Apologies to everyone... Real life issues are kicking me in the rear end right now. Might be out of commission for a week or longer.
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"I must, as the sun and the stars, show my true quality. I did not think to check." Chkaia speaks unabashedly.
Chkaia follows Kenta, but begins to clutch his gut as though experiencing stomach cramps.
I'm not certain that they will let us leave if we were to do so openly. Drinking the "poison", pretending to be ill, (and dying) might give the merciless soldiers a reason to ignore us completely. Its a gamble, but I'm open to other ideas. I am just using the tools at hand.
"No, we become sick, ill, retreat to our homes, and then vanish. I do not think the guards will care for the sick. It seems that Grandmother has cultivated less humane tendencies in her soldiers." Chkaia lowers his voice again. "It will require some ability to fool our 'captors', but I think we can escape easily this way. Unclean water is not watched as it flows downriver."
"Honored warriors, drink and partake of this refreshing water that Guava has bequeathed to us. It is a gift from Grandmother, and one which will make us strong and healthy!" Chkaia declares loudly as he passes the jar of water around. Chkaia blinks and looks to make sure guards are watching.
Chkaia takes a drink of the (now purified?) water, urging the others to do so. "Then let us drink to Guava's health, temporarily at least. And use his knowledge that this was once poison against him. Guava obviously does not care for our well-being, or he would not have suggested we drink it. We can thus enact being poisoned, dying even, and thus be ignored by the military that is stationed here."
"I am not for spilling blood, not here, where we face insurmountable odds against us. I recommend that we use this time to escape." Chkaia looks around at his companions. "Some of you wish to remain. You think your presence will be helpful against the army that has settled here. While I have learned not to question even the most improbable of ideals, I would question the logic and faith of that action. Stay here if you wish, but I for one plan to seek out further realms of truth and wisdom."
"Then I suggest we act with some deception. Quickly, surround me and hide my actions. Perhaps cheering for the Grandmother or for our victory would be suitable." With a chant of a few syllables, Chkaia holds up the jar, imploring the water to return to its perfect state.
Afterwards, Chkaia again looks into the water to sense the truth of its properties.
When They are out of earshot of any of the guards: Chakhan turns to his companions. "If we truly wish to leave, I have an idea which may help us. But as in all ventures, it will require your cooperation, and actions of faith on your part."
"It is the correct pay." Chkaia confirms after doing a small calculation. "And the generous gift of water will be gladly accepted." Chkaia takes the jar back. He remains reverent throughout the encounter, his head bowed in supposed submission.
Chkaia tries a different tactic, hoping to distract the ruler. He bows in reverence to Guava, holding out the jar of poisoned water. "Most noble warrior, we have done what was asked of us. And one of us holds the armbands we were sent to retrieve. This jar of water was also found among the possessions of the humanitarians. Their souls, unfortunately, have departed for brighter homes."
Chkaia blinks, but otherwise shows no surprise. "It seems that Grandmother is bringing her plans to fruition sooner than is reasonable."
"It is doubtful that the villagers would respond violently, nor, I think, should we. We do not have the power to face an army of Grandmother's soldiers."
Chkaia nods as he joins the others on their way back to Guava. "Destiny is as fickle, sometimes, as a maiden's love." But he understands the meaning and importance of honor, in both a personal and an impersonal sense.
"I would not be so eager to suggest death, my friend. Even to those we assume to be deserving. Death comes for us all, that is true. But those with lives and consciences should have the opportunity to allow the one to influence the other."
"I am tempted to purge the jar of its poison, lest it accidentally fall into hands unknowing of its deadly nature."
Kenta, would your character be willing to finish the task and then return? Or do you have some other reason to stay in Buachan?
Okay, if the rest want to stay in Bachuan, I'll stay too.
Chkaia returns from his meditations. "I have determined, for myself, in order to pursue the true freedom of the mind that I believe is necessary to understand my mortality, and the relationship between myself and the Cosmos... I will accompany you into the Hwan territories. My fate is not so concrete that I will not pry it up with a stick of curiosity from time to time, and this seems like a perfect opportunity to make those necessary changes." He nods to his companions. "Where you go from here, my friends, is up to you. I embrace change as change challenges the soul. Hardship will challenge the mind and body, but the greatest fear of the soul is that it will become lenient and passive in the darkest times." Chkaia offers out a hand (talon?) to those defecting across the border. "There is no greater moment of potentiality, than in ending one life-long project and pursuing another."
"He has spoken true. The glass jar contains poison." Chkaia says calmly, but the conundrum had yet to be solved. "You will pardon me, as I meditate on our circumstances once more. I will face my inner demons, and return more certain of my actions." Chkaia withdraws to a quiet space, and meditates, stilling his mind to contemplate the nature of their problem. First, he regards the words of the Bachuan soldiers, their facial expressions, their intonations, and considers the nature of all mental possibilities.
Next he considers the nature of the Bachuan government, its tools and methods, and its likelihood to create a false flag to attract and trap any potential defectors.
Chkaia examines the glass jar with an eye for truth.
Chkaia approaches the stranger. "I thank you for your offer. We must contemplate on this matter well, though. Some of us face uncertainties and fears that prevent our actions at this time. When one is in darkness, it helps to embrace the shadows, and then at least be in fitting company."
Well, its the weekend. A lot of people don't post on the weekends. (I surprisingly have a day off, but the character is waiting to see what Kenta will do.)
Chkaia listens to Bai's suggestion, and nods silently to say he understands the concept. "Our task, according to the soldiers who recruited us, was not to prevent them from escaping. Only to bring word (and proof) of their fates, as it was assumed they would be dead. We can do so now. But if we are expected to show greater loyalty to the Grandmother than was originally requested of us; that thought is a heavy matter." "We have been obedient. But shall we be more than that? In my contemplation of such matters, I do not suppress grander emotions and nationalism... but I am not a native of this land, nor do I feel any strong emotion for the Grandmother. I do, however, wish to remain alive. If this is a trick or a test, our lives would be in danger should we follow my conscience."
"If the path of life were easy to see, few would follow it." Chkaia surveys the situation, but he remains still for now. He waits to see what Kenta will do. "If something was taken from the Grandmother, or something promised to her, perhaps it is best to see that it is returned."
Chkaia waits for word from Kenta on how to continue. He meditates silently in the shade until the Nagaji returns. "What is it to be... War or Peace or the Chaos in between?" He says as Kenta approaches, not opening his eyes.
He stands at Kenta's request, making certain his weapons are well bound, then moves forward with the rest of the group. "It seems you are a strong voice for us, Kenta. Reach inside yourself, and see where your true power lies. Do not rely on religion, but upon the faith in the self, which is the strongest and truest form." He reaches his hand out, and chants a brief syllable with his eyes closed once more. Kenta glows with a palpable aura of light and inner strength.
"And do not forget, the life of the Cosmos flows through you in all things. Not only matters of voice and faith."
Chkaia also looks around.
A few notes... One, after adding up all my carried weight, I've discovered that Chkaia is encumbered with a medium weight. I thought I could escape that with the special leather lamellar, but it didn't work. :P So, his speed is 20 ft. (-3 armor check penalty), etc. Two, I have a link to a better picture of Chkaia in my profile. (No Tengu love in the available profile pictures here.) Three, DM, Would you allow the Mystery of the Gods feat from 3PP, 4 Winds Fantasy Gaming, Ways of Power Mystery of the Gods: You gain access to one of the domains of your patron deity. Prerequisite: Ability to cast 3rd level divine spells. Benefit: You gain access to a domain listed under the description of your patron deity. This is an extra domain in addition to any already chosen. For characters other than clerics, use the character’s divine spellcaster class levels to determine level for purposes of gaining domain powers. This feat may be taken only once. Of course, Chkaia doesn't have a patron deity, but it would allow access to a third (and final) cleric domain.
Chkaia munches on something that looks suspiciously like birdseed as he observes the others . "Perhaps Tan is the most correct."
He looks around for a few minutes. "Ah, Clarity comes with a full stomach. It's this way." He points, very certain of himself.
"I will take vigil in the night as well, and keep my own company with the stars."
roflmao! I'm glad I wasn't drinking something or it would be all over my keyboard.
Chkaia is also not skilled in understanding the nature of the woods beyond stillness and life. However, he reaches out with a glowing hand and touches the one whom he deems most skilled.
"Whatever philosophy you follow, understand that spiritual truths come from within. Including the path of truth through a forest of shadows."
"You must learn to accept the cosmic power that flows through all things. To voice the chant of Hakthi Ani, is to voice the flow of life." Chkaia gestures around him, even at the dead giant ants. "And to respect life in all its forms. With Hakthi Ani, you will learn to reach within yourself to the wellspring of life, and heal your wounds." Chkaia leads Kenta and any other wounded to a clear part on the road, where they sit in meditation. After a moment of silence, Chkaia opens his beak and releases a long musical note that eventually ends as a syllable, then repeats each syllable, allowing those within hearing range to chant along with him. Somehow the tones elicit energy from the air around them, coalescing as brilliant life-giving motes of light over the wounds of those present.
Since some were not as healed as he would have preferred, Chkaia repeats the chant, allowing those near him to chant along again. This time the process is more rapid.
"It may be of little consequence, but I have learned healing techniques in my time across the seas. It is the healing power of the chant of Hakthi Ani. If you wish, I will guide you in the chant." Chkaia makes a gesture of respect by placing his hand over his forehead and bowing his head.
Round 3: 8/8 HP, AC 17/14/13
Chkaia moves forward, the charms on both temple swords jingling as he swings them at the remaining ant. for sword damage.
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Round 2: 8/8 HP, AC 17/14/13 Chkaia takes another ritual stance, drawing the second temple sword and readies an attack against the first ant or other enemy to come within range. for
Round 1: 8/8 HP, AC 17/14/13 Chkaia quickly moves into a ritual stance, drawing one of the temple swords from his back. The charms and holy symbols dangling from its bar jingle in the breeze, before the weapon suddenly flies from Chkaia's grasp towards the new ant that appears. Hand of the Acolyte
After this sudden movement, the sword jingles past the ant without striking it then returns to Chkaia's grasp.
"The shade of the tree, as the shadow of the self, balances the light and dark. I suggest we enjoy it for a while."
Chkaia is silent as the others communicate with one another. When a suitable silence is available in which to speak, he forms a mudra with his arms and hands. "No voice in the Cosmos is more pure, and none more delicate, than the nameless." He stands straight again, allowing the words to have their effect before continuing. "I am known by many names, in many tongues. But here you may call me by the name that comes easiest to the tongue of tengu. Chkaia Linthel."
"As for fate, some are at the whims of its mercy, some forge the paths that swirl through it, swallowed again by time as identity is confounded."
Chkaia nods, tucking a silver plated acorn into the sash around his leather lamellar. "A rock tumbles down a hill, and does not rest until it reaches a destination."
But if another character should drop out, Asura would probably have next available slot. Just in case.
Since you were selected as a replacement, Bai-yin... You and Asura should discuss who will actually take the place. PMs might be best. Or perhaps you two could duel it out in character. That could be exciting.
I'll be able to post around midnight then, (CST), if we start tonight. Have to work most of the evening.
Ah, thanks just saw the "other" summons. :P After we gather our things. Okay...
Okay, one other question, as Chkaia has two "outfits". Ceremonial robes with a haramaki, and an actual set of lamellar leather. In our summons, would we have been asked to arm ourselves appropriately?
I will post the stats in the profile immediately. Before we get any further, I thought I would ask this, as it has been nagging at me. The tengu ability says that a tengu is proficient with swordlike weapons, but it does not say martial or simple only, so I am assuming that it was intended that tengu would be proficient with exotic swordlike weapons (much as Elves, Dwarves, and Orcs are proficient with exotic weapons with the race names in them). However, I stand ready to be corrected if that is overpowering.
"As the water flows through the channels chosen for it, so I obey." Chkaia says as he holds up the green chit. He bows his head when he sees Asura leave the room. "Sometimes a leaf clings to its branch, it does not fall when winter comes." |