Tengokuno Uta's page

Uta's eyes go wide with a mix of worry and shock at the Mamoru's actions. Still recovering from the previous horror, he is left unable to give a proper protestation.

All he can do is mutter are a few short and breathless words. Staggered and without context, they could be interpreted to mean any number of things, even remnants of the horror he's only just recovering from.

"...no..."

"...don't..."

"...please..."

The words are quiet and hushed, and may not even be heard by anyone other than himself.

At the very least, Uta can take consolation after the fact that his father was no carpenter, and did not design or help craft the throne itself...

I was about to apologize for my absence as well (internet/connectivity issues). Heck, I just worked a 16 hour day yesterday, so I feel your pain. But I concur, quality over quantity.

^_^

lol. Epic mass fails by the party!

Well, let's hope at least ONE of us makes it! *starts cheering for Taliv*

...and NPC Makiko? What is happening with her, if I may ask? Tagging a long, or we fading her out?

"True. But the fighting was fierce and terrible."

Uta's voice is exceptionally soft and low. His words are slower than normal, as if they are strained and difficult to speak.

"Many fell without knowing what had come. And those who did fight back faced horrors no man should bear witness to. Even now, their spirits are tormented by this horror. Be careful, for the evil of so long ago may still..."

Uta's sentence is cut short with a silent gasp as blood starts to flow from the walls. His eyes go wide.

"Spirits forgive me! I should not have trespassed!"

Uta falls to his hands and knees and lowers his head reverently, and - on all fours like this - backpedals backwards down the stairs behind him.

__________________________

Will Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

well damn. A good will, high wisdom, and the courageous trait ... they have all failed me! *despair* ...so, minimum caster level = 3 rounds?

Uta continues as before, ready to sit and start performing an enticing song to lure or distract potential enemies with. He stops and looks at the multiple sairs, then quietly speaks.

"I cannot even guess as to where the evil Oni make berth. Shall we venture down into the depths, potentially finding a dungeon or, if fortune smiles today, abandoned stores? Or up, to find either living quarters of defensive outposts of men who are no more?"

With his guqin in hand, Uta nods and quietly follows Seori. He will do his best to keep an eye out for anything and everything: dangers, interesting facts of objects and areas, old memories, and the like.

Uta shakes his head.

"Alas, I was not privy to all the ins and outs of the castle. Military stations like the defense towers, and high in the central chambers, as well as the sub levels, were restricted to me. I tried to explore there a few times, but always ended up in trouble for my efforts. If they have not already been ransacked, I could only assume the defense towers that still stand would have small cashes of arms, while large storage of wealth and arms would likely be in one of the lower levels. Though I cannot be certain. Most of my memory beyond this main level is of the people who used to share these halls."

While Onitora inspects the walls and gates, Uta cannot help but walk by and drag his hand across the stones. He stops as memory and emotions seem to flood into his mind. He takes in a deep breath and looks upon the work with affection. He speaks even softer than normal.

"My father build this arch. This very stone that I now touch... he placed here with his own hands."

"I am. This is where I grew up, and I did walk the halls of the castle on occasion... but that was many seasons ago."

Uta seems somewhat sad while he reminisces of the past, but he does not let these memories slow him from helping his new companions.

"Come, but be wary."

Uta stares at the man for a moment. Slowly, he blinks. Then, he cocks and eyebrow. Eventually, his gaze softens and he speaks, his voice soft and airy as if he both whispers and sings.

"Young one, whom the kami of lost kingdoms find worthy... Welcome to Teikoku palace."

Uta keeps his eyes on this newcomer for now, but the stark contrast of his words to the surroundings everyone is currently in cannot be ignored. They are in ruins, a city that has long since been destroyed, ransacked, and abandoned. Splayed nearby are the bodies of three creatures, humanoid in general shape and size, but monstrous in actual appearance, showing features of crows: oily, black, and bloody in their recent demise.

"Indeed. While it is not always advisable to fight fire with fire, we must at least be aware that these oni are both powerful and devious. To fight on their terms is to invite ruin."

Uta dusts himself off - his movement still a bit slow and weary from the claws he suffered - and helps Makiko up to her feet. He then removes the old guqin from his back, so that he may more readily place it before him to play should the need arise.

Uta could not help but hesitate, being slightly taken aback by the feathered revelation. He pauses for a moment longer to think, then retrieves his final scroll of healing calligraphy.

"While those of avian likeness in these parts have been evil..." Uta whispers softly to Makiko. "...you, I can see, are not. I have also never seen one possessed by them to develop obvious traits like this. You need not worry. I will hold no bias because of a physical trait of a good person."

As before, energy in the form of symbols of writing made into light, from the page through the air and into flesh, transfers vitality into Makiko.

"Perhaps," Uta turns to Seori while still kneeling beside Makiko. "...we should try a different approach next time? Allow me to distract them. I will not be bait, but I will draw their attention with a song. Music can have power over the supernatural, and may give us an edge. Either they will become fascinated by my song, allowing you to sneak past or ambush freely... or they will come and investigate, in which case I will change the timbre and tempo to bolster instead us should violence ensue."

____________________

EDIT: heh, I forgot to roll for the CLW on Makiko, so here it is:

CLW on Makiko: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

*glares angrily at the dice function*

Man, all these floods of late! It's crazy! (I was hit by them earlier myself).

I should have time to post again after work tomorrow. *shakes fist at busy weekends*

Taliv: Hi! I'm new! ^_^

Uta nods.

"Agreed. Your wisdom gives me confidence."

Uta takes out another scroll and - with Mamoru's permission - repeats the process as before, transferring the calligraphy's energy into him.

Cure Light Wounds for Mamoru: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

After this casting, Uta cannot help but wince in pain, as his own wounds throb with fresh blood. He removes his last 2 scrolls, and uses one upon himself as well.

Cure Light Wounds for Uta: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"And you Seori-san?"

Sadness for me! Minimum roll!

...

*takes it anyways*

Without saying a word, Uta kneels beside Makiko and procures a vial of clear oil. He pours the oil upon Makiko and upon his own hands. He begins to gently caress and rub the oil in a specific pattern on her wounds and face, tracing ancient symbols of power. The oils smells wonderfully of fresh water and spice. Every place the oil and Uta's fingers touch begins to glow softly, illuminating symbols of the Celestial realm, which then absorb into Makiko's body.

Cure Light Wounds w/oil: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Uta heaves a heavy sigh, feeling the drain that the flow of spiritual energy and expenditure of chi just cost him. He then looks up to Mamoru and pulls out a parchment with the characters sukoshi iyashi on it, meaning "a little/modest healing"

He reads the words aloud "Sujoshi Iyashi". The words flash with a barely noticeable light, then the light and symbols fade to nothingness. For an instant, it seems that they moved to Uta's hands, and he places them upon Mamoru Onitora. The symbols seems to travel from Uta's hands onto Mamoru's flesh and then seep into his body.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Uta raises his eyes to Seori. "I have 3 more scrolls of calligraphy, but no more oil. With time I may be able to make more of each, but not for the now. I can direct the flow of the spirits one more time before it becomes too taxing on my soul to continue doing so, though doing that will also make me more likely to fall to the claw as well. But if you wish it, it is yours to direct."

c'moooon good rolls!

*nods to self* not bad, not bad. Also, apologies for the delay in posting, a natural disaster in the way of flash floods in my area has caused some issues, but things are calming down again.

Mamoru Onitora: If I wasn't on the verge of death, and had a different list of spells known (or even were higher level), I'd create an illusion of a bunch of cheerleaders cheering you on. ^_^;;

At least, that's what I'm picturing in my head right now. :P

SMASH THAT CORBY! YEAH!

>:D

Please, little one. Hold on a bit longer. Just a little bit longer... What started as just his thoughts slowly becomes an impossibly soft whisper.

Uta continues his dance, keeping himself between the Corby and Makiko. (at least, until the situation changes). Despite his thoughts of concern, Uta's eyes remain calm and focused.

Most likely going to do the same thing as last round (total defense, movement only to keep the corby from finishing off Makiko, and Windy Escape on the tip of my tongue in case it get's past my defenses and hits me).

Uta maintains his dance of rope and steel, stepping over to Makiko with the hopes of defending her against the corbies, and keeping them distracted, until Mai and Onitora can can mount their comeback.

Standard Action: Total Defence (+4 Dodge to AC, +1 Shield to AC via rope dart)
Then either a 5' step of a move to get over Makiko.
If a corby attacks me and hits my increased AC, I plan to use an immediate action to cast Windy Escape.

Uts keeps on the defensive and watches with a careful eye on how the battle is unfolding.

I was certain the Mamoru was done for! Here's hoping it's resolve lasts! Uta thinks to himself as he weaves a shield of spinning rope and steel around him against the corby's assault.

I was waiting for Mai to go first, as she's before me in initiative.

O_O

x_x

...well, the good news is... I'm still up and have my full contingent of spells and scrolls. That includes some Cure Light Wounds to get Onitora back into the game, and my "card up my sleeve" spell Windy Escape (to essentially negate the next attack on me that hits).

The bad news is that I'm also last in initiative. :(

also: *shakes fist at DM for rolling good against us*

^_^

Uta squints and grunts softly behind his face mask at the pain of being struck. He takes a step back from the assault and whips out his rope-dart, spinning the sharpened metal about him quickly and deftly, causing a whirl of rope and steel to form a sort of flexible shield about himself. With a flick of the wrist, the metal spike flies out towards the creature engaged with Makiko, then quickly returns to spinning about Uta.

"These remnants of the Five Storms - despicable oni - only care for the destruction of men and the torment of the unfortunate survivors. It must end today." Uta's voice remains soft and calm, but his words seem dark. His eyes fall upon the corby he attacked, bestowing upon it a dire portent. "Do you not hear the howl upon the wind? It is the cries of countless men, women and children slain by your kind, and they feel their peace is finally at hand. A peace that comes with your end."

taking a 5' step away from the corbies, using a move action to draw my Rope Dart, and then using a standard action to fight defensively and attack, giving my a +2 dodge and +1 shield bonus to my AC

Attack: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (19) - 3 = 16
Damage if I hit: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Heya, apologies for the silence again. The real life hectic-ness is slowing down and I should be bale to post on a much more regular basic again. In the short term, I'll be posting within the next 24 hours.

oh, and I almost forgot!

Was there opportunity before this point to perform a Tea Ceremony? Or are we going without for now?

(without will save me my bardic performance rounds for when we need them later, but with will give us the benefits of a bardic performance for 10 full minutes... the catch is the ceremony itself takes 10 minutes)

As we're in combat right now, I'll assume we're without for now unless told otherwise.

My apologies for being quiet of late. It's been a hectic few weeks.

Anyways, the only addition I have to the Trip discussion is to clarify that it is not possible to "trip-lock" via AoOs. (That is: they are prone, try to get up, provoke, and get tripped again via that provoked AoO). This is because the AoO happens just prior to the action that provoked it, meaning the prone character is still prone when the AoO for trying to get up takes place, thus he cannot be knocked prone from prone / cannot be trip-locked.

One can, however, use a Readied Action to knock someone down again as they get up (much like readying to interrupt spellcasting), or even re-flavor a Grapple to keep them "pinned" down by hovering over them and knocking them down again and again.

Also: OUCH! First attack on me is a crit! :O

*rubs wounds*

Sadness! :(

<_<

>_>

...a wizard did it.

^_^

Agreed.

Before actually entering the palace itself, Uta would like to lead the group to the closest safe house to it he can, so that he may bless the endeavor with a Tea Ceremony. Cleanse the body, mind and soul before embarking on the dangerous journey (and provide mechanical benefits as well: inspire courage, inspire competence, inspire greatness, or inspire heroics lasting for 10 minutes after the ceremony is done).

Other than that, not really. The tending to the burial grounds and performing the new song written still to be written to honor this meeting with Hogasha can happen once the area is safe.

Indeed. It happens to us all. I'll (probably) be in for the long haul as well. It usually takes a few months of inactivity before I start to think about dropping, and I don't foresee (no one does, really) any issues in the near future for myself.

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS! or something.

:D

"Indeed." Uts replies to Makiko's last comment. "All journeys must begin with a single step, all tasks taken one step at a time. To attempt more will only cause one to trip over themselves and fall on their face. The first step is here, as are the next several. By taking those first steps, we will divine how and where to continue the steps after those." Uta transitions smoothly into thanking Hogasha, bowing even lower than he already is. "You have our humble gratitude, master. As always, your very presence inspires wisdom and honors our ancestors. I will write a new song to celebrate this event, and give my mending hand to the gate and area around these grounds, plus anything else within needing attention, by your grace."

Uta remains prostrate as he speaks in reply.

"There were many questions, not all that I could answer. But of our location: yes, I did share that we are where what was once known as Teikoku Palace. But where that is... I am a bit hazy. The Kamifushi range on Ikkaku? I think... it has been so long."

Uta remains silent for only a short moment before continuing. "Then it is the time to bring the fight to the yamabushi and end this reign of desolation."

Uta's last sentence is a statement, not a question. It is as if he truly believes that the stars have aligned and that this potential future act (of reclaiming the palace from the yamabushi) has been preordained by the spirits of the world and must be done.

I was getting worried! I still am, but it is good to see you post again, even if it may be a while before the next event.

You have all of my best wishes for a swift and complete recovery.

*sits down and begins a game of Go while waiting hopefully and patiently*

*joins the chorus*

Yeah! :D

Uta keeps his peace now that the conversation has begun. He keeps his eyes lowered as he listens, trying to learn as much as he can about these recent arrivals and events.

Still, his mind races with unspoken questions.

One step at a time. The first step of our journey was coming here. But what is the second step? The ground and our feet are unstable, so the next step must be a careful one... but to where? Can this woman really be of my master's line? Is there proof beyond just words? Will the palace finally be purged of evil and restored? Will... another war come and destroy what little there is left?

Uta remains silent and respectful, but his brow furrows with deep and troubling thoughts.

Uta remains prostrate the whole time, and still so as he replies again.

"The oni... is Mamoru. It is bound to her, to protect her. This one is not of the Five Storms."

Uta takes a fraction of a second to glance at Onitora and sees the tension in his posture. He grimaces and makes a short, almost panicked gesture with his hand, palm open to the ground and moving back and forth, as if to say back down! or not now!

*shines all sparkly like*

...so, uh, I just cross posted. Should we just ignore this post of mine then, or say that it all happened at the same time? (not sure what PBP etiquette is in this case)

That's what I get for not clicking 'preview' before hitting 'send'

Uta suddenly goes even more quiet and keeps his very head low.

"My apologies, great one. They were delivered to my care, but are lost and need to find their way again. Seori-san is of Teikoku, but only just learned this truth, and we seek your wisdom in this matter."

Uta remains prostrate. He does not lift his head, and his eyes stay focused down to the ground.

Uta has been fairly quiet for the past while, and his steps - especially in this place of reverence - are small and careful. He keeps his Guqin strapped to his back when he's not playing it... and so the instrument has come with them here.

When replying to Seori, his voice is even softer than it normally is. "Hogasha-sama is here." Uta starts, and although it may have been a correction of honorific use, his emphasis is on the word "here", indicating the whole of the grave site. "He is the very spirit of this place become manifest. I am sure he is already aware of use and listening to us. Only if we, and our intents as well, are worthy, will there be any chance of direct contact."

Uta keeps his eyes averted in a respectful way to, but glances around in search for a specific grave marker.

"Ah, here is a start. Uta leads the way towards the burial marker he recognizes. "This is the grave of one of my old teachers. She always had a way of guiding me and her students to the answers they sought. Offer my Sensei Asami your prayers, spoken but softly, with open hearts, and perhaps fate will smile on us."

Uta kneels beside the grave and bows deeply, his head nearly touching the earth. He speaks softly to the air in front of him, as if his words were reaching the spirits of beyond.

"Sensei, It has been far too long. You always said I could ask you anything, and that no question would fall upon idle ears. I have brought with me a friend who has become lost, and would seek your advice."

*casually glances at character sheet*

I think I should be able to help in those departments. ^_^

(though I will admit my generic "arcane power rawr!" is a bit diminished compared to most... limited spells known for bards, and being level 1, and all that)

lol.

The BDB (Big Dumb Brute) School of Adventuring is fun sometimes. To use 2e AD&D terms, you'll have 100% to pick locks and detect traps (aka: smashing through them).

... also, my apologies for being a bit slow of late. I've been having some connection issues of late that I hope are now resolved.

I don't mean to come off as an insensitive jerk (I really hope I'm not)... but... if we do end up loosing Tampalasan and Yumi (I really hope we don't. I was looking forwards to interactions and playing with them)... would we describe it as "they never wake up", which would be a painless passing / dying while they sleep / not surviving the trip through the dream-world*, but leaving their bodies present for us to see and mourn over... or some other explanation? (they never arrived in my care and we only just realize this? Something else entirely?)

* I'm just making up "dream-world", I actually have (mostly) no idea how the transfer of your bodies from the temple to my care truly took place. All that mattered was that you were all asleep and in my care.

Uta bows slightly, showing both understanding or Seori's plight as well as respect.

"They are all around us. Though most of them are also very shy, as they have suffered much these past many years. I do not know how they will take to newcomers. At least... at least none of you have any avian motifs, as far as I can see. Birds in these parts are ill-omens, and harbingers of danger a suffering. Many of them are spies for the yamabushi tengu, or one of them in disguise, waiting for an open mouth, exposed ear, or eye contact to attempt possession... the Old Guardian though... resides within the Teikoku burial grounds. He keeps that area safe, and insures the dead find undisturbed peace. We call him Hogosha. But you should know that he only responds to the most formal and respectful, if at all. The grounds are actually only a few minutes journey south of here."

*waves excitedly*

I'm here! :D

"If this is true - and from your arrival I assume it likely - then I am your humble servant." Uta bows to Seori. "However, simply making the claim - even with the presence of a Mamoru - will garner nothing but a swift demise. I do not know what your intentions are, but regardless of them, we will need more information. Perhaps... perhaps the Old Guardian could help?"

That last question was more for himself, though still spoken aloud for all to hear. He collects his thoughts and returns his focus.

"Either way, we can stay here for a while... but not indefinitely. This place can remain safe for only so long. Even on my own, I must move about frequently. I have friends in these surrounding areas. Friends that I trust and who trust me. But the central palace itself is still overrun by the yamabushi tengu, and their threat hangs ever-presently on all under it's shadow."

"You are... Mamoru..." Uta repeats the word, but his tone indicates he understands the word as a title and as a potential answer... which is reinforced an instant later when his eyes go wide with both shock and recognition.

"Really?" Uta can barely keep his voice in check, but he does so nonetheless. "Then your charge... the heir of my lords?"

Uta seems both confused, worried, and excited all at once. His eyes scan Onitora, but cannot help but shift to everyone currently awake, settling at last upon Seori herself. While he thinks he may have connected the dots, he still leaves his question open for affirmation or correction by his guests.

...DundjinnMasta?

Does Uta know what "Mamoru" means? I'm assuming Protector (the actual Japanese name "Mamoru" does mean "protect", but in the context of this game, would I know that it is a title, and would I know what that title entails?)

I'm also not sure (due to the nature of Onitora) which Knowledge skill would represent that information (if it's a title specific to his race, or something more common place). I'm thinking either Local or Nobility or maybe even Planes if you're part Oni? (or a combination of the three)... of course I have all three, so huzzah! Should I roll something/anything anyways?

Upon seeing the monster finally rise, Uta cannot help but be put on edge. One of his hands wants to go towards the long chained spike on his side, but he resists the urge to bring his so close as to be offensive,

"You... will not be a problem, will you?"

I look forward to learning the truth! Either way, Uta is guessing, so what he just said will stick. ^_^

Maybe my search-fu is lacking today, but I couldn't find any reference to what year it is in the campaign threads here, so I'm going by the calendars in the Dragon Empires Gazetteer & Primer (even though Uta is guessing).