DotDD Session 6

Avara has connected.
Gensh has connected.
Dark_Star has connected.
Witch has connected.
Cador has connected.
FoxtrotTango has connected.
Avara:
LAST TIME ON DRAGON MONK Z: We proved that our kung fu is stronger than brainwashed seamonkey kung fu.
Dark_Star:
Never take a sword to a fistfight. Unless you're some crazy sword martial artist. Like about half our group.
Dark_Star:
In which case, ALWAYS bring a sword to a fistfight.
VinnyDonuts:
Tai brought a chakram to a fistfight.
VinnyDonuts:
Kamon brought spells.
Dark_Star:
Indeed.
VinnyDonuts:
Really, the only person who brought fists to the fistfight was Seishin.
FoxtrotTango:
And they were drunken fists.
Avara:
so i'm curious what we'll do TODAY, ON DRAGON MONK Z
Dark_Star:
Today's gonna be a filler episode. We're gonna land on Fake Planet Namek, gather a fake set of dragon balls, and then fight a couple random aliens and their horde of tentacle monsters.
Avara:
... lightning breath.
Witch:
I throw DS to them. Not Chun, DS himself.
Dark_Star:
OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! *suddenly wakes up*
Dark_Star:
*still surrounded by tentacle monsters*
Dark_Star:
...Crap.
Witch:
And thus, DS' orifices were never the same.
VinnyDonuts:
today it's my roomate who has the impeccable sense of timing
Avara:
how so?
Dark_Star:
I'm guessing we're gonna be waiting a while longer.
VinnyDonuts:
"hey you clogged the sink can you come unclog it"
VinnyDonuts:
"sure my bad"
FoxtrotTango:
"dude let's go ahead and eat like forty of those brownies"
VinnyDonuts:
"also help me with this long and involved process on my computer"
VinnyDonuts:
"sssssssssiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggghhhhhhhhhh"
FoxtrotTango:
Just get it done
VinnyDonuts:
don't worry i'm back
Dark_Star:
Ah, cool.
FoxtrotTango:
how did you do that so fast
VinnyDonuts:
mostly by pointing him in the direction of google and telling him to figure it out his own damn self while i put away the dishes
Avara:
by letting us make noise about episode filler
VinnyDonuts:
ROLL CALL
VinnyDonuts:
.
Avara:
.
Witch:
.
Cador:
.
Dark_Star:
o/
Gensh:
.
FoxtrotTango:
.
VinnyDonuts:
COOL
FoxtrotTango:
Sorry, still juggling
Avara:
planning to become a carnie?
FoxtrotTango:
I need at least two skin diseases before I become one of those
Last we left off, our heroes had just fended off an attack on their persons orchestrated by the Martial Arts Master Phul, who had been charmed by the magical powers of the man in bandages, who you now know as Phay.
Dark_Star:
Phay's Phul.
Witch:
.
FoxtrotTango:
.
VinnyDonuts:
sorry just
Dark_Star:
.
VinnyDonuts:
akjdsf;lg
FoxtrotTango:
roommate needed more help
Witch:
Wasn't sure if I disconnected there or not
FoxtrotTango:
I'm betting Canadian bucks on it
Dark_Star:
"So I googled it but I STILL don't understand it."
VinnyDonuts:
he's like
VinnyDonuts:
65
FoxtrotTango:
"Look dude, I didn't want to learn how to do it myself, I wanted you to do it for me so that I could immediately hit the back button and ask you to do it again."
Dark_Star:
oh god
FoxtrotTango:
Oh no
Dark_Star:
Techno Peasants.
FoxtrotTango:
EVERYONE DIG IN FOR THE LONG HAUL
FoxtrotTango:
Someone start passing out the jerky, we'll be here a while
VinnyDonuts:
OKAY
VinnyDonuts:
FUCK
Avara:
i'm sure jing would like to, but nobody else put any points into perform: sexual favors
VinnyDonuts:
do not make me bust out the porn golem
VinnyDonuts:
they will break you over their knee and not in the fun way
FoxtrotTango:
Do you need to borrow my juvenile red dragon
Avara:
have you actually made one yet? 'cause i'm tempted to make you make one.
VinnyDonuts:
put your bad dragon dildos away ft
Avara:
you keep mentioning it.
FoxtrotTango:
No, I mean the one from my old campaign
VinnyDonuts:
EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM IS A WHORE. NOW PUT ON YOUR CHASTISTY BELTS AND SIDDOWN
Avara:
as shazbot found out, i don't take taunts sitting down. =p
Dark_Star:
...I didn't say anything...
FoxtrotTango:
but my chastity belt is a spike
VinnyDonuts:
persona 4 joke
Dark_Star:
Ooooh, right, Morooka.
Avara:
king moron
Witch:
You may not take it sitting down, but Kamon just plain has trouble sitting down
As penance for being seduced by such a wicked power, Phul allowed you all to look through the monastery's library during your stay here. The Grand Tutor and spiritual leader of the monastery is due to arrive tomorrow.
Avara:
i'm sure she will if jing ever gets in her robes.
* Seishin hopefully found someone with the Enhance Water spell prepared during his time here, especially since some of the monks now knows what it feels like to be right crossed by him.
VinnyDonuts:
Nu, the artifact you were looking for was the Mirror of the Architect, a sacred mirror created from one of the scales of Geon-Yeong. Gyucheol sure made a lot of artifacts from Geon's scales, didn't they?
Dark_Star:
There were an awful lot of them laying around when they needed things to remind themselves of him the most...
VinnyDonuts:
The difference is that this mirror was made when he was still alive, and it's silver instead of steel.
VinnyDonuts:
Geon specifically had it crafted so he could watch over his domain. It's an extremely powerful divination tool.
VinnyDonuts:
Apparently, at some point, it was shattered by one of the Malali monarchs into four different peices, claiming that the mirror brought him nothing but evil visions.
VinnyDonuts:
One of the shards was kept by the royal family, another by the old grand monastery...
VinnyDonuts:
And that's about where you can't read any further because the text has been ripped out.
VinnyDonuts:
Jing found some info on Kanashimi we already went over.
VinnyDonuts:
Chun managed to find some lore on the sister blade of Last Breath, First Born. Apparently, the family that owned it was captured and sold into slavery.
VinnyDonuts:
Thus, the blade fell into the hands of Nguchay nobility.
VinnyDonuts:
The last known family to own it... Is Prince Bao's.
Dark_Star:
WELP.
FoxtrotTango:
Wow, looks like we're being forced to play both sides
FoxtrotTango:
Yo, Jimbo
Avara:
let's kill them all and take the throne for ourselves.
VinnyDonuts:
And while we're at it, the three people who were looking up lore can make perception checks for me

Chun-Hwa:
« 1d20+11 = 1 + 11 = 12 » (Perception)
Dark_Star:
Chun's eyes are too tired from squinting at bad handwriting.
Witch:
chun too ragey about nguchay
Dark_Star:
Also that.
Witch:
« 1d20+14 = 2 + 14 = 16 »
Witch:
sheesh
Avara:
what's the roll to Aid Another?
Witch:
DC 10 of whatever they were rolling
VinnyDonuts:
Kamon, were you there to help look?
Avara:
kamon was looking through things too, and willing to help everyone
VinnyDonuts:
Alright
Avara:
« 1d20+3 = 18 + 3 = 21 » perception/aid another
FoxtrotTango:
I was drunk.
Dark_Star:
Kamon: git gud. *shades*
VinnyDonuts:
Let's see one from Nu before I say anything
* VinnyDonuts beeps at cad
Cador:
Hm?
Avara:
perception check
VinnyDonuts:
perception my friend
Cador:
One second
Cador:
« d20+7 = 10 + 7 = 17 »
While trying to help out, Kamon takes to organizing the books that Phay was looking at, and realizes that out of them all, only three had their pages ripped out.
One was the book about the mirror.
Another was part of an anthology of ancient Stormkin artifacts, and it briefly details the legend of a seven-pronged sword once used by a warlord to command the heavens.
The third was a set of prayer beads used by the first dragon-priest of Ahasyo, made of Ocean Jasper - an extremely rare mineral only ever found washed up on Malali's eastern coastline.
Avara:
the three treasures of japan. also, nanatsusaya no tsurugi.
Dark_Star:
So it would seem.
VinnyDonuts:
i know it's not very siamese or khmer but i gotta use the mythology i know man
That said, if he's after legendary treasures like those, he has his work cut out for him as much as anyone else, even if it seems he has otherworldly assistance.
VinnyDonuts:
Anyone have anything else to ask about before we roll on to the next day?
FoxtrotTango:
Hmmm...
FoxtrotTango:
Were we given any other rewards by the temple?
VinnyDonuts:
Not yet.
VinnyDonuts:
Patience.
FoxtrotTango:
Patience only lasts as far as the booze does.
Dark_Star:
*waits patiently, with vibrate turned off this time*
Avara:
just checking: you're aware nanatsusaya and kusanagi/ame-no-murakumo-no-tsurugi are two different swords, right?
VinnyDonuts:
yes
Avara:
okay.
Avara:
no further questions.
FoxtrotTango:
My questions are sated as well
Dark_Star:
I have no relevant questions.
Witch:
Nada
The next day...
You are approached by the adept from yesterday and asked to assemble in the foyer hall of the main building.
The Grand Tutor is here, and would like to meet with you.
Dark_Star:
Oh thank goodness. I'm not sure what I'd do if Phul wanted a rematch.
Avara:
laugh at him, probably
FoxtrotTango:
I'd make a bigger Phul out of him.
Dark_Star:
Probably.
VinnyDonuts:
Trust me, he's in no condition to pick a fight right now.
VinnyDonuts:
Those of you who aren't monks know enough to know that the Grand Tutor is basically the grand poobah of the monastery.
* Jing adorns the signet ring of Princess Chau before they meet. The hand wearing it resting on the pommel of one of her katanas.
Dark_Star:
We'll have the optional boss fight with Phul+ when we're closer to the endgame.
* Kamon also has adorned the signet ring given as proof of who they're working for, and is standing... at relative ease, actually.
* Chun-Hwa followed the others' lead and is wearing the signet ring herself, trying not to look too nervous.
* Seishin is smiling blissfully, also wearing his signet ring because the others physically reminded him to equip it.
Soon, The Grand Tutor, Paccuban, walks through the entrance, surrounded by a retinue of quiet and reverent monks.
She approaches you all, her expression...
Beaming.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Hello, all of you! I'm sorry to impose, but I'm very glad you could meet me here.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It's nice to meet all of you. I've heard some interesting things about you!
* Kamon bows to Grand Tutor Paccuban, keeping a relatively relaxed mood regardless. "It's a pleasure to meet you again as well, Grand Tutor."
* Shimizu Nu isn't particularly happy about wearing the ring, but they'd best show a united front for this.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban is smiling in a genuine and disarming way, and it's very obvious right from the get-out that she's not much for grandstanding or ceremony.
* Jing bows respectfully. "Greetings, Grand Tutor. It's nice to meet you as well."
* Seishin bows happily, feeling more at home with it than the jewelry that he was forced to wear.
* Chun-Hwa , feeling relaxed in the presence of the Grand Tutor, smiles and bows naturally. Paccuban was nothing like Chun'd been expecting.
Paccuban wears plain, white monk robes and simple rings around her wrists, hand-fashioned out of coral. Her hair is long and flowing, and she is very obviously Nguchay- to the point where she has blue skin and webbed hands.
* Tai Ren Ahr bows with a flourish but waits to be spoken to.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
First of all, it's my genuine pleasure to thank you for saving my followers from the clutches of the warlock who was imprisoned here. Phul had been assigned to keep him away from others, but it seems that even Masters make mistakes.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
While a student was killed in the battle, I do understand that you were acting in self-defense and that you all took pains to avoid fatalities, so I thank you for that much.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
As a sign of appreciation, I have brought gifts for our four guests, and our returning student.
Paccuban smiles as she walks to each of you, handing you some item of monkly craft, each of humble appearance, but excellent craftsmanship.
To Kamon, she gives a simple white cloak that seems to be made of fabric that shines like the sun reflecting off of oceanwater.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Much like you serve as a beacon of light for your allies, this cloak will provide light even in the darkest depths of the ocean- and, should you need it, it will instead cloak you with the lightlessness of the depths.
* Kamon accepts the cloak graciously, putting it on with a flourish.
To Jing, she provides a simple bead necklace with a magmatama made of ocean-hued jade.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
This is a necklace of purity that brings peace and health to the wearer, helping close wounds that even time cannot mend.
* Jing looks upon the magatama. Truly, it was quite the nice peice of artwork as well as it's enchanted utility. She looked again to the Grand Tutor. "Thank you, I appreciate it." She then donned the necklace. Rather quickly she felt an old wound of her own beginning to heal.
To Seishin, she provides a simple cloth headband decorated with inlaid designs and ocean-washed beads.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
For the tiger who is wise beyond what others would measure him for, I offer this symbol of wisdom and wit.
* Seishin stares at the headband with surprise before graciously accepting it, feeling overjoyed to be given such a gift!
To Nu, she offers a pair of spectacles made of some sort of sea-green glass.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
For the young Gyucheol who peers into the darkness, I offer these glasses to help guide your way through the depths.
Avara:
beer goggles?
* Shimizu Nu politely thanks the Grand Tutor and tries them on, blinking a little at the effect.
And finally, to Chun, she offers a simple peice of chalk, subtly adorned with shimmering runes.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
And to the budding young artist, this special chalk will allow you to use your skills to protect your friends when you need it most.
* Seishin puts on his new headband, which at first seems like it's doing nothing but making him look a little wiser, and... his fur seems to look just a little less slept-in...
* Chun-Hwa accepts the chalk and bows once more in gratitude. "Thank you for your gift."

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Now!
* Grand Tutor Paccuban claps her hands.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
If it were up to me, Master Phul would be here today to help present these gifts, and to apologize for his indescretion himself.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Regrettably, however, it seems that is impossible.
* Jing raises an eyebrow.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Master Phul was found dead this morning, at the foot of the cliffs on the western side of the monastery.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban sighs, seeming genuinely saddened.
* Jing grimaces for her part.
* Seishin blinks with genuine surprise.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
While he was a man who had flaws and made mistakes, it would have been Ahasyo's and Nithoggr's will that he continue living to amend for them.

Chun-Hwa:
What!? I mean, he was a jerk, but still...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
As best as any among us can surmise, he flung himself from the cliff last night as penance.
* Kamon looks displeased at this, and considers it. "Perhaps the warlock had left some compulsion that had a delayed activation? Or were there signs of another cause?"

Seishin:
That is strongly against the will of life... There is no shame too great that the rocks themselves appear friendly to one's loaded heart...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It is possible that the warlock still held some control over his mind.
* Seishin feels inclined to pour a forty for the old man's spirit.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Sadly, it seems that he took those answers with him to the grave.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Still, we pray his his soul finds peace with Ahasyo.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods solemnly.

Kamon:
"... We live in a society where the ability to speak with the dead is not beyond our means, even if we don't have the immediate ability. I think that Ahasyo will understand if we beckon to Phul for answers, if the cause is a potential threat to Ahasyo's children."

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Which is exactly what puzzles us.
Avara:
pause for ft meds
Avara:
and play.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
When we called Phul's spirit, he would not answer.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
We, too, find it suspicious that a Martial Arts Master would take his own life, even after a humiliating event such as this...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It is not even as if something was preventing us from doing so, either. It is as if his spirit is simply no longer there.

Kamon:
"While I can perceive the irony of him leaping from the cliff that his actions caused me to fall from, I doubt that he chose this. And if his soul is missing... well, that's telling in its own right."

Shimizu Nu:
...Given that a Warlock is involved, that could well be the case.

Seishin:
The man had no spirit... this is grave news... What sort of creature could slay a spirit?

Jing:
A Devil.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I'm sure you know as well as I do, and we

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
... Prefer not to speak of such creatures within these halls.

Kamon:
"It's important to teach people what they may and will face against. Regardless of location--no, in fact, it's probably more important to teach it here. Rather than letting students be tempted by forbidden knowledge."

Kamon:
"Those who protect others and fight evil must know what they fight."
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods.
* Seishin looks deeply troubled, despite the gentle glow of Enhanced Water in his system.

Tai Ren Ahr:
I must agree with our mendicant student.

Shimizu Nu:
Fostering Ignorance only grants them an advantage.
* Kamon looks at Tai. "I have yet to beg for anything."

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
We know this, and we know what we fight, but even still, to speak of such things more than is necessary is to invite them into our home.
* Shimizu Nu hold a rueful grin.

Shimizu Nu:
As though they haven't already.
* Kamon looks back to the Grand Tutor.

Jing:
One already was. The woman with the Warlock. The very instant my blade would have connected with his neck, she took his place.

Kamon:
"Fear of a name fosters fear of the thing itself. If you fear speaking of it, you will only encourage those who face them to fear them, freeze up, and die."

Seishin:
I must consult with the spirits, and learn what they ask of me... this event speaks to a danger that passes the mortal plane...
* Grand Tutor Paccuban closes her eyes and breathes.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
You are not wrong.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
If a devil has already profaned this most holy place, then it seems that we have grown even more stagnant that I had thought.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Still, like all things, this is but a lesson, and all of us must learn.

Shimizu Nu:
As such, the White Beast thrives on ignorance.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
You are right in saying that knowledge is power, but some knowledge is kept secret for feat that some might use this power to hurt others. It seems, however, that this has already happened, and so it is only natural that I arm you with what you must know about the enemy that beguiles us here in Malali.
VinnyDonuts:
I'd prefer it if people stopped typing for a bit so I can type this out.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
As some of you already know, the Divine Dragon Ahasyo lies asleep at the bottom of the ocean, in his sunken capital, after he used all of his energy to keep the other dragons from claiming what he claimed as his own.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The followers of the other dragons can communicate with their gods directly to receive guidance or advice, but we cannot. In a twist of fate, the dragon who cut off the Metalkin from their patrons became cut off from us. Karma works in mysterious ways, at times.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Yet, we have still discovered a way to communicate with him- Through our dreams, we can connect with our sleeping god, but the journey into the unconcious mind is a perilous one.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
And that is where Noc'Thal, The Lurking Nightmare of Tireless Sleep and his minions thrive.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
They deceive and twist the thoughts of those who venture out into the unknown without protection, and at our monastery, we labor every day to create a space where the devils cannot reach.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
That the warlock was able to escape and turn the minds of the monastery's own monks against you was bad enough, but it is also possible that he profaned the wards that keep this place untouchable for his kind,
Witch:
brb

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Thus, you must know: Do not trust your dreams.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
If this warlock has designs upon any of you and has the power to command devils, he will attempt to deceive you.
Cador:
Did we tell her who the warlock is yet?
Cador:
Or rather does she know?
VinnyDonuts:
nope

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Noc'Thal and his minions take no greater pleasure in twisting noble souls to wicked ends.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
So, please, I must ask you to all be kind. No matter what you think you must do in order to do what is right, be kind.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Do not allow yourself to be deluded by thoughts of sacrifice or greater good, because what is good is to be good to one another.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
If you follow that rule, then no devil will be able to hold you in their grasp.

Seishin:
Indeed, these are very wise words... -nods sagely-

Jing:
There are some details you should know now while we're on the subject.

Jing:
He is claiming to be the dead Prince, Phay.

Jing:
And additionally, he keeps saying that, "Ahasayo must be forgotten if we are to survive" or something of the like.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban looks mildly surprised, but in the way that looks like something suddenly made sense to her.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Thank you for telling me.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Whether that is the truth or a lie, the fact remains that he is a wicked soul who has turned his back on the light.

Kamon:
"By all indication, he might be a Nguchay himself. One that ripped off his scales, horns and claws, or similar measures, to forsake his heritage. He bid me do the same."

Kamon:
"I don't know if that knowledge will be of use, but better overinformed than under in this case."
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Knowledge is power. Thank you for sharing with me what you know.

Kamon:
"Is there anything else to be discussed, Grand Tutor?"

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Monk Tai?

Tai Ren Ahr:
Yes, Grand Tutor?

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It has become apparent that I have spent too much time away from the monastery, and that I must now remain here for some time.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I would humbly request that you carry on my work outside these walls by traveling with these people, so you may spread our message of peace.

Tai Ren Ahr:
It would be this humble one's pleasure to carry on your mission, Grand Tutor.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban bows.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
You are kind.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
And to all of you, it disheartens me to impose on you further...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
But should you meet that warlock again, it goes without saying that he presents a danger to the safety of those around him, innocent or not.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
As much as it pains me to ask for violence from another individual... If he cannot be made to see reason, then he must be stopped from hurting others.
* Jing nods resolutely.
* Kamon nods firmly as well.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I am heartened to see such courage.
* Seishin bows deeply.
* Chun-Hwa nods determinedly.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban bows graciously.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Thank you...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
And please, if you see Chau again, thank her as well, and let her know that my support is fully behind her.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It is my hope that we can see a future where Malali is known as a peacekeeper, not a warmonger.

Kamon:
"One can only hope."

Jing:
Indeed.

Chun-Hwa:
Yeah...

Shimizu Nu:
...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
In any case, I thank you all for your time and thank you all for coming out here.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I have prepared for a ship to transport you back to Kleux, whenever you wish to leave. You are welcome to stay for as long as you like, though I don't know exactly how much I'll be able to chat.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I've been away for quite a while, so I suppose my time is going to be quite the sought-after commodity for the time being!

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
And there are people who say I don't understand economics.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban is back to smiling warmly, the somber moment over.
* Kamon chuckles obligingly at the joke, though not really all that amused. A somber mood and frustrated thoughts tend to do that.

Kamon:
"While I appreciate your offer of hospitality, I suspect it will be best for us to leave sooner rather than later."
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Though, if any of you want to talk to me about anything before you leave, please, feel free to do so.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Anything at all. I owe you all at least that much.

Seishin:
Mmm...

Jing:
There is a brief matter I'd like to speak to you in private actually.
* Seishin considers deeply this open invitation.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods at Jing obligingly.

Shimizu Nu:
I actually have something to ask too!

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
We can talk in one of the pavillions. I can ensure that we will not be overheard.

Kamon:
"While I do have a matter that bears discussion, I'd feel more comfortable in discussing it by private correspondence rather than in person."
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods to Kamon.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I understand.
VinnyDonuts:
since jing was the first one to speak up she gets first pickings
VinnyDonuts:
vroom

Seishin:
Mmm... it would do well to share a discussion of beliefs, I suppose... (I wonder where these monks keep their bathroom...)

Chun-Hwa:
I...have no idea what I would want to talk with her about. >_>
VinnyDonuts:
I'll just go through Jing and Nu and if anyone else has anything to say, just say so once they're done.

Seishin:
Are there any questions that you have in life, young Chun?

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
What is it you'd like to speak with me about?
* Seishin seems to be speaking a little less dumb with this headband on. Actually, no, he's still dumb, he's just better at making it seem more serene.

Jing:
Well, this would normally be the part I'd start flirting with someone as beautiful as you now that we're alone. But... Circumstances are what they are. I noticed that you looked like you'd made a connection when I mentioned the Warlock's claim to be Phay. However...
* Jing ultimately tells Paccuban about how she was contracted for an assassination of the royal family. Not something that she'd intended to go through with, but the temptation to sneak around the palace was amusing. Nonetheless... She can absolutely confirm the death of Phay Phutabi at the Royal Palace.

Chun-Hwa:
...A few, though I'm not too sure how comfortable I feel sharing them with anyone, really.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods solemnly, and surprisingly, she doesn't seem to judge jing at all for her choices.

Jing:
To say the least, the claim is disconcerting.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Phay was confirmed to be found dead at the scene, suffering the same wounds as everyone else. Your description of the wounds verifies the validity of your claim.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Phay's body went missing.

Seishin:
Mmm... You are young, Chun. If there are spiritual matters that you believe should be shared with someone, anyone... the Grand Tutor would be a wise person to trust with them.
* Jing grimaces. "Before or after the Grand Perceptor turned up?"

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The night after the massacre, his corpse simply vanished. It is not as if he was stolen, or as if he had simply gotten up and walked away. He vanished.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The Grand Perceptor turned up two days later, but his wounds were different.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
He bled from the eyes and mouth, but he bore a wound from a throwing star, and poison was confirmed to be present in his system.

Seishin:
It is better to entrust your spiritual well-being to someone's care than to attempt to handle it yourself... You are adept at caring for the body and the mind, but the spirit is altogether too different from us and this world to know how best to carry and revere it...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
My thoughts are that someone used this incident as a convenient method of disposing of him.

Jing:
...Hmm. Perhaps. But. Do you think that he might have known what was going on?
* Seishin blinks, then checks his ale supply before Chun suspects him of being TOO learned.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Myself as well as the Grand Protector had known about the massacre since day one, as well as the Grand Perceptor.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Honestly, I'm surprised that someone else knew the truth behind it as well.

Jing:
Right place, wrong time. *Shakes her head a bit.* But I mean... Do you think he might have known something about Phay specifically?

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The three of us agreed to keep the details a secret so as to prevent panic. Knowledge is power, but power in the hands of people who don't know what to do with it leads to confusion.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban shakes her head.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I'm uncertain.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The Grand Perceptor was an enigma to both of us, but it's possible that he was removed by Phay or his servant for knowing too much.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Or anyone else who might have perpetrated that attack.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It was brave of you to tell me, even knowing that admitting to this knowledge might implicate you in this matter.
* Jing adopts a look of deep contemplation. Truth be told, she would have agreed with Paccuban about the Grand Perceptor before this Warlock business unfolded. Indeed, perhaps the Perceptor truly was simple assassinated to spur the chaos and prevent one of the heirs from quickly claiming the throne. Or someone else entirely. After a moment, she shook her head to dispel those concerns for now. "I've been truthful with the Princess as well. This is one thing that should be told, but only to those who'd know what to do with it. I trust you to use the knowledge I've given you." She smiles a bit. "After all, you'd have to be pretty smart to get to the top."
* Grand Tutor Paccuban smiles.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
You are kind with your words.
* Chun-Hwa pulls out her sketchpad and pencil, and begins sketching the antechamber the group is in

Jing:
I'm a bit better with actions.
* Jing winks flirtatiously.

Jing:
Well, I've taken up enough of your time for the moment though. Perhaps I'll have to steal some away another time.
Avara:
jing may not always be great with words, but she's still a cunning linguist.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I appreciate the attention, but monks are supposed to be chaste.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I'd be a poor example if I fell for anyone who told me I had a pretty face, no matter how true that is, wouldn't I?
* Jing chuckles.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Thank you for talking to me. Perhaps we'll meet again.

Jing:
Indeed. It's been a pleasure.
* Jing departs for Nu to have her turn.
NEXT

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Hello, there. What would you like to talk about?
* Shimizu Nu sighs as she heads to speak with the Grand Tutor. When did she reach the point that she's peacefully talking to the leaders of a country she hated?
* Shimizu Nu takes a breath before speaking.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Hopefully, it's not as serious as that stern look you've been giving me this whole time. This is a place of peace and relaxation for anyone who enters these walls.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
And I do mean anyone, not just Nguchay.
Avara:
peace and relaxation. snrk.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
... Well, it's supposed to be, despite recent events.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
We're working on that.
Dark_Star:
Well, with Phul gone, regardless of the circumstances, that could actually happen now.

Shimizu Nu:
Oh, I just have something of an unfortunate history here in Malali.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Sadly, that is the case for a great many metalkin.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
But I understand.

Shimizu Nu:
Not what I wanted to talk to you about, but I suppose some background would help.

Shimizu Nu:
See, my parents were slaves. So was I, technically. They'd actually scrounged up enough to buy my freedom, and the bastard instead confiscated the money as "Obviously stolen," and declared that he was going to sell me as a yūjo at the end of the week.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban closes her eyes, shaking her head in dissapproval.
* Shimizu Nu still smiles, but it's blatently fake.

Shimizu Nu:
We fled, and his favored slave ran us down with his "pets."

Shimizu Nu:
My parents killed by the animals, being kept maybe a foot away from doing the same to me, one of the White Beasts servants appeared.

Shimizu Nu:
And was eviserated by one of the Black Beast's before it could finish a sentence.
Avara:
afk

Shimizu Nu:
I ran while the servant of the Black turned towards the favored and his pets.

Shimizu Nu:
My former owner's name was Mux So.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods solemnley, taking in the story.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Such abominable treatment of slaves is an unforgivable cruelty, on top of the cruelty of slavery in the first place.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It disappoints me to know that so many who pay lip service to my teachings fail to understand their meaning, and only follow those rules that suit them.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
By now, I should have grown jaded to these sorts of stories, because yours is not the only one...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
But yours is the first where two different devils intervened- one to corrupt you, and the other to save you.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Which is an interesting thing for a devil to do, indeed.

Shimizu Nu:
I fled to Tensaki, where I found Uncle. I actually spend a lot of time looking into it.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Ahasyo has told me, young one who peers into the darkness.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Before you think that I would judge you, remember that darkness and light are but two sides of the same coin- distinctions that only hold meaning so long as we impose them.
* Shimizu Nu feels her smile turn somewhat more real again.

Shimizu Nu:
I can't say I would have cared either way if you had judged me.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban smiles back.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Well, that's good. It is important to be happy with yourself.
Cador whispers: what does Nu know about the Black Beast anyway?

Chun-Hwa:
Hmm... *trying to figure out how to make the water in the sketch look more lifelike*

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Whether you are in the tropical shallows among coral and fish or in the lightless depths, you are still part of the ocean.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Everything is part of the same whole, and everything has a place in that whole. It is my hope that one day, I might see just as many of the metalkin and humanity coming here to learn the teachings of peace and kindness as there are young Nguchay nobles sent here in hopes of gaining my favor.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Not that I mind them, though. Your companion, Kamon, was one of them.
* Shimizu Nu shrugs in response.

Shimizu Nu:
I think I've gotten off track anyway.
* Jing leans close to Chun, looking over her shoulder. "Not bad so far."

Shimizu Nu:
Only came back because there might still be family for me to find here. Since I was heading back, Uncle asked me to try finding the pieces of the Mirror of the Architect so it might be properly restored.

Shimizu Nu:
I check in the library, but several pages of it were ripped out, probably by the warlock.
Cador:
pages about it*
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods.

Chun-Hwa:
Hmm? Oh, thanks.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
A noble work, but the peices of that mirror have been taken by the influential of Malali, because they fear the power it might contain.

Jing:
But still not good as you, I'm afraid.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The king who broke it thought it was cursed with a malevolent magic, because it showed him visions of death, disease, and ruin.

Shimizu Nu:
Ironic.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Since then, it has been passed down between the royal family and their most trusted advisors.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
That way, should they ever need the mirror's power, they must agree unanimously to use it.
* Chun-Hwa blushes, and tries to hide her face with her sketchpad

Shimizu Nu:
One of the intact pages mentioned that there was a piece there, yes. Another should be in the old Grand monastery, but the rest about it was ripped out of the book.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
However, I'm sorry to say that I never received my peice of the mirror. It was lost with the old monastery when Malali sank.
* Shimizu Nu blows at the hair covering her face.

Shimizu Nu:
Suppose I should have guessed.
* Jing smiles and leans back. Ah, she missed that. Hitomi & Paccuban had their charms, but Chun's reaction was simply too cute.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The one belonging to the royal family is currently in the care of what remains of the royal guard.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
As far as I'm aware, the Grand Protector has his shard of the mirror, but you may have trouble convincing him to let you restore it, thanks to... political differences.
Avara:
afk-ier. feel free to proceed however far without me. have to help family with stupid chore shit that they apparently couldn't fucking wait a day to do

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
And I'm afraid that nobody knows where the Grand Perceptor's shard of the mirror was.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The Grand Perceptor was a secretive man in life, and remains so in death.

Shimizu Nu:
Eh, if nothing else I could possibly use one of the other shards to try locating it.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I am aware that the artifact never truly belonged to us, and it belongs in the hands of the scholars of your people, as a part of your culture.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I will speak to Chau about this when I can, and I have a feeling she will see it the same way.

Shimizu Nu:
And yet those that proceeded you still held onto their shard.

Shimizu Nu:
Regardless, thank you for your time.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban shakes her head.
* Shimizu Nu bows respectfully.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Please, I am not my predescessors.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
As you are not yours.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I wish you luck on your journey.
ANYONE ELSE
* Dark_Star is too busy trying and failing to hide her blushing to talk to Paccuban
* Chun-Hwa is too busy trying and failing to hide her blushing to talk to Paccuban
Dark_Star:
ONE OF THESE DAYS I WILL NOTICE WHETHER I'M IMPERSONATING OR NOT
Witch:
eeeventually

Jing:
Ah, Nu. Find out what you needed to?

Shimizu Nu:
Pretty much, yeah.
FoxtrotTango:
SHOOT
VinnyDonuts:
is seishin gonna blab with the grand poobah about beer for an hour
FoxtrotTango:
nooooooo
FoxtrotTango:
Can we take a quick break so I can eat my food and wash my mouth out before RPan
VinnyDonuts:
k
FoxtrotTango:
Thanku
Witch:
I actually just finished eating mine
Witch:
Time to get some ice cream
Witch:
I have ice cream
FoxtrotTango:
Sorry about that, had to wash the mouth out
FoxtrotTango:
And Seishin would love to talk with the wise lady
VinnyDonuts:
VROOM

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Hello, Seishin. What did you want to talk to me about?

Seishin:
Mmm! I did wish to speak about... the spirits. The souls of those who have left us, and the youkai that wander the realm.

Seishin:
You said that Phul's ghost... did not exist to speak to, yes?
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods solemnly.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
We would have pleaded to Ahasyo to allow us to speak to him although it is unsavory, because the circumstances surround his death are suspicious, but it seems something got to him before we did.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Either his murderer took his soul, or he really did give in to despair and hurled himself into the rocks, only to attract the attention of a devil.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
He was a strong and proud martial artist, and he would be stronger still if a dark spirit such as a devil corrupted him.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I had always hoped he would outgrow his self-importance, but instead it seems that it was his downfall... How sad.

Seishin:
Very troubling indeed... All men are plagued with problems, but not all of them are of a man's own soul... It is a dear shame...

Seishin:
I must ask, Grand Tutor... do you commune with the spirits of the realm?

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I'm afraid that's a vague question. Spirits come in many forms, whether they be divine servants, ghosts, devils, or youkai.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It could be thought that the Dragons themselves are spirits, so if you asked any of my students, they would say yes.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I have a feeling you mean something more specific.

Seishin:
I apologize... It has been a trying day for my battered mind, hoho...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
We live in interesting times, don't we?

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Sometimes, it's hard to remember why that has always been considered a curse until you experience it yourself.

Seishin:
What I mean are... there are essences who appear to me and provide guidance. They have given direction to my wayward life, but to what end, who can say?

Seishin:
And yet... Grand Tutor, with a creature existing that can slay such creatures... I fear for them. I have been content to follow their path blindly until now... but I wish to protect them. It is a hard song to follow when you do not know the words, haha...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Hm...

Seishin:
I do not know whether I ask for guidance or direction... or simply peace of mind.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The spirit companion who travels with you, Seishin...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Ahasyo has granted me clarity, and I saw a vision of a woman and her two friends.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
One of them looked into the darkness, and unleashed a power he did not understand. Spirits that you might know as Oni took his body, as well as his friends'.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
They were bound to their most prized possessions, forced to serve their captors as mere items.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Only one managed to escape, and find her way to you, with a little help from a merchant who owed her a favor.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
If you wish to protect those spirits that provide you guidance, do as you always have, and walk down the path you are most confident in.

Seishin:
Mmmm... I will do as you say. These spirits have given my life meaning where there may have been none... I am not going to question their agenda when I owe them so...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Do not speak as if your life would have had no meaning otherwise, Seishin.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
The purpose of life is to be happy.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
No matter what other people might say, I think you're rather successful in that respect.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban smiles warmly.

Seishin:
I... yes, that is true. That is how I live every day, and I am fulfilled with every day... I am unsure of why I spoke that way, honestly, haha...
* Seishin blushes a bit, wondering a bit at his own temperament now.

Seishin:
Mmm... My questions are quite immaterial... But... Ha, forgive me, Grand Tutor. My ambitions are limited to wine and warm mats. I have no idea what to do with myself when offered questions to one as enlightened as yourself...
* Seishin bows apologetically, nearly tripping over his own foot.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban walks up and claps Seishin on the shoulder.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
How about, "Would you like a drink?"

Seishin:
Oh? Would you?
* Seishin pulls out a bottle as if on reflex.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban laughs happily.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It would be nice to have a good drink before you leave, yes. I have a feeling I'm not going to see much of that sort of thing suring my stay here!

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I am just a mortal like yourself. Please, don't be intimidated by me or my standing.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I'm just a person trying to make sense of this crazy world like anyone else.

Seishin:
Ah, haha, indeed! Perhaps the most sensible thing is just to enjoy it!
* Seishin prepares a draft for the Grand Tutor before he goes, gratified to share in the experience.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Now you're talking!
VinnyDonuts:
I feel like we don't need to roleplay out them having a beer and shooting the shit for a while.
FoxtrotTango:
Nope.
FoxtrotTango:
Let's get these heroes back on the road~
VinnyDonuts:
Indeed.
Paccuban walks back with Seishin once they're done talking so she can see the group off, but before she does...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Kamon, may I speak to you for a moment?
* Seishin is back to his usual drunk zone of happily sloshed, though he seems to be carrying himself a little better than he used to.

Kamon:
"Certainly."
* Kamon goes to speak with Grand Tutor Paccuban.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban takes Kamon aside, not especially wanting privacy, but more just as a quick one-on-one sort of thing.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I am aware that you no longer walk down Ahasyo's path, but the being who has empowered you is a kind one.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It matters not to me what path you walk, so long as it is a path of kindness, and for that much, I am proud of you.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Do not allow anyone else to tell you that you are worth anything less for following the teachings of a mortal god.
* Grand Tutor Paccuban speaks a little lower.

Chun-Hwa:
« 1d20+5 = 1 + 5 = 6 » (Craft: Sketch for the finished sketch of the Grand Monastery's entry room)

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
(Besides, I think maybe the divine dragon himself could learn a few lessons in that department.)
* Chun-Hwa was too distracted by Jing's flirts and accidentally ruined it
Actually, Chun's sketch is beautiful, but right as she goes to pack it up she fumbles it and it somehow lands in one of the fountains, irreparable ruined.
Aww, man.

Chun-Hwa:
...Aaaaah...
* Kamon smirks a little bit. "This is what I was hoping to discuss in correspondence, in fact. You might understand my trepidation of discussing such matters in the temple of Ahasyo himself. Cirvoya, however, is definitely a respectable and kind Goddess. Though she enjoys leaving her followers with riddles and mysteries to unravel."

Kamon:
"She's the one who visited the monastery, exposing the stagnation and hypocrisy, before leaving her mark on me and setting me on my current path."
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I was away at the time, but I heard the story.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
She saved you from falling off the very same cliff that proved to be Phul's end...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Ironic, isn't it?

Kamon:
"I mentioned such earlier, yes. I suspect he was tossed hence by the warlock because it would be a believable irony--penance by tossing himself from that cliff in acknowledgement of wrongs done to others."
* Grand Tutor Paccuban nods.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
In any case, I beleive your companions have been waiting to leave for some time. I think Monk Tai has taken to counting the amount of tiles in the ceiling...

Shimizu Nu:
Ooo, that sucks.

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
I'd feel bad about keeping them any longer.
* Kamon rattles off the number of tiles off-hand.

Kamon:
"I memorized them early on in my stay."

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
It's a good meditation techique, isn't it?
* Jing winces slightly after seeing Chun drop her drawing.

Kamon:
"Before we leave, would you do me one favor? Do you have a spell that might save the drawing that Chun dropped? What water harms, water might yet heal."

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Uh...

Grand Tutor Paccuban:
Some lessons have to be learned the hard way?
* Grand Tutor Paccuban shrugs.
* Kamon shrugs back.
Avara:
time to depart?
AND THUS, THE GROUP SPENT HALF OF THE SESSION TALKING TO THIS COOL WATERKIN LADY.
JUST AS PLANNED
Avara:
yes, that's how people do
Dark_Star:
By some fluke of cosmic bad luck luck, not only was the ink ruined, but completely washed off the paper, and drained almost instantaneously. There's no getting that back, not without a literal Miracle spell.
VinnyDonuts:
Sometimes, not even a high-level spellcaster can solve a natural 1.
As The Grand Tutor said, a boat was prepared for you on the monastery's dime to transport ou back to Kleux and Sky Lily Palace.
Avara:
yay, we're home~
* Avara flops on the bed
Hitomi isn't there to greet you this time, and you're left for a day to your own devices.
On the second day, an unusual visitor arrives.

Moderate Mercenary:
Um... Hello? Is anyone here?
FoxtrotTango:
Bah not this MapTool stuff again
FoxtrotTango:
Brb
Gensh:
KNOCK KNOCK, IT'S KNUCKLES
FoxtrotTango is disconnected.
FoxtrotTango has connected.
FoxtrotTango:
back
FoxtrotTango:
.
VinnyDonuts:
.
Cador:
.
Avara:
,
* Jing is currently off in the kitchen, preparing a meal.
* Kamon wasn't doing a whole lot, so she answers the door.

Kamon:
"Hello? Can I help you?"

Moderate Mercenary:
Um... Hi, you're Kamon, right?
* Seishin is sleeping in the land of hops and brewskis.

Chun-Hwa:
...

Moderate Mercenary:
A letter arrived at the inn. It's addressed to Jing.

Kamon:
"Yes, I'm Kamon. Would you like to come in and deliver the letter personally?"
* Chun-Hwa sighs and starts cleaning up the emptied bottles, wondering how Seishin had managed to get past the lock they'd put on the brewery door.

Moderate Mercenary:
Oh! Uh, sure.
* Seishin is curled up among the bottles like a baby among his favorite stuffed animals.

Chun-Hwa:
Oh right, he was the one who paid for the lock...

Moderate Mercenary:
Wow, this is a nice place you guys have here. This really used to be that haunted old mansion?
* Kamon leads Moderate Mercenary Mercury to Jing's room. "Oh, it's still haunted. We just made friends with the spirit."

Moderate Mercenary:
...

Moderate Mercenary:
are you sure you don't want to give her the letter yourself i mean i don't want to impose
* Jing steps out of the kitchen, eating some grilled fish that she'd caught out of the pond.

Chun-Hwa:
Well, I guess this gives me a reason to start up a new batch of Sake.

Kamon:
"The spirit's quite happy nowadays. But if you're scared, I can take the missive off your hands."
* Moderate Mercenary straightens up at the words "Scared"

Moderate Mercenary:
W-What! I'm not scared!

Seishin:
-hic- Hahaha... There once was a monk who shlept in a bunk, 'e took a big dunk an' they called him Betsy.
* Seishin stops abruptly as he breaks the rhyme scheme.
* Seishin then starts snoring again.

Moderate Mercenary:
I'm a mercenary from the Plastered Pixie Mercenary company, and we're not afraid of nothing or nobody!
* Moderate Mercenary marches in.
* Kamon follows along. "Jing, letter!"
* Moderate Mercenary walks down the hallway, spotting Jing and recognizing her immediately.
* Jing started to walk off to her own room after finishing the fish, but looks back as Kamon calls out.
* Chun-Hwa then lines up the various emptied bottles and jugs with the others for refilling, before going to check on the batch of sake she'd been working on with a more traditional method

Moderate Mercenary:
Ho! The boss sent me to deliver this letter, adressed to you, personally.

Jing:
To me? Well, alright then.
* Jing steps up to the guard to take the letter.
* Moderate Mercenary hands the letter over proudly.
* Shimizu Nu is going over some notes in her room.

Moderate Mercenary:
Apparently, the writer prefered not to write her name, and signed it "The Bandit Beauty" instead.

Moderate Mercenary:
A friend of yours?
* Jing takes the letter and nods to the guard with an amused grin. "Something like that. Thanks for the delivery."
* Moderate Mercenary looks around.

Moderate Mercenary:
Wow, it's even nicer on the inside. I feel a bit silly for feeling nervous...

Sky Lily:
BOO

Moderate Mercenary:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Jing:
snrk

Shimizu Nu:
Hm?
* Shimizu Nu puts her notes away and goes to investigate the scream.
* Kamon chuckles a bit.

Kamon:
"Hello, Sky Lily."

Shimizu Nu:
Something happen? I heard a scream.

Sky Lily:
Not scared of nothing or nobody, huh? Have people really forgotten about me that quickly?

Moderate Mercenary:
DON'T EAT ME I DON'T TASTE GOOD

Moderate Mercenary:
I SPEND ALL DAY IN THIS ARMOR I'M ALL SWEATY AND GROSS

Kamon:
"Sky Lily's just teasing the mercenary who delivered Jing's letter."
* Jing steps away and opens up the letter to read it.
* Seishin rolls over in his sleep.

Seishin:
There was a boat and his name was Steve-hic-
The letter reads, "Dear Jing, I would love to say I'm writing to you today because I'd love to tell you about the Laughing Oni's success- Sadly, it's quite the opposite."
"Bo and I bought a building in town and went to work making our new home, and everyone was happy to help, but just when we thought things were going well, a group of thugs knocked down our door. Funny how it feels now that the shoe's on the other foot, huh?"
"We picked this town because it was lawless and we could dissappear, but we had no idea it was this bad. This band of thugs running everything around here... they're bleeding everyone dry, and they'll kill us if we try to leave."
"We can fight, but there are way too many of them. I'm sorry to ask another favor of you, but we need your help."
"- The Bandit Beauty"
VinnyDonuts:
yes they do say what town it is
Witch:
brb

Seishin:
There once... was... a MAN! -hic, snore-
It comes with a couple of gold coins, and a small map detailing the location of a city called Xachya.

Chun-Hwa:
WAKE UP, SEISHIN! *dumps a bucket of water over seishin's head; she'd filled it up using a pump in corner of the brewery*
It's on the northwest coast of Neumai, the second island.
Avara:
sounds like it's time to BUST SOME HEADS

Seishin:
BLAUGH
* Seishin flails from the water, sending drops everywhere.

Seishin:
WHY YOU DO THAT

Chun-Hwa:
Because it's past noon.

Seishin:
...W-Which noon?
IT'S HIIIIGH NOOON
* Chun-Hwa hands him his flask so he can get his morning drink

Chun-Hwa:
The noon where you're expected to be awake by.
VinnyDonuts:
everyone roll reflex to duck behind cover
* Seishin grabs onto the flask and bowls over with it like a cat and a ball of yarn, drinking rapidly.
* Seishin quickly wakes up!

Seishin:
Aaaah, THAT noon! Haha, le's go!

Chun-Hwa:
Hey guys. Seishin was sleeping in the brewery this time, so our dinner drinks are gonna be spread a little thin until my next batch is done.

Seishin:
Oops, hahaha~
Avara:
« 1d20+6 = 7 + 6 = 13 »

Seishin:
Q-Quit getting in between me and the door, WALL!
VinnyDonuts:
maybe hold off until witch gets back
VinnyDonuts:
so he doesn't have much to catch up on
FoxtrotTango:
Sorry, I thought everyone was waiting on me
Dark_Star:
Geez, I didn't even notice Witch's BRB until just now when I scrolled up to see what his last message was. >_
Avara:
an amusing note: this game lasts long enough that i have to take two ADHD pills. one at the start, one in the middle.
Dark_Star:
hah
Witch:
Back. I swear, just when I thought I wasn't gonna have family interruptions tonight
VinnyDonuts:
rip
Dark_Star:
s'alright.

Jing:
Ah, good timing you two.
* Jing looks up at Nu and Chun

Chun-Hwa:
Mmm?

Jing:
Seems our lady friend from the first job up here has run into a spot of trouble and needs some help.

Kamon:
"Alright."
Suddenly, a vision starts flickering into view.

Fancy-looking man:
Hello? Hellooo? Am I using this thing right?

Chun-Hwa:
Got- ...Who the heck...?

Fancy-looking man:
I am? Oh, it's- Oh! Ahem.
* Jing blinks.

Seishin:
M-More spirits!
* Fancy-looking man looks around getting his bearings.

Fancy-looking man:
Yes, hello, I am Ling Dao Mang.

Shimizu Nu:
Huh.

Ling Dao Mang:
I work for the princess as her advisor. You must be the mercenaries she hired.

Ling Dao Mang:
Jing is the one who usually does the talking right? I was told to look for the woman with the horns, yes, that's you. Pleasure to meet you.
* Ling Dao Mang genuflects, showing off his ring with Chau's seal.
* Kamon raises an eyebrow.
Dark_Star:
Considering we got not one but technically two visitors it's a good thing none of the characters did that thing where you walk around your house wearing the absolute bare minimum, safe in the knowledge of not expecting visitors.

Jing:
Right. Bit of an odd way to meet, but yes. That's me.

Ling Dao Mang:
Well, I'm quite the busy man, you see, so I don't have the time to go all the way out to Klex to meet you.

Ling Dao Mang:
It's Klex, right? Am I saying right? Oh, it's Kleux.

Ling Dao Mang:
Kloo-ks. Got it.
* Ling Dao Mang appears to be talking to someone else you can't see.

Kamon:
"Maybe you should let your manservant do the talking for you?"
* Ling Dao Mang chooses to ignore that little quip.
* Jing isn't quite certain if he's just being a bit airheaded or an actor forgetting a script. « 1d20+16 = 10 + 16 = 26 » (Sense Motive)
He seems genuine enough, if a bit odd.
He's not trying to deceive you.

Ling Dao Mang:
Ahem, yes. I come with a mission for you. You see, while our princess is competing for the throne, she's a bit... Naive. Not willing to play dirty, do what needs to be done. That's why she hired me, and it's supposedly why she hired you, but she's not really sent you to do that sort of thing yet, has she?
* Jing looks at him pointedly.

Ling Dao Mang:
... Yes, to the point, then.

Ling Dao Mang:
I don't know if you know how these things work, but essentially, one of the candidates needs to curry the favor of a significant majority of noble houses in order to be recognized as the emperor, or the empress, as the case might be. It's best we do things this way to avoid civil war, you see?

Ling Dao Mang:
The problem is, we're locked in quite the bit of a sticky stalemate. Good news for us, I've recently received word that one of Bao's supporters has a very, very large shipment of military-grade goods going to one of the southern islands.

Ling Dao Mang:
Wouldn't it be a terrible shame if someone went and dumped all of that in the water?
Dark_Star:
And there it is.

Jing:
Quite. Where is it bound?
Dark_Star:
Our first black-ops mission.

Kamon:
"If you don't mind a moment's interruption, which noble families are supporting which candidate?"

Ling Dao Mang:
Ah, it's headed for, hmm...
* Ling Dao Mang leans over, causing his arm to vanish, and comes back with a pair of glasses as he peers at a map somewhere.

Ling Dao Mang:
Yes it's headed to the sixth island, Helk.

Ling Dao Mang:
Now, you see, the ships are large and slow, so if you get there quickly enough, you should be able to ambush them.

Ling Dao Mang:
Of course, all of this is off the books, so you can't go mentioning this to the princess, she'll be terribly distraught.

Ling Dao Mang:
That's what I'm here for, yes?

Ling Dao Mang:
Lovely.

Ling Dao Mang:
Any questions?

Jing:
Quite. Will it be crossing Neumai? We've got a bit of business to handle there. Should be short and sweet.
* Kamon waits quietly, as she did ask a question.
He appears to be ignoring Kamon.

Ling Dao Mang:
Neumai that's... to the north, right? Yes, the north, I can't understand this Nguchay penmanship...

Ling Dao Mang:
No, it won't be.

Jing:
Hm. What's the predicted date for its arrival?
Avara:
let's split up, gang~

Ling Dao Mang:
Hm... If you went to the arrival port as soon as you could, you would have a couple of days to relax and unwind. Not suggesting you prepare an ambush or anything, no...
* Seishin sits down and ponders the situation! Or maybe he's just taking another drink!

Jing:
Understood. I'll keep a tight time schedule. Additionally to prep for the future, I'd like a list of the ranking Nobility and where they stand on the current state of affairs. It's important to know what favors we'll have available for certain... sorts of missions in the future

Ling Dao Mang:
Of course, of course.

Ling Dao Mang:
It's been a pleasure. Toodles!
* Ling Dao Mang winks out of existence.

Jing:
Goodbye.

Kamon:
"So. Can we set something up so that never happens again?"

Sky Lily:
How about next time he tries that, I scare the living daylights out of him?

Jing:
Hopefully. Unfortunately the shugenja I know that don't hate me is a continent away.

Sky Lily:
He seems like he'd be fun to mess with.

Moderate Mercenary:
You're still here?!

Kamon:
"Sky Lily, maybe you can reroute all such visitations to the lake in the back yard? And find a way to make them feel like they're drowning."

Sky Lily:
I am here.

Seishin:
The spirits are all around you, young man! Hahaha!

Moderate Mercenary:
... I'm still here?

Kamon:
"The entire palace is Sky Lily's body. Yes, you're still here too."

Jing:
At any rate. We're helping Achara first. It'll cut close, but we'll have time to both aid her and complete our mission. The latter will of course be closer to piracy by the time we'd arrive.

Chun-Hwa:
...Were you hoping for a tip?

Moderate Mercenary:
maybe

Kamon:
"Would you like to be awesome and help us defeat bandits that are being terrible to people?"

Moderate Mercenary:
... Also, you guys are working for the princess now?

Jing:
I'd suggest Tai to handle giving him the 'tip', but he's not here

Kamon:
"More hands make for quicker work, easing the tight schedule."

Moderate Mercenary:
Huh. Sweet gig.

Jing:
Quite.
* Chun-Hwa gives the Moderate Mercenary enough of a tip for a mug of Mead at the Plastered Pixie

Moderate Mercenary:
Cheers!

Seishin:
I wish I knew what was happening, hahaha~ -drinks-

Jing:
Take care.

Moderate Mercenary:
I'll, uh, see myself out.
* Moderate Mercenary sees himself out.

Chun-Hwa:
Take care!

Moderate Mercenary:
Thanks!

Kamon:
"Hrm."
* Kamon disapproves.
Witch:
Hm?

Jing:
Hm?

Kamon:
"A mercenary who doesn't even pause to consider work that involves helping people in need."

Jing:
He's a Guard for Kleux foremost
VinnyDonuts:
He has obligations here.

Kamon:
"He could have said as much."

Chun-Hwa:
We're honestly kinda unique as far as mercenaries go.

Jing:
...You forgot, didn't you?

Seishin:
Yeah! We work for drink! Haha!

Sky Lily:
Isn't it just you who works for drink?

Kamon:
"Also I'm a bit short of temper at the moment, after our home was invaded. Anyone who can force in a 'message' manifestation can spy on us too. Or worse."
VinnyDonuts:
to be fair you didn't pay for anti-divination wards

Seishin:
-hic- M-Maybe! What's the job again?

Kamon:
"Anyone WILLING to do so is showing us the least possible respect."
VinnyDonuts:
those cost extra

Chun-Hwa:
...Maybe I should sleep a bit more fully clothed until we can set up some wards against that sort of thing...

Jing:
Quite. We'll have to see if one of the Shugenja in the Company can add on some anti-scrying measures.

Jing:
That'll cost a shiny gold though.

Jing:
And Chun, if you're worried, you can always sleep with me.

Kamon:
"Considering our current enemy, and potential future enemies, I'll chip in all the money I have to ensure we're not vulnerable in this way."

Sky Lily:
I was about to say, I don't think you'd have much of a choice with Jing around...
Avara:
basically if gakupo the black ops leader can invade our home so easy, so can phay
VinnyDonuts:
good thing the first guy (you know of) who did this was just rude instead of malicious
FoxtrotTango:
We need a firewall.

Kamon:
"How much will it cost to get a ward installed that covers the entire grounds?"

Seishin:
Wait...

Chun-Hwa:
... *almost seems to think on the offer, before her face goes bright red* A-anyway, so, how soon should we head out? And yeah, we should figure out the cost of that.

Seishin:
Someone can teleport... and steal all of my beer?!

Kamon:
"Jing, if you're going to bed Chun-Hwa, I'll need time to ready the bed in my own room. Since I haven't been using it."

Jing:
Nonsense, I'll take you both at the same time.

Chun-Hwa:
...

Jing:
And for the challenge, why not add in Nu?

Kamon:
"I'm still not ready for such actions."
* Chun-Hwa 's blush has now turned incandescent

Kamon:
"I'm sure Chun would welcome the offer. Nu, what do you say to Jing's proposition?"

Shimizu Nu:
Buh?

Kamon:
"Jing. Wants. To. Sex. All. Of. Us."

Kamon:
"Do. You. Want. In?"
* Jing just grins deviantly all the while.

Kamon:
"As I said, I'll be passing on the offer for the time being."

Seishin:
Ha! Monks are chaste! I don't give a bunk!

Sky Lily:
Mortals are weird.
* Shimizu Nu raises a finger and opens her mouth, only to close it and bring her finger up to her mouth in a thoughtful expression.
* Chun-Hwa just continues to stand there, blushing so brightly you could almost use her as a light-source.
VinnyDonuts:
Hm... It's getting late.
* Seishin blinks at his drink, and then puts his bottle down.

Seishin:
H-Hold on.

Seishin:
What is the job?! Nobody told me! -hic-
* Shimizu Nu finally shrugs.
* Kamon waits for Nu's answer.

Shimizu Nu:
Maybe later.
Meanwhile, Tai has been in the shrine "waxing the floors", whatever that means.
It means he's literally been waxing the floors.

Kamon:
"So would you mind if I bunk with you while Chun enjoys Jing's company?"
It looks really nice and Tai seems a bit more confident than usual while he's about the house.

Kamon:
"Seishin, we'll explain the job on the road."
In any case, you should probably leave on the first ship you can get if you want to make this at all timely.

Kamon:
"Jing, as a question. Have you had that conversation we discussed beforehand?"

Shimizu Nu:
Well I mean don't we have stuff to do? It'd be better if we waited on any such thing until after this mission, since we'll want to be well-rested for it.

Jing:
Ah, right. Slipped my mind after we got called to the Temple.

Kamon:
"Jing needs to have a discussion with Chun regardless. But I doubt a day's ride on horseback and boat would stop her."

Shimizu Nu:
Well yeah probably not Jing, I'm talking more Chun and I.
something something morooka quote
* Seishin stumbles through the mansion, sitting down on the rock and wondering what the heck is happening and where that young boy with the fox is.
VinnyDonuts:
he's somewhere else because i'm trying to move on to the last bit quickly

Kamon:
"I could use a cure spell to help you if you feel it's prudent."
FoxtrotTango:
THE DISAPPEARING GUY KIDNAPPED HIM
Avara:
LET'S KILL HIM
Avara:
AND TAKE HIS STUFF
FoxtrotTango:
If I see him again I'm breaking a bottle in his CERVIX.

Kamon:
"On a more serious note, Jing? Once you get that list, I'd like to see whatever information you've gathered on the movements and actions of different noble families."
* Chun-Hwa finally seems to have recovered from her Jing-induced mental reset
* Kamon is ready to leave and just enjoying toying with her companions. Like Chun.

Jing:
Already intended to.
He's actually tending the zen garden, to limited success.

Shen Wu:
Artist, you keep wrecking my lines!
Avara:
clearly the artist wants to finally live up to his name
* Artist looks like he's trying to wrestle the sand-rake out of Shen's hands, evidently displeased with his sloppy rakemanship.
Avara:
RUDY, DRAW SOMETHING

Chun-Hwa:
Right, so, I should probably head to my room and make sure everything's in place in my bag.

Kamon:
"Don't forget a scroll of... what would the spell be, Jing?"

Seishin:
Oooh, hoho, there you are, my boy!
VinnyDonuts:
Oh, that's actually a good question. Are you bringing Shen along?

Seishin:
How are you doing?
Avara:
« 1d20 = 8 » knowledge untrained for the name for a pregnancy prevention spell
FoxtrotTango:
I dunno, nobody told Sei what the dang job is
* Jing shrugs. "I'm not a shugenja."

Shen Wu:
Oh! uh...

Shen Wu:
I've been learning a lot from Sky Lily.

Shen Wu:
She's... He? I don't know what Sky Lily prefers to be called.

Seishin:
Oh? I fought a lot of monks that thought I was a bad guy, haha!

Seishin:
I thought they were dragons for a moment! I think I knocked one out in a single blow, haha!
* Shen Wu doesn't act at all surprised that Seishin is capable of punching someone out in a single strike.

Jing:
Anyways, I do have something to talk to you about before I head into town for a bit, Chun

Shen Wu:
I've learned a couple spells since you've been away.

Chun-Hwa:
Um... alright.

Seishin:
Ah, very good! Tell me of your exploits, young one!

Shen Wu:
I've thought about some things you said, and, well, if someone comes here to try and steal something, I have to be able to defend the house instead of just try to scare them off or run away, right?

Shen Wu:
I mean, I'd try to scare them first, especially since this place is supposed to be haunted by an evil ghost...

Shen Wu:
But if that doesn't work, I have this!
* Shen Wu brings out a charm which carelessly flies out of his hands, and as soon as it leaves his hand, it turns into a blast of electrical energy, making a cracking boom and a blinding flash of light as it strikes the Shrine's lightning rod.

Shen Wu:
eep

Sky Lily:
HEY! WATCH IT, KID!

Sky Lily:
DON'T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE AND TAKE THOSE AWAY!

Shen Wu:
Uh...

Shen Wu:
I have that.

Shen Wu:
I'll be more careful next time, I promise.

Seishin:
Oops...
* Seishin whispers to Shen "Well done!" and gives him a discreet thumbs-up.
Yes, everyone in the house heard that.

Chun-Hwa:
...
It was a thunderclap, it's pretty loud.

Shimizu Nu:
I-wha?

Jing:
...What was that?
* Kamon jumps at the noise.

Seishin:
U-Uhm... How is the little fox one? -tries to goad the Artist into playing with him-
The artist has successfully commandeered the rake and is properly tending to the sand garden.

Sky Lily:
Oh, that was just the kid shooting lightning into the sky.

Seishin:
Mmm... Sometimes life moves so swiftly, eh?

Chun-Hwa:
Oh, okay...

Seishin:
Sometimes it is best to stand in the garden and rake...

Sky Lily:
Don't worry, he hit the shrine. Nothing's damaged.

Shimizu Nu:
...It's a good thing we set up that lightning rod isn't it?

Sky Lily:
Trust me, he knows what happens if he breaks something.
* Sky Lily says ominously.

Kamon:
"Sky, please don't break the apprentice too badly."

Chun-Hwa:
o_o

Sky Lily:
Oh, I'm joking~!

Sky Lily:
Psssssh

Seishin:
Rather than stand indoors and listen to the masters of the house plot and scheme about how long they will be sleeping, haha!

Kamon:
"I'm not. He's just a kid, and he needs to learn to defend himself. Some discipline is good, but not too much."

Shen Wu:
Yeah, well, all I can say is that I'm glad I have a seperate room I can stay in that's not in the main building.

Seishin:
Why would one enter a sleeping contest? It sounds quite dull!

Shen Wu:
... Yeah.

Seishin:
I nap on the roof! It is serene in there, completely elementary!
* Shen Wu decides not to pursue the subject.

Seishin:
And I can sleep as long or as little as I want!
* Seishin takes a big swig.

Kamon:
"Ultimately I think it's up to Seishin if we leave Shen here or not. Since that's who he's apprenticed himself to. I just want to be sure that you and he won't get into an argument, or anything of the sort, Sky Lily. I sort of consider myself responsible for you both."

Sky Lily:
Ah, fine. I'll go easy on the kid.

Sky Lily:
He's an eager learner, though.

Sky Lily:
He polished all the floors without questioning me once!

Sky Lily:
I mean, it had nothing to do with his training, I just wanted him to polish the floors, but hey, he did it.

Kamon:
"Probably because he respects you, fears you, and had little better to do."

Sky Lily:
Then I showed him how to shoot lighting.
* Kamon smirks. "Shooting lightning IS fun."

Jing:
Anyways. I'll actually run into town first and have that chat afterwords. I'm certain we won't be going until tomorrow at the earliest though.

Chun-Hwa:
Alright.

Kamon:
"You could bring Chun with you. And talk on the road. It would give you privacy."

Jing:
I'll be back in a bit.

Jing:
Hm. Do you want to, Chun?

Kamon:
"I'll make sure Seishin is caught up on what we're doing."

Chun-Hwa:
...Yeah, sure. If we aren't leaving until tomorrow, I've got plenty of time to check my bag.
* Kamon walks out to the back to find Seishin and Shen.

Jing:
Come on. I'm in the mood for a nice walk anyways.

Shimizu Nu:
...Come to think of it I still need to grab those sleeves of garments I ordered.

Kamon:
"Seishin. We're preparing to move out on another job or two. One, the people that Shen was with when we met them need help, so we're going to visit their town and stop tyrant bandits from being bandit tyrants. We don't have all the details, but it's urgent. After that, we have some covert work to do for the princess. Supposedly."

Jing:
Come on along too then.
VinnyDonuts:
Yes, yes you do.

Seishin:
Oh? Haha! Did they start up that bar they wanted? -takes a swig-
* Shimizu Nu follows Chun and Jing, but keeps a respectable distance to allow their privacy.

Shen Wu:
Wait, they started trouble in the new town? I thought they said they were going honest...
* Shen Wu is evidently confused.
* Jing doesn't talk for a bit, seeming to both take in the fresh air while considering how to start with what she wanted to say. In a way, it did sort of concern Nu as well. Though in a tertiary fashion. "Hm... I think it wouldn't be a stretch to say that I've said about the bare minimum of my past by now. Even regarding the why and how I came to wield this demonic sword of mine."

Kamon:
"They're the ones being attacked by bandits, Shen."

Kamon:
"It's a situation reversal. Yes, they did start up their new bar. They were getting a fresh start, but the town's been taken over."

Shen Wu:
Oh... Karma, huh?

Jing:
I've lived, I've loved, I've killed, I've saved, I've stolen and lied, I've recovered and told the truth. 92 is a long time to live and I've got something like a couple hundred left.
* Jing chuckles a bit.

Jing:
Don't know how I'm gonna fill 'em, that's for sure.
* Seishin was sitting silent.
* Seishin suddenly springs up to a standing position.

Kamon:
"Karma is a good way to put it. Luckily, they have good friends--us--that they can call on for help."

Seishin:
I'm going to best those bandits!

Seishin:
No brigand gets between a bar and its passengers!

Kamon:
"Seishin, Shen, you should discuss if Shen will be coming with us or not."
* Seishin shotguns the rest of his wine, face breaking out into a hot drunken blush.

Shen Wu:
Uh... If it's alright with you, I'd like to come. I want to be able to show you guys what I've learned and thank you for your help.

Seishin:
I'm bringing... -hic- Bringing... I'm bringing... -looks over at Shen- H-How old're you?

Shen Wu:
Uh... 16.

Seishin:
...
* Seishin hiccups.

Seishin:
Close 'nuff!

Shen Wu:
I know, I look younger than that. Everyone tells me that.

Kamon:
"It's the pouty expression on your face."

Seishin:
I'mma teach you... how to commune with the spirits... an'... t' kick drunk arse! -hic-
* Shen Wu looks a little hurt and pouts.

Kamon:
"Look in the pond if you want proof."
* Chun-Hwa blinks slightly at hearing Jing's age. She'd always figured the Oni was probably a good bit older than her, but... she was actually younger than Chun's estimate.

Jing:
...Anyways. There's also certain things I've done that I... Well, I can't quite help myself. Whether its some compulsion of lineage or the like, I don't know. Every time I see an attractive woman for one thing. *Briefly looks back to smile at both Chun and Nu on that note.* And well, I have quite the libido to be blunt. I've had many lovers over the years, some that have been simply I and one other and some that have been, well, I and others. At the same time, even.

Jing:
I suppose what I'm wanting to say is this. I'm quite serious about bedding all three of you at once, y'know. *Grins mischeviously.* Though, that's also only if it's accepted and wanted. I'm not real oni.

Seishin:
When do we go? When do I throw bar stools into bandit faces?

Jing:
Kamon's made her position clear after a point. So, what about the two of you?
* Chun-Hwa feels the blush coming on again, but after taking a few breaths and letting them out slowly, she finally gives the offer some real, serious thought. Not that she hadn't considered it before, but it seemed now she had to give a definite answer.
* Shimizu Nu shrugs.

Chun-Hwa:
...I think... Um...
* Chun-Hwa looks away, blushing somewhat as she gathers her thoughts

Chun-Hwa:
...I guess... I wouldn't mind it too much...
* Jing grins mischeviously yet again before slowing a bit to fall in line with Chun. She raises a hand to cup the metalkin's chin before placing a soft kiss on her lips. "I'm happy that you're willing to try~. But don't feel like you have push yourself either, Chun." A wink followed before she craned her head to look back at Nu with the same mischevious smile. "Well~?"

Shimizu Nu:
I'll admit I was a bit put out at first with how you seemed to flirt with any girl that wasn't already taken. Then I figured you mostly just like flirting and making girls act like Chun does here. Mostly. I hadn't considered the whole oni-blood angle, though I probably should have. Anyway, I decided to just see where things fall. If it works out, great, if not, oh well. But I would like to try that at least once.
* Jing chuckles. "Then it's agreed. We'll give it a go after we get back from the mission." She smiles, a hearty genuine one.

Chun-Hwa:
Mmm...

Jing:
I reserve the right to keep teasing Chun as much as I want though.

Chun-Hwa:
Aaaah...
* Chun-Hwa looks away and pouts...all while still blushing

Jing:
Though it seems I'll have to come up with something for you though, eh Nu?

Shimizu Nu:
That's fine.

Shimizu Nu:
Hm?

Jing:
You're pretty cute when you're off balance too

Jing:
Though I think your shadow is the one literally off balance now too. Nice cartwheels.
* Shimizu Nu glances at her shadow.

Shimizu Nu:
Huh.

Shimizu Nu:
It's been getting kind of hyper lately, I admit.

Jing:
Must be looking forward to it~
* Shimizu Nu colors a bit, but grins in response. "Pretty much. You caught me off guard flirting with me the first time, it won't be that easy now!"
You manage to arrange for a ship leaving tomorrow called the Fairlight.
An offhanded comment on how you're in a hurry leads the captain to offer doubletime if you pay the price and a half.
FoxtrotTango:
Quick question
FoxtrotTango:
How much would it be to protect the homestead from teleportation and other divination spells?
* Shimizu Nu picks up her Sleeves of Many Garments in the meantime.
VinnyDonuts:
I can answer that question later.
Witch:
Price and a half is acceptable
It's 4 gold for price and a half.
They leave at dawn next morning.
The voyage is uneventful for a while, but the cpatain cuts it rather close to the coastline several times, apparently in an effort to catch some coastal winds.
Cador:
Oh. Decided to just make the boat yourself huh?
He spares you the sailor jargon and assures you he's doing his job.
VinnyDonuts:
Yeah, I decided to make the ship a map for a totally innocent reason, I assure you.
Avara:
to verify: bringing it to a close and setting up dramatic battle for next sesh?
Dark_Star:
SEEMS LEGIT.
VinnyDonuts:
more or less
About halfway through the coast of Neumai, the ship starts sailing through a help forest. It's nice to watch the ship blaze past the kelp stalks, but any of you who know sailing at all know that kelp can foul a keel in an instant, but it's high tide at the moment, so it should be fine.
VinnyDonuts:
What's everyone doing?
Gensh:
Tai is appreciating the seamen.
FoxtrotTango:
Trying not to vom.
FoxtrotTango:
...
FoxtrotTango:
Maintaining previous action.
VinnyDonuts:
Roll fortitude vs seasickness, seishin.
Witch:
Jing is sort of milling about the deck and generally enjoying being on the sea again.

Seishin:
« 1d20 + 9 = 3 + 9 = 12 » Fort
* Kamon is on deck as well, just enjoying the sea breeze.
FoxtrotTango:
Welp
It's been a while since poor Seishin has been on a boat.
FoxtrotTango:
PLEASE CLEAR A PATH
* Seishin is not used to being on a boat that's not a flat barge.
* Shen Wu is trying to help Seishin through the seasickness.
* Seishin can show this in the form of the last thing he ate.
* Shimizu Nu is looking over the ballista with interest.
* Chun-Hwa is on the deck where apparently the entire group is, sketching the scene (including Seishin hanging over the railing)
VinnyDonuts:
The darkened area is covered, but open to the air. The back is closed off.
VinnyDonuts:
The quarters are downstairs.

Fairlight Sailor 1:
Oh, those? Yeah, we have to defend ourselves sometimes.

Fairlight Sailor 1:
Dangerous times, you know. Sea monsters, pirates, all sorts, you know?

Jing:
Middle Kingdom design, isn't it?

Seishin:
Auuuuugghhh...

Fairlight Sailor 1:
Yeah, how'd you know?

Seishin:
Lo mein... that was last Tuesday, wasn't it...

Jing:
Came from there originally. If there's anything that the Middle Kingdom knows how to make, it's weapons of war.

Shen Wu:
Last wednesday.

Fairlight Sailor 1:
Yeah. They're really useful and easy to aim, you know?

Seishin:
Oooh... Well, that at least... is go-HORF

Fairlight Sailor 1:
They take a while to load though, you know?

Shen Wu:
Easy...
Everyone roll a perceptocheck

Chun-Hwa:
« 1d20+11 = 7 + 11 = 18 » (Perception)

Shen Wu:
« 1d20 = 16 »

Jing:
« 1d20+14 = 7 + 14 = 21 »

Kamon:
« 1d20+3 = 4 + 3 = 7 »
* You roll secretly: 1d20+10 => 5 + 10 = 15
* Cador rolls: d20+7 => 13 + 7 = 20

Seishin:
« 1d20 + 8 = 13 + 8 = 21 » (+2 vs. surprises, ghosts)
Cador:
So all of those other rolls were to assist Seishin right?
Avara:
sounds good
Dark_Star:
Yeah, let's go with that.
Avara:
tylenol, roll percep
Everyone but Kamon notices something darting in between the kelp- something human-sized, with arms, but looking somewhat like a shark.

Tai Ren Ahr:
« 1d20+11 = 4 + 11 = 15 »
In fact, they've been following the ship for quite a while.
* Jing narrows her eyes. "Hey, sailor. We've got a humanoid below."
VinnyDonuts:
oops that's where i'm keeping the ship's starts
VinnyDonuts:
stats

Fairlight Sailor 1:
Hm?
FoxtrotTango:
Ship's stats...?
FoxtrotTango:
...Oh, good.

Shimizu Nu:
Huh. Those are odd looking.
* Jing indicates one near the back.
FoxtrotTango:
He statted the ship.
VinnyDonuts:
i mean it's not like the ship is in any danger
VinnyDonuts:
(whistles innocently)
FoxtrotTango:
And there are winches and ballistas
FoxtrotTango:
GUYS
Avara:
gonna breathe lightning at them. and chuck lightning tridents.

Fairlight Sailor 1:
Oh, those? Those are Adaro.
FoxtrotTango:
GET READY FOR THE SHIP TO EXPLODE

Fairlight Sailor 1:
Wicked things. Half man, half shark.

Kamon:
".. They want to fight?"

Fairlight Sailor 1:
They're probably waiting for us to weigh anchor.

Seishin:
Ooogghh... I hope they like corn... Wait, what IS corn...?
Dark_Star:
Oh boy, half-shark, and guess who's been chumming the water?

Fairlight Sailor 1:
If we're alert, though, they'll leave us alone.
FoxtrotTango:
Yep.

Fairlight Sailor 1:
They won't fight a fair fight, I can tell you that much.
FoxtrotTango:
...Hey, wait, this isn't my fault!

Kamon:
"They won't get one, either."

Fairlight Sailor 1:
You got it.
* Fairlight Sailor 1 grins wickedly.

Fairlight Sailor 1:
Let 'em try, right?

Kamon:
"I'd prefer to warn them off first, but you know the situation better than I do."
Everyone but Kamon also sees something else.

Jing:
...Hold on.
* Jing squints.

Chun-Hwa:
...Eh?
Peering over the side of a ship, you can barely make out a shape beneath the water- Dark blue and nearly invisible against the ocean depths, it seems to be some sort of creature, one that's approaching the ship at an alarming speed.

Jing:
...There's something big down there.
FoxtrotTango:
It's Monstro

Shimizu Nu:
Oh-HOLD ON, WE'RE GETTING RAMMED

Jing:
Very big. And fast.
In fact, it's already here.
You brace for impact just in time as a truly enormous, lizardlike creature surges out of the water and slams into the ship, wrapping its crocodilian jaws around the ship's port side. The junk keels over to the port side as the creature's weight tries to drag it down beneath the waves- You'll have to fight the creature off if you have any hope of surviving this experience, let alone reaching your destination!
* Kamon should probably make some kind of save to avoid falling prone, since she failed the check.

Seishin:
BLAGH!

Seishin:
THE SEA IS A CRUEL MISTRESS!!
VinnyDonuts:
Everyone has to make either a STR check to hold on to something or a balance check to stand upright as the ship tilts.
Witch:
Balance is acro if I remember right
VinnyDonuts:
Kamon gets a -5 penalty due to being caught off-guard.

Shen Wu:
WHAT THE FU-

Kamon:
« 1d20-5 = 4 - 5 = -1 » Strength.

Seishin:
« 1d20 + 12 = 10 + 12 = 22 »
* Kamon is going for a swim!

Jing:
« 1d20+16 = 16 + 16 = 32 » (Acro)
FoxtrotTango:
Sei will help anyone who is about to fall.

Chun-Hwa:
« 1d20+3 = 20 + 3 = 23 » (Strength

Tai Ren Ahr:
« 1d20+13 = 6 + 13 = 19 » (Acrobatics)
FoxtrotTango:
DAMN Chun.
Witch:
damn chun
* Chun-Hwa ROCK SOLID.
Avara:
chun-hwa is the best at balance.

Shimizu Nu:
« d20+10 = 18 + 10 = 28 » Acrobatics
Avara:
kamon, meanwhile, is.. not.

Shen Wu:
Acrobatics (Untrained) « 1d20+2 = 5 + 2 = 7 »

Shen Wu:
AAAAA
FoxtrotTango:
OI
Avara:
i'm fine with kamon falling in. save shen.
VinnyDonuts:
Seishin, make a grapple check!
Dark_Star:
To be fair, Kamon falling in would actually put her at an advantage. Swim speed and all that.
Dark_Star:
Shen's just a squishy humie.
Avara:
yup

Seishin:
« 1d20 + 12 = 7 + 12 = 19 » grapple to save Shen
VinnyDonuts:
very, very squishy
FoxtrotTango:
Come on dice don't be like this
Avara:
she may not be able to bolt attack very well, but she has an underwater crossbow
Seishin grabs on to shen, who swings and dangles off the side of the boat as it nearly empties all of its passengers into the water!

Shen Wu:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Seishin:
WHY MUST THE SEA

Seishin:
MAKE ME VOMIT

Seishin:
AND THEN THREATEN TO MAKE ME SWIM IN IT ;A;
VinnyDonuts:
Kamon is sent flying into the ocean, caught entirely off-guard.
VinnyDonuts:
Most of the sailors were also caught unprepared.

Shimizu Nu:
Yanno if I knew how to swim well I'd be less concerned!
Dark_Star:
sploooosh

Kamon:
« 1d20+1 = 18 + 1 = 19 » swim check to try to do an elegant dive at least. (penalty from bandages, armor applied)
VinnyDonuts:
Everyone who fell in, including shen, takes « 1d6 = 3 » points of nonlethal damage from tumbling across the deck.

Jing:
Damnit! Nu, start using these winches to reel people in! I'm going to focus on giving that thing a broiling!
FoxtrotTango:
But Shen's still being held on though?
VinnyDonuts:
Yeah.
Avara:
does the attempt to dive in smartly avoid damage?
VinnyDonuts:
He still bonked himself on the railing.

Seishin:
I knew it!

Seishin:
I knew we should have taken the landship!
Kamon owns the dive, elegantly jumping in rather than trying and failing to keep her footing.
Avara:
yay~
FoxtrotTango:
Yessss, keeping that running joke going

Sea Monster:
« 2d8+24 = 3 + 24 = 27 » damage to the boat
Dark_Star:
oh god
Dark_Star:
KILL THE SEA MONSTER FIRST
Dark_Star:
DON'T LET IT SINK THE SHIP
Avara:
kamon will endeavor to not be eaten.
FoxtrotTango:
Why is it even eating the boat
Avara:
it's attacking the boat to get tasty sailors, i'd guess
Dark_Star:
I dunno, maybe it likes the taste of wood?
Avara:
or maybe it likes rum
Dark_Star:
It could be the "Special Needs" kid of Sea Monsters.
WILL THE PARTY SURVIVE THIS SUDDEN SEAMONSTER ATTACK?
FoxtrotTango:
Stop making the boat look like a giant hungry fish.
FoxtrotTango:
Er, tasty.
FoxtrotTango:
Whatever.
WILL JING BED EVERY SINGLE FEMALE SHOWN SO FAR IN THIS GAME?
FoxtrotTango:
Gonna get killed by romantic shipwrights.
Dark_Star:
Short answer: Yes
FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON DRAGON DYNASTIES Z
FoxtrotTango:
Long answer: Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-
Avara:
Long answer: *moaning noises to the effect of Oh God Yes*
Dark_Star:
XD
VinnyDonuts:
that's lewd
Avara:
EXP for the log?
FoxtrotTango:
Ruki gets bonus EXP for being LEWD.
VinnyDonuts:
no. no she doesn't.
VinnyDonuts:
i refuse to encourage this sort of thing.
Avara:
if i did i'd be level 20 by now
Dark_Star:
And yet it happens anyway...
VinnyDonuts:
EXACTLY.
VinnyDonuts:
IMAGINE HOW BAD IT'D BE IF IT WAS ENCOURAGED
Avara:
i'd do it exactly as much as i do now if encouraged
Avara:
because jing's existence IS encouragement
Dark_Star:
Same here, actually. >w>
VinnyDonuts:
XP... mostly roleplay, but good roleplay and you talked with a cool lady who dispensed wisdom from her might wisdom tooth.
VinnyDonuts:
I'm gonna say 1500 xp each.
Avara:
i will always advocate roleplay being given EXP
Dark_Star:
yaaaaay~
VinnyDonuts:
ARBITRARY NUMBER
FoxtrotTango:
...
FoxtrotTango:
Just gotta bring up the wisdom teeth, huh
VinnyDonuts:
i mean
VinnyDonuts:
not what i intended
FoxtrotTango:
Well joke's on you, my recovery is going just fine
FoxtrotTango:
I ate a BURGER tonight, TWO DAYS after the operation
FoxtrotTango:
Even I didn't think I'd be capable of that shit
Witch:
ft go home
Dark_Star:
*claps*
POOL'S CLOSED, THERE'S A BIG FUCKOFF SEA MONSTER IN IT