Shiro Heida's page

Phew. I think I'm going to have to tap out, I'm sorry. I've really enjoyed my time here, but my life is much too busy these days. At the current pace I'm having difficulty keeping up and I don't want any of you to be waiting on me.

I'm giving full permission to use Shiro as an NPC however you see fit Timespiraled. Personality wise, he's fastidious and likes to plan ahead. He feel generally more comfortable with animals than humans.
His skillset is based around physical athletics (Acrobatics, Swim, Climb), information gathering (Diplomacy, Disguise) and the more typical rogue set (Disable Device, Sleight of Hand).
As an NPC, he'd probably be giving the players new information or introducing military, civilian or underworld contacts. Given the team's prior history, he'd be more trustworthy than any new character.
Combat-wise, he works as a team with his dog, Gou. The Tekko-kagi he uses allow him to disarm easily and he will try it on any armed opponent.

Shiro plays a short note on his whistle, and Gou comes charging back, leaping into the masked man's arms. Scratching the Shiba gently on his back, Shiro talks to his canine companion. "I've missed you, boy. How're you doing?"

The ninja isn't one for cross-referencing books or maps, instead he simply peruses the shelves for books that might be relevant or useful. Despite being glad to see the hound again, Shiro leave Gou with Bao and Taicho. The dog would be a sturdy enough playmate for the young boy.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

"Are we picking up the boy?" Shiro pondered aloud. He'd left Gou with Bao's family and was perhaps missing his canine companion.

Shiro nodded. "I thought it would prove useful should I be working undercover. A good disguise does not just look the part. But I will take the time to clean up if we're to visit Grandfather."

Once he is certain he is alone, the young man carefully washes and scrubs his body to remove any clinging unpleasantness. He then uses a modest amount of sandalwood oil to rejuvenate the skin and leave a pleasant scent, one that might befit a member of a respected family.

He leaves with others in a simple muted blue uniform whose only decoration is the sigil of an imperial agent. Once they arrive at the tavern, Shiro sits in the seat closest to Soeji. Bowing formally, the masked man introduces himself. "I am Heida, Shiro."

The masked man is in a light mood after another successful endeavor, and allows himself a small treat for a job well done. Shiro purchases a small set of sweet dumplings on skewers and offers a few to his companions.

"To think there'd be such treasures hiding on a remote island. Almost makes you believe the legends of old heroes who hid their riches all around the world." The young man laughed lightly in between bites. "But those heroes probably would have made it more difficult to obtain than simply picking it up."

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Shiro nods. "Grandfather is as perceptive as ever, I see. Shall we go meet him, or wait for him here?"

Wishing to also change to cleaner clothing, Shiro does not mind waiting for Piella, but first asks a question of his own. "It has been a few days, I suppose I could see if I can turn up news on our rivals movements."

The masked man nods. "The carvings do resemble some temple reliefs dedicated to Jinyan. I've not seen a dragon, but I suppose that could be it!"

Shiro is quick to intervene should the contents alight. Either way he says, "It could be an alchemical concoction, be careful! I've heard of powders that react to air!"

Katala, I found a decent avatar for you under the "Monsterous humanoids" subsection, though it is technically female

Shiro is doubtful of the small entrance. "Lung and I would be unable to follow, Piella. Perhaps it's better you don't risk getting trapped by yourself?" The ninja was uncertain what they were looking for in this remote cave, but trusted the other's instincts.

Taicho, that sounds like the studious type to me. Plenty of reading about the spirits, knowing the proper rituals and things like that. Also the fastidious type, Always checks their equipment and has the proper offering when crossing a river spirit's domain.

For Katala, i think maybe one of the Celestials has chosen to favor us. Even the gods are rarely neutral after all, especially in these competitions they enjoy so much. Maybe choosing one to devote yourself to would be cool?

Of course these are only suggestions! Creating characters is always fun just seeing what comes out of the pot!

Sorry. I think the best option is to simply recruit new members. Say Soeji finds some more talent to help us on our quest, or perhaps a "temporary" gathering of our forces to solve some difficult problem?

I'm going to try to keep up, as i've enjoyed the game, but my IRL situation leaves my hands full.

Unfortunately I doubt i'm going to get much more free time anytime soon. I'm still keeping up, but finding time to put something good together is difficult.

Shiro flips through a small boooklet. "So what's our next move? Do we chase down this poet or look into the these sabotages?" The young man muses aloud. Things were progressing well, but the masked man always had an eye out for trouble.

The masked man chuckles lightly. "Perhaps we simply celebrate a job well done? Rest is an important part of any journey."

"I'm not skilled in the arts of subduing my opponents, let's hope the crab stays unconsicious." Shiro shook his head, monster hunting was much more involved than he'd thought, certainly not one of his talents. It was a new and unique challenge, but one he'd have to overcome. He could at least use his strength to help drag the crab to the surface.

Shiro nodded. "Very well, I will fetch the crew."

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

The ninja made haste, vanishing into the dark of the cave with ease. Making use of his Fast Stealth ability

Shiro once more to took cover, hoping to conceal himself from the crab.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"What happened? I thought we were going to talk to Kuijia, not kill it!" Shiro is surprised by the sudden violence his companions displayed.

Confused but active, the ninja attempts to take cover near one of refuse piles.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Ouch

His steps are caught in particularly rank and slippery fish leftovers, and the ninja slides into the refuse, knocking the trash pile over with a racket.

Shiro inspects the crabs as they walk past. "The one we seek must be even larger than those, I hope we do not have to resort to fighting such a beast." The ninja moves carefully in the cavern, taking care not to slip.

Out of his element, Shiro simply prepares a smokestick for if they need a quick getaway.

No worries, and congrats on the new PC!

Shiro unpacked a small hooded lantern and ignited the oil within, lighting the way forward. He prepared to close the lanterns shutter, should they come across anything they didn't want to be seen by.

Shiro had not sheathed his weapons since leaving the cave, he was ready to return once more for their true prize.

Shiro carefully moves to cut off the creature's movements, then moves to strike should the others not bring it down.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (3) = 7

You're welcome to bot me, I'm unfortunately much more busy these days. Shiro will typicaly try to disarm where possible, else go for backstabs

Tumble: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Shiro slipped under the creature's flailing limbs, attempting to divide it's attention amongst them.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (6) = 10

He strikes harshly, clawing at the creature's limbs.

We're doing fairly well i think, I think i can pick up the pace a little.

Fortitude: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Shiro weathers the torrent well, and lies in wait, trying to sense where their opponent was hiding.

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

He holds his tekko-kagi at the ready, preparing to strike the creature once it reveals itself or tries to attack him.

Shiro quickly slides his tools back into his pockets and extends his tekko-kagi. Holding the weapons defensively (like buckler), the ninja asks the darkness, "Who speaks to us? Reveal yourself!"

The young man tries to keep himself between the hissing voice and the hobbled gnome, but the tunnel does not allow for much movement.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"We should approach it carefully, It might be some kind of trap. I'm uncertain how a crab would set one up, though it's better to be cautious."

The masked man rustles through his equipment, pulling out a set of thin tools. "Should I take a look at it?"

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 If the others let him, he'll attempt to inspect/disarm a trap

It's okay, i've cleared up a few things, i should have an easier time keeping up. Just had some festivities to take care of as well as Halloween.

"The crabs likely live in the deepest part of the caves. Let's proceed with caution." Shiro carefully follows behind the gnome, waiting for her signal to act or lay quiet.

Sorry, been working both on and off the job these days. I hope once I get used to things I'll have more free time, but I can't really promise that'll be the case.

The masked man shakes his head. "Not intentionally. Most of the time, important information is withheld because it isn't important to the people who know it. What does a fisherman care about some poet he's seen in the market once or twice?"

******

Shiro laughs lightly. "Here I thought we'd be trying to talk to the crab. It never hurts to be prepared for a fight though. I imagine we have some net we can use to haul the creature up, though I have never done so before. We could set some kind of trap and bait the creature into falling into it."

I think the GM has expanded our timetable to account for the amount of travel we've had to do. We should be safe for now.

Disguise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Disguise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Diplomacy, Gather information : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Shiro is true to his word, setting into town to dig up information on their crustacean target.
****

Shiro thought over what Soeji told them. "I suppose We'll take our chances. Thank you Grandfather." He remained outwardly stoic, but there were butterflies in his stomach.

Yeah.. I'm in the same boat sadly. I'm gearing up towards a big change in careers and it's taking a lot of my time.

Shiro pondered their journey. "I suppose we should prepare for the water. Can either of you swim?"

If Shiro wasn't wearing a mask, it might be obvious that he was beaming with pride for the job they'd done. "I think we should prepare an offering, to win Kuijia's ear at the very least. I'm not sure if crabs have ears, but it's the proper thing to do... And perhaps a method of staying underwater."

The young man pauses to drink the tea before him. "I'll look into Kuijia and the local spell casters tonight."

Shiro nodded at the other's words. "I will continue to search once we have finished, Grandfather. We have come to report great success!"

The masked man glances around the room for any unwanted on-lookers before unveiling the gleaming egg. "We claimed a rare prize in the Shijing Mountains, a Thunder Bird's egg. I can't think of better offering to the Celestials."

Shiro nodded. "Let's be on our way then." He followed the little gnome out onto the street and made for the Teahouse.

Sorry I've been slow, as a west coaster this smoke has been leaving me sluggish. Luckily my air purifier has arrived and the smoke has settled a bit. Hopefully things will clear up soon enough!

Shiro nodded. "I believe we've kept grandfather waiting long enough. Let's speak to him then maybe we can look into local magicians." He laughed softly behind his mask. "I'm sure Soeji wouldn't shy away from staring up trouble in retaliation."

Shiro snaps his fingers. "Ah, Magical interference certainly isn't out of the question. Can't say I know the first thing about spell casting though." The masked man was certainly interested in reporting their successes to Soeji, but this was their due diligence.

While Lung investigates the crates, Shiro questions the fishmonger. "While we're here, what more can you tell me of your employees? Have any of them been acting differently or had difficulties in recent years?"

Shiro turned to leave, whistling for Gou to return to him. "We should ask the other employees. If Tao Wei is the man I think he is, he may have bribed one of them to act. It's important that we get a solid understanding of each worker, what their weaknesses are. Even the most loyal men will think twice given the right leverage."

He gives his faithful dog a pat and directs him to fetch Piella. The young man rolls his wrists, loosening them. "He may just have hired an exceptionally talented thief, though such people are typically very expensive."

Shiro thought over what they knew and chimed in with his own questions. "How well did you know the other employees? Have any of them gone through difficulties recently?"

"You are quite fierce Lung." Shiro says with some surprise as the monk glowers at him. "I'm certain no simple dock worker will be able to resist you."

-------------

Shiro simply stands by Lung, preferring to stay silent. Sometimes not speaking was just as effective as any words.

The masked man shakes his head. "I wouldn't be surprised if Tao Wei was trying to sabotage us. But it is still on you, mister fishmonger, to ensure the crates are properly sealed." He turns to Soeji with a sigh. "Sorry Grandfather, we'll meet you for tea after we solve this problem."

As they make their way to the employee's home, Shiro mentions his worries. "I'm good at gathering information, but interrogations aren't amongst my skills. One of you might be better."

Shiro chuckled behind his mask. It was always something to see Soeji go off on someone, as long as it wasn't him. "Let's leave the fishmonger to contemplate his poor choices, We have much indeed to speak of. Is there a tea house nearby where we can speak privately?"

Shiro nodded. "I'm sure Grandfather has things prepared in Xin. Or at least can make preparations once we speak to him. To sacrifice one's body for the Celestials is a rare honor, I believe Kuijia would accept. Perhaps her spirit would even be allowed to follow them into the Heavenly Realm."

He pauses to watch a tank of regular crabs. They scuttle atop one another, each trying to free themselves from the tank, but are always pulled down by the others. "Crabs certainly are a competitive lot, even if we successfully convince Kuijia to join our cause, I doubt her rivals would take kindly to not being chosen. We must be prepared to fight if we have to."

Shiro was not burdened by monastic vows, but felt it best to stick to tradition. "I believe the Celestials slew their catches before cooking them. While keeping Kuijia alive until preparation is important, I think we should honor her with a quick death. If we could convince the crab to come with us willingly then perhaps we can avoid untoward damage to her shell. Presentation is almost as important as flavor after all!"

Shiro was not very familiar with Shuishang, and it impeded his ability to blend in. Perhaps it was better that he regrouped with the others. The ninja ducked into one of the alleyways and removed his disguise, putting the mask back over his face. With a trill of his whistle, he called Gou back to his side. Once the shiba found him, Shiro gave the dog new orders. "Alright Gou, let's meet up with the others. I'll follow you." Gou looked at Shiro and sprang away, eager to run about town.

Once he's rejoined the others at the market, Shiro shares what he learned. "Tao Wei's been out on the water most of the time he's been here, but Grandfather's on the harbor, disrupting him as only he can. Maybe we should pay Master Soeji a visit?"