LOG: Xianyin: First Contact

===> COH <===> 4/26/2019, 9:17:49 PM <===

	Jaime, or Jet as he was known in Barrio Chino and Chinatown, had put out word that he was looking for associates for a job. One that required quick wit, fleet feet, and deft hands. A set of coordinate had been communicated. Coordinates that would lead far, far away from Tijuana, and Prospect. That would lead out into the California-Nevada badlands. The job? Unearthing an ancient city of the dead. Xianyin. The Lost Necropolis of Qin. (repose)

	Curiousity and ancient lore are two powerful motivators for the mysterious Ai and a mysterious Chinese tomb from another era out in the desert promises to indulge both of these things. She has also seen Jaime before but never really spoken to him at length, whatever secrets he holds would be an added bonus. So it is that Ai finds herself out in the badlands tonight seeking these coordinates. She is dressed in functional black clothing and carrying a leather satchel slung across her torso. (repose)

	Jaime was dressed in dark colors, the ballcap and hoodie adding to the whole skullduggery vibe. It was B&E at the least, a heist at the worst. Likely somewhere in between the two. He was unsure who would actually show up. But any port in a storm. Beggars couldn't be choosers.

Aubrey slouches in jeans and a black Johnny Cash t-shirt a old straw cowboy hat on her head. She doesn't look either bored or exicited by the notion of exploring just kind of resigned.

	Jaime blinks, reaching up to remove his eyeglasses and tucks them away safely in a case. They were just for show. He rubs at his eyes when Aubrey appears, as if making sure she wasn't a figment of his imagination.

News of this 'odd' job that spreads throughout Barrio Chino has reached the ears of many, namely one bakemono, who happens to take odd jobs almost regularly. An oddity himself in his own right, Ken isn't above what looks to be a 'prospecting' job for a... city of the dead? Whatever that means. He travels to the coordinates for the meet-up, and while he's not especially fond of the desert, he still makes do anyway. Ken carries a sports bag, the largest (or longest?) size that he could find, for this occasion. He's definitely keeping God knows what inside.

	A quick counting of heads as Jaime looks at the various shadowy figures converging on the coordinates that he had shared. An unnecessary breath is taken, and then he makes his way over towards a jeep that had been parked nearby, but hidden beneath netting and a tarp. He motions for folks to get inside. "We're burning moonlight."

	Ai makes no immediate moves at socialization. She stands half in shadow near the edge of the site watching others arrive with dark eyes as she takes the measure of things, the moonlight causing her deep black hair to shine with bluish purple hues when it catches it at the right angle. Unobtrusiveness seems second nature to the tanned asian woman.

There's a quick glance around to acknowledge his surroundings, and then Ken moves to approach the jeep. "Yes, burning moonlight," he says in a hushed tone, though he barely understands what the guy was just saying. "So where are we headed? Never been in to this... place before. City of the Dead. Necropolises. Blergh."

Aubrey lights a cigarette with an electric lighter before climbing in to the back of the jeep. She opens the large bag she sets between her feet. She reaches into it and pulls out a bottle of local brewed ale and pops the cap with her thumb. She drinks silently as they begin the ride across the desert, for those who can see the land of the dead the woman is certainly not alone this evening.

	Jaime drives as if he MIGHT need those eyeglasses after all! Which is to say he's not great at it. But luckily for everyone? When there's no real "road" to speak of, you don't need to be particularly great at it. Ah, the joys and freedom of off-roading!

	Ai slips into the back of the jeep just before it takes off. Maybe it is being in the company of strangers she is unsure of but she remains quiet for the time being, almost eerily so, just watching and listening as they drive through the desert night.

	"Its a good night for this. The scroll says that the Demon of the Eight Fold Wind is unable to enter the city during a quarter moon." Jaime smiles, bringing the jeep to a halt near an abandoned mine. "Everybody out."

Aubrey leaves her empty in the back of the jeep as she climbs down out of it. She still has said nothing during the trip but with spirits in tow she heads for the mine.

Ken disembarks from the jeep carrying the bag and follows along.

	Jaime hops on out and makes his way to the boarded up entrance of the abandoned mine. He picks a path along the faint trail that leads to the mine's mouth. Then he carefully pulls this or that boardplank with a small crowbar, creating an entrypoint. The inside? Is dark. Pitch black. Jaime's eyes suddenly glow red as he activates his eyes of the beast, and motions for the others to join him. "In we go," he says in a hushed tone.

	Ai slips out of the back of the jeep nearly soundlessly and follows along. She takes a moment to adjust her satchel and jacket, making sure everything is secure for the trek ahead into the depths. A momentary glance in Jaime's direction when he mentions a Demon, "Are we expecting to run into many demons down there?" she can talk after all! She follows behind.

Aubrey steps into the darkness and her eyes to flare red becoming like those of an animal when hit by a flashlight. Her thumbs hook in to the belt loop of her pants as she waits for the others.

The entrance is dark, and it's not good for the bakemono. He struggles to find the correct path, often having to stick close to whoever's nearest to him and lets them lead the way for him. His hand is extended forward to feel whatever's in front of him, and he regularly bumps into things- if there are things.

	Jaime smiles, a glimpse of fang revealed by the expression. "Not under the current phase of the moon, no." He pats the scroll in his back pocket. "Assuming the scroll holds truth, anyway." As he and AUbrey can see in the dark, they'll take point. The interior of the mine is predictably cavernous. Jaime eyes the various shafts that litter the end, pausing to sniff the air. "Everyone pick a number one through six. Also? In here? Seven is /unlucky/ and /inauspicious/."

"Six," Ken replies loudly. "I can't see shit around here, fuck, man! And I don't think lighting some fire will bring any good." He has no idea that he's the only non-Kindred in the troupe, but he's taken notice that literally /no one/ has come up with the idea of bringing a torch along.

	The party pauses inside the cavernous mine. Its dark, Jaime and Aubrey are using nightsight. Ai and Ken are behind them. In front of them at the end of the cavern? Six shafts can be vaguely discerned.

Aubrey says, "Four." then she is digging in to her bag and something cold, metal and long is being pressed in to Ken's hand. No it's nothing sexual or vulgar instead its a medium maglight enough at least he stops bumping into people."

	Ai does the sensible thing when one can't see in the dark and pulls a large maglite flashlight out of her in order to have at least a limited ability to see, "Three." she says as she continues to follow behind not making a sound other than to speak. You could almost forget she is there.

	Jaime unshoulders his backpack, and then pulls out ropes and pitons and grapples. "Lucky number six it is!" Going with the first one spoken aloud, any descent into a pit of doom would now be on Ken-nariffic! Jaime pops claws. Then he uses them to chip and dig, and pushes pitons and uses grapples and ropes to create ways down shaft numero six! This looks like its going to be interesting!

Aubrey watches Jaime then steps out in to the dark gaping hole that is the mine shaft. She bobs for a moment as gravity has a coniption fit as the woman doesn't fall screaming to the bottom. Instead she very slowly begins to float downward and out of sight. For those who see across the shroud she isn't doing this under her own power but one of the wraths with her seems to be cradling her and slowly taking her in to the darkness.

Nodding his head to Aubrey, he turns the flashlight on and waves it around, pointing it to the dark hole down into the shaft. Ken heaves out a sigh, and readies himself behind Aubrey. When she reaches down and his turns comes, he'll follow suit using all the ropes and grapples and tools available for his ensured safety. No one wants to fall flat unprotected down into that scary hole.

 	 At the bottom of the shaft is movement. An auspicious number in deed. A small fluffy creature covered in soot and ash gnaws on the skeletal remains of a person. The creature nestling it's face into the rib cage of a fallen climber. With its ashen body and cunning eyes, it's not easy or clear to determine the fuzz ball is a fox. But there it is, at the bottom watching people descend in various ways. It shakes it's gray and silver fur as dust flies off it. The mysterious creature sitting down and pretending to statue.

	Jaime smiles as Aubrey dark angel's her way down into the Pit of Despair! FANCY! "Well, that's not something you see everyday," he comments. He doesn't have any such special mojo to help him down, just darksight and claws. Well, those and a few other tricks, but best to hold them in reserve for now. "Everyone down the shaft," he encourages, then follows suit after Ken. The guy looked like he'd make a nice break-cushion for a fall!

	Ai steps into the shaft and vanishes downward into the darkness. There is no slow float as she plunges into the inky blackness, the flicker of her flashlight eventually disappearing with her. It is only after a few seconds of her freefall that her descent begins to slow and then alights gently on to the ground at the bottom, almost as if gravity only applies to her when she chooses.

	Jaime rappels down the sheer drop like someone who maybe has done this once or twice before. Or maybe he's just reckless. Either way, the sound of his boots hitting the earthen floor can soon be heard. Once on the ground, he pulls out the scroll that serves as a mix of map and tourbook and peers at it. "Outer city should be coming up. And the army of the dead. Whatever that means."

	The fox gets noticed at this point, and Jaime reaches into a belt pouch to produce a treat, which he tosses in the small feral beast's direction. "Foxes are auspicious! Or at least luckier than that poor bastard that's getting gnawed on, anyway."

Ken makes a -thump- as he lands on his feet, the weight of his own body and the suspiciously large sports bag he's carrying emphasizing the sound of the thump. "What army of the dead?," Ken says, looking just as confused as before. Seriously, Ken has never heard any of these things before, and neither would he have the time to. Hm, maybe it's all one big metaphor for something!

 	 The nogitsune (field fox) jumps into the air and snatches the treat in its mouth. When it does so... it faintly looked like it might have two tails. But it must be a trick of the mind in the darkness. Surely no legends exists of foxes with numerous tails. And on closer examination she only had one tail. Either way the creature seemed interesting in following the group. One of the many dangers of feeding a wild animal. It might follow you for more food. It lowers its head and plucks a bone from the rib cage. Trotting along behind the group, yes... foxes do trot.

Aubrey again allows someone else to take the lead she seems content to bring up the rear of the group.

	What army of the dead? THAT army of the dead! Jaime is happy to lead the party towards what is Outer City. And greeting them there? A veritable (small) army of terracotta soldiers. Jaime raises a (clawed) hand and makes a fist, signaling that people should stop dead in their tracks. "We're here," he whispers excitedly!

Ken forces himself to a halt when he sees the statues, the army of terracotta right in front of them. He begins lowering his bag ever so slightly, pulling the strap off of himself, eyes closely watching them through a pair of glasses. He still has his flashlight waving about to better see whatever it is they might be doing.

Aubrey says, "Pretty." is the first world mumbled from Aubrey followed by "Can we break them?"

	Terracotta soldiers? This really is like Huang Di's tomb. Ai studies the soldiers, perhaps waiting for them to come to life as the legends say they should to protect the tomb's occupant in the hereafter. "We may have to, but if not they may have other uses later." she says quietly without elaborating on just what those might be.

  	 The fox follows a chain reaction with the sudden stopping. Her ears pointing straight up as the small furry creature freezes in place. The animal blinking slowly and chilling in place. She could barely see the statues behind others feet.

	Jaime quirks a brow, scanning the scroll, then he pulls a match from a belt pouch, and strikes it on the buckle. 'cause its strike-anywhere! The flame flickers, and he drops it. Onto a serpentine trail of blackpowder! The fire snakes its way forward towards the terracotta army.

	The line of blackpowder sparks and burns. Its eerily quiet don here. Jaime just stands and watches. Eventually? The blackpowder line sputters and dies out. WHAT?! He looks back a the rest. "Ok then, onward."
Aubrey arches a brow and looks from the black powder to Jaime, "Seriously? Your lighting black powder up in a mine underground? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

	Jaime gives an easygoing fanged smile. "Relax, doll. I've done this before a million ti-" As he takes a step forward, the ground shifts beneath his boot. And then the sound of stone grinding on stone can be heard! RUT ROH!!!

Ken is obviously startled by the rustling stone that staggers the group. Out of instinct, he drops the bag low on the ground and unzips it, revealing a guandao split into two pieces that he assembles with quick precision.

	Ai raises an eyebrow at the lit flame and gunpowder, followed by an eyeroll when Jaime steps on whatever trap he seems to have activated with the grinding noise, "That's probably a bad thing." she says with a sigh, taking a few steps back to see what is coming next. Though she has a fairly good guess.

	The first line of terracota-soldiers comes to life, and begins advancing upon the group! All necropoli of the emperor are guarded! This one? Even though it was secret? And constructed in the west? IS NO DIFFERENT!

 	 The fox crunches the bone in her mouth, making a impromptu shiv with the dried up bone. The sharp natural material was in no way, shape or form a devious murder weapon with pokey and stabby intention. Besides whoever heard of foxes holding blades in their mouths. No one. Not everyone crazy brilliant video game designers named Hideo Kojima.

	The soldiers move with slow deliberate intent. Defend the outer city against intruders and trespassers. As such? They engage.
A brief -click- as the two ends of the guandao is united, and then a show of proficiency as Ken waves and twirls it around, doing small leaps and jumps as he does so. He takes up a stance, that of a martial artist, or even a dragon warrior, as he stares at the incoming soldiers.

 	 Perhaps it was a opening act for the fellow players on the battle stage, the fox leaping into combat to draw first blood like a theatrical dance. In a flash the creature stabs one of the soldiers in the eye with a make shift bone shiv. An amazing blow for such a mundane looking creature. On any human that would of surely felled them and caused great pain. But these foes were no mere men!!! These were terracotta soldiers! With a yelp, the cute ashen fox would need help.

	For the combat savvy in the crowd, edged damage doesn't appear to be particularly effective against the automatons.

	Jaime suddenly sinks into the earth beneath his feet. Some people are fighters, other are lovers. Others? Others are just inclined to try and avoid getting their brains bashed in and understand that discretion is the better part of valor! At least until the dust settles!

Upon seeing the ineffective effort, though graceful as it is, by the ashen fox, Ken stares in contemplation and switches the end of his guandao. Now the iron blunt is facing the relentless charge of the terracotta army, and Ken dashes forward to bash one of them into bits! Blunt weapons prove to be far more effective than edged ones.

	For the combat savvy? Blunt bashing damage seems to be a particularly effective method of inflicting damage. One terracotta soldier goes KABLOOEY into bits from the fatal flaw in the otherwise Most Perfect design.

Aubrey watches Jaime meld into the ground, "Oh for fuck's sake...." She draws back and slams a dainty fist into the center of one of the soldiers shattering it. "When this is over we are having a chat...."

	As more blunt trauma is inflicted? Another beautiful terracotta soldier goes KERBLOOEY! KEN! AUBREY! These are historical pieces!!! Like walking aggro Ming vases!

	Straight up confrontations may not be Ai's preference but she isn't one to shy away from them either. "Yare yare," she says as Jaime flees into the earth. She then holds up her left hand, which is currently covered by a black glove with strange patterns and traditional Chinese characters sewn into it. Opening her hand, palm facing one of the stone soldiers, a bolt of honest to god lightning arcs out and blasts into the soldier catching it square in the chest.

	Lightning flies from the silent (but deadly) being that is Ai! The eldritch energies do damage, yes, but then? It ignites whatever was /inside/ fueling the terracotta soldier, so after a few moments? It starts to smoke and then also goes KERBLOOEY! FRAGMENTS RAIN AROUND EVERYONE!
	(for dramatic effect - none are enough to impale anyone)

	The two remaining terracotta wail on Ken and Aubrey with their large stoney fists! BOOM! BOOM! Dust flies, and the pillars of heaven shake from the impacts!

	Aubrey takes the giant stoney fists like a champ! Ken likely will as well! The terracottas would be mightily annoyed, if they had a brain, heart, or brain! But they don't even have a Dorothy or a little dog, too!

	It appears that the first row of terracottas was all the magic that was left active and extant out here in the outer city of the necropolis! Once those are dealt with? The rest are just fine examples of period statuary! HUZZAH!

===> Server closed the connection. <===> 4/27/2019, 1:12:01 AM <===