Zheng Xiaoyu's page

In the busy streets of Kingi few took any note of Xiaoyu the ninja but he was there never the less, prowling about for his chosen target. In his mundane working class clothes, with his head held low and his bearing suggesting someone too occupied for anyone else, people’s gazes rolled off him like water off a duck’s back. This was his preferred method of stealth. There were several schools of thought when it came to the art of stealth, surprising many not familiar with the discipline. There was the idea of simply sticking to cover and going unseen, a method favored by many of his kind. There was the method employed by more charismatic swindlers, of insinuating and charming themselves into any environment, allowing them to walk openly without the observer knowing their true identity or intent. And then there was the practice employed by Zheng at the moment: blend into the background. Appear so painfully ordinary that no-one questions you being there. He liked operating in this manner; it let him avoid interacting with anyone and gave him plenty of time to observe. And observation was his intent on this fine spring morning slowly slipping into noon. The ninja had been roaming around the town looking for something and he thought that he had found it now: the finest tattoo parlor in a hundred mile radius.

Granted, this promotion didn’t actually mean much. Firstly, the party’s travels had by now taken them far enough from the greater cities that the rainwater-filled pothole Zheng just stepped over probably qualified as the best bathhouse in a hundred mile radius. And secondly, the dingy building housed the only tattoo parlor in Kingi. Zheng knew; he had checked. It was his impression that its proprietor was not the only tattooist in town, but he was the only one eking a living solely from his art. This made the proprietor the most prolific tattooist around and, Zheng hoped, the most skilled.

Now if only he is the most magnanimous one too, he thought, the request he was about to ask the establishment’s owner in mind, as he stepped into what the faded sign over the door proclaimed to be The Kirin’s Needle.

The proprietor was a man by the name of Irezuma, and he turned out to be very indicative of his parlor. The building’s interior was just as old and shabby as its exterior, descriptors that could as easily be applied to its owner; the man was no spring chicken. He was slight of build, fitting nicely into the small parlor, with wiry limbs exposed from under a simple sleeveless tunic. Said limbs… Zheng didn’t know what to make of them initially. They were a mess. Physically, there was nothing wrong with them; Irezuma seemed as healthy as a man his age could hope to be, but his skin was marred to say the least. He was deeply tanned, to the point that he was more leather than skin. The surface of this leather was lined with age, displaying a spider web of crisscrossing groves, and on top of this were the tattoos. Oh gods, the tattoos. As a tattooist Zheng felt practically offended. While their canvas was poor the tattoos themselves were miserable in their mediocrity. Irezuma had upward of a hundred of them, all small and clearly done by different artists over many years. They competed for space on the old man, some even overlapping. There was no cohesion to them, no artistic vision. The chaos was a travesty in the ninja’s eyes, doubly so in the dusky light of the parlor.

"Can I help you?"

Zheng looked up. Perhaps he had let his distaste show, because the man was scowling at the young stranger.

"I’m hoping so, yes. Good day. You are Irezuma?"

"Who wants to know? It is customary to introduce oneself first, you know."

"Apologies. I am Xiaoyu," he replied, choosing to withhold his family name.

"Hmmph. Well? What do you want?"

Zheng realized that the tattooist wasn't actually scowling. Well, not exactly. This seemed to simply be his default expression. The old man isn’t the type to let me butter him up first… Better to just jump straight to it, I suppose.

"I have a proposition for you. I..."

"Piss off."

"... Excuse me?"

"I ain’t buyin’ whatever you’re selling. Come in here with a ‘proposition’? No, you’re wrong. You’re all wrong. Get out. I don’t need you or your business. Out."

Zheng did not go out. In fact, he did the opposite. He approached the older man whilst reaching into his bag, a gesture that Irezuma took for a threat. He was almost off his stool and about to grab a tattooing needle, either to stab the intruder or simply to threaten him. Zheng would never know which, because the second the ninja dropped his cargo onto the nearest desk the old man froze. Zheng had retrieved his own tattooing tools, a set that the trained eye immediately recognized as a superior example. These were not the tools of an amateur. What’s more was that although it was well maintained, it was undeniably also well used. With these instruments he also laid out multiple thin pieces of carved wood of varying sizes; they were woodblock stencils. Woodblock stencils were used for copying tattoo designs, although typically not entire tattoos. The individual artist added his own touches and imagery, but the small collection in front of Irezuma depicted roiling clouds, crashing waves, dancing onis, coiling dragons and more. Really, they only had one thing in common: they were all absolutely gorgeous.

For those curious, the average roll for Zheng’s Crafto (tattoo) is a 25.

This got Irezuma's attention. The old man froze in place at the sight and let his eyes, and after a minute his fingers, wander over the art pieces. Zheng had his doubt about the man's own skill, but he was clearly able to recognize the aptitude of others when he saw it.

"These... These are...?"

"My proposition," said the ninja, somewhat curtly. "I would like to give these to you, for you to use in your own designs. Additionally, I would be willing to create more woodcuts at your behest, whatever imagery you wish, as long as I am in town."

Irezuma's astonished scowl broke into a more distrustful scowl. It was hardly customary for tattooists to share their woodcuts among strangers, and these would undoubtedly do much to improve his own art.

"... And for this I give you what?"

Well, here goes. No turning back now. Let's see if this is the dumbest idea I've ever had, or merely the second-dumbest.

"I want you to help me arrange an art exhibit."

This was Zheng's design. Pained by Lady Chyou's recent melancholy he was determined to cheer her up somehow. And seeing that their opposed stations of mistress and servant made it impossible for him to simply talk to her, his only resource was his previous knowledge of the Zeng clan. He recalled that Chyou greatly enjoyed paintings, both admiring and dabbling in the art, but had originally dismissed the thought. It had seemed a useless piece of information initially. After all, Kingi was not exactly the great cultural center of Tian Xia. The town was as likely to house an art gallery as an ant hill was to feature a Caydenite temple. No, this train of thought was at first dismissed as useless.
Except then he realized. There was a visual art form that flourished among the common man. Something that he could reasonably expect to find in a market town like Kingi. Tattoos. Surely there was a tattoo parlor in the town. This artistic subculture was one very familiar to Xiaoyu due to his own vocation, but was by many considered lowbrow, even taboo. An idea now formed in his mind. A treacherous, fiendishly audacious idea: would Lady Chyou perhaps enjoy his art? Zheng wrestled with the question. Surely she was too refined to acknowledge tattooing as an art form. But on the other hand he himself truly believed it to be wholly valid, and he believed in her; he wouldn't be serving her if he didn't. Perhaps she would be discerning enough to recognize the quality in excellent examples? What potential negative repercussions could there be? That she would dismiss the idea and think ill of him? Zheng didn't particularly care what she thought of him. Pride was meaningless in the service of his clan. As long as he could continue to serve Lady Chyou she was free to hate him if she so pleased. He cared for her; her reciprocation was a privilege, not a given.

"HA HA HA HA HA HA," came Irezuma's barking laughter.

"You want to what," the older man continued once he had recovered. "You want to use my humble little studio as an exhibition hall? For what? Why?"

Somehow the man's laughter stung Zheng. He had expected to be dismissed, not laughed at. At least the man's scowl had finally dissipated.

"I want you to help me arrange an exhibit. Help me make full scale paper stencils for display, showcase whatever of your own work you consider worthy, and use your contacts among the town's tattoo enthusiasts to round up some live models if possible. Anyone with notable work to display."

"Heh. He he heh. I dunno. Sounds like a pain."

"I don't intend for you to close up shop for this. A matter of two hours or so, preferably later in the day. Tomorrow, if possible. The exhibit will last no longer. Furthermore, there will be only a single spectator, an acquaintance of mine."

Irezuma scratched his leathery chin. For a second he seemed to find the conditions for the proposal more intriguing than the proposal itself. It was certainly curious. And not without reward for himself. Would give him something to do too. After all, it wasn't like the business was booming.

"Alright, Xiaoyu. You've got yerself a deal."

The ninja breathed a sight born of equal relief and horror. They were really going through with this. Gods help them.

"Only... These models; when you say 'notable' work, what do you mean exactly? Because I've got a buddy who's genitals are painted to look like an elephant, and I'd say that's pretty notable."

"... I'm going to have to veto some of these models."

"It may be difficult to make sure the whole of Kingi is safe before us entering. It would probably be best if we stuck together. Maybe we can find a proper inn for Lady Chyou-san to gain proper rest."

"Mmhm," murmured Xiaoyu, seemingly lost in thought whilst looking over the city.

"Yes. We should stick together. Far safer that way. Yes. Lady Chyou does seem in need of a night's rest in a bed that can't be rolled up and slung over one shoulder. Let's see if we can find an appropriate inn."

With his sentiments conveyed, it was then rather suspicious when immediately after finding said inn the ninja told the party that he had to step out for a bit, alone.

"Sorry, I won't be long. There's something I need to find. A matter of... provision."

And out he went, into the streets of Kingi.

Zheng felt like sh*t. Not just any old sh*t either, but some particularly unpleasant variant of the stuff. Otyugh feces perhaps. He felt like this because his mistress was evidently not feeling much better. The ninja considered himself more than a hired bodyguard. His entire clan revolved around dedicating oneself to these rare noble spirits, to help them rise to whatever lofty station that was rightfully theirs. Zheng was not content with transporting the party's cargo from point A to point B. He wanted to realize this woman. He wanted to be one small helpful stepping stone on her path to destiny. And that was why seeing her like this, so listless, destroyed him. One didn't typically fulfill one's destiny whilst sleepwalking; Lady Chyou recent behavior invalidated Zheng Xiaoyu.

The reasonable approach to solving this would of course be to speak to the woman. Which is why the idea could only be employed as an end-of-days like final solution. Etiquette was in many ways more important to the ninja than mere reason; it was not his place to instruct the young Lady how to conduct herself and so he wasn't going to do so. Clearly the whole affair with Bai had had some impact on her, so Zheng longed for some distraction to divert her thoughts and lift her spirits. The sight of Kingi was then a welcome one indeed for him. His own bleakness had not been immediately noticeable, being a fairly quiet and stoic person, but his eyes practically lit up at the sight.

A market town. Perhaps he could find some diversion for the Lady there. Was there perhaps some trinket she was fond of? Some refreshment? Music?
Xiaoyu though back to what he knew of the Zeng family. What had Lady Chyou amused herself with growing up in Goka...?

Not sure if this is going to go anywhere but Zheng's take 10 in Knowledge (Nobility) is 18. Just don't ask him to take her go-karting. Zheng hates go-karts.

The ninja's sharp eyes didn't even blink at the news of Bai's escape. Although he had never experienced it himself (egads!), he had heard the bards sing of it often enough: love. Love always finds a way. Apparently that way had manifested itself in a wayang companion wielding... hmm. A fair question. How had the wayang opened the cell door? Zheng found himself more preoccupied with a professional curiosity for the pair's escape act.

'We have to repair the door and tend to the two wounded men. It is a burden on our little village. A gift of say, twenty gold coins would ease this heavy weight."

Xiaoyu lazily stepped into the conversation.

"A gift for the service of incarceration? How I feel for the simple man here. Having to pay to keep the man jailed who steals my wages? I should count myself fortunate that my house is not on fire. If so, I would have to negotiate my neighbors' rewards for helping me, while the flames ate my roof. Truly, yours is a heavy vocation, elder Chow-Fun."

Despite his words the ninja had brought out his money pouch.

"Tell me, the aforementioned unfortunate cell door; how was it ruined? By force? Magic?"

As said above, Zheng's up for Ayuka's approach.

"What if we just took him with us into the next town or what have you, and let it slip that we were headed to some other location in a different direction. He might be able to follow us for a bit, but then when we headed towards that Wangrot place or was it Hwangit? Anyways, we would lose him when the paths diverted, right?" Otrov wasn't necessarily the best strategist, but when he came up with an idea he made sure to get it out as fast as he could without people interrupting him.

The ninja mulled this over.

"That line of thought assumes that the man doesn't already know where we are headed. He seems well informed about the affairs of House Zeng and could already be aware of the location of the wedding. Which is 'Hwanggot," he added. "Furthermore, while we may be able to deceive Bai we shouldn't forget the wayang. His kind tend to be cunning and we saw that he wielded spells. In all likelihood he has a better head on his shoulders than his... simple friend here, cowardice aside."

"I find no honor in knocking out a bound person and leaving him vulnerable. If that is what is to be done then that job will fall on your shoulders. Personally I think that knocking Bai out and leaving him will cause Lady Chyou distress and undo worry about his well-being. At least she knows he is safe if we turn him over to the authorities. I can go by myself to hand him over to the authorities and that way they won't know about the rest of you and our purpose isn't revealed."

"I would not burden others with committing such a shameful act; of course I would take that responsibility upon myself. But very well. I concede to your proposal. If you can manage to get the man to play along with his own arrest, then do so. That would be the ideal outcome."

Xiaoyu let himself be roped into the huddle, despite being against the notion of hiding any discussion from their mistress. He listened to the argumentation of the two women, Otrov remaining silent, until he felt he had to break in.

Yukarii gave Ayuka an innocent look and said, "Who said about keeping him chained up? If we proposed this as a chance for him to convince her to change her mind he might well behave himself." Her expression turned a bit cranky as she finished, "As for causing Lady Chyuo unnecessary hardship, well, I find myself not empathizing much with her just now."

"You are not paid for 'empathizing', Yukarii," he said, a somewhat cold edge bleeding into his voice. Zheng's admiration for the noblewoman was such that he couldn't suppress it.

"You are paid to bring her safely to Hwanggot, not to meddle with her... 'love life'. Ayuka is correct. Bringing Bai along would cause our Lady undue stress, something we should be trying to avoid as her guardians. The man cannot be a part of our journey. But..."

The ninja sighed.

"But turning him in as a criminal is also not an option. What would we tell the authorities? I see no way to divulge Bai's crime without also revealing our own group's purpose, something we are to avoid at all cost."

"I say we knock him out and leave him here. He will need time to recuperate and won't be in any immediate danger as his wayang companion will be back for him, sooner or later. By that time we will be long gone, as the two are without horses. Of course, they will be back. The man is love-struck and young. He will not give up. But he won't find us again anytime soon, and when it happens we do our jobs. We stop him again."

Apologies for the poor post. Hopefully I'm getting my thoughts across. I'm sleepy as all hell and about to collapse onto my bed, but I wanted to get a word in before a decision is reached. Good stuff all around, guys.

The ninja's gaze deferred to the party's precious cargo, as Lady Chyou stepped in when Bai refused to answer his question.

Lady Chyou speaks up, saying, 'Eclis is a long time personal friend. he usually stops Bai from making a fool of himself. He has obviously failed this time." She turns to Bai then and says in a low voice, 'I am sorry my love, but it can never be. You must give this up."

I see. Good. In that case, the matter isWAIT WHAT?!

Zheng went from human to troglodyte in a second as his eyes bulged. So much for the Hei-Lóng principle of masking one's emotions. Lady Chyou loved this man? This... changed everything. He had been ready to smack the young man unconscious and let the wayang deal with him as the party rode off on their horses, but now he questioned if he shouldn't be cutting Bai free and beg his forgiveness. Is that what Lady Chyou would want of him? Did what she wanted even matter anymore? The Lady herself seemed set on reaching Hwanggot and her arranged marriage, despite loving another.
Xiaoyu's features calmed even while his mind raced. The ninja was conflicted, to say the least. Who did he serve, Lady Chyou or House Zeng? Ultimately, he served the principle of Sangpotshi, the betterment of oneself through noble actions. Certainly, there could be fewer deeds more selfless than sacrificing one's own happiness for the sake of your family and yet... This didn't sit right with the still young ninja.

Deeply unhappy at this newest development and his inability to sort this out, Zheng went for correcting that which he could: the aasimar's impertinence.

"Yukarii. Enough. Our mistress owes us no answers," he said despite being desperately curious for answers himself.

"Hmm..."

Zheng loomed over the bound Bai. He was trying to answer Ayuka's query but was honestly too miffed at the young warrior's earlier comment to focus. How dare he? How dare he? Lady Chyou 'corrupted'? And House Zeng ignorant of their daughter's needs? How dare this commoner, this plebeian, question their noble house? By what right? Zheng was well aware that his own philosophy on nobility was not shared by everyone, but the young paladin's disrespect bordered on impudence.

Hmph. "Miss-guided" indeed, Lady Chyou. But your will be done. Of course he shall not be harmed. And on that matter...

The ninja peered behind him. The wayang was still nowhere to be seen, but then again, he had the power of invisibility. Zheng knew all too well the convenience of such an ability; the little man could be standing among them right now. Which they could exploit.

"Tell me," he said, addressing Bai. "Your wayang companion, is he loyal to you?"

The two opponents flanking Bai were an odd pair to be sure. On one side he had a bizarre snake-like being, very possibly otherworldly, and on the other a seemingly mundane commoner. Said "commoner" was trying his darnedest to keep his face as impassive as possible, ultimately failing. Zheng felt enormous relief when the young man's sword only just narrowly missed him due to Bai's understandably unsteady footwork. The two men were still stuck in Otrov's spell. The ninja didn't like having to rely on luck in combat; he had to break free of the overeager plant matter.

Escape Artist check: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 4 = 14

Concentrating on the creeping foliage, Zheng noticed that when it tried to grow further up his leg the plants' grip slackened ever so slightly. Waiting for just the right moment the ninja suddenly made a short jump, lifting both feet from the ground and slipping out of the greenery's grip.

Yes! Take that, you chlorophyll fueled creepers!

Of course, the second his feet touched the ground again those creepers set to work entrapping him again, so Zheng was very eager to finish this fight as quickly as possible.

Let's see if Yukarii's snake creature can get me the distraction I need... Visssh, was it?

The serpent bobbed back and forth, evidently trying to entangle Bai not just in plant matter but in its own ophidian form too. It wasn't having too much success, unfortunately. However, if he just waited for the riiight moment... then Zheng could use that diversion to Bai's attention... to... Now!

Non-lethal attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22

Non-lethal damage: 1d3 + 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (1, 6, 4) + 1 = 15

The young warrior abruptly felt the ninja's knee striking into his rib cage, hard. He felt that one, of this Zheng was certain. He made sure to not let any gratification slip into his expression, again striving to keep on a stoic mask in combat. This was a practice his instructors at the Hei-Lóng had tried to drill into him. Derived from their impassive interpretation of sangpotshi, the idea was in part an intimidation tactic. An opponent emotionally detached even from a life and death battle could certainly be unnerving. But mostly, it acted as a morale booster for the Hei-Lóng ninja themselves. Their utterly stoic manners in combat were a reminder that death was nothing to fear. Sangpotshi would ensure that they would rise again.
Zheng was young though, and very glad that this fight was not to the death. Still, he tried to maintain a detached face and glared at Bai with eyes as empty as he could manage.

Reflex save against Entangle: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Zheng had only just managed to maneuver himself behind Bai when he found himself stuck to the ground. Plant matter was growing rapidly out of the earth, entangling him. The ninja felt a slight moment of panic. His all-important agility was severely hampered with one foot anchored.

Escape Artist check: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 12 - 4 = 11

He grunted in frustration. The vines holding his invisible feet would not budge. Now what? Attack the younger man whilst badly hamstrung and thus revealing his vulnerable position, or just concentrate on getting free first?
Xiaoyu considered himself a proactive man.

Non-lethal attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 4 = 25

Confirm critical: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 4 = 15

Non-lethal damage: 1d3 + 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (2, 1, 1) + 1 = 8

Being a critical, I think that this should be 12 points of damage, right?

Suddenly the ninja was visible again but Bai felt him before he saw him. Specifically, he felt Zheng's fist deliver a rather nasty kidney punch. The ninja was no master at unarmed combat but his training had taught him how to make his strikes hurt.
Sighing, Zheng had to wonder if he was about to have that pain repaid. He was now fully visible and his agility could not protect him, stuck as he was. He was a sitting duck.

Man. Them rolls. Them rolls...

Well. This is less than great.

Zheng didn't know who this strange pair were, but he knew what they were: an obstacle. They had to be removed.
Or perhaps simply surmounted. The wayang didn't seem particularly interested in a fight and even the boisterous Bai was clearly holding back, apparently very much aware of his own strength and the damage his large frame could deal. The boy was not entirely dumb. It was too late to prevent a fight, but the party should at least repay his courtesy by not killing him. After all, it wouldn't do to harm an acquaintance of Lady Chyou's, no matter how distant. A shame that a fight couldn't have been avoided. Zheng had been very impressed by Yukarii's diplomatic display. The aasimar's tongue was every bit as beguiling as the rest of her.

Ride check to dismount as a free action: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Which failed pretty spectacularly...

The ninja dismounted from his horse but his feet never touched the ground. None of him did; he simply vanished in mid air.

"Please remain seated, my lady. We will subdue him as quickly as we can."

Of course, Zheng was still very much present. He was just not visible to the naked eye. Thusly invisible, Zheng moved past Yukarii, Ayuka and even Bai, positioning himself behind the larger man. At no point did he draw a weapon. No, he intended to deliver as devastating a bare-handed blow as he could manage so as to subdue Bai as quickly as possible.

If it wasn't clear, that was two move actions and a swift action. Do we have an order as far as initiative goes? Should we?
Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Sorry for the slight post but I want to check; does Zheng know of this Bai?

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Zheng turned to face the armored woman at her approach. He had been looking over what was to be his horse for the foreseeable future when she had decided that introductions were in order. The ninja was somewhat relieved to finally see this subject broached. After all, he was quite curious to know who his travel companions and fellow guardians were, a curiosity that was both personal and professional. However, he hadn't wanted to do this here. The perfectionist in him found it somehow wrong to exchange pleasantries in front of a master and employer.

The ninja observed Ayuka as she gave the two men of the party a light bow.

Hmm. A bit... vertically challenged for her kind. A samurai?

Zheng hesitated to use the term 'samurai'. It was a word laden with so much meaning and nuance that it was difficult to know when it truly applied. But the woman certainly looked the part, with her armor and weaponry, short stature be damned. Whether or not these reflected her true character was something he suspected would become evident during their journey. And the ninja was experienced enough to know that height did not make a warrior.

"Hello, Yamanouchi Ayuka," he replied, somewhat mechanically. "My name is Zheng Xiaoyu. I hope for a fruitful partnership going forth."

Zheng didn't think much of giving these people his true name, rather than one of his many aliases. He used it so seldom that it was practically unknown as is, and even should it be compromised and hinder his future service to his clan he wouldn't hesitate to abandon it. And besides, if the Zengs trusted these people then it was only courteous for him to extend that same trust.
Still, it would be advisable to keep a professional distance.

When the ninja craned his head back to look up to Otrov, as the elf introduced himself, he momentarily wondered if the woman had simply appeared so short because she was standing near this brown-haired tower.

I really hope I won't ever have to disguise you, buddy... You stand out like an orc in Kyonin.

Which was not entirely too far from reality. The man was so obviously foreign that Zheng cringed internally. He had nothing against foreigners. Zheng wasn't much of a xenophobe. But due to his vocation and conditioning the ninja reveled in anonymity. He suspected that that was partly why he was here now. This journey would be much simpler if the party could travel incognito. Otrov would not make that easy.

Not at all easy... he thought as he eyed the elf's plant familiar, currently shirking away from one of the more curious horses.

Then again, judging from his dress and manner Zheng guessed that Otrov was some sort of nature priest and probably wielded magic. That was always appreciated. So the ninja gave a nod of the head as acknowledgement to both Otrov and Zubi.

Xiaoyu had arrived at the stable early. The two hour span had been more than enough to get the ninja's affairs in order; everything he owned he carried in a small magical pouch fastened to his waist. As such he had simply opted for scouting their meeting spot for anything suspicious while awaiting the appointed hour. This was an almost certainly fruitless endeavor, what with the Rooster Gate being such a busy area, but he didn't mind. Xiaoyu was very happy to have found a mission and a means to serve his clan and betters. He was eager to step into service as quickly as possible, and so he watched the trafficked gate patiently, looking no different from the earlier meeting with the exception of the dark grey travel cloak slung over his shoulders.

Zheng's take 10 on Perception is 19. Not expecting anything but you can never have enough Perception checks.

When all the relevant parties had arrived he filtered into the stable and greeted the Zengs with all proper deference.

"This servant has not seen any foul play yet, sir."

The ninja paused for a second before continuing. He wasn't quite sure who to address his next question to, but quickly settled for the father over the daughter.

"Sir, if I may... Given the secrecy of our journey I must ask, has a suitable cover for Lady Chyou been decided or shall such questions be tackled when encountered?"

This was something Xiaoyu had been mulling over for the past hour while observing the crowd. Certainly the lady Chyou must travel under some alias, a practice far from foreign to him. But he hoped to sort out any such details at the outset of their journey, rather than having to hastily prepare some halting cover when questioned by any opponent. Most of all he feared any situation that would force HIM to invent a new identity for the maiden. Heavens above! That would be wholly inappropriate for someone of his station.

"..."

Xiaoyu listened in as the two women and the honorable Zeng Dong discussed the matter. The ninja was not a particularly experienced traveler; this was hardly his area of expertise but he was something of a problem solver. He had grown accustomed to viewing any objective as a series of obstacles. Surmounting those obstacles was what he was trained for.

So, he though to himself. What are our obstacles here?

Well, sailing across the Sea of Eels to Amanandar meant going into Koaling, the hobgoblin empire, an idea that seemed about as appealing as, fittingly enough, your average hobgoblin. Better to travel through Shokuro to Amanandar. But more to the point, trying to approach Hwanggot from the north necessitated close contact with Bachuan. From what Zeng Dong had told them this idea was right out. This journey would be plenty difficult as is. There was not reason to court disaster by going anywhere near Bachuan.
No, the more direct approach through Lingshen, Quain and Po Li was the more sensible choice. All three were perfectly civilized lands; populous, yes, but that just made it all the easier to disappear among the masses. But there was still a problem. Xiaoyu eyes narrowed as he glared at said problem on the map. The Chang Liao jungle. He didn't know much concrete about the place, but he'd heard stories about beasts, men, beast-men and more. Traversing it would not be easy.

Xiaoyu eyes shifted from the piece of paper over to the elf towering over him, the man who was apparently to be his traveling partner for the foreseeable future. Was that vine braided into his hair alive? He certainly looked the nature type, more so than anyone else in the room. The ninja was curious to know what he had to say.

The ninja had risen to his feet again after demonstrating his willingness to serve through his supplication, but felt the need to kneel again once Zeng Chyou entered the room. Instead he lowered his eyes. Yes, this confirmed it all. The girl's beauty hammered home Xiaoyu's conviction that she was meant for greatness. She was not beautiful as other women were; this was not an erotic attraction, such as that displayed by the scantily clad horned woman who was apparently to be his ally. No, this was a noble beauty, a beauty that could only be earned through the reincarnation of sangpotshi. It marked her as a soul who had done many great deeds in a great many previous lives and was destined for further greatness. It was the difference between eros and agape, and Xiaoyu adored her for it.

She stands by her father, demurely bowing to him before saying, in a clear, pitch perfect voice laden with respect. "[/i]This[/i] is the best you could come up with, Trade Master of Goka?" Her eyes dart among the assembled group with obvious scorn.

After a moment's hesitation the ninja spoke up, seeing none of the others answering. He had to; he was too eager for her approval to do anything else.

"Your disdain is only natural, your ladyship. Your grace renders all others humble. From the mountaintop all men appear as ants."

Xiaoyu kept quiet when he was let into the grand building. He kept quiet when he first met the three strangers (and plant), a motley crew to be sure, and was filtered into the festhall with them. And he remained quiet as the noble Zeng Dong tentatively relayed his commission. It was not his place to speak here. Not yet.

Zheng Xiaoyu appeared in every respect to be nothing more than a humble craftsman. Simple trousers and a simple shirt covered his frame which was currently drawn up to its full height, the man's back straight as a ruler. He hadn't dressed up for the occasion; in calling for his aid House Zeng must already know what he was and ninjas do not turn up to meetings in full pajama uniforms. That would be gauche. Still, he had at least made sure that his appearance was meticulously clean. These were nobles, after all. They deserved his respect simply by being. This was what his entire clan revolved around: serving those in power because they had power; enriching the rich because they were rich. He was certain that House Zeng could rise to great prominence in years to come, and to granted the privilege of aiding their ascent, in however small a manner, was an honour.

Xiaoyu didn't have the faintest idea what mission Zeng Dong had in store for the rag-tag group, but he didn't hesitate. When given the chance to walk away he remained silent still, went down to one knee and bowed, and lowered his head in supplication.

Oh Jesus. Just finished writing up this guy's bio and only now do I realize that I've give him the same last name as the precious princessy cargo our group is supposed to transport. How the heck did I miss that...?

Right. Arthur here. So Zheng Xiaoyu is slowly taking form. For those curious, so far he is coalescing into a pretty rigid ninja tattooist (yeah, I'm liking those background skills). But on that subject; Shari? We're been requested to make at least one travel happy PC for the game. Does your own character fit the bill, or should I work something of the sort into my own background? Thought I might ask before I go too much further with the guy.