GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Rotting, faded banners hang from the walls of this long hall, depicting a stylized castle sitting on a seaside cliff. Thick stone pillars support the ceiling, while at the far end of the hall sits an old wooden throne, its back carved to resemble the towers of a castle wrapped in the coils of a serpentine dragon.

Sitting on the throne is a wild eyed Tian man with a bristly goatee, deep red skin, and a prodigious nose. He idly toys with a strange weapon—a combination sickle and weighted chain — and when you enter he cackles in delight. "Guests, is it? By all means, be seated as my latest masterpiece concludes." he said, gesturing to where four of the bird-like figures you'd fought before were engaged in... what looked like some kind of act.

Argh, I'm getting really tired of thread not telling me they've updated.

Looking down at the strange crow-like creatures, Shutai murmured, "Forgive our intrusion. We were under the impression that this fortress had been abandoned. We have come here to seek a friend's birthright. May I ask what you are here for?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Hisoka does as bidden and takes a seat as far away as he can from the throne after a moment of admiration of the throne itself, then an awkward stare as he tried to understand exactly what was going on.

"And what are they doing?"

The man on the throne just laughed shrilly - and pointed at you with one finger. The four birds darted forward, baring their claws. The man gestured, and a voice came from one of the creatures. "You took my wings, you flying things!"

Init (Them): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Init (Hisoka): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Init (Shutai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

The four birds leaped into the air as they moved, landing in front of each of you and swiping out with both claws.

Claw (Hisoka): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Claw (Hisoka): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Claw (Hisoka): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Claw (Hisoka): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

They might've been rushing a biiiit too much, though, as only one of the barrage of attacks was actually a good strike.

Grunting from the wound, Shutai replied in kind, claws sprouting as she snarled.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hisoka will stand from his seated position, drawing his wakizashi and slash at one of them. Provoking if necessary.

Wakizashi: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Hisoka points to the thing he'd attempted to slash, and directs his new companion to flank and attack. "On its heels."

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Bite: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
+Trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Only Shutai's bite was accurate enough to hit (the creature tasted a bit like chicken), while Hisoka managed to miss with his weapon but direct his companion to move in, bite, and ultimately trip the creature. It promptly turned on the wolf in vengeance.

Claw (Hisoka): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Claw (Hisoka): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Claw (Kaguya): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Claw (Kaguya): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Meanwhile, the figure on the throne clapped gleefully. "Excellent, excellent! Really put all you've got into it!" he cried out.

Hisoka would launch his next attack in unison with his companion.

Wakizashi: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 = 27
Bite: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13

Confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
Wakizashi Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 + 3 = 10
Bite Damge: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Shutai thought back, focusing on the crow-creature she'd already struck.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Hisoka's attack was entirely sufficient to put his target down for good. Shutai's first claw and bite both landed, albeit for minimal damage, and it would clearly take several more blows at that level to drop her target. Meanwhile, the birds were moving into flanking positions (against Shutai, at any rate), while the one fighting Kaguya was simply stepping around her.

Claw (Kaguya): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Claw (Kaguya): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 2 = 17
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 23 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15

Growling, Shutai continued to focus her attacks. She couldn't withdraw to cast without attacking, although she did have a spell to protect herself.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hisoka and Kaguya will move on to the other strange creature next to them.

Wakizashi: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Wakizashi Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Both of Shutai's claws dug into her target, badly wounding (but not dropping) it. It probably couldn't withstand another blow, even if that blow was as weak as possible. Hisoka dug into the other a moment later, hitting it quite hard indeed. Sadly, it was not a critical blow... but it was a solid strike all the same.

The birds, in response, continued their assault - as magically-thrown voices continued to come from their mouths, spouting off some of the most nonsensical dialogue you'd ever heard.

Claw (Kaguya): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw (Kaguya): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 2 = 21 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 2 = 20 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 25 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19 for Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

...*Casually forgets about Rend damage and whistles innocently* o wo~

Cursing, Shutai thrust a slab of stone between her and the more effective of the birds, blunting one of the attacks before the blow could land. She couldn't stop the others, however. Now badly injured, Shutai saw no choice but to end the threat so she could withdraw and heal. She tried to defend herself as best she could, however, knowing it would affect her chances of hitting.

Focusing on the nearly dead one, she attempted to do so.
Fighting Defensively Full Attack

Claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hisoka growls with his next attack, frustrated that his comrades were wounded.

Wakizashi: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Bite Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Wakizashi Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Bite Dmg: 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 + 2 = 14

Shutai's claw strikes weren't doing much, but her bite managed to close in on her target - and, more importantly, drop it. It had been pretty close to falling anyway, and that had pushed it over the edge. There were only two enemies remaining, and that fell to one a moment later as Hisoka and Kaguya took down their remaining target. That left only one more, dueling with Shutai.

"What are you doing!?" the red-skinned man howled as the last bird-creature only managed to strike empty air. "Stay on the script!"

Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Claw (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Finished with their adversaries, Hisoka and Kaguya will move to aid Shutai, Hisoka taking a flanking position.

Wakizashi: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17
Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Wakizashi Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Bite Dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

With only one of the creatures left, Shutai was able to step back and heal herself.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

With a pair of solid blows, Hisoka and Kaguya managed to injure the last of the crows and bring it to the ground - at which point finishing it off was a simple task.

<"You... IDIOTS!"> the red-skinned man bellowed. <"Do you have ANY idea how far off-script you are!? I have to redo everything!"> There was a loud crack noise, and smoke billowed out from where he was. When it cleared, he was gone - and the room finally looked secure.

Hisoka will take the moment to tend to Kaguya's wounds.

CLW Kaguya: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Once finished, he'd ruffle her fur a bit and scratch behind the ears with a smile. "You did well."

He then stood and looked over to Shutai. "You too. Are you hurt?"

Shutai nodded. "It was...closer than it could have been. Thank you. I'm OK now, but I think I'll need another healing."

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

His eyes roll over the corpses at their feet, then to where the red man had been yammering about. "What do you think that was about? Could he have been expecting us?"

He'd been busy watching the birds perform... some kind of play, apparently? It wasn't entirely clear whether he'd been expecting you to show up or not.

"If he wasn't, he might next time. He seemed quite mad, however." Shutai began to look around the room for hints and clues as to what was going on, as well as the usual valuables.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Hisoka will also take a look around, covering as much ground as they can.

"He seemed.. passionate. I wonder who he is."

After a look around, he'll also cast Detect Magic, concentrating for the three rounds and take one last look at everything before moving on.

There was a lingering - and quickly fading - aura of magic in the air where the red-skinned man had been. That seemed to be the only real source of magic in this chamber, though. On the bright side, your options for exploration were growing - there were doors to the north, northeast, and southeast, as well as some stairs.

Lower on spells than she would like, Shutai wasn't sure how wise it was to explore further. But since there help was needed...

"Do you wish to finish exploring outside, or shall we look in this area first?"

"He's left some faint traces of magic in his wake. Best be on our guard from here on if we do continue. And if we do not, we would be giving him the time he needs to better prepare and fortify his position. Then again, we could take another look outside and bring what we've learned to the others."

He was fine to continue, but surely they'd used a fair bit of their resources getting this far. It would only become more dangerous for them as they went. "I'm well enough to continue, if you wish. The choice is yours. You've used much of your magic today, you must be exhausted." 'And hungry..' He thought to himself.

"My magic is almost gone and I am still hurt," Shutai admitted slowly, "But what of Ameiko? Will she have time for us to rest?"

That is an important question... and there's only one way to find out, really. It's your choice, of course. ^^

"I.. don't know."

He took a moment to ponder over the heavy consequences of the choice they were about to make. While doing so, he would set his hand on Shutai's shoulder, healing some of her wounds once, then once more and watched as her wounds closed. Still amazed that he could do such a thing, he thanked the gods for the gift every day.

CLW Shutai: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
CLW Shutai: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"I've made the wrong choice before. I do not wish to do so again. Ameiko and the others are counting on us, and I still have some spells left. Until we are completely exhausted and have no other option, I say we march on."

Shutai nodded, and moved out into the courtyard, heading to a new area (T5) and approaching a door in the West of the area.

Hisoka will follow Shutai closely, Kaguya getting a few steps ahead of them as they both are on the lookout for danger.

Perception Hisoka: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Perception Kaguya: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 Scent

Four stone pillars support the roof of this large hall. What appear to have once been wooden cages lie in shambles throughout the room. A heap of rags and furs in the middle of the room seems to be some sort of makeshift bed, while a large heap of partially eaten birds, squirrels, and wild turnips mounded nearby reeks with the stink of compost.

There's a large corpse in this room, of a gangly figure with legs that bent in three places. It looks like some sort of ogrekin, and a few of its possessions are still here.

Including leather armor, a +1 flail, a spiked gauntlet, and 77 GP in loose coins. You're in T11.

Shutai gathered the items, in the hope that they would be at some point useful, and headed towards the eastern side of the room and the door it held, looking around as she went.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Hisoka will follow still, keeping apace with Shutai and when they arrive in the hall he'll walk out into the center, looking around at everything within sight.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Kaguya will similarly search, though more out of curiosity than anything.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Scent

As it turned out, the eastern door was the one you'd entered through, and it was exactly the same as when you'd left it. Where were you interested in going next?

Shutai sighed, remebered which way East and West are, and checked out the door to the West instead.

Unsurprisingly, it led to a small hallway heading further inside... and after rethinking things, you ultimately decided to head back to camp.

Other dot.

Quite a few things had happened by the time you'd finished exploring that part of Brinewall Castle - but the most notable may have been Hisoka shaking his head as you went back. Dangerous encounters in places like these had ways of affecting people, and looking at his new companion, he seemed reluctant to risk her in combat... but he was with the caravan coming here, so there he would stay.

More interestingly, a small party of travelers had also come and joined the caravan, and two of its members seemed quite keen on the castle. Aleksson (he didn't bother to give a last name... or maybe it was his last name, or maybe he didn't have one - did anyone want to pry?) seemed to be relatively good with animals, while the other was actually a relative of Ameiko's, albeit one who'd been so wrapped up in translation work he hadn't even noticed that she'd left the city.

It was too little and too late, though, because Ameiko seemed to be exactly the same as when she'd left - right down to the temperature of her body. It was like she'd just stopped, though it was just as clear she was still alive somehow. Unfortunately, there was no sign at all that she was going to regain consciousness...

Taka sits by the side oh his sister. He places her hands crossed at her midsection and caresses her cheek as the others approach from the castle. He shoots a glance at them before returning his attention to his sister. He bows and stands. Turns to then ones approaching.

Taka fused.

Energy swirls about the man. Visible Ki can be seen surrounding his body. He raises a hand and points.

"You. you are the ones responsible for my sisters condition. I demand you tell me what has befallen upon her. I am Takamatsu Kaijitsu. Now explain this."

He boldly states. He is upset and as he speaks you can see the energy surge as if it is tied to his emotional state.

Aleksson stood a number of paces behind Taka, examining the few now approaching. It was only three days ago that he blindly stumbled into Takamatsu Kaijitsu and his band of fellow travelers, yet he was nonetheless caught off guard here. This lover of books and stories carries some fire in his belly after all. Taka had excitedly displayed for Aleksson this binding already; none of the others accompanying the man had much interest in sparring, but Aleksson wanted to stay sharp himself, and was happy to let Taka explore his abilities when channelling the Slayer of Oni.

Now though, this energy displayed a different quality, almost like a hive of angry wasps. I suppose if this were Odene before me, I'd have much the same reaction, Alekkson mused somberly. His beady eyes would dart between present company and the castle as he sought to take in the situation.

Shutai turned to Taka, her masked face hiding her surprise at being queried so. "We don't know. When we approached, she collapsed. We believe it's linked to this castle, as it is has something to do with your grandfather, but...we were only able to explore so far before we were forced to return. We haven't found the cause yet."

Is there a preferred name Taka uses to refer to his eidolon? Just wondering what Alekkson should call it when it comes up.

"Hm." Aleksson looks to Taka, "Taka, perhaps release the Slayer for now. If this is weakness is tied to blood, we'd be wiser to know if you are affected."
Perception (to notice if Taka seems 'off'): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Addressing Shutai now, he jabs a thumb into his own chest. "Aleksson. With a bed so far from camp, I'll suppose that leading her away made things worse? In any case, time seems an enemy here." He thoughtfully touches the black & silver hilt jutting from the scabbard at his waist, and sparks dance along its length for the briefest moment. "For your hospitality, my blade is at your disposal."

Ancestral Spirit (Honorable Ancestor), since as a synthesis it is not really another creature. It is just spirit power or energy.

Taka looks to Aleksson as he is addressed. He blinks a few times and the energy dissipates from his eyes then soon the rest of him. As a whole he shrinks a bit. His muscles once swollen and bulging now that of an adolescent.

He then looks back to Shutai.

"For... forgive me. I meant know disrespect. Please what is your name. You must be one of the ones that set out with Ameiko. My grandfather you say. Interesting... I don't recall any type of curse among the family. Give me a moment to think."

Rednal what K. Skill would this be? Nobility? History? Local? I know a little bit about everything :)

Shrutai passed the translation of the note they had found, that had prompted this exploration. "Ameiko herself keeps the original, but gave us this to help explain. We found it when dealing with some undead that had attacked a goblin tribe...a long tale. But when we approached, she fell into...this. Koya does not think it a natural ailment, and so we assume it is linked between your family and this place. I assume, as oldest and heir, Ameiko was affected by whatever it is."

Taka, you've never heard of a family curse of this type - none that applied to your own, at any rate. Whatever's going on here - and it's not at all clear what that might be - is probably something else. Of particular note is the apparent lack of harm to her body. Curses usually have some kind of detrimental effect, but other than being unconscious, Ameiko doesn't seem to be hurt in any way.

"I am no healer but she seems alive. I know of no family curse. Strange. It does not seem to be effecting me. What is this note?"

Taka takes a few moments to read the note.

"A letter to my father. What is all this? Family treasure. Enemies. Why do I not know of this? Was father trying to protect me? I don't understand. And why is Ameiko fallen this ailment? There must be answers at the castle. Shutai. Please accept my aid. There are many secrets here that I feel may bring dishonor to my family. If my sister can not do her part I will carry the burden for the Kaijitsu name. Except my sword and we can search the castle for whatever this letter means and for a cure for Ameiko. You seem tired and hurt. Let us rest tonight, as I too have dismissed my honorable ancestral spirit and my only call on it once per day. It fuels me with power of the Kaijitsu line. Surely with this letter and my finding of the binding ritual it is fate that has drawn us all here at this time. I hope you accept my help."

He bows low and awaits and answer.

Taka, I thought you only lost the ability to summon it for the day when it 'died' from hp loss, like a standard summoner. Or have I just been reading summoners wrong all along? I've ran one as an NPC, but not a player, to be fair.

Aleksson takes the note once Taka finishes, reading it slowly before speaking. "It has been a long day of travel and Shutai, your wounds look in need of tending. I shall care for the animals before retiring this evening." His eyes linger on Ameiko for a moment. "If she worsens, send for me, and we will find your answers within the castle's walls." Aleksson's imposing form then turns to leave, with uncanny grace accompanying his stride.