Kurokara Keisuke's page

Hands near the scythe, Keisuke moves forward quietly, keeping behind Hojin. The bird gazes through the dim light with his uncommonly intelligent eyes.
Taking 10 at Stealth for a 17.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Sorry for your loss, please take your time.

I did not know what to do and was waiting for our stealth leader to move so that I could grab a hook, so I posticipated and only remembered to post earlier.

Keisuke moved quietly forward, letting Yoshi lead the way.
Taking 10 at Stealth for a 17

I didn't remember I put ranks in Stealth, but apparently I did. Therefore, this can be an Aid Another or my own Stealth check, whatever is most beneficial to the group.
Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Blending in the shadows, Keisuke steps forward lightly, gripping the scythe's handle.

Hojin's stats are at the end of my profile.

"Should we go in once they've gone to sleep, slaughter them while they're unaware? Or do we want a diversion?"

This is the best idea you've had today, and I still don't like it.
No one will question a raven just crowing around.
If I ever get back to the Yatagarasu, I don't ever want to get in this world again.

"Go with him girl. Caw if there are trouble, distract the guards if necessary."
The jet-black reven perches herself on Yoshi's shoulder, intelligent eyes studying his face.

She has 18 Int, +3 Perception, low-light vision and a 1-mile telepathic link with me. If there's combat I can stat her. I can play her or she can be botted, pretty much the same.

"Uh, I don't know much of fortresses and stealth, but Hojin can scout with ease. She's smart."

The black raven softly pecks on Keisuke's head, as if disapproving of the idea.

He's onto us!
Yes. And yet he's not raising his blade.
Not yet.
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. The Crab hides in his shell.

As the combat dies down, at least for the moment, the raven perches back on Keisuke's shoulder. In that moment, his body language shifts back to nervous and fidgety as he accepts the potion with a bow. "Ah, uhm, thank you, my Lord Crab, I, uh, yes, learned to use this after my village was burned down, and I had to survive alone in the world. Your compliment humbles and flatters me."
He bows again, gulping down the vial. "I'll, uh, pay you for that, my Lord Crab, as soon as we're sure that we're not in danger."
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
It's obvious that he's hiding something from his past, just as much as it's clear that he's not used to being around people. Also, his mood seems to be influenced by his raven companion.

Huh. I'm bleeding.
You have got blood sprouting from your back and shoulder!
That explains it. Hopefully there'll be a shugenja or some other healer nearby.

Keisuke goes after the others, apparently uncaring of the trace of blood he's leaving vehind, part his and part dripping from his scythe. "Does anyone have a healing potion?" he asks nonchalantly.

Nope, took it straight on the brainbasket, halved my HP in one fell swoop. Not that Keisuke would be one to care too much. Bit of a death seeker, this one.

As blood from the bandit's swing drips over his face, Keisuke throws out a chilling laugh, sweeping at the fleeing foe's legs with the blade.
Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11

I see, then I'll instead attack the closest one with Terrifying Blow. I deal 1d6 extra damage because he's cursed, and he has to save against Will DC 16 or be frightened.
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Sorry for the disappearance, I had somehow lost the updates.

Two of them, eh? Trivial.
Keisuke and the bird charge together, with a caw and a raging laugh, swirling darkness enveloping the two bandits.
Attack (Scything Strike): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8

As before, they have -4 to skill checks, -2 to maneuvers, -2 to saves and an additional -2 to Reflex. If it hits, it strikes both of them.

Hojin, go scout ahead.
What a pain.

Keisuke hurries after Atsuko, towards the battle taking place in the village.

Swim: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 - 1 = 15
More by chance than skill, Keisuke manages to get to the shore. "Hold on, Atsuko!"
Reaching for his pack, he wrestles a long walking pole out away from it and pushes it towards Atsuko, trying to get her a hold.

Jumping 10 feet should be Acrobatics DC 10
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 = 18

Right, thank you.
Critical additional damage: 4d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 4) + 8 = 19

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Hojin swoops down on Keisuke as he charges them before they can loosen the arrows. A black mist of malevolent energy coalesces along the scythe blade as he claims the souls of the three closest men as his bounty, before swooping in with a devastating, scything blow.
As the blade hits, darkness spreads from the raven, engulfing the hapless archers and hiding Keisuke from view.

Attack(Scything Strike): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Critical confirmation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12
Critical Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 = 8

Swift action to claim the three closest to me, move to get nearby, standard to use Scything Strike.
Through Channel of Woe, there is darkness in 10 feet around Hojin (who's moved on my shoulder) until my next turn. Enemies in the darkness take a -2 to skill checks and Reflex saves, those I Claimed are cursed, provoke AoOs when moving away and take another -2 to skill checks and combat maneuvers.
Finally, all enemies within close range have another -2 to all saves due to Aura of Misfortune.
My Scything Strike hit two of them, provided they are both within range.
Since I'm concealed and within melee range, I don't know whether you still want those attacks.

I understood we were on the bank of the river, just standing watch. If so, 5 feet are easy to jump.

I think it would make little sense for me to row while you fight, especially since we don't know where to go. That's why I thought we should follow them stealthily.

I can't meet that DC
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

As the situation begins to escalate, Keisuke's brain is struck by a sudden flash of paranoia. Drawing the scythe, he approaches Kazuma and whispers. "They aren't trying to shake us down. Is it possible that they are not actually brigands?"

As Hojin perches herself on the mast of the ship, Keisuke grins mirthlessly. "Yare yare daze. Bandits we aren't, or we would have cut you down by now. On the other hand, you are armed, on the river, and stopped for us when we didn't stop you. So, what would your business be, here in the fields?"

Keep an eye out, wouldn't you?
Someone has to keep us alive, and you aren't, so I guess I'll have to.

Hojin flies upwards, and something in Keisuke's body language shifts. He stands more resolute, confident, martial.
"So, Atsuko-san" he says while sitting on a dry spot, waiting for Akodo to return "may I wonder what brings you to this place? If you're not acting on some secret family matter, of course."
"Myself, I lost everything when my village was raided by a band of nezumi. That's why I took to travelling. Anyone I owed fealty to is dead, so I was no longer bound by any pledge, I could make the world safer for any and all."

Oh, what a sad story. I like that you left out the part where you led me into the Shadowlands to seek revenge, almost died, and transformed me into a monster.
You sacrificed yourself! I was ready to die! And becoming a hell-raven gave you sarcasm.

Trust me, I have a plan.
I know you do, but I just don't like it!
We are lifebound, you can't die while I live.
What a lovely reason to throw me to the wolves!

Taking a deep breath to keep his voice from trembling, Keisuke advances an idea. "We may have a way to find their base as well. My dear friend Hojin can follow their ship without being seen, then we may follow her. That is, however, unless you plan to ambush them."
The ink-black raven, however, seems less than excited at the idea, jumping down from his shoulder and pecking scraps of rice left in the bowl.
I have telepatic contact with her within a 1-mile radius.

Unlike Atsuko, Keisuke takes the bowl. "Itadakimasu. Thanks for the food."
Sitting quiet, he observes the dialogue of his companions. She's heard of him, as a warrior. That means he's a ferocious one. We'll see in battle.

A Lion! Now you're at a numerical disadvantage!
Can you stop assuming that everyone is out to kill us?
Can you not act in the way that gets yourself exposed?
What difference would I make on the world if I died of old age in some monastery? Let me fight. Let me throw away my life, perhaps.
And mine.
For that, I'm sorry. But would you rather fade away in time?
No, I wouldn't. I'm marked for death among the kami, I'd do something worthwhile with my life if possible. Just don't throw it away for the time being...
No. But for the time being, remember the words: the Lion is sleepy until roused, and then it is ferocious. If you keep the Lion sleepy, it is of no danger to you, but also reluctant to come to your aid.

Bowing deeply to the Lion samurai, Keisuke speaks hesitantly, while his raven jumps from his shoulder to the ground and starts looking for worms. "Ah, m-my name is Kurohara Keisuke, Kazuma-dono. I-I'm but a traveller, looking for a place to settle I met my, uh, companions, and they mentioned a problem, so, well, I thought I'd lend a hand."

There's another!
Yes, they mentioned their lord's samurai, didn't they?
What are you going to say?
Something that doesn't get us arrested, hopefully. Worst case scenario, I'll enroll under this lord's insignia.

Keisuke is more than happy to look unassuming and let Atsuko take the lead. I'm just a traveler with farmer's tools, nevermind me...

He said "Lord"!
Yes, I heard!
They want you to speak to their lord!
I figured that much, you know.
You just wanna waltz in ther and present you as a ronin?
I'll figure something out. Probably I'll check the place while the Crane speaks.
I don't like it. She knew too much at a glance.
The Crane relies on others' weakness, rather than their own strengths. Presenting her with some fake weaknesses will be easy.

Keisuke fishes out some coins and pays for the leatherwork, then returns, the scythe now hidden from sight, to the ramen shop. On his way, he stops to grab a pack of rice, dried meat and fruit as trail rations.
As he gets back to the farmers and Atsuko, his bird is again perched on his shoulder.
"Uhm, I've got what I needed, I can leave whenever you wish."

She's totally on to us.
Why, because she mentioned fighting with a scythe?
Yes, precisely!
What else could I have done?
Avoided speaking to her, for one.
Oh, shut it. You're itching for something to kill, I can feel it. And so am I.

"Yeah, sure. I'll be back in a while."
Keisuke raises from the stand, then heads to the nearest leatherworker to buy a scabbard, thick enough to hide the gleaming mithral blade of his scythe.

The raven on Keisuke's shoulder flaps his wings and goes to perch herself on a nearby pole. Immediately the man's espression turns harder and more confident.
"That's understandable. Still, there must be woodworkers and basketweavers in your village, and many kinds of craftsfolks. In a couple days, you could be trapmakers. Stealth and trickery will be our best allies here, especially when outnumbered: force them to fight where we want, how we want."

"It's all right, Atsuko-sama, you asked the questions I wanted to. Just wanted to, uh, assure that I can help, even if I did not take the vows of a samurai. I learned to fight to defend myself..."
He breathes deeply, closing his eyes for a moment. A flashback crosses his mind, images of a bandit camp, him stalking the shadows, rat heads falling, and the anguished screams of Hojin in his mind...

Focus now, she'll take you for crazy. Or do you want me to give you some space?
No! If I get from meek and shy to arrogant and aggressive, then for sure she'll think me mad!
Then focus.

"I can try to take them from behind, attack their rear or flank, possibly scare them. I, uhm, have to buy a few things before going, though."

"I'm... I'm not... I want to..."
Keisuke shuts his mouth, watching as Atsuko questions the farmers. His hands run to the scythe tied behind his back, as if grasping for something familiar.

I told you, I told you, run, run, RUN NOW!
SHUT UP! She doesn't seem hostile! But I'll need to but a sheath that does a better job of hiding the blade.
If your head does not end up on a pike, you mean!

"I humbly thank you, uh, Atsuko-sama, I, well, already ate, but please, oh, don't take this as a, ah, slight or offense, I..."
Keisuke takes a deep breath, then speak slower, controlling the words.
"My name is Kurokara Keisuke, you can call me Keisuke, if you so wish. That scythe is but a memento from my lost village, I am merely a traveler, but I know how to wield it, and would like to put myself at the service of those who so need."

This is idiotic! You'll get us killed!
They kidnapped their women. Bandits. I've hunted monsters that were more likable.
You did that alone! What will that woman think? Look at her katana! What if she turns you in?
I don't care, Hojin, I'd rather die doing something purposeful than survive until old age claims me.

"Uh... Hello." Keisuke says with an uncertain voice. "I, um, overheard you having some, ah, trouble with bandits, and I, well, I believe I can maybe help, and... Oh, samurai-dono, I don't mean to get the reward in your place, I just, oh, I'm just looking for... something worthwhile to do, I guess."
The young man is decidedly uncomfortable speaking, and on his shoulder is perched a raven, who caws at Atsuko.

Trying to look inconspicuous, Keisuke slips through the crowd, looking intently at a set of wooden dolls while listening to the conversation.
Real charmers, those samurai. Must take a lot of courage to bully farmers.
Not our problem, Keisuke cawed Hojin in his mind. Half a bowl of rice, that is not even pay.
We have enough money left to live honestly for a few months, we wouldn't need pay.
Why on earth would you help them?
Because no one else would.
Oh, aren't you just and noble. Helping those in need, what's the next step, joining the Lion Clan?
Shut up, Jin. Let me hear what that woman is saying. Look at her, that's a katana she's carrying.

I was just wondering about the languages of Rokugan, since I have 7 bonus ones and was wondering which ones to pick. What are the available choices?

Farmer's clothing over his armor, a scythe on his back shining silvery, and a raven blacker than night perched over his shoulder, Keisuke did his best to look unassuming. I don't get why we had to enter this city squawked Hojin's voice in his mind.
To avoid starving, how about that? We packed way too little food before leaving, he thought back at the bird.
There are plenty villages that have food and not so many Lions.
I don't like villages. They bring back bad memories.
Oh, wow, we wouldn't want bad thoughts, would we. Hey, here's one for you, how about someone senses the taint? Or takes offense at your weapons?
The kamas are in the backpack, the scythe is a farmer's tool.
Farmers don't have mithral weapons! It gleams like silver!
A wonderful gift for the daimyo then, wouldn't you agree?
They're going to kill you, and then I'll have to go back to the Murder, where some disciple of the Yatagarasu will kill me, just because you wanted a rice ball.
Stop being cranky, Hojin, we have faced worse.

Approaching the largest stall nearby, Keisuke dropped on the counter a handful of coins.
"I'll have a grilled mackerel, please, then takoyaki with edamame and a bowl of rice, some raw meat for my friend here and a cup of green tea."
Wolfing down the food for the first time in days, Keisuke looked around.
Lots of people around here, and my purse is lighter than I'd like it to be. Perhaps someone will need my help?
And why would they come to you for help, the weird stranger with a scythe?
Those monks were happy to have me kill the nightbeasts.
They were in the middle of nowhere, you were the first traveler in weeks, and they had no bloody guards patrolling the streets!
Why are you so negative, Hojin? We're alive and we'll find some work soon.
You are mocking me, right? Asking me why I'm so negative after I got turned into a monster to save you from your recklessness?

Still silently bickering with his companion, Keisuke kept watching the streets, wondering where to go next. A temple perhaps? Those praying to the kami were a good source of income, but it would mean risking someone to see Hojin for what she was... or himself as a renegade.