Can I formally put our games on hold for a week? Work has been killer but it will change after the week is up.
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My apologizes for the lack of posting. Things have been nuts lately but all settled down now.
A tremor passes through Rixin as he hears the news. He was about to lead a frontal charge of thousands of horsemen and kami..... He drew a deep breath, place a hand on Aki's shoulder and nodded to her. 'Stay safe." he mutters to you then says to Box, 'Order them to follow...with haste" With that he begins walking forward, quickly but not running, giving everyone time to notice and follow him. It begins
Rixin swallows hard, imaging the scene in from of them. Slowly he shakes his head, 'No, if we all 'take a look' things will unravel. Is it almost time for us to move? Waiting is worse then fighting, sometimes."
It is odd hearing the sounds of a titanic battle, and yet not seeing it or taking part. By instinct the monk's pulse starts to race, blood pounding in his ears. he holds out one of his usually rock-steady hands and detects a tremor. If this is effecting him, a trained monk so... "Tell everyone to hold," he mutters to Box, "We must stick to the plan." Then he turns to Huan and asks the wily hunter, 'What to peek over the edge and see how things are going?"
Rixin watches the moving troops, feeling oddly at peace, having a set part in a massive plan involving thousands. The monk does mutter to Huan, 'How long until something happens that spoils the plan? Are you ready incase of the unexpected?"
'I'd rather fight in a crowd of people myself." Rixin says nodding. 'Hard to fight an army alone." Seeing the battle lines, the monk scans them for anything amiss.
At Huan's first remark Rixin smiles, 'I think the kami will do more of the fighting then us, or the Khan, would like to admit. There is power in that host from the Forest..." Trying to reassure Yuka, Rixin keeps up a stream of small-talk of his battle training with the monks as they take positions and wait. Then he adds, "You are doing good work here Yuka, being brave and standing your ground, defending your city. They'll write songs about us, you know. The Mighty Witch of the Woods, perhaps?"
Rixin nods, "It is best if we all stay together. In the chaos of battle..I don't want us to be separated." The monk smiles a bit and says, "I feel I have personal responsibility to all of you...except Huan. He is his own problem." He agrees with Aki adding, 'That sounds like a good plan. Stay close to me and cover me, I have to get up close and personal when I fight. It will be good to have you at my back."
Rixin looks around the damp and crowded tent. 'Be polite, Box. Aki is a personal friend of mine and I won't have you being rude to her." the monk says firmly. 'The rain will be difficult on the horsemen." Rixin says, "and I doubt it will effect the oni much. Are we all prepared? Yuka, are you ready for this?" "Today will not be a pretty day. From what I have heard of battles, much of what is to come can unhinge the strongest."
Rixin frowns, unsure of what to say. Would not a powerful and just Empire be better then all of these petty kings and bandit lords? Why would the kami, or the Khan not wish to join, if they were just? A bit stiffly Rixin says, 'I have seen the world, Huan, I know it is not always peace and sunshine. We ourselves face a great battle tomorrow against evil. But I will not let that swerve me from my mission. The people of Tian Xia deserve better."
Rixin nods, "The old Empire would simply invade and take what they had. I do not seek to simply re-make the Empire but improve it. I think nations would join us when they see what I am building, the good I am doing. It may require battle to subdue local warlords or evil rulers, but the people...the people would rise in my favor. Good, peaceful lands would know this and joins us willingly, on some level. I do not ask the kami to bow to me or Minkai, but I would ask them to work the Empire to usher in a new age of peace and prosperity."
Rixin ponders this but it is something he has thought long and hard about. "Many lives are lost now." he says bluntly, "In petty wars between lost splinters of empire, between ruling families, between cities. We have lands ruled by spiders, by kraken, by bandit princes. The simple people suffering endlessly at the hands of a parade of unholy and unwholesome masters. Would not the Empire, a strong Empire put an end to that?" The monk stands up, pacing and speaking strongly, "Would not ending the hobgoblin empire of Kaoling be worth one army campaign? Ending the communism of Bachuan be worth a life? As for the kami, would they not rejoice that an Empire came into being that would defeat the oni, that lvie openly and keep human as chattel?"
"To reclaim my family's honor." It occurs to Rixin that a wild woodsman may not approve of re-forming an Empire and decides to come clean now. "My family was, in the old days, high in the Lung Wa Empire, that ruled all of Tian Xia. I seek to re-build the empire, by going to Avistan, gathering an army and returning here, to rally the forces of peace and order. Restoring the empire and my family name." Saying it out loud the monk realizes just how...big the task is. The words hang in the chilly air.
Rixin is used to cold places, but the wind is cutting tonight. He gives the women time to settle in, and passes the time by talking with Huan. "So, quite the sight, eh?" The monk says waving his hand at the vast array of kami around him. 'We live in interesting times." A pause then, "I hope to have an army of my own someday, perhaps a bit more mundane then this, but still...." He leaves it hanging wondering what Huan will say.
"I will rejoin my friends near the edge of the forest, among the kami." The monk smiles, "We will try to be near the edge so your rider doesn't have to thread his way through an army of imposing spirits." The monk bows and adds, 'To victory over the oni!"
Rixin thinks of dirty and disheveled Huan, nervous Yuka and grinning Aki. Not the best group to bring before the Khan. The monk bows, "I hope you meet them as well, while shouting the cries of victory."
Looking forward to giant battle sequence.
Rixin nods at the drawing, amazed at how quick the Khan took his vague ideas and turned it into a formidable layout of a battle. It was a skill he must learn, if he hoped to rebuild the Empire. The size of that concept made him reel until he refocused. "The third wave will suit me and my friends, Lord Khan. I believe we can be of most sue there." he bows to both the man and the kami.
"They are not, great Khan. I am a traveler in these lands, from the great city of Goka. My friends are natives to this place, of both city and wood. They are a varied group of some skill but all unused to pitched battles. I believe we can do most good among the kami, fighting from foot." Rixin hopes the Khan buys this slightly bent version of the truth.
Lead a division of horsemen? Rixin suddenly realizes they make expect him to do a task above his abilities....but he could not show weakness. "You honor me, Lord Khan." He says, nodding to the steppe leader. "What of my friends? I did not come alone, there are three others with the kami. I would wish to fight alongside them, and I am not sure they are well-versed in the ways fighting from the back of a horse."
Rixin's mind reels but he tries to hide it. Now he was expected to lead armies? Breathing deep in a quick monk's meditation, he pauses. Then says, "My Lord of the Forest and Khan of the Plains, I will help in any way I can. Lord Khan, perhaps we can assemble some of the bowman behind those largest kami. Master Kami, perhaps we can lace these largest kami in the center to hold our foe, as we thrash them from both sides with nimble horseman and smaller kami." Rixin prays this is a wise move as he adds, "Khan perhaps we save your lancers for the rear, as a final blow to break the oni army after they are engage don all sides? Lord of the Forest, perhaps we can use your fastest kami to aid this final charge, to fully defeat this evil horde."
Oh, no, it makes perfect sense. I love it when a PC gets tossed in head over heels into something and have little idea how to handle it. Hard to do in PBP but you have managed it here.
Rixin needs to find a man to teach him about running an army and fighting battles. he is woefully ignorant. Put that on the list.
Rixin bows and says, raising his voice for the giant Kami. 'My Lord of the Forest, the great khan merely speaks of tactics. It is customary for humans, when fighting, to plan ahead, to use cunning as well as might to destroy our foes. For example, we have found that attacking from all sides increases a chance of victory." He pauses then ventures, 'The oni are foul and deserving of a great defeat. This Khan has fought many battles and is wise in the arts of war. We can help you best if know what you intend. Do you simply wish to charge headlong, where the oni are strongest and expect you?" The monk holds his breath wondering if he has gone too far.
Rixin carefully climbs up the horse, using the offered reins. Once seated he doesn't move the horse but sweeps a low bow to the Khan, "Lead me, my lord." and proceeds to very carefully follow the other man.
The monk swallows and looks at the horse, the large beast placidly nibbling some grass. Here we go...
Rixin bows, "Of course, Khan. I wonder what the kami will make of a lord of men? I imagine many have never met a person such as yourself. Much to learn on both sides." The monk follows the Khan wherever he goes.
Rixin bows formally again, "Greta Khan, how can I assist in this battle? I have not fought oni before, but wish to do my part, however small."
Rixin bows, "I brought as live oni back with me. The foul creature was the best proof I could have. I did little convincing on my own part, this is more of an act of self-defense on the part of the spirits." "As for who sent me, it was Hanzo Shamuda, head of the council of Muliwan." A pause, then "I hope I have no acted in error, my lord."
"Greetings, Khan Kiriltai. My name is Zeng Rixin, of the city of Goka. I am a humble traveler in these lands." Rixin bows. A pause and then, "I was sent by the city to find some lost scouts. Along the way we found oni instead. He told me an army of....ten thousand oni were attacking the city." "I turned to the legendary kami for aid." he bows again, adding, 'I did not know your Khan was so close or I would have come to you directly." "The kami have agreed to help our cause for their hatred of the oni runs deep. I say our cause because the oni will kill and destroy all, but I am no general, I have no lands or titles. You counsel is your own, mighty Khan."
With ease Rixin leaps up onto the horse and swings his legs into position. The monk grins and says, "Let's ride!" Got lucky that time....
Rixin's jaw drops at the scale. Sure, he could talk big about 'arts of war' to the local city fathers but the sheer scope of events was overtaking him. Finding a lost scouting party and killing a few oni was one thing, but actual armies, numbering in the thousands? Swallowing hard the monk bows and says, as firmly as he can, "Of course." Without being obvious he tries to brush the worst of the dirt and mud off his clothes.
Alone After so many years like that, you would think the monk would be used to it. But already he was used to having a bright Aki, a grumpy Huan and a tentative Yuak at his side. Still, Rixin had a feeling you didn't argue with Him. The monk takes off at a run toward the horseman shouting, "It is I, Zeng Rixin, who spoke to the city fathers. I bring news of the oni army and the Wang brothers." He hoped one of the terms would make the horseman stand his ground to learn more.
As Rixin feels the healing magic flow through him, he smiles. As best he can the monk bows to the woman-like kami. 'Thank you. We were wounded when fighting the oni." After Aki is healed he grins at her, 'So, what do you think of this adventuring stuff?
The monk hurriedly rises, jogging to keep up with the titanic kami. It feels like all of nature is going to war, the very air hums with power and might. It was an army to put all the glory of human arms to shame. He looks to Aki, Huan and Yuka, eyes wide. Nodding, he follows in the wake of He.
The monk's mind reels as he realizes the hill is a kami. A second later he hopes he did not offend by addressing the first as 'Lord of the Forest'. "Forgive my inadequate knowledge, Master of this Land." Rixin bows again, as low as he can. "As I said, I bring you news of a great threat to these lands. An army of oni, 10,000 strong, marches here, to destroy this forest, slay the kami, and kill the human city.I bring these tidings hoping you can help aid us in our struggle." Again he waves at the gagged oni, "I bring you a foul thing, to prove our tale."
Rixin can hear the capital letter in front of 'Him'. The entire walk reminds the monk he is dealing with beings that work in centuries and have powers beyond his comprehension. Even the old empire of Lung Wa was a minor footnote for them, a passing fancy. Then he sees the giant kami, imposing and obviously lord here. Carefully, backed with years of training (which despite him despising it, has come in handy), he bows formally. 'Greetings, Lord of the Kami. We come to you, humble and needing your power and wisdom." he waves a hand at the bound oni. "We bring you news of a great threat to your land and people, as well as the humans near by." "Will you hear us?"
Rixin bows again, "Just south of here. We killed on, captured this one. They are scouts for a large army, thousands strong." The monk pauses then says, 'They are here to destroy you and the city. We came to you first, to give you warning and ask for your alliance. If you wish to hear his foul speech, we can produce it."
Rixin takes the lead, bowing formally, 'Greetings, Kami Bando. We come in peace." 'We have urgent news concerning the well-being of the forest and of the kami themselves." He waves ot Huan and the captured oni. 'We have captured a tiny part of the threat approaching. Please, assemble your elders, leaders or whoever is tasked with being in command. Urgency is desperately needed."
You are doing an excellent job. The NPCs should totally have input and sometimes even disagree with me on stuff. It would be boring if they just nodded and never said anything. Great work on that, GM! Game is picking up steam, at long last. Also, for me, martials are better for lower levels so that part doesn't bother me.
Rixin sighs inwardly at 'Rix' but lets it pass. It was going to be a long trip across the Crown if Huan came along... At the debate the monk pauses, considering. "If we take him back to the city...we will lose control of him. Who knows how long those city father's will debate. Could be endless and then too late." The monk nods and makes a choice, "Yuka is right. We shall go to the forest first and beg help from the kami. Hopefully having an oni in tow will speed up any choice they need to make. He sells the case himself." 'Let's move."
'What do you think Huan?" he monk asks, pondering it. 'Should we try to force the issue? With an army this size, we will need their help."
Rixin nods, "We will, and perhaps since they know you and Huan...." he shrugs his broad shoulders. What will be, will be."[/b] He moves up to Huan, pointing at the oni, 'Any trouble?"
Rixin spares a glanc to Yuka, "You don't think you were helpful?" The monk shakes his head. "I am strong." He flexes an arm muscle, "Aki is good with a bow and Huan obviusly has a few tricks up his sleeve, but none of us can really do magic. That is rare gift. Healing someone? As far as I know, you are the only one here who can do that. You healed Aki, I will not forget that soon." "You also helped us figure out this amulet, which may be a key to the whole thing. That may more more vital then anything else." Then Rixin grins at the young witch, 'You also threw that rock and that was good!" he pats her on the shoulder. He lowers his voice then, "I wonder if we can recruit the kami to help us defend the city?"
Sounds good to me. An army of ten thousand....hopefully that amulet calls up more then a few dozen soldiers.
Rixin eyes the amulet warily. His first instinct was to just throw it into some bushes but obviously that wasn't wise. Perhaps the city had someone who could safely handle it? Carefully he takes the bag from Yuka, and bows. As he puts it away he asks, "What did you think of that, Yuka?" He keeps and eye on Huan and the oni as they walk. "Aki, go a bit ahead and scout. Don't do anything foolish, come right back if you notice anything, all right?" |