Dain's King Maker Chronicles

Game Master dain120475

Gan continues,"The first symbal you see good Lady is the sign for the word duty."

Ariarh listens and looks down at the symbol, making sure to note it for future reference. Duty. Her attention is firmly on Gan's instruction.

"The next sign you see is that of honor."
Gan pauses for a moment then continues.
"In the next column as you read down it says as you can recognize two of the characters as duty and honor. The entire phrase says, This is the Code of the Samurai, Duty and Honor above all else. You see a Samurai is sworn to serve a Lord or Vassal."

Did we ever find out about the magic items on the dead man?

I am also going to hit the hay...
So Gan will continue to show what each character mean to Lady Ry and will try and get through only the first page or two in his book. This would basically go over the code of the Samurai. He then promises that at night he will help her more when they make camp and even offers to help her in writing his language as well.

Did we ever find out about the magic items on the dead man?

I cannot find the exact post, but he had a magical ring, and his sword, which was a scimitar. Nothing cursed or particularly evil about either, just some wicked designs. I think the sword had a wyvern sigil on it, or a wyvern design in the pommel or something... heh, wyverns, known on the Paizo boards as paladin bane.

Smendor makes sure he can see the others and the other can see him

I AM NOT GOING BACK INTO THAT STRANGE FOREST. I SAID, I DID NOT WANT TO GO. YOU THINK A FEW DRINKS OF CHEEP GRAPE JUICE WILL ALLOW USE TO PASS WITH EASY. NO, NO, NO, I WILL NEVER GO BACK INTO THAT AREA. THE FLIPPING TREES LOOKED LIKE THEY WANTED TO EAT USE.

Smendor’s arms are flying all over the place as he drones an about how much he hates that forest.

TALKING BIRDS, CRAZY FOREST MEN, WALKING TREES, SMOKE THAT MAKE YA SEE THINGS THAT AREA NOT REALLY THERE, AND ALL THAT OTHER CRAZY NONSENSE. I AM FULLY SURPRISED I DO NOT HAVE A FOOT GROWING OUT OF MY FOREHEAD.

AND LOOK WHERE WE CAME out right in the exact place we would have come if we would have went around the spooky forest.

You can see Smendor is now done with his scream fest.

Alaric lets Smendor rant until he says "crazy forest men" at which point he seems like he wants to explode and completely lay into Smendor...but he doesn't. You see him close his eyes and take a few deep breaths, obviously trying to calm himself before he says in a low tone Smendor, I understand you are upset, but it may behoove you to show some respect to the woodsman. He then waits for a second before smiling and saying Now shut up you stupid dwarf before you draw the entire forest down upon us! You see, I remembered what you told me to tell you. He continues smiling and rides on towards the temple.

Speaking to Alaric"Good ya are getting a little rougher. I may just turn you into something worth keeping."

From this point on if we can stay away from danger it would be a good ideal to stay away from danger. There are times ya really cannot help it, but putting yourself in danger by walking into the forest to save time was not all altogether very wise. I love a good game of chance, but when ya have a simple choice of walking into a forest fire, or walking around a forest fire it will always be a better move to go around.

Am I the only one who is curious what the likely L outriders hand picked by the L Captain N'Var are thinking about when they see the party they've been ordered to ride out with screaming at each other in the middle of the woods? But, I do have a propensity to get a little too close to NPCs in general, I suppose.

Am I the only one who is curious what the likely L outriders hand picked by the L Captain N'Var are thinking about when they see the party they've been ordered to ride out with screaming at each other in the middle of the woods? But, I do have a propensity to get a little too close to NPCs in general, I suppose.

There are two outriders. One is in his late teens, possibly twenty. The other is in his early thirties. The younger defers to the older, and the older seems to be like a grizled corpral. Even as the younger one sees the dissension in the group, the older one keeps his younger companion in check, citing discipline, and duty.

However, it is clear to all that neither of them are pleased that they went through the woods, and encountered such demonic-like creatures as the foul tree and the gigantic talking crow.

When Smendor suggests that the whole thing could be avoided by simply riding around the forest, and at no cost for time, a clever observer will notice that the younger one reach for his weapon at the suggestion that the trip could have easily been avoided but was not; and simply for a personal gain, or to seek adventures like a private person might, at least, that is the suggestion they seem to be taking from Smendor's outburst. However, his reach for the weapon is checked by the cold restraint of his superior. The superior, however, does not look pleased at this.

Brett alone seems to notice this tension.

"Something on yer mind, friend?"he asks the two of them.

"You lead us into a bloody forest of death, and for what? The dwarf lad says you could have walked around the place entirely... And meantime ye think that lad was a god, eh? Maybe the whole thing was a joke the Fey did just to rile us two... Never mind the fact that ye be in their good books. If ye want to gamble on yer own life, and not be..."the younger one bursts out hotly, but is checked suddenly by the upraised hand of the older man.

"No, sir,"he says, interupting. "We do not have any issue with your decision, sir. Nor with obeying orders, sir," he adds.

"But ye don't think it was a good idea, do you?"Brett querries with a cocked eyebrow.

"It's not our place to have an opinion, sir. We are under orders from our superior officer. He has dicated that we follow your lead to do what we can to raise our comrade. That is enough for us, sir,"he adds flatly, his gaze silencing another outburt from the younger man, who looks away with a scowl on his face.

Brett eyes him for a moment.

"That be right good to know... Obeying orders and not offering words or opinions... Obiedence, not thinking, that be how it is?".

"Indeed, sir,"the man responds. "As a scion of the Duke Esserian you know doubt already know that words between confederates can lead to dissension. Obiedence leads to the completion of the task at hand, provided the one giving the orders is competent,"he says coldly.

"Yeah, I be thinking the same thing..."Brett says rubbing his chin with the back of his hand.

"Still and all, still and all... we've had a bit of bad luck, but now we're through. No point in butting heads. We've made it, we're heading out, and we've got some good words of wisdom, I'll be bound, that may help us raise our friends. Whatever anyone may think of the plan, gaining the advice seems worth it."

"As you say so, sir,"the older man says crisply, and the party advances.

Opinion... orders... officer... Obeying orders... opinions... Obedience... Obedience...orders... Puck muses while he reads.

"I... pardon my intrusion, fellows, and lady, but, it seems to me that the younger lad would be that of the heart that is needed to raise his companion, if I be following correctly," Puck grumbles, and continues reading.

Ariarh thought Alaric and Smendor dealt with each other better than other times and Alaric managed to keep his cool and then his wit about him as did the dwarf as he replied.

The conversation between Brett and Captain N'Var's outriders was an insightful one, giving a glimpse into the characters of both men. Ariarh wasn't sure which of the two would be bested suited to plead the fallen soldier's case at the temple altar. She had listened to Master Puck Sparrow's determination regarding the heart of the younger outrider but Ariarh was not ready to voice an opinion one way or the other at present. She supposed, time (and circumstance) would tell.

Ariarh was glad to be moving, again. Dior had taken to the air, she supposed he was scouting or hunting, either way he was currently safe from any harm. She didn't whistle to bring him back down.

She turns to look at Alaric and speaks, breaking the silence,

"Alaric, do you have a specific plan for when we arrive at the Temple of the Elk?"

Not especially Ry. I'm not sure what we will find there so I am trying to just take things as they come. The encounter with the Woodsman has definitely made things a bit more clear that we are on the right path, but where that path leads I am not certain. Alaric shakes his head and looks to the wrapped bodies and says I only hope that the gods hear our plea and take pity upon their souls. Their work on this plane is not done and I hope that the gods agree. Alaric looks again at Hermia and then at Ry and speaks softly I hope I am given the chance to make amends Ry. I have dreams of a shining society of peace and joy. Call me naive if you wish, but the winds of possibilities swirl throughout this land. I only hope we are strong enough and compassionate enough to see those possibilities come to a higher end.

Not especially Ry. I'm not sure what we will find there so I am trying to just take things as they come. The encounter with the Woodsman has definitely made things a bit more clear that we are on the right path, but where that path leads I am not certain. Alaric shakes his head and looks to the wrapped bodies and says I only hope that the gods hear our plea and take pity upon their souls. Their work on this plane is not done and I hope that the gods agree. Alaric looks again at Hermia and then at Ry and speaks softly I hope I am given the chance to make amends Ry. I have dreams of a shining society of peace and joy. Call me naive if you wish, but the winds of possibilities swirl throughout this land. I only hope we are strong enough and compassionate enough to see those possibilities come to a higher end.

Ariah in responds in equally soft voice,

"I would not call you naive, my friend. It is an honourable initiative. Ah...Alaric, why you feel like you have to make amends?"

"Master Alaric it is I whom owes much to our young Mistress. As I vowed to her body while it was yet warm I shall not stop until I see her in life once more."
Then with a twinge of tenderness in his voice, "And I meant it Young Master."

What kind of gear does Gan have, and what does he look like?

I promised Master Puck that I would look out for her when we left to go to Bokken's. I was not able to keep that promise. That is why I feel responsible. I know I did not strike the blow or kill her, and I know I did my best to slay the masked man but the fact is that I made a promise and now she is dead. Maybe I shouldn't feel bad but I do. I will be much better once we have our group whole again.

Alaric looks at Gan after this and says A noble vow Gan, and I am glad you made it. But when I give a promise I mean it as well.

Gan is 6'6 and 225 lbs with blue eyes, black hair and tanned skin. We wears traditional samurai armor of black laquered bamboo and over the top a black chainmesh shirt bearing the insignia of his Duke. His hair is pulled into a topknot. He carries a katana, wakizashi, and a zen bow.

Nodding to Master Alaric,"Then we should proceed with all due haste as time corrupts even the most holy of bodies."

Gan is 6'6 and 225 lbs with blue eyes, black hair and tanned skin. We wears traditional samurai armor of black laquered bamboo and over the top a black chainmesh shirt bearing the insignia of his Duke. His hair is pulled into a topknot. He carries a katana, wakizashi, and a zen bow.

If you've ever seen Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece Ran, Hermia might try to make Gan a grass and lily helmet some day :) Like this.

Gan is 6'6 and 225 lbs with blue eyes, black hair and tanned skin. We wears traditional samurai armor of black laquered bamboo and over the top a black chainmesh shirt bearing the insignia of his Duke. His hair is pulled into a topknot. He carries a katana, wakizashi, and a zen bow.

cool cool so for armor he is more or less doing a chain shirt. +4 AC light armor.

No for his armor he is basically using wooden armor +3 light and +1 Dastana (gloves worn by samurai and ninja)

Looking from Alaric to Gan, Ariarh addresses both males in a quiet, thoughtful voice,

"The evil one who was responsible has been vanquished and I hope ne'er to return. You are both honourable men in your hearts and I believe the Lady Hermia would not cast blame on either of you, if she could speak at this moment."

Ariarh measures her next words.

"Responsibility can be like a heavy woolen cloak worn in the wrong season. I think the best we can do in this life is learn from every event and outcome and use that knowledge and wisdom to make better decisions in the future. Each one of us. So, I bid thee both, cast your eyes ahead and do not allow guilt a foothold."

Ariarh turns to look at the swathed body of their cleric. Gan was right, time can corrupt the most holy of bodies and she hoped that would not be the case with either Hermia or the young soldier strapped to the other horse.

So I have been thinking about the crazy girl the man in black was going after. What in the world is wrong with that one.

I have a few ideals about her but I am just not sure any more.

Gan is 6'6 and 225 lbs with blue eyes, black hair and tanned skin. We wears traditional samurai armor of black laquered bamboo and over the top a black chainmesh shirt bearing the insignia of his Duke. His hair is pulled into a topknot. He carries a katana, wakizashi, and a zen bow.

Unless I misread the rules of Asian cultures, please explain to me how you are over 5'10" inches, and have blue eyes? Samurai cultures were not that big, due to their diet (mostly fish, low protein), and I know no Asian people with blue eyes who don't have some western blood in them; a big hinderence in a rigid caste system.

This is important via game dynamic to me. If you have some sort of foriegn blood in your body, I need to know it. If not, I need to know how a gai-jin was made of the samurai caste and then somehow saved the Shogun.

I'm sorry to be a stickler, but I was not entirely cerain on allowing Samurai/Ninja, but having done so, I am pretty intent on seeing a samurai played more traditionally, but 6'6 with blue eyes is not Asian/Tian culture. Unless there is a good reason that you have not sent me so far, please re-visit this physical description.

Don't mean to sound abrubt, but this is just a very "off" feeling of a samurai for me. I want to be immersed in your character, it is hard to do that when I see a samurai who is six feet with blue eyes.

Slightly more IC @Ariarh, it was the limits of Selective Channeling and an intelligent bad guy that dun gutted the cleric. He didn't like that the cleric kept the two combatants that were beating the snot out of him healthy while he was clearly gonna die, so he took out their support. It's the unfortunate downside of making a full support squishy, and it gets worse as levels progress.

Re: Peanut Gallery:... Okay then, moving on.

Your party has now tacked course and is heading down and over the very fjord the completely normal and rather mundane seeming "Woodsman" spoke of.

Of course, this exageration on his true nature feels forced, even inside your heads. Alaric's suggestion that the man, who did in truth exhibit power, may be some sort of god does not feel possible. That the Divine beings who shaped all of existence would not only meet with you in person, but speak to you and succor you in your time of trouble?

This seems illogical, unreasonable, if not quite impossible; yet there is a strange lingering feeling that there may be something more.

Rumor has it that there profound powers that a bard may harness... that their magic can allow them to "sing" illusion into reality. Certainly his poetic method of speech dispatched with some ease the foul Crow... and yet you don't think he is simply a bard.

This, of course, opens up many more pieces of interest to you. The Crow... what manner of creature was he, really? And the Willow, with the tentacle-like roots that seemed to seek for blood? Of what dark Fey Tale did that creature haunt? Where did such a best come from, and why had you not seen it before? Further, having seen the creature, how did you leave the area so quickly? One minute you traveled over a hill and through a glen and suddenly you were "out" of the Fey Forest and reaching the safe path over the fjord. How?

Again, the logical part of your mind goes back to the point that the "position" was correct on the map; but the terrain seemed to shift oddly... (Know. Nature, anybody?). How could this be? What could have happened to make this occur?

You don't have a satisfactory answer to these questions, and it is growing cloudy as you ride. Perhaps another storm is comming?

Ariarh may be human but she is an Aasimar and physically they are taller than an average human, thus her 5'9" stature.

FYI I am still waiting to hear back from half of you when we can do our next "potential" battle... assuming there is any... which is most likely probably not going to happen; you'll all just go visit a deserted temple in the woods; a little social RP... bippity-boppity-Alakazam! Raise Dead! No, combat is pretty unlikely... But IF it happens, when is a good time?

So far I am hearing this Thurday, 9:00 PM Eastern Standard time as our best time to meet on Skype and MapTools. Gan, if you don't have either of these things, send an email out to Alaric (imimrtl@gmail.com) and he can walk you through it.

I live in Eastern Standard time, so that's when I set my time/dates on via battle maps.

If this will be a complication for anyone, or if it will not work, please let me know soon. I hope to make this work, and am excited to see it happen. If I don't hear from you by then, I will be forced to NPC your character. You will get partial credit for combat XP, not full credit. If that is still a problem for you, for personal reasons (for example) as you want to play but simply can't; we can work something out for "extra credit" XP.

Naturally, this assumes there is even a battle, I am sure things will be just fine... It's more of a "just in case"...

;)

FYI I am still waiting to hear back from half of you when we can do our next "potential" battle... assuming there is any... which is most likely probably not going to happen; you'll all just go visit a deserted temple in the woods; a little social RP... bippity-boppity-Alakazam! Raise Dead! No, combat is pretty unlikely... But IF it happens, when is a good time?

So far I am hearing this Thurday, 9:00 PM Eastern Standard time as our best time to meet on Skype and MapTools. Gan, if you don't have either of these things, send an email out to Alaric (imimrtl@gmail.com) and he can walk you through it.

I live in Eastern Standard time, so that's when I set my time/dates on via battle maps.

If this will be a complication for anyone, or if it will not work, please let me know soon. I hope to make this work, and am excited to see it happen. If I don't hear from you by then, I will be forced to NPC your character. You will get partial credit for combat XP, not full credit. If that is still a problem for you, for personal reasons (for example) as you want to play but simply can't; we can work something out for "extra credit" XP.

Naturally, this assumes there is even a battle, I am sure things will be just fine... It's more of a "just in case"...

;)

I am cool with that time.

Gan Mondragone wrote:

Gan is 6'6 and 225 lbs with blue eyes, black hair and tanned skin. We wears traditional samurai armor of black laquered bamboo and over the top a black chainmesh shirt bearing the insignia of his Duke. His hair is pulled into a topknot. He carries a katana, wakizashi, and a zen bow.

Unless I misread the rules of Asian cultures, please explain to me how you are over 5'10" inches, and have blue eyes? Samurai cultures were not that big, due to their diet (mostly fish, low protein), and I know no Asian people with blue eyes who don't have some western blood in them; a big hinderence in a rigid caste system.

This is important via game dynamic to me. If you have some sort of foriegn blood in your body, I need to know it. If not, I need to know how a gai-jin was made of the samurai caste and then somehow saved the Shogun.

I'm sorry to be a stickler, but I was not entirely cerain on allowing Samurai/Ninja, but having done so, I am pretty intent on seeing a samurai played more traditionally, but 6'6 with blue eyes is not Asian/Tian culture. Unless there is a good reason that you have not sent me so far, please re-visit this physical description.

Don't mean to sound abrubt, but this is just a very "off" feeling of a samurai for me. I want to be immersed in your character, it is hard to do that when I see a samurai who is six feet with blue eyes.

This is true, but I rolled for the height and weight. I will make him fit more into the asian culture. Think 5'8 155lbs with almost black eyes and black hair.

I am good with that time. I actually have that day off...I have both skype and maptools. I thought I sent you my handle for skype already, but will do it again.

I am good with that time. I actually have that day off...I have both skype and maptools. I thought I sent you my handle for skype already, but will do it again.

Cool beans! I am glad to hear it. If I haven't gone over protocol for mass combat we meet on Skype so we can sort of "chat and hang out" like a table top group. Combat is done via the battle map which is forwarded on to everyone when they hop on MapTools, and then things are done with the characters and the map tools. It can be a little chaotic at times, but no more then standard table-top gaming sessions. Glad to have you aboard!

Okay, that said, I will look forward to seeing you soon. Also, I am amaking a notation on your sheet via appearence. Good times! :)

** spoiler omitted **

Regarding your question: only time will tell... This presumes, of course, the party actually gets to the temple and does some serious raising :)

Gan and Ry have already made mention of getting to the Temple quickly.

I can't do thursday unfortunately, or at least not until closer to 1030-1100pm as I have family coming in from New Jersey.

Gan and Ry have already made mention of getting to the Temple quickly.

True, but there are other factors that will come into play; both in and out of game... Hopefully you will get there soon, though. Quicker, rather then later...

I can't do thursday unfortunately, or at least not until closer to 1030-1100pm as I have family coming in from New Jersey.

Bummer, who am I going to make inappropriate/bawdy jests with via text chat?

"I think we should ride hard until sun set and make camp for the night. That should get us most of the way to the Temple then we should be able to reach it with another good ride."

"I think we should ride hard until sun set and make camp for the night. That should get us most of the way to the Temple then we should be able to reach it with another good ride."

"I be with ye on that lad"Brett says to Gan "Now then, if the map that this dark basterd made be true... why... we should be getting there right around night fall, if I don't be mistook in my judgements. Thing is, exploring an old ruined temple... lost in the ages (and filled with spooks, like as not)... at night... well, it be sitting a bit off fer me, as may be, if I may be so bold."

"Friend Brett, you speak well, as usual, but consider; if my guess is not far off, the very avatar of a divine being may be guiding us, possibly Erestil himself, who's very temple we ride to. Surely night, a natural occurence, will hold no more potential threat then daylight?"Alaric interjects breezily.

"Says the man who led us back into the haunted forest"Smendor retorts with a snort.

"Yes, and to our advantage, for a chance to meet that Woodsman... yet, I just don't see the time of day or night making much of a differnece, this is all I am saying. But even if it does make a difference, what of it? For myself, I'll not be put off by fear on this encounter,"Alaric responds, overriding Smendor's remarks.

"Well, anyhow... spooks or no spooks... I don't want to be traipsing about a ruined temple at night... but I'll be doing it, if the rest of ye want to... I ain't scared; no how, but I prefer playing shorter odds to longer. Stepping into the place in the full light of day on my shoulders feels much safer, that be all..."

Brett sniffs once then looks up at the sky with a frown.

"Again, we be banking a bit on the map that masked man got, but if it be true... why... then according to what he writ, then we should be getting to the temple by 7:00 PM, which would a little after dark. Tonight be the last sliver of the moon; tomorrow there be NO moon. Now, I ain't an early riser, so staying up late be fine by me, if ye want to do so. We may even get done what needs getting done in a matter of an hour or so, no worries, with the dead folk waking up in time for a late dinner... but then again, maybe we find some crawlin' nasties in the night... Soo... What do ye want to do?"

Do you all intend to press on quickly to get there, or wait until the next day?

"I create lights at will, so I will not be troubled to read, either way," Puck supplies, then rubs his eyes with his hand and shakes his head. "I mean... My lady prefers the solitude of the night, but... perhaps she might like to wake and see some friendly faces with the dawn? The light, I think, would calm her."

"You make a good point Master Brett...let us make camp for the night and hit the temple first thing in the morning. If that be the case I would like to take the first watch."
Survival to make a sound camp:
Survival:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Perception on his watch:
Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"You make a good point Master Brett...let us make camp for the night and hit the temple first thing in the morning. If that be the case I would like to take the first watch."

Survival to make a sound camp:
Survival:1d20+8
Perception on his watch:
Perception:1d20+8

This presumes that the party wants to make camp. So far we have one suggestion (Brett - who abstains, unless needed for a particular vote. This is you guys's decision, after all). One probably, and one certainly. But I will wait till I hear from at least one more person, then we will have 3 to 2. If either Smendor, Ariarh, or Alaric favors sleeping the night, you guys will do so, and in the morning set off.

If you ride for about another 2 hours, you will be able to make camp at around 6:00 PM, and bed down from where this place is by about an hour.

In the morning, if you break camp with a healthy breakfest, you should arrive at the temple by no later then 8:00 AM... possibly sooner, but at least enough that the sun is up.

If you DO camp tonight, those rolls will stand. However, Gan, in the future don't worry about making rolls unless I ask for them. Just try to use good story-telling to tell me what you want to do. Nomrally you will automatically succeed for writing a good story, unless I need you to roll to prevent something bad from happening.

Brett nods eagerly.

"Well, there you have it. I'm fer it, and Gan be fer it, and the Brownine be fer it... and ye got to know that them two lads be fer it,"he says gesturing to the other outriders "So I think we may make camp in about two hours ride; say... Six o'clock? Unless anyone else got's something to say?"

Alaric and Smendor seem preoccupied.

"C'mon, Ariarh lass, what do ye say? Shall we make camp tonight? If ye say "yes" I'll fix up yer little griffon Dior a nice piece of crispy bacon I done brought him."

Dior perks up from under Ariarh's cloak, and after a moment of shaking himself out of her warm covering he cranes his neck and turns his bright golden eyes to Ariarh and stares up at her with a little pout, hoping she'll say yes for the chance for some yummy bacon.

Ariarh laughs outright at her little griffon's attempts to weedle bacon from the Halfling.

"Camp tonight? And you're saying the choice lies on me? Well....""she trails off to consider. But clearly, Alaric and Smendor seem to be defering to her choice on the matter. Her spells will be refreshed in the dawn, and in any case, if even Puck won't mind waiting a few hours to aid his mistress, surely no one else will protest.

But even as she considers, she looks down and sees Dior looking up at her, and licks his little chops, waiting for a response.

Upon Brett's words and seeing the cute "begging" face of her beloved griffon, Ariarh relents easily.

"I think making camp tonight and riding to the temple come morning is the wiser plan."

A discussion Ariarh would broach with Smendor and the others (since Smendor spoke of it earlier) around the campfire.

So I have been thinking about the crazy girl the man in black was going after. What in the world is wrong with that one.

I have a few ideas about her but I am just not sure any more.

"Smendor, I have formed some ideas of my own regarding Dasha."

"It's been well established by Drake, Oleg and Svetlana, that strange things happen when Dasha is around. Most noticeably, animals are spooked and items either go missing, are knocked over or stacked neatly. Drake has heard low moaning and shuffling in the courtyard only to discover no one there and no tracks. The combination of all these things might suggest that some kind of spectre or ghost may be present (Travellers who came through my family ranch would tell me strange stories of ghosts and chilling spirits). From my experience working with animals, they are more open to seeing or sensing things that most human eyes cannot."

"If Dasha is nervous or seems "crazed", it might be a combination of things but most assuredly fear. If this 'ghost' surrounds her constantly, would that not be an unnerving and disorienting situation?"

"The masked man was expressly looking for a healer. Drake mentioned that a horse with a broken leg was healed after Dasha was in the stable with the creature. After Alaric visited the Spider's cave and was poisoned, he was miraculously hale the next morning and I was away from the trading post but Dasha was present at his bedside. Gan, were you not healed by Dasha after the fight at Bokken's hut? I think I heard Alaric make mention of it when we were all back at Oleg's."

"Drake also mentioned that Dasha suffers from horrible dreams and nightmares whereupon she awakes, screaming."

Ariarh pauses to collect her thoughts and memories.

"When I was a young girl, I heard stories of divine spellcasters who were granted powers by the gods, but these powers came at a terrible price. Some called them 'Seers' or 'Oracles', said to be both blessed and cursed by the divine powers granted to them." Ariarh turns to the companions present to gauge their expressions (or hear their opinions on Dasha).

I apologize. I will let things play out in the future. I am just tired and a little depressed tonight. Perhaps a good night of sleep...

I apologize. I will let things play out in the future. I am just tired and a little depressed tonight. Perhaps a good night of sleep...

Not at all, dude. It's a late night, rest if you need to. And believe me, I'm all for moving the pace forward a little more quickly. But in this case, there are particular results I have already prepared that depend on what you guys do. If you guys had gone tonight, things would have happened differently then if you went in the morning. Which is why I couldn't choose for you. But now we have a vote, and you're free to do what you need to do to set up camp and so forth.

But as for the rolls, just to let you know, if you told me you were doing things like gathering fire wood, digging a latrine a little away from the camp, helping set up the tents, and get a fire going... it would count as an automatic success for your survival roll, since you told a good story. Which reminds me, we probably won't have much action between tonight and Thursday, if you guys want to do some "social rp" around the campfire, that would be pretty cool.

But either way, do what you need to do for tonight. I hoep you feel better, and if there's anything we can do, let us know. Meanwhile, look forward to seeing you this Thursday :)

One more thing to Gan...

Remember, you can still try to communicate with your ancestors... using "Augery" to commune with them may have give you a tip on what to do. I know you are waiting to use those powers, but they are available for you.

Couldn't sleep
That is true...I forgot about that.
"Could we stop for a few moments I beg? I need to pray for guidance from my ancestors. Perhaps they can shed more light upon our circumstances."
Gan dismounts Smoke and strokes his nose, "Stay boy. I will be right back."

Gan then moves a few meters away from the group and kneels, pulling out his katana and lighting inscense utters a quiet prayer.
"Ancestors hear my prayers. I seek your wisdom and your guidance. I owe a debt of honor to a fallen commrad. A mysterious woodsman guided us to this path and told us we could find a temple to resurrect my commrad should we ride hard, but we would get there at night. The other choice would be to ride for 2 hours and make camp for the night. I seek your wisdom in what would help me to fulfill this debt of honor. Once I have restored my honor I vow to restore yours as well. Upon my sword I swear."
I am spending one of my samurai points to seek guidance from my ancestors in case it wasn't clear.