Ayuka's page

Thanks for giving it a try :) it was fun while it lasted.

I would agree that a noble woman with her entourage would make the most sense. I don't think that Chyou could pull off being a simple traveler nor could Ayuka with her armor :)

I was kind of wondering the same. I know that Lady Chyou should have her own room but Ayuka doesn't trust her or trust others to leave Lady Chyou on her own. I was thinking that the ladies stay together in one larger room and the gentlemen stay together.

"So are inns different here, or do they still look like inns?"

Ayuka gave him a confused look, "What would an inn be if not a place where you pay for a place to stay for the night?"

tag Otrov ?

"And weren't we also looking for transportation?" He paused for a second trying to remember a conversation that he honestly hadn't really been paying that close of attention to. "And there was something about traveling by land or sea, did we ever decide on that one?"

"We had chosen land over sea; however, we could potentially travel down the river now that we've reached Kingi. I for one would still prefer to stay on land."

tag everyone

Once they had gotten settled at the inn, Ayuka barely batted an eye when Xiaoyu excused himself. She nodded in acknowledgment and stayed on protective detail over Lady Chyou until he returned.

I'm on board with the art show. Sounds like a good bit of fun :)

Ayuka was concerned about Lady Chyou as everyone in their group was. However, the last thing the samurai wanted to do was talk about feelings so she focused on keeping them safe on the road. When Kingi came into view, she had conflicting feelings. More people meant it was harder to control the surroundings which she wasn't thrilled about but a larger center meant they may be able to find something to take Lady Chyou's mind off of Bai.

"That place looks...interesting. Do you think that we should just ride in or would we be better off sending someone ahead to check for trouble?"

"It may be difficult to make sure the whole of Kingi is safe before us entering. It would probably be best if we stuck together. Maybe we can find a proper inn for Lady Chyou-san to gain proper rest."

I slowed down posting a bit because I didn't want to monopolize what was going on. I'm still here so you haven't lost me :)

Ayuka's face showed genuine surprise at Chow-Fun's news. Bowing low she says, "My deepest apologies Chow-Fun-san. There had been a second person but while we were subduing our prisoner, they fell into the water. They never emerged from the water and I'm embarrassed to say that I forgot about them since they were no longer a threat. What can I do to make amends for my oversight?"

The elder man bows politely, beard dipping to the dusty road, 'Of course. Bandits are not unheard of, although a lone man is either crazy or desperate. Which was he?" His voice is merely curious, apparently this is not uncommon.

Ayuka answered Chow-Fun, "I believe he is both crazy and desperate. He kept claiming his actions were driven by love while apologizing for what he was doing. Maybe he needed money to make himself acceptable to the family of his love." Ayuka sighed. "It is sad that he chose love over honor."

At the pronouncement of Bai's likely punishment, Ayuka nodded. "He doesn't seem to be a bad man. Hopefully his punishment will set him on a more honorable path."

Since it is dusk, it makes sense to stop if we deem it safe for Lady Chyou.

A beating, maybe lose a hand, but wasn't really thinking death. For some reason I thought if it was death that Lady Chyou wouldn't have been so agreeable to that course of action.

Death is usually not the response to banditry, is it? If it was, Ayuka would never have suggested this as a course of action. She wanted to stop him from following them, not kill him.

Ayuka dismounted and approached the elder. Giving him a bow of her head she said, "This bound man tried to ambush us as we traveled from Goka. We were able to subdue him and decided to bring him to the next waystation we came to. Is there someone here whose custody we can transfer him to? As you can understand, Chow-Fun-san, it has been a long day and we would like to put this unpleasantness behind us."

Did Ayuka travel ahead of the others into the town with Bai or did everyone stay together? If she's alone, she would change her wording a bit but the sentiment would be the same.

Sorry! I didn't know that GM Mowque had posted something further. My bad :(

im good with that :)

Ayuka has been pretty clear with her intent but won't push it if the other three want to do something different. Not sure if that helps you with a verdict :)

"But turning him in as a criminal is also not an option. What would we tell the authorities? I see no way to divulge Bai's crime without also revealing our own group's purpose, something we are to avoid at all cost."

"I say we knock him out and leave him here. He will need time to recuperate and won't be in any immediate danger as his wayang companion will be back for him, sooner or later. By that time we will be long gone, as the two are without horses. Of course, they will be back. The man is love-struck and young. He will not give up. But he won't find us again anytime soon, and when it happens we do our jobs. We stop him again."

Ayuka frowned. "I find no honor in knocking out a bound person and leaving him vulnerable. If that is what is to be done then that job will fall on your shoulders. Personally I think that knocking Bai out and leaving him will cause Lady Chyou distress and undo worry about his well-being. At least she knows he is safe if we turn him over to the authorities. I can go by myself to hand him over to the authorities and that way they won't know about the rest of you and our purpose isn't revealed."

tag everyone

A short distance away where neither Dai or Lady Chyou could hear them Yukarii said, "You realize that, if we leave him as a bandit, he's simply going to get away and come after us again. It might be better if we just took him with us. He may be obnoxious but at least we could keep an eye on him that way."

Ayuka considered Yukarii's words while keeping her eyes on Lady Chyou and Bai. "I agree with you if it was just myself that I was considering. However after witnessing Lady Chyou's reactions to Bai, I think keeping him with us will be an unnecessary hardship on her. That and it may be hard to explain why we're traveling with a bound person. Now that we're aware of him, we can be much more careful about covering our tracks moving forward."

tag ?

Ayuka sighed. "I appreciate your honesty. I consider myself warned as you yourself have been warned."

'Shall we transport this bandit to the nearest town? There will a way station along the road I'd imagine."

Ayuka gave her a slight bow to show her respect for the maturity shown. "It will be as it needs to be, Lady Chyou-san. I truly regret that there is not another choice."

Do we have any space to stash Bai for him to ride or does he need to walk? If necessary, Ayuka will tie a longer rope to his tied hands and then attach that to her saddle and he can walk.

Bai hangs his head, keeping his eye on Ayuka. 'And I refuse this generous offer?" the conquered man says, bound hand and foot.

He'll respond to Yukarii after he gets his answer on this question

Ayuka felt sorry for the man but her concern was Lady Chyou and not him. "There is no honour in your death. I would highly caution you against refusing this offer. However, if you did refuse then we would have no choice but to take you bound to the nearest town as someone who attacked unsuspecting travellers and turn you over to the authorities. If you continue in your plan and I see you again after that, things may not be so pleasant."

Ayuka watches impassively as the follies of young love are played out at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

'You do not understand. I am the child of a noble house, one of the finest in Goka. I have no wishes and desires beyond that of serving my House, despite what my heart may treacherously try to tell me. There is nothing to consider except the wishes of my family and those of my elders."

Ayuka looks meaningfully at Bai. "So it is settled then. We continue on to Hwanggot as our Lady has expressed."

Bai, whose own eyes are red now, says in a harsh voice, "So what is the sentence for my great crime?"

"There is no sentence for youthful indiscretion. Nothing we do will punish you more than you already have been. As long as you do not try this again or mention it to anyone else, thus endangering the Lady, I am willing to release you to go on your way."

Ayuka had no intention of killing a helpless warrior. She fished out some rope from their supplies and proceeded to tie him up, maybe a little tighter than necessary. "Don't worry Mistress Bo-san, he will not be killed. However, the question of what to do with him must be asked. If we let him go free then he will keep coming after you. If we leave him tied up then he is vulnerable to predators, both human and non-human alike. He's already shown that we can't reason with him so what do we do with him?"

tag everyone

Hopefully traditional but not predictable :)

Ayuka stands her ground with her drawn sword, observing Bai become grappled by the plants again. "Stop this madness, Bai-san. If you continue on this fruitless path, you will shame yourself and the one you say that you love. Put her wishes above your own."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Intimidate didn't work so she'll try reasoning with him although she doesn't expect him to listen...

When the plants began to grow unnaturally from the ground, Ayuka attempted to avoid their grasp.

ref save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Finding herself caught tight in their grip, she uses her strength to remove the vegetation.

str check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

The plants are harder to break than she was expecting but she manages to get both her feet free which allows her to continue her defense of Lady Chyou. Reluctantly, Ayuka draws her katana and prepares to deal non-lethal damage to Bai should he try to approach Lady Chyou.

Ayuka will allow Zheng Xiaoyu to hopefully subdue Bai with Otrov's help. She'll continue to guard Chyou and make sure that Elcis doesn't try anything. Wasn't aware that Bai was a paladin...good to know :)

Ayuka wasn't worried about whether she could handle this misguided youth. What she was worried about was whether she could do it without hurting him.

"Listen to the one you supposedly love and stop this nonsense. If I have to draw my sword, you will get hurt." Ayuka's presence was calm yet menacing and it was obvious that she meant what she said. "You had best reconsider who you challenge. I do not wear the armor of a samurai for no reason."

intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Ayuka becomes concerned that there is a reason for Bai speaking in such a loud voice. Keeping on guard in case he is foolish enough to attack, Ayuka scans the area to make sure no one was flanking them.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Ayuka dismounted and put herself between those on the bridge and Lady Chyou. The sigh that emitted from Chyou didn't escape the samurai's notice. Without taking her eyes off the drawn sword, Ayuka asked, "Are these youths known to you, Mistress Bo-san?"

tag Chyou

Ayuka makes one last round of the horses to make sure everything is in order. Approaching Otrov and Zheng Xiaoyu in turn, Ayuka introduces herself. "As we will be traveling together, we should not remain unknown to each other." Giving them each a small bow of her head she says, "I am Yamanouchi Ayuka."

tag everyone

Are you looking for more from us before we leave Goka? If so, I can post a little more.

Ayuka collected everything she felt they may need for the journey which included a survival kit. The first part of the trip she had already done once when she came to Goka from Shokuro but now she was traveling with someone very important. The samurai appeared to be traveling light but much was packed in her well-used satchel.

When Zeng Dong queried about being followed, Ayuka shook her head no and took up a guarding stance as they prepared to depart.

Yukari considered the suggestion for a moment and finally said, "I think Vissh-chan may have gotten me a set of traveling clothes, I don't think I have anything more suitable to a maid position though I'm sure we can pick something up." She smiled slightly as she said, "I have to admit Ayuka-sama that, while I shouldn't enjoy wearing it after what I've been through, I actually find this garment rather comfortable. Still, you are probably right."

Ayuka was encouraged by Yukarii's willingness to entertain a different manner of dress but her use of an honorific caused Ayuka's brow to furrow. "Yukarii, I don't know how many times I have to tell you to not call me Ayuka-sama. We're friends, please just use my name."

tag Yukarii?

Shall I move things along?

I'm ok with you moving things forward. I can't think of anything more to purchase, other than horses and the things we need for Chyou to travel comfortably which you said would be provided by the house.

When Zeng Dong excused himself to make arrangements, Ayuka pulled Yukarii aside to speak privately. "I know that we come from very different worlds and I would never seek to change who you are. However, we may want to consider finding you more subdued clothing for when we accompany Lady Chyou. If you are in agreement, there may be times when we have to introduce you as her maid."

tag Yukarii

Will Zeng Dong provide horses for the rest of us as well or do we need to purchase them ourselves?

If Zeng Dong dismisses Yakarii's question, Ayuka will repeat her question verbatim.

Ayuka carefully makes a mental note of the possible dangers that have been listed off by Zeng Dong. Some of them were concerning; however, the samurai is confident in her ability with her sword. "It seems like our journey will begin with Lingshen. It may be prudent to leave our plans at that for now since sometimes the walls have ears."

"It does seem like travel by land would be best considering Zeng Dong-sama mentioned that Lady Chyou-san is expected to be leaving by ship."

Ayuka paused, unsure if she should ask her next questions, but she needed to know what possible problems to plan for. Zeng Dong-sama, you have mentioned your desire to maintain secrecy and provide safety for your daughter above all. Has something happened to make you suspect that she is in danger? Do you know of specific foes that we should be looking for? My deepest apologies if my questions imply anything to question House Zeng's integrity as that is not my intent. I just want to be properly prepared so that I can best protect your treasure."

Ok...Bachuan is out :) It didn't seem so hostile when I read about it in Dragon Empires.

If we go by boat then that'll be a long time. I would be hesitant going by boat just because Zeng Dong said that everyone expects Chyou to be leaving by boat the next day. That and Ayuka in samurai armor and the water probably isn't a good mix :)

I think Lingshen, maybe skirting Shenmen's border (possibly detouring to Shokuro if we're being pursued because Ayuka would have friends there) to Po Li and Bachuan before going down into Hwanggot.

Also, Ayuka trekked originally from Minkai to Shokuro and so she would be familiar with some of that terrain - where to camp, safe routes, etc.

We could also do Lingshen to Shokuro to Amanandar to Kwanlai to Tianjing to Bachuan to Hwanggot.

The map was quite impressive and Ayuka was pleased to see that Shokuro was roughly halfway between Hwangott and Goka. If necessary, they could always find safety in Shokuro. The additional information was welcomed but Ayuka had more questions. With another bow of her head she said, May I ask a question, Zeng Dong-sama?"

Assuming he gives his assent...

Once given permission Ayuka asked, "How will we be traveling with the Lady Chyou-san? She is much too important to walk or camp outside."

Ayuka watches Lady Chyou approach and suddenly feels very plain and awkward. She is indeed stunning and graceful and as valuable to House Zeng as Zeng Dong has said. Years of practice kept Ayuka's face schooled as Lady Chyou's words were slightly derisive. Those of higher station often treated others in such a manner, even if Ayuka herself would not. However, Chyou's attitude was somewhat concerning. The samurai hoped it would not be a problem once they left Goka. She waited to see how Zeng Dong would answer his daughter.

When it comes time to speak, Ayuka addresses their host with proper deference, ”Zeng Dong-sama, you have honored me greatly with your request. Family is of supreme importance. I conduct myself with honor and you can trust Lady Chyou-san in my care. I will protect her with my life.”

Ayuka had been surprised but honored to receive the summons from House Zeng. She had not been in Goka that long but had managed to help out a few people in the city which must have been noticed. One of those she had helped was her new friend, Yukarii. Ayuka normally wouldn’t have come into contact with someone so different but she was glad that she had. The samurai had been learning a lot about previously unknown lifestyles in a short amount of time and so far it had not been an unpleasant experience.

Ayuka spent the day prior to her meeting with House Zeng polishing her armor and making sure her weapons were honed and shiny as well. She took great care getting ready the day of as a sign of respect to the prestigious house. With the help of Yukarii, Ayuka had learned all that she could about the Zeng family and from everything she could find out, they were a house who conducted themselves with integrity and honor – two things that were very important to Ayuka.

As she walked through the untidy appearance of the rented hall, the ronin began to have second thoughts. The hall was in disarray and had not been cleaned for their arrival. Even though Ayuka would have never chosen to meet anyone in a place this unkept, she had learned that such things were not as important to everyone. Yukarii and herself had also been joined by two very tall men, although one was not human and he seemed to be accompanied by a plant of some sort. Having grown up with stories of the yokai, Ayuka thought it odd but not impossible. In any case, Ayuka inadvertently drew herself up to her full height of 5’3” as to not be overshadowed – not that you could easily overshadow someone in samurai armor.

She stood very still listening to Zeng Dong tell them why they had been summoned. Ayuka made very sure not to look him directly in the eyes as a sign of respect since he was her superior. When he mentioned leaving, Ayuka stood rooted to her spot. She then bowed very deeply at the waist to show her respect and waited for Zeng Dong to address her directly.

Any particular formats you'd like for posts? Present tense or past...gameplay posts or more in discussion...anything else?

Woot!

I'm ready :)

I think Ayuka is finished (other than tweaks from small amount of backstory overlap with Yukarii) but I invariably do something wrong in the crunch so let me know if something needs to be changed.

@GM Mowque: Is the profile info sufficient or would you like me to send you the pathfinder character sheet I did as a word document?

Going through my gear and I was wondering how much +1 Tatami-Do armor would cost? Or are costs based on non-eastern armor amounts? Just curious because the starting amount for Tatami-Do armor is 1000gp.

I have Ayuka started but still have most of the equipment to do as well as some tweaking.

@Yukarii: I added her background where the last paragraph would be the rescue of Yukarii but we can change or tweak it as you see fit. I'm pretty flexible.

On a side note, there is a huge lacking of Asian female pictures available for an avatar.