The Un-carved Block & the Law of Unintended Consequences
As the morning sun burns away the lazy fog, Kagami’s citizens begin their day most unusually, yet characteristically busy. The empty smith shop echoes birds’ chirps, but not resounding hammer blows. The fish cart sits empty, but normally crests full of smelly wares before baking in the midday heat. Yagushi the Young cannot be found peddling his foreign trinkets or calling out to the beautiful women. Amid this scenic change, our heroes enter the local farming community with distress. No trade will occur this morning, and most exchanges have dropped with the recent drought. Few visitors have wandered this far since once-important shrines have chosen not to compete for their faithful.
Today, our heroes walk through the village. Each has arrived at their own time, seeking greater wisdom and hopes for understanding. Their survival is linked to this small. The Enno tea house has seemingly become a focal point of many villagers this morning. The dirt path leading down to the small eatery has been beaten to dust with activity. As our heroes explore the tea house, they eventually discover an uncommon scene.
Four men dressed in yellow robes and red sashes stand close together. One man stands atop a small table and appears to address the crowd. His eyes fill with intensity and fire that could almost match the brilliant silk clothes he wears. His fanciful, embroidered sleeves flutter like the dragonflies stitched on his clothes as the man moves his arms while talking. His similarly dressed companions stand close together. Upon further inspection, our heroes can discern ornate scabbards resting comfortably within the recessed folds of the yamabushis’ robes. All four men sport wild, thin black hair, including unkempt beards and a couple matted foreheads.
Finally, the heroes can heard the speech given by the supposed leader of this group:
“…and after twelve nights, we tracked the foul oni along the river way. They lived in a small cave less than five miles from this very place! My brothers and I fought them with cold steel and colder resolve. Good people, you must know that this – thing – know lies dead.” At his words, three of the bearded warriors step apart and reveal a large woven sack. Their outspoken leader jumps from the table top and quickly opens the bag and reveals a most disgusting figure! A small man lies crumpled and falls to the teahouse floor with a soft noise. The color of his skin shocks some of the women and draws some of the children. A bright crimson hue adorns the flesh of this small man. His eyes are somewhat larger than one might expect, and his hair looks even worse (if possible) than the yamabushi wear! Long dirty fingernails jut from the red man’s elongated fingers. Some pox or curse surely befell this poor creature, because his bare chest and shoulders seem to be covered in scales or an extremely dry skin disease. Most shocking is his lack of modesty- the man wears no clothing or loincloth. Yet, somehow this man appears less than what he seems, while being something more than what is examined.
As the audible gasps fade, the loud warrior continues his lecture. “Good people, my brothers and I must return to our daimyo in three days and await his orders. He will surely be displeased to learn of this ugly creature walking in your midst. I charge you with protecting this village. Take up arms and fight these wicked imps. Do not be fooled by their appearance boy,” he says while addressing a young man who thought it fun to poke the red man with a stick when nobody was watching. “This is an oni-aka, a red goblin! I tore off its horns from its head as it bit at my very soul!” For dramatic effect, the yamabushi discards two fist-sized horns matching the reddish coloration of the reddish creature. These horns land and bounce on the floor near the heroes.
“Will you protect the village in our stead? We are merely dutiful pilgrims sent on task to examine to cause and extent of drought. We are not free to remain here. Who will drink from the cup of honor and stand tall?” The crowd looks around as if trying to answer this non-rhetorical question.
As the audible gasps fade, the loud warrior continues his lecture. “Good people, my brothers and I must return to our daimyo in three days and await his orders. He will surely be displeased to learn of this ugly creature walking in your midst. I charge you with protecting this village. Take up arms and fight these wicked imps. Do not be fooled by their appearance boy,” he says while addressing a young man who thought it fun to poke the red man with a stick when nobody was watching. “This is an oni-aka, a red goblin! I tore off its horns from its head as it bit at my very soul!” For dramatic effect, the yamabushi discards two fist-sized horns matching the reddish coloration of the reddish creature. These horns land and bounce on the floor near the heroes.
Blushing bright-beet red at the sudden attention called onto him while he was poking at the oni-aka, Kouji sheepishly ceased with his mischief. "Chikushou, that creepy Yamabushi's got some good eyes on him", the novice Shugenja grumbled to quietly himself.
As luck would have it, the lad had been loitering earlier about the teahouse grounds (whether through boredom or serendipity, none could say) when the Yamabushi first arrived with their find. Of course, as a member of the rare species of shapechangers known as Hengeyokai, Kouji was in his sparrow form at the time, high atop some nearby branches. When the lead Yamabushi made his grand tabletop presentation, the hengeyokai lad had surreptitiously transformed back into his normal human form well away from the gathered crowd behind some near-opaque silken partitions- all the better to witness what was going on.
"I shall drink from the cup." Says a man in green, outdoors garb. He nods to a few of his acquaintances as he makes his way to the front of the crowd. "Name's Takeshi, Takeshih Kaneshiro. Some of you might know me as a ranger, hunter, and a killer of deers."
Takeshi lets the chuckles die down before continuing in a more serious tone, "I live in the forests, and let me tell you, things there are just as bad. People of Kagami, we have enjoyed a period of peace, but I see creeping signs of trouble. So we must not shrink from our responsibilities to protect our land, a land that our ancestors have passed down to us!"
With that, he takes the cup of honor and drinks from it. "Kagami has my bow!"
The young boy who sought a closer inspection of the oni-aka now comes before the mighty hunter and extends a hand to him, holding one of the broken head-horns. "Are you sure you want to hunt that?" A look of disgust wringes his brow, but a secret smile betrays the boy's fledgling sense of hero-worship should your answer be true.
"Indeed, hunter, are you equipped to handle unnatural forces such as these wicked denziens? Well practiced in arts of ambush, oni-aka wield weapons wrought by man, as well as their own sinister intellect. They plunder the weak and sickly of their own kind, and yield no honor. Certainly, these demonic hordes vary greatly from deer, brave man." The yamabushi finishes his inquiry and for the first time, he sits at the chair and begins wrapping his feet in sturdy cloth. His brethren follow suit; you get the impression these men might be leaving, or at least preparing to travel. A foretelling omen appears- the morning sun finally bore through the light fog and rests calmly upon the heads of the yamabushi at this time...enlightment, indeed.
Several other tea house patrons begin to gather their belongings and a couple place early morning orders with their host.
Takeshi kneels down to the young boy. "When I was little, I had no family. Although the half-ogres who raised me loved me like their own son, I was resentful and bitter; why was I abandoned? If it weren't for Kagami, its villagers accepting me like one of their own, I would be a very different man today. This place is my home, boy, and I will be there when it needs me, just like when it was there for me. Now run along, don't be worrying your parents!"
Takeshi stands up and faces the leader of the yamabushi. "I thank you for bringing this dire circumstance into light. I understand the Oni-akas are wily and dangerous, but they can be defeated, just like that one."
"A good hunter knows its prey better than the prey itself. I would appreciate any concrete facts that you can share about these Oni-akas as well as any hints on hunting them."
A tall young woman with cropped hair looks with interest and a small amount of skepticism at the warriors and their trophy.
"I am Akemi of the Fox Gateway Temple; if, as you say, these oni threaten this village, then I agree they must be dealt with. I hope it will be without too much bloodshed." she says with quiet sincerity.
Akemi looks around at the villagers, as she adds "I shall accompany you, to provide such aid as I can, and perhaps enlighten these creatures to the way of harmony."
The local village historically received significant attention from its local magistrate, Husuto the Humble. Master Husuto rose to power as a diplomatic and kind samurai and received his fiefs as his loyal reward from the Empire. Various young warriors joined watchmen ranks and patrolled both village boarders and town gates, inspired by Husuto’s honorable work and dedication to the lives of his people. Most times, the local guards dispatched to the area would have addressed something horrific as these oni-aka. Many rumors have spread as to the reasons why no help has arrived…
A quiet yamabushi strokes his long beard and loses his hand within the burley mass. “Ahem…the oni-aka are a mindless mob of filthy beasts seeking refuge in chaos. Their own desires are lost amid their random impulses, but one thing seems certain,” he says. As his extends his hand from his bread, he carries a small peach. “Like this fruit, the oni-aka once sprang into being as simple seed in this region. Whether carried here by strong winds, or planted deliberately, each seed needed nurturing to arrive in its current state. Finding peach trees will be easy, if you but look. Finding its gardener will be more difficult, I fear. Also know that both the oni-aka and the peach can be sliced open easily, but I do not recommend eating goblin flesh!” He older warrior monk boldly laughes to punctuate the last comment.
Ichimura stands to address the remaining gathered people. His long white sleeves flutter slightly and as he raises his arms to speak, his chest lies bared and reveals many intricate tattooed patterns. A most striking ink shows a boar chasing a hare in a circular pattern. “I pledge my faithful student to the task - Kouji Saikubo.” To accentuate his offer as some special blessing, the tattooed man throws a handful of cherry blossoms in the air. These petals explode in bright colors and the charred remains blow towards the direction of his student. “Ours is the magics of defense and knowledge, which we all seem to need at this time. He will serve us well.”
Aohashi the ashigaru stands up and leans mightily on his staff. “I could help, too.” His candor inspires many to smile, and some to laugh: the old farmer could barely stand up himself, but his courage seemingly courses through the group. Several others begin talking about wanting to help, including establishing an evening patrol, ending business before sundown, and using torches to illuminate the night.
Satisfied that the village is taking proper action, Takeshi turns to the young woman beside him and extends his hand, "Well met, Akemi! Kagami will be served well by a student well-versed in the wisdom and martial arts of the Fox Gateway Temple. I look forward to fighting beside you in the battle to come."
He then addresses Kouji, "Every talent has its uses, even if one coming from a lad. I am counting on your magic to defeat the foes that my bow cannot fall."
Takeshi talks to the monks last, "So you defeated the oni-akas in a cave along the river way. Are there other oni-akas there? Do you have (or know someone who does) knowledge of the whereabouts of these monsters?"
"I shall drink from the cup." Says a man in green, outdoors garb. He nods to a few of his acquaintances as he makes his way to the front of the crowd. "Name's Takeshi, Takeshih Kaneshiro. Some of you might know me as a ranger, hunter, and a killer of deers."
Takeshi lets the chuckles die down before continuing in a more serious tone, "I live in the forests, and let me tell you, things there are just as bad. People of Kagami, we have enjoyed a period of peace, but I see creeping signs of trouble. So we must not shrink from our responsibilities to protect our land, a land that our ancestors have passed down to us!"
With that, he takes the cup of honor and drinks from it. "Kagami has my bow!"
The young boy who sought a closer inspection of the oni-aka now comes before the mighty hunter and extends a hand to him, holding one of the broken head-horns. "Are you sure you want to hunt that?" A look of disgust wringes his brow, but a secret smile betrays the boy's fledgling sense of hero-worship should your answer be true.
When Kouji was much younger than he was now, he always had this wild idea of a mighty hero resembling a giant musclebound brute of a man carrying such an incredibly huge blade that any of the humoungous Oni of the lands would be proud to wield openly. Still, as the Hengeyokai lad glanced up and down at the solemn hunter, Kouji took note of Takeshi's brave and regal demeanour of one who would stand up to any foe, be it man or beast.
Takeshi kneels down to the young boy. "When I was little, I had no family. Although the half-ogres who raised me loved me like their own son, I was resentful and bitter; why was I abandoned? If it weren't for Kagami, its villagers accepting me like one of their own, I would be a very different man today. This place is my home, boy, and I will be there when it needs me, just like when it was there for me. Now run along, don't be worrying your parents!"
Glancing back over at Takeshi as the hengeyokai lad moved towards the exit of the teahouse, taking extra care to step aside to allow a comely young lady with an equally strong, but more quiet bearing to move up towards where Takeshi, the oni-aka, and the Yamabusi were.
A tall young woman with cropped hair looks with interest and a small amount of skepticism at the warriors and
their trophy."I am Akemi of the Fox Gateway Temple; if, as you say, these oni threaten this village, then I agree they must be dealt with. I hope it will be without too much bloodshed." she says with quiet sincerity.
Akemi looks around at the villagers, as she adds "I shall accompany you, to provide such aid as I can, and perhaps enlighten these creatures to the way of harmony."
As Kouji left the teahouse- not to go to his parents, as one might suppose- but to go and find his mentor, Ichimura- greatest Shugenja in all of Kagami, possibly even in all of the entire province- he was mulling over the words of Takeshi as the ranger recounted his early childhood of being abandoned by his family and then raised in turn by half-ogres. Thinking back to his own parents, Kouji thought to himself "I can't even imagine being abandoned by my own parents and surviving out on my own". His respect for the ranger went up a few more notches.
Of course, Kouji had no need nor intention to drink from the cup- but he somehow knew that he would be needed nonetheless. He'd find a way to join in, even without having to take a drink. Indeed, the hengeyokai lad had learnt his lesson the last time he had encountered a chance to drink some alcohol, an unattended sake barrel, with some of his friends. It had taken but a few draughts to render him sick and very uncomfortable the next day- much to the consternation of his parents and mentor.
Ichimura stands to address the remaining gathered people. His long white sleeves flutter slightly and as he raises his arms to speak, his chest lies bared and reveals many intricate tattooed patterns. A most striking ink shows a boar chasing a hare in a circular pattern. “I pledge my faithful student to the task - Kouji Saikubo.” To accentuate his offer as some special blessing, the tattooed man throws a handful of cherry blossoms in the air. These petals explode in bright colors and the charred remains blow towards the direction of his student. “Ours is the magics of defense and knowledge, which we all seem to need at this time. He will serve us well.”
Grinning from ear to ear, Kouji mustered the most elaborate bow as he could manage as the cherry blossoms drifted by.
Satisfied that the village is taking proper action, Takeshi turns to the young woman beside him and extends his hand, "Well met, Akemi! Kagami will be served well by a student well-versed in the wisdom and martial arts of the Fox Gateway Temple. I look forward to fighting beside you in the battle to come."
He then addresses Kouji, "Every talent has its uses, even if one coming from a lad. I am counting on your magic to defeat the foes that my bow cannot fall."
Standing with his chest and shoulders proudly puffed out, the hengeyokai lad nods with a just a hint of youthful bravado to both the ranger and the maid of the temple as he says, "You both can count on me".
Takeshi talks to the monks last, "So you defeated the oni-akas in a cave along the river way. Are there other oni-akas there? Do you have (or know someone who does) knowledge of the whereabouts of these monsters?"
Suddenly remembering his tea set, given to him by Ichimura himself, Kouji raises his hand and blurts out "I know!". Without waiting for a prompt, the hengeyokai lad turns to his mentor and asks plaintively. "Can I use that tea set now?"
Akemi smiles with a certain fondness, but also concern for the young man.
She discusses the situation with members of the crowd, and asks "Is there anyone here with knowledge or skill who would wish to aid us?"
Akemi smiles with a certain fondness, but also concern for the young man.
Akemi's smile causes the young hengeyokai lad to glance away, lest his embarrassed flush be made obvious. Her fond smile certainly reminds him of the motherly way that his mom would fuss over the lad at times, but there the resemblance ends; her short cropped hair and casual ease with which the temple maid wields her naginata shows the Akemi is not one to be trifled with in the field of combat.
The small group of heroes seems pleased with their initial meeting. Such civil greetings must wait, however, as eight lively oni-aka pour down from the rooftop and drop down from above! Only the headhunter retains his wits at this time! The reddish goblinoids attack two of the yamabushi from behind and slay them with quick swipes of their long bladed knives. The sage who pledged his student to this very righteous cause now quickly clasps his hands together and begins rubbing his hands with vigor. In the meanwhile, two other patrons fall to the murderous advances of the evil spawned before your very eyes...
To the Headhunter, only:
1. According to the official rules, initiative (d6) is rolled for each side, not each individual character. Does one of us roll for our side?
2.
Year of living by his bow has integrated the weapon to Takeshi as if its his own appendage. Without hesitation, the headhunter draws an arrow and, with the bow that just appears in his hand, fires a shot at one of the escaping oni-akas (rolled an 18 + 1 = 19).
"Akemi, with me!" Yells Takeshi as he moves after the monsters. "Kouji, they got a child, do something to slow them down!"
1. According to the official rules, initiative (d6) is rolled for each side, not each individual character. Does one of us roll for our side?
2. ** spoiler omitted **
Correct about initiative. I will allow your side to work together to see who will report their actions. In my experience, it takes forever to wait on someone to post their actions at times, making things frustrating at other times.
You are correct about what you saw.
Year of living by his bow has integrated the weapon to Takeshi as if its his own appendage. Without hesitation, the headhunter draws an arrow and, with the bow that just appears in his hand, fires a shot at one of the escaping oni-akas (rolled an 18 + 1 = 19).
"Akemi, with me!" Yells Takeshi as he moves after the monsters. "Kouji, they got a child, do something to slow them down!"
In the ensuing confusion, Takeshi exerts some control over the assailants. His quick action and sharp eye allows this headhunter to deposit an arrow into the thigh of a red goblin. Blood splashes from the wound and the bright crimson liquid washes over an already-crimson skin tone. The creature drops a small bundle of (what appears to be) rope from its hand as it reaches to cover the painful gash in its leg. Some oni-aka have surrounded the small child, and look to continue moving to the curtained window. Two red goblins stand perched on the body of a felled yamabushi and tear at his yellow robes with wickedly clawed talons!
Each hero can feel an increased tension in the air as a strong gust of wind swirls around your feet. This weather behavior seems uncharacteristic for this time of day and this time of year. A smell of rain drifts to you (???).
Kouji Saikubo
Akemi gasps as the fight erupts, and she grits her teeth with determination to save the child.
She moves towards the group surrounding the child, yelling a fierce ki-ai cry in an attempt to intimidate them!
Oni-aka typically hunt small game or scavenge their food. Collecting peasants or their dead commrade seems like new work for these befuddled goblinoids. The sharp cry from the temple maiden, coupled with a killing blow landed by the archer to another of their own create havoc. One of the oni-aka clearly looks troubled and bolts toward the master shugenja. Perhaps the image of a bare chested man with writhing tattoos looks most readily occultist and perhaps oddly familiar to this unusual denzien of darkness.
The small group of heroes seems pleased with their initial meeting. Such civil greetings must wait, however, as eight lively oni-aka pour down from the rooftop and drop down from above! Only the headhunter retains his wits at this time! The reddish goblinoids attack two of the yamabushi from behind and slay them with quick swipes of their long bladed knives. The sage who pledged his student to this very righteous cause now quickly clasps his hands together and begins rubbing his hands with vigor. In the meanwhile, two other patrons fall to the murderous advances of the evil spawned before your very eyes...
.
"Akemi, with me!" Yells Takeshi as he moves after the monsters. "Kouji, they got a child, do something to slow them down!"
QUOTE="Akemi"] Akemi gasps as the fight erupts, and she grits her teeth with determination to save the child.
She moves towards the group surrounding the child, yelling a fierce ki-ai cry in an attempt to intimidate them!
As the oni-aka make their surprise appearance, Kouji found himself dazedly keeping his upraised hand in the air while his mouth remained agape. A quick shout from Takeshi snapped the young hengeyokai out of his inaction. An even louder shout- more like a warcry really- from Akemi had Kouji nearly bowled over, but the lad managed to stay onto his feet somehow.
Kouji SaikuboSpoiler:You recognize the currents within the air as magical pulses! Your master must be doing something as he stands ready and rubbing his hands together with great activity. Sadly, in the time of the oni-aka attack/ambush, you did not have time to drink any tea. However, for the rest of this combat scene, any spells cast by your master grant you a +1 (non-cumulative) bonus on your attack/spell rolls. What inspiration he is to you in your time of need!
As his master prepares his spell, Kouji shakes off any last traces of the dumbfounded look on his face as he secretly bursts with pride at his master's serene but determined composure in the midst of all this chaos.
In turn, inspired by his mentor's action, Kouji begins to gather up the spell energy needed to power his memorized Kitsune spell. Such is his concentration that the hengeyokai lad barely notes the one oni-aka delayed by his headhunter compatriot's arrow.
.
Kouji Saikubo stands proudly and begins his arcaic incantations. Reaching from within his pockets, he tosses fine white sand into the air as he speaks. Gentle winds carry th grains towards the oni-aka. The remaining four beasts slowly stop the activities and - one by one - collapse to the ground in slumber.
Ichimura also lets loose with a terrible thunder! The magician wearing all white suddenly stops rubbing his hands together, looks up from his meditative state, and points to he two oni-aka still gleefully shreading two dead yamabushi and trying to engage the othe warrior monks. At his finger tip leaps an arc of pure electricity- lightning bolting from his person! Ichimura is a sight to behold, surrounded with crackling sounds and brilliant white and blue lights! Both goblinoids standing near each other become impailed upon the spear of surging power. Their charred remains still smoke, and finally stike the ground with a crisped thud.
"I could have helped," says Aohashi, glumly. The older farmer leans heavily on his walking staff and looks around to the heroes. He walks over to Ichimura and shakes his hand, after carefully inspecting it for any further shocking surprises.
The remaining villagers look around in awe. What has happened to their simple farming community? What will their daiymo say or do?
Takeshi is an optimistic man. His half-ogre family had taught him that within every disaster, there is always an opportunity. You just need to reach out and seize it.
"People of Kagami! Take a close look at your enemies and the misfortune they bring!" Takeshi waves at the broken furniture as well as the death monks, "This is the face of evil, an evil that is trying to take away your cherished land and love ones!"
"Together," He moves to stand besides his new comrades, "my companions and I will purge this vile threat from Kagami, but we cannot do it alone! Behind every great hero are valiant braves who support our undertakings. Anyone who is willing to help, either by carrying a torch or a spear, is welcome! We would also be appreciative of any supplies that you folks can offer."
"This is our land, and I'll be damned if we let a bunch of munchkin goblins take it from us! Are you with me!"
Aeikhi the Armorer stands up andwalks toward the group. "I think my heavy arm might better swing its hammer into the face of evil than into another plow during our dark hour." This tall and large man dresses in a simple loincloth and wrapped forearms. His belt hangs empty with what could be fine equipment, and maybe a hammer! The well-tanned man walks to the Fox(y) Maiden Akemi and bows with great respect. "I have fought back many creatures in my youth, using my arms and determination. Never have I vanquished a foe with a mere ki shout. I am your humble student and protector, if you will but teach me more of your powerful ways..."
If Akemi Accepts This Pledge:
If Akemi Respectfully Declines This Pledge:
Takeshi nudges Kouji and says, "You hear that? There is wisdom in his words. A man can talk his mouth off, but he can never match a woman in yelling. If you ever get into an argument with a girl, u should run like the oni-aka did, but faster."
Akemi nods to the armourer and smiles, "I will be glad to teach you what I can of the ways of the Fox Gateway Temple. I am but a novice but we shall learn together."
Takeshi nudges Kouji and says, "You hear that? There is wisdom in his words. A man can talk his mouth off, but he can never match a woman in yelling. If you ever get into an argument with a girl, u should run like the oni-aka did, but faster."
Takeshi goes to console the leader of the remaining warrior monks, "The sacrifices of your comrades will not be forgotten. Take heart that 8 oni-akas are dead and none of the villagers, even the little boy that they were trying to kidnap, are hurt. Please convey to the daiymo that we will find the master behind these minions and make him pay! In our absence, please have someone protect the village."
The ranger then looks through the bodies the oni-akas. Maybe there will be clues as to their origin. If not, maybe there is at least be some pocket change :) (does oni-akas even carry cash?).
Lastly, Takeshi goes to the metal smith and gave the man a little bow, "I welcome you to our little band and look forward to seeing your hammer crushing the skulls of Kagami's enemies. I only have around 2 ryos on me, but I would like to purchase an axe and a small carving knife. I will pay you back what I owe as soon as I am able."
"You were saying something about a tea set before we were rudely interrupted?" Asks Takeshi to Kouji.
The heroes search the remains of the seven fallen oni-aka. Two bodies and their intimate belongings appear charred beyond use. The spoils of this engagement include:
Weapons:
Flail x1
Jitte x1
Kama x1
Kuari-gama x1
Sai x1
Armor:
Jingasa x4
Ornamental Kabuto x1, bearing an image of a tiger with its claws/paws near its face
Adventuring Equipment:
Backpack (wicker) x1
Blanket (coarse) x2 which seem unused and folded neatly
Cord (10’) x5 (each goblinoid presumably carried this item, from your findings)
Tinder Box (flint & steel) x1
Torches x2
Clothing:
Hat (straw) x1
Loincloth x5 (each goblinoid thankfully wore this crude item, from your findings)
Belt x2 made from serpents’ skins
Provisions:
Beer, 1 jar x1
Money:
18 Mon bearing an interesting minting stamp: three men stand up, but bend their backs. Atop their backs stands a fourth person carrying a masakari.
5 Ichibu bearing an equally interesting minting stamp: a rat stands on two legs with its mouth opened wide. In its mouth juts forth a sai instead of a tongue.
"Interesting," comments the lead yamabushi with noticeably singed hair. "I wonder how much richer you all might be if we were to find the last oni-aka. Surely, his knowledge of this raid would be a great treasure to us all, especially for the parents of young children living here. Perhaps a sleeping creature of darkness warrants your tender mercy?" The yamabushi grips the hilt of his blade tucked within his golden robes and stares impatiently at the four slumbering oni-aka.
General silence washes over the crowd at the wise warrior's lecture...
"The clothing should go to the poorest members of the community." Akemis says and gathers it up.
When the time is right, she will take it to them.
Kouji Saikubo stands proudly and begins his arcaic incantations. Reaching from within his pockets, he tosses fine white sand into the air as he speaks. Gentle winds carry th grains towards the oni-aka. The remaining four beasts slowly stop the activities and - one by one - collapse to the ground in slumber.
Ichimura also lets loose with a terrible thunder! The magician wearing all white suddenly stops rubbing his hands together, looks up from his meditative state, and points to he two oni-aka still gleefully shreading two dead yamabushi and trying to engage the othe warrior monks. At his finger tip leaps an arc of pure electricity- lightning bolting from his person!
Ichimura is a sight to behold, surrounded with crackling sounds and brilliant white and blue lights! Both goblinoids standing near each other become impailed upon the spear of surging power. Their charred remains still smoke, and finally stike the ground with a crisped thud.
Recalling with no small amount of embarrassment over his past mistakes in learning to cast the Kitsune spell, Kouji nearly gives a shout of triumph over having pulled off his casting without a hitch on the four oni-akas. That was before his master gathered enough of his energies to cast his thunderous rage spell- the young hengeyokai can only watch on
in silence and awe at his mentor's quite considerable power in dealing with the remaining oni-akas. "I'm definitely going to have to ask my master to teach me that spell one of these days", Kouji thinks to himself.Takeshi nudges Kouji and says, "You hear that? There is wisdom in his words. A man can talk his mouth off, but he can never match a woman in yelling. If you ever get into an argument with a girl, u should run like the oni-aka did, but faster."
Still awestricken, Kouji pauses momentarily to gain his bearing before nodding to Takeshi in agreement. Looking over again at the temple maiden, the young hengeyokai could only reply to the tall headhunter with a "You don't have to tell me twice, big brother".
"You were saying something about a tea set before we were rudely interrupted?" Asks Takeshi to Kouji.
Kouji, flushed with his earlier success in pulling off his Kitsune spell amidst all the excitement, blinks in surprise before remembering that he had brought it up to the others before the oni-aka made their sudden appearance. "Oh yeah- about that", the hengeyokai lad begins, while giving a brief nod towards his master, "Master Ichimura had given me a miraculous tea set to keep in trust. This tea-set, when served, can predict the future- erm, or so he said". Kouji glances dowqn at the ground, scratching at his hair, before finishing up with an apologetic, "never really had a chance to try it out before now".
"Interesting," comments the lead yamabushi with noticeably singed hair. "I wonder how much richer you all might be if we were to find the last oni-aka. Surely, his knowledge of this raid would be a great treasure to us all, especially for the parents of young children living here. Perhaps a sleeping creature of darkness warrants your tender mercy?" The yamabushi grips the hilt of his blade tucked within his golden robes and stares impatiently at the four slumbering oni-aka.
His attention momentarily taken by the Yamabushi's annoucement, Kouji leans in close to Takeshi and whispers almost conspiratorily to the taller headhunter, "Both me and my master can speak their language- if that would be of any help".
During the wait, the powerful yamabushi draws his fine blade and sipes it across the chest of one sleeping oni-aka. The blood spilled seems minimal, but onlookers cannot doubt the killing blow. The vocal warrior cries aloud as his head tilts towards the sky. He is a fearsome sight to behold, with his singed clothing and fuzzy, unkempt beard. His sword almost seems out of place in retrospect. The respectful fighter withdraws a small sack from his robes' pockets. You watch as he sprinkles salt onto/into the recently-slain oni-aka. "The salt abates the smell and thereby discourages scavengers by smell and taste, and prevents this thing from haunting us in the future. My brothers and I have already done this same ritual for the first demon-thing." You glances confirm his statement, as the goblinoid's battle wounds and horn stumps look like they have been burned by rubbed salt.
"I am hungry, and will need a place to bury my brothers," says the second yamabushi. "Who will help me?"
The owner of this teahouse willingly offers the yamabushi to remain with his family, or to use the teahouse to sleep today and tonight. Several other villagers volunteer their help in cleansing the bodies and interring the remains in an honorable fashion. A generous offer is made by a vsiting silkworm farmer's eldest son, to erect statues at the gravesites to ward against the dead or future evils. "Nah, you believe too much it superstition. Those remaining alive protect against evil attacks and guard the noble dead. Instead, make a pledge to the derilict temples in this land. You will all need the blessings of your gods. You will all need each other." The leading yamabushi's point still seems lost on some, who do not know what they can do.
The time of day is slowly approaching noon.
"Let's tie these little buggers up and stow them away somewhere safe for interrogation later." Takeshi suggests as he pulls out his hemp rope. "If there are hoods/bags to spare, I recommend blinding them. Losing their sense of sight will make them uncomfortable, and letting them see their kins' corpses after might loosen a few lips or two. With the clues they offer, maybe Kouji'll get a better picture of the future."
Takeshi then spends some time eating lunch, during which he chats with Aeikhi on the fine arts of crafting. He also asks around (the yamabushi, the traveling merchants, and the village elder) to see whether or not anyone recognize the oni-aka's coins. Around early afternoon, the ranger will, with the help of Kouji, interrogates the three remaining monsters.
Aeikhi the Armorer happily discusses the finer elements of incorporating porcelain into folded steel as a reinforcement technique that adds beauty to functionality. He suggests that porcelain can improve the integrity of finer materials Takeshi makes from wood or leather. Certainly, the durability of such items begs greater consideration.
Somewhat distracted by this welcomed diversion amid chaos, Aeikhi turns to Akemi the Temple Maiden. “What is the way you would have me deal with the dead oni-aka, or even what mercy does your faith grant them? Should I adopt a new name to reflect my renewed dedication to your faith? Am I permitted to carry anything, even strong drink, or are there prohibitions on our practices?” Aeikhi appears genuine in his pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. While everyone else ate simple lunches, Aeikhi took the clothing gathered from the goblinoids to a local tailor, a widowed and blind man known for making children’s toys from simple rags and sticks. Aeikhi the Armorer also believes he saw where the oni-aka may have camped before raiding the town this morning.
Upon asking many people, nobody lends any clues about the graphic images displayed on the looted coins. Aside from a general sentiment of disgust, many people also wondered why goblinoids would need to carry money. The leading yamabushi suggests that the heroes donate the money to the armorer, and that Aeikhi melt down the coins as to remove the disturbing images. The implied advice is to literally liquidate these assets and give this amount to the teahouse owners for their generosity.
The two remaining yamabushi bid everyone farewell, and retire to a small room in the attic. They announce plans to rest this afternoon, and travel to their lord by way of a local merchant route during the night. “At night,” says the dutiful warrior, “we have a better chance of seeing things which embrace the cover of darkness, and piercing that blackness!” You are unclear whether the "blackness" to which he referred was nighttime, or the foul, skulking, nocturnal creature, but are sure of his emphasis on fighting!
Takeshi hands the beer over to Ichimura, "Such a display of magic power, you grace us with your presence."
Pertaining to the coins, Takeshi recommends to Akemi and Kouji that one copy of the strange Mon and Ichibu be kept. The rest can be melted and donated to the tea house.
Using makeshift helmet, cook pots, and some rope, the ranger tries his best to rob the oni-akas of their sight. He plans to find a secluded hut for the interrogation and discusses how he wants the whole thing to go down with Akemi, Kouji, Ichimura, and Aeikhi.
"The oni-akas shall be awaken rudely in the hut, blinded." Explains Takeshi. "I shall direct the questions to the oni-akas in the common tongue, which either Kouji or Ichimura will translate. After going through questions the first time, I will sound impatient, and have Akemi or Aeikhi drag one of the monsters out. We must convince the remaining two oni-akas that not answering the questions/answering falsely results in death (when in reality the oni-aka that is dragged out might simply be knocked out or something). I shall repeat the same questions to see if any of the answers change. Another oni-aka will be dragged out, and the questions asked a third time to the remaining monster. Hopefully, fear will cause it to speak the truth."
"Monster, where did you come from?"
"How did you get here in Kagami?"
"Where does your group camp?"
"How big is your group?"
"Who/what is the leader of your group? Describe him/her/it."
"Is he/she/it the one who gave you money?"
(if yes) "What were you told to do with the money?"
(if no) "Then where did you get the money?"
"Why are you here? What is the purpose?"
Ichumura graciously accepts the beer. He suggests translating for the heroes, and offers his professional assessment of any magical goings-on during the interrogation. The grand shugenja withdraws a small wooden cup from his belt pouch. “Our inquisition may go smoother if our assailants were willingly robbed of their fears and inhibitions…and I may become thirsty,” says the magical master.
From the local patrons, the owner of a cutlery shop offers his quiet business and even the use of fine equipment to help loosen oni-aka tongues. The owner’s name is Hitomi. He openly asks if this act (read: inviting interrogation of monsters in his shop) would cause him to lose business, or could this attention draw new business? The heroes convince Hitomi that he will not realize any loss, nor guarantee him any new clients, but praise him for his adventurous spirit and willingness to help! During their work with the oni-aka, Hitomi offers the heroes a free (albeit small) lunch including seaweed wrapped chicken-and-rice patties with sesame.
Hitomi further offers some aprons to blindfold the oni-aka’s eyes. After tying the creatures in the ways Takeshi suggested, the questioning begins. Following Takeshi’s lead, Aeikhi will remove the first oni-aka outside the shop and gag it. Aeikhi also holds the creepy-stamped money until some point in the future. Ichumura gives creatures a small drink of beer after each question, even if it is not their turn to speak.
The creatures offer these answers:
"Monster, where did you come from?"
1. The cave
2. The cave
3. My mother
"How did you get here in Kagami?"
1. Walked
2. Walked two long days. My feet ache and smell
3. What’s “Kagami?”
"Where does your group camp?"
1. Inside the cave
2. Near a cave
3. Wherever we want, apparently in “Kagami” now.
"How big is your group?"
1. We are strong in numbers like the stars.
2. I have four brothers and six sisters. Two are pregnant, and our children will be strong!
3. Huge. My membership is huge. (The creature chuckles secretly to himself and begins coughing.)
"Who/what is the leader of your group? Describe him/her/it."
1. I am the leader.
2. The leader ran away when the whore yelled at him.
3. A man dressed in black carrying a wicked sword. Wait…he made one of us the leader. Yeah, that guy ran away.
"Is he/she/it the one who gave you money?"
(if yes) "What were you told to do with the money?"
1. I needed to buy support and weapons to fight!
2. No, we all have money we collect when we fight stuff and kill it. Buying whores seems like an idea, now that I think of it.
(if no) "Then where did you get the money?"
3. (expletive) We have money?!?!? How much!
"Why are you here? What is the purpose?"
1. To clog the river waters, slow commerce, and crush those who would oppose us.
2. The great Goblin Gods knows, and I have yet to find out my true purpose. Why are you asking so many questions. Do you know your purpose? Why are you here?
3. belch
"It seems to me," says Takeshi, "that our course is clear. We will find the rest of the oni-akas in their cave hideout and exterminate them. Aeikhi, does a cave hideout matches where you saw the monsters' camp?"
Turning to Akemi, "I beseech your wisdom on how best to take care of the three oni-akas at hand. Left on their own devices, these creatures will surely cause the village trouble. Should we kill them mercifully?"
To Ichimura, "Master, I thank you for your assistance in the interrogation. To tell you the truth, I was not entirely comfortable with the interrogation, even though our prisoners are oni-akas. I am glad that you are here to provide me an alternate means to loosen their tongues."
To everyone, "It is clear that the oni-akas were sent to avenge their fallen kin as well as intimidate the village into obedience. Regardless, the failure of this small striking party will soon alert the main group, which will send a larger party to pacify Kagami. I recommend that we leave today for their cave hideout and make a decisive strike against these monsters while we still have the element of surprise. Aeikhi, how far is this hideout? Kouji, you and your master seem to have the best understanding of the oni-akas, so anything you guys can share before the battle would be helpful (like can they see in the dark, etc)."
Hitomi celebrates the peaceful interrogation of the hellish and smelly demons by offering a 50% reduction in food. He offers the heroes a mid-size banquet before they leave on their journey. The quiet shopkeeper appears very calm now that the immediate threat has passed.
Ichimura is currently in no state to travel, and would likely need days’ rest to recuperate. He does share with his pupil some interesting facts, although somewhat slurred. Kouji, you are familiar with the current routine when your master has fallen drunk. If you want, you may partake of the banquet before carting your teacher off to bed.
Kouji Knowledge of Oni-Aka
Oni-aka are a lesser kin of demonic goblinoids. They have been rumored to have been born of the lava mountain itself, and as such, are immune to fiery heat! Most likely, these creatures were beaten, bribed, or bullied into such an organized attack; these wild things usually only raid small towns’ cattle or other easy targets. Ichimura’s comments about the red goblins’ night vision is indiscernible.
Aeikhi describes the campout he saw as something more "organized" that what has been suggested of the oni-aka's skill on display. He knows the location well, but it does use a lesser known shortcut the the blind tailor's dwelling (this would take about 20 minutes on foot). Aeikhi awaits greater wisdom from his new teacher about being peaceful to evil things recently bent on killing his town. The tension on the armor smith's face adds to the current questions buzzing throughout the town...
Akemi smiles at her new pupil's eagerness, "Normally we consider the bodies of the dead unclean, and I would not wish to handle such. If it is unavoidable, then you must cleanse yourself with bathing as soon as possible. This only pertains to physical contact."
She looks at the bodies, "Hmm... salt... an interesting method." before being drawn back to the conversation.
"Alcohol you may drink, in fact many of the rituals in - er, my home village, were fuelled by such." she looks sad for a moment.
"You know where the oni-aka camp? Do you think you could show us? I do not wish to place you in any more danger"
Ichumura graciously accepts the beer. He suggests translating for the heroes, and offers his professional assessment of any magical goings-on during the interrogation. The grand shugenja withdraws a small wooden cup from his belt pouch. “Our inquisition may go smoother if our assailants were willingly robbed of their fears and inhibitions…and I may become thirsty,” says the magical master.
From the local patrons, the owner of a cutlery shop offers his quiet business and even the use of fine equipment to help loosen oni-aka tongues. The owner’s name is Hitomi. He openly asks if this act (read: inviting interrogation of monsters in his shop) would cause him to lose business, or could this attention draw new business? The heroes convince Hitomi that he will not realize any loss, nor guarantee him any new clients, but praise him for his adventurous spirit and willingness to help! During their work with the oni-aka, Hitomi offers the heroes a free (albeit small) lunch including seaweed wrapped chicken-and-rice patties with sesame.
Hitomi further offers some aprons to blindfold the oni-aka’s eyes. After tying the creatures in the ways Takeshi suggested, the questioning begins. Following Takeshi’s lead, Aeikhi will remove the first oni-aka outside the shop and gag it. Aeikhi also holds the creepy-stamped money until some point in the future. Ichumura gives creatures a small drink of beer after each question, even if it is not their turn to speak.
With his master skillfully handling the "loosening" of the oni-akas' tongues, Kouji didn't really had much to add, apart from repeating and clarifying when someone asks directly about a phrase or two in a low whisper while the master Ichimura was busy with the interrogation; the young hengeyokai lad did, however, snicker at the one answer that an oni-aka gave about having a "huge membership", as young puerile lads are wont to do.
Ichimura is currently in no state to travel, and would likely need days’ rest to recuperate. He does share with his pupil some interesting facts, although somewhat slurred. Kouji, you are familiar with the current routine when your master has fallen drunk. If you want, you may partake of the banquet before carting your teacher off to bed.
Kouji Knowledge of Oni-Aka
** spoiler omitted **
"Apart from what master Ichimura relayed about these oni-aka's being able to see in the dark- but not to worry, I can see in the dark too- erm, under special circumstances". Kouji continues on, "These goblins are partly demonic, but not that much so; they're not scared of fire like all the other goblins- it's been said that they've been spawned from the very lavas of a volcano"
"Let's go now, and take the fight to our foes! The place is not far, so we can get there before the sun goes down."
Takeshi also sent word to the merchants to inquire if anyone carries workable porcelain or know anyone who does. He has an idea on a crafting project...