
"I'll be fine once you sit on that damn thing we've been trying to get you on forever, now!" Parity grins.
Harlan pauses as the combat stops, then immediately makes his way to Mal.
"I'm sorry buddy, I wasn't fast enough, again. We'll get you brought back, I promise. You're going to be a great dad."
A minute or so after hostilities cease, Malnival pops back into the room, scimitar raised and ready to strike. He looks around, surprised and confused. "I was trapped in that woman's robe!" he points at Meida. "I guess I missed the whole thing!"
"Mal! Hey, you're not supposed to go into strange women's robes!"
Harlan examines the robes as best he can through the whirling blades.
The blade barrier also dispels after a few more minutes.
"No, there was only him. The kimono's power can only ensnare one at a time," Meida replies.
"Okay..." Ameiko takes another step towards the Jade Throne. She stops to take the Seal of the Amatatsu from her pack, then finally steps up and sits down. With a legitimate heir in place, the throne emits a barely audible hum and the chamber is filled with a comfortable warmth.
Ameiko closes her eyes, setting her hands atop the elaborate armrests. After a few moments, her eyes open but her gaze is distant. "The land is sick, but the healing begins."
"The Five Storms and their ilk know their leaders are dead and their time here is finished. A new age of Minkai starts now."
Kiyomi drops to kowtow before her Empress when she takes the throne, and holds the position until acknowledged.
Harlan bows to Ameiko, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Meida grits her teeth but quickly complies, dropping to her knees in supplication to Ameiko. "All hail the empress. May she forgive this wayward one her transgressions."
As you bow before her, Ameiko snaps back to the present. "Oh no, no. Please, not from you. Not from my friends." She stands and hastily steps down from the throne. She waves you all up, giving her hand to Kiyomi (who is likely the most hesitant to rise). "I know its tradition and ceremony and all that, but I won't be that kind of ruler. I won't have people bowing and scraping, least of all you, who have sacrificed so much to make this happen!"
Kiyomi rises to her feet with a look of reverence on her face. "As you wish, Empress." She averts her eyes, keeping them on the floor.
"Let's go see who else in the palace needs encouragement, eh?"
Parity kicks open the doors and bangs Susihen (recently recovered) against his shield.
""Hey! New empress here! Anyone not on board, time to flee now! I'll give you a fifteen minute head start!" he shoots out to the ostensibly empty hall beyond.
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Heng rises and takes a moment to bind the captive's arms. He keeps a heavy hand on the woman's shoulder to keep her kneeling as he turns his attention to his Empress. "Ameiko, it IS tradition and it is what your people expect. I know that you are not yet comfortable in your new role, but you are an Empress now, not a barmaid. You will always be our close friend and companion. Whatever help you need, I will continue to gladly serve for as long as you desire. You must grow to fill this role though. Your Empire needs a strong and confident hand to repair the damage wrought by the Oni and false ruler. The war must be ended and peace and justice assured for all. Our job is not finished; the greatest challenges may yet lie ahead."
"If we don't bow to you in public, they'll say you don't command the respect of your closest allies. This is how it has to be Empress."
Harlan quickly strips the magic items from Meida.
"Sorry, you can't be trusted. I hope you understand?"
Ameiko sighs, saying, "I understand all too well the constricting bond of tradition -- I grew up with it. And after it destroyed my family, I swore I would never let it bind me again. I won't let people treat me like some kind of goddess just because my blood line happens to be one of the 'chosen few'. I'm not any better than anyone, certainly not the most qualified for the job... I won't let this change me."
"And, well... since I'm the empress, you have to do what I say, right?" she adds with a wink.
"Friend Heng is correct. Things can be changed, Empress, but first traditions must be shown respect and propriety observed. Once this is done, your highness may change as you see fit." Kiyomi offers, eyes still downcast.
"I say throw caution to the wind and do what you want, Ame. Tradition is what got these fools into this predicament to begin with. Maybe if you show its OK to buck the system, the people wont need to hire out their revolution next time. They can overthrow your tryannical ass all by themselves!"
Parity laughs, loudly and uncontrollably, for the first time in probably a decade. Tears come to his eyes as he curls over on the ground in hysterics.
"Alright, alright!" Ameiko holds up her hands, laughing. "I will endeavor not to alienate and annoy my subjects, at least at first."
"Now I suppose we need to clean up the palace of any lingering oni and sympathizers, then inform Isao of our victory. I've already sent a message to Jiro -- he should have the army marching south within the hour."
She sits back down on the throne, "We aren't going to get much of a break, are we?"
Harlan beams, thinking of the victory feast he'll be planning.
"Black bean goat chili for everybody!"
Dates: 15 Erastus - 18 Arodus 4712
With the Jade Regent and Anamurumon defeated, you set to the immediate task of clearing the palace and Kasai of any remaining oni threat. The remaining Typhoon Guards, separated and locked in their rooms, prove easy to kill or capture. A few of the oni commanders fight to the death, but unsupported and lacking leadership and coordination, they are quickly destroyed. With the aid of Suzaka, First Assistant to the Royal Chef, Asachi Harumi, and the other palace servants and captives, you suss out any other pockets of trouble. By dawn's light, the palace is securely in your hands.
Word of the Jade Regent's demise spreads through Kasai like wildfire, among both the citizenry and occupying army. By the time you emerge from the palace, most of the Typhoon Guard and their oni leadership have fled the city or melted into hiding. Asachi Isao quickly gathers up a cadre of trustworthy nobles, administrators and community leaders and brings them to the palace to start restoring order. His joyful reunion with his daughter brings them both to tears, and he thanks you profusely with ill-contained emotion.
For their part, the citizens of Kasai receive the news of their liberation and Ameiko's claim to the Jade Throne with both joy and restraint. Despite the sudden absence of armed patrols and draconian enforcement, they maintain order and peace with practiced Minkaian grace. At night, celebratory fire works and folk music -- banned under the Jade Regent's latter edicts -- express the people's pride and relief. Many come to the palace to meet or even just see Ameiko, and she does her best to stay visible and accessible, despite the strain on those of you trying to keep her safe.
Hirabashi Jiro arrives two weeks later with his small army, tired yet exhilarated. He quickly organizes them into elements to guard the city streets, search for oni insurgents and assassins, and protect the palace.
Amid this hectic schedule, Ameiko announces the date of her official coronation: 19 Arodus, exactly a year to the day from when you departed Sandpoint. She works with you, Isao and her new advisors to arrange an expensive celebration -- in line with her vow to Sugimato Kobashi -- to follow the coronation.
Lastly, a few days before the ceremony, Sandru's caravan pulls into Kasai, bringing with it your other friends and family.
Sandru jumps from his wagon and moves to embrace Harlan, smiling. "I had no doubts you would be able to pull this off, little brother! I can't wait to hear the details. You'll have to regale us over a pint or three."
"Try to keep storytime to a dull roar," Koya jokes, joining you from her wagon a few moments later. She looks around the palace grounds with wide-eyed wonder. She greets everyone with a warm smile and hug, but saves her most intimate for Heng, whom she holds tightly for a long minute. When she steps back, her eyes are glistening. "You've done so much... traveled across the world, toppled a brutal dictator, reclaimed Ameiko's royal birthright. I cannot express how truly proud I am."
Shalelu is there also, although more reserved in her greetings. She hugs her friend Ameiko close, sharing some whispered words, but otherwise remains silent.
She leaves Malnival to Kelda's more enthusiastic reunion. Those two quickly disappear to the privacy of their own rooms, and are rarely seen again before the ceremony.
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Heng's gray skin darkens to near violet as he blushes. "Tata, it is good to see you well. It seems years since we departed. You stayed safe and well back from the battle lines," Heng says more as a belated command than a question. "We have traveled so far and yes, banished many Oni from this land. I would never have dreamed... that I would serve an Empress in my father's lands so far from where I was born."
Parity resumes his sworn duty to protect Ameiko, never straying far from her but staying in the background and shadows. Suishen a constant companion, Parity ensures the ancestral blade is displayed brazenly and identifiable to any that do actually see the silent and blind guardian.
While duty continues to keep him solemn, his grimness and negativity begin to slide away under the constant hopefulness and joy of the new Empress' reign.
Parity finally has long-lasting purpose and with it, a sense of peace.
Harlan smiles as Sandru appears.
"You missed all the fun big brother! Let me tell you about it."
Harlan spends many hours and drinks telling Sandru, and anybody else that will listen, all about it. He also wastes no time muscling in on the kitchen and setting himself up as head cook.
Date: 19 Arodus 4712
The next morning, the long awaited ceremony takes place. Ameiko appoints Asachi Isao as prime minister, and the elder minister happily presides over her coronation. Ameiko concedes to tradition, mostly, and has the ceremony follow the expected tack. Less traditionally, you are front-and-center, standing in a place of honor by Ameiko's side throughout. It is her way of crediting you with her claim to her birthright, and ultimately the liberation of Minkai.
The ceremony is long -- a litany of rites and rituals running from sunrise to sunset -- but it goes by quickly buoyed by your euphoria. By nightfall, Ameiko is now Empress Amatatsu Ameiko I.
The celebration begins immediately after, starting with a massive reception party with food prepared by Harlan's kitchen and entertainment produced by Kiyomi. The festivities spread into the streets of Kasai and across Minkai as fireworks are set off all around the country.
Date: 19 Arodus 4712
The next morning, the long awaited ceremony takes place. Ameiko appoints Asachi Isao as prime minister, and the elder minister happily presides over her coronation. Ameiko concedes to tradition, mostly, and has the ceremony follow the expected tack. Less traditionally, you are front-and-center, standing in a place of honor by Ameiko's side throughout. It is her way of crediting you with her claim to her birthright, and ultimately the liberation of Minkai.
The ceremony is long -- a litany of rites and rituals running from sunrise to sunset -- but it goes by quickly buoyed by your euphoria. By nightfall, Ameiko is now Empress Amatatsu Ameiko I.
The celebration begins immediately after, starting with a massive reception party with food prepared by Harlan's kitchen and entertainment produced by Kiyomi. The festivities spread into the streets of Kasai and across Minkai as fireworks are set off all around the country.
In the months that follow, your lives change abruptly from the long, hard journey from home to Minkai, and into a different kind of challenge in governance. Ameiko remains open to advise, from experienced ministers like Isao, to savvy geisha like Kiyomi, and even discussions with the ghost of Higashiyama Shigure. She sets a precedent of soft rule, making a clear and deliberate reversal from the Jade Regent's reign.
Sandru joyfully partakes in the celebrations, but as they start to fade out, he begins making plans to get back on the road. With the summer thaw opening the Path of Aganhei, he stocks up his caravan with trade goods and makes ready to return to Varisia. Shalelu plans to join him on the way home, but Koya decides to stay. She fears her health would not hold up for another long, difficult voyage. Koya elects to stay in Minkai and enjoy her last years exploring Tian Xia.
Ameiko makes Hirabashi Jiro her top general, and he wastes no time rebuilding and reorganizing Minkai's military strength focused on rooting out the remainder of the Jade Regent's allies and projecting a strong front to external powers eager to swoop in to capture a vulnerable country. Habesuta Hatsue remains his first lieutenant, but she makes an effort to spend time with Heng, either playing Shogi or potentially a more intimate relationship.
After the coronation, Malnival and Kelda retreat to Seinaru Heikiko, making the fortress their home. They have their child a few months later, a plucky half-elf son they name Beorn. Skygni avoids the densely populated south and cities and makes his home in the forests around the fortress, but is always happy to meet Harlan when he visits.
Maeve remains imprisoned at Ameiko's behest. Unsure how to handle her friend's betrayal, she firmly rejects any harsher punishments and searches for a better solution.
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Though unhappy to see many of his long time companions leaving for the distant lands of Avistan, Heng is overjoyed that Koya is staying in Minkai and promises to escort her whenever duty allows. The balance of his free time is spent studying and in Hatsue's company. Though very close with the lieutenant, Heng puts duty above romantic interests and remains a celibate disciple. Perhaps there remains in his deepest subconscious a fear of passing on his mixed lineage.
Someday, after he has shared a final cup of tea with Koya and she goes off to see her Goddess and the Empress is safely established and the Emprire peaceful and prospering, Heng will once again pursue the mystery of his father's ancestry...
Harlan smiles and watches his brother leave. His greatest joy now is the kitchen, keeping his friends and family warm and well fed. He visits Skygni every chance he gets and begins a school teaching the fine arts of cooking, dog riding, and mounted archery.
Kiyomi's grin broadens during the ceremony, as her Empress is crowned and revealed to the people. She whispers advice on etiquette where needed, but is proud and touched that her advice is not needed much. For a time, she stays around the court, but soon she realizes that while her Empress might have needed her for a time, she has grown beyond that need now.
Now, Kiyomi realizes, her people need to hear about her Empress. She leaves early one morning, slipping away as a small white fox. She roams the countryside, playing songs she composes of the Empress Ameiko and the brave heroes who stood by her side against the evil Jade Regent and his oni allies. She sings of hope, of how heroes arise when evil threatens, and she sings of how it's all our responsibility to be the hero when one is needed.
She ensures that the legends will never be forgotten and she slips away quietly to the next town, trying to avoid becoming a part of the legend. So it goes for many years, until a tale begins to arise of the white fox who sings.
She visits her Empress from time to time, showing up when needed. But she never stays long. There's always a new tale to be told and a song to be sung.