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Taikahana watches the haggling with a confused look. Shaking his head, he says simply, "We do not really desire you to part with any of your custom beyond what extra you may have to spare. Please do not give away anything you need for your livelihood on our account. We have done nothing to earn such favor just yet."
Taika frowns. "While an admirable strategy, the request was for protection. If we are to leave the families shorebound, we cannot guarantee their safety. It just doesn't seem like a good plan."
Taikahana looks appalled. "You were forced to watch as they fed live people to the hipposhark, Captain-san?"
Taika nods. "Freeing the noble hipposhark from a life of servitude accosting travelers would be a preferable outcome to others."
Taika looks at Palila questioningly, but then he grunts slightly. "Most adults still view those our age as children, but make no mistake, age certainly does not guarantee one's ability to behave appropriately or act responsibly." Turning to the captain, Taikahana asks, "Honorable Captain-san, when do these pirates appear along the journey? How do they use the hipposhark? Does it simply attack or is it merely something they threaten?"
Taikahana turns to Palila and provides the confused young woman a slight smile. "It is a matter of honor, Palila. A true warrior knows that it is his honor and duty to to serve and to protect those who may not be able to do so on their own. To succeed is payment enough, but if the captain and his crew wish to provide us passage as a reward then we shall not turn down a gracious gift. However, the passage of your ostrich horses would still be the very nature of the ferry trade. We cannot in good conscience expect these fine men and women to make no profit for doing the very job which is their livelihood." The firebender's eyes narrow, and he casts an aspersive glance towards the muscled waterbender. "Those who would do this have forgotten the path of righteousness and abandoned honor to bully and take advantage of others. This is not the way of the true and noble warrior."
"River...pirates?" Taikahana blinks at the ferry captain's words.
Taikahana looks at the muscled newcomer with an oddly detached expression. "Mmm...and why would you charge for your services instead of simply taking care of the problem decisively once and for all?" His voice is dripping with disdain.
Taikahana reassures the concerned citizens they will look into the matter and most certainly strive to keep the other passengers safe. He moves to stand resolutely next to Jampo giving the ferry captain a sharp nod to emphasize the airbender's position.
"I can think of nothing which would make me happier than to help you, sir. I, Moesashi Taikahana, will see to the safe passage of you and your son." The samurai stands straight and proud.
Taikahana carefully picks himself up off the ground. "I am in your debt, young master," the young fire samurai says to Gotan seriously. He makes a formal bow to the child. Straightening, he nods with a small smile to let the boy's father know he has taken no offense. "I hope you will forgive my theatrics. I come from a long line of shrine tenders, and the festival displays were always some of my favorite activities in which to take part." In response to the first question, Taika responds, "I believe we do need to use the ferry. These fine ostrich horses belong to my companions, and I believe we will need to get them across in the normal way."
"Yes, we will be needing to use the ferry, sir. Would you mind showing me how it operates?" Taika says a little louder than necessary to convey that he understands the man is trying to shield his son from whatever worries him. Taika's eyes casually sweep the area around them, and those familiar with combat see the tension of readiness begin to simmer.
The ostrich horse seems a trifle startled by the rapid approach of the flying airbender...or possibly Taika was just doing his best not to fall off, and the poor beast didn't quite understand how to interpret his movements and shifts. After some jostling, Taikahana rolls off its backend as the Master Airbender punches him with the power of wind.
Surprisingly, Taikahana manages to roll into the fall and comes up in a fighting stance, his face deadly serious. He rushes the Master Airbender, his arms moving in the forms of firebending katas to release bursts of flame well over the boy's head and side away from the crowd. Then he feigns a trip and rolls onto his back at the boy's feet. "Ah, you've defeated me, Master Airbender," Taika says seriously. "Please spare my life; I have a mission of utmost importance." Taikahana's experience with staged fights for shrine festivals actually comes in handy surprisingly.
Moesashi Taikahana appears pale as Jampo asks if he would like to climb on the great beast. Did he go a shade grayer when he looked at the great air bison? No, surely it must just be the aftereffect of being pummelled senseless. "I-I'm sure that request is t-too much. We should not a-ask so much of Jampo-san." He swallows carefully. "We...we are slower yes, b-but there's-s no shame in walking. On the ground with both feet. Solidly, on the ground." He seems rather tense.
Taikahana rises to sitting and looks up at the two young women offering him their hands. "Ahh..." he looks more than a bit embarrassed. Then he sighs and reaches up to allow Mica & Palila to pull him to his feet. He quickly releases his grip once standing. He gingerly bends down to pick up Hishen's Blade. His face is ashen as he looks it over for damage. He breathes out and suddenly moves. He pushes the blade up and then flips it blade down and begins to pull it towards himself in a blur of motion. Then with great control the motion slows, and he carefully and smoothly sheathes the katana. He turns to Mica, "Apologies for my original disdain. You have certainly proven you are worthy of the search for the Avatar while I have yet to do so." Taikahana then bows from the waist with his hands at his sides.
Taikahana stirs after the waterbending does its job restoring some of his vigor. "Unh..." he says, his tongue thick.
Taikahana's slight concussion begins the usual work of erasing the recent memories of the trauma from his mind. Sadly, despite the lack of specifics, once Taika awakens, he will still know he has already disgraced Jian's gift of Hishen's Blade.
Taikahana appears to have grossly underestimated his target as the man knocks the wind out of him so forcibly, he sees stars. His nerveless fingers drop Hishen's Blade where it clatters to the earth. The shame of this will surely follow Taikahana for the rest of his days.
"You were warned," Taikahana says simply. "I leave your fate to whom you have challenged." "You there," Taika points to a Fancy Red companion of the suited man, "You are my opponent."
Taikahana explodes into action as soon as hostile action twinkles in the suited man's eyes. Assuming his companions will be enough for the suited fool, Taika grasps the hilt of Hishen's Blade and steps around the arc of one of the opposing benders reach to come up on her side. The movement is a blur, the eye can barely follow the trained firebending samurai's movements.
In a flash, Taika draws Hishen's Blade and strikes out at the woman in a single motion. His pose ends with the sword far above his head leaving him open to retaliation.
Taika updated with gear, and I added the Hishen's Blade special ability for Gathering Power to become lethal description for reference.
Taika steps forward and places himself between Mica and the group. His left hand loosely holding the scabbard of his gifted katana. "I am Moesashi Taikahana, shrine keeper and warrior," the firebender says in a sharp tone. "The Avatar shall be revealed when the time is appropriate. Your words are gracious despite your lack of identifying yourself by name. I will overlook your rudeness as you wish to show respect. However, heed this advice. To show your respect, wait for the proper time when the Avatar has been revealed to all." His eyes sweep from side-to-side as he notices the man's companions movements. "Your friends should also step away and return to waiting along with you for the proper day...or else I shall teach them proper respect—as is my duty as teacher of the traditions of my shrine." Taika sweeps his left leg back, but his right hand remains hanging loose with no threat of draw. His aura of intent and commitment is, however, not in question.
Taika frowns at the abbreviation of his surname, but says nothing. "I am ready, Morishita-san," he says with a simple nod while waiting for the decision of the group. His breathing deepens and for a moment he seems to relax completely before standing up straight. Each of his steps and other movements look normal, but for someone observing from within arm's reach and familiar with training, Taikahana's motions are fluid and deliberate. Each action ready to be exchanged for another in an instant.
Moesashi Taikahana frowns on hearing Tikaani's concerns for the other people on the road. he casually turns to regard them before turning his attention back to the rest of Team Avatar. "Should we be concerned? If they wish us ill, then they are only waiting for what would be the opportune time for them. If conflict is unavoidable, then we should begin it ourselves and now to prevent whatever advantage they are hoping to obtain by waiting."
It all belongs to the Fire Nation! Down with the Air Nomads! ........ ¬_¬ ⌐_⌐ wat
Taikahana dons his armor once again, his weapons arrayed according to function. His wakizashi was tucked into his waist sash while Hishen's Blade hung from a cord attached to the sash for ease of draw. His family sword was meanwhile tucked on the opposite side of his sash curve side up. He walks confidently and with pride as the new Team Avatar leads him out of the busy city. He seems to breathe a sigh of relief as the pass through the gate and out of the overcrowded mess by which he had been surrounded.
So relieved is he, Taika pays no mind to the now relatively few others who accompany them away from the city.
Taikahana is dumbfounded at Jian's gift. He holds the sword in upraised palms just as Jian placed it for several minutes before finally uttering, "Grand Lotus...you continue to honor me too much. I will endeavor to prove worthy of your trust of this weapon of peace to me." He bows low, arms outstretched as if offering the dull-edged blade back to his host. "May your fires burn brightly and your embers linger long, Beifong-sama."
Gather Power can only offset 3 points of Burn ever. And than means 1 Full Action followed by a Move action of Gather Power. I don't even think there are feats that modify it. What I've listed above doesn't allow increased Burn avoidance but rather sidesteps the requirement that both hands must be empty rule. And to help mitigate the benefit, this would add a penalty by increasing the action type. One thing I can clarify is that the sword would only be able to hold 1 point of Burn dismissing Gather Power, so the full turn Gather Power to cancel 2 Burn wouldn't be possible while wielding the sword.
Proposal: Hishen's Katana. Instead of having edged and non-edged sides, the weapon has both sides blunted but responds to a Fire Kineticist's power specifically. As Gather Power typically requires both hands to be free, Hishen's Katana alternately allows the ability, but the gathered power is stored in the sword. The sword then tapers to a keen edge allowing use of the sword to deal lethal damage. The Fire Kineticist may disperse the power to prevent Burn at any point, but the sword returns to non-lethal only damage until the Kineticist once again Gathers Power. Gathering Power using Hishen's Katana in this way is a Standard action instead of a Move action. Thoughts?
Ack! I meant to read it. It's not linked on the Campaign tab as of yet. Can you relink it, please?
Along the lines of what I mentioned above, did you ever address the way elemental attachment is in 3.P v. the Avatarland? For example, poison and earth, electricity and air...I just wanted to confirm if that's staying per the way PF sees it or as Avatarland sees it as I know they are different.
I tried to Google-fu Avatar Hishen, but can't locate anything. The fan site I found doesn't list him/her in the reincarnations of the avatar. What information would Taikahana know about him/her? Also, I'm not sure I asked elsewhere, but currently Kineticist powers are exclusive and do not allow them to be used with weapons. Having almost zero lore knowledge, I don't know if this jives with the show or not. However, I guess I worry that being a samurai will be next to useless if there isn't some way to marry the use of the fire-bending kineticism with weapon play. I'm hoping to work this out without creating an Anapa-monster. I know flaming and on up weapon abilities would certainly be too powerful early game, but I have some ideas on how it could implemented. I need to see if you would be willing to entertain those adjustments or if it would just be easier for me to change how Taikahana is built. Maybe his official class is something else, and Samurai is just the flavor. If I need to restructure Taikahana, then definitely better now than later!
Taika looks like a different person when he emerges from the room he claimed for the night. Having removed his armor, one can now see his tanned skin and short dark hair. The chonmage topknot is well oiled and very tight. His katana does not accompany him into the living quarters, but his wakizashi does. Even without his armor, the young man seems very stiff, and his simple kimono is perfectly draped and tied. He nods to any in the common area where he kneels and waits with hands on knees for the dinner. His patience seems boundless.
Taikahana looks to Palila expectantly to lead the way. He waits patiently however despite the excitement of being able to eat food the Grand Lotus is preparing personally!
She looks towards Taikahana at his question and says, "If you all do not mind, you would be welcome to stay as guests in my home for a night. It would give me a chance to give my farewells in the morning. But if that would not be suitable, I can give you directions to somewhere else you can stay." Moesashi Taikahana immediately bows. "You do me too much honor, Grand Lotus. If you would welcome this unworthy one into your home, I would dishonor my family to refuse such an offer."
"Well, I suppose it might be too late to get started today. Would anyone be able to recommend a shrine or hostel where I may seek lodging for the night?" Taikahana inquires politely.
"That's settled then. One ostrich horse may have been doable, but two...? We're definitely going to have to stick to ground overland travel." Taika nods matter-of-factly. His voice is taciturn, and his face is expressionless. No trace of the relief and elation he feels can be seen.
The idea of leaving this gigantic city filled with too many people and too much busy...-ness was very appealing to Taikahana. He nods along to everything the Grand Lotus says. He cocks an eyebrow, but otherwise refrains from commenting on the chatter his fellow Team Avatar members indulge. When the logistics of carrying a gaggle of people plus a mount on the sky bison comes up, he suddenly realizes what they are talking about. Flying. In the sky. Taikahana feels his stomach churn a bit. "Ah," he starts. "Well, perhaps we should just walk then. Then...then there's no worry about anyone's pets being left behind."
Upon introduction, Moesashi Taikahana steps forwards and gives the crowd a sharp bow. There are some surprised but delighted cries when members of the crowd realize the armored man was the one with whom pictures were taken. Avatar Day just got even better. Instead of being with an actor, the pictures they took are of their children with one of the newly anointed Team Avatar members. When the crowd seems to respond nearly as enthusiastically for Taika as they did for Mica the probender, he blinks and then steps back into the line of Team Avatar members without any further display or words.
Again, Taikahana blinks in confusion at Tikaani as the waterbender continues to twist the conversation. His mouth opens but he hesitates unable to determine where to begin to correct the young man, and Jian fills the void and answers the inquisitive Tik's many questions. Taikahana presses his lips together in a thin line and can't help but wonder if all cityfolk were this scatterbrained and intentionally obtuse in conversation. This is going to be a looooooong journey, his inner voice worries.
"Good to meet you Taikahana, just call me Tik, looks like we're partners now, so no need to be so formal." Tikaani turns towards Jian "It is good to see you again Grand Lotus Jian." The young water bender puts a closed right fist against his open left palm and gives a small bow. Taika bristles slightly but forces himself to remain calm when Tikaani assumes familiarity and uses his first name. I suppose that will be the way of it. We are tasked to this quest together. I will just have to allow it. Tik looks to Mica and back at Taikahana. "Well I have confidence in my bending, but I've never taught anyone either, still learning myself. You seem confident in teaching. How many fire benders have you taught Taikahana?" Taikahana looks at Tikaani in confusion. "I have taught no firebenders nor have I claimed to do so. I have assisted with the instruction of my younger siblings certainly, but not as their sensei. But after my sanctioned instruction by those far superior and the rigorous training in the ways of the Fire Nation since time immemorial, I am confident that I will be able to show someone who has no instruction in firebending to be my equal or better. All I can instruct is all that I know. And there is no doubt to me that this should be enough." Taikahana nods sharply and stands tall, his statement not meant to be arrogance but merely a statement of fact. That he may have come across as superior and snide is lost on the backcountry warrior.
Taikahana is a bit surprised when Jampo bows with a traditional Airbender monk show of respect. Perhaps these warriors have been selected for their adherence to the old ways as well, he thinks to himself. However his gaze falls on Mica, and he looks her up and down with a critical eye. Well, perhaps it is only the Airbender Jampo-san...after all the Air Nomads are trying their best to regain much of their heritage after my own Nation's terrible indiscretion.
The firebender manages to suppress an urge to shake his head at Mica's impropriety at questioning Beifong-sama. "The Grand Lotus is certainly more aware of the Avatar's nature than we who are younger and less experienced," Taika says with an affronted tone. "I can only speak for myself, but I learned much from other firebenders before I reached my current level of skill, and I will continue to push forward and learn more. I imagine Beifong-sama assumes you, Mica-san, also have something which can be imparted to our future Avatar. Or perhaps you do not agree that you have such skill?"
Despite his evident failure and obvious lack of being able to overcome the enemy, the Grand Lotus still praised him. Taika blushes just thinking about the young girl who kissed his cheek. If that had been an attack, I would have died without ever striking my enemy! He stifles a sigh as Jian eyes a vendor with such intensity the man gulps. Taikahana notices she seems unaware of the effect she has on the man. Despite her stiff movements, formidable was still the only word to describe Jian Beifong. "As you say, Grand Lotus Beifong-sama," says Taikahana ducking his head. It would not be respectful to argue further when she had clearly made up her mind. He would strive to become worthy of such trust and praise. He feels slightly humbled when Jian reminds him of Avatar Korra's own trials in life. "My blade is at your service and the service of our Avatar." Soon others approach, and Jian names him to the others after Palila's rather informal introduction of the others. He frowns slightly that Jian so freely handed out his personal name, but his parents had already warned him that the traditions of respect and honor were very much long forgotten in the "modern" era. Alternately, having only been given single names for the others, Taikahana was unable to determine if addressing them as such was proper, but it would have to do. "Good day, Jampo-san, Palila-san, Mica-san, Tikaani-san. As Beifong-Sama has stated, I am Moesashi Taikahana. I have studied the traditions of the Fire Clan samurai for my entire life," the young man says. "Let us bring honor to our families and journey together to instruct and protect the Avatar of our generation." Taika grasps his sword hilt and bows to the group while making eye contact with each of them in turn.
Taikahana finds himself being hustled away from the festival goers by that woman who had actually made a pilgrimage out to the shrine, the cries of some of the disappointed children who had been waiting. Consoling parents assured them he would probably be back after his break. Taikahana didn't have time to apologize for their error, and did his best to regain his composure in the face of the force that is Jian, Grand Lotus. "Master Jian...thank you," Taikahana manages to extricate his armor and places one hand on his katana's sword grip and bows deeply from the waist. "I'm terribly sorry for being late. I was unable to properly communicate the truth of my quest." Crestfallen, Taika stifles a sigh. "I have disgraced my training and my heritage. I...I may be unfit to be the companion of your Avatar."
My apologies for the extended delay. Hopefully, I don't mess up the lore too badly. :P
Moesashi Taikahana stood on the docks staring in excited wonder and terrified shock. The size of the city before him was like nothing he had ever conceived. There were some murals back home at the shrine which had vistas including two to three times the small buildings the shrine's land contained, but...this! This was on a scale of ten—no, twenty!—times what he had ever imagined. The people of Republic City were dressed so strangely as well. Nothing at all like the simple garb he owned which tradition passed down as appropriate everyday dress. Technically, what he was wearing wasn't even appropriate for the Avatar Day festival. His shrine festival clothing was carefully folded and stored in the pack he carried which had all of his meager belongings. The reason it was stored instead of worn was because he had been offered a Duty, and one did not wear everyday clothes or even ceremonial garb to perform a Duty. He was suited for battle in his ō-yoroi armour. Although he had chosen not to wear his menpō to expose his face while not in battle, he knew the Moesashi Family would proud their son Taikahana would cut such a magnificent figure when he presented himself to answer the summons of Grand Lotus Jian Beifong of the Order of the White Lotus and assist in the providing mentorship and companionship for the next Avatar. Stepping off of the cruise ship and realizing the reality of the city before which he now stood didn't prevent his resolve, naturally, but certainly made him pause. How could this many people...? The proximity of so many bodies and structures was definitely claustrophobic and very intimidating for a simple shrine tender. Taking a breath, Taika knew he wouldn't let that stop him. In these first moments, he had already seen more than he had ever expected. What could only be a Sky Bison had flown over the ship as they approached the dock! But even that wonder changed not his duty to the Avatar and the Moesashi Family. He could not allow himself to be distracted! Taika checked the letter for the directions on where to go. Approaching a man holding a clipboard on the dock, he was able to get some vague directions which seemed nigh incomprehensible given Taikahana's lack of any relation to streets and addresses. The man had boggled at Taika and his attire, and had been rather distracted when describing where Taika should go as the dock supervisor examined him. The attention both made Taikahana uncomfortable and swell with pride at the same time to see the man have such admiration for his ō-yoroi armour. He thanked the man with a word and a sharp bow before beginning his quest to locate Grand Lotus Jian Beifong. Exiting the pier and moving into the streets brought with it its own trouble however. After walking for a while with many stares following him, Taikahana finally reaches an area that seems to be the outskirts of where the festivities are being held. Quite suddenly... "Mama, mama! Look at the warrior!" a young girl cries out, hand firmly grasped by an exhausted looking woman also carrying a tightly wrapped bundle that looked suspiciously like a baby in oher other arm. "IwannaseeIwannaseeIwannasee—!" The girl began to pull her mother towards Taikahana who blinks in surprise but gives the girl a tight smile at her enthusiasm. Normally he would be happy to engage the young girl and make sure he fulfilled his role to educate in regards to the Avatars (this was Avatar Day after all!), but his Duty trumped even these important things. He begins with a quick bow. "Happy Avatar Day and greetings. I appreciate your excitement young one, but I'm afraid I mus—" "Oooo! Look at the pictures! the young girl bursts reaching out a hand to run them over the artistic designs engraved and lacquered onto Taikahana's armor. "Mama, can I get a costume like this? CanIcanIcanIcanIcanIcanIcanIcanIcanIcanIcanI—?" The woman looks wearily at the hyperactive girl and tries to deflect. "I don't...maybe...we should ask your father when he and your brother are back with the treats." "Look, Mama! He has two swords!" Just then the girl grasps the hilt of Taikahana's wakizashi and begins to pull. Taika quickly reaches down to arrest the motion and steps back in alarm. "No, no!" he says. "That is dangerous, young one. My blades are very shar—" Just then the bundle of baby in the woman's arms begins fussing, and the woman's grip must have loosened on the girl's hand as a result of her attention slipping. The little girl seizes the opportunity to now use both hands to pull on the wakizashi which Taika was now also gripping. Distracted, the woman shoots Taika a look which was clearly a plea for help. "Don't be grabby, Chi Ling!" she admonishes the little girl. To Taika she whispers, "I know it's just for show, you're doing a fine job of staying in character, but just let her have it for a minute. Please?" She turns her attention back the fussing baby. "Please! Miss! I—" Taika starts while still wrestling with the girl's pull (she had the grip of an Earthbender!) to keep her from drawing the deadly short sword. "Oh sweet! Look at this guy!" a boy calls out his hands filled with unfried dough and other festival treats. "Dad, CHi Ling found somebody dressed up like those old time Fire Clan fighters!" He runs up and examines Taikahana wide-eyed. "Young sir, do you know this girl? Please advise her that this blade—!" Taikahana is cut off before he can finish his request for assistance. "Oh, wow, look at this detail!" a man who accompanied the boy says adjusting some spectacles with one hand, and a bag of festival foodstuffs in the other. The woman sighs with relief at the sight of them and catches the man's attention to gesture at the girl Chi Ling. He gently disentangles Chi Ling's hands from Taikahana's wakizashi much to the firebender's relief. He sketches a short bow and starts to say, "Thank you for your assis—" but is cut off by the father. "This is great; you look just fantastic. Let's get a picture, children. You don't mind, right? Hedo! get in there, stand next to him. I'm sure you are on your way to whatever performance you're in, but it will just take a second" the man says grinning with excitement. Without preamble, the man picks up Chi Ling and deposits her in Taikahana's arms while the boy Hedo moves in close trying to strike up a manly warrior pose next to Taika. The girl throws her arms around Taika's neck and mugs for the camera like a pro. In shock, Taikahana barely understands what's happening when the man pulls out a device and points at the three of them. A flash of light blinds him for an instant. When it fades, Taika discovers the bright brown eyes of Chi Ling inches from his face. "You're handsome," she says suddenly. Bewildered, Taika sputters a bit. "Ah...I...you...er, have pretty eyes..." he says not knowing how to respond. The girl's eyes widen even more (how is that possible??), and then she pulls back a bit suddenly shy with a big smile on her face the way little girls do. "What do we say when someone says nice things, Chi Ling?" her father asks with a grin. Chi Ling looks up at Taika shyly and says, "Thank you..." but before he can respond she darts in and pecks his cheek. Her father laughs and takes Chi Ling from a furiously blushing Taikahana. His training with blade and fire had prepared him for most things, but the quick affection of a child certainly had disarmed him completely as even though energetic Chi Ling and her family now moved along, Taikahana was too stunned to move before... "Wow! Look at his armor! Let's get a picture, too!" "Wait! My Duty—!" Before he knew it, Taika was once again holding a child while beaming parents flashed light them. More adults and children began to surround him, and the process began to repeat. Inside Taikahana wailed. What is happening??? Moesashi Taikahana had arrived in Republic City. |
