Hey there! This is a thread for my gameday table. Please jump over to recruitment and submit your information in the linked form.
I will run a lottery if we have too many signups. Welcome, and have fun!
In case you did not get into this table, I strongly suggest you check other tables for available slots. You can do so HERE.
I'm also interest and have several PCs in range. I would probably prefer to play an 8-9, but can be flexible.
After having received a letter from Venture Captain Amara Li, you quickly make all the necessary praparations for your journey to the meeting point. The way there itself is rather uneventful, or was that just your mind keeping you busy with possible scenarios and locations you could find yourself in? In either case, you arrive intact, and head to the Teahouse.
The Gilded Lotus Teahouse in Hisuikarasu is unusually busy. An eclectic band of tengu soldiers, possibly mercenaries, take up most of the seats in the common room. The archon Zepha and the tengu samurai Shiyo Takarak wait patiently in a private room at the back of the teahouse. The private room is much less rowdy, and its walls dampen the noise to a bearable level. A second tengu stands by Shiyo’s side, dressed in a uniform that matches those of the soldiers in the common room. He proudly boasts, "They may be noisy, but they’re the best fighting force this far west of Xidao."
With a quizzical look, Zepha retorts. "That does not tell one much, for if I were to step outside and turn left, I would be able to see the Gulf of Xidao quite clearly." Thankfully, Shiyo interjects before the tengu soldier manages to mouth off a reply. "Welcome, Pathfinders. Those returning, we welcome you as friends of the Way of the Kirin. For those whom we meet for the first time, you have our thanks for your trust in this endeavor. Before we delve into the particulars, introductions first. I am Shiyo Takarak, a samurai of the Way of the Kirin. To my right is Zepha, the righteous messenger from Heaven who has gathered us together." Zepha’s glowing eyes flash in acknowledgement. Shiyo then gestures towards the tengu soldier before continuing. "And this spirited and talented warrior is Captain Tai Dan. He and his soldiers, the Twenty-Four Masks, are to accompany you on your mission." Tai Dan bows.
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A hulking half-orc dressed in a set of very fine looking full plate armor and carrying a large single-edged sword that one could almost consider an axe, listens quietly to the briefing. He wears a white tunic above his armor with the symbol of Sarenrae boldly emblazoned upon it and has a Wayfinder with the emblem of the Shining Crusade hung on a short chain around his thick neck. He looks around the room in awe at the assembled army of tengus, then whispers to the group. "Me Stugbu! Me not seen many bird-people before. They look like good guys! You call birds, guys...or they got some special bird name?"
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Tarragon enters the room. He is charismatic young man with half orc features. Yet his hair is golden and his skin seems to have a golden tint as well. He has a great sword of dark metal in a sheath on his back and carries no shield. Close inspection reveal that his hands end in claws.
Bowing in Tien fashion Tarragon addresses the samurai. Well met Shiyo san, Zepha, and Captain Tai Dan. I am Tarragon and will do my utmost to be of help to you.
After a few short moments, Zepha addresses you again, this time with a bit more concerned demeanor. "Recently, a group of Pathfinders uncovered evidence that suggests trouble on the border between Kwanlai and neighboring Tianjing. If we are lucky, it is nothing more than a group of misguided individuals leveraging the region’s history to their own benefit. It may, however, be more serious than that. Much like the Inner Sea region’s Worldwound, Tianjing was once the site of a rift, torn between realities, that allowed a horde of qlippoth a way onto the Material Plane. Only the combined efforts of an army of archons, azata, agathions, and angels pushed the invaders back. The celestials, however, could not properly seal the rift. Ever since, the celestials and their aasimar descendants have maintained a vigil against the ancient threat."
Zepha pauses momentarily, allowing those present to consider the possible implications in his message. "Pathfinders, your mission is thus two-fold. Travel with the Twenty-Four Masks into Tianjing to the North Winds Watch, the Tianji fort nearest to where your predecessors uncovered their evidence. Once there, attempt to determine the nature of the threat and deal with it, if possible. The Way of the Kirin has graciously covered the Twenty-Four Masks’ fee. We have briefed them already and they are prepared to assist you in any way possible. Their blades shouldprove invaluable should you encounter the worst."
The archon considers his response, and shifts his eyes towards Chak Chak. "That depends on what you consider many. Personally, even one is too much for my liking. If there were qlippoths in vast numbers, the region would know about it. I assume the rift was sealed. Mostly, anyway. With the recent development, I'm not so certain. Something might have passed through. We'll see. That's what you are here for, anyway - to find out."
Zepha looks at Stufbu with some confusion. "No, Kwanlai and Tianjing are not in a conflict. Quite the opposite. They both keep vigil in the area around the rift. You will be looking for evidence of ... other parties. And in case you actually do find any qlippoth, stay on your guard. They are one of the oldest existing life forms - cunning, and formidable in many aspects. Sometimes, even looking at one can be a quite mind-shattering experience. Keep your wits about you."
Zepha offers a quick prayer before you depart. Immediately afterwards, Tai-Dan instructs the Twenty-Four masks to pack up and leave. The tengu warriors finish their discussion and head outside towards the stables, where they wait for you in three separate squads. The Twenty-Four Masks, as their name suggests, comprises 24 tengu soldiers and a handful of support members. No two of the tengu carry the same gear, with each soldier donning the armor and carrying the armaments most suited to their particular skills or squad roles. Even so, the idea of a uniform still exists. First, each tengu wears navy blue prominently, whether as clothing, dyed and prominently displayed feathers, or painted armor and shields. Second, each soldier carries an elaborate mask, with most representing powerful beasts, such as tigers, or supernatural beings, including dragons and oni. A few soldiers carry more than one, tying the extras around their waists or to their backpacks. Tai Dan is quick to explain that some of his soldiers choose to also carry the masks of their predecessors, trainers, mentors, or fallen friends.
Tai Dan wears a mask shaped like an angry-looking, red-faced human. He carries two double chicken sabers and wears blue leather armor. Tai Dan leads the first squad, which includes the Twenty-Four Masks’ most heavily armed and armored soldiers. Even these soldiers avoid heavy armor, as Twenty-Four Masks prefer a mix of acrobatic, hit-and-run tactics.
One of the seargeants, Toko, wears a toad mask that allows her beak to protrude much as the toad’s tongue would from its mouth. Toko wears leather armor and carries a crossbow and an urumi. Toko leads the second squad, which includes the Twenty-Four Masks’ ranged experts, including archers and spellcasters.
The other seargeant, Naki, uses a helmet that features a faceplate shaped to resemble an angry-looking, long-nosed human, not unlike
the captain’s mask. Naki also carries a stylized kitsune mask, which belonged to her predecessor, tied to her belt. Naki serves as the Masks’ chief sapper, engineer, and surgeon. She leads the third squad, a mismatched group of specialists that supports the other two.
"The Twenty-Four Masks will be moving in three groups. I will lead one, and my two tacticians will lead the other.", Tai-Dan introduces his regimen directly. "This is Toko, she will command our scouting and ranged team. Naki over here, commands the auxiliaries.", he gestures towards the two sergeants.
They both nod and bow when introduced, and Toko steps forward, prominently looking at the tengu Pathfinders when speaking. "I look forward to us exchanging viewpoints on the philosophies of combat and strategy."
Naki remains in the back, observing the pathfinders as if looking for something, but doesn't oggle too much.
"I would suggest traveling on horseback.", Shiyo steps in. "The journey will be long. You wouldn't want to betored in case we find trouble. I took the liberty of hiring horses for you. When ready, we can head out."
Several horses stand nearby with saddles at the ready, one extra for supplies.
Naki slowly approaches Stugbu as he observes the horses and attempts to mount one. While her mask is covering her face, you can hear the suppressed laughter in her voice. "Perhaps me and my squad can assist you with getting on the horse. While the Twenty-Four masks do not use such cumbersome armour, we can aid you in the effort."
She calls forth her squad, and a few grab hold of the reins while others help Stugbu hoist himself upon the mount.
"North Winds Watch is far away. Walking in such a bulky plate would surely tire you.", she adds once Stugbu is seated. Addressing all of the pathfinders, she continues: "While we are at the topic of assistance, I was wondering if I should gather more supplies in terms of curative supplies. I have enough for the Masks, but I'm not certain in regards to your own proficiency in anatomy and healing magics."
The auxiliary sergeant and her squad continue to linger near you, expecting a demonstration of you being able to bandage a wound properly, or reassurance that you are capable of it.
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A solid-looking Tien archer politely greets the officers and soldiers of the Twenty-Four masks in his native tongue, revealing through his accent his origins in Quain.
"I thank you for the loan of the horse," he says. Not being a trained rider, he watches closely as others mount up and does so with the best grace he can manage.
"Divine mercy, then? Anyone else knows a way around wounds? If not, I would grab some extra supplies from the local vendors.", Naki adds briefly while looking over her shoulder to find local chemists or places to purchase scrolls.
"Perhaps I should get some supplies, then.", she says, and turns around to purchase extra gear back in Kwanlai's capital. Within an hour, Naki returns to the horses and briefly speaks with Tai Dan. He nods, and orders the Twenty-Four masks to move out.
"Keep up, Pathfinders.", he grins playfully while passing by on his trotting mount. "We should reach the foot of Kimu Mountains by dusk. Then we camp."
Tai Dan, Toko, and Naki use mounts to navigate the long road ahead. Each squad of the Masks has a few beasts of burden to carry some of the equipment. Most prominently, Naki's Auxiliaries, who have an entire cart. With the exception of a pair of coachmen from the Auxiliaries, the Masks move on foot, leading the horses, oxen, and mules by simple leather reins.
Toko's scouts lead the way, with Tai Dan and Naki's squads near each other in the back. The steppes leading to Kimu Mountains are full of green pastures, but trees are rare. You pass towards the dirt road carved through the land by merchants and caravans, and make good speed away from the shore. With no fog, Kimu Mountains are visible even from the shore, but chance was not on your side on this day. Still, you reach your destination in good time, and the tengu start making camp at the foot of the mountains. Once camp is made, Toko gives orders to her squad, and sends a few scouts to search the area. The rest sets up a few dummy targets to shoot with bows and cut with light blades. Most of the Twenty-Four masks participate, and so does Shiyo. As you watch (and if), Toko approaches and offers you to give the training dummies a go. "To see your technique. I'm interested if it's different from what we're used to here. If it is, we might learn from each other.", she explains.
Toko observes the pathfinders that take their turn with the dummies, and seems particularly interested in Stugbu's and Tarragon's attempts The rest of the attempts don't pique her curiosity much. She and the scouts of the Twenty-Four Masks observe and try to imitate the techniques employed, some of them inquiring with the Pathfinders about various stances used, then comparing notes.
"Very nice. We're used to lighter blades, but claws...", she shows her own talons - "that can be useful. Thank you for this presentation."
The remainder of the evening is spent with cooking and general banter of your companions. The occasional merchant caravan that goes by considers moving along through the mountains, but later think more on it and set up camp nearby. The scouts that return give their reports of no unusual activity in the area and head to sleep. The ones who were in camp start drawing straws for first night patrol. After a meal, most of the tengu head to their tents to get a good night's rest, with a few staying outside guarding the fire and getting into position to perform their lookout duties.
The morning after, the entirety of the camp, and a few merchants who camped near you for the night set to pass the Kimu Mountains.
Just after cresting the Kimu Mountains, the Kaimuko Wood immediately comes into view below: a majestic expanse of woodland that covers more than half of Tianjing. From the high vantage point, individual clearings can be seen through the Wood, marking the location of aasimar villages, lakes or dams, lumber yards, and even military observation posts.
The foot of the mountain range serves as a natural border between Kwanlai and Tianjing. Farther down the mountain pass, a large wooden arch stretches across the road.
responsibility.
As you come closer to the gate, Tai Dan approaches you. "This torii reminds me that, for some of you, this is your first trip through Tian Xia. Foreigners often consider Tian Xia as a very spiritual land. I know, however, that’s just a polite way to say something’s haunted. Actually, this talk of spirits and qlippoth reminded me of another matter. We should have mentioned this earlier, but some governments expect spellcasters to formally register their powers so that the governments can call on them during an emergency. Or so that governments can control them. It depends on the government. In Tianjing, it seems to vary from fort to fort. It’s routine for us, as we need to register our presence as soon as possible, lest we get mistaken for an invading band of common bandits. For you though, I suppose the choice is your own. There may be benefit in hiding your spellcasting, there might not. Best make a decision before we reach the fort though. My soldiers won’t say a word either way. That's your call, but you should know."
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Stugbu frowns as he tries to keep up with the gist of what Tai Dan was asking, but thinks he understands the main part. "Stugbu not hide that me know how to do spells. Me tell the truth." The big half-orc looks pleased with himself, but pauses for a moment in thought. "Me only know how to do two spells, though." He holds up two thick fingers, looking down at his hand as if to check he was displaying the correct number of digits. "Me can make weapon good and can fix special damage to insides or brain, or other bad hurts that don't make you bleed!"
"Not gateways, really. Sort of guardian outposts, if you will. Something to prevent creatures from other worlds entering. Apparently, it's not always working.", Tai Dan grins.
After several hours of travel, you reach your destination. A fortress in the forest with several hundred feet of trees outside of the walls cut down.
The North Winds Watch is a squat fort featuring a lower level of ancient stone and an upper level with additional wooden structures of more modern design. Tai Dan heads directly to the main gatehouse to register the Twenty-Four Masks. The Masks themselves tend to their gear and animals as they wait for the registration to complete. other than that, the fortress seems fairly empty. Many tents do not have gear outside of them, and it seems like a lot of them weren't used for a few days at least. As you look around, you notice disheartened soldiers sitting around in silence, looking into the distance, many blank stares, pointless fire poking, and similar moods. A general sense of apathy is overwhelming.
Assking around, you find out that a recent visit from a Fei Hengan priest and several of his sermons are the main cause of the low morale. The man preached about the negative aspects of the passive stance on the qlippoth threat, and claimed that resources are spread thin until the threat itself is dealt with. After several days, the priest called upon the soldiers to join him on a journey to reclaim their ancient Tianji legacy. Over fifty soldiers, led by the fort’s second-in-command Lieutenant Kaneka Riko, effectively deserted, leaving the fort with the priest to seek out a final solution for the qlippoth threat. Last week, one of the few remaining patrols discovered evidence of an unnatural blight — a creeping pale orange fire that doesn’t burn, but rather freezes and corrupts whatever it touches—spreading throughout Kaimuko Wood. Many within the fort believe that the blight serves as a precursor to a full qlippoth invasion. Though the fort’s commander has officially requested reinforcements, the Tianji government has not yet sent any response. The remaining soldiers are demoralized, knowing that they may need to face a qlippoth invasion while understrength and understaffed.
While most of the soldiers address your questions with single-word responses, a tengu runs among their lines and speaks to several soldiers before hearing you asking questions. He comes closer, clad in light leather for ease of movement. "Sorry to interrupt. I am Noro Yuto. Scout here in the North Winds Watch."
"You're outsiders, yes? Perhaps the spark we need to restart the fire in the hearts of the garrison. As you can see, spirits are down here in the fort. I noticed an odd blight in the woods and I can't for the life of me find anyone willing to come with me to investigate it further or get rid of it. But you've had questions, apologies. Let's address that first."
He waits for you to repeat your questions, and attempts to respond within the limits of his knowledge:
"I have no idea where he came from. A tengu just walked into the fort one day, without giving a name, claiming he is a Hei Fengan priest, and simply asked to be addressed as 'Prophet'. Really weird, when you think about it. In any case - I have no idea where they went. He made a few sermons about the qlippoth threat and convinced a signifficant part of the garrison to go with them. Including Lieutenant Riko. The second in command here at the fort. Luckily, Commander Gu Xiang is still around to keep the order in the fort. Somewhat."