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

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

"So let me translate this: she puh'picked everybody else off with th' cold, sent their dead bodies after you and since you survived she tuh'took you under her wing, right? And ever since you've been her little errand boy, killin' off your own people at her whim? Do I have that right?", Pavel says, as tactful as ever.

Tunuaq's colour changes as he takes in Pavel's words: "You don't understand... She is like the winter: unavoidable. The village is better off moving south! This will soon belong to Sithhud! And I'll be ruling alongside him, and Her..."

Chime in to let me know if you have other questions. If not, I'll move things along.

Pavel sneers.
"There's better ways to get your people to luh'listen to you than plotting to have 'em killed, idiot. But I guess being shuh... shaman... wasn't enough, was it? You wanted more. Who's this Sithhud, then? Someone else whose boots you're luh'lickin'? Someone else to write in on my s#%% list?"

"Sithhud rules over these lands! He's the Cold Demon that blows your skin black! And don't worry, Katyiana will make sure she gets to speak with you. The Morozkos won't let you go anywhere elese, unless you think you can defeat a STORM! Ahahah!"

He turns to Ameiko: "She knows a lot about you. I wouldn't be surprised if she's listening in on us right know..." He loks up and grin. "Say hi to your cousin Amatatsu!"

Grimacing at Tunuaq's fanaticism and glancing at each of his companions in turn, Daeron asks, "Surely you're simply being hyperbolic about your master's powers. No mortal being could have the power to control the storms unaided."

Tunuaq just looks at Daeron, shutting up, perhaps realizing he's told too much.

Ameiko breaks the silence by making for the ladder: "I've heard enough. Let's get through the winter and go meet my cousin..."

The next morning, Tunuaq is led out of the village, with twenty villagers having decided to accompany him. Without a word, they set out, grim-faced.

Later you'll realize that many many more would have left if you hadn't controlled the interrogation and shown him for what he really was...

The months pass. Darkness grows ever longer; Ameiko's belly ever bigger...

Down time! Let me know what you're working on during the next three months.

Seila takes the time to ensure that the village gets accustomed adn settled with their new shaman giving him a crash course in their ways and expectations of him.

Theoden spends his time practicing his theater(which takes very little time considering his fine acting prowess), making sure his armor is shined, weapon sharpened, items within his pack orderly, his beard neatly trimmed, his hair perfectly wavy, his demeanor set for all occasions and his teeth... shiny.

Pavel, Akulayok and Daeron?

Akulayok passes his time training with his bow, learning Elven lore from Daeron, and hunting.

Tunuaq's interview.

Raising an eyebrow as Tunuaq clams up, Daeron climbs the ladder behind his friends, mind turning over and over on what he'd learn.

The months ahead.
As the long dark months set in, Daeron focuses his efforts on researching whatever he can of weather control in his non-inconsiderable personal library. In between his marathon sessions, Daeron happily recounts tails of distant Kyonin and pleasant days learning alongside his grandfather.

In what little other free time he has, Daeron focuses on replenishes his supply of scrolls.

Precise details pending on which scrolls as it's late here. Got back late from work.

Pavel works on learning the vagaries of the katana from his sword, practicing his Tien and tending to the caravan's horses.

Between Ogre, his ill-tempered horse, and Kazuko no Hogo, his formal (and condescending) sword, Pavel looks pretty well vexed throughout the winter.

The following months are maddening. For the most part, it's dark for close to 22 hours a day. Thankfully, the cave the village is in faces south, and you all gather to see the sun shily creep up on the horizon and stay there for minutes.

After a few weeks, it gets to you.

Then there is the cold, the bone cutting cold. Every movement, every walk outside, is an act of will and is generally met with long minutes of shivering before you get your warmth back. You don't know how the Erutaki do it, for they do not receive the blessing of the Amatatsu sword. One thing is certain though, Seila, Garand and Koya are busy tending to the people.

Finally, there is the smoke. In the worst months, Erutaki live in the smallest places possible, in order to save fuel and warmth. The little stoves they use produce a lot of smoke. You're coughing often, with black soot coming out of your nose, and your eyes are demon red.

But one night, you're summoned and in a hush, congregate towards Nalvanaq's room. The chief has offered Ameiko to stay there for her delivery. As you approach, you hear, clear like the cold air, bouncing like a small stream in the spring, a baby's first cry piercing the darkness, piercing the cold and banishing the gloom that had accumulated in your hearts.

Sitting on a bed covered with what looks like six feet of thick pelts, Ameiko craddles in her arms a small bundle of flesh. Naturally, you wonder at the fact that you all once were as small as it, easily fitting in one hand, and so vulnerable!

Ameiko smiles, visibly exhausted: "Meet Izumi!"

I'll give some time if you want to post your reactions.
Immediately, you all lose your will and start making baby sound, as though you were hit by some wizard's debilitating spell...

Akulayok grunts to Daeron in Elvish, "Baby born hunted. Only way to save baby is kill those that hunt it and its mother. Our eyes must be better than theirs."

Pavel kneels to get a good look at the kid. He nods.
"Got his fuh'father's eyes. May Ph'Pharasma watch over 'im, and when she's not we will. Welcome aboard kid."

Who's to know that I didn't actually cast Feeblemind. :) Getting a post up as work this week kicked my ass. Sorry for the delays.

Chuckling, Daeron responds to Akulayok in Elvish, "That sounds reasonable. Though I'm of the opinion that Ameiko is formidable enough to scare off all but the most persistent of attackers."

Turning his attention back to the child, Daeron's semi-serious expression breaks down and he's overcome with a giddy grin. "Truly Ameiko, he's a delight. Congratulations and good fortune on you and your son. I look forward to seeing him grow into a man worthy of great respect."