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Onna nods in recognition of 'Ragi's advice. So insightful. Have to remember to never play poker with her. Well, not for coin anyway. Clothing may be a different matter.
The bard looks around the room and settles her gaze on Lake at Dawn. She settles in beside her. "I have heard that you are a peace keeper between all these factions. That can't always be easy. I was wondering if you could provide some insight as to how you go about that. Do you try and get different sides to focus on what they have in common, or do you have more success trying them to develop a common goal? I am wondering what it would take to make peace here, between The Pathfinders and Shoanti." Onna takes a sip of wine before 'toasting' toward Lake at Dawn. "In either case, to definitely have earned a reputation as someone who gets things done. Any insights you could offer would be most welcome."
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Ikari approaches Payah Against the Wind. He has his steel about him again, and just to emphasis this he takes his whetstone and sharpens the points of his spear.
"You have us mistaken. A kitsune is never unarmed. You were looking at my blades on the floor when you should have had your eye on my fangs, for if I had willed it so they would have been at your neck.
Many are the weapons at my disposal, Payah Against the Wind. Steel, fang, magic. And strongest of all," Ikari gestures towards his fellow kitsune "family."
"You are a war leader. Your fighters are a family too, are they not? You would give your blood for them, and they would do the same for you. So it is with us. And now, we propose to give our blood if it is necessary, to cleanse your sacred site. Be in no doubt, whatever stands in our way will fall before us."
Ikari makes a plea to Payah as a fellow warrior.
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Itami grabs a drink and watches the room. One of them didn't bother to say anything, they watched and listened instead... I'd wager that's Togimal, their expert hunter. If not, I suppose I can't make myself out as more of a fool than Kemchet. He makes his way around the edge of the room as a way of "circling his prey" before finally approaching him from the side.
"There was a time in my life when I was a hunter as well," he begins, then takes a drink from his cup. "The silent stalking. Luring prey into the perfect snare. The execution. It was quite the experience. I had never felt so alive, knowing my work was for the improvement of my community," he admits. "I grew out of it, eventually, a crisis of faith, if you will. But I'm certain there are techniques and strategies for stalking we could exchange, no?"
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Onna moves over to Lake at Dawn, who hasn't moved from his position yet.
Lake at Dawn is portly and of medium height. He is clad in a cloth tunic and cloth shorts, and he is wearing handwraps. Unlike most Shoanti, he wears his hair long, tied up in a bun when needed. He normally has a calm and neutral expression, and his brows furrow when he is deep in thought.
He replies with a smile, "Oh it's always easier to work towards a common goal, but this isn't one of those times. I don't know if there is a way to make peace though, but you all are certainly on the right track." He bows and heads off to try some fresh dates.
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The angry Itami swallows his pride and tries his best to smooth talk Payah Agaist the Wind... by boasting strongly of his martial prowess.
Payah Against the Wind is toned and athletic. She is blind in one eye, with a scar crossing over it from her forehead down her cheek. She has incorporated the scar into her facial tattoo design, which is the rune of the Wind Soul, Cilvat. She is wearing a hide vest with a skin-tight, long-sleeved hemp shirt beneath and cloth shorts. Against the Wind fights using a greatsword, which she nearly always carries and often idly plays with. She is currently using it to slice off slivers of some sort of roast beast and gulping them down.
She snorts at the fox's attempt, "Words, just more words. Is that all you foxes have?"
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Itami sneaks up behind Togimal in Shadow, hoping to impress them with his skills by catching them by surprise.
Togimal In Shadow is of slim build and wears a simple cloth hood and cloak, a tight-fitting leather vest, and loose pants. They carry a longbow on their back, with a quiver containing myriad types of arrows. In Shadow has a tattoo depicting a stylized version of the Owl constellation, although it is rarely visible due to their cloak. They generally avert their eyes when they notice they catch someone’s gaze.
They seem a bit surprised when Itami pops up behind them and this definitely causes some unease. Seemingly briefly interested in the discussion about hunting but then disappointed when Itami says he grew out of it. They excuse themselves to get a drink and quickly finds some other dark corner to lurk in, watching everyone closer so they don't get ambushed again.
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Toshiko goes from standing stock still to a full sprint in 3 strides. Moving across the room she grabs a knife off a table and runs straight as a wall. Her legs pump as she goes from running on teh floor to running up the wall. Pushing hard with her legs she flips in teh air and tosses the knife to land at teh feet of Payah Against the Wind.
We have skill.
Toshiko puts on an excellent display of acrobatic control and skill, showing off her dexterous and confident side. But Payah Against the Wind just doesn't seem quite sold on anything right now. Maybe she ate a bad shrimp?
The poor band of foxes tried their gut feelings in the initial foray, with only two successes to show for it. Now, how shall they recover?
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Onna nods at Lake at Dawn's assessment. "Of course you are right. There can be no peace without trust. The bond between our two peoples has been harmed. I hope that we will be allowed to demonstrate our earnestness to repair the damage done to that trust." Onna watches her teammates fail in varying degrees of spectularity. She then smiles at Lake. "You have to admit, we are trying really hard. Surely that should make clear the importance of what this relationship means to us. I hope this begins to show our desire to teach the trust that has been damaged."
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Didn't even bother to ask why. Closed-mindedness does seem to be an unfortunate trait among the Shoanti, although I suppose it is one that is shared among just about every culture. Especially understandable when the other has broken the other's toys. Shame. Itami sighs softly before finding another target. The Memory Tender surely must seek the restoration of the sepulcher.
"Of the council-members, Memory Tender, I imagine that one who values history and cultural traditions, such as you, would be eager to have the area mended?" he asks. "There is much to learn from other cultures, an opportunity to heal the relationship between the Shoanti and the Pathfinder Society would give both parties the chance to create such a mutually beneficial relationship, no?"
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Hiiragi just can't quite figure anything out about the very mysterious Payah Against the Wind, maybe the fates are just pushing the group away from worrying about her?
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This theory seems to be supported as Lake at Dawn releases a loud guffaw at a small joke Onna just made. He gives her big smiles and it seems those two are starting to form a strong bond already.
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And then another positive sign presents itself when Itami approaches Memory Tender.
Memory Tender is stout and strong. She wears a sleeveless cloth shirt and a long animal-hide skirt, and she has a satchel worn with a strap over her shoulder. One of her arms is heavily tattooed from her shoulder to her elbow, featuring scenes of skeletal animals. She tends to speak somewhat enigmatically and can seem as if her mind is elsewhere at times. Her spirit animal is a vulture with black feathers. The vulture perches on a ledge nearby during the council meeting, watching for trouble.
She taps a single clawlike finger on her chin, "That is a good reason to allow you to help fix this. You make a good argument, old man."
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Ikari is sorely tempted to swipe Payah's meat from under her nose but instead he watches her and mimics her - using his spear where she uses a greatsword. Ikari skewers joints of meat on the various points of his weapon, all the while watching Payah's expression and the way she plays with hers.
"Daikitsu show me the path" he says as he watches and tries to understand the surly Shoanti.
Ikari takes a deep breath and just... watches and listens. Watches Payah Against the Wind interact with everyone around her. Her stance, her attitude, her facial tics and how she responds to comments and questions. He listens to her words and tries to narrow down an underlying theme.
Then, with a flash of (probably divine) insight, it all clicks. He finally has a good feel, though not perfect, for how she ticks.
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A bit put off for not impressing her the first time, Toshiko doubles down and tries again. Fortunately, this time she manages to at least catch the interest of Payah.
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Hiiragi watches her companions work their magic. She tries not to giggle too hard as her student puts on something of a jig-- not clumsy, exactly, but not graceful enough to look anything but forced.
She takes a glass of drink-- some sort of alcohol, most likely. She sips, and feels the muted burn. We are not beloved guests; they would not give us their best out of respect, and they do not respect our strength, so there is no need to dim it. Smart.
Still, the taste agrees with her.
She fixes her gaze a ways down the table. Memory Tender seems... pliable, perhaps. At any rate, she trusts Onna's ability to smooth over Lake at Dawn. Itami... well, he is prone to speaking his mind at tense moments, but he is calculating as well.
It's a little while before she realizes she's more trying to get a bead on the grandfather of the group than the Shoanti he has chosen as his mark.
Didn't this used to be his job?
Shaking her head at her own bias, she turns back once more:
Tomigal.
They haven't zeroed in on them yet.
What makes you tick, shadow-stalker?
Hiiragi's judgement about Ikari's dance is spot on, it just seems forced and unnatural. Not quite showing off his acrobatic skills as he hoped.
She then gets very distracted by all the things going on around her and completely forgets to pay attention to her target. Also... that drink is very nice, better have another! Maybe it'll give her the courage to mingle?
Itami continues his conversation, but notices that his target just isn't paying much attention to him. Probably distracted by watching the odd dancing pathfinders.
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He gives her big smiles and it seems those two are to form a strong bond already.
Onna literally buries her face into her hands as the Pathfinder's debacle continues to unfold. She offers a weak smile to Lake at Dawn. "Ever have one of those days?" She regains her composure before continuing, "Look, my team is obviously trying too hard. We all feel so much pressure to make things right between us. The only way to do that is with the blessing of the leadership. So, they are pushing. It's just that they are so far out of their element culturally speaking. Maybe if we had more time, or could fight along side you, then you would see the truth and loyalty in our hearts. We are people who believe deeds are more important than decrees. I just hope we can get you to see that."
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Onna really has her charm on and before the council members leave to have a brief discussion among themselves, Lake at Dawn whispers that she has earned his vote.
But as he walks away, you all can see Kemchet Fire Stoker catching Lake at Dawn's ear and really laying into him, trying to bend him away from the pathfinders.
Toshiki continues to fail to impress anyone, unless drunken spins are now in vogue.
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The council members return to their spots after chatting things over in a private room. But now the general meet and greet is over. Cousin to All calls for an unofficial vote before any closing statements.
COUSIN TO ALL: Yes
KEMCHET FLAME STOKER: Heck No
PAYAH AGAINST THE WIND: No
LAKE AT DAWN: Yes
MEMORY TENDER: No
ROLLICKS IN WAVES: Yes
TOGIMAL IN SHADOW: No
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Cousin to All seems disappointed but raises his hands as the murmers begin, "Alright, alright, alright, easy now. The pathfinders still have their final arguments. Listen well, sometimes an opinion can even be swayed at the last moment."
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Ikari still bristles at being made to perform for Payah Against the Wind and the gathered Shoanti, but he tries to keep in mind that his family is here because of the transgressions of another Pathfinder. He has a job to do and needs to do his part. He tries to focus, to see the Shoanti as sitting between civilisation and the wild, not unlike the organised, industrious kitsune that Ikari extols.
Focus. Do what is needed of you.
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Knowing this is their last chance, Onna decides to go for the scholar from the wind clan. I hope I can do this. Feeling like she may need some support, she catches Hiiragi's attention and nods toward Memory Tender. As she crosses the room, she tries to create a possible strategy for dealing with the man. He knows the importance of the past. It is not necessarily about individual achievement, but important events to the tribes as a whole. She sits next to historian.
"I apologize for not seeking you out sooner. Lake at Dawn had some fascinating insights to this situation, and I felt it would be rude to depart without trying to fully understand his reasoning. I wanted to hear your position as well. As one who archives events of the past, how do you feel about all of this? I wonder, as you retell the development of your people, do you only recall the details, or do you consider the well-being of the tribe as you study? You know, HOW a given event effected the Shoanti? Actually, that's what this is about, how Shoanti accomplishments and beliefs have been tarnished. I imagine it is rare to take part in an event such as this. You are used to studying the history of your people, not creating it. Yet, here we are. It seems that whomever you pass the torch to will have quite the story for future generations. "
"As one who has studied a little of the past herself, please believe me when I tell you that The Pathfinders understand how important this is. Rites and traditions are sacred. One of OUR 'CLAN' has made the offence. It would be an honor to be allowed to make amends. It could even prove to be historic. Think about that. How often to historians get to include their own role in a first-person account of an occurrence such as this? Please allow us to be apart of it as well."
Ikari steps up and looks at Payah. He begins speaking while juggling three weapons from his pack, "While you may question our skills at fighting..." he adds a fourth item to the rotation "...and maybe question our dedication to the memories of your ancestors."
One of the daggers thuds into the soft wooden beam directly above his head, precariously wobbles and almost falls down. Ikari ignores it and continues, adding a fifth and sixth dagger to make the rotation five total, "But we are here offering to risk our lives..." several daggers are now being flipped behind him, easily being caught on the downturn "...to restore what is right." At this last word and a gasp from all the dagger above plunges towards his head.
With a last fraction of a second twist of his head his teeth snap shut around the dagger and he gives a grin, the other five weapons resting comfortable in his hands.
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Memory Tender listens intently to Onna's appeal while Hiiragi begins the toilsome process of washing the Shoanti's feet as a sign of respect.
Memory Tender thinks for a moment and responds positively, "You do make a strong argument for us to allow your clan as you call it to make amends personally. But do you really have the skills to do it? That's a risk I'm not quite sure I can take yet."
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Itami steps in to answer the Memory Tender's question. "We do. We won't pretend to be experts on your people or culture, but we have done what research we can to learn. What's more, we have magic at our disposal that will fix what has been broken back to new. Our understanding of how it is supposed to be is entirely irrelevant, because the magic will restore it despite any ignorance. All we ask is the chance to set things right. Even if this doesn't restore the relationship between the Quahs and the Society, at least we can say we tried," he pleads, trying not to let his desperation show. If this doesn't work, we can try to sneak in and do it anyways. They'll hate it, but at least we can prove our capabilities to them.
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Memory Tender seems to be swayed, but Kemchet counters Itami's argument with a snide comment, "Of course you aren't experts in our society, that's why you should just leave and let us do it."
Cousin to All claps his hands together, "Alright, that's enough time to make their cases. Let's put it to a vote and move along, regardless of the outcome."
COUSIN TO ALL: Yes
KEMCHET FLAME STOKER: Heck No
LAKE AT DAWN: Yes
PAYAH AGAINST THE WIND: No
ROLLICKS IN WAVES: Yes
TOGIMAL IN SHADOW: No
MEMORY TENDER: ...
He speaks, "While I am really on the fence here and I can tell my vote is the deciding factor..." his words hang like a noose "...they aren't the ones who did this and it appears they are doing everything they can to fix their own problem. I vote yes to allow the pathfinders access."
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Rollicks in Waves seems very relieved at the outcome. Cousin to All summarizes it for the group, "Then we have a majority, though not a complete agreement among the tribes as I had hoped. Nevertheless, the Pathfinders shall be given their chance to repair the damage."
The council members that voted no seem annoyed, but none more than Kemchet Flame Stoker who angrily stomps out of the room muttering something that sounds very suspiciously like, 'Idiots, I'll show them all. They'll see!'
The remainder bow to the pathfinders and even those that voted no wish them good luck in their repairs. Cousin to All hands back the bag of relics and gives the group the location of the Muschkal Sepulcher, suggesting they leave at once.
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Itami nods in thanks, but his face is holding quite a bit of tension. That was too close, they were a tough nut to crack. Fortunately, we've managed to succeed, if only by the barest of margins.
"Indeed Hiiragi, let us paint the way forward." He collects the bag of relics back from Cousin to All and is ready to leave.
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Cousin to All answers, "It should be about a three hour walk. I'm assuming you planned to manage a decently long restoration of a crypt so... yes you need supplies?" He thinks for a second, "Though I guess you could hunt or trap some game around the area and gather some other food if necessary."
The group reaches the sepulcher around mid-afternoon, slightly longer than expected. They see an unassuming opening into the cliffside with large chunks of stone haphazardly scattered throughout the grassy area. The pieces of stone appear to be part of the seal broken by the obviously not-careful-at-all Lumketul.
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Didn't realize we were running a charity. You don't offer people full price for their trash because you can fix it. Shouldn't WE be gaining the advantage for such power? Half price, at the most, gets you good faith and food since they'll make money off of what they've already written off. Full price makes us look like fools and, with the way these Shoanti work, likely support the idea that everyone else is willing to pay full price for trash too! Itami presses the heels of his palms into his eyes and sighs before leaving the others to buy trash.
Outside the sepulcher, he crouches low. "I will be gone for just a moment, see if I can get us a better idea of the danger within."
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Cousin to All sends you out of the complex past the compost pile saying, "Take what you want." Hiiragi is able to find enough food there to clean up to provide meals for the day for everyone.
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Several hours later, mid-afternoon the group arrives. Itami gives some odd hand signals pointing to the open sepulcher and pantomiming some sort of scouting then realizes he can just whisper it. He shares his plan and then with a slight gust of magic, disappears from sight and sound.
The sneakiest of foxes slips into the dark opening. No light is inside, but enough comes through the door to see a very interesting sight.
The gently sloping passage leads to a cool, dimly lit area. The air is damp. Animal bones, gristle, and long-rotten viscera are haphazardly scattered across the floor. Stairs to the east and west lead to slightly elevated walkways flanking the recess. Doors lead away from the entrance hall to the northwest and southeast.
But the much more pressing issue is the two large humanoid creatures idly smashing bones and skulls that litter the floor of this room. They have not yet noticed the invisible fox.
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Itami shoots a mighty glare at the vandals before scurrying back to his brethren. "Two large humanoids are vandalizing the place. Focusing on the bones," he explains. "They look susceptible to some of my magic, we might be able to convince them to leave without risk to our lives." Looking at each of his allies, he waits for approval. We'd probably have to put these oafs down if Kenta were here.
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Itami knows that these are basic Ogres (CE large humanoid giants). Basic... is not usually a term used to describe them. Cruel, evil, terrible, disgusting and brutal are just five of the many horrible adjectives generally used to describe Ogres. They have very few special attributes, but obviously have reach and can probably see pretty well in the dark. The random voice whispering in the wind shares this information with the group.
Itami
Round 1: Vanish/Move, Round 2: Move/Share Info/Move Back, Round 3: Cast Charm (breaking invisibility and starting initiative)
Ikari
Round 1: Wait for Scouting, Round 2: Draw and Cast Bull's Strength, Round 3: Cast Enlarge Person (full round cast)
Hiiragi
Round 1: Wait for Scouting, Round 2: Pull Flail & ??, Round 3: ??
Onna
Round 1: Wait for Scouting, Round 2: ??, Round 3: ??
Toshiko
Round 1: Wait for Scouting, Round 2: ??, Round 3: ??
Itami burns some magic, attempting to influence the (red?) ogre to see him in the friendliest possible light.
It does not seem to work as both Ogres turn towards him and bellow out a roar, pointing at Itami with their weapons. They seem to be briefly jabbering back and forth in giant, "MY! EK SÊ DIE SPEELGOED EERSTE!" and the other yells, "GEEN MYNE SÊ EK HOM nie. EK GONNA RYK SY TIENE UIT EN EET EEN VIR EEN!"
Ikari (Enlarged & Bull's Strength)
Hiiragi
Blue Ogre
Onna
Itami
Toshiko
Red Ogre
Bold are up!