Yuzuki Sakura's page

Sakura sets her cup down, breathes once, stills the tapping foot, and meets Ren Mei Li’s eyes.

"Your ritual I accept in spirit. Seeking spring’s bird, summer’s flame, autumn’s fruit, winter’s spice, then laying them before the honored dead.... that honors the land and our people. We’ll do this."

She leans in a hair. "But the oath you ask? Secret, personal fealty, being your agents... That I cannot swear. My first and only absolute oath is to Willowshore. Its living, its dead, and its kami. I won’t bind my tongue against them, nor pledge myself in shadows where my council cannot judge my steps."

A breath. She pauses, collecting herself and issues a small nod. Respectful, unflinching. "Here is what I can swear. A public mutual defense, open trade, and arbitration witnessed by our kami. We’ll come to you before crossing blades with any of your kindred, and you’ll intercede when lesser webs tighten around our throat. In return, Willowshore stands as a loyal ally and gateway to the interior, and we’ll treat your envoys as honored guests under our protection."

"Decide what you truly want of us, Princess. Stewards the people trust, or agents you must hide. We’ll give you the first with both hands."

While the Resplendent Daughter of nonsense talks about taking over her town, Sakura focuses on her breathing exercises, her knuckles turning white and her foot tapping on the ground impatiently. She opens her mouth to say something unwise, but luckily Pags beats her to it.

She breathes, foot tapping once more, then stills it.

"Princess Ren, Willowshore owes you courtesy and plain speech. Your offer is generous, but we are not kings. We’re stewards already, of a sort. To our neighbors, our kami, and the graves that bought this spring with their winter."

"If we talk alliance, I need to understand steward in your terms. What would you ask of us? Ttribute, soldiers, judges? For how long? And what do you give in return beyond staying Sze’s hand?"

Diplomacy-ish: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

Sakura folds her arms in typical Sakura-style. "Relax, brother. If the Silversilk Princess is shopping for suitors, she’ll need more than your fan tricks." she says in a deadpan voice before lettingthe corner of her mouth tilt up.

To Amai, she bows, formal and as graceful as she can [b]"Willowshore accepts. The Cerulean Teahouse will host Lady Ren Mei Li in seven days. We’ll honor guest-right. In return, we ask the same. No harm to townsfolk, no webs spun in the common room, and her retinue keeps blades sheathed. I prefer my tea without panic."

She glances to Pagma and whispers behind a cupped hand "Smoky black-lapsang... and chestnut cake. Can you do a double batch and a few smaller tarts for tasting?"

Sakura doesn't hear her brother because those two hits cause her to grunt in pain. But like clockwork, Jing-De is there to make it all go away!

With a sly smile, she continues attacking twice more before parrying again.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (9, 6) + 7 = 22 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 4 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 3
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 5 = 27 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (5, 6) + 7 = 18 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 8 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 4
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

Sakura rolls her eyes as the newcomer approaches. "Oh, get in line!"

After parrying the whip-like blades, she pivots and spins to deliver a strike before pivoting to strike in the other direction. After both spinning attacks, she takes a step back to raise her katana defensively again.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (5, 6) + 7 = 18 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 5 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 1
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 20 - 5 = 30 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (3, 10) + 7 = 20 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 8 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 4
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

Satisfied that she got what she wanted, she ignores the pains from her wounds and attacks the target her brother flanks with.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (5, 9) + 7 = 21 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 8 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 3
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 20 - 5 = 34 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 = 12 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 3 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 2
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

@97/134

Accustomed to starting the battle before the enemies can react, Sakura blasts ahead into the room and tries to get opposite of her brother, attacking his target as well.

"You will face me!" she says to him, trying to get the attention of Kamo.

◈◈Sudden Charge: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (10, 2) + 4 = 16 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 3 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 2
◈Attack: 2H Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 20 - 5 = 34 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (6, 10) + 7 = 23 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 8 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Sakura's methods have never failed her and so she sticks to her usual routine. She delivers two more quick strikes before readying to parry once more.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (10, 5) + 7 = 22 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 3 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 4
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 20 - 5 = 19 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (3, 2) + 7 = 12 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 4 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 5
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

Sakura has no time to be concerned with Kamo as she still has two enemies of her own to handle. Thankful for her ranged support assistance, she contineus to dance and spin with her blade, landing two decent strikes before raising her blade defensively.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (9, 2) + 7 = 18 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 3 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 1
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 5 = 27 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4) + 7 = 13 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 2 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 3
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

@73/134

Sakura's wounds heal as warmth spreads through her body. She hadn't ever considered the fact that her allies wouldn't take care of her and just continued fighting. She makes a note to thank them later while she presses the attack beforing readying to parry.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (2, 9) + 7 = 18 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 5 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 6
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 20 - 5 = 17 Damage
P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (1, 4) + 7 = 12 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 4 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 1
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

Sakura focuses on downing the injured enemy, attacking twice before ready to parry again.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (5, 9) + 7 = 21 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 1
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 20 - 5 = 20 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (4, 1) + 7 = 12 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 2 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 1
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

41/134

Reflex DC25: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Reflex DC25: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Reflex DC25: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Sakura does her best to dodge the explosions, but her main goal is closing the distance to the archers. She swings twice, the first off balance as she tries to get the hang of attacking while flying while the second takes full advantage of it and she aims perfectly. Afterwards, she raises her katana defensively, ready to parry.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (9, 4) + 7 = 20 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 3
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 20 - 5 = 35 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (8, 6) + 7 = 21 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 3 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 2
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

71/134

Edit!
Sakyura is frustrated she can't figure out a way to get to the other side. That vanishes as she lifts off the ground. She turns to King with a grin before zipping off over the water to the other side before landing before the archers. 30' movement, can get across with three moves.

"WILLOWSHORE!" Sakura bellows, raising her katana high in the air as she following Pagma's shout but in a much louder, Sakura-like way.

◈◈Sudden Charge: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (10, 6) + 4 = 20 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 4 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 2
◈Attack: 2H Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 20 - 5 = 22 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (6, 1) + 7 = 14 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Will DC32: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31 Fail.

Sakura fails to brace herself from the mental assault. Gritting her teeth and holding her hand to her head, she decides to try and bolster her allies against further such attacks.

◈Inspiring Stance DC26: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25 Fail.

Unfortunately, the pain is too much and throws her off. Gripping her katana tightly, she charges towards the source of their pain and attacks.

◈◈Sudden Charge: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 2 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Sakura stares at the fluttering Pagma in disbelief. "Well, that’s certainly new. Did you anger some kami in the process of saving the town, or is this just... you?"

She can't help but smirk as she says "You know, it kind of suits you, Pagma. All that explosive energy crammed into a smaller, winged package. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise?"

She kneels slightly to be closer to Pagma’s height. "Alright, let’s not panic. First question. Can you still make bombs, or are we in for pixie-sized explosions now?"

Sakura smirks at Kamo. "Fine. Breakfast first. But after that, we’re making sure everything,and everyone,is really here."

Her gaze hardens slightly, hand clamping tight around the hilt of her blade."We’ve got loose ends to tie up before we can really call this victory."

Sakura takes a long, steadying breath as she slowly turns to face Kamo with an expression that clearly says I am ready to "serve her" with her katana.

She knows she is not a princess, but her friends are more than humble villagers. They are heroes who should be celebrated, not made to kneel and serve tea to a monster.

Worse yet, she was taking away their freedoms and their coin?

She grabs her knuckles, grinding her teeth and does her best not to lose her patience.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31

"Must we turn over all writen material? May we not retain some books? And writing as well? It seems like these are critical skills that would allow your people to flourish?"

Will DC32: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31 Hero point. No spider is cursing me!
Will DC32: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33 Success For 10 minutes, the target must roll twice and use the worse result whenever attempting a Deception, Diplomacy, Intimidation, or Performance check, and creatures they encounter have an initial attitude toward them of one step worse (for instance, unfriendly instead of indifferent).

When the spider touches her, she suddenly feels off. She's not sure if it's just the fact that she touched her or if it's something more. Regardless, her patience was beginning to wane and she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep it together. Regardless, she tries her best.

"You know what I'd like to see shunted into another plane of reality?" Sakura grumbles under her breath.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39

Turning her attention to the spider, she asks "Would you like to see our teahouse? Beautiful creations are made their just for you."

The song will forever scar Sakura and all future discussions about it will be met with some variation of her either declining it ever happened or some form of doubt.

Sakura is glad Kamo blabbers on and puts her performance behind them. Even better, Pagma's haiku's land far favorably than her own performance.

She gladly shows the monstrosity princess around town.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37

Earlier with Pagma
Sakura decides her friend needs her "aid" in preparing her creations and takes a seat, at the kitchen counter.

"Why are we even bending over backward for this eight-legged fraud?" she mutters as she pokes at one of the carefully arranged platters with a chopstick. We should just toss a stick of butter at her and tell her to make her own dinner."

Sakura takes a sip of a tea and grunts "This one’s too bland."

She scowls and leans on the counter. I hate spiders. Hate their skittery little legs, their gross beady eyes, and the way they stare at you like you’re lunch. And now we’re supposed to bow and scrape for one? It’s insulting. I won't do it."

She takes a bite of something and makes a sour face "This one tastes like you waved a vegetable at some water and called it a day."

"This one’s not bad. But, is supposed to taste like garlic? I mean, I’d take it, but you’re cooking for a spider-princess, not me."

Sakura glances at Pagma and narrows her eyes "If this princess tries to eat anyone, I’m going for her legs first. Just saying."

"This is... fine. No, wait, wait. Yes, it’s boring. Add something more."

***

With the "princess."

Pagma leans toward Sakura with a and whispers that if she wants to impress the princess, she should sing a song. Sakura shakes her head no quickly but unfortunately catches the attention of the princess.

She swallows hard and steps forward, clearing her throat. "Lady Ren Mei Li, as a gesture of our gratitude and respect for your visit, I would like to offer a performance of our people."

Performance: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1 Yes. this is absolutely perfect.

Sakura clears her throat and begins her song, her voice trembling slightly as she tries to find the first note. It comes out a little too high and shaky, like a bird caught in a storm.

"Ooooh... Lady Ren... uh... Me-ei Liiii..."

Her voice cracks painfully on the "Li". Determined, she powers through, but the melody quickly devolves into an uneven mess as she forgets half the lyrics she had made up on the spot.

"You’ve come to—uh—bless our town... And, um, you’re the prettiest a-around..."

"Your hair is as... long as the river, uh... flows... And your... uh... beauty, it... it..."

She freezes, unable to think of a rhyme. Desperate to continue the song, she blurts out:

"And your beauty it... shows!"

Realizing the performance is spiraling out of control, she speeds up the tempo, her voice beginning to wobble.

"So, uh, thank you for your visit today- Please-don’t-kill-us while you staaaaAAAAayyyyy!"

"Finally." Sakura says, her voice is quiet but sharp.

"No bloodshed. No more fighting. Just words." she looks proud, as she turns back to look over her friends with relief evident on her face. "Guess even stubborn fools like him can be reasoned with."

Sakura stares at the bell and says "No more delays. No more running in circles. Let's finish this. All of it."

"You think you’re doing something noble here? Claiming wood and land for the living? These walls won’t protect you from Kugaptee. No amount of wood, no amount of stone, no amount of warriors will stop him once he breaks free. The same roots you think you can chop down are the chains that bind him. Cut them, and you might as well hand him the keys to his cage yourself."

She steels her gaze "We aren’t asking for pity, Mago Kai. We’re asking for the chance to finish what was started over a century ago. The chance to do what your exorcists and your soldiers can’t. You say you want to protect the living? Fine. Then help us do it. Because if you don’t, Kugaptee will come for you next. He’ll come for your soldiers. Your family. Your dreams. He’ll take everything, and he’ll never stop."

"But if you help us, you can be the man who stopped it all. The one who stood with the people of Willowshore and won. You want to leave a legacy? This is how you do it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34

Sakura finally steps up to speak, her patience gradually waning as Chen seems intent on pushing them aside.

"I do not know if resealing Kugaptee will be enough. You see, we’ve lived through it. Ddied through it. Over and over and over again. Every year we try to fix things, only for it all to collapse. We’ve seen the cost of just sealing him away again, and I refuse to let that cycle continue."

She takes another step closer "You talk about pragmatism, but there’s nothing pragmatic about letting a threat like Kugaptee fester. He doesn't sleep. He waits. He twists people, makes them doubt, poisons their resolve. That’s how he got to Governor Heh Shan-Bao, and that's how he’ll get to Mago Kai. And then you."

Subconsciously, her hand tightens on the hilt of her katana as she struggles to tow the line and avoid being overly aggressive. She pushes a bit. "You already know I’m right. You can feel it. It’s the weight hanging in the back of your mind every time you think about cutting down one of those sacred trees. It’s the whisper that says, this is wrong, but you’re too proud to admit it. Resealing him won’t stop that voice. Only one thing will.

"Help us break the cycle, Chen. Help us burn it all down. Not with fire, but with finality. Give us back the light from our Eternal Lantern, and we will end Kugaptee for good. No more seals. No more maybe next year. Just gone. Forever."

Sakura steps forward, trying to digest Jing-De’s vision.

"Blue fire in solid bronze... that has to be the bell? Doesn't it? And if it’s tied to the lantern, we’ll need to figure out how to take it... or at least its flame, without triggering whatever doom this ringer brings."

"And this shrine. If it really is dedicated to Pharasma, well, perhaps this might offer us a way to approach this without setting off alarms?"

I'm out of bed and trying to catch up. Not sure if you counted Sakura this round or not (looks like you might have. If so, just use this next round.

Inspiring stance is up for everyone within 10' - +1 status bonus to attack rolls and saves against mental effects.

Sakura swings twice before attempting to parry.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 20 + 1 = 40 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (6, 3) + 7 = 16 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 4
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 20 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 20 - 5 + 1 = 29 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (9, 3) + 7 = 19 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 1 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 4
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

@120

FIGHTER 9
Incredible Initiative
Master of DIPLOMACY, SAKURA!

Sakura tries to build upon Jing-De and Kamo's arguments. "You claim to be servants of the divine, protectors of the sacred order. But surely you see that we are not evil spirits. We are victims of an ancient, fiendish power-Kugaptee-that has perverted the natural order of life and death. Our governor tried to imprison this fiend, but the ritual failed, trapping us in this mindscape. We’ve been struggling for over a century to stop Kugaptee’s corruption from spreading."

Religion: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"We may be trapped, but we’re not powerless. We cling to life because we have unfinished business-protecting Willowshore and making sure Kugaptee doesn’t return to wreak havoc on the living world. You think we're dangerous spirits, but it’s the tree and the land that’s holding back true devastation. If you cut it down, you’ll release something far worse. We’re not the threat here, Kugaptee is."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Sakura tries again to plead her case to Cao Chen again, but this time her words seem to falter. "But...but.. we need to be free!"

Will DC26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 HP
Will DC26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21 bah.

Sakura hadn't planned on answering trutfully, but finds the words leaving her mouth outside of her control "We seek to come back to life!"

Sakura focuses on the leader of the exorcists, Cao Chen, trying to persuade. She takes a calm and respectful tone attempting to sway him with reason.

"Master Chen, we are not your enemies. We, too, are victims of a cycle that binds us in this mindscape. Our town, Willowshore, is trapped by a terrible force. We seek to restore balance and prevent an even greater disaster. If you banish us, you risk letting something far worse take root-something beyond even your power to control. Help us, and together we can stop Kugaptee."

Influence Cao Chen - Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

As the centipede collapses, Sakura stands there breathing heavily, blade clenched tightly in her hands. She remains standing there, tense and ready, half-expecting the enormous creature to twitch back to life. But when the massive insect's legs finally fall still, she lets out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

Sakura drives her blade into the ground to clean off the thick ichor, then turns to check on the others. "Is everyone alright?"

Fort DC28: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Sakura shrugs off the effects of the venom and swings twice more.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 19 + 1 = 22 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (4, 9) + 7 = 20 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 2 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 6
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 19 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 19 - 5 + 1 = 25 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (7, 4) + 7 = 18 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 2 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 5
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

@97/120

Maybe Sakura has gotten over her fear of spider-like creatures or maybe she's just had enough talk about Kugaptee, either way this creature takes the full brunt of the warrior's wrath. Assuming her stance, she inspires her allies before delivering a massive blow intent on knocking the creature to the ground.

◈Inspiring Stance DC20: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26 +1 status bonus to attack rolls and saves against mental effects for allies within 10'.
◈◈Knockdown: 2H Katana: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 19 + 1 = 40 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (7, 8) + 7 = 22 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 8 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 3
◈◈If hit, trip attempt: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 14 + 1 = 29

Religion DC24: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Sakura commits to assisting with preparation for the festival, but her week is full of nothing but ridicule and mockery, making her feel like she's wasting her time here.

Sakura steps forward cautiously, feeling a deep sense of empathy for the grieving woman. "I'm so sorry for your loss. But killing you isn't the answer. I know the pain you're feeling right now is overwhelming, but you can heal, even if it feels impossible. Let us help you find another way."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

Sakura's heart sinks as the reality of the situation settles in. She swallows hard, feeling the weight of the kitsune’s words.

"We'll help you move on. You and your brother deserve peace, and we'll do whatever it takes to give that to you."

She turns to the others, glancing between them. "What can we do to free them from this place? There has to be something, some way to help them pass on."

Sakura heart aches for the young kitsune, and the fire of anger burns inside her as she learns of the cruelty that caused this pain. "No, we're not mad at you. You’ve been hurt, and I can’t imagine how hard it must be to lose your family like that. But we're here to help, not punish." She glances at Pagma, giving her a nod of approval as the alchemist offers the healing potion.

Sakura watches the spectral girl for a moment, the burned fox kit in her arms tugging at her heartstrings. The sight of the girl, so young and lost, sparks a deep sympathy in her. She glances back at Kamo and Pagma, giving them a nod to indicate she's going to approach first.

Taking a deep breath, she carefully steps forward, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her katana. Not out of aggression mind youo, but out of ... habit? Her voice is soft and gentle, trying to put the girl at ease. "Hey there... you don't have to be afraid. We’re not here to hurt you." Sakura keeps her posture calm and non-threatening as she draws approaches. "Are you okay? What happened to your fox friend?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

Sakura decides to convene with Elizeth Candora at Her Fluvial Lady of Souls. The next three days are mostly productive, but by the third day she is tired of talking and reading and wants spend time stopping Mago Kai.

Religion DC22: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Religion DC22: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Religion DC22: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Sakura’s mind whirls as she processes Shinzo’s explanation. They had been trapped, unknowingly, in this twisted cycle for over a century!

She takes a deep breath, trying to ground herself. "So, even now, we’re still fighting to stop something that should have ended long ago."

Hearing Kamo’s remarks, she gives a wry smirk, "Brother. Even in death, you’re thinking with your stomach."

"If there’s a chance to save Willowshore... to stop Kugaptee and keep him from reincarnating, then we’ll do it." Her eyes flash with determination. [b]"We’ll find this Mago Kai and reclaim the lantern’s flame. We didn’t survive this long just to let Willowshore die."

Sakura admires Vashu's ninth life, examining it closely. "This is quite a blade!"

Sakura stands frozen, her mind spinning as she tries to comprehend what Shinzo has just revealed. The weight of Shinzo's words sinks in.

... We have been dead, trapped in this repeating cycle for over a century???

She can’t wrap her head around it. All of her struggles, triumphs, failures-it all happened while they were dead?

Sakura struggles to speak, her voice catching in her throat. "We've been... dead? All this time? Every year... repeating?"

Her hand tightens around the hilt of her katana as if grasping for some sense of reality. "How... how is that even possible? And now you say we have to haunt our own home to stop some... monster from destroying everything?"

LEVEL 8!!!

To Battle!
Dueling Riposte
Quick Climb

Athletics -> Master

"Look brother! He's as defenseless as you are!" Sakura taunts, easily slashing into her faceless-brother.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (6, 6) + 7 = 19 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 5
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 18 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 18 - 5 = 20 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (8, 6) + 7 = 21 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 2 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 2
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 18 - 10 ⇒ (19) + 18 - 10 = 27 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (6, 10) + 7 = 23 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 4 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 2

@90/106

Sakura slides over to faceless Pagma and tries to slice and dice her, but there is something about attacking her friend's likeness that unsettles her and her swings are unsteady.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (2, 5) + 7 = 14 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 1 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 2
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 18 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 18 - 5 = 24 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (3, 10) + 7 = 20 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 8 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Ouch. Sakura has mental resistance 3.

Sakura, still reeling from the critical strike, steadies herself as she wipes the blood from her mouth. "There can be only one." she growls through gritted teeth, her voice raspy with pain and determination. She swings her katana with twice more before raising it defensively.

◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (3, 9) + 7 = 19 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 6 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 3
◈Attack: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 18 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 18 - 5 = 28 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (8, 9) + 7 = 24 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 1 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 3
◈Dueling Parry: +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of your next turn

@71/106

Sakura tries to quickly enter her inspiring stance to lead the way for her allies, but the return of the faceless in their form is a little too much and throws her completely off her game.

Instead, she charges ahead with her katana and strikes her doppelganger.

◈Inspiring Stance DC20: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
◈◈Sudden Charge: 2H FB Katana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36 Damage P/S: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7 Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Fiend: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Perception DC25: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Sakura furrows her brow as she watches the governor’s actions. The upright chopsticks in the rice and the spread of food intended for the dead ... She stays silent for a moment, staring at the scene, and then quietly leans toward her companions.

"He’s not treating us like we’re alive." she whispers. "The food, the chopsticks—it’s all for the dead. He thinks we’re already gone. Ghosts. He’s giving us offerings, like we’re just another part of this cursed cycle."

Sakura steps forward, katana still sheathed but her hand resting on its hilt. "Governor, we didn’t come here to cause trouble. But you need to listen to us. We know what happened with your ritual, and we’ve fought through so much just to get here."

"You’ve trapped all of Willowshore in this... cycle, and we’re not leaving until we understand why, and how to end it. We’re here to help. But if you won’t talk, we’ll do whatever it takes to stop this madness, with or without your cooperation."

She glances at her friends, hoping her words will soften the governor's resistance or at least buy them some time to get through to him.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28