Hiriko's page

Hiriko shrugs her shoulders following after Seori as she attempts to stop Mamoru from wrecking the castle walls a seemingly self satisfied look on his face as he plants his spear. With the efforts seemingly wasted Hiriko can only shrug her shoulders. You certainly taught the wall a lesson. If we are done here we should join back with the others before something bad happens.

Since Mamoru ran off to smash the wall up the stairs I will stick near Seori and follow her at what ever pace she decides. Following Mamoru's path out the door with her eyes Hiriko speaks quietly into the sleeve of her robes on hearing the first sounds of smashing. Reckless beast.

Noticing the activities going on around her Hiriko blows on the paper with her notes to hasten its drying before putting it away and makes herself ready to continue. Sorry will need to look further into its history when I have more time.

The elemental ties in role-playing games and culture are all over the place. For example water could be still and deep representing calm and contemplative personality but it can also be rushing and frothy like rapids representing an intense and wild personality. It is all a matter of perspective. Mechanics is important to me as well since I want it to gel with my character concept or at least not run counter to it.

The elemental stuff sounds interesting but I would need to understand the meaning of the elements in the game better before committing to one or using them at all. I would likely focus on a aspect that builds on Hiriko's natural curiosity and intellect which I guess would mean water or fire since you seemed to flip flop some on fire and mentioned water being the opposite. At least on the discussion side of things. I am looking for Hiriko to be someone that always has a off trick up her sleeve some what like the knowledgeable adviser/guide you see alot in anime.
That whole Well of coarse I have a door to the underworld in my back pack where else would I put it, now where did i store it. I really looking towards useful options rather then outright offensive stuff.

About the new player I am always happy to see new people introduced to pen and paper role-playing games. Can't wait to meet her on the boards.

Hiriko try's to calm herself the prospect of deciphering the text on the statue bringing out her natural curiosity and readies her equipment for another confrontation before closely examining the statue. The celestial tongue I haven't dealt with the written form in a bit hmm what was that verb rule again when dealing with sentence structure? Hiriko reads over the script several times to ensure that she has the proper translation before speaking the translation out for everyone's benefit. The statue's script reads 'Behold Hakano Jyunitchi, Warrior of Earth and protector of the Emperor. Here his body stands, still as the stone he commanded, until the Imperial Blade commands him from his sleep to serve anew. Pray to the Warding Earth with offerings of stone and receive his blessing, a share of his power to all within his gaze.'

After completing her translation for the party Hiriko pulls out a quill, ink and parchment from her backpack to copy the translation for herself. I should research the name and title when time permits.

Wu Fen if I notice the script at the base of the statue I will investigate it. Otherwise I will try to replenish any bolts unrecoverable from the combat with those from my pack and scan the room to see if anything would be immediately useful. Such as weapons, wands, potions etc even if we can't make use of them now we can at least deny their use by our enemy.

grr the system eat the post I made last night! Following the giant spider as far as the door of the tea room Hiriko moves past the unfolding drama, draws another bolt and allows it to be directed by her spell at the fleeing creature.
Bolt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Well that worked not at all. Take arrow to the face then Mr flatbelly. If he is still standing by the time it gets to my turn other wise directed towards any other enemy targets available.
Hiriko notices Mr Flatbelly's complete lack of interest or concern in the pretty lights she created switches to firing another bolt hoping to take the creature down before he is able to deal any significant damage. With a brief incantation one more missile leaps from her hands and attempts to find a worthy target.
Bolt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Still keeping a half lidded eye open.

Thanks for the update I was starting to wonder. Hope he feels better soon.

Takeshi the singing Ninja :) That sounds kind of awkward when you say it like that.

Seeing Sophia's intent Hiriko prepares A simple evocation waiting until after the monster attacks its mount or clears its senses. I will cast flare on Mr Flatbelly after he attacks his mount or makes the save. Want to make it at least a little harder for it to hit us. Lets bring those +5's to hit to 4's on that attack routine. Well try at least. DC 14 fort to save or be dazzled for 1 min.

Wanted to let everyone know that where I live we are contending with a bad ice storm. Its supposed to be pretty crazy and they are concerned about downed power lines and the like. So I may become out of touch for a period of time. Before the Icy Armageddon comes I wanted to wish everyone a happy holidays.

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling poorly Wu Fen. Get better soon.

Bolt: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 191d8 ⇒ 5
Hiriko moves to clear her line of fire and barks out another incantation and lets fly a second bolt at the ettercap.

I have been lurking for the last few days. I assume that we are waiting on Wu Fen to do up the initiative and possibly Alaren's actions for the surprise round or are we waiting until the new person comes in?

In all honesty getting a spear through the chest is probably the best way to end this. Buttersnip couldn't be trusted to keep her end of the bargain besides the fact that any accord under direct threat isn't really binding. I was half tempted to put an arrow through her myself. Oh wait I likely did.

Hiriko sigh's before taking her feet. I did mention that they are crazy and operate using their own fickle morale compass. I wasn't kidding when I said that. Hiriko continues to mumble as she stands and pulls out a silver covered bolt. Need to start memorizing detect poison. With a quick incantation the bolt launches itself from Hiriko's hand.
I will launch the bolt at buttersnips if she is still standing if not flatbelly will be receiving a bolt to the face
attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 181d8 ⇒ 2

It depends if the tea is something obviously disgusting or dangerous such as tea made from crushed black lotus blossom or something. Hiriko will go through the motions but will not actually drink. Even if that isn't the case she will take a very small initial sip and wait several moments to see if their are any obvious affects like a numbing sensation of the lips slowing of my faculties etc.

Hiriko winces at the word Empress and wild ideas flit through her mind as she attempts to keep her composure. maybe I could lie and pretend to be the Empress to throw off a potential attack against Seori. with Seori's immediate admission the idea dies with it and Hiriko continues to silently follow the conversation.

The systems that we have in kind our games seem to pretty much match up. I mean I never meet anyone else that had Might and Magic Elements: Dark Messiah before :)

the nights still young. maybe that is what was taking so long behind the door :)

Hiriko takes her place at the table next to Onitora and try's to keep a neutral face while taking in as much information as she can in preparation of a fight breaking out.

I am glad we are in agreement. Takeshi do you have any spells that harness elemental energies memorized? If not here. Hiriko pulls out a silver tipped bolt from her quiver. Its tip can pierce many varieties of supernatural creatures. It may serve you as a impromptu close quarters weapon. The tip is blanched in silver but is made from cold iron. If the Quickling is supernaturally resistant to normal weapons this will likely break through such things at least on the first strike. I wouldn't rely on it straight off since I am not even certain the creature can shrug off such harm but it may offer an alternative if you find your normal weapons ineffective. I guess we should catch up to the others. Hiriko heads off towards the tea party in a attempt to cut short any long thank you's or awkward refusals.

I assume that it took at least a couple of minutes for the trogs to get stuff together and move beyond sight of the castle.

Turning directly to Sophia Hiriko attempts to sway her. she asked us to ensure that the Troglodytes where still willing and able to retire from the field of battle. We have ensured that they have, at this point the obligation we took on has been completed now we should rejoin our companions. The Quickling that they left with is a unpredictable dark fey and while I have confidence in Seori's and Mamoru's fighting abilities that creature can disappear from sight at will and moves at superhuman speeds. I am uncertain of Lady Buttersnips but many fey are also capable of mostly ignoring the blows of normal blades I am uncertain if simple steel will be enough for them to win if she becomes hostile. Using power drawn from one of the primary elements such as fire or air may be necessary to damage her. We can even approach close enough to assist if something happens without taking part in the party itself if that makes you feel better.

Hiriko steps in to provide some guidance. I suggest we join the tea party. I doubt it will be fun but am certain it will be an exciting experience.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Hiriko takes in the strange Quickling appearance as she materializes. Before Seori leaves with lady buttersnip Hiriko moves close to her whispering a warning in Draconic.

Thanks for listening to my suggestion about the knowledge check and write up Wu Fen.

Wu Fen do you need a couple of days to get things prepared or something? If not I think we are waiting on you. Since no one made the check I assume we are following the trogs out as we previously decided. Alaren is the only one that hasn't made an attempt and is the most likely to make the perception check out of all of us. Unfortunately he still hasn't made an appearance so you may have to make a decision on that as well.

I have done something similar in games I have GM'd Wu Fen. It can be a lot of work on the DMs shoulders to draw maps but if you feel your up to it more power to you.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Looking down the hall and not seeing the Ettercap, Hiriko becomes paranoid and begins to search all around to include the ceiling concern written on her face. The Ettercap has disappeared we need to be on our guard.

Thanks for the update. I will likely be out of the loop for most of the day tomorrow but I will try to pop in and post.

Are we still waiting on someone?

That seems a good plan. Not even knowing the layout of the outside certainly hampers me from offering any suggestions. Hiriko follows the group trusting in Seori's leadership.

Do you know a good position to watch from? Also I would not fully trust the spider creatures withdrawal from combat. It is an Ettercap its kind are trap makers by nature and feast on sentient prey. A seasoned hunter would wait for a better opportunity when the advantage is his. I am shocked how well that seems to have worked. Its not over yet though better to remain skeptical until success of the strategy has been proven. Still this may mean Kikonu may not be as in control of his mortal allies as I had originally feared.

Hiriko eyes the spider like creature as the troglodytes leave. Would you like to leave peaceably as well or do you prefer to be difficult.
free action to determine what we are facing then ready action to launch the bolt if it gets froggy. I have access to Knowledge arcana, nature, planes, and religion if none are applicable please ignore.
Knowledge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Bolt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d8 ⇒ 3

Wu Fen if I may suggest. I will always attempt to determine what kind of creature we are facing and for expedience have been adding a die roll for the knowledge check. Would it be possible to add the necessary knowledge check to the initial description?

Hiriko again translates the conversation for the benefit of the group. Assume I translate word for word to simply save on rewriting the same text and continue to do so as necessary so everyone has the opportunity to participate in the conversation if they wish. An untrustworthy ally can be more dangerous then a honorable enemy. I suggest that we direct him and his allies when they appear to leave the castle grounds in peace after we give word of Kikonu's defeat they can return if they wish to discuss terms for service or flee if they don't.

Hiriko translates the broken question to the group while continuing to watch the door for attack. He is asking why we are speaking Kikonu's name and if we intend to kill Kikonu or do something else with him. I assume the translation is a free action that won't affect my held action.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Hiriko watches the door Takeshi points out and prepares to cast one of her minor magics to kill any one who attempting to rush through the door. The spell waits just on the tip of her tongue with the Bolt to be used held ready in her hand. I will ready an action to cast launch bolt on the area in front of the door that the creatures enter from.
Bolt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d8 ⇒ 8
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 181d8 ⇒ 6

Should we post our actions now or are we waiting on the trogs in the next room? I am confused since you rolled for initiative again.

Hiriko begins to reach for an arrow to launch at the enemies when Mamoru simply storms past and up ends the bed. Not wishing to endanger her ally with a wild shot she quickly changes coarse and chants a high chirping incantations and brings her hand up in a sweeping gesture ending with her hand opening suddenly as if to mimic a explosion. A flash of intense light appears before the reptilian opponent farthest from Mamoru. In time with the dramatic gesture.

I hope that will at least hamper the other troglodyte.

Casting flare Fortitude save to negate dazzled condition for 1 min on the other opponent so I am not interfering with Mamoru's fight

Recognizing the potential danger Mamoru is in Hiriko calls out warning the others uncertain if the Oni Samurai is even listening at this point. Be careful when closing with these creatures they exude a stench that can make you ill as part of there natural defenses.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Knowledge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
I will be using knowledge skill as a free action first. I have several but if none are appropriate go ahead and ignore. I assume knowledge nature since they appear to be monstrous humanoids but mahh I've been wrong before.

I think we should continue. We have inertia despite Alaren's temporary absence. If he gave the thumbs up on boting for fights during his time away all the better. I hope he returns soon. its always better when everyone is present.

Looking at my previous post I should proof read before posting especially when tired. I would suggest our resident sneaky person be the one to open the door :)

Wu Fen I am uncertain what Knowledge skill would be needed for the dead creatures. They are Monstrous Humanoids right? The info may be useful latter if we run into them again. So I would like to make a attempt if possible.

In a quiet voice Hiriko responds to Seori. I have a several spells ready that can hamper opponents making capture easier but nothing that can directly incapacitate... Seeing Mamoru's movements and body language his intent is clear and Hiriko attempts to defuse any possible confrontation by turning to Alaren.
Alaren you have the lightest touch of us all do you believe you could determine what we face without alerting anyone?

Hiriko will follow the group back to the battle site and see if she can make any other determinations about the enemy from the remains of battle if any remain. I will try to remain near the center of the group.

Hiriko follows Seori, still holding her scroll ready to use. As she scans the shadows, doors, corners even occasionally turning her eyes to the ceiling to search for danger.

In what begins as a hesitant and careful voice Hiriko addresses her questions to Seori and Onitora turning questioning eyes to each as she speaks. This Kikonu you met would he appear to have a madness about him possibly speaking as if he was directing some twisted theater. If it is the creature I believe you met. He may have appeared as a man or as a mix of bird and man with at least some skill in martial combat. I fear we may face one of the Five Storms. A member of a coalition of Oni that work to control and use the nations of Tian Xia to feed their twisted hungers.

Taking on a conspiratorial tone Hiriko moves close to Seori and speaking at just above a whisper addresses her concern for Seori's safety. Your particular heritage would interest him greatly and we should guard against speaking of it further until we are certain of our surroundings.

Guilded Age web comic cast If you follow the comic a bit I think you might see some parallels :) She is the third character down.

Mai Seori wrote:

Not everyone did, and I don't expect everyone to; it's just a habit of mine.

I did. Mamoru is a title. Onitora is the clan he comes from.

When I created Hiriko I choose to only use her first name to avoid the confusion because I recall reading somewhere about the family name first. Of coarse I then made the character and did personal name before family name on the "character sheet" thanks for the reminder it spurred me to go back and fix it.

Know(Religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Being satisfied with the explanations provided Hiriko decides not to reiterate what others have already stated.

Know(Planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
I wish to try to see if I can associate the name with a particular Oni of importance.