Sleeping Sword's page

I've volunteered to run To Scale the Dragon.

I've a couple of FJC questions:

"Sumidagawa-san" Sleeping Sword returns the bow, as far as he can whilst carrying the fallen General's armour.

"Shizuru-sama greets us." He speaks softly in Tien and lifts his face to the light. "It is time for our morning ritual. Join me." The old priest lays Michiko's armour on the ground with reverence.

"He has asked me to guide him home to the Light" Sleeping Sword turns to tell the pathfinders. "It is my duty, and my honour, to do so."

Kneeling down, Sleeping Sword produces a handful of items from robes and pack: a meditation crystal that refracts the sunlight, a clean cloth, an old but well-kept prayer book, and his simple wooden holy symbol.

The priest offers prayers on behalf of Sumidagawa, and invites the lost Sōchō to join him when he gives thanks to Lady Sun for the success of his divinely-willed quest. "May Lady Sun, in her infinite mercy, grant the Final Sleep to you, loyal servant."

When the prayers are done, Sleeping Sword gathers his possessions and the cursed lamellar and steps towards the dawn at Sumidagawa's side.

"I have no doubts that a mobile casket filled with holy water would be effective, Hepsubia. If we could fashion such a thing. Otherwise I will simply carry the weight upon my shoulders, and trust that the Society has the means to destroy the accursed armour and grant Lady Michiko peace."

"Uhh, if positive energy will help seal the rift and purge the corruption, then I can contribute also."

Sleeping Sword offers further prayers whilst meditating on Michiko's holy symbol.

It's only a 1d6 Channel, but Sleeping Sword will offer it.

Sleeping Sword flicks any remains of the accursed undead off his blade with a flourish. He sways and staggers in his combat stance, eyes half closed, and turns on his heels. In the moment of silence before the two elves begin their academic discourse, he falls to his knees and prays quietly.

"Empress of Heaven, I commend these lost souls to your mercy. Grant them the Final Sleep."

Standing over Lady Michiko, the monk sheathes his sword. "It is the source of the corruption. I sense it" he tells the elves. "Noble Zithembe, if you are well enough, speak the prayers of the ritual scroll. I will assist in any way I can."

Welcome back Lady L :)

Sleeping Sword closes in on Haraguchi...

katana, bless: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30damage, 2 hands, zith: 1d8 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 = 13electricity damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
confirm? katana, bless, manuscript: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 16crit damage, 2 hands, zith: 1d8 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12

"In the name of the Empress of Heaven, sleep the Final Sleep!"

Likewise. This game will be easy enough to wrap up from here I think but I'm just hoping Lady L is doing okay.

I'll be using a reply on Midnight Mauler.

I'm also happy to take a turn in the GM seat with this group - but I'll wait my turn ;)

I own a copy of To Scale the Dragon, put me down for that one if that's ok.

Cutting down the graveknight, Sleeping Sword looks into her eyes as the spark of corruption is extinguished. "When I let go of who I am" he tells the fallen samurai "I become what I might be."

The monk resumes a fighting stance. "Maria means that he battle is not won until the corruption is cleansed, Hepsubia. Destroying Lady Michiko's physical form is not enough to grant her the Final Sleep."

Sleeping Sword grimaces as Zithembe falls, but the dhampir has seldom felt more vigourous.

"Uh, behind me - the source of corruption is there..."

His katana flashes, striking out at Michiko.

katana flurry, bless: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13
katana flurry, bless: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14

I'm assuming that Zepha's blessing does not persist, but that Zith's seance does with these rolls.

confirm? katana flurry, bless, manuscript: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 34damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13
confirm? katana flurry, bless, manuscript: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 34damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 = 17

Okay, thank-you dicebot :D

If Mickiko is still up, spend 1 ki to flurry some more :)

katana flurry, bless: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 1 = 32damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16
confirm? katana flurry, bless, manuscript: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 19damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15

"The Way of the Sleeping Sword says: the sword is a killing tool."

Thanks Maria!

The Hunger is strongest in Michiko - use it!

Seeing the corrupted general savagely attack his comrade Zithembe, Sleeping Sword sways rhythymically, evading the dullahan and dodging past Michiko to outflank the graveknight.

"Two constants." He raises his skymetal katana, and is filled with the blessing of Heaven's warriors.

"The Sun and the Moon." He feints with his sword, and strikes with his foot...

punishing kick vs Michiko, bless, song, Zepha, flank: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 31damage, song, Zith: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 11

Assuming that hits, trigger Gentle Rest domain strike as a swift action. Michiko is Staggered for 4 rounds, no save. Also she must make a DC16 Fort save or fall prone due to Punishing Kick.

Don't know what you have in mind this round Grandfrogger, but Escape Route would let Sleeping Sword engage Michiko this round. Otherwise happy to flanking full attack Blue :)

"You will have your holy symbol back, Lady Michiko, when Lady Sun and Lord Moon have granted you the Final Sleep."

Sleeping Sword fixes his hooded eyes on the headless and hopefully entangled foe before him. He staggers sideways, allowing an opening for Hulk Hep.

unarmed strike vs green, flurry, song, bless: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 26damage, song, zith: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 12
katana flurry vs green, song, bless: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30damage, song (lightning), zith: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 + (4) = 21

If the unarmed strike hits, trigger Domain Strike: Gentle Rest. (Swift action). The undead dullahan is Staggered for 4 rounds (no save). If the unarmed strike does not hit, spend 1 ki on an additional katana flurry attack.

crit confirm?, manuscript: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 27crit damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12

Sleeping Sword gains +1 enhancement bonus on his unarmed strike and applies Shocking to his katana from Hep's song.

"Yohanatotsu Michiko" Sleeping Sword addresses the graveknight in Tien, "I come at the bidding of the Empress of Heaven to return you to Her light; to grant you and your soldiers the Sleep that you have been wrongly denied."

"Find the strength in your soul to cast off the curse of the Lord of Envy."

The old priest raises his skymetal katana in salute...

The Hunger is strong here, as if it dwells here as a thing in itself. Master it!

Not trained in Know.Arcana.

"This talisman will ward me" Sleeping Sword says, touching the Gravewatch Pendant. "Perhaps good Zithembe will benefit from your potions?"

Already got Barkskin up from ki power, and I also have a boon that activates Blur if needed :)

"Thank you, noble Zithembe, and all of you" Sleeping Sword says as the lost sergeant-major retreats. "My words have never been as sharp as my blade."

"It is time to grant the final sleep to Lady Michiko and her attendants. Zithembe, have you any sense of how long the ritual we have been given will take to enact?"

Sleeping Sword will certainly refresh his Shield of Faith before venturing into Lady Michiko's chamber, and he will also cast Deathwatch.

Grandfrogger, you may use Sleeping Sword's wand of Bless whenever you see fit, it has plenty of charges left (43).

The old monk feels intense discomfort at the experience of an undead spirit - an embodiment of evil that he is sworn to cleanse from the world and a reminder of his own accursed origin - addressing him with sincerity and honour. Sleeping Sword pushes the knowledge that the Sōchō's own curse may be the result of his loyalty to his mistress to one side, and meditates upon his training. His eyelids droop down...

"「眠れる剣の道」には、「忠誠ほど高貴で尊いものはない」と書かれています。"

Know.religion, Aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Sleeping Sword accepts Zithembe's advice and adds still in Tien

"The Empress of Heaven has given us the power to release you and Lady Michiko. There is in this place a source of corruption - I sense it, you must also. We can purge the corruption at its source and free you both. Or will you choose to remain as you are?"

The swaying monk inhales deeply, contemplating his words...

know.religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

...though the shade is of a kind not previously encountered. Sleeping Sword counts on the counsel of his fellows to fill the gaps in his own learning. The Way of the Sleeping Sword is a martial path first and foremost.

"It is by the Will of the Empress of Heaven that I come to this place, servant of Lady Michiko" the priest addresses the shade in Tien, and presents the found holy symbol.

"It is by the Will of the Empress of Heaven that I came upon this symbol, which belonged to Lady Michiko in life, did it not?

I tell you that Lady Sun knows this, for she has sent me here with my companions to cleanse the corruption that you suffer. It is Her Divine Will that you suffer no more, that you return to Her Light. You are not beyond Her Grace, if you only accept it."

During the healing interlude, Sleeping Sword offers his Wand of Bless to the Grandfrogger for possible later use. He also offers to use any wands of Cure Light [or other] Wounds on Hep should she wish.

"An officer, or adjunct to Lady Michiko. Perhaps he can be convinced that the battles are over, made to stand down."

In case parlay should fail, Sleeping Sword uses another of his wands to bolster his defence somewhat.

Activate Wand of Shield of Faith.

Sleeping Sword shudders and closes his eyes. He sways for a moment or two, before jerking upright. With a flick of the blade the old monk removes a slick of ectoplasm - but he does not sheathe the sword.

Opening his eyes again, Sleeping Sword says "Rarely have I endured such punishing blows; the hour of reckoning draws near. The Way of The Sleeping Sword tells us, every battle is won before it is fought."

His open hand withdraws a wand - the same one that he demonstrated to the rest of the pathfinders back at the briefing. A command word causes the dark crystalline tip of the wand to shed negative energy, which Sleeping Sword applies to his bruised and broken flesh.

inflict light wounds (healing): 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 7) + 4 = 25

katana vs green, flank: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 = 30damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
katana vs green, flank: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 = 14damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

confirm? martial manuscript: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 28crit damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14

Sleeping Sword follows the greenish phantom closely, matching its movements. As it strikes at his allies, the old monk means to cut it down.

Assuming that crit confirms, Sleeping Sword recovers 1 ki. Unless Green is already downed, that ki will immediately be spent on an additional flurry attack.

katana vs green, flank: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 = 33damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
confirm?: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 28crit damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15

looking better :o Sleeping Sword recovers 1 ki for each confirmed crit, and for downing an opponent.

As Sleeping Sword's skymetal blade flashes again and again, a wisp of ectoplasm is drawn from the phantom into the monk. The old man shudders and gasps - invigorated somehow, not pained.

There is only the Hunger.

We have gotten waaaay to many 21’s in this fight against a 22 ac, lol.

Anyone want to borrow Sleeping Sword's Wand of Bless?

I rarely find time to use it :o

The Hunger draws you to Essence, and though the Bloodless pull only weakly, they pull nonetheless.

Sleeping Sword finally draws his blade - a gleaming skymetal katana, its already deadly edge honed further still by the temporary magic bestowed by his purchased scroll, and now by Hepsubia's weapon song that causes the edge to glow white-hot. Choosing Flaming enhancement.

Getting the measure of the phantom's artless attack form, the swaying monk sidesteps, and then strikes...

katana vs Green, flank: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 2 = 22damage, 2 hands, champion: 1d8 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

"The Sword and the Warrior are one."

Sleeping Sword gains +1 on his unarmed strike this round.

Nodding to Zithembe in appreciation of the shabti's accurate strike, Sleeping Sword sways and staggers sideways and strikes at the next phantom...

flurry vs green: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 11
flurry vs green: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 15

If either blow hits (looks unlikely), Sleeping Sword triggers Gentle Rest as a swift action, which Staggers the target for 1 round with no save. Otherwise he Ki Flurries:

flurry vs green: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 16

Well. May have to switch to sword next round, see how much DR they have :o

"Uh, the blows feel solid enough."

Although far more proficient with the sword, Sleeping Sword heeds his companions' advice and strikes with foot and fist, swaying this way and that to avoid a counterpunch.

umarmed strike (magic bludgeoning) vs red, flurry: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24damage, champion: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 = 14
umarmed strike (magic bludgeoning) vs red, flurry: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24damage, champion: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13

if red still stands, spend 1 ki on additional attack; if red has dropped, Sleeping Sword gains 1 ki and then spends it on Ki Dodge for +4AC.

umarmed strike (magic bludgeoning) vs red, flurry: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20damage, champion: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10

Feel their Hunger. It binds them to you. Let it flow into you.

"I do not hide from those in need of the Final Sleep" the old monk answers the Grandfrogger. "I stand in the light of the Empress of Heaven."

"The Way of the Sleeping Sword says: the warrior may abandon his own body, but he must preserve his soul."

Sleeping Sword has no neck-slot item and would certainly benefit from the pendant.

"Uh, you have the venture-captain's ritual against dark magic, yes?" the old man asks the shabti as he studies the strange bone pendant.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"I do not know what this is."

"The Way of the Sleeping Sword says: my faith is my shield" the old monk offers by way of explanation. "And with this wand" Sleeping Sword taps another slender instrument, one of several worn in a bandolier, "the Goddess makes it so."

"Thank you for helping to lay those spirits to rest" Sleeping Sword nods. "Now, perhaps I can do something about this corruption."

The priest recites prayers to Shizuru as he draws forth a wand. Touching the tip to the unholy water, he Blesses the liquid in hopes of purifying it.

Wand of Bless.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"Uh.... those are Lightning Bolt marks" the old man frowns.

"Wuzzat?" Sleeping Sword blinks. "Oh!"

The old monk bows to his elvish companion, then to the spectral horselord.

"The Way of the Sleeping Sword says: the greatest victory is that which requires no battle."

know.religion, prestige: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 4 = 22
Sleeping Sword will spend 1PP to add +4 to that skill check. (P.22 of Season 10 Guide to Organised Play. I've never used a PP skill roll buff before!)

The old man turns the disc over in his palm, and reads the inscription. He blinks away tears. "...Michiko... was this yours?"

Sleeping Sword sinks to his knees. He reveals his own, matching, symbol - a wooden disk on a simple leather cord tied around his neck. He lifts his face heavenwards, raising the found symbol in one hand and his scabbarded katana in the other.

"Empress of Heaven! Lady Sun! You have sent your servant to this place as a blade in your blessed hand. By your light, I shall not fail in my appointed task."

"ヨハナトツミチコ、あなたが拒まれていた眠りをお届けします。"

Sleeping Sword looks down at Soddy Daisy. And, seeing the leshy clearly, nods and gives a snaggletoothed smile.

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."

North is good.

Sleeping Sword dons the magic gloves cautiously. Still able to see the living, he concludes that the ghostvision needs specific activation.

Still happy to give them to Zith if they're more likely to be useful to him.

Before going deeper into the dungeon, the old monk focuses his ki.

Ki power: Barkskin, before I forget.

"Wuzzat? Ghostvision?"

Sleeping Sword jerks upright from a slumbering lean, his scabbard flashing into his hand.

"Oh. Curious. I have a very limited ability to harm undead with the light of the Empress of Heaven - usually my blade is superior. Perhaps these gloves could make it worthwhile? But if I cannot see the rest of you then that presents other dangers."

Sleeping Sword has a single 1d6 channel per day (typically converted into a ki point via a channel focus), so probably not worth it. But if they're no use to Zith, I'll carry them tucked into Sleeping Sword's belt so they can be equipped reasonably quickly.

"Uh.. I am somewhat inured to the privations of cold weather, having crossed the Crown of the World multiple times... but I have no special protection against supernatural cold.

Now let us bring the light of the Empress of Heaven to this place."

Go north? Don't mind which was we go really.

"A Tien tomb, all the way out here... a fascinating thing. Yet we have already learned that it is haunted.

I pray to the Empress of Heaven that the souls of these three samurai rest in peace."

The old man offers to interpret the Tien religious symbols, from his personal experience...

Know.religion, aid the elves: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Sleeping Sword bows towards the Grandfrogger. The immediate danger passed, the old monk draws forth a wand and a scroll case.

"Uh... I request aid with certain arcane preparations."

Sleeping Sword has a Wand of Mage Armour and a Scroll of Keen Edge that he'd like activating please - the latter on his katana. (Hep can certainly work the wand. I think the scroll might need a DC25 UMD check. Probably should have just bought an Oil :o )

Ouch. Yeah, I can't GM-post from a phone either. Don't worry on our account though!

"The Sun and the Moon shine on all without partiality" Sleeping Sword nods.

The old man smiles sadly and bows. "The Way of the Sleeping Sword says: the warrior leads by example, not by force."

Sleeping Sword bows slightly towards the shabti.

"I hope that means that you will be ready to grant them the Final Sleep. The Way of the Sleeping Sword says: darkness cannot drive out darkness, only the light of Heaven can do that."

"Before we set out, you must know this about me" the old man says, sadly.

"My birth was cursed. I am dhampir - half vampire. Energies that would heal you, such as that wand that the Venture Captain gifted, are deadly to me. Yet negative energies will mend my wounds."

"Should I fall in combat, I carry a number of items that may restore me." Sleeping Sword brings forth a bottle labelled clearly in both Common and Tien: Do Not Drink! Sleeping Sword Only! And a dark, crystal-tipped wand. "I can activate the wand myself, it bears an Inflict Wounds spell."

"May the Empress of Heaven bless our endeavour."

Before departure, Sleeping Sword prevails upon the Lodge to provide a scroll of Keen Edge x2 - spending 2 Prestige.

"Uh, have we a wizard or other arcanist amongst our number? This spell enhance my blade." Hep can cast it, of course, albeit with a chance of scroll failure :o

linguistics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
know.religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Uh... I am an ordained priest of Shizuru, should the ritual require such knowledge. But truthfully, I am a warrior first, and a poor scholar."

"Uh... wuzzat? No! It is a sword style." the old man answers the leshy.

"It is also my name. Like all followers of the Way of the Sleeping Sword, I surrendered my old name when I entered the monastery."

An old man wrapped in heavy winter cloaks leans against the wall of the office, his eyes closed. At his feet is a backpack, and clutched tightly in one ancient hand is a scabbarded katana.

"Zzzzz.... zzzzz" The old man snores - until VC Bossk lays the Tome upon the table. The elder's eyes flash open and he stands upright in an instant.

"Uh... Sleeping Sword! That's my style!"

"Uh? Knights of Ozzem? Whut? What happened?"

Happy new year everyone!

I'm good to go when you are :)

I'm good to go now if you guys are :)

May I introduce you to the incense of corporeality?

Expensive, but really helps to shut down ghosts, spectres and the like.

How do I download the chronicle?

Click on the link in the GM's post above, then the easiest method I think is to right-click on your chronicle and select "download" from the menu.