Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Hey, I'll have you know I have an enchanting musk!

"Listen, Theo, luh'like I said and the pruh'priestess lady told me: to these people, Tunuaq is the voice of the spuh'spirits. Gods, demons, the average truh'tribesman doesn't make a distinction between 'em if it's comin' from their shuh'shaman. I mean, yeah, that human sacrifice s$@$ he suggested at the beginning was a dead give away but if they worship anything it's through him. Tunuaq's the ruh'root of it, you know? And since Guh'Garand's stayin' he'll probably set 'em straight as soon as he's accepted."

"And come on, man, I know you love the suh'sound o' yer own voice, but that speech wasn't gonna help anybody. You know we're stuck here for the winter, whatever yer pruh'principles. I don't think they have the strongest chieftain in the world by any means, 'specially if all this crap happened under her nose, but tellin' her off in front of everybody? Even I know that's bad for buh'business. I think the cuh'cuh'comm'... Community. The community's only crime is blindly following their shaman. So we gotta keep an eye out for Big T's suh'supporters, but we can't go runnin' off across the tundra just yet."

Theoden listens intently, taking in all that Pavel is saying. "Mm-hm, right. Yes. Well, now - and while I totally agree with you, Pavel, I do - that's not quite what I was looking for. Sorry, I should've been more clear. What I was truly wondering if my scene - that I've cleverly called: 'Theoden's anger' - was believable? Say you were visiting the theater - because one day I shall be a part of the theater, good Daeron, in case I've not told you - would you say it was a believable role of anger? Me personally, I thought I was spot on. Of course, there was a point in there that I thought I might have lost it a little, so I shall work on that, but outside of that, I felt it was quite fantastic!" He smiles, truly proud of himself. "I'm not really the angry type, you see, so I had to push the envelope a bit more than I typically would. You know, go outside the boundaries of who I am - because that is what all true actors of fine repute must do," he says as a matter of fact, clearly speaking of himself. "Anyway, I'm rambling, so let's return to my original question. And I prefer an honest answer! While my gift at theater is top-notch, I confess, one could always use a bit of constructive criticism."

Pavel and Theoden: Beautiful!

Pavel scratches his chin, looking confused.
".... what? So you weren't really mad? Cuh'coulda fooled me... But why would you pretend?"

Frowning after Tunuaq, Daeron grimaces as he notices Nalvanaq's reaction. "So far as Tunuaq goes, Ameiko, I'm concerned Nalvanaq wanting to execute him if she thinks she has enough support from the tribe. There's a degree of..." Daeron struggles with his choice of word for a moment, "vindictiveness in her manner right now. Obviously such an execution makes any inquiry somewhat more difficult." Daeron manages a small smile at his gallows humor.

Pavel's question and Seila's answer pique Daeron's curiosity and he listens intently to her explanation. I suppose that could make some sense. We are strangers and he is a trusted advisor. It would be far easier to blame it on us than anything. But it makes no sense to think his actions justified on their own merits. Disquieted by the thought, Daeron takes a moment to respond to Theoden's question which gives Pavel a chance to respond.

Snorting in amusement at Theoden's subsequent response, Daeron replies, "I believe I was quite taken in by your false anger, Theoden, as evidenced by my lack of translation. I hadn't the slightest notion that you wished to be a thespian. Perhaps you should consider practicing a show with the rest of the caravan? Most Varisians I've met have had a certain proclivity for song, dance and theater. I find it likely you'll be able to rouse a crew to perform some drama or another."

Pavel scratches his chin, looking confused.

".... what? So you weren't really mad? Cuh'coulda fooled me... But why would you pretend?"

"Not pretend, mighty Pavel, ACT! And I do it to hone my skills so they become ever sharper than they already are, you see. Now, I cannot say I was not mad at all, but, I did realize there is naught I can say or do that will change the situation among these people. So, with that in mind, I decided to try my hand at the role of 'Theoden's anger' - I just came up with that title on a whim you know." He winks, smiling proudly. "Because truthfully, these people have built their foundation upon this demon worship and that foundation will eventually crack and spell their doom. BUT, whatever, enough about them. Now, back to me," he places a hand upon the ranger's shoulder, "I... um... well... I guess that is all!" He throws up his hands in conclusion, smiling. "Thank you, mighty Pavel for your honesty. Knowing I was able to convince you of a such a performance tells me I'm doing quite splendid!"

Snorting in amusement at Theoden's subsequent response, Daeron replies, "I believe I was quite taken in by your false anger, Theoden, as evidenced by my lack of translation. I hadn't the slightest notion that you wished to be a thespian. Perhaps you should consider practicing a show with the rest of the caravan? Most Varisians I've met have had a certain proclivity for song, dance and theater. I find it likely you'll be able to rouse a crew to perform some drama or another."

"Fantastic! It is good to know that neither of you did not see any obvious flaws within my performance. I'm obviously far better than even I imagined. Which I didn't even know was possible!" He laughs a booming, perfect laugh, obviously quite pleased with himself. "And as far as performing for the caravan: that is not for me. I would need at least FIFTY TIMES that of an audience before I am to perform with anything of substance. No, good Daeron, when I take the stage it'll be in front of thousands!" He states emphatically, smiling, a faraway look suddenly coming about him as if he's already there upon stage. His face shifting from one differing look to another: sadness, happiness, anger, pain and on and on. After several moments of this, he returns to reality, "So sorry; I think I lost myself there a moment. Anyway, what were we suppose to be doing? Are we done here? I guess we can leave now, I'm truly not sure." He shrugs.

The hall has emptied, and Ameiko looks at you discussing theatre with a sheepish smile: "A great actor you are Theoden, but it sounds as though, like the greatest of them, this has almost turned into your best, but your last performance... Desna be thanked for it seems you'll have more opportunity to make a theatre of this... reality..."

She shrugs: "Tunuaq has a master. I have asked Seila to intercede with Nalvanaq so that we can speak with him before he is cast out. I know he works for someone else. It explains the writigs in his cave, his frequent visits and the nightmares I've suffered the last few weeks."

"Out there is a cousin of sorts..." she says with a distant look. "We will speak of this tonight, when Seila return. I shall call upon you."

With that, she leaves followed by Garand.

Plans until you're called later this evening?

Daeron prepares to answer Theoden's staccato questions, lips quirking into a smile, but cuts off when Ameiko joins the conversation. Listening to the expedition's leader, Daeron responds, "Though I doubt it needs saying, we should take Tunuaq's words with a grain of salt. He's proven himself an able liar. Do you have any further information about this other Amatatsu? Perhaps my research can reveal something over the next few hours."

"Sounds good to me...," he glances around before looking back to her, "'Mike'." He taps himself on the nose, winking. He then ponders that a moment, "Wait a minute, are we still calling you that?" he asks, curious.

No plans here. Just kick back, relax, and wait to roll out of this popsicle joint. :)

When Akulayok sees the house empty, he joins the others. He stands near Daeron. He is grim and silent. I should kill Tunuaq for what he has done, then he will answer in the spirit realm to the dead. Letting one such as he leave will lead to more evil. He will turn his hate and whatever evil spirits talk to him against us. I will wait and see what is decided, then hunt him when he is sent away.

Daeron prepares to answer Theoden's staccato questions, lips quirking into a smile, but cuts off when Ameiko joins the conversation. Listening to the expedition's leader, Daeron responds, "Though I doubt it needs saying, we should take Tunuaq's words with a grain of salt. He's proven himself an able liar. Do you have any further information about this other Amatatsu? Perhaps my research can reveal something over the next few hours."

"I will speak of this later tonight Daeron." says Ameiko as she leaves the room, her mind seemingly busied by other concerns.

I'm not sure what I can do in the intervening time that would be practical. Would we have access to Tunuaq's hidden shrine now that he's being exiled? Maybe I could do one more search for clues, or signs that something else was there?

Given the length of time available, Daeron probably finds some sort of book to read for a few hours.

Later that evening, Sandru comes to get you, accompanied by Seila. You make your way to Ameiko's wagon. The air is dark and your breath is short and turns to mist quickly as the dry cold snaps at it.

Inside, a small stove is going at provides an orange warmth. Ameiko stands in front of it, arms towards the stove for warmth, a green dress of thick fabric falling loosely on her pregnant belly.

With her are Shalelu, Koya and Garand. With a heavy smile, she beckons you to sit.

"Welcome! Welcome and please make yourselves at ease..."

Once everyone is settled, she looks at Koya for a moment, and the old woman gives her back a warm smile and a nod. Ameiko takes a deep breath and starts:

"My friends, and you Seila, friend as well... How far have we traveled, after a crazy dream, and a terrible purpose! How many friends have we lost... how many have we made! The places we've seen, the tragedies we've lived..."

"Our new friends do not know the true nature of our travel, and it is time I put my trust in them, for they have shown their true nature, and I am humbled by their pure quality!"

Another deep breath: "We've learned, back in Sandpoint, that I am in fact the one true heir to the throne of Minkai, a throne that is corrupted by a regent who seeks to annihilate the imperial families and squeeze Minkai under his iron grip! I have vowed to fulfill my destiny and reclaim my throne!"

She turns to Pavel, Garand, Shalelu, Sandru and Koya, smiling: "And my friends have opted to help me for this impossible task... Others were with us, but they have left... One way or another..."

She then turns to Daeron, Theoden, Akulayok and Seila: "Now you know almost as much as we do.... Friends, would you join my cause? Would you travel to distant Minkai and fight for me? I wanted you to know before we crossed the pole. You can always say no..."

?

Sorry, my mom arrived in town and I've been busy with that. Getting something quick up.

After a few hours searching through his books, Daeron looks up at the rapping at his wagon's door. Standing, he makes his way over to the entrance and nods his greeting to Sandru. Following the man to Ameiko's wagon, Daeron can't help but begin to grow excited by the revelations to come. Who is this mysterious Amatatsu that Tunuaq knows of? Entering the wagon, he takes his seat at the given time and listens with rapt attention to Ameiko's speech. He nods along idly as Ameiko builds to the central point, the praise rolling from his as water from a duck.

As Ameiko explains her quest, Daeron nods excitedly as many things begin to grow clear. Yes, this explains a great deal. I was aware she was royalty, but now our great purpose and flight in the middle of winter grows significantly clearer. With a seated bow (as best as he can manage), Daeron replies, "I for one would be honored to pledge myself to your cause, though I have done so already, I believe. You have proven to be an honorable woman in the months I've known you and I will happily devote myself to your cause. To Minkai and wherever our efforts may take us, I am pleased to be your friend and devoted ally."

Theoden looks to Ameiko with a gleam in his eye. "You mean to tell me we are to remove an evil regent from the throne and put a stop to his murderous ways? To put an end to a tyrant who holds a country within his vile grasp? Fantastic! How could I say no to that! What a grand scale of heroism that could turn out to be! Ooooo! I can already see the play written out in its entirety as we speak. 'Twould make for grand theatre! Oh yes, Madam Ameiko, I am in for this one." He looks to them a moment, a wry smile forming. "Plus, I have NO desire to remain here or walk all the way back to Kalsgard by myself. That's far too boring." He winks.

Seila for her part looks more skeptical.

"I have long since desired to visit the homelands of my gods but..." Seila looks on. "You speak with a great deal of passion and I believe your intentions are true. But people are not so simple as you have surely seen here. Do you expect to ride on the backs of foreign horses in foreign caravans carrying foreign weapons and a foreign newborn and retake the empire after decades if not centuries of rule under another without monumental bloodshed? I don't believe you do. But, I'm not so sure you understand the magnitude of not only what you wish to accomplish, but of the suffering you will unintentionally cause. Tell me, what will you do with all the widows, orphans, and maimed believers your triumphant return creates?"

Seila looks genuinely concerned but her voice still passive.

"Then what of those who did no evil, but were only mistaken to see you as a foreign invader riding upon the name of a long lost family? Will you show mercy adn risk a lifetime of assassination or bind yourself to grim necessity and harden your heart for the executioners blade?"

Akulayok listens Ameiko's words, a grim expression upon his solemn face. He says, "This regent sounds worthy of a hunt. He is like an evil wolf leading a pack killing other packs and all the beasts he finds, leaving nothing for others to eat. He is gorged and powerful. To kill such a beast...that will test my bow like the dragon. I will come. I will hunt this regent until he is dead or I am."

Sorry, my mom arrived in town and I've been busy with that. Getting something quick up.

After a few hours searching through his books, Daeron looks up at the rapping at his wagon's door. Standing, he makes his way over to the entrance and nods his greeting to Sandru. Following the man to Ameiko's wagon, Daeron can't help but begin to grow excited by the revelations to come. Who is this mysterious Amatatsu that Tunuaq knows of? Entering the wagon, he takes his seat at the given time and listens with rapt attention to Ameiko's speech. He nods along idly as Ameiko builds to the central point, the praise rolling from his as water from a duck.

As Ameiko explains her quest, Daeron nods excitedly as many things begin to grow clear. Yes, this explains a great deal. I was aware she was royalty, but now our great purpose and flight in the middle of winter grows significantly clearer. With a seated bow (as best as he can manage), Daeron replies, "I for one would be honored to pledge myself to your cause, though I have done so already, I believe. You have proven to be an honorable woman in the months I've known you and I will happily devote myself to your cause. To Minkai and wherever our efforts may take us, I am pleased to be your friend and devoted ally."

Ameiko gives a warm smile to Daeron: "Thank you Daeron. I am honored by your pledge and will do my utmost to prove worthy of your fealty and your friendship!"

Theoden looks to Ameiko with a gleam in his eye. "You mean to tell me we are to remove an evil regent from the throne and put a stop to his murderous ways? To put an end to a tyrant who holds a country within his vile grasp? Fantastic! How could I say no to that! What a grand scale of heroism that could turn out to be! Ooooo! I can already see the play written out in its entirety as we speak. 'Twould make for grand theatre! Oh yes, Madam Ameiko, I am in for this one." He looks to them a moment, a wry smile forming. "Plus, I have NO desire to remain here or walk all the way back to Kalsgard by myself. That's far too boring." He winks.

"Ahahah! Very well Theoden. I promise it won't be boring!"

Akulayok listens Ameiko's words, a grim expression upon his solemn face. He says, "This regent sounds worthy of a hunt. He is like an evil wolf leading a pack killing other packs and all the beasts he finds, leaving nothing for others to eat. He is gorged and powerful. To kill such a beast...that will test my bow like the dragon. I will come. I will hunt this regent until he is dead or I am."

"My dear Akulayok, it is indeed a hunt of sorts, but we're also the hunted. I am confident that with you at my side, we'll turn the tables on the Jade Regent!"

Seila for her part looks more skeptical.

"I have long since desired to visit the homelands of my gods but..." Seila looks on. "You speak with a great deal of passion and I believe your intentions are true. But people are not so simple as you have surely seen here. Do you expect to ride on the backs of foreign horses in foreign caravans carrying foreign weapons and a foreign newborn and retake the empire after decades if not centuries of rule under another without monumental bloodshed? I don't believe you do. But, I'm not so sure you understand the magnitude of not only what you wish to accomplish, but of the suffering you will unintentionally cause. Tell me, what will you do with all the widows, orphans, and maimed believers your triumphant return creates?"

Seila looks genuinely concerned but her voice still passive.

"Then what of those who did no evil, but were only mistaken to see you as a foreign invader riding upon the name of a long lost family? Will you show mercy adn risk a lifetime of assassination or bind yourself to grim necessity and harden your heart for the executioners blade?"

There is a moment of silence after Seila's words, as Ameiko takes in their full measure. She beams at Seila: "Wise-Seila, you can see as well as I, how much I need your counsel, for it brings light where darkness reigns."

"If I am to be as wise as I am powerful. If destiny calls upon me beyond my imperial lineage to turn a victory into anything but a bloodbath and a nasty civil war. If I am to be not only the legitimate ruler of Minkai, but the wise one, who will bring peace and prosperity in my wake, then I need you... Will you be my counsel, Wise-Seila? Will you help me find answers to all those essential questions you have laid at my feet? I offer you that honor..."

Seila Merrilon wrote:

Seila for her part looks more skeptical.

"I have long since desired to visit the homelands of my gods but..." Seila looks on. "You speak with a great deal of passion and I believe your intentions are true. But people are not so simple as you have surely seen here. Do you expect to ride on the backs of foreign horses in foreign caravans carrying foreign weapons and a foreign newborn and retake the empire after decades if not centuries of rule under another without monumental bloodshed? I don't believe you do. But, I'm not so sure you understand the magnitude of not only what you wish to accomplish, but of the suffering you will unintentionally cause. Tell me, what will you do with all the widows, orphans, and maimed believers your triumphant return creates?"

Seila looks genuinely concerned but her voice still passive.

"Then what of those who did no evil, but were only mistaken to see you as a foreign invader riding upon the name of a long lost family? Will you show mercy adn risk a lifetime of assassination or bind yourself to grim necessity and harden your heart for the executioners blade?"

There is a moment of silence after Seila's words, as Ameiko takes in their full measure. She beams at Seila: "Wise-Seila, you can see as well as I, how much I need your counsel, for it brings light where darkness reigns."

"If I am to be as wise as I am powerful. If destiny calls upon me beyond my imperial lineage to turn a victory into anything but a bloodbath and a nasty civil war. If I am to be not only the legitimate ruler of Minkai, but the wise one, who will bring peace and prosperity in my wake, then I need you... Will you be my counsel, Wise-Seila? Will you help me find answers to all those essential questions you have laid at my feet? I offer you that honor..."

Seila looks skeptical and it's obvious on her face that she notes the dodging of the questions. "As I said. I have longed wished to see the homelands of my god. So I will travel with you at least for a time. On another matter Nalvanaq has given leave for you to speak with Tunuaq before his exile so long as I am present."

"Great! I wish to know more about this name he wrote on the wall: Katyiana Amatatsu. Can it be that I have a relative? My father sometimes would sing songs to me and my brother Tsuto. One of them was On the way. On the waaay. Of Aganheeeei!" she sings a few notes, her eyes drifting to stare at a distant past.

"Now I know that Aganhei is one of my ancestor. The first to find a passage across the Boreal Expanse and open trade between Tian Xia and Avistan. The song tells of a forbidden love. The song ends with the men walking into a storm, torn by an impossible love..."

She turns to you: "Maybe there is some truth to the song?"

Sandru asks: "But Ameiko, that would be hundreds of years ago! Who... What! would have survived that long?"

Akulayok says, "An elf would. Elves live very long lives. Maybe you have an elven ancestor."

"Muh'maybe she's a duh'duh'des..."
"Descendent.", corrects the elaborate sword's voice from Pavel's hip.
The ranger sighs, takes a deep breath.
"Maybe she's a descendent of your ancestor and some suh... sort... of wind spirit. Would make a bit of sense for Tun... Tunuaq to have a shrine set up for her that way."

Sandru asks: "But Ameiko, that would be hundreds of years ago! Who... What! would have survived that long?"

"Many many things are capable of surviving that long. Some of them human...once. Though a descendant is equally likely."

"It strikes me that whatever form this long lost Amatatsu takes, it is something that Tunuaq could grow to venerate. Did you notice how when I read aloud the poem, he grew embarrassed, as if I'd discovered a love poem or something to that effect. I dare say that doesn't really narrow anything down. Still, this is interesting. That the song mentions some 'impossible love' seems to suggest that a line of inquiry pursuing that aspect may bear fruits with Tunuaq." Daeron muses aloud as he runs over what the rest of the group has been saying.

"Hmmm... Ameiko, now that I think of it, that storm that has been blocking the Aganhei Path... Didn't the Erutaki mentioned it went south some months before our arrival? Perhaps something else became aware of us, of you when we opened the seal?"

"Let's go and ask him then!" says Ameiko with determination.

What do you do just before you see Tunuaq? Any preparation?

"A few of us should stay here. From what I can tell, some folks didn't like us ousting their shaman. Better stay to keep an eye on the caravan... Shalelu? Koya? Garand? Would you stay?"

Seila guides you through the narrow streets of Iqaluit. Night has fallen and the air is dark and snapping cold; a taste of the harsh months to come.

You are brought to a small house at the back of the village. A dozen villagers are gathered there, having a tense conversation with the guards. They grow silent as you approach, but they let you pass through them, grudgingly, their demeanour filled with defiance.

Inside is a large room with six guards gathered. In the center is a metal grid on the floor. The guards unlock it and lift it, dropping a ladder inside.

One by one you climb down. On a stool in a corner sits Tunuaq, old and crouched, shivering slightly. He smiles feebly as you come in: "What a welcome surprise. Please! Make yourselves at ease!" he says with sarcasm. "Ameiko, so good of you to come!"

Ameiko stares at Tunuaq, remaining silent and regal, despite the miserable decor. With a nod, she indicates she prefers you conduct the interview for now.

Nodding his agreement with Sandru's idea distractedly, Daeron follows Seila to the designated house. A controllable storm? Could this have to do with the monoliths, perhaps? They were said to grow in the same time frame. As he descends into the darkness, Daeron can't help but feel a little remorse that as old a man as Tunuaq was living in such conditions. An insidious thought, that, given his crimes.

Fiddling idly with his top as it sits in his pocket, Daeron snorts at Tunuaq's show of bravado. He seems oddly at east, though I suppose there's little enough left to him. Noting Ameiko's nod, and his companions contemplative silence, Daeron inquires, "So tell us, Tunuaq, what we should make of the poem's in the your hidden sanctuary? You were embarrassed, as I recall, when I inquired about them before. Why? Could it have something to do with the woman you mentioned in them?"

Indirect seems like a reasonable approach for now.

Akulayok will watch Tunuaq carefully attempting to discern untruths while the others question him.

Sense Motive1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29/Sense Motive1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Tunuaq snorts at Daeron: "You couldn't understand. She is the wind riding High Ice, freezing exposed flesh in seconds, turning it black. And she is the sun in the sky, only showing for a few moments above the horizon, but filling your heart with joy and warmth, replenishing your soul."

He gets up painfully.

"You may meet her and understand what I mean. She's told me you are invited to her domain, when spring comes and you can travel. She says she needs to speak with the other Amatatsu..."

He walks around the room: "How lucky you are to be granted such a favour. You will see what I mean, and your heart will fall for her..."

"What is she?" Seila asks pointedly.

"She is my mistress, and soon she'll be yours. She is the cold boreal wind. I have been close to her since my youth. She doesn't age."

"Hmph. And whuh'where will we be going for this auspicious meeting?"

Akulayok leans over and whispers to Daeron in Elvish,

"Her domain is north of here. Close to the edge of the world. She's told me the storm will not let you go anywhere else" he says with a grin.

Nodding his acknowledgement of Akulayok's warning, Daeron carefully watches Tunuaq for signs of treachery as he asks, "You speak in riddles as much as you make any semblance of sense. How did you come to know of your mistress? When did you learn of her?"

"When I first joined the hunters, we travelled on the High Ice for a few days. I was young and it felt like a dream to me. Our hunt was favored by the spirits, until the weather turned and we got lost. Cold got to us. One by one we were claimed. Then our friends rose back to hunt us!! My elders cared for me, protected me, and I alone survived... That's when she came and saved me. Showed me the true power of spirits. The Icy Path!"