Tang Bohu is a large man. He stands tall and proud in the rain, despite the sorry condition of his arms. A powerful bear of a warrior, his shoulders are broad as an ox; his eyes, fierce chips of jade beneath woolly caterpillars. His hair, the bristles of a boar. Tang Bohu is everything that Tang Fengzhi is not. Hu Baolin remembers his friend as a lithe and sharp-witted merchant, his business acumen as keen as his tongue. Woe to any who sought to match wits with Fengzhi at the market, or tried to short him on a contract.
Tang Bohu was none of these things. He was no dullard, this is true. But, where his father was a man of learning and culture, Bohu was a man of action, more accustomed to the blade and the rough life of campaigning. His valor won him several accolades form his commanders, and he even once saved Baolin's life. Although Bohu would never admit that. To hear him tell it, Baolin had nearly settled the matter: his back against a cliff, Qinglong at his side, surrounded by several soldiers, each bleeding for a score of wounds. It was but a matter of time before the soldiers would fall. Bohu just sped things up a bit. Such is the nature of the bedraggled warrior Baolin welcomes through the gates.
"Welcome, my friend," Baolin says with a bow. "Your presence is greatly appreciated. Brave warriors, were you attacked? These lands face the scourge of banditry and monstrous beasts, and it is our mission to make them safe!"
Bohu returns a bow slightly deeper than Baolin's. As he stands, he rests his hands on the pommels of his katana and wakizashi. Indeed, Lord Baolin, as we passed through the forest, we slept for a night in a clearing. I remember the air smelled of night-blooming jasmine, and the call of owls. His rough voice takes on a wistful, almost yearning tone, as he recalls the night. Then, I woke as I heard a sword draw! My own retainer, a man I have fought beside for years and counted as a brother, stood, his back to the fire! His sword, drawn against me! Me! Bohu's voice shook with rage, and his fellow soldiers grumbled darkly behind him. He stood, sword drawn and attacked us! Other men came upon us from the forest as well. The battle was fierce, though we took many of their lives, we barely escaped with our lives! They took our horses and then ran North. We pursued, but this thrice-cursed storm beset us, and we were forced to give up the chase. My duty compelled me to come to you, before I seek vengeance on my former brother!
Baolin gestures for them to make their entry so that they can warm themselves, take refreshment, and assess their injuries. As they enter, An Ya and An Bao fuss over the soldiers. Wu Li stares at the brave warriors in unabashed awe. They do make an impressive sight with their battle-scarred mail and sturdy naginatas and broadswords.
The soldiers put up a valiant effort, but the betrayal of their comrades is fresh on their minds, and the storm harried them so, that one of the warriors breaks discipline and shivers in the rain. Tang Bohu does not give sign that he noticed, but Fa Shi guides the soldiers to the stable to make themselves warm while Bai Cheng leads Tang Bohu and the other heroes into the house.
Inside, An Ya sets cups of warming tea and bowls of fish congee before road-weary warrior and the assembled heroes. An Bao and Bai Cheng take trays out to the stables.
What's worse, they took half of our supplies! Bohu hangs his head in shame.
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Hayashi seemed impressed with the men, now cured from their curse. Not knowing much of their ailment (), he was disappointed earlier, but could not blame them; he was facing a shinobi clan without his own backing him.
Once the weather settles and the Kage Ryu Clan send someone for him to report to, he will ask them for aid.
Getting as much information as he could, he began to acclimate the shinobi to their new lifestyle.
"It will be too much to ask you to change the way you live or see the world," he said calmly, sitting with them, pouring them saki. "If you so wish it, I would have you by me and my own, serving Lengshen's king. The people under the Lords Hu protection are under our protection.
"Considering the jutsu weaved upon you by the House of Fallen Leaves," he added, taking a short sip of sake with both hands. "I take it they did not earn your respect, but took it by dark means. You will find none of that here, for the taint of the Yokai shall be purged from Shenmen."
"Welcome, my friend," Baolin says with a bow. "Your presence is greatly appreciated. Brave warriors, were you attacked? These lands face the scourge of banditry and monstrous beasts, and it is our mission to make them safe!"
Bohu returns a bow slightly deeper than Baolin's. As he stands, he rests his hands on the pommels of his katana and wakizashi. "Indeed, Lord Baolin, as we passed through the forest, we slept for a night in a clearing. I remember the air smelled of night-blooming jasmine, and the call of owls." His rough voice takes on a wistful, almost yearning tone, as he recalls the night.
"Then, I woke as I heard a sword draw! My own retainer, a man I have fought beside for years and counted as a brother, stood, his back to the fire! His sword, drawn against me! Me!
He stood, sword drawn and attacked us! Other men came upon us from the forest as well. The battle was fierce, though we took many of their lives, we barely escaped with our lives! They took our horses and then ran North. We pursued, but this thrice-cursed storm beset us, and we were forced to give up the chase. My duty compelled me to come to you, before I seek vengeance on my former brother!"
As Hu Baolin's forces arrived, and summarized the events in their travel, Hayashi leaned against a crack in the wall he was fixing. He observed the man quietly as they spoke to of the ambush, his sugegasa covering his face under the rain.
Turning to Lu Rong and Lu Zang, he asked, "How far-spread is the House of Fallen Leaves?"
Rong and Zan observe all the formalities and proprieties as they drink saki with Hayashi. They wait until he sips, before they touch their cups. They are not eager to speak of their time with the House of Fallen Leaves; they say much of their time there is hazy, like a poorly remembered dream. But, they do freely share what they know. The House of Fallen Leaves is a sinister ninja clan. Some say they have always existed in Shenmen, working to destabilize the region even during the height of the Empire. It was only when the yokai rose to power that they felt safe to leave the shadows and prey upon the common folk of the land. Others say they are a creation of the yokai, perhaps even Lady Lang Loi (the terrifying jorgumo queen and ruler of Shenmen) herself. In either case, the House of Fallen Leaves have allied themselves with the yokai of the region and act as enforcers, assassins, and spies.
It's impossible to know who truly belongs to the House, and their relative rank within the organization. The local merchant or even a local mayor could be a spy. And, their servant they beat in public could be their master and commander in secret. Just as a leaf holds many colors and changes with the season, so, too, are the servants of the House of Fallen Leaves. They hide amongst the pure, one of them, but separate, changing as they change, falling to obscure the safe path and lead wise men astray. Dangers lurk within the shadows they create. But, both Rong and Zan are positive that the network of assassins is widespread through the realm, and most of Tian Xia as well.
Their home of Three Tree Village, means very little to Hayashi. It's one of the near infinite flyspecks that dot the countryside through Tian Xia. It's a small mining village in the Gossamer Mountains, life is meager and rough. The ground is poor for farming, but they make do. In exchange for meeting hefty quotas of coal every week, they are given rations of rice and dried meat. They don't ask too many questions about where the meat comes from, but it isn't beef or pork.
What is interesting, though, is that the village is typical for Shenmen: it has a mayor who is under the command of a yokai charged maintaining "order" in the nearby areas. The town is too small for the mayor to be appointed directly by the jorogumo, so this mayor is simply bewitched by the monsters. The yokai demand hefty tolls and taxes for their "protection" some villages are forced to offer up annual tithes of child as well as coin and farm. Others require a healthy and young male or female (or both) of marriageable age--usually of the yokai's selection. It's horrific, but it's how life has been since the fall, so they do not know any other life.
They do indicate their village on the map.
The bandits are untrained and undisciplined. Gao has attempted to instill some order, and with some success, but short of enforcing exercises (the 6 bandits filled-out some over their weeks in captivity), and keeping the stable clean, he hasn't made much headway. They do see him as a leader, and follow his example. So, they can be trained.
The have enough skill with bow and blade to not stick themselves in their own foot. Against a seasoned veteran, they have little chance of success, but they would be quite effective against most travelers and even the common mercenary guards frugal merchants prefer.
They seem to crave discipline and order. They have truly repented their crimes, and lament that they slipped into barbarity. Gao (the former inquisitor from Po Li) responds as well. When Jian Xi gives permission, he drills and exercises the bandits when the noble warrior is off exploring the wilds, or he orders them to help with repairs about the trading post.
As the days wind by, the bandits are weary and bone tired, but they begin to take on the appearance of true warriors. Their swordwork is cleaner and sharper, and they show signs of improvement. They could become a useful force as either guards or soldiers.
At Xiang Lun's suggestion, they all readily swear to serve their year and a day. Gao swears "eternal service, in the name of the Emperor, may He live forever", and cuts his palm, spraying three drops of blood in the five directions, to show his willingness to fight and die for the Eternal Emperor wherever he commands.
The House of Fallen Leaves is a sinister ninja clan. Some say they have always existed in Shenmen, working to destabilize the region even during the height of the Empire. It was only when the yokai rose to power that they felt safe to leave the shadows and prey upon the common folk of the land. Others say they are a creation of the yokai, perhaps even Lady Lang Loi (the terrifying jorgumo queen and ruler of Shenmen) herself. In either case, the House of Fallen Leaves have allied themselves with the yokai of the region and act as enforcers, assassins, and spies.
It's impossible to know who truly belongs to the House, and their relative rank within the organization. The local merchant or even a local mayor could be a spy. And, their servant they beat in public could be their master and commander in secret. Just as a leaf holds many colors and changes with the season, so, too, are the servants of the House of Fallen Leaves. They hide amongst the pure, one of them, but separate, changing as they change, falling to obscure the safe path and lead wise men astray. Dangers lurk within the shadows they create. But, both Rong and Zan are positive that the network of assassins is widespread through the realm, and most of Tian Xia as well.
Despite being seasoned assassins, trained, and no doubt, very comfortable with bloodshed and death, the two blanch and quiver at the implication behind Hayashi's words.
Master, to confront the House of Fallen Leaves is to spit in Fumeiyoshi's eye! Lu Rong kneels in the mud, his fists clasped together before him.
Lu Zan nods vehemently behind the former shinboi. They are everywhere! They have the powers of the darkness, and are as yokia.
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The House of Fallen Leaves is a sinister ninja clan. Some say they have always existed in Shenmen, working to destabilize the region even during the height of the Empire. It was only when the yokai rose to power that they felt safe to leave the shadows and prey upon the common folk of the land. Others say they are a creation of the yokai, perhaps even Lady Lang Loi (the terrifying jorgumo queen and ruler of Shenmen) herself. In either case, the House of Fallen Leaves have allied themselves with the yokai of the region and act as enforcers, assassins, and spies.
It's impossible to know who truly belongs to the House, and their relative rank within the organization. The local merchant or even a local mayor could be a spy. And, their servant they beat in public could be their master and commander in secret. Just as a leaf holds many colors and changes with the season, so, too, are the servants of the House of Fallen Leaves. They hide amongst the pure, one of them, but separate, changing as they change, falling to obscure the safe path and lead wise men astray. Dangers lurk within the shadows they create. But, both Rong and Zan are positive that the network of assassins is widespread through the realm, and most of Tian Xia as well.
These guys seem like a threat.
Despite being seasoned assassins, trained, and no doubt, very comfortable with bloodshed and death, the two blanch and quiver at the implication behind Hayashi's words.
"Master, to confront the House of Fallen Leaves is to spit in Fumeiyoshi's eye! "Lu Rong kneels in the mud, his fists clasped together before him.
Lu Zan nods vehemently behind the former shinboi. "They are everywhere! They have the powers of the darkness, and are as yokia. "
"Saru mo ki kara ochiru," Hayashi said calmly under the rain. "They have started this war--and we are going to end it."
"Saru mo ki kara ochiru," Hayashi said calmly under the rain. "They have started this war--and we are going to end it."...
Lu Rong and Lu Zan nod and stand straighter at Hayashi's grim words. If they had had swords at that moment, they would have gripped them tightly, ready for the attack.
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Hayashi gave the two a knowing smile, before seeking out each of his comrades. Hu Baolin, Hu Xiang Lun, Jian Xi, Lady Jade Moon, and Tsui Dawei, inviting them a to council with him in the empty shed.
"By Grace and good fortune, we have secured Bai-Cheng's outpost, and have a safe back for our offensive. I propose we head east, to clear the closest threat to our mission in Shenmen: the bandit camp," he said.
"In the meantime, we may employ some of our repentant outlaws in cultivating the land. It is yet spring, and we might see an influx of people seeking refuge come winter."
"I concur. They are the closest threat, and we must be clear of them before they muster to strike against us."
"It is the wisest move to cleanse the lands of the bandits that prey upon the common man. We can leave the trading post in the hands of the able Tang Bohu, while our guests work in our service to repair the walls and till the land as best they can. We have the beginnings of civilization here, but there is much work left to do - work that begins with putting those bandits who refuse to repent to the sword."
Tang Bohu assure Baolin that he and his men will defend the trading post and the surrounding wilds in the heroes' absence. Likewise, Gao assures Jian Xi that he will continue training the reformed bandits in the forms and exercises he has taught them. He also vows that the seven of them will prepare a small garden to feed the trading post so that they will not be a burden to Bai Cheng and the others. Rong and Zan swear to Hayashi that they will continue training along the path of light so that they do not fall prey to the illusions of the House of Fallen Leaves.
At dawn, in the fullness of the Hour of the Swallow, the heroes set out on their journey. It is but a short ride, not even a full day's travel from the trading post, but it feels longer. Much longer. The sky is a dull grey, and promises to stay that way. A thick mist falls from the sky, not quite rain, but more than fog. Soon, everyone's cloaks are sodden, and they know the clammy feel of wet armor pressed against skin. Still, the dauntless heroes press on! They have a sacred duty to pacify Shenmen and bring the light of civilization and discipline to the wilds!
Soon, they cross the nameless river north of the trading post and venture into the sudden murk of the marshlands. It is slow going, and they spend several hours tracking through the muck. But, just at the budding of the Hour of the Blossom, fortune smiles on the heroes! Hayashi makes out the walls of the bandits' camp through a small copse of trees. The trees form three natural pathways into the clearing. The underbrush beneath the eaves elsewhere is too thick to easily move through. It could be done, but only a skilled woodsman could do so without alerting the world to his presence or tripping and catching on the brambles so much that he'd be hopelessly caught.
As the heroes watch, one of the bandits calls out:
Jiao Xi! When will we quit this place? Our brothers have not returned from their monthly collection on that fool Bai Cheng! Several voices laugh cruelly at the jest. We should fall upon them in the night slaughter them all for their insolence!
Hayashi and the others can just make out a woman in the loose-fitting garb of one who has long studied the martial arts. She carries a siangham strapped to her back, and twin kama at her belt. Her fists are wrapped in leather straps. If we exterminate the fools, we lose our monthly taxes. Do you want to go back to the way we were? Besides, the Stag Lord doesn't want Bai Cheng eliminated. So, we obey our master. Understood? Someone falls out of eyesight, and there's more laughter filling the small clearing.
Guard Perception Check
"I do have an idea...if we want to startle them a little." Jade Moon says with a mischievous smile.
Though Dawei's chain shirt nearly betrayed him, he stilled it in time to avoid discovery.
Jian Xi moves silently through the underbrush his sword at the ready as he crouches beside Jade Moon.
'
Baolin starts his movement towards the bandits, knowing that he has little skill with moving through brush. Still, fortune shines its light upon him. Off in the distance, a tree falls in the forest and crashes down. It is far enough away to not put them at attention; some turn to look, but no one stands. It is close enough for the noise to mask their movement. The qinglong floats silently behind him. They know not that Baolin and the others are about to seize the initiative. He looks to the others, nodding that it is time to begin the assault - and that they are to give quarter if their enemy surrenders, unless the bandits fight without honor and prove that they could not live with honor.
does that sound about right?
To help you guys decide order, I'll roll Initiative...
Hu Boalin:
Hu Xiang Lun:
Jian Xi:
Lady Jade Moon:
Narukami Hayashi:
Tsui Dawei:
Qinglong:
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"I do have an idea...if we want to startle them a little." Jade Moon says with a mischievous smile.
Hayashi looked to the woman with interest, and then back to her husband, flashing a rare smile before drawing down his facemask.
"They won't know what hit them," he said, moving forward. "I will move forward a tad--it is best to make them think we are more than we are."Hayashi then moved carefully and silently to a nearby thicket (), climbing a branch, scanning for Jia-Hua.
Standard: Downgraded to move--study the camp's strongest enemy.
+1 to attack, damage and skills vs studied target.
Jia-Hua is nowhere to be seen--who is this Jiao Xi? Hayashi thought, narrowing his eyes, eyes piercing the forest's light darkness and fog's concealment.
Xiang conjures his magical powers, causing the grass, vines, and roots to come to life and thrash about, trapping the bandits in their grasp.
Ok, sounds like everyone's good with their actions. Let's have everyone declare (or, at least, those of you who havne't)
Hu Baolin clears his mind and draws on the power of his connection with the Celestial Dragon, which is more powerful than ever before. He reflects on its great majesty and tremendous power. He envisions how it looked twelve years ago flying above the capital of Quain, how its fury was unleashed on the villainous Burning Cloud Devil during his cowardly attack. He opens his eyes and turns his starry gaze upon the yokai dragon, willing it to more purely reflect its true self. The qinglong begins to grow in size. In mere moments, it will be larger than a horse!
Dawei prayed, almost silently, "Eternal Emperor, this man is a traitor to Heaven. Guide my hand."
"Alright then..." Jade Moon whispers to herself as she makes a few arcane symbols and screams and cries of pain suddenly erupt from the opposite edge of the camp. As if every soul they'd murdered were suddenly crying out for their murders blood.
As soon as the screams begin to die down Jade Moon begins to sing a song of loss, pain, and forgotten honor. A song that brings hope to an honorable man and yet a feeling of defeat to the honorless.
Jian Xi takes his shortbow and arrows from his back and lays it next to Jade Moon as he prepares to rush out towards the enemy forces. As soon as Xiang Lun's spell went off causing the ground to erupt with vines. He rushes the enemy completely ignoring the vines and thorns that grasp hungrily for his skin and clothes. He spins around one of the bandits his sword a blur as blood erupts from the gash left in its passing.
Lady Jade Moon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Narukami Hayashi: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Hu Boalin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Hu Xiang Lun: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Jian Xi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Tsui Dawei: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Qinglong: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Alright then..." Jade Moon whispers to herself as she makes a few arcane symbols and screams and cries of pain suddenly erupt from the opposite edge of the camp. As if every soul they'd murdered were suddenly crying out for their murders blood.
Guards
Jiao Xi
Jiao Xi looks towards the sound, her arms quake with fear as she forget whatever training and discipline she held in her honorless heart. What! What's that? You, Chang, and Meng, go check it out!
Boss, it's just the wind.. or some yokai trick. If we stay near the fire...
GO!!!!!! She roars at the two bandits, spittle flying from her lips, her eyes wide in horror. Chang and Meng shrug and rush off towards the screams.
Hayashi scans the camp for Jia Hua. But, he does not see his hated foe. Disappointment hangs heavy in his heart, but he remembers his duty and flicks his wrist. Like a shrike, his shuriken cuts through the air and slices across one of the bandits' legs. Blood flows freely from the wound, and the man gasps in pain. But, despite the pain, he stands with longsword drawn.
Hu Baolin clears his mind and draws on the power of his connection with the Celestial Dragon, which is more powerful than ever before. He reflects on its great majesty and tremendous power. He envisions how it looked twelve years ago flying above the capital of Quain, how its fury was unleashed on the villainous Burning Cloud Devil during his cowardly attack. He opens his eyes and turns his starry gaze upon the yokai dragon, willing it to more purely reflect its true self. The qinglong begins to grow in size. In mere moments, it will be larger than a horse!
Jiang Lun speaks and and glowing leaves float in the air, spreading out through the air and land on the grass, roots and vines of the thicket. The grass and vines grow long and thick and the roots rip from the earth. They all begin to thrash about, grabbing at the bandits and Jiao Xi.
Jiao Xi
Bandit 1
Bandit 1
Bandit 2
Bandit 3
Bandit 4
Bandit 5
Bandit 6
Grass and roots coil around arms and legs, and all but one bandit is immobilized by the vegetation.
Dawei prayed, almost silently, Eternal Emperor, this man is a traitor to Heaven. Guide my hand. The arrow cut through the vines and ran through Jiao Xi's arm. She lifts her arm and howls in agony.
Jian Xi takes his shortbow and arrows from his back and lays it next to Jade Moon as he prepares to rush out towards the enemy forces.
As soon as the screams begin to die down Jade Moon begins to sing a song of loss, pain, and forgotten honor. A song that brings hope to an honorable man and yet a feeling of defeat to the honorless.
The bandits cut at their legs and arms with their blades, desperately trying to free themselves from the wildly flapping vines.
Bandit 1
Bandit 1
Bandit 2
Bandit 3
Bandit 4
Bandit 6
Two of the bandits cut themselves free, but the others find their efforts for naught. The other bandit sheathes his sword and draws his bow, waiting strike the first foe he can clearly see.
As soon as Xiang Lun's spell went off causing the ground to erupt with vines. He rushes the enemy completely ignoring the vines and thorns that grasp hungrily for his skin and clothes. He spins around one of the bandits his sword a blur as blood erupts from the gash left in its passing.
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Narakumi Hayashi | hp 25/25; AC 17/14T/13FF; +7F/+9R/+3W
(PBS, Study, Music, Clan Nara)
Hayashi peered down at the entangling vines.
"I suppose it is too much to ask him to control all the plants," he thought, drawing his bow and aiming at the bandit he wounded before. He let loose an arrow, and then held his bow close, before jumping from his tree to another, heading to the southern edge of the encampment.
Seeing one of the bandits had not been ensnared, and that he was standing next to another, Xiang shrugged and conjure a pool of slippery grease beneath their feet.
Baolin completes his incantation, drawing on the true size and majesty of the Celestial Dragon's true form. His companion grows larger than any horse, leaping in bounds through the trees at the barest of nods from Baolin. It bursts from the foliage, through the grasping reeds holding down the enemy, and snaps its terrible jaws shut with a roar on the bandit. The sight is truly terrible and fearsome, but only to the wicked and not to the righteous!
Lady Jade Moon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Narukami Hayashi: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Hu Boalin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Hu Xiang Lun: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Jian Xi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Tsui Dawei: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Bandits: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Jiao Xi: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
As soon as the screams begin to die down, Jade Moon begins to sing a song of loss, pain, and forgotten honor. A song that brings hope to an honorable man and yet a feeling of defeat to the honorless.
The bandits are unmoved by the beauty of her voice. Such unenlightened dogs cannot appreciate the elegance of her music. Instead, they undisciplined curs attack the heroes with all their will!
The break free attempts were move actions so they can attack
Bandit 1 delays to attack when something is near.
Bandit 2,3,6 drop swords and draw bows to fire on Hayashi and Dawei (the only targets they have any inkling where they are)
AC 18+4(cover) = 22
AC 17+4(cover) = 21
AC 17+4(cover) = 21
Their arrows fly wide, striking only tree and vine. The two free bandits turn tail and run from the camp, deeper into the forest.
Hayashi peered down at the entangling vines.
I suppose it is too much to ask him to control all the plants, he thought, drawing his bow and aiming at the bandit he wounded before. He let loose an arrow, and then held his bow close, before jumping from his tree to another, heading to the southern edge of the encampment. He releases his arrow,and the shaft flies true! It strikes towards the bandit leader's heart, but Jiao Xi's hand is quick as lightning and her hand grabs the arrow just before it touches her breast. She looks up at Hayashi and sneers.
Quinglong, massive and full of the greatness of the Celestial Dragon descends into bandit camp, just on the edge of the thrashing vines and roots.
But, the vines pull at his sword at the last moment, sparing the dragon even the tiniest of scratches. Quinlong, however, suffers no such ill luck. His bite strikes true and shatters the bandits arm. Somehow, the thug still stands, though blood rains free from his ruined arm.
DC 16 Ref Save
Jiang Lun speaks mystic words and the leaves littering the clearing grow slick and wet with mud from a great rainstorm. One of the bandits maintains his footing, but the other collapses to the ground.
As soon as Xiang Lun's spell went off causing the ground to erupt with vines. He rushes the enemy completely ignoring the vines and thorns that grasp hungrily for his skin and clothes. He spins around one of the bandits his sword a blur as blood erupts from the gash left in its passing. Somehow, the bandit stands, despite being forced to use one hand to hold his entrails inside himself.
Dawei seizes the opportunity to fire his arrows through the underbrush. The vines claim one arrow, but one arrow strikes true!
no dice
She howls in agony as another runs clean through her arm.
free!
hurls a javelin at Hayashi
But, the blood slicking her arm and legs loosens the vines' grip on her and she slips free!
Tut, tut. We can't have people fleeing and warning others.
Grinning, Xiang invokes his new spell again, causing more plants to reach and grasp for the fleeing bandits.
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I suppose it is too much to ask him to control all the plants, he thought, drawing his bow and aiming at the bandit he wounded before.
He let loose an arrow, and then held his bow close, before jumping from his tree to another, heading to the southern edge of the encampment. He releases his arrow,and the shaft flies true! It strikes towards the bandit leader's heart, but Jiao Xi's hand is quick as lightning and her hand grabs the arrow just before it touches her breast. She looks up at Hayashi and sneers.
If the ninja seemed surprised, it did not show, as he instead slung his shortbow across his shoulder, leaping towards the two bandits at the far edge of the camp.
Reaching the prone bandits, he balanced himself on a low branch, before shooting forward with his ninja-to, bringing his blade in a downward arc at the prone bandit.
Narakumi Hayashi | hp 25/25; AC 17/14T/13FF; +7F/+9R/+3W
After slashing at the bandit, he adopted a martial arts stance--hands guarding his front, with his fingers pointed down, as if a praying mantis about to strike.
Bolstered by Jade Moon's song, Dawei continued to fire on the traitors' leader.
Jade Moon continues her song interweaving a spell creating a fog of confusion to drop over one of the bandits.
Lady Jade Moon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Narukami Hayashi: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Hu Boalin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Hu Xiang Lun: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Jian Xi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Tsui Dawei: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Bandits: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Jiao Xi: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Jade Moon sings, weaving her new song into a greater narrative. She sings of Lianhua, the Lotus Maiden, who defended her village against the Lang Wang, the Wolf King. In the song, Lang Wang has devastated her village, the people have fled to the forests, and his marauders burn and pillage the homes. She stands, however, in the road, preventing the rover from passing. Hair unsettled, face and clothes soiled by smoke and mud, she struggles to lift her brother's blade in challenge. Her hanfu is wrapped about her legs, so that she can fight more freely.
Who can deny such bravery? Such spirit? Not Lang Wang. And, not one of Jiao Xi's bandits. He stares into space, listening to the beauty of Jade Moon's song, as Lianhua's bravery melts the Wolf King's heart and he orders his men to withdraw and repair what they broke. Enlightenment fills his eyes and heart and Lang Wang becomes a man of virtue and discipline. He even marries the Lotus Madien after a time. Tears run freely down the bandit's cheeks at such a courageous and rousing song.
You idiots! The Stag Lord will pay us richly if we bring him these warriors! Don't listen to their pathetic songs! Attack! Jiao Xi curses her underlings and spurs them on to defeat the heroes.
Yes, commander! The bandits roar and redouble their efforts.
Bandit 1
Bandit 2
Bandit 3
Tries to climb a tree.
No dice
Bandit 4
move action to stand
move action to leave grease
Bandit 5
move action to leave grease
Attacks Hayashi with bow
Despite his great size, the Celestial Dragon fills Quinglong with righteous purpose and divine glory. The dragon easily coils away from the sword's strike, leaving him untouched, much to the consternation of his foe.
Jian Xi's opponent drops his bow and outs sword, swinging wildly at the bloodrager. But, the fire of battle burns deep in Jian Xi's blood, it melts his bones, making his movements quick and fluid, and he easily dodges the bandit's undisciplined strikes.
Another bandit tries to climb a tree, emboldened by his commander's words. The higher ground will afford him freedom from the enchanted grass and roots that cling at his boots, while also give him better range with his bow. Unfortunately, he makes no headway up the tree, as the tree itself seems to recoil at his efforts.
The two bandits in Jiang Lun's trap right themselves, and inch their way through the slippery murk. One of them sends off an arrow that only narrowly misses Hayashi's shoulder.