Whispering Shrike: Whispering Shrike is a +1 wakizashi of incredibly beautiful design. The sword is etched with images of even shrikes perched on a coiling branch that runs the length of the blade. Once per day, Whispering Shrike can be used to cast shield other on any creature touched by the blade while you wield it. The blade’s tsuka (hilt) has not weathered the passage of time as well as the blade itself, and until the pommel is repaired (a process requiring 600 gp, a day’s work, and a DC 20 Craft [weapons] check), attacks with the weapon take a –2 penalty due to the loose grip. A DC 20 Perception check (an automatic success once repair is underway) reveals a secret compartment
in the hilt just large enough to hold a small item such as a flask
or rolled piece of paper.
Knowledge Checks from the Note:
Rin had never heard of Brinewall, and she had even less of an idea who this Kortun might be. But Rokuro Kaijitsu and Tsutamu were names she had heard and read many times. Rokuro was her grandfather. Rin had never met Rokuro, he having died years before she was even born. And though she knew of him, their father, Lonjiku, had always been reluctant to talk about Rokuro. Something had caused a rift between them before Rokuro's death, though Rin could only guess at what. Tsutamu Rin was more familiar with. Lonjiku had spoken fondly of the bodyguard's devotion, honor, and skill at combat.
It seemed so odd to compare the stories her father had told to her battle with the undead warrior. What had caused her clan to rise as undead? Had death soaked into the land, corrupting it and thus them? Or had their devotion allowed them to continue their duty even after death? Whatever the reason, they were at rest now. Rin took solace in that, and that she had been there to bring them rest.
Finally pulling herself away from her thoughts, the Red Oni leaned forward. "Do you know what enemies and secrets your grandfather is referring to?" she asked Ameiko.
Kage Kurai slips behind Mitsuru and quietly says "I can help with that next time." Then he leans past the others and rereads the note.
"You know, whatever it was destroyed the Brinewall colony, it must've been just days after this letter was written. I think this "Kortun" it mentions was the last commander of the fort, Andril Kortun."
"If the scourge that wiped out that colony and this letter are connected, something very dangerous lies ahead. However, it has been quite some time with nothing new arising from it which makes me curious of what you know Ameiko?" he adds to the conversation.
Ameiko nods, "Yes, it does sound very dangerous. Might I read this letter you found?"
"By all means," Mitsuru says, gesturing toward the spot on the table where the Red Oni had placed the scroll.
Ameiko reads the note gravely, then responds, "We mist learn more. . . a family legacy like this. . . I wonder what is in the warding box it mentions?"
She then turns dark for a moment, before muttering "We will talk tomorrow-- meet back here in the morning."
The following day, when you returns, Ameiko is accompanied by three more figures-- Sandru Viski, Koya Mvashti, and Shalelu Andosana.
Ameiko looks at you before beginning, "Thank you for joining me. I cannot express my gratitude for finding this information about my family which you recovered in the swamp, but I am afraid I cannot allow the information to go uninvestigated. To that end, I am leaving for Brinewall. My friends here will join me-- Sandru is an experienced caravan master, and we will be setting out in a week's time for Brinewall. I'd like you, who have started this mystery, to accompany us on the way-- if you are willing."
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The Red Oni left quickly after exchanging congratulations and thanks with the others. Like her sister, the day's revelations weighed heavily on Rin's mind. Despite the day's exertions, the young women still laid awake. Unable to still her mind, questions and thoughts of adventure and mysteries filled her head. Her dreams as well, when sleep finally did come.
I'd like you, who have started this mystery, to accompany us on the way-- if you are willing."
A flood of emotions rushed through Rin at her sister's words. Excitement about the coming adventure, satisfaction at being right about her sister's intentions, anger that Rin was to be left behind again, and pure exhilaration that her plan had worked better than her wildest dreams.
"I'd love to!" Rin practically shouted as she pulled her mask off. A triumphant smile wide across her face. "You didn't think I'd let you go off without me again did you?" Rin's voice dripped with the defiant pride that younger siblings had used to annoy older siblings for eons.
Even demasked and using her real voice, Rin still didn't quite seem like herself. Though she obviously had the same face, her body language and demeanor were completely different than the young woman who had served them drinks in the tavern. It showed just how much effort Rin had placed into deceiving her sister, if all the theatrics had not.
Emili grins and slaps Sandru on the shoulder before having to duck to avoid the flying mask. "Good to see you've finally gotten some sense into that thick skull of yours," he teases. "Told you you wouldn't be leaving town again without me after last time when you came back missing half your blood."
Mitsuru's confident demeanor hitches for a moment upon seeing Shalelu, and it scarcely registers at first when Ameiko lays out her plan. Eventually, Mitsuru's brain catches up with her ears. Her eyes widen.
"Brinewall is a long way to travel, Ameiko, are you sure--" but she's cut off by Rin's sudden revelatory stunt. Her eyes widen even further. It probably would have gotten out anyway, she thinks. Still, I liked knowing a secret.
Talios lights up when Koya has joined the group. He embraces her with a warm hug and listens to Ameiko. However, at the mention of leaving his face does begin to show apprehension.
My memories are from the world over and there are others that need my help...but what of the people here.
His smile contorts and shifts as he works through the idea in his mind. As others begin to speak up and Rin reveals herself, he to gives a vigorous nod.
"Well, we should have at least quieted the swamp for the time being. The city guard should be able to keep the roads safe and if Miss Koya is going then I shall as well."
"Yes, it will be a perilous and long journey Mitsuru, nevertheless, I feel we must go." turning to Kage, the only of your group who hadn't responsed Ameiko adds, "And will you accompany me as well?"
After Kage's response, she mentions, "We will need some time to prepare- several days to gather supplies and learn our roles on the caravan itself- like a ship but on land, we must decide how we can best function on the caravan."
Sandru speaks now, the handsome middle aged man smiling broadly as he does, "We have three wagons to start our caravan with, and besides you lot joining us, six caravan members." he points to a chest on the counter you'd almost over looked before, "Two thousand gold pieces- you'll need to buy what else we need to get started with this."
Kage's shadowed hood nods. "A dangerous trip, by the look of it. You'll need all the help you can get."
The door to the Rusty Dragon Inn blows open, as a raven-headed warrior in a wolfhide cloak steps into the common room, sharp black eyes survey the room's other occupants as the newcomer makes his way over to an empty seat at the bar. Pulling a seat, the tengu lays a laden backpack and sheathed sword--the hilt wrapped in dragonhide and wire--to the ground as his feet.
"Spiced mead, if you have it," he asks the serving girl, his voice soft and almost melodic. Lacing his fingers together, Jiro waits patiently for a sign from Shizuru.
Mitsuru's attention is pulled from the caravan planning to the tengu newcomer. Such an entrance! She looks to Rin and Ameiko, an eyebrow raised.
"All the help we can get, indeed, Kage." Talios says peering over at the newcomer at the bar.
He looks at the chest longingly but quickly remembers he is used to hunting along near the roads, not travelling them.
"I may prove a better passenger than a leader for this part of the journey, I will defer to those more versed in this style of travel. Yet, we might have room for another impressive looking visitor." he smiles looking to the others.
"Spiced mead, if you have it," he asks the serving girl, his voice soft and almost melodic. Lacing his fingers together, Jiro waits patiently for a sign from Shizuru.
"Coming right up!" Rin responded cheerfully. The young woman was in a good moon, excited and happy for the coming adventure. Placing a kettle on the fire, Rin put together a small plate of fruit while the mead warmed, humming while she worked.
Once ready, Rin brought their new guest the drink and food with a smile. "Enjoy!" The newcomer was a strange sort even for the tavern, which saw it's share of sorts. Rin had never seen his kind in person, but she instantly recognized him as a tengu. The bird-like people's skill with swords were renowned in Tian. Many heroic and villainous tengu swordsman were featured in her favorite adventure stories. It gave her no small amount of delight to see katana the visitor had sat down.
"We've never gotten a Tengu around here before, what brings you to Sandpoint?"
Jiro takes a long draught of his mead before setting it down. He regards the young woman before him seriously. "A longship," he says solemnly. "As for why: the Empress of Heaven sent me. Something momentous is stirring, for good or ill, and She has brought me here that Her will be done."
He takes another drink as one taloned foot nonchalantly pulls his pack closer--he'd noticed Rin eyeing his sword. "I saw many wagons being prepared for a journey. Will they be headed north? Or south?"
Rin laughed at the Tengu's joke. "The Empress of Heaven?...Oh! You're a cleric of Shizuru? Well she has good timing, but then I suppose a god would. We just found out about an old and dangerous Kaijitsu family secret in Brinewall, which is to the North." Rin paused for a moment as she considered whether she should have revealed that to a stranger. However she quickly thought better of it, after all half of Sandpoint knew of the events at this point, and the other half wouldn't be far behind.
"I'm Rin Kaijitsu by the way, what is your name?"
Kage's hood turns in Rin's direction. If she could se his face, she would see a disapproving look. She should not have said so much to this stranger. he thinks to himself.
Jiro blinks in surprise. "It must not be very secret," he offers, wondering if this strange young woman was joking. Empress--your signs are rarely so...blunt. If you are throwing me a bone I am grateful. He turns and studies the hooded figure a moment, then turns back to Rin.
"I am called Jiro Fire-Raven, of the Heru roost in Kalsgard. You said my timing is good--are you in need of a priest? Why is your family poking at an old and dangerous secret in Brinewall? For that matter, what is Brinewall?"
"There is something to be said for being honest with a stranger, he isn't even getting the Red Oni treatment." Talios watches with amusement at Rin wrangling in another to her missions.
Jiro blinks in surprise. "It must not be very secret," he offers, wondering if this strange young woman was joking. Empress--your signs are rarely so...blunt. If you are throwing me a bone I am grateful. He turns and studies the hooded figure a moment, then turns back to Rin.
"I am called Jiro Fire-Raven, of the Heru roost in Kalsgard. You said my timing is good--are you in need of a priest? Why is your family poking at an old and dangerous secret in Brinewall? For that matter, what is Brinewall?"
"Well, nothing in a small town is. And, I can't imagine anyone ever not needing a priest. We would be honored to have you join." Rin said with a slight bow. "As for Brinewall, I'm not really sure. Just that it's an old colony that was destroyed. And who wouldn't want to go on an adventure to solve an old family mystery? I guess even your goddess agreed."
Mitsuru nearly chokes on her tea in response, but can't help but grin at the exchange.
The following day, provisioned out for your travel you depart.
And almost immediately after departing, a light rain starts, which the winds pick up and then it lets loose into a full fledged downpour!
With everyone's aid, you manage to keep the caravan moving despite the influence of the pouring rain- miserable, but successful!
The day after the rain, as you continue through the sloppy path. . .
You notice a curve in the path ahead where a set of goblins are trying to start an ambush!
Round 1
Turn order:
1. Mitsuru
2. Goblins
3. Kage
4. Emili
5. Talios
6. Rin
7. Jiro
Travels
Rin's excitement and energy continued as the caravan set out. Though she had reveled her true identity, Rin clearly had no intentions of abandoning the Red Oni persona. The young woman clearly delighted in wearing the mask and wig, but also seemed to enjoy the convenience of being able to take them off around others.
While travel was initially easy going, a storm descended on them like an omen from a tale. Rin did her best to help, but her training hadn't included much caravan work. Thankfully that was not true for others in their party. Though the going was miserable, the group lost little time in their travels. Thankfully Rin's training included an abundance of kitchen work, and she whipped up a stew to help warm up the soaked traveling party.
----
With a steady rain making for miserable going, Mitsuru decided now was a good time to unpack the game she had brought along for their travels. She tries to rope in anyone who seems interested and spends much of the game telling outrageous stories of her time in Magnimar.
Up to four people can play a game of imperial conquest, which generally takes 1–2 hours (4d20+20 minutes). At the end of an uninterrupted game, each player attempts a DC 20 Intelligence check, with success granting tactical insights. For the next 8 hours, any character who succeeded at the Intelligence check gains a +1 bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity; when two players who succeeded at the Intelligence check flank the same enemy during this time, the bonus on attack rolls from flanking increases by 1.
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"Stop the wagons!" Mitsuru shouts, realizing the trap they're about to stumble into. Leaping from her own wagon, she climbs the embankment with her rapier drawn. At the top, she flings out a magical glob of acid with her free hand at the nearest ambusher.
Talios enjoys his time hinting food for the caravan, fanning out in to the nearby brush. With his keen eyes spotting wildlife trails within the trees is easy enough, as is bringing back a few unfortunate hares.
"Little ones will fill our stomachs and help us grow closer over food. Thank you." he says quietly to himself, then drops of rains start to spatter till they reach a downpour.
In the inclement weather he pulls in closer to the caravan in case of trouble, the rain itself not bothering him too much. When he takes some time to dry off he joins Mitsuru in learning her new game of tactics.
"This may not be my game. You are doing quite well though." he commends her.
---
He nods at the call to arms.
"Better to handle the problem now. For our sakes and those that travel this area."
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Following Rin out to the caravan with no one objecting to his presence, Jiro shrugs and tucks his backpack into the nearest wagon. He studies the faces and voices of everyone in the caravan to the greatest degree possible, especially the Kaijitsu siblings. When Mitsuru starts wheedling for other players the tengu quietly joins in.
"Better luck next time, Talios" the tengu chortles after making an illegal move that also puts him in a worse position than before.
Round 1
Mitusuru moves out and drops the nearest goblin with her acid splash.
Two goblins advance towards Mitsuru and fire at her:
The other four fire at Rin, the first target they see in the front wagon:
Both miss Mitsuru, but three arrows pierce Rin as the goblins fire down at her!
Round 1
Turn order:
1. Mitsuru
2. Goblins
3. Kage
4. Emili
5. Talios
6. Rin
7. Jiro
Status:
Rin 11/17
It took Rin only a moment to put her mask on, but that was enough time for 3 arrows to strike her. Thankfully the arrows were mostly caught by her armor. Mostly being the key word, as she could feel the tip of one stabbing into her rib. With a quick tug Rin pulled the arrows free then ran forward in a surprising burst of speed. Overtaking Mitsuru, Rin drew her blades and slashed low at one of the goblins.
Emili hands the reins to his co-pilot and jumps down from the wagon, whip already in his hand. "Oi, save some for the rest of us!" he yells cheekily to Mitsuru as he closes the distance. "Apparently they didn't get enough last time!"
Rising to his feet on the wagon bench, Jiro points dramatically at the cluster of goblins.
"Friends and fellow travelers," the tengu booms in a thunderous barritone. "The road beneath your feet is leading you to a grand destiny--and it does not include these villains! Sweep them aside into the dust of history, there to be forgotten!"
"It is a good thing we confronted them, a band this large could seriously hurt those less prepared."
Talios hops down from the wagon and draws his before casting a spell.
"Erastil protects the communities and the roads, by his wrath I will remove the threat you pose." he calls out.
Mitsuru moves up to help Rin gang up on one of the goblins, though her aim is thrown when she slips in the mud.
Kage hops off the wagon and dashes forward.
Round 1
Kage double moves.
Emili double moves.
Talios casts gravity bow and moves.
Appearing as though out of nowhere, the Red Oni swoops in, wounding a goblin! Your companion Rin must be taking cover inside the wagons!
Jiro begins inspiring courage!
Round 2
Mitsuru misses.
The wounded goblin withdraws, while the others continue attacking with their bows.
At the Red Oni:
miss!
At Kage:
hit!
At Emili:
miss!
At Talios:
miss!
While the one fighting Mitsuru drops his bow and tries to strike with a long, rusty knife:
miss!
Turn order:
1. Mitsuru
2. Goblins
3. Kage
4. Emili
5. Talios
6. Rin
7. Jiro
Status:
Rin 11/17
Kage: 13/14
Red: -5
With her target fleeing, Rin moved to flank the goblin attacking Mitsuru. Twisting around the creature and bringing her blade across its back.
Emili bounds past the Red Oni and her dance partner, turning back at the last second to crack his whip and try to grab the goblin's leg. "Don't mind me," he quips with a wink at the two adventurers. "Just passing through, nothing to see here."
Talios begins to pepper the next goblin in the group with a flurry of arrows.
Kage trots forward, waving his hands and muttering as he goes. After a few steps, he releases a blob of acid at the goblin.
Round 2
Kage misses.
Emili steps up and trips a goblin.
Talios two arrows drop another goblin, and the Red Oni swiftly decapitates the one she faced.
Turn order:
1. Mitsuru
2. Goblins
3. Kage
4. Emili
5. Talios
6. Rin
7. Jiro
Status:
Rin 11/17
Kage: 13/14
Red: -5
Green: prone
Mitsuru runs up past Rin, returns Emili's wink with one of her own, and thrusts her rapier down through the prone goblin.
Hopping off the wagon, Jiro gestures towards the goblins with his sheathed sword, exhorting these new allies to greater deeds of righteous wrath.
"Do not let these wretched bandits delay our cause! Strike them down and send them running--put the fear of the Empress' fury in them!"
Round 2
Jiro continues inspiring courage and moves in closer.
Round 3
Mitsuru easily stabs the prone goblin, severely wounding him.
The bow using goblins fire--
at Talios:
at Red Oni:
The prone goblin draws its blade and tries to stab Mitsuru from the ground:
All miss!
Turn order:
1. Mitsuru
2. Goblins
3. Kage
4. Emili
5. Talios
6. Rin
7. Jiro
Status:
Rin 11/17
Kage: 13/14
Red: -5
Green: -4, prone