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I actually found this article while researching the little buggers and while I find them delightful both in how creepy they are and the fact that we have a bard who would be forced to do a little more then stand in the back and play his flute. That being said they are pretty high level so I was planning on having them infesting the orphanage of a town they are about to go to. The town has been taken over by devils, using Book of Vile Darkness possession rules who are using it as a base for their new plans against humanity. When they arrived they took over the women at the orphanage and have barricaded the children inside who have started dropping like flies due to the already abysmal conditions there.

In effect they will function as distractions to the party, who are 8th level, and will be attached in some way to several devils in human hosts. Mostly I think they will pester the casters with extra saves and I intend to give them Spring Attack and more then likely Haste to supplement that terrible move speed, but I could definitely agree without some augmentation they are hardly CR 4, 3 maybe. Another thing to make them more potent would be to make them more durable, either through DR or all-out intangibility depending on how you like to flavor text them. If they have more time for attacks they could easily get a player to brick a saving throw.

Having read this series of posts I know want to make a side quest in my next game at lower levels involving a Ravid bound to an orphanage to animate the toys and possessions around the house and entertain a wizards children. The wizard commited suicide for a reason I have time to come up with, and his home was so remote that the Ravid watched the children die as well, turning into AW from the neglect. The session could be quite fun I think, the children strewn about the house in the rooms they've died but coming out to play whenever the Ravid animates something. The Ravid would animate a few objects in the main room as he saw them approach and then make his way upstairs to protect the majority of the children, leaving little encounters behind him. Include an Allip in the wizards study and some vermin monsters in the basement and it could be a very fun encounter, though they'd hardly be the boss again.

All just my two cents, some things aren't properly balanced though, just creepy and thematic :D

Hey guys, I just wanted to hop on and apologize for my sudden absence, I know some of you might not see this at all, I did end up losing my job and my computer. Just got a new laptop for Christmas but I do not intend on picking this game back up as too much time has passed and all my notes have been lost. I do apologize to anyone who was enjoying the direction the game was going and if I ever attempt to run another game on here in a more steady capacity I'll try to let you all know. Thanks for an enjoyable first play by post run and I hope that while the game was short it was still enjoyable for you all.

The Flames are contained around him so you suspect melee, but as no one has fired at him while wreathed in flame no one is sure.

Your crushing crit lands however your other two attacks are deflected by flames and steel. You take 5 points of fire damage for striking him, but he is greatly weakened. Jhal, it's your turn next and you are flanking which means you'll receive sneak attack damage but note that any hits against him cause 5 points of fire damage.

He is, flanked by Jugo and Tetsushinzo with you adjacent.

OW, brutal for sure then. Take your time, this combat is winding down.

Fair enough, I just wanted to be sure how he was standing and what he had out, but as long as you acknowledge that you'll have to sheath or drop the axe before going back to firing that's fine.

Your fist flies forward but makes contact with the strange energy armor surrounding the warrior and is pushed to one side.

No you're right, sorry guys I've been overworked and underpaid of late. Does he drop his bow or sheath it? That difference does make a difference, and either way you'll only get one attack as it takes a move action to draw your axe (unless you have quick draw, I didn't think you did.

Jhal's axe rises and falls in a furious commotion, each blow meeting steel and being turned aside from within the shadows before him. Then the Rabbit makes a furious swipe which seems to ignite the shadows around him. The shadows become a tangible cloak of flame, twisting behind his each swing. He then raises his blade and lets loose two swings at Jhal, each arcing above his head with flames trailing behind them, lingering in the air like a web.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Ikari, you and Tetsushinzo notice that he is making what appear to be obviously defensive maneuvers, blocking side strikes with his blade but reducing his effectiveness when attacking.

No, I didn't mean you had to take the damage, I realize he missed I was just pointing out he move past you either way as he is a spring attack build. He doesn't do that "full attack, stand and fight" thing, but you haven't taken the damage I realize.

It is, however you would have had to move at least 40 feet to get to him so the auto hit should have been the only attack. I'll let you keep it, but he did strike you and then move around you to threaten the archer. Your Crit was confirmed however so with a mighty swing you slash across the Hengeyokai's back leaving a great rending blow. Blood splashes back unto your face and a howl of pain can be heard by all.

Jhal, the Rabbit is directly in front of you so firing your bow or drawing your axe will provoke an attack. He has you pinned by the cart, so the only option to fire your bow would be to move more then 5 feet away (which also provokes an attack of opportunity.

You are correct, but due to you being in difficult terrain it will take you a run action on your second turn to get out of the woods (though after which you will be flanking him with Jhal. Jugo manages to catch the horse and guard and begins to pull it around on his turn, Ikari, it is your turn.

T.K your roll is the top one where it says Opposed Check T.K. It's a Comet throw, 10 feet plus the difference between your checks so I did mess that part up but he can use either his dex or str plus 4 against whichever of yours is higher. Jai (the rabbit) got a 26, you got a 6, therefore the difference of 20 plus the 10 foot base is 30 feet. Sorry for the confusion. If you read Mighty Throw (the rules for which Comet throw works off of) Thank you for checking and if your Str. or Dex is higher then 18 let me know as I did this from work in a bit of a rush.

Jhal your arrow does hit however it is not a sneak attack, the strike bites deeply into his shoulder and he falls back a step before regaining his ground. As the shadows around him fade, Ikari you notice he is wearing the same suit of translucent purple armor. He draws his blade back and strikes out in an arc at you

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Then, he bounds forward, past you 50 feet (you get an attack of opportunity but you notice he's rather deft at dodging around you) placing him directly in front of Jhal and the cart, the shadows again enveloping him.

Indeed, as you thrust your Monk spade forward into the shadows you hear the clash of steel against your weapon and feel it forced back to you. From the darkness around him his head emerges for a moment, "The Rabbit never left my friend, and now you shall fall to the blade of Jai!"

For Jhal's sake, when doing hits against this opponent for now also add miss Chance, which is 1d100 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28. If this number is higher then 100 you miss because of the shadows cloaking and concealing his true position.

The Prince frowns and looks at you for a moment. He shakes his head to one side before turning to you, "You are right I suppose, old monk. We must teach them to respect me. Release the karma blessed one. He will leave his possessions here, save the clothes on his back, and left to the wilderness. If the gods and fate truly favor him, he shall survive. Burn the others." As the young prince finishes you hear the sound of creaking steel, and far ahead of you, you can see Tetsushinzo being lifted up by a figure draped in shadows and thrown into the woods beside him.

Initiative order will remain the same, starting with Ikari and traveling down accordingly except the guards and the bandits aren't going to be joining this fight. After seeing Jugo burst into flames and nearly kill the horse and actually kill one of their fellows they want nothing to do with the Hengeyokai. If Tetsushinzo doesn't respond by tomorrow I'll DMPC him for a while, though I'd of course prefer not to.

Sorry all, my excuse is now in the discussion feed, you made me laugh Jhal so thank you for that :)

Ikari, as you float back down you notice the third of the bandits being doused in lantern oil, none have been burned yet.

The Captain turns to Jhal, a strange look in his eye, "The Prince speaks the will of the Heavens, no man should disobey him." Following your comment about his conscience he stops for a moment, peering down. "If you wish to save these men you should speak with the Prince, convince him this is not right. I will do as my lord commands." He gives a pained look back to the Prince.

"Archer, you seem to think these traitors of the crown deserve mercy, but tell me. When do I draw this line? What manner of man is too dangerous to live. Three of my guards are dead, one being carried away with no chance of being returned to us, and you ask me to provide mercy?!" The Prince sounds furious, indignant and disbelieving that anyone would speak to him as you have.

Tetsushinzo, as you turn back to watch the bandits you hear a rustle only moments before a flash a steel strikes out at you. A figure, cloaked in shadows reaches out to grab your arm and misbalance you. At this juncture you are about 30 ft. from the group, Jugo is twenty feet past you, still chasing the horse with the near dead guard on it

Touch attack 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Opposed Trip T.K. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Jai 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

With a quick flick of his wrist, the Hengeyokai lifts you over his head and with a flourish tosses you 40 feet back into the woods behind him.

You take 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 1) = 5 and are now in difficult terrain.

Will do, sorry I was out of town this weekend without internet access, now back.

Above the canopy you look out and can see that you are perhaps a few miles from a wide river, down the road ahead of you. Soaring higher and higher you see no sign of the Hengoykai, neither above or below the canopy.

Make two Spot checks Ikari, one for above the tree line and one for below, I'll let you know what you can see

The young prince scowls at Jhal for a moment before turning to face Ikari, "Old Master, you are blinded by kindness. You see serendipity as fate and chance as the will of the Gods. Captain, none threaten the royal family. These men are traitors and will suffer a traitor's death." The young boy speaks with surprising cruelty, glee in his eyes. He shouts and each of the bandits looks low, fear in their eyes.

The Captain opens up his pack and pulls out two flasks, "As you wish, Seventh Prince." His voice is somber and you can hear a hint of depression as he opens one and begins to douse one of the bandits, the stench of lantern oil pervading each of your senses. He opens a second flask and begins to coat the next man, each groveling before him. The nobles avert their eyes and even a few of the remaining guards turn away as he continues.

Tetsushinzo, you catch up with Jugo rather quickly however he has begun to run (you'll need to do so to keep up) in an attempt to catch the horse still carrying one of the guards. The horse trots leisurely, but it has made it quite some way out. Make a Listen check for me.

Ikari, how high up do you go? The trees in the area are each about 25 ft. tall and not much else can be seen beneath them.Also from that height you would hear very little of the scene below.

The rope is cleanly cut, singed fibers give way and the bandit drops immediately, disabled on the ground and screaming in pain.

Jhal as your arrow is loosed the bandit plummets like a rock, the rope pulling taunt around his mid section and in a moment his body hangs lifelessly like a broken marionette. Jugo turns around and scowls for a moment and the Captain raises his voice quickly, "Hold your fire! It is unbefitting of these men to be killed without the Seventh Son's judgement." He points to the last bandits (both on the left side of the caravan), "Cut yourselves down and come forward to face your judgment. If you have any gods left to favor you, I suggest you pray to them now. Metal monk, your friend has run ahead alone like a fool, but there is some wisdom in what he said. Their leader yet lives and he must be slain before we grow to be any fewer."

The bandits will each comply and the remaining guards keep watch over them. The Prince leaves his cart and, with the Ryukyan slave girl behind his each step, approaches the bandits.

For the time being, assume that all bandits and guards have left initiative order, however it is currently Tetsushinzo's turn as Jai is still considered hostile (though no one can see him at this time).

That's fine, I will still ask for an attack roll as the rope is rather thin, but as long as you don't roll a 1 I'm sure you'll do more then enough damage and he'll fall.

The remaining four guards and the captain reload their crossbows and return fire.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 1d8 ⇒ 6
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 1d8 ⇒ 5
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 1d8 ⇒ 6
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 1d8 ⇒ 2
Captain 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 1d8 ⇒ 4

Two more bandits fall from their theaters, one who had already been shot by T.K. is obviously unconscious while the other is knocked back by the force (and a lack of balance) and screams out painfully. The three bandits left standing drop their crossbows nearly at once and raise their hands.

Your bullet strikes true into the bandit and he is pushed back for a moment before recovering his footing.

Ikari, as you soar across to the nearest foe your spade swirls out and connects.

Opposed check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

With a swift motion you toss the bandit from his tree and as he falls you hear a sudden crack as the rope around his leg goes taunt. You have a follow-up attack as he falls if you'd like.

The remaining bandits begin firing back, two at Jhal, two at T.K. and the remaining fellow at the Jugo.

T.K. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 1d8 ⇒ 6
T.K. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 1d8 ⇒ 8
Jhal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 1d8 ⇒ 7
Jhal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 1d8 ⇒ 2
Jugo 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 1d8 ⇒ 4

That would work yes, you'd hit them on the way down per Improved Trip as well but I'm going to give them a +2 circumstance bonus for stabilization

They are each about fifteen feet in the air. You can either strike the tree (and thus try to shake them out on a balance check) or attempt a running jump but you currently can't reach them from the ground without doing one of the two. Of course it's not like your arm's a gun or anything haha

Your fist launches out like a steel piston, however the Hengeyokai is already too far to reach.

Ikari you did indeed see him bolt away, he didn't poof or anything he just ran extremely fast on air away (like a spirit rabbit might) before turning sharply and making his way into the bushes. From your position up high you can still see him, about 60 ft. away in a straight, diagonal line.

Tetsushinzo's turn next

As you loose your arrow and devastating scream breaks from the Hengeyokai's voice. He raises his blade and as he swings it through the air he creates a pillar of flame around himself. He'll then arc out his blade and bring it crashing down onto Jugo.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

1d10 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Suddenly there is an eruption of flames. Saika, T.K. and the horse for the cart as well as one guard standing to Saika's left are all caught in an explosion. Each gets a reflex save for half.

5d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 2, 4) = 16

Jugo 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
T.K. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Horse 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Guard 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Suddenly, in the ensuing smoke and flames the rabbit has glided away, 50 ft. back and into the trees around for cover. Jugo and Tetsushinzo both gets AoO as he leaves.

All but your third strike land squarely and the man falls from his harness in the tree, unconscious and badly burned.

The numbers changed during the edits I tried to perform. On the rolls above he would have caught you flat-footed and hit but on the original he missed. I decided to keep the original rolls as it seemed under-handed. I'll post Jugo's turn later tonight when work slows down.

The samurai presses the flat of his blade against your fist and pushes off into the air with a flip.

The remaining Bandits continue firing their crossbows, two at Jhal, and four at the remaining guards.

Jhal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 1d8 ⇒ 7
Jhal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 1d8 ⇒ 8
Guard 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 1d8 ⇒ 1
Guard 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 1d8 ⇒ 1
Guard 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 1d8 ⇒ 2
Guard 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 1d8 ⇒ 4

Crit Confirm 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 1d8 ⇒ 5
As bolts fly, the one cornered by Ikari quick draws a hidden blade and lunges out at you.

Sleight of Hand 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Ikari's Spot check 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Attack Roll 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

At this juncture all of the guards are injured. They pull out crossbows and take cover behind their horses, firing back at the bandits.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 1d8 ⇒ 1
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 1d8 ⇒ 3
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 1d8 ⇒ 6
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 1d8 ⇒ 7

Obviously most of the nobles look quite offended but the guards all laughed heartily with (except the Captain) and one might even hear the Seventh Prince snicker quietly from the back of the cart behind you.

Your arrow strikes true for 22 damage. I assumed you were aiming at one of the bandits not engaged with Ikari, but that's of course your choice.

As Jhal flings an arrow into the nearby tree, a bandit falls backward in the throes of death. He is caught on his length of rope and jerks viciously, blood spraying from the fatal wound the arrow has left in his throat.

Jai, the Hengeyokai in the road, raises his blade and a smile crosses his lips. Suddenly he lunges forward, reaching one hand out and grasp Tetsushinzo's heavy armored plates. He cries out, "Eagle tosses Rabbit!" As his leg swipes under Tetsushinzo's guard he attempts to lift you over his head. You find his attack predictable and quickly sidestep his forceful foot, leaping over the sweep and narrowly avoiding his attack.

Touch attack, Jai1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Opposed Dex 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Opposed Dex T.K. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

If I ever get one of your bonuses wrong, let me know.

Well if you didn't have a negative charisma I would say you should take diplomacy, however any knowledge skill would be useful (you'd have access to Psionics and Religion as a monk/mind blade). Otherwise there aren't many skills that are absolutely necessary, you could take perform for all I care haha

You gracefully glide out towards the bandit immediately to your right and make your way behind him. There is plenty of cover in all directions around you. For reference, each bandit is 15 feet up and 10 feet from his fellows. There are four on each side of the road, and the cart currently sits in the dead center of them. The Hengeyokai floats a foot of the ground about 40 feet dead ahead from anyone on the road.

Also remember that the Cart is large enough that walking around it requires you to move through difficult terrain (double movement) though this is no longer an issue for the party I'm assuming.

Flight isn't a skill in 3.5, so that isn't applicable and you should reassign your skill points, I am going to say that flying through the trees still applies a difficult terrain penalty (double movement penalty). Tumble doesn't apply here as they don't have close combat weapons out.

It's your turn Ikari, you are at the top of the initiative order, Jai's turn was signalling the attack, the bandits shot, surprise round over then initiative starting with you. Sorry, I can see that wasn't clear

Jhal, I'm assuming you are still riding 'shotgun' so we'll keep that in mind.

As Jugo makes his declaration, a sequence of events goes down very quickly. First, the Hengeyokai draws his katana, very slowly and holds it over his head. As he stands he lowers the blade and makes a swiping motion directly in front of him. Suddenly bolts descend from the trees around you, making it clear that hidden above were a team of crossbow men. While Ikari informed everyone this was a trap the guards had no way of knowing where the men were and are still flat-footed.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + (5, 1) = 12
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + (6, 3) = 15
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + (1, 6) = 14
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + (4, 6) = 12
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + (2, 6) = 11
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + (1, 2) = 10
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + (5, 1) = 10
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 1d8 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + (2, 6) = 14

As bolts descend five of the guards are struck, all of whom fall backwards. The guard who rode ahead does happen to stay in the saddle while the rest go crashing to the ground.

Below is Initiative order starting now:
Bandits 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Jai 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Ikari 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Jhal 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
T.K. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Remaining Guards 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Jugo 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

I lightly threw it off my bed and it took offense. Regardless, I expect to get a new one in the next month or so but in the meantime I'm limited to work. I work on a computer in a call center though so it's not much of a limit, just stuck responding between calls haha

Hey all, I had a slow day and ended up losing my temper and trashing my laptop. Stupider acts have been performed but I can't recall when. For this reason I'll do most of my posting from work, which while that may not result in a slower game as that's what I usually do, it means that on Sunday and Mondays I may only post once during that span (it's my weekend). Just wanted everyone to be aware, it most affects T.K. who I assume has weekends off.

Also, Ikari no one in the party has any charisma based skills so while I do appreciate others being able to RP against the bandit spirit I'm really waiting for more spot checks to see if anyone else is aware of the situation before asking for initiative for the combat I assume shall soon erupt.

The rabbit turns and faces you. A brown hare, it suddenly begins to grow, larger and larger until it becomes man size. From within it's fur a elegant robe stretches out, covering the creatures chest, arms and legs. Strapped to it's hip is a long curved blade and even as he stands you notice he hovers eerily one foot off the ground. He looks up and a smile crosses his lips, "Good morrow. I am Jai Talibuko, Hengeyokai of this forest and master of the blade. Your group looks laden with gold and treasures, I ask only that you lay down your arms and your riches and I'll be on my way."

Those of your with knowledge of the Bureaucracy know that a Hengeyokai is a lesser spirit, normally mischievous and sometimes even malevolent in recent years. Being minor beings they were the first to fall to the corruptions from the south.

The guard sits transfixed, unsure how to react. As he begins to turn his horse a clicking noise is heard nearby, causing him to turn about wildly, looking for the source.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Yeah, between two days rest and the cleric everyone should be at full. Also note that T.K> should make three checks as he doesn't sleep, however you do spend one watch asleep and would need to only take two checks for the night Ikari. For now I'll just assume you slept for the last few hours of the morning and then woke up to get ready with the rest of the envoy.

The night passes more or less without incident, though in the valley below you, you do notice a number of floating lights. On your third watch one of the two posted guards seems to take notice and point into the valley below, "Shinen no Gaki, the spirits of dead soldiers unable to find their way home! Should they come near they could burn our envoy away. I hope for everyone's sake they keep their distance."

He then keeps his eyes turned towards the lights, which over the course of the dark hours of morning begin to go out, one by one until the sun rises removing the last few. As the sun makes its way over the crest of the hill each guard begins to eat their rations while the nobles (one of whom is evidently a royal cook) begin making an almost banquet of a meal. The Prince invites each of you to eat with him once he wakes up, though the other nobles scowl at the prospect of sharing their food.

After breakfast you begin to make way, at this point still in the shadow of the Mountains behind you. You make your way into a small wood, none to the locals as Shi-Tai Forest. A clear road, 10 feet across weaves through the wood at this juncture, and you know to be another days ride from a village each of you passed through on the road to the Temple. It is a small fishing village, sitting on a lake fed by the Hyu Xi River.

It must be just after midday that you all notice a single hare sitting in the center of the road before you. One of the guards exclaims, "A hare, it standing in our path must be good luck!" before another replies, "Or good eating!" as he begins to race ahead, naginata drawn on his horseback.

Alright, well anyone who is on watch the first night should now make a Spot check for their watch. From here on, when we set-up camp just go ahead and make any Spot checks and declare when your watch is. T.K. just make three checks and take a -5 anytime you are crafting for part or all of the night.

You notice that two guards are awake for each watch while the captain sleeps through the night.

Spot1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

The guards have a schedule of watches they maintain which you will no doubt intersect with.

If you don't attempt to speak with anyone the guards and nobles will be more then happy to ignore you. That said, the Prince hounds everyone with questions, regardless of your interest in him. Through this I'll assume you each tell him your name at some point. The slave girl mostly stays away from the lot of you, unsure how to gauge you. It becomes clear she speaks very little common.

He is the prince, youngest son of Emperor Han and sent on a near suicide mission as he is the least likely to rule and thus no great loss. As for watches, you'll need to bring that to the party's attention, for now the guards of the Prince have their own watch set-up which you happen to notice go by.

The guard smiles at your response, a grin of massive proportions before saying, "Ha, I guess it must be. Very well, we'll set out immediately and set-up a small camp for breakfast soon. Follow us, and try not to fall behind."

Tetsushinzo as you follow him back you see in the back of the cart he has a room almost. A small bed sits against the right wall with a curtain at the back of the cart for privacy. As the young slave girl lifts him up he climbs to the back of the cart and places the texts on a small pillow in the back right of the cart across from the bed. A small mat lays at the rear of the cart, he steps on it as he passes. "Fascinating, I think you may be my favorite! What is your name Master? I hope we can be friends."

Jhal is offered a position on the cart next to the driver with his bow, and none of the horses run so Tetsushinzo and Ikari have no difficulty keeping up at a walking pace. Your first day of travel passes without incident, however anyone who wishes to speak to the members of the envoy is more then welcome to. Is anyone other then Tetsushinzo taking watches? I'm more curious who would for in character reasons at this point and I'd like to have it set up for the posterity of the adventure

A few guards scowl up at Jhal, however no one says anything. The Prince looks out and turns to each member of the procession in turn, staring wide-eyed for a moment before seeming to grow bored and stepping forward.

"For my father in the great capital of Tien Bae, I hereby accept these texts. My father would like to thank you for this service, Grandmaster Wen, and all of your services in the past. He tells me you saved his life once, long ago when he was but a boy. Yet you are so old!" He cries out in amazement almost and his brow furrows.

The Grandmaster hands over the texts to the Prince, the massive tome dwarfing the boy behind it, and smiles, "Well it was sometime ago, young prince, but I feel the same." He chuckles dryly and turns to the procession. "May mighty Susano-o bless this journey and all you who go on it.". He then begins to make his way back up the stairs, his procession behind him.

The Captain steps forward and looks to the four of your remaining, "So you four are our envoy? I was led to believe there would be more of you, but as this is a simple formality it is no harm. I am Shou Xin, captain of his Grace's guard. While I am the youngest man to gain this position, I will expect respect from each of you, and to have my orders followed precisely." As he speaks you do notice that he is quite young, in fact all of the guards are. Several seem to grip their weapons hesitantly, and one appears to be asleep, leaning against the Prince's cart.

The captain's serious tone is broken by the cries of a child, "Hey, you're a metal-man! I've read about you in my stories back home. Is it true you do not sleep? You must grow bored at night when all the world rests." He squeals in relative excitement, and as he jumps up, almost drops the tome. Realizing his error, he waves a hand for Tetsushinzo to follow and walks to climb back into his cart and store the tome away.

Jugo lets out a dry chuckle before shaking his head and composing himself.

As the procession of you meet the princes envoy at the foot of the stairs the captain of their guard steps forward. From this close you can see that the colorful horsemen are nothing but nobles, dressed in fine silken clothes and fanning themselves under the morning sun. They look tired, defeated and each on their last nerve.

The captain speaks loudly, calling out as a herald might, "Shou Xin, presenting Prince Lu Han, seventh son of the Han dynasty and last in line of succession!"

A silence creeps over the envoy for a moment before, with a loud groan, the captain speaks up a second time, "Ahem, Prince Lu Han, seventh son of the Han dynasty and last in line of succession." He turns and looks to the canvased cart before turning to a servant girl that stands to his right. He begins in Ryukyun, tongue of the Isle of Tears.

As she begins to reply he interrupts her with a powerful slap, bringing her to her knees. He shouts out the same statement before, a tear rolling down her cheek, the young servant rushes to the back of the cart. In soothing tones she speaks for a second before dropping to her knees and lying with her face down. A boy steps out of the cart, using her as a stepping stool to come down, and turns to face you. Adorned in the finest silks, he appears to be a boy of no older then 12, 13 at the oldest. He yawns loudly, rubs his eyes and steps to the front of the guard.

Okay, we'll skip ahead to the next day

As each of you awake the next morning a monk cries out from the main hall. The doors are open and his voice spread across the whole of the temple, "The Prince has arrived, the Prince has arrived!".

At the foot of the stairs stand an envoy of ten armed guards stand around a single cart, covered with a purple silk roof, inlaid with gold thread and pulled by a single horse. Behind them are a company of nine horsemen, all dressed colorfully and in formation. The Grand-master fetches the texts and as he begins to walk down the stairs in a solemn pace, escorted by fifteen monks from the temple. Each of you is fetched by Jugo and added to the procession at the front.

"It lightens my heart to hear it, my heroes, though it wears me to say thus. It is a shame the Prince has lived the life he has, forever in competition with those he cannot defeat. Still, enjoy this days rest, I fear it may be your last for sometime." The Master rises and presents each of you with a full bow in turn, a great honor at his level and gestures to the door. As it opens Jugo bows to each of your as you make your way out.

At this point I would like to basically skip the next day to the Prince's arrival. if anyone has any actions to declare in the next day, feel free to, otherwise I'll assume you all eat and rest adequately and don't make an ass of yourselves before the Prince's arrival haha

"You are correct, Master Chanbara, speak reason to the boy and I'm sure he will see his folly. However failing that, I have heard dark whispers. I have heard that his guard and entourage are all conscripted men, barely soldiers and unfit to protect royalty. While I cannot speak against the emperor, it seems clear someone wishes our young prince harm, and I would ask you see that this not befall him. Should he force you after an artifact, convince him to bring it to other monks, men of knowledge who can determine that it will not meet his foolish ends." A tone of almost desperation enters his voice as he contines, "But should he insist to gain his immortality it is important you do what must be done. Each man meets his death, the Mandate of Heaven requires it."

He turns away for a moment, solemn and contemplative.

Non issue, Ikari, it's 6 in the morning Tetsushinzo time so you've got awhile, I just assumed you would go in when summoned since you've been pretty respectful so far.

As Tetsushinzo and Ikari walk into the Master's chamber you find him sitting on a large pillow amidst a room of candles. The room is 20 feet long and about 15 feet wide, a large bed sits behind him, more or less a stone slab with a cushion over the whole of it. His eyes closed he nods as you come in and says, "Be sure to close the door behind, Jugo will join us in a moment but he knows what lies ahead already so we can begin."

"I'm sure you have questions regarding the journey to come, so I wanted to give you an opportunity to speak with me before the Prince arrived. Prince Lu Han the second is the youngest prince in the royal family. " He pauses and clears his throat, before rising and drinking from a small pool of water on the far right of the room, in a basin about two feet off the ground, he kneels and drinks from his hands.

'His father has been alive for over 200 years, though how I have not been able to determine. Lu Han is the last in succession, though that means little to Emperor Han, he will pick his heir based on who he thinks will best rule and who can rule for the longest. For this reason, the princes have spread across the country looking for the secret of immorality." He gives this a second to sink in and opens his eyes for the first time, his tone growing serious and his voice lowering as he speaks, he leans in towards both of you.

"Though young, I'm sure the idea to out do his brothers has occurred to Lu Han. He has come to have the Sacred Texts of the Mandates of Heaven delivered to his father in Tien Bae, the capital city on the farthest side of the country. Within the sacred texts is a written documentation by Amaterasu herself of everything to come to pass in the first cycle of the great Bureaucracy. In three years a great shift shall occur and a new God-Emperor will be chosen, taking over in place of Susano-o as he retires from the throne. This is documented in the texts, as well as the last 1,000 years of history, including the actions of Kami and Oni from around the world, some great and some small. So far, none of these predictions have been proven wrong." He shakes his head and looks down, an appearance of disappointment on his face.

"It pains me to have them removed from our Temple, however should I refuse I fear the Emperor would strike down each monk hear and have our home destroyed. He cares little of the old ways but wants to see into the future and determine how best to rule. I tried to explain to his messengers that it doesn't record the actions of mortals, but they would not listen. Thus your task is threefold. You are to defend the Emperor's son from assassination attempts, both mortal and from demons who wish to take the texts or possibly use him to gain control of the kingdom. You will be rewarded personally by the Emperor a sum of 16,000 Gold coins to each of you should his son arrive with the texts." His tone goes to a grave depth.

"While the son's safety is important, the Texts are even more so. Should any demon place hands on them they could acquire artifacts and relics that have not been seen for hundreds of years. Should they corrupt these relics they will become more powerful then any of us dare imagine. Your final task however, is the most important of all. The young son of Emperor Han may attempt to read the texts, however I can tell you personally that he will not be able to handle this task. Should he begin to seek out one of the relics under some illusion that he may become immortal he will certainly perish. It is imperative that you do not allow the boy to read the texts. As he will be carrying them at all times this may become difficult, however vigilance should not be an issue. While my blessings are strong and you should all be protected for the first leg of the journey, know that it could take months for you to reach the capital. With the coming winter this is the most dangerous time you could make this trek, so stay aware and do not give up hope. I know you are capable of this. Now, do you have any questions I can address?"