ShogunMaker (Inactive)

Game Master Thackery Baxter J Thorington

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. The bandit shrieks in pain as his arm is laid open by the force of the shinobi's blow. 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.

Next up: BAOLIN!!

Round 2, Initiative 16 | Hu Baolin
hp 21/21; AC 14/11T/13FF; +2F/+2R/+5W

MA: 60' to K13

Baolin can see that the qinglong has the bandit at its mercy. He darts through the trees, following Hayashi to confront the bandits on the far side of the camp. He has no doubts that the loyal shinobi will make short work of the craven marauders, but he will ensure that it happens even faster through his presence.

Round 2, Initiative 16 | Qinglong
hp 22/22; AC 16/10T/15FF (Blind Fight); +4F/+4R/+1W
Condition: enlarge person (3 min.)

FRA: Full Attack
Bite vs. Bandit #1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
> Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Claw vs. Bandit #1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
> Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Claw vs. Bandit #1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
> Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
NA: 5' step out of entangle

The dragon lets out an incredible roar as it circles around the bandit. It wraps its sinuous body around the slow man, biting down hard on his shoulder from behind. He shouts in terror and pain, dropping his blade to the grievous wound, only to have it cut short as the qinglong slashes viciously at him with its claws and tears large gashes in him. The dragon leaps off through the air, landing outside the animated grasses, as the bandit collapses behind him.

Round 2, Init 10, Altitude ' AC 15, ; Bloodrage 8/10HP 40/40; Buffs:Bloodrage, inspire courage

Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 - 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 9 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 1 + 3 = 14

Jian Xi avoids his opponents blade with a subtle twist of his body looping his sword under his opponent's arm and using his shoulder as leverage pushes him off balance. The blade flashes twice more once clipping the bandit's wrist removing sword and hand from body the next coming in under the jaw to spill his lifeblood to the ground.

The dragon lets out an incredible roar as it circles around the bandit. It wraps its sinuous body around the slow man, biting down hard on his shoulder from behind. He shouts in terror and pain, dropping his blade to the grievous wound, only to have it cut short as the qinglong slashes viciously at him with its claws and tears large gashes in him. The dragon leaps off through the air, landing outside the animated grasses, as the bandit collapses behind him.

Once more, leaves glow in the air, and the trees and roots rebel. They reach up from the ground, mingling with the already thrashing vegetation.

Meanwhile, Jian Xi avoids his opponents blade with a subtle twist of his body looping his sword under his opponent's arm and using his shoulder as leverage pushes him off balance. The blade flashes twice more once clipping the bandit's wrist removing sword and hand from body the next coming in under the jaw to spill his lifeblood to the ground.

Dawei levels his bow at Jiao Xi and two arrows part the air. The bandit queen knocks one out of the air, but the other runs clean through her hand.

DC 17 Escape Artist: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
She sneers at Dawei and pulls her leg free from the vines. Then she scampers into a tree.

End of Round 2. Round 3 starts with Jade Moon.

Round 3, Initiative 20 | Jade Moon hp 18/18; AC 13/12T/11FF; +1F/+9R/+3W Abilities Inspire Courage 7/10; Buffs Inspire Courage

Free Continue performance +1 attack and damage
Standard: Sleep on Jiao Xi

Jade Moon weaves another spell through the her songs hoping to drag sleep over the bandit leader.

Bandit Camp Ambush | Round 3, Initiative 16

Narakumi Hayashi | hp 25/25; AC 17/14T/13FF; +7F/+9R/+3W

Hayashi's hands seemed to represent a mantis's claw: forming a hook formed by three of his fingers.
Deflecting his enemies' errant strikes, he sent his hand forward in a whip-like attack, piercing the bandits' bodies with his fingers
Full-round action: Flurry of Blows
Attack 1: Mantis Style Unarmed strikes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 (+2 damage if flat-footed)
Attack 2: Mantis Style Unarmed strikes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 (+2 damage if flat-footed)
Both attacks directed against #4, unless he is downed--in which case, he directs Attack 2 against #5, and uses Stunning Fist on him (Fort. Save DC 15 or be stunned for one round.

[ooc]Move: 5-foot-step to O-11 (Only if #4 falls)
Acrobatics to balance on grease spell: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Passive: Deflect Arrows

Editing my turn because I forgot that Sleep is 1 round casting.

Round 3, Initiative 20 | Jade Moon hp 18/18; AC 13/12T/11FF; +1F/+9R/+3W Abilities Inspire Courage 7/10; Buffs Inspire Courage

Free Continue performance +1 attack and damage
Standard: Daze
,

Jade Moon weaves another spell through her songs this time hoping to cloud the mind of Jiao Xi.

Jade Moon's song becomes mournful. The Lotus Maiden husband, her great love the Wolf King rides off to battle against a fierce oni. The battle is fierce, and the Wolf King's warriors ride out with him. They surround the oni, lashing at him with their trusty weapons. But, the Oni is too strong, his will too fierce. He breathes fire and stomps the ground, and the Wolf King is slain..

As a cougar stalking through the brush, Hayashi descends on the cowardly bandits who attacked him! His hands curve to represent a mantis's claw: forming a hook formed by three of his fingers. He sends his hands forward in a whip-like attack, piercing the bandit's body with his fingers! The bandit howls and steps backward, but, somehow, he still stands!

Last up is Dawei.

Seeing the woman in hand for the moment, Dawei turned to her servants.

Shooting bandit 6. If the first drops him, change to 3 for the second.

Rapid Shot with Inspire Courage and Destruction Judgment: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 = 21
Rapid Shot with Inspire Courage and Destruction Judgment: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23
Damage1: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10
Damage2: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

End of Round

Dawei levels his arrow at a bandit in the tree. He breathes deep, seeking the calm and guidance of the Eternal Emperor (May HE live forever!). He breathes again, stilling his arms, honing his senses to the point of his arrow and focusing on his quarry. He is one with the trees, the leaves, the branches, the air. Time slows. The flailing vines and roots from Xiang Lun's spells freeze. The campfire ceases flickering. All hangs in perfect stillness for one moment. Then, clarity. Like diving into a pool, there is but one outcome, one release. He lets his arrows slip from his fingers and they fly through leaf and vine, past root and grass, and pierce the bandit's side twice in the flank as he cowers in the trees. The man shrieks and presses hand to side, but still he holds! Still the bandit clings to the tree tops and his duty.

The bandits have that much honor, at least.

Next up is Jade Moon. then, Bandits, then Hayashi and Baolin, then Xiang Lun, then Dawei and Jian Xi, and finally Jiao Xi (who is the most ineffective villain in the history of ineffective villains)

Bandit 4 shot me when I was adjacent, right (I think)? Here is my opportunity attack.
[ooc]Attack 1: Mantis Style Unarmed strikes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 (+2 damage if flat-footed)
Bandit Camp Ambush | Round 4, Initiative 16

Narakumi Hayashi | hp 21/25; AC 17/14T/13FF; +7F/+9R/+3W

Hayashi drew back his hand, arrowhead digging deep into his joint. Nary a sound was heard from him, as he drew it out, and then jabbed forward with two hooks targeting the bandit's side rib.
Full-round action: Flurry of Blows, shift closer if they did move
Attack 1: Mantis Style Unarmed strikes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 (+2 damage if flat-footed)
Attack 2: Mantis Style Unarmed strikes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 (+2 damage if flat-footed)
(As last time, if Bandit 4 falls, Hayashi hits the other one with a Stunning Fist)

Passive: Deflect Arrows

(Sorry for the confusion about the AOO--the map is a little crowded.)

I don't think I got my Round 3 action...

Bandit 4 shot me when I was adjacent, right (I think)? Here is my opportunity attack.

[ooc]Attack 1: [dice=Mantis Style Unarmed strikes]1d20+5
[dice=damage]1d6+2 (+2 damage if flat-footed)
Bandit Camp Ambush | Round 4, Initiative 16

Narakumi Hayashi | hp 21/25; AC 17/14T/13FF; +7F/+9R/+3W

Hayashi drew back his hand, arrowhead digging deep into his joint. Nary a sound was heard from him, as he drew it out, and then jabbed forward with two hooks targeting the bandit's side rib.
Full-round action: Flurry of Blows, shift closer if they did move
Attack 1: [dice=Mantis Style Unarmed strikes]1d20+5
[dice=damage]1d6+2 (+2 damage if flat-footed)
Attack 2: [dice=Mantis Style Unarmed strikes]1d20+5
[dice=damage]1d6+2 (+2 damage if flat-footed)
(As last time, if Bandit 4 falls, Hayashi hits the other one with a Stunning Fist)

Passive: Deflect Arrows

(Sorry for the confusion about the AOO--the map is a little crowded.)

No, he 5 feet stepped away. He goes before you. So, no AoO for you!). Sorry, I had a bizarre dream about Seinfeld so I'm channeling my inner soup nazi.

I don't think I got my Round 3 action...

Whoops that's because you didn't ... Gasp!! Ok post away round 3 action I'll insert it . And, while you're at it, post round 4

Round 3 Initiative 12

With the battle underway, Xiang Lun dismisses the effects of his first entangle and, moving closer, conjures his spear of sharpened bamboo and hurls it at one of the bandits.

Free action: Dismiss entangle 1
Move: move to C5
Standard: splintered spear at Bandit 3

splintered spear attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Sadly, his aim is far off, and he fails to even come close to the bandit.

Round 4, Initiative 12

Targeting the bandit yet again, he conjures another spear, hoping this one will strike closer to the mark.

splintered spear attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

[ooc]My Round 4 action changes if he moves or dies before my turn.[/ ooc]

Round 4, Initiative 20 | Jade Moon hp 18/18; AC 13/12T/11FF; +1F/+9R/+3W Abilities Inspire Courage 6/10; Buffs Inspire Courage
Standard Action: Cast Aspect of the Nightingale +2 to diplomacy
Free: Action Hero point for extra Standard
Extra Standard: Cast Message
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 2 = 32

I really wish I had cast Message before the combat had started....
Continuing her mental manipulation of Jiao Xi Jade Moon attempts one more trick she casts a spell causing her voice to become even more clear and pleasant.
Another quick spell and she begins to whisper and yet her words are heard by the bandit leader as she begins to work on her.

"I implore you to cast down your weapons and surrender. There is no honor in a death like this, you can see you're out matched. Two of your men are already dead and the others will quickly follow them to an unmarked grave never to be mourned. What do you fight for? What have you lost to so push you to this current path? Perhaps you could lose a few enemies and gain a few friends; friends that would reciprocate your loyalty. I do not seek to destroy you but the contrary."

Round 4

They've ensorcelled our commander! Get them!! One of the bandits shouts from the trees, followed by the roars of his comrades.

Xiang Lun performs an intricate kata. His feet graze and stomp the ground, sending a plume of leaves and twigs into the air. His hands circle and spin, churning the air and seeming to gather the twigs and leaves into a tight lance that encloses his entire arm. He punches the air and the twigs and leaves dart out from his fist as a powerful spear. It courses through the air, only to shatter agains the branches of the bandit's tree. This is Xiang Lun's round 3 action

He sneers at the wujen, and fires his own wooden shaft into the air. Its whistle pierces the air, cutting through the lingering notes of Jade Moon's song. But, it finds home only in wood, and the wizard is safe from harm. The other tree bandit sends his own arrow into the trees. Trees only, for, in truth, the coward's aim is so wide he cuts only roots and earth.

The remaining bandits turn on Hayashi, determination and fury in their eyes. Their commander may not care for their lives, but they have fought beside each other, shared a fire together, ate together. They have some measure of loyalty. They may be jackals, but even jackals have packs. They descend on him as one, blades raised like fierce fangs. But, their blades cut leaf and grass alike, but Hayashi, that noble shinobi, remains unharmed. HIs blades raised just in time to catch their blows.

Once more, Xiang Lun stomps and stirs the earth and air, calling up the offerings of the forest with his chi. He punches again, but, like the last, his spear splinters into nothing before striking the bandits.

Next up is everyone else. I posted Xiang Lun's Round 4 action to make sure I didn't forget it

Round 3, Initiative 16 | Hu Baolin
hp 21/21; AC 14/11T/13FF; +2F/+2R/+5W

MA: 10' to M14
SA: color spray vs. Ninja #4 & Ninja #5 (DC 15)

Baolin emerges from the trees, holding the starry night in his hands. He rounds a tree to see the pair of bandits attacking Hayashi, though the shinobi dodges their paltry assaults easily. He raises his hands and spreads the stars out over them. The effect is immediate and overwhelming as the void fills their eyes and ears, leaving them in shock as they gaze upon the universe.

Round 3, Initiative 16 | Qinglong
hp 22/22; AC 16/10T/15FF (Blind Fight); +4F/+4R/+1W
Condition: enlarge person (3 min.)

MA: 40' to E5
SA: Bite vs. Bandit #3 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
> Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The qinglong rushes back into the forest, bounding from place to place in great leaps. He bursts from behind a tent with a growl, falling upon one of the remaining bandits with a great snap of his powerful jaws!

"We wouldn't allow it you'd be under our protection. Already your lord has failed to kill us on multiple occasions. It's only a matter of time before we go after him as well."

Jade Moon says continuing to talk to Jiao Xi. She continues her song by switching to an instrumental piece using her Erhu.

jian xi and dawei

Round 4, Init 10, Altitude ' AC 15, ; Bloodrage 8/10HP 40/40; Buffs:Bloodrage, inspire courage

Move Action:Move and jump to bandit #6
Standard Action: Attack!!
Acrobatic: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Attack+pa: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 - 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 9

Jian Xi moves towards one of the bandits hiding in the tree and attempts to leap up and reach him. He leaps and attempts to grab onto a branch and swing out with his sword.

Dawei continued firing on the man up the tree, not wishing to disrupt what must be going on with the bandit leader.

Rapid Shot with Inspire Courage and Destruction Judgment: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Rapid Shot with Inspire Courage and Destruction Judgment: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
Damage1: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6
Damage2: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Hello familiar dice luck.

End of Round 4

Baolin emerges from the trees, holding the starry night in his hands. He rounds a tree to see the pair of bandits attacking Hayashi, though the shinobi dodges their paltry assaults easily. He raises his hands and spreads the stars out over them. The effect is immediate and overwhelming as the void fills their eyes and ears, leaving them in shock as they gaze upon the universe.

Meanwhile, Great Qinlgong winds his way through the trees like the great Celestial Dragon himself. He rears on his legs and snaps his jaws tight. His teeth are sharp and fierce, his scales a brilliant reflection of the night sky. But, noble though he is, his jaws clamp only on tree. His teeth shatter a branch and rip it free of its trunk, but still the bandit remains unharmed.

Jian Xi follows suit. He leaps through the air quick and agile like a monkey. In a single, fluid motion, he leaps from one branch and grabs another, swinging in a great arc, sword slashing and cutting in the air. The sun flashes against the blade. A dog howls. Rubies drip upon the grass. The noble warrior flicks the blood from his blade and readies himself to strike at another target. His foe will harm no one any longer.

All of the commotion upsets Dawei's aim as he looses two arrows from his bow. The shafts fly through the air, but the Eternal Emperor does not guide his aim as he did before, and his arrows strike only earth.

We wouldn't allow it you'd be under our protection. Already your lord has failed to kill us on multiple occasions. It's only a matter of time before we go after him as well.'

Jade Moon says continuing to talk to Jiao Xi. She continues her song by switching to an instrumental piece using her Erhu.

My lord! Hah! The Stag Lord pays me well, that is all. Jiao Xi laughs and turns to Jian Xi she sneers as the warrior's foe falls to the ground. He is a powerful warlord. He will rules these lands with an iron fist. All here obey his command. Even the yokai heed his call, and what few kami remain in these wilds fear to anger him! He is no mere warrior! No simple bandit king, like you would believe! To anger him, is to court death! And even then, they say you cannot escape his commands!

She launches through the trees

Jiao Xi lashes out with an open palm, her aim is clear: Jian Xi's chest. It's a move Hayashi knows all too well. It will stop the brave warrior's heart for a moment, rupturing the flow of chi through his body, numbing his nerves and deadening his senses. Fortunately, her blow strike fails to hit its mark and Jian Xi still clings to his tree.

End of round 4. Sheesh my guys can't get a break. That's it, next fight, i'm upping the damage output. Also, Jade Moon, you're up. There';s only 2 bandits left before Jiao Xi, so everyone can just post all their actions and I'll sort it out as we go.

With the stunned bandit facing him, he nodded briefly to Hu Baolin, and struck forward with his first hand at the unstunned bandit before him, and twisting his grip, grabbing at the bandit's clothes.

Encounter Name | Round 5, Initiative 16
Narakumi Hayashi | hp 21/25; AC 17/14T/13FF; +7F/+9R/+3W
Flurry of Blows
Attack w/Mantis Style: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

damage w/Mantis Style: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Passive: Deflect Arrows

I really like how Baolin's sprite-hand is emitting the spell. Dat art sense doe.

Round 5, Initiative 12

With Qinglong now engaged with the bandit he had been attacking, Xiang Lun turns and moves slightly closer to Jiao Xi, then casts a spell. A small ball of snow appears in his hand , and with a gesture, he sends it flying towards her.

Snowball vs Touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4) = 7

DC 16 Fort Save or she's staggered for one round

Round 5, Initiative 20 | Jade Moon hp 18/18; AC 13/12T/11FF; +1F/+9R/+3W

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Jade Moon calmly picks up the bow left by Jian Xi and draws an arrow and lays it across the bow. "You were given two options one was repentance the other death...I did not choose this way." She draws back on the string and releases in a smooth motion only to have the arrow deflect off one of th many trees in the way.

Round 5, Init 10, Altitude ' AC 15, ; Bloodrage 5/10HP 40/40; Buffs:Bloodrage, inspire courage

Climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 24
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10

Jian Xi lets go of his sword allowing it to fall to the ground as he quickly lifts himself into the tree knowing he was better off on even footing with the bandit leader than dangling precariously by one hand. He balances his weight on the branches as he swings with his own fist after Jiao Xi's failed attempt to attack him.

Just waiting on Baolin and Dawei

Round 4, Initiative 16 | Hu Baolin
hp 21/21; AC 14/11T/13FF; +2F/+2R/+5W

SA: daze (DC 14) vs. Bandit #4

One of the bandits simply stares in awe at the incredible display of the heavens themselves. He is lost in the constellations as Hayashi does battle with the other. Baolin draws forth inspiration from the night sky and the starry night, forcing the enormity of the universe upon the other bandit. He places the visions in the man's eyes. He may have resisted his first brush with infinity, but Baolin will force him to truly understand the concept.

Round 4, Initiative 16 | Qinglong
hp 22/22; AC 16/10T/15FF (Blind Fight); +4F/+4R/+1W
Condition: enlarge person (3 min.)

Bite vs. Bandit #3 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
> Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Claw vs. Bandit #3 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
> Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Claw vs. Bandit #3 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
> Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The qinglong rears up onto two legs before falling upon the marauder in a fearsome flurry of feral attacks. Its teeth flash time and again - though drawing no blood as the man desperately tries to avoid the great dragon - as its claws slash through armor and flesh alike. Blood drips from the man's stomach as the qinglong growls to signal his end!

Dawei would meditate upon what his he had committed later and set for himself a righteous penance. But he had no time for such things in the throes of battle. He persisted with his same target, the man in the tree.

Rapid Shot with Inspire Courage and Destruction Judgment: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
Rapid Shot with Inspire Courage and Destruction Judgment: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

Round 5

Jade Moon calmly picks up the bow left by Jian Xi and draws an arrow and lays it across the bow. You were given two options one was repentance the other death...I did not choose this way. She draws back on the string and releases in a smooth motion only to have the arrow deflect off one of the many trees in the way.

Jiao Xi sneers as the arrow shatters against the trees. I do not fear you. Any of you. The Stag Lord pays me well for my service. I have seen what he does to those who anger him.

The bandit in the tree lashes out at Qinglong with his sword, but his blade clatters against the scales of the great dragon. He nearly loses his footing, but he keeps himself steady on the branches. The qinglong rears up onto two legs before falling upon the marauder in a fearsome flurry of feral attacks. Its teeth flash time and again - though drawing no blood as the man desperately tries to avoid the great dragon - as its claws slash through armor and flesh alike. Blood drips from the man's stomach as the qinglong growls to signal his end!

At the other end of the clearing, a bandit strikes at Hayashi. But, the shinobi's mantis style places him in perfect position to dodge the strike. That bandit curses as his blade sails above the ninja's head, causing him to spin and face Baolin.

Baolin draws forth inspiration from the night sky and the starry night, forcing the enormity of the universe upon the other bandit. He places the visions in the man's eyes. He may have resisted his first brush with infinity, but Baolin will force him to truly understand the concept.

Seizing the opportunity, Hayashi strikes out at the bandit, arcing his fingers into a hook to pull the marauder into a tight grapple. His fingers press into the bandit's neck, shattering his voicebox. The man coughs blood and collapses to the forest floor, choking on his own life.

Xiang Lun calls upon the chill of winter, and freezing winds of the mountains. His hand glows glistening white as frost slowly covers it. He cups his hand, and the frost pulls into a tiny lump of ice in the palm of his hand. He takes careful aim and throws the ball, but the wind gusts just as the ball flies from his hand. His magic spends itself on the ground, creating a small patch of quickly melting ice on the litter.

Jian Xi lets go of his sword allowing it to fall to the ground as he quickly lifts himself into the tree knowing he was better off on even footing with the bandit leader than dangling precariously by one hand. He balances his weight on the branches as he swings with his own fist after Jiao Xi's failed attempt to attack him. The blow is solid, and the warrior feels some snap inside the monk. She gasps, her mouth working voicelessly, and her fingers slip from the branch. She falls to the earth, like a dying leaf. Her broken body sprawls across the roots of the forest floor.

Dawei would meditate upon what his he had committed later and set for himself a righteous penance. But he had no time for such things in the throes of battle. He persisted with his same target, the man in the tree. he feels the Eternal Emperor's stern favor fill him with divine power! His aim is true! The two arrows fly through the forest trees and pierce the bandit in the chest. He falls to the ground. The battle is one. For now, the bandit threat appears to be over.

end of combat. You have 1 prisoner Bandit 5 do with him what you will. He's currently blind, unconscious, and stunned for.. well it doesn't matter now. He'll be much better in a bit. You also have a bandit camp to explore/loot.

Seizing the opportunity, Hayashi strikes out at the bandit, arcing his fingers into a hook to pull the marauder into a tight grapple. His fingers press into the bandit's neck, shattering his voicebox. The man coughs blood and collapses to the forest floor, choking on his own life.

Dropping the dead bandit, and surveying the battlefield, Hayashi looked up to Hu Baolin.

Ending Bloodrage Fatigued for 10 rounds.

Jian Xi drops from the tree his body drained from the excessive chi used during this battle. He picks up his sword from where it lay and resheathes it. He leans heavily against the tree as he waits for Jade Moon to join him. He opens his eyes at the cool touch of her fingers on the side of his face.

"Are you alright my love?" He asks as he looks her over.

Hayashi went around the camp, hauling the bodies of the bandits and Jiao Xi to around their tent, as well as the last bandit.
He, Hayashi struck on a position that left him sleeping (Unarmed strike to deal nonlethal damage to continue being unconscious).

Seeing if he could question her, Hayashi headed to Jiao Xi, trying to a sense a pulse.

Heal to stabilize: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Pulling down her (and his own) facemasks, he studied her features as Jian Xi spoke to his wife.

@GM: Question:
Does Jiao Xi and Jian Xi look anything alike? With Laozu hinting at the Dark Shogun being related, I'm beginning to think Jian Xi is from a line of bandits and warlords.

Dismissing his second entangle, Xiang Lun turns to his cousin and says, "A resounding victory, cousin. We even have a prisoner whom we shall take with us. Perhaps he will prove able to join the others upon our return to the outpost."

"It seems that we have started a collection," Baolin quips. He beckons the great dragon towards him. The qinglong appears pleased with its size. Baolin can feel the dragon growing stronger each day, and knows that the day is coming where it will remain that enhanced size at all times. He turns his attention to Hayashi, as he examines the leader of the bandit group. "Does she live?"

"Perhaps he will prove able to join the others upon our return to the outpost."

"The first of those converted by the sword rather than the tongue," Hayashi thought aloud, as Baolin approached.

He turns his attention to Hayashi, as he examines the leader of the bandit group. "Does she live?"

"Her body is severely damaged--I suspect her fall damaged her spine," Hayashi replied, examining the back of her neck with his hand. "I suspect she might not walk again. Divine justice for her ill deeds, no doubt."

@GM: She alive/breathing/heartbeat'n?

Hayashi presses his fingers to the monk's throat. For a time, he despairs that the flame in her heart has been extinguished. But, there! Yes! He feels a slight throb in her veins. Her blood flows, but faintly. The shinobi brings out his reiki box and pulls out some acupuncture needles. Within moments, he unblocks her chi and her blood flows. She gasps for breath and sighs, her eyes flutter. Where? What?

Loot in the tents...
321 sp, 90 gp,
a pair of silver earrings worth 150 gp,
a wooden music box worth 90 gp,
three crates of furs and hides worth 50 gp per crate, and
a polished wooden case of potent greenish herbal liquor. There are eight bottles in the box, each worth 20 gp.

Hayashi was first surprised--the woman's dedication to her master did not seem by under the influence of a yokai, but he went to work nonetheless.

"Where? What?"

Somewhat silently impressed at his own quick mastery of chi unblocking, he glanced at the rest of his companions as she returns to life.

"I have broken the jutsu on you. Your will now is your own," he said softly to the woman. "Do not move--you are still wounded.
Do you know who you are and where you came from?"

I am Jiao Xi, a monk of the Iron Temple. I came to Shenmen to prove my strength. She smiles and gestures to the trees. Behold my success.

Jiao Xi coughs a bit and groans as she readjusts her position on the roots. I was recruited by a man named Jia Hua for the Stag Lord a few months after I entered these cursed lands. She shrugs and winces in pain. The pay was good, and I've never been one to ask too many questions about my work. I had plenty of people to to test myself against. It wasn't honorable, but it was a living. And, the only thing that matters is improving my skill.

She looks Hayashi in the eyes. He hates you. That battle should be quite the sight.

"I am Jiao Xi, a monk of the Iron Temple. I came to Shenmen to prove my strength." She smiles and gestures to the trees. "Behold my success."

Hayashi said nothing to that, eyes narrowed.

Jiao Xi coughs a bit and groans as she readjusts her position on the roots. "I was recruited by a man named Jia Hua for the Stag Lord a few months after I entered these cursed lands. "She shrugs and winces in pain. "The pay was good, and I've never been one to ask too many questions about my work. I had plenty of people to to test myself against. It wasn't honorable, but it was a living. And, the only thing that matters is improving my skill.

"What do they want in Shenmen? You must've come across something," Hayashi asked.

She looks Hayashi in the eyes. "He hates you. That battle should be quite the sight."

Hayashi blinked, but recovered from his surprise.

"So the pain you've caused others didn't matter as long as you were allowed to improve your skills, right?" Jian Xi asks his mask still covering his face.

Jiao Xi smirks. Why should I care for the weak? This world is cold harsh place. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. They should thank me.. She sobers as she turns back to Hayashi. But, you have bested me. You are stronger, more skilled. I would learn from you. Will you be my master, shifu? I vow to follow your word as law, and live by your example. Your kungfu is amazing. I must grow stronger, I must!

The broken monk sighs and relaxes back into the roots. Ii don't know much, but I do know that the Stag Lord seeks to become as a shogun in these lands. Maybe even be shogun. He has the support of the yokai, maybe he can even challenge the rule of Lady Lang Loi and the jorogumo.

Didn't I knock you out? Then asks to be trained by Hayashi I swear the ingratitude of soon to be dead bandits.

Jiao Xi is kind of a snot. :-)

Ninjas are just that badass bruh xD

Jiao Xi smirks. Why should I care for the weak? This world is cold harsh place. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. They should thank me.. She sobers as she turns back to Hayashi. But, you have bested me. You are stronger, more skilled. I would learn from you. Will you be my master, shifu? I vow to follow your word as law, and live by your example. Your kungfu is amazing. I must grow stronger, I must!

The broken monk sighs and relaxes back into the roots. Ii don't know much, but I do know that the Stag Lord seeks to become as a shogun in these lands. Maybe even be shogun. He has the support of the yokai, maybe he can even challenge the rule of Lady Lang Loi and the jorogumo.

Hayashi first said nothing, studying her intently.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

He then spoke, saying dryly, "If my comrades allow you to live, I will allow you to walk beside me.
"Be warned: you have competition--two shinobi by the names of Lu Rong and Lu Zang. It is my hope that you will learn from them as you learn from me."

Hayashi also interrogates the other bandit double-time. Name, purpose, etc.

When finished, he turned to Jian Xi, and said to his masked visage, "It seems we learned all we could here."

Hayashi then picks up all loot, finds a way to carry Jiao Xi without damaging her further, grabs the last bandit, and joins the rest on the road back.
We're finished with this scene, I suppose.

Hmmm...what to do with Jiao Xi? I suspect she may not be as easily converted as Gao and the others - a desire to learn from Hayashi not withstanding. We may need to determine much more about her first.

It is apparent so far that she respects only power.
Until we find an arrangement that is more lasting, Hayashi is able to put her in a controlled environment, where she is set to meditation and low-risk training to use up her energy. Does Xiang Lun have something he'd like to tell Hayashi? He considers him a superior.