"Yes that would be most prudent." Agrees Takeshi, "Take the pups and shelter them while we take care of this oni business. When this is over, you can have the older pup to keep you company, but I shall keep the younger one to raise until he is old enough to take care of himself."
The ranger then tries to stop Kouji before he fully transforms/flies away. "I think Aeikhi can warn your master about the poison food as well as keep an eye on Hitomi. Our top priority should be the oni-akas and their rat brethren. I recommend we travel to where they dammed the river, rest till dark, then hit them at night. What say you Akemi?"
"I agree, my friend. Your plan sounds wise; I defer to you on such matters, as befits your experience."
Alright, this is how the hideout is equipped:
- Wicker: 10 ryo
- 2 Baskets (Small): 4 ryo
- 4 Goza (straw mat): 4 bu
- 4 Blankets (Coarse): 8 bu
- Pot (Iron): 1 ryo
- Tender Box: 1 ryo
- Torches (6): 1 bu
- 2 Waterskin (1 quart): 2 ryo
- Rice, 5 day ration: 1.5 ryo
- Hemp Rope, 50': 1 ryo
- Axe, chopping: 1.5 ryo
- Knife, crafting: 5 bu
- pole, 10 ft: 1 bu
- Hat, straw: 2 mon
- Loincloth: 2 mon
- Outer robe: 2 bu
- Raincape, straw (mino): 1 bu
- Sash or belt: 1 bu
- Tabi (boot/sock): 4 bu
- Trousers, cotton (hakama): 3 bu
- Quiver (Holds 20 arrows): 1 ryo
- Arrows (20): 5 ryo
This total to around 31 ryo. I would like to use the rest of the my funds (29 ryo) to dig a small well and a secret entrance/exit (in addition to the main entrance, which is kinda camouflaged). I envision that this haven is a little cave.
I think we should take the time to address something that we have glossed over so far: how to divide loot.
In an easy scenario, no one wants to keep any of the spoils. We sell them and divide the profits by 3.
It gets more complicated when someone does want to keep something. In my current D&D group, what we do is figure out how much the item would have sold for (say, 5 ryo). If I want that item, I would put 5 ryo into the profit pot. I get the item, and everyone still get the same amount of $ when the profits are divided.
By the way, I did a quick math and find that we have on average 3.8 posts per day, which means the four of us have pretty much post consistently once per day! We rock!
Alright, this is how the hideout is equipped:
- Wicker: 10 ryo
- 2 Baskets (Small): 4 ryo
- 4 Goza (straw mat): 4 bu
- 4 Blankets (Coarse): 8 bu
- Pot (Iron): 1 ryo
- Tender Box: 1 ryo
- Torches (6): 1 bu
- 2 Waterskin (1 quart): 2 ryo
- Rice, 5 day ration: 1.5 ryo
- Hemp Rope, 50': 1 ryo
- Axe, chopping: 1.5 ryo
- Knife, crafting: 5 bu
- pole, 10 ft: 1 bu- Hat, straw: 2 mon
- Loincloth: 2 mon
- Outer robe: 2 bu
- Raincape, straw (mino): 1 bu
- Sash or belt: 1 bu
- Tabi (boot/sock): 4 bu
- Trousers, cotton (hakama): 3 bu- Quiver (Holds 20 arrows): 1 ryo
- Arrows (20): 5 ryoThis total to around 31 ryo. I would like to use the rest of the my funds (29 ryo) to dig a small well and a secret entrance/exit (in addition to the main entrance, which is kinda camouflaged). I envision that this haven is a little cave.
All items are approved. The well with a camouflaged entrance and a secret exit are approved, too. Nicely done.
"Yes that would be most prudent." Agrees Takeshi, "Take the pups and shelter them while we take care of this oni business. When this is over, you can have the older pup to keep you company, but I shall keep the younger one to raise until he is old enough to take care of himself."
The ranger then tries to stop Kouji before he fully transforms/flies away. "I think Aeikhi can warn your master about the poison food as well as keep an eye on Hitomi. Our top priority should be the oni-akas and their rat brethren. I recommend we travel to where they dammed the river, rest till dark, then hit them at night. What say you Akemi?"
Aeikhi agrees to warn the magician's master, and to care for the pups as arranged. Kouji can fully transform at will, with minimal confusion.
Akemi meditates, practicing her combat maneuveurs. Later on, she discusses their assault on the oni with her new friends, "Do you think that we should strike whilst the iron is hot, or should we ask for more souls to join us to defeat the evil ones?"
"Gear up guys, we got oni to kill!"
Takeshi takes the opportunity to pick up the wicker (backpack) from his haven. He also offers his supplies to any who needs them.
Takeshi also takes the time to figure out how long it'll take to get to the river dam. If it's a significant distance, then he'll make sure the party regularly stop to rest and stay hydrated.
Once there, he'll see if there's a way to survey the oni-camp to take stock of his preys.
Akemi looks dubious at her friend's gung-ho attitude, "Ah, so we are to do this on our own. Very well."
"I am willing to hear any advice that would make this endeavor easier," Takeshi says, "what do you have in mind?"
A light shower begins to fall. The heroes find it somewhat refreshing, and the gentle waters help Kouji wash away any bad tastes in his mouth. However, tracking the oni-aka along any routes they took back and forth to the dam becomes slightly more difficult.
The Dam
When the heroes arrive at the river dam, they find it quite impressive. The rolling hills have made this region difficult for peasant farmers to maintain. Instead, many local people use this acreage to hunt small game and supplement their meals with fresh or salted meats. The river feeds smaller streams used for agriculture, but the dam has created a slight problem. The dam head overflows and makes the lower regions swampy and stagnant. This water remains adequate for growing crops, but many people have become ill or diseased by drinking infectious waters that makes its way back into town. Fortunately, the townsfolk only remain sick for a day or so, and many prudent people boil their water. Only poor beggars continue to suffer.
The heroes will approach from the west. They can find enough fruits and berries to sustain themselves for one meal. As suggested, they will arrive at night. The remaining landscape includes:
From the north, the river snakes down along small tributaries and eventually stops at a well-crafted, stone-reinforced dam about 5 men-tall. From their vantage point, the dam itself is about 150-175 yards away, and below the top of the ridge of trees from which the party scouts. Different trees dot the landscape here, and some clump together in small groves.
From the east, a larger grove of thicker trees appears the source of lumber and stone used to build the dam. The trees form the entrance into smaller woodland, likely the home of deer or similar wild and larger game. A small campfire glows near the entrance of the glade, and several man-sized shapes are evident. Due to the fire’s reflection on the water, the fire’s movement itself, and time of day (night), you are not certain how many shapes are counted (maybe five? six?).
To the south, the dam spills the rest of its contents into small streams that have been allowed to run freely. This ground looks like it has been worked recently, because some younger crops grow in this area. A tent rests alongside the crop rows, a tent large enough for at least a very large man or maybe a small family! Despite your intense staring, you do not see any movement from the tent.
If the heroes left Takeshi’s Haven immediately (or soon after planning to hit the dam), and the headhunter has rolled under 19 or 20 on a d20:
If the heroes left Takeshi’s Haven immediately (or soon after planning to hit the dam) and the headhunter rolls a 19 or 20 using a d20:
If the heroes enlist additional help, this research will take a full day to find and convince someone to go. Ichimura insists he needs more rest, and your armor smith’s misadventures takes the wind out of some of the townspeoples’ sails. Also, they worry about the old farmer who hasn’t returned since striking out against the goblins himself…
If the heroes elect to hire help, I will create an NPC suitable for their needs…lemmie know.
Takeshi looks around to see if there is any cover to support a stealthy approach to the dam. If it can be done with minimal risk, the Ranger will ask Kouji to scout the eastern campfire and western tent in bird form to get an accurate count of enemy numbers.
"Akemi, any suggestions?"
Takeshi looks around to see if there is any cover to support a stealthy approach to the dam. If it can be done with minimal risk, the Ranger will ask Kouji to scout the eastern campfire and western tent in bird form to get an accurate count of enemy numbers.
"Akemi, any suggestions?"
Good points. By "below," I meant in a southern direction. There are trees around the dam, and later you could learn that stairs seem plausible, and ladders prop up against the walls...
All, please decide on what kind of help you'd like to buy, and the general price ranges.
Kouji Information:
Takeshi Information:
Akemi Information:
Akemi bows to the brave armourer, "Your spirit is strong. I think you are apt to take care of one of the pups."
"Yes that would be most prudent." Agrees Takeshi, "Take the pups and shelter them while we take care of this oni business. When this is over, you can have the older pup to keep you company, but I shall keep the younger one to raise until he is old enough to take care of himself."
The ranger then tries to stop Kouji before he fully transforms/flies away. "I think Aeikhi can warn your master about the poison food as well as keep an eye on Hitomi. Our top priority should be the oni-akas and their rat brethren. I recommend we travel to where they dammed the river, rest till dark, then hit them at night. What say you Akemi?"
"I agree, my friend. Your plan sounds wise; I defer to you on such matters, as befits your experience."
Aeikhi agrees to warn the magician's master, and to care for the pups as arranged. Kouji can fully transform at will, with minimal confusion.
As Kouji starts to undergo his transformation, the quick thinking action of Takeshi keeps the young hengeyokai lad from hareing off, thereby preventing the party from being split up (one that has the potential of robbing the party precious time to get the drop on the nezumis and oni-akas). Somewhat relieved that he wouldn't have to be the one to take away food from his famished and hungover master, Kouji is able to impart to Aeikhi some advice, which ends with "...and if my master starts to bare his chest and show off his tattoos, your best bet is to run- really fast from the premises". The young shungeja gives a cringful wince in memory of the times he didn't run quite fast enough from his master's more "irate" moments; not that there were many though.
I think we should take the time to address something that we have glossed over so far: how to divide loot.
In an easy scenario, no one wants to keep any of the spoils. We sell them and divide the profits by 3.
It gets more complicated when someone does want to keep something. In my current D&D group, what we do is figure out how much the item would have sold for (say, 5 ryo). If I want that item, I would put 5 ryo into the profit pot. I get the item, and everyone still get the same amount of $ when the profits are divided.
By the way, I did a quick math and find that we have on average 3.8 posts per day, which means the four of us have pretty much post consistently once per day! We rock!
Akemi meditates, practicing her combat maneuveurs. Later on, she discusses their assault on the oni with her new friends, "Do you think that we should strike whilst the iron is hot, or should we ask for more souls to join us to defeat the evil ones?"
"Gear up guys, we got oni to kill!"
Takeshi takes the opportunity to pick up the wicker (backpack) from his haven. He also offers his supplies to any who needs them.
Takeshi also takes the time to figure out how long it'll take to get to the river dam. If it's a significant distance, then he'll make sure the party regularly stop to rest and stay hydrated.
Once there, he'll see if there's a way to survey the oni-camp to take stock of his preys.
Akemi looks dubious at her friend's gung-ho attitude, "Ah, so we are to do this on our own. Very well."
"I am willing to hear any advice that would make this endeavor easier," Takeshi says, "what do you have in mind?"
Still recovering from his condition and making sure that all his compenent (fine sand isn't as easy to keep organized as it may sound) in place, Kouji does notice the minor quibble between Takeshi and Akemi, but doesn't really have anything to add- other than the odd thought of "It's almost uncanny how they're almost like a couple- similar to others I've seen about town", accompanied by a fleeting grin that the young lad does his best to hide from the others.
A light shower begins to fall. The heroes find it somewhat refreshing, and the gentle waters help Kouji wash away any bad tastes in his mouth. However, tracking the oni-aka along any routes they took back and forth to the dam becomes slightly more difficult.
The Dam
When the heroes arrive at the river dam, they find it quite impressive. The rolling hills have made this region difficult for peasant farmers to maintain. Instead, many local people use this acreage to hunt small game and supplement their meals with fresh or salted meats. The river feeds smaller streams used for agriculture, but the dam has created a slight problem. The dam head overflows and makes the lower regions swampy and stagnant. This water remains adequate for growing crops, but many people have become ill or diseased by drinking infectious waters that makes its way back into town. Fortunately, the townsfolk only remain sick for a day or so, and many prudent people boil their water. Only poor beggars continue to suffer.The heroes will approach from the west. They can find enough fruits and berries to sustain themselves for one meal. As suggested, they will arrive at night. The remaining landscape includes:
From the north, the river snakes down along small tributaries and eventually stops at a well-crafted, stone-reinforced dam about 5 men-tall. From their vantage point, the dam itself is about 150-175 yards away, and below the top of the ridge of trees from which the party scouts. Different trees dot the landscape here, and some clump together in small groves.
From the east, a larger grove of thicker trees appears the source of lumber and stone used to build the dam. The trees form the entrance into smaller woodland, likely the home of deer or similar wild and larger game. A small campfire glows near the entrance of the glade, and several man-sized shapes are evident. Due to the fire’s reflection on the water, the fire’s movement itself, and time of day (night), you are not certain how many shapes are counted (maybe five? six?).
To the south, the dam spills the rest of its contents into small streams that have been allowed to run freely. This ground looks like it has been worked recently, because some younger crops grow in this area. A tent rests alongside the crop rows, a tent large enough for at least a very large man or maybe a small family! Despite your intense staring, you do not see any movement from the tent.
Spoiler:The heroes see at least five men tending to the fire and walking along the dam. They wear straw hats (protecting from the rain), longer coats, and appear armed with spears or bo staves. At least one carries a short bow, and practices his craft into a tree near the glade.If the heroes enlist additional help, this research will take a full day to find and convince someone to go. Ichimura insists he needs more rest, and your armor smith’s misadventures takes the wind out of some of the townspeoples’ sails. Also, they worry about the old farmer who hasn’t returned since striking out against the goblins himself…
Takeshi looks around to see if there is any cover to support a stealthy approach to the dam. If it can be done with minimal risk, the Ranger will ask Kouji to scout the eastern campfire and western tent in bird form to get an accurate count of enemy numbers.
"Akemi, any suggestions?"
Good points. By "below," I meant in a southern direction. There are trees around the dam, and later you could learn that stairs seem plausible, and ladders prop up against the walls...
Glad for the opportunity to get rid of the bad taste in his mouth from earlier, Kouji peers intently at the group gathered about the dam and asks the others (whispers actually), "Do you think they look friendly or did we just bring ourselves some new enemies to fight?". The young shugenja, a bit nervous now that the reality of it being just the three of them against those five men, if they should prove hostile, and an uncounted number of oni-akas (and nezumis yet to be seen) starts to slowly sink into the normally thick-headedness of the youth, but Kouji does readily agree to do some aerial scouting of the locale at Takeshi's prompting however;.
All, please decide on what kind of help you'd like to buy, and the general price ranges.Kouji Information:
** spoiler omitted **
. ;)
Only one family member is currently willing to help, because he has "nothin' better to do." Outfiting the massive warrior costs double the standard pricing for any items worn or held masterfully (i.e., weapons). In addition to feeding your relative, he is asking that this adventure help pay for an "early retirement:" he's looking for at least 3-digits worth of quality coinage or gem/jewelry values. Magic items, beyond saving his hide at the moment, mean little to him over time...he wants cold, hard, coin.
Roll 20d6 (yup- twenty six siders!), then multiply the result by ten. When your family member reaches this amount in treasure, he'll retire. How fast you give it to him (or how fast he asks for more) is up to your group, then...
Taking yesterday & today off from posting...deadlines & hayfever kickin' my rump. Gives me more time to create weaponsmaster, tho! and baddies :>
Taking yesterday & today off from posting...deadlines & hayfever kickin' my rump. Gives me more time to create weaponsmaster, tho! and baddies :>
As another thought, Kouji, while he's in his sparrow form scouting about- if he hadn't drawn any undue attention from the 5 men by the dam, may try to "talk" with some of the animals nearby (if any) to see what they know; might not be much, given that his char stat isn't really that high- but it might be worth a try.
. ;)
All, please decide on what kind of help you'd like to buy, and the general price ranges.Kouji Information:
** spoiler omitted **
Deciding that Master Ichimura wouldn't be in much of any condition to be heading out to deal with oni-akas and nezumis, Kouji thought back to others in the village whom might be of help. Only one other person stood out in his mind, his fellow apprentince shugenja (if older by a few years) Tetsuya Shirogane. Techincally former apprentice, as Tetsuya had "graduated" with honors from Ichimura's tutelage. It was from Tetsuya that Kouji learned about his mentor's penchant for drink and that his mentor tended to be more "generous" in his teachings from the older fellow shugenja student. Of course, Tetsuya had been among those present when Kouji and some others had tried out a taste of sake from an unattended sake barrel sometime ago and Kouji vaguely recalled that Tetsuya had expressed interest in the study of creating and learning about magical trinkets and items.
Deciding that Master Ichimura wouldn't be in much of any condition to be heading out to deal with oni-akas and nezumis, Kouji thought back to others in the village whom might be of help. Only one other person stood out in his mind, his fellow apprentince shugenja (if older by a few years) Tetsuya Shirogane. Techincally former apprentice, as Tetsuya had "graduated" with honors from Ichimura's tutelage. It was from Tetsuya that Kouji learned about his mentor's penchant for drink and that his mentor tended to be more "generous" in his teachings from the older fellow shugenja student. Of course, Tetsuya had been among those present when Kouji and some others had tried out a taste of sake from an unattended sake barrel sometime ago and Kouji vaguely recalled that Tetsuya had expressed interest in the study of creating and learning about magical trinkets and items.. ;)
All, please decide on what kind of help you'd like to buy, and the general price ranges.Kouji Information:
** spoiler omitted **
Tetsuya Shirogane, a second-level shugenja, will cost about as much as a 1st level spell-casting NPC, but also asks for first dibs on any magical items, especially those HE could use. Discuss...add him AND weaponsmaster, or one over another?
Akemi ponders the options, and discusses them with her comrades, "I feel that another strong arm on our side may be of more use than this greedy sorcerer." she says with conviction.
"Agreed, and we can always save Tetsuya for another adventure."
Takeshi looks towards the sky where Kouji has taken off, "hope he comes back soon with some good info."
Hey guys, I will be on vacation starting tomorrow till next TUES, so I won't be posting till after. Have a good labor day weekend!
Hey guys, I will be on vacation starting tomorrow till next TUES, so I won't be posting till after. Have a good labor day weekend!
. :)
Akemi ponders the options, and discusses them with her comrades, "I feel that another strong arm on our side may be of more use than this greedy sorcerer." she says with conviction.
"Agreed, and we can always save Tetsuya for another adventure."
Takeshi looks towards the sky where Kouji has taken off, "hope he comes back soon with some good info."
Nodding to Akemi and Takeshi, Kouji adds, "and if he was at the banquet too, he wouldn't be in any better condition than I was if he had some of that poisoned stuff". The young hengeyokai furrows his brows in thought as he adds, "Plus it's not like he could do that lightning trick that Master Ichimura pulled off- you'd have to be really well versed in the art to do that".
As Kouji launches off into the sky, besides keeping a lookout on the 5 men by the Dam, he'll also see if there's other wildlife that he can "talk to" for more information of what might be going on.
The party has discovered an interesting find! During their scouting of the general area, they uncovered a young man laying on the ground. Thinking him perhaps wounded, the heores cautiously approached the prone person, only to discover he tried to slowly, quietly approach the dam by himself! Such valor! Such courage! He was armed with two tonfas tucked into his sleeves.
Time left little to discuss more than his desire to erradicate the vermin rsponsible for destroying his crops and dedicatory shrine in a field not far away. He appears quite capable of such a brash attack, but may not know all the heroes do about their foes along the dam...
"Young man," Takeshi addresses the new comer, "there are at least 5 enemies guarding the dam, as well as an unknown number of oni-akas and perhaps the mastermind behind this evil scheme. If we do not work as a team, we'll be walking into a slaughter."
Takeshi gathers everyone around, "I propose the following plan. Instead of going to the enemy, I say we make them come to us. Through observation, we can figure out the enemy's patrol pattern around the dam (if there is one). I'll stealthily climb to the top and act as bait by raining arrows down on the patrolmen. They will try to climb the ladder to get to me, and that's where the rest of you can ambush them."
The Ranger turns to the Kouji, "Did you see any good hiding places near the ladders during your flight? Can we all get there w/out being noticed?"
"Most importantly, we need to find a way to destroy that dam. Unleash the river water and it's fury make take a few demons along with it."
Akemi smiles, "An excellent plan." she says admiringly.
The party has discovered an interesting find! During their scouting of the general area, they uncovered a young man laying on the ground. Thinking him perhaps wounded, the heores cautiously approached the prone person, only to discover he tried to slowly, quietly approach the dam by himself! Such valor! Such courage! He was armed with two tonfas tucked into his sleeves.
Time left little to discuss more than his desire to erradicate the vermin rsponsible for destroying his crops and dedicatory shrine in a field not far away. He appears quite capable of such a brash attack, but may not know all the heroes do about their foes along the dam...
"Young man," Takeshi addresses the new comer, "there are at least 5 enemies guarding the dam, as well as an unknown number of oni-akas and perhaps the mastermind behind this evil scheme. If we do not work as a team, we'll be walking into a slaughter."
Takeshi gathers everyone around, "I propose the following plan. Instead of going to the enemy, I say we make them come to us. Through observation, we can figure out the enemy's patrol pattern around the dam (if there is one). I'll stealthily climb to the top and act as bait by raining arrows down on the patrolmen. They will try to climb the ladder to get to me, and that's where the rest of you can ambush them."
The Ranger turns to the Kouji, "Did you see any good hiding places near the ladders during your flight? Can we all get there w/out being noticed?"
"Most importantly, we need to find a way to destroy that dam. Unleash the river water and it's fury make take a few demons along with it."
Akemi smiles, "An excellent plan." she says admiringly.
In addition to Akemi's praise, Kouji nods his approval to Takeshi about the plan.
Thinking back on what he saw while scouting around in his sparrow form, Kouji replies, "There were a few trees close by here and there near to the ladders leaning against the dam".
"A dam made out of stone of that size- it couldn't have been done without anyone nearby noticing...". Turning to the newcomer- presumably an irate local farmer without fear, Kouji asks "Do you know anything about who might've built that dam? Oni-Akas or Nezumis by themselves wouldn't be going to all that trouble to make something like that, I don't think."
Kouji reports to the group that at least several more foul denizens lurk about the dam area. He notes that a large grove f trees may provide adequate cover and even a makeshift base of operations for a hit-and-run style of attacks. Several collections of rocks gathered together in the glen suggest smaller caves or shelter possibilities.
The dam looks mighty impressive, especially for one designed by commoners. Both natural rock and reinforced blocks wedge themselves snugly together, keeping the waters retained. Interestingly, the flooding fields hint at the biggest, most obvious weakness of the dam- it may be too small to retain the river waters. If more water could be added, or channeled into the current pathways, the dam may be swept away by its parental source.
The quiet farmer gathers his thoughts. He seems slightly overwhelmed by many activities and many people. He looks at each of you intently, hanging on every word, with his eyes glued so closely to your lips in the heavy darkness…
If the result of the d20 is LOWER THAN your current character’s Intelligence OR Wisdom score, then read on…
Watching the commoner watch you strikes a familiar chord with you. Having seen others deafened by combat, by illness, or by birth, you believe that you newest companion cannot hear clearly (if at all). This condition also explains his his reluctance to provide you his name or much other detailed conversation.
"I don't believe our friend here can hear." Says Takeshi, who turns toward the new comer to make sure that he can see his lips for the next part, "But you're with us now. We'll take care of you like you're one of our own. Won't we fellas?"
The Ranger picks up a stick, hands it to the young man, and gestures to a patch of soft mud, "Can you write? Maybe you can tell us your name? What do you think of our plan? Any information that could help us overcome our common enemy would be much appreciated!"
Regarding toward the dam, "It seems that a bit more force would topple this cobble of rocks. Is there a way to force more water into the river?" Takeshi looks at the new comer as he poses this question, expecting the farmer to have concrete answers about local geography.
The simple peasant looks dressed much more seriously than you might be led to believe of common farm stewards. Quietly, the man grins and takes hold of a small twig strewn along the ground. In the still soft muddied ground from an earlier shower, he carves his name, “Bengoshi,” and then points to himself. His fingernails look covered in dirt and filth and scabs and simple wounds from a not-so-simple life. He tucks his weapons into an interestingly designed series of wrapping clothes along his ribs.
Bengoshi then begins to draw on the ground. The animated worker seems to work quickly and quietly, even in the dead of night. He stacks more twigs atop others, and places little pebbles to uphold the structure. He carves the dirt into a channel, spits into the make-shift pathway, and suddenly you realize that he has erected a small model of the dam, complete with “water!” He then picks up clumps of dirt, rolls these into small balls between his palms, and places them in comparison with what you realize are the creatures seen earlier. After making six such dirtballs, he packs mud around a knuckle-sized ball and places it beneath some leaves and twigs. He points to the last model and pantomimes large teeth and he smashes his fist into his palm. As he opens his mouth to create a grim visage, you now are thankful this man is less talkative than others in your group; hygiene is a luxury given to some privileged classes. However, you should be more concerned with this last representation- obviously Bengoshi has scouted this area before today, or at least sees things you have not seen.
After a few moments of letting this three dimensional map settle, he scoops up smaller pebbles and begins clogging the spittle path. He exaggerates the work, swirls his arms and you believe he suggests damming the dam. Excitedly, Bengoshi moves the smaller creature models up to the blocked area, and then flings each one with a dirty index finger while subsequently pointing to each hero stationed around him. He suggested the group divides and conquers the dam guards.
As the heroes contemplate his plan, Bengoshi absent-mindedly begins scratching his face and picking at scabs and other unacceptable grooming practices that suggest he may be hungry…
Takeshi gives Bengoshi a pat on the back and hands some of his cooked grain and fruits. He then gathers Kouji and Akemi to discuss the farmer's recommendation.
Tense! What do you guys think will happen?
Kouji reports to the group that at least several more foul denizens lurk about the dam area. He notes that a large grove f trees may provide adequate cover and even a makeshift base of operations for a hit-and-run style of attacks. Several collections of rocks gathered together in the glen suggest smaller caves or shelter possibilities.
"Can't really say if any of those smaller caves have anyone or anything in them though- didn't get a chance to look close enough for that", Kouji finishes, after recollecting the area around the dam to the best of his ability.
The dam looks mighty impressive, especially for one designed by commoners. Both natural rock and reinforced blocks wedge themselves snugly together, keeping the waters retained. Interestingly, the flooding fields hint at the biggest, most obvious weakness of the dam- it may be too small to retain the river waters. If more water could be added, or channeled into the current pathways, the dam may be swept away by its parental source.
..."So all that water can overflow despite being all damed up like that- only thing is that we'd have to find a way to get more water there", the hengeyokai lad finishes on what he was able to find out from looking at the dam. Glancing back at the dam, Kouji adds, "I don't think that even Master Ichimura's lightning bolts would do much against the dam, even if he was able to make it up here with us".
The quiet farmer gathers his thoughts. He seems slightly overwhelmed by many activities and many people. He looks at each of you intently, hanging on every word, with his eyes glued so closely to your lips in the heavy darkness…
Did a roll just for the heck of it. ;)
"I don't believe our friend here can hear." Says Takeshi, who turns toward the new comer to make sure that he can see his lips for the next part, "But you're with us now. We'll take care of you like you're one of our own. Won't we fellas?"
There seemed to be something about the quiet farmer that Kouji just couldn't quite put his finger on about the discovered newcomer. It was just as well when Takeshi spoke up.
"So our new friend here is deaf", Kouji thought. That deafness existed in the world was something that the hengeyokai lad knew about, but only in an distant way- this would be the first time for Kouji to actually meet a deaf person up close and personal.
The Ranger picks up a stick, hands it to the young man, and gestures to a patch of soft mud, "Can you write? Maybe you can tell us your name? What do you think of our plan? Any information that could help us overcome our common enemy would be much
appreciated!"Regarding toward the dam, "It seems that a bit more force would topple this cobble of rocks. Is there a way to force more water into the river?" Takeshi looks at the new comer as he poses this question, expecting the farmer to have concrete answers about local geography.
The simple peasant looks dressed much more seriously than you might be led to believe of common farm stewards. Quietly, the man grins and takes hold of a small twig strewn along the ground. In the still soft muddied ground from an earlier shower, he carves his name, “Bengoshi,” and then points to himself. His fingernails look covered in dirt and filth and scabs and simple wounds from a not-so-simple life. He tucks his weapons into an interestingly designed series of wrapping clothes along his ribs.
Bengoshi then begins to draw on the ground. The animated worker seems to work quickly and quietly, even in the dead of night. He stacks more twigs atop others, and places little pebbles to uphold the structure. He carves the dirt into a channel, spits into the make-shift pathway, and suddenly you realize that he has erected a small model of the dam, complete with “water!” He then picks up clumps of dirt, rolls these into small balls between his palms, and places them in comparison with what you realize are the creatures seen earlier. After making six such dirtballs, he packs mud around a knuckle-sized ball and places it beneath some leaves and twigs. He points to the last model and pantomimes large teeth and he smashes his fist into his palm. As he opens his mouth to create a grim visage, you now are thankful this man is less talkative than others in your group; hygiene is a luxury given to some privileged classes. However, you should be more concerned with this last representation- obviously Bengoshi has scouted this area before today, or at least sees things you have not seen.
After a few moments of letting this three dimensional map settle, he scoops up smaller pebbles and begins clogging the spittle path. He exaggerates the work, swirls his arms and you believe he suggests damming the dam. Excitedly, Bengoshi moves the smaller creature models up to the blocked area, and then flings each one with a dirty index finger while subsequently pointing to each hero stationed around him. He suggested...
Giving a low whistle of admiration at Benegoshi's crafting of the miniture dam and the apparent thoroughness in scouting out the place all on his lonesome, Kouji decided that the farmer was definintely more than what he seemed, even with his less than perfect hygiene.
Takeshi gives Bengoshi a pat on the back and hands some of his cooked grain and fruits. He then gathers Kouji and Akemi to discuss the farmer's recommendation.
Kouji likewise hands over to Benegoshi some of his own food supplies to supplement what Takeshi gave him, plus one uchi-ne, before being huddled over to the side with Akemi and Takeshi to hash things out about what should be done next.
Akemi is torn between ending the threat of the oni, and between the rather blunt method of despatching them. She settles her concerns and quietly agrees to the plan.
The heroes find themselves about to scout quick locations from which to attack the creatures described by the more-than-simple farmer. Bengoshi thankfully accepts the food offerings, but points to his weapons hidden within his clothing and quickly re-hides the defensive tools.
A slight break of dawn’s light cracks the horizon…
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"I recommend clogging the dam, which requires us to take care of these six guards first. But we need to make sure they don't alert others..." Pointed Takeshi with his arms crossed.
"Aha! How about this?" Said the Ranger with a snap of his finger, "The costumes of these guards are not extravagant. If we can quietly subdue one of them, then I or Akemi can disguise as the enemy. We then lure the rest of the guards near the grove of trees designated as the ambush spot, from which Kouji can hit the group with a sleep spell. The rest of us can spring from our hiding spots and quickly take care of the ones still awake. What do you guys think?"
Turning to Bengoshi and pointing to an area on the drawing, upstream from the dam, "I assume there are rocks large enough to clog the dam?"
"I recommend clogging the dam, which requires us to take care of these six guards first. But we need to make sure they don't alert others..." Pointed Takeshi with his arms crossed.
"Aha! How about this?" Said the Ranger with a snap of his finger, "The costumes of these guards are not extravagant. If we can quietly subdue one of them, then I or Akemi can disguise as the enemy. We then lure the rest of the guards near the grove of trees designated as the ambush spot, from which Kouji can hit the group with a sleep spell. The rest of us can spring from our hiding spots and quickly take care of the ones still awake. What do you guys think?"
Turning to Bengoshi and pointing to an area on the drawing, upstream from the dam, "I assume there are rocks large enough to clog the dam?"
Bengoshi nods that the rocks would indeed be large enough to congest the riverflow.