After catching up with whatever Auntie Wu is chasing, Lan will try and talk to the cat.
"There's nothing wrong with curiosity. We were sad to hear of her passing as well. But we'd be glad to continue feeding you. Or, at least, I would."
"Well, look at that. A talking cat."
Kazuki just stares at the talking cat inquisitively.
He lets his friends do the talking.
Yami's lips move when she speaks "You destroyed my friend - what harm was she causing?" she scrunches her face into a bratty pout "You can feed me. But I am not sure I will forgive you. I will require more attention than that"
"Which one of you will pet me during the night, whenever I want, and clean up my litter? Mama Ge-Be was so kind as to do so for me, before and after her death"
She circles around Lan and Auntie Wu who have already spoken about food...
Yami is a Bakeneko, capable of talking and using magic - you deduce that she was able to animate the corpse using her own magic
Plus: One question!
"Our apologies, but Lady Ge-Be had passed away. It was appropriate to let her rest."
He ponders. "I can certainly help you for a few days this week. But I must complete the Teahouse..."
Vekka is still marveling at the talking cat... and has many questions.
Where did you come from? Have you always lived with Mama Ge-Be?
He retrieves a bit of his rations and holds them out for the cat to take, hoping that will loosen its lips further.
I suppose I could help a day or two each week as well. Do you want to stay her, or maybe you could keep warm at the Mother's Coil? I think my friend Jubei may like cats!
Fortitude > Reflex > Will
The party huddles, and Yami circles the pile of ash where her “old cat lady” once stood hunched in undeath.
"I'm willing to help care for the cat. I'm pretty good with animals.
Not too much time, though, since we have a lot to work on around town. Maybe a couple times a week."
Kazuki turns his attention to the cat.
"Hey, cat, do you know what caused Lady Ge-Be to become undead? Have you seen anyone suspicious that could have used necromancy of some sort that turned her into a zombie?"
Yami gives Kazuki a coy look.
Evades his question with a tail flick and paw lick.
Innocently!
"I will also aid for a few nights. I know Darius will have many questions to ask a talking cat. Sister Sheela is quite a singer."
Kazuki asks a very important question, and the cat has an expected response. This may be their only lead.
Sigurd hopes none of the teahouse boards rot this week...
Yami is a Bakeneko, capable of talking and using magic - you deduce that she was able to animate the corpse using her own magic
Plus: One question!
"I will also aid for a few nights. I know Darius will have many questions to ask a talking cat. Sister Sheela is quite a singer."
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Realizing a few things about this creature, Auntie Wu is extra wary. It would be wise to avoid angering it...further. she also agrees to care for the cat. "It would be an honor to serve you, Yami. Perhaps after you've enjoyed Kazuki's and Sigurd's hospitality, you could stay with me for a couple of days."
She's itching to fill in the group on what she knows of this creature, and does so at the earliest convenience.
Yami is a Bakeneko, capable of talking and using magic - you deduce that she was able to animate the corpse using her own magic.
Plus: One question!
Which is its highest save?
Fortitude > Reflex > Will
Lan will volunteer to take a day as well, although he's busy with Granny Hu this week.
Vekka will join in as well. He's a little wary of this cat, but he doesn't want to let the rest of the group shoulder the burden without him.
I still think you'd like the comfort of the Mother's Coil! There's always tea on there!
Maybe Jubei can figure this cat out in a night.
Yami gives Kazuki a coy look.
Evades his question with a tail flick and paw lick.
Innocently!
Kazuki glances at his friends with a cocked eyebrow after the cat gives a strange response.
"Uhh. I think this cat knows something." he says quietly to his friends out of the corner of his mouth.
Weak to Cold Iron, typically 5
Pleased that the entire party is willing to pet, feed, and litter her for next week, and presumably into perpetuity, at the expense of their weekly chores, Yami chooses, of the five, to “release from duty / ignore” Auntie Wu, leaving her “off the hook” for kitty chores in the upcoming week.
Which, she spends lazily hanging around the Cerulean Teahouse watching Sigurd work overtime to restore, and using minor magical telekinesis to hover inanimate objects above herself with which to scratch and sharpen her claws against, and never once bothering to ask if she could be of assistance. Indeed, meowing turbulently right when Sigurd is about to engage in either heavy lifting, or, some new task requiring high concentration!
will HP a CF
Somehow, despite the distractions, Sigurd is finally able to make solid progress on the Cerulean Teahouse, which is now nearly complete! .
Fortunately for Vekka and Kazuki, their distracted scouting missions' failure are not exploited by the Wall of Ghosts, which remains silent this week.
While Lan's lies of false security begin to grate on those he feeds them too, Auntie Wu stands on the precipice of discovery, only to have it's truths fleetingly escape her grasp
The party, then, prepares for the Ninth Week!
[ dice=Kazuki to Scout for a Potential Attack #13 (Perception E), DC ?]1d20 + 9[/dice]
Lan Week 9, #1 (Lift Hope): [ dice=Deception]1d20+13[/dice]
Vekka Week 9: ??
[ dice=Auntie Wu to Prepare Food #2 (Nature T), Task level 3 (DC 18)]1d20 + 10[/dice]
[ dice=Sigurd to Repairing the Cerulean Teahouse (Craft, Trained) vs Level 3 (DC 18)]1d20+8[/dice]
Planned Care Points for Yami: 4
(random roll to "off hook" someone)
The cat is named Yami. And is no mere talking cat. Appearances can be deceiving. Sometimes Sigurd reaches for a hammer, only to realize someone has dragged it away.
"Yami, how long have you been in Willlowshore? Have you always been with Lady Ge-Be?" Seems like this cat is a member of Willowshore, and that demands Sigurd's respect. At least he can tell Elizeth about the mysterious return and exit of the catkeeper.
Luckily the logs are good, and Sheela and Darius manage to distract Yami long enough to get some good work in.
The foundation is finally set. The wood will last. Now it's time to build the walls, prepare the paint, and reinforce the insulation.
If he can keep up this pace for 2 more weeks he should finish the house.
”Lady Ge-Be always fed me and the others. When she died, I tried to bring her back. Then she killed her” Yami must mean Auntie Wu ”Now, I have you to take care of me”
Vekka sighs at Yami's non-helpful answer but is ready to move on. He's starting to worry how his shift will go at the Mother's Coil. Or maybe in a strange twist of fate, Jubei will get along nicely with the cat. He'll be there most all of the week anyway...
--------------------
The door swings open abruptly, and the sizable tengu walks in sideways to make room for the spelldrum circle at his back. He carefully unstraps it and sets it down by the door, something he only otherwise does in his own home.
Jubei, I will be making the tea all week. I have research to do, and it has to do with the languages I've been studying lately.
He finds a secluded corner amongst the stacks, dragging a table there and laying out Zoudou's notes.
Lan, feeling like he's overstayed his welcome, will maybe stop lying to people.
Lan will try and browbeat some more people into joining the volunteer forces.
[ dice=Lan to improve Security (Intimidation)]1d20+12[/dice]
From what you can tell, Kim is loyal, and you get the sense that Granny Hu is either over-paranoid, or wants you to kiss the ring.
Probably both.
Kazuki prepares to scout the woods again. He hopes he has better luck finding something this time.
The capricious kitty chooses to ignore Kazuki but bothers everyone else, staying in town near the warm food...
Sigurd will spend a Hero Point if he Critically Fails
Lan browbeats civilians into reinforcing the walls, while Kazuki scouts the perimeters. Vekka's studies are confounded by Yami who hovers closely and scratches holes into the bookmarked pages he reads at Mother Coil "You should get rid of that pest" Jubei suggests. Auntie Wu bring in more food as Sigurd comes close to finishing the Cerulean Teahouse!
Kazuki succeeds in routing the potential trouble pro-actively (perhaps by getting the Silvermist Rangers to help?), leaving Willowshore free to continue it's preparations for winter...
Inside the bounds of the village, however, the week is otherwise very busy:
Another structure catches fire, and a second (non-magical) kitty gets stuck in a tree, and a man reports being touched by his long dead brother!
Busy Week!
1) Stable Fire
2) Kimchi's Ascent
3) An Icy Grasp
☆☆☆
Willowshore Stables had a rough time of things during the summer, and unfortunately for its proprietor Kum Soon-chong , fall has more peril in store. Near the end of this week, a plume of dark smoke starts to rise from the main barn of Willowshore Stables. Arriving shortly, the fire has engulfed the barn and the employees have managed to save the livestock by leading them into the pasture. However, the fire now threatens to spread into the pasture and potentially further into
town.
➤ Level: 4 (base DC 19)
➤ Complexity: 2 rounds (Entry and Extinguish)
➤ Timeframe: Rounds (◆◆◆)
➤ Synergies: Water spells that deal area damage
➤ List of Entry Skills (◆): In order to use an Extinguishing skill that requires being adjacent to the fire square (see Extinguishing Skills), the character must first get into the house with a successful check to Athletics (very easy) or Acrobatics (very easy). If using an Extinguishing skill that has some range (ranged water magic, etc), no need to roll, you can do so from the unblocked front door which is open.
➤ List of Extinguishing Skills (◆◆): Crafting (moderate), Nature (easy), or Survival (easy) while adjacent, or any Tradition using water magic (moderate); Diplomacy or Intimidation to yell to coordinate a bucket brigade (hard, delayed effect).
➤ Aid (◆↺): If you can't bypass the obstacle (see Entry Skills), you can use the same skill to Aid another ally to instruct them (Crafting, Nature, or Survival).
☆☆☆
While the PCs are going about their downtime, they hear from one of the villagers that one of the village cats, Kimchi, has gotten herself stuck up in a tree. The fluffy orange and white cat chased a squirrel up to the highest branches of a tree just outside of town and has been meowing loudly enough for nearby villagers to hear. The cat is easy to spot from the ground, but she’s 30 feet up, and it’s too dangerous for the villagers to try and help her
➤ Level: 4 (base DC 19)
➤ Complexity: 1 round (one check)
➤ Timeframe: hour
➤ Synergies: Climbing skill feats, climb speed
➤ List of Skills: Athletics (easy), Nature (moderate), or other creative skills that involve getting a cat out of a tree (hard)!
➤ Unlock Skills: A PC who can speak with cats can attempt an easy Diplomacy check instead.
☆☆☆
Goh approaches the PCs, shaken and scared, with a story of feeling hands grabbing at his ankles earlier in the day after he got into the water to pull his skiff ashore. He’s convinced that these hands belong to his brother’s spirit, returned to Willowshore to carry him away for letting his brother drown...
➤ Level: 4 (base DC 19)
➤ Complexity: 1 round
➤ Timeframe: 10 minutes
➤ Synergies: none
➤ List of Skills: Perception (moderate)
Vekka does just as he did with the last fire this time. He approaches the stable and incants one of his carefully prepare spells.
He fears he may knock some posts out of place in the stable, but the fire is first priority. Somehow his aim gets away from him and the water converts to steam mid-air before it can smother the flames.
You would think I could just fly up and pluck the cat from the tree easily! Alas...
You would also think he could climb, with his rigorous martial training. In this moment, you would be wrong.
By the time Goh approaches the party, Vekka is feeling a little down about his recent performances. Mentally, he just sort of lets go of any focus from his own performance and listens to the old fisherman. You never know what detail will stand out, and what will hide in someone's story...
The insulation fits, it will last for years. The Teahouse's construction is complete, and yet...
"Hey! This looks ugly. You should paint it."
Yami's bluntness does ring true. So close to the grand reopening. He can feel a cool breeze blow past, a harbinger of winter frost. So much more work to do.
And then a warm, smoky breeze. Reminds him of Willowshore when it was under siege- A fire!
1) Stable Fire
Sigurd tries to get close to the fire.
No problem. He quickly scoops up mud and tries to smother the flames.
It's helping!
After the fire, Sigurd hopes to relax a bit. A late night kata session, maybe talking to Elizeth for a bit. Yami wants attention, doesn't she? Meowing so loudly- wait, that's not Yami's meow, that's a different cat.
2) Kimchi's Ascent
"Shh... relax. It's alright. I've got you." He climbs up the tree with ease. "Come on, I'll get you down."
3) An Icy Grasp
"Sir? What's wrong?" Sigurd begins to bow, but Goh is too scared for pleasantries.
"I will look for any lingering injuries. One moment." Sigurd bends down to look at the man's ankle...
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Cantrips (level 2): Detect Magic, Electric Arc, Guidance, Light, Vitality Lash
1st: Create Water, Foraging Friends, Heal
2nd: Helpful Wood Spirits, Peaceful Rest, Speak with Animals
"Oh no. The fire..." The urgency of the situation almost--almost--overcomes the effects of Auntie Wu's special tea on her mind. Even so, it's enough to spur her to float dash up to the edge of the fire and cast Create Water at its base.
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"Oh, bother." Auntie Wu's first reaction is to groan at the waste of time, but she quickly realizes that the people need something to cheer about, and this is just the sort of low-stakes/high-reward situation that could warm their hearts and raise their spirits.
When she arrives, she casts Speak with Animals and cups her hands around her mouth to carry her voice farther. Everyone hears her meowing and carrying on like a cat for a bit, apparently having a conversation with the kitty in the tree. (Really, she's coaxing and giving directions so Kimchi can climb down more easily.) All the children hanging around to watch have a good laugh at the ridiculous halfling druid.
Quick Progress:
1) Stable Fire @ ⭐
2) Kimchi's Ascent @ ⭐
3) An Icy Grasp @ ⭐⭐⭐
Awaiting:
All checks from Lan and Kazuki
Round 2 checks for Stable Fire from everyone (if you have entered already, you do not have to reroll the entry check)
The fire roars steadily as entry into the structure proves difficult...
Kimchi seems to acknowledge Sigurd, but yet seems reluctant to come all the way down by herself...
Something seems "off" about Goh's story... is he leaving out a key detail?...
1) Stable Fire
Sigurd reaches for more mud but the flames rage around him. He hopes his teammates can help, the food stores could be threatened!
Stable Fire:
Kazuki sprints toward the burning barn, heat licking at his skin as thick smoke billows into the sky. The stablehands have saved the livestock, but the fire is spreading toward the pasture—and the town beyond.
His eyes lock onto an open loft window. No time to hesitate. He leaps onto a rain barrel, then propels himself up, gripping the overhang and flipping onto a wooden beam. Smoke stings his lungs as he ducks inside, scanning the barn. The fire is too far gone—he has to stop it from spreading.
He vaults back outside, hitting the ground in a roll before racing to the pasture’s edge. Flames creep toward the dry grass. Skidding to a stop, he kicks up dirt, stomping and shoving earth over the fire to smother it. Sweat drips down his brow, but he keeps moving, cutting off the fire’s advance.
The flames waver. Stablehands rush in with buckets and blankets, following his lead. The barn is lost—but Willowshore still has a chance.
Kimchi's Ascent:
Kazuki hears the distressed yowling before the villager even finishes explaining. Spotting Kimchi clinging to a high branch, he smirks. “Chased something you couldn’t handle, huh?”
With practiced ease, he leaps up, gripping a low branch and climbing swiftly. Boots find footholds, hands move instinctively, and soon he’s level with the trembling cat. “Easy there, furball. I’ve got you.”
Kimchi hesitates, then scrambles into his arms, pressing against his chest. Chuckling, Kazuki maneuvers back down and sets her on the ground. She flicks her tail, headbutts his knee, then trots off as if nothing happened.
Kazuki shakes his head, grinning. “You’re welcome,” he calls before returning to his scouting patrol.
An Icy Grasp:
Kazuki listens to Goh’s trembling words, his sharp eyes scanning the shoreline as the old fisherman speaks. The river laps gently against the bank, deceptively calm, but something feels... off.
He moves with practiced silence, stepping into the shallows where Goh felt the ghostly hands. The water is cool around his ankles, but he stays still, listening—feeling. His breath slows as he watches for disturbances: unnatural ripples, shifting shadows beneath the surface, a chill beyond the water’s bite.
Slowly, he kneels, brushing his fingertips just above the water’s surface. “If something’s here,” he murmurs, barely above a whisper, “let’s see if it wants to be found.” His keen senses stay on edge, waiting for a sign—an eddy against the current, a flicker of movement, or the telltale hush of something not quite alive.
Stable Fire, Round 1:
Entry:
Extinguish:
Lan is easily able to squirm into the building, but he's not sure whether his bucket is working properly.
Kimchi's Ascent, Round 1:
"Psspsspss," Lan coaxes with some fish. He may not speak feline, but he knows that cats like the smell of fish.
An Icy Grasp, Round 1:
Lan encourages the fisherman to say more and more, hoping that he'll slip up and some version of the truth will emerge.