Timespiraled could you move the game to inactive? Thanks.
Search Posts
I want to echo Piella's sentiments it's been a lot of fun. I enjoyed exploring Taicho's eastern roots, but if you use him as an NPC change his name, it still sounds too much like 'taco' :) It's been a pleasure playing with you all, Matt thank you for running the game here on the boards and letting me experience your 'Discord' game. RH
"Squawk!" unable to dodge the creatures claws, Taicho, now bleeding from a wound on his shoulder, resets his feet. Slowing his breathing down, in through his nostrils, out through his beak. clearing his brain of the pain and the flying crossbow bolts and focuses on the nodachi in his talons. Lifting the weapon above his beak, his right talon gripped tight near the tsuba, his left talon sliding down the sharkskin-wrapped tsuka. At the last moment as he chops, he grasps the Kashiri tightly with thumb and foreclaw, turning his right claw into a fulcrum as the blade slashes downward at the Suofang Yi.
Thanks for the heads up, Timespiraled, take whatever time you need, we know RL has to take precedent, eve if it's not as much fun.
'Need to deal with these beasts quickly.' Jerking the nadachi from the dead Soufang Yi, Taicho pivots as the other Soufang Yi attacks. Slapping away the first attack Taicho dodges the other as he raises his blade. Stepping to the side, he slashes at he neck of the creature.
Sorry I was waiting to see if Lung reposted his actions. I'll wait until tomorrow morning and either way post.
Moveing towards the prone Suofang Yi, Taicho shifts his nodachi and stabs at the creature.
Hmmm, it’s been four days, still no power, went to the mother-in-laws for a couple of hours to do laundry, so will get a post up… Get feeling better Timespiraled!
It looks like a tornado crossed the northern part of our county, knocked out power for 15,000 or so. Probably won't get power back till tomorrow. My wife had to check on her mom so I brought the laptop along,
Hearing the voices above, Taicho puts a talon to his beak and points above. Nodding he looks to each of his companions, once they all nod that they are ready he quickly attempts to lift the trapdoor planning on moving up the ladder into the room above.
Heavy storms last night, we've got no power or internet so posting on my phone. Hopefully it will be up and running soon, bot me as needed.
Shaking his beak in pity, Taicho approached the beast. This was wrong, whoever had done this should have finished the beast off. Even an abomination from the spirit world should not be forced to suffer. Looking back at the closed trapdoor, whoever had fought the beast had shut it down here and closed the door not concerned if it would suffer. Flipping the handle of his nodachi in his talons, so the blade pointed down, Taicho plunged the blade through the creature's chest towards its heart. Wiping the creatures blood off of his blade onto the hide, Taicho proceeded to the trapdoor. inspecting it carefully and listening for any signs of movement.
Moving into the new room, Taicho notes the trapdoor. "We've found the door to the upper floor and the method the Meizha-Lang arrived here." Nearing the creature, Taicho prepares to put it out of it's misery.
Seeing the wounded Meizha-Lang, Taicho turns and points towards the splintered door. "A severely wounded, Meizha-Lang." He turns and looks at the viscous fluid pouring through the ceiling. Then carefully checks the ruined door for traps and locks. Once he's sure the door is clear, Nodachi in hand he opens the door.
Looking into the town hall's cellar, Taicho quickly douses his Ioun torch, using the light from the floorboards to cautiously make his way through the cellar. Carefully moving closer to the eastern door, Taicho attempts to peer through the cracks in the wood.
Nodding as Piella explains what she could, Taicho, seeing everyone was ready, opened the door intent on continuing the exploration.
Noticing Piella had stopped to look at some of the documents, Taicho paused by the door. Stopping and listening, waiting for the signal to proceed.
...if you try. Moving around the building, Taicho felt a shift in his footing. Returning his bow to its case, Taicho bends over, his beak near the ground, looking for some clue. Squatting near where he felt the shift, he digs through the dirt, eventually revealing the doors. "I've found a door to the cellar." Clearing the doors with his talons, unable to find a handle he hooks his claws under the edge to open the door. Realizing Piella had stumbled he turned and asked "Piella are you two ok?" As she rose and cleaned herself up, he opened the door. Turning Lung, he shook his beak, "Neither am I able to turn invisible." Reaching into his pouch he drew out his ioun torch, setting it around his conical helmet. "But I can see well enough." Drawing his Nodachi, "While two together may seem ideal, I do not want to endanger anyone with my blade. I will take point." He then carefully begins to proceed down the steps watching for anything untoward.
Frustrated by his inability to open the doors, Taicho nods in agreement with Piella, "Yes, let us scout about the building. If nothing else, we may find a window to look in to confirm there is nothing that may be of assistance to us."
Shaking his beak at Piella, Taicho looks up from the dirt, not willing to speculate. "I have no idea, but the only prints I find here are from the Suofang and Meizha-Lang themselves." He gestures towards the 'Town Hall' drawing his bow as he walks that direction. "Let us examine the 'town hall' and see if it lends itself to any clues as to the killer or the ix."
As they walk out of the bathhouse Taicho pauses, "Give me a moment. I am familiar with the prints left by the Suofang Yi and Meizha-Lang, let me see if I can find any other prints we may follow." Starting at the door, Taicho sheaths his Nodachi and begins to search for clues. Bending over the beak almost touching the ground. Occasionally blowing a piece of dust away or brushing a clump of dirt with his feathered claw. He slowly works his way out from the door.
Wow, sorry for your loss, Take all the time you need, were not going anywhere.
Walking carefully through the baths, Taicho keeps his sword at the ready. Why were these Yokai here? Were they the original reason that people were frightened or was it something else? Did that something else kill them? If they weren't what originally frightened the people then why were they here? Shakin his head, he turns to the others. "too many questions." Kneeling beside the fiery wolf he continued, "My tribe heard you were attacked by a Meizha-Lang that is why I was sent." As he stands back up he shakes his head again. "I cannot believe this is a coincidence." Gesturing towards the bodies, he asks "Does anyone have the skill to tell how long they have been dead?"
Seeing the claw marks, Taicho, shakes his head, "Not done by horns." Pausing for a moment he checks the bodies of the Soufang Yi. Answering Lung's question, "Yes, let us check the baths. If we find no other clues, we should return here and look for track. It's possible with all this blood, I may be able to follow whoever did this." He gestures towards the Baths, about to step over the threshold, he hears Piella's whisper. Turning to the gnome, he lulls his tongue in a tengu smile. Then turns back towards the baths, entering, Nodachi in hand keeping a keen eye out.
Two cloaked silhouettes lie slumped against the far wall, blocking the way into the bathhouse's baths. The blood marks show they must have dragged themselves here from the center of the room before succumbing to their wounds.
"Soufang Yi" Almost spitting the word out like a curse, Taicho cautiously moves forward. Blade in hand, Taicho answers Piella, "Let us see if we can tell."
Seeing Piella slide beside him, Taicho nods as she causes the mystical humanoid light to move forward. Stepping quietly through the doorway he moves to the side of the door; observing the creatures waiting, ready, sword in hand to see how the silhouettes respond.
As Piella cast her dancing lights, Taicho placed his bow in it's scabbard and drew his blade. Following the dancing lights into the building. He carefully looked around.
Heading towards the bathhouse, Taicho nods his head. "I can track and ox." He lulls his tongue in a tengu smile. "Not sure how to tell if the footprints come from a brown one or a white one though."
Moving at the front of the group, Taicho nodded in agreement with Piella, the land did not 'feel' right. Having grown up in the northern Gangdao Forest with Yokai Hunters he had never felt such an imbalance. 'so this is what happens to the land when the Yokai are allowed to run unchecked.' Drawing his daikyū, the long asymmetrical bow the Tengu use, Taicho moves closer to the dilapidated farmstead, "We should rid this place of the Yokai that afflicts it. Return it to it's natural balance."
As he slurps down the noodles provided by the Soejis, Taicho listens as the group speculates about the nature of the white ox. He thought it was possible that the Ox may be a spirit being, after all the gods who ate it were. He doubted if it were a ghost or a haunt, but that didn't mean they may not have to face one. The Wanderer's Hill had a Bad reputation. As the meal came to an end Taicho could tell by Piella's demeanor that she wanted them to hurry. Having finished his bowl of noodles, he stands shouldering his pack. "There is only one way to determine if it is spirit, ghost or material. We must head towards the Wanderer's Hill, better to do so during the light of day." Turning to the Hatchling, he nods "We shall see you soon Bao, do not worry for us."
Looking from Lung back to Piella, Taicho nods as Piella tells the priests they will be taking the hatchling back to his own clan. Turning to the Priests as they inform Piella and Katala that their information was lacking, he followed Piella lead. Bowing to he priests, "Thank you for your assistance." He exited the door as the hatchling followed, looking down at the boy. "We shall return you to your kin, where it will be safe. Hunting the Yokai is no place for hatchlings." With that he leads the party back towards the Soejis abode, keeping a keen eye out as he goes.
Hearing that the Wanderer's Hill is the location where the White Ox was sighted, Taicho shifts uncomfortably, "The Wanderer's Hill has a history of evil spirits, it is believed to be cursed." He steps closer to the priests and asks "Have any of the creatures been seen?"
Stopping in the entrance of the temple to stand guard, Taicho watches as the others let Bao address the priests. 'A Tengu, a Varana, a gnome, a monk and a little boy walk into a temple.... Sounds like a joke Elder Ting would start to tell after he'd been in the plum wine.' He listens as the boy prattles on, shifting from one foot to the other. Lulling his tongue in a tengu smile. 'I wonder how this one will end.'
Watching the hatchling bolt out the door Taicho is a little relieved to see him come back, Cocking his head as Piella challenges the boys thinking, he watches as Piella looks to the monk, watching to see if Lung will offer the boy sound wisdom or if she will have to do it. Nodding his beak as Lung voices the obviously wise choice. Seeing everyone had finished their meal, Taicho aided in getting the cart ready. Once they were underway, he stayed afoot traveling slightly ahead of the oxen keeping a keen eye out, looking for the temple. As the arrive Taicho notes that Piella continues with the boy's education. Listening as Piella gently gives direction and encouragement, Taicho nods approvingly and follows the group into the temple, keeping an eye on the door for anyone who may have followed.
Pondering the question about the gateway from the spirit realm, Taicho nodded his head in agreement with inquiring at the temple. In the forest where he grew up, most of the temples and shrines had been built near the gateways. He would be surprised if the priests did not know where it was. He watched as Piella spoke with the hatchling, unable to tell if she was really going to let him speak for the team or not. He saw Piella wink at Bao, Human gestures were sometimes hard to understand, but he believed that the gnome was just wanting the boy to think. It certainly didn't seem that she was teasing him. Shifting his feet, he turned to the piece of parchment looking to see the location of the temple. Looking towards the sun to get his bearings, he pointed. "Then it's that way." Looking at the others, then to Bao, "Shall we continue conversing as we walk?" Remembering the wagon, he adds, 'Or are we taking the wagon?"
Staying at the head of their oxen, Taicho watches carefully for any dangers as they travel into the Heartland. Bowing politely, Taicho accepts the hospitality of the cousins, keeping a watchful eye out as Lung asks about the white haired oxen. His ears perk up at the mention of spirit beasts and he lulls his tongue in a tengu smile when Piella asks the right question. 'Yes, where do theses spiritual beasts enter our world at.' Nodding he looks from Piella to the Soeji's, wondering what information they can provide about the spiritual gate.
Cocking his head as Piella agrees that it's 'always dangerous on the road,' Taicho looks from Piella to Old Soeji, to Katala. Shifting nervously, he stands on one foot, trying not to show his concern. His elders had heard that the Soejis party had been in enough danger that they sent him to protect them. Since he had joined, he had been in more life and death fights than possibly his entire life previously. Proving that their concern had been warranted. But the mammals were still considered it an acceptable risk to send the hatchling along, just because it wanted to be included. Maybe since there were Soejis all across the heartland, this one was not that important. Trying not to look overly surprised at the Soejis willingness to put their hatchlings at risk, Taicho nodded his head sagely. "I will endeavor to keep the little one safe."
Not surprised that he was of no help at the library, Taicho escorted the others back to the Soejis compound. Watching as Piella interacts with the human child, hearing her interject about the boy going along, he thought about the danger they had been in since he joined he group. Truthfully, he did not know the child well, but he wasn't sure he could the child out of danger. Not wanting to disappoint the child, Taicho waited until Piella started showing Soejis the techniques. Nodding his beak. "I will help with the prep." following along to the cooking area, he noted that the child had gone to play, stepping close to Piella helping chop the vegetables, he leaned close. "I am concerned about keeping the child safe. No matter where we've one there has been threats. He would probably be safer here."
Keeping point at the front of the wagon, Taicho listens as the others converse. Considering Lung's observation about an access point to the underworld.
Taicho found it curious that his friends were so concerned with the safety of the other teams, Not that he wished them any ill-will, but his concern was for their safety. Following Piella to the library aiding where he could there. Then helping her gather any information at the magic shop as well.
Taicho has geography + 4
As Katala questions Jia about Dragons, Tachio listens to the familiar story again. Nodding his beak, he wonders if the 'Place' Hongwei returned from was similar to the tunnels they found in the spirit realm. He also wondered if the great cold they encountered was somehow involved. Seeing the others were set on traveling by night, Taicho gathered his gear, bowing politely to Jia he headed towards the wagon. Walking beside the small wagon as Lung spoke, Taicho nodded his head wondering about the 'dragon pearl' Lung had mentioned. He had never heard of such a thing, but he was a tengu of the forests not of deep lore or philosophy. He listened carefully as Lung expounded on the types of dragons, always ready to add knowledge about potential allies or enemies. As they moved, he kept a keen eye out on their path as they went.
Lulling his tongue in a tengu smile when Jai told them that she thought they could ask. As the worked Taicho pointed out. "There is a story that our elders tell the fledglings that before The Celestial Court taught us how to use flint and steel to start a fire, that we carried around fire in small stone containers with a little moss to burn," He turns his head and cocks his beak. "Perchance we could find such a container to carry 'Dragon fire'." In a very human like fashion he shrugs his shoulders and continues to help clean up. Once the cleaning up was done Taicho took a position near the door, so he was the first to see Lady Zhan's deliverer. Bowing deeply to the elf he accepts the Tea, "Thank you. We honor her gift and will present it to The Celestial Court with the best of our ability." As the deliverer leaves, Taicho turns and gives the tea to Piella, asking. "Does anyone know where we will spend the night?"
Having seen images of dragons and heard the stories, Taicho thought it would be interesting to actually see a dragon. Chiming into the conversation, "What if we inquire of the dragon as one not opposed to it?"
Nodding as Piella explained how the decisions had been mutually made, Taicho turns as Katala expounds on multiple viewpoints. As Lung rejoins the group announcing they were off to find an ox. Taicho begins to gather his gear, putting on his new cloak and shouldering his pack. He asks, "Will we wait for the tea, then leave or will we start out after the ox in the morning?"
Rolling his eyes in a very human like fashion as Piella comments about the tea, Taicho pauses as Lung prepares to leave on his own. Taicho knew his greatest value was to keep the others safe. If Lung went off on his own, who should Taicho accompany? Taicho was not as familiar with cities as Lung was, and the monk was certainly capable in a fight. While if Piella or Katala were attacked here, then not only they, but Zhan and her assistant would be in danger as well. Nodding to Lung as he left, Taicho moved so he could watch the man, until he lst him in the crowd. Staying near the door as Piella worked with Zhan learning the marinades and infusions. When the lesson was over and Piella sat down near a window, he wondered what was thinking of. Moving closer, he asked, "Do you plan, our next step?"
Nodding as Lung expressed his enlightened view of the proper competition to please the divine, Taicho was glad he didn't have to worry about such things. His concern was keeping Old Soeji's people safe while helping them in whatever way he could. As Zhan answered about the other competitors, Taicho weighs the possibilities that one of them may have been behind the attacks on their lives. Shaking his beak subconsciously, there just wasn't enough information. As Zhan finished Taicho bowed politely. "Thank you for your aid, Lady Zhan." As the guests leave, Taicho busies himself cleaning up after the meal as well. Watching and listening as Piella and Jia discuss marinades and infusions for different styles of cooking. When Piella asks to discuss what they had and what the need, Taicho lulls his tongue in a tengu smile and cheekily offers, "We have tea."
Bowing politely to Piella, Taicho resisted the urge to pridefully ruffle his feather. He did pride himself on doing things well and though he hadn't diced and sliced a lot of vegetables he had done enough knife work that he felt proficient. As the prep came to an end Taicho found himself inspecting the chef's different knives curious as to their different functions. Eventually, he decided to busy himself, using the steel, sharpening the kitchen knives.
Nodding at Piella's direction, Taicho grabs one of the larger kitchen knives curved for chopping. Keeping the steel nearby so he can sharpen it regularly he dices, slices and chops whatever ingredients Piella or Jia hand his way. Making sure to remember to keep his knuckles rested against the edge of the blade to make sure he doesn't lose any claw tips. Every now and then, watching what Piella and Jia was doing. There was no reason not to improve his own abilities while he guarded the group. As Zhan and her escort arrive, Taicho pauses, bowing to the venerable elf, then continued chopping vegetables and such. |