[3.5] Low Magic Game - The Age of Storms - IC

[ArcturusV]

It is the so called "Age of Storms". Across Torrace, for 316 years savage storms have ravaged the land. Some are merely unusual, oddly quick forming and violent thunderheads and tornadoes wrecking havoc. Some are blatantly mysterious, hurricanes appearing in the middle of land far from sea. Some are clearly considered the words of evil witchcraft and magic, rains of toads or multicolored hail stones the size of casaba melons.

But life endures, much as it always has. People adapt and struggle on. Some go looking for the answer to the Storms and some way to disperse them, leading to titanic clashes and ancient secrets being uncovered, their legends spoken in taverns across the land. But still the storms hammer the world.



You find yourself in the Southern Marches, having left your homes for various reasons. Fugitives from the sins of your father, on search for fame and fortune, following the trail of a lost love, and other reasons as fits you.

As the sun dawns on an early summer morning, you wake up in whatever accommodations you saw fit to acquire within the Outpost known as Karsen's Crossing. Karsen's Crossing is a small outpost where the Silver Road, bringing the wealth of the Western lands, and the Pilgrim's Path, a well traveled route to the Southern lands, crosses.

Karsen's Crossing is not a "rich" outpost, by any means, making it's coin mostly in the travelers and caravans that pass through to more important destinations. Right now it is mostly a ghost town, the buildings and stables that usually serve the merchants quite empty, an Outpost that could have supported over a thousand people filled with only about 200 now. You are among the only "Visitors" here at the moment, and as such a target for a lot of attention. Everything from small children trying to earn a coin by shining your boots or serving as a Guide to adults trying to sell you "Rare Artifacts" from "Far off Lands", usually reeking of desperation and falsehood.

Locations of Note within Karsen's Crossing:
This is, according to locals who are trying to play Tourist Guide for you, the oldest building of Karsen's Crossing, supposedly named for a legendary frontier's man who tamed this area and secured the Silver Road and Pilgrim's Path, slaying many monsters and bringing piece to the area.

What you know for sure is that it is a relatively old looking, and fairly solid tower, 90 feet tall, 30 feet on a side, square. It looks quite sturdy and built for defense, archer slits in the wall, only one heavy iron bound door, thick stones and mortar that have stood for millennium. The tower sits abandoned, you have yet to see anyone enter or leave it, and the locals give it a wide berth.
One of the few "honest" businesses as far as you can tell within Karsen's Crossing. Old Man Creedy and his family seem to be the only ones here who don't make their living off travelers, and mostly keep to themselves. They seem nice enough but not exactly social. You can manage to buy some fresh produce and some cured and preserve meats from them for the right price. Creedy's Farm dominates the northern half of the town, sprawling out from the Silver Road and going north. Almost always you can find members of the 10 person Creedy Family tending the vast fields, orchards, and pastures.
The finest inn in the town. The rather rotund, and somewhat dour Miss Kara keeps the place running very smoothly. If you want an actual bed, a bath, warm, decent meals, and the creature comforts you probably haven't experienced since you were back home, this would be the place to get it. However it's not a very "lively" place. She runs most of the locals out, quite literally sometimes, prefering to cater only to the travelers through Karsen's Crossing. Not the social spot in town. Other than (The Players who want to be here), the place seems to lack any guests.
A much more lively place in general than the Silver Horseshoe. You have the impression that this place is usually abandoned but since you drifted into town people have worked to get it cleaned up and ready to go. Drinks, entertainment, gambling, and more can be found here. A lot of the locals who want to get a hand on your coins can be found here willing to offer you some dalliances, swap rumors, sell information, or other services for the right price.
The one place of worship within Karsen's Crossing, located to the south along the Pilgrim's Path. Most follow the faith but it's not very serious, mostly observed during major holidays or occasions, marriages, birthings, and funeral rites. The preacher there, a young and rather idealistic looking woman named Sister Isabella will quite happy teach you of the faith if given a chance, but mostly remains to herself.
One of the only actual "Stores" in town at the moment. Wilcox is an elderly blacksmith, you'd think he was in his 30s looking at his body, and not a 30s you want to mess with, but his face and eyes makes him look much older. Most of his supplies at the moment consist of goods that the locals might need, small traps for pests, tools, nails, horseshoes, etc. But he's willing to at least try to make most things for enough coin up front, and presuming his has the materials on hand.
There's no great shortage of people who would be willing to take your coin for services. People who would offer you their attics, basements, sheds, etc for rooms, cook your meals, provide services. They're VERY open to that. But this is the off season and most of the actual "businesses" are closed, waiting for the first of the Trade Caravans of the Season which are expected in about a month. Feel free to make up any particular local, NPC, location, etc, considering the general feel of the place.

[Lentrax]

As is her custom, Sia awakens to the first rays of dawn entering her room. Facing the rising sun, Sia kneels down on the floor and begins to breathe. She doesn't speak. She doesn't move, simply sits, breathing in and out. She focuses her self, her senses, reaching out around her. Her nostrils pull in the air coming the open window. The air of the country, of a frontier, of a new beginning. Her skin registers every strand of hair blowing across her face and neck. Her ears pick out the sound of a dog, barking at something in the morning light.

Then with one last deep breath, the small woman rises to her feet. She dons her clothing, a simple white kimono, her swords strapped to her side with the wide obi. The last thing she does before leaving her room is to don simple wooden sandals. Thus clothed she proceeds to the common room of the inn, awaiting her companion, and the strange company she has found herself in.

[Rhyvurg]

Kirnan bolts upright, his hand on his sword. After a few seconds, he relaxes. Even now, weeks later, he still dreams of the military police sneaking up on him when he's helpless, asleep. Grunting in frustration, he quickly pulls his armor on and buckles his sword belt. The sooner he could leave this town, the better. To many people offering to sell him something, looking at him, standing out because he's traveling. Half the people here could identify him in a second if asked, less if they were offered coin. No, he couldn't stay, not any longer than he had to.

Heading down from his room, he passes through the common room of the Last Chance without looking at anyone directly, heading out to the street. Not for the first time, he looks at the roads heading out of town, considering walking out right then. But he'd had enough of walking, he needed a horse, or better yet a caravan he could hire on to as a guard or something. No, no more walking down these muddy highways, pushing his way through the underbrush every evening to find a tree to curl up under and freeze half to death. He'd be well supplied before he moved on again.

[GameSpawn]

Hano sits in the common room of Last Chance, idly finishing his breakfast. Having already donned his suit of armor and gathered his belongings already, he is ready to leave the town. There is nothing particularly the matter with it, and he is never one to reject the attention of strangers, but he needs to find something to do. Hano finishes eating and leaves the common room, walking out into the streets.

[Jormengand]

Looking at Halira, one might think her far more important than the woman she was protecting. She steps out of her room armoured as well as armed. She carries in one hand the symbols of her family, her mistress and her tradition; the ceiling finds itself too low for her to wear them on her back.

She smiles amiably at Sia as she walks into the common room, but is too shy to speak, and instead goes to sit next to her friend.

[Lentrax]

So much has changed between us. The young samurai sits in her chair, pondering the recent changes in their relationship. Firstly, and perhaps the moats important was she was Samurai now. Her honr was the family's honor, and with that honor carried its own burdens and responsibilities.

No matter how much history they shared, their relationship was different now. Sia returned the small smile her friend gave her.

No, not friend. She is ashigaru now, a soldier, and your guard. You cannot be so casual in your relationship anymore.

With calm deliberation, and the precision of ears of practice, Sia held the sleeve of her kimono as she fixed tea for herself. She knows better than to prepare it for Halira, such a breach of protocol would not only be an affront to the woman, but shaming as well. Instead she intentionally left the handle facing her friend, a small gesture, but one which held the highest form of respect she could manage with tea.

Do we have an agenda today, or are we still waiting on the gaijin?

[sean_hyer]

Isidore rose early, stretching out the kinks in his back. Perhaps he should have stayed at that other inn; the fancy one, whatever its name was. But no. He had to get used to life on the road, however much his spine might hate him for it.

Besides, this way he would have company. Adventure was waiting out there, and he was going to find it. And lurking alone in a fancy inn wouldn't make that happen.

Donning his armor (although he should not need it, leaving it unattended was begging for trouble), he ambled down to the common room, on a great quest for, well... just food to be honest. But after that! Adventure!

[bcool999]

Argyle

Despite his best attempts to convince his lord otherwise, Isidore had insisted that they stay at the more public inn for the night. For Argyle, this meant a night split between sleep, and watching out for desperate locals thinking to rob a young lord for coin in the night.

Nevertheless, when Sir Isidore arose, Argyle was there and ready to help him into his armor, and then he himself was getting suited up. With the storms that have been occurring, a little armor was almost as necessary as rain gear.

Belting on his sword and grabbing his poleaxe, Argyle accompanies his lord downstairs to the common room, ready for another day of dodging urchins trying to wash his shoes and armor with dirty rags.

[Lentrax]

As the Lord and his retainer walk into the room, Sia eyes them casually. Noticing everyone prepared for battle gives her the smallest pause. Perhaps she should have as well?

No. Do not doubt your decisions. They are in the past, and the path cannot be retraced. Always forward.

Not entirely sure of what to do, she gives a small bow of her head to The Lord, Isidore. Her golden eye glints slightly as the sun catches the iris. Straightening herself, she invites The Lord to sit down.

Good morning.

[ArcturusV]

In the Common Room of The Last Chance

The common room wasn't very lively. You could smell from the back the scent of a very simple breakfast being cooked. Pork fats, eggs, potatoes, etc. Nothing fancy, no delicious savory spices or anything being used. Just simple chow that was a step above what a peasant around here would normally eat for breakfast, but was hardly up to the standards of nobility.

A couple of people a few tables over seemed to be watching the nobles (And Ashigaru). Two men of about 30 years, weather beaten with threadbare clothing and a bit of dust and dirt rubbed into their skin, hair, and clothing. They seemed to be nursing their drinks and by their constant glances sizing up the outsiders for something.

Otherwise the place was quiet and seemingly empty. Too early in the day for most of the people in the town to really be gathering here for the chance to take a run at the Travelers.

Outside of The Last Chance

The streets, as Hano and Kirnan went out to them, seemed oddly quiet compared to the days before when you first came into town. No one was "setting up shop" or mobbing up around the two offering them rare trinkets from far off lands, or to serve as their guide in town.

You could see a couple of people working at a stables just down the road. They seemed to be in the process of swamping it out, cleaning the place the best they could and preparing it for service. This wasn't too unusual, you've noticed over the past few days that quite a few places were "Waking up" so to speak in preparation for the Caravans that would soon be passing through.

A cold wind came in from the south as a cloud passing over the sun and casting a shadow over the Outpost.

[Rhyvurg]

Kirnan's hand rests on his sword. Breaks in routine for people like this were never insignificant. Something was going on. Glancing around, he sees the other man in the street (Hano) and gives a brief nod.

[GameSpawn]

Hano pulls his cloak closer in response to the wind. When Kirnan nods to him, he smiles, returning the nod, "Good morning. I don't believe we've had the pleasure of being introduced; I'm Hano."

[Rhyvurg]

Kirnan looks slightly surprised at being spoken to, and has to clear his throat before he can speak. "Um, good morning."

[Lentrax]

The woman sets her tea down, her kimono rustling slightly as she does so.

As you are no doubt aware, our families are acquainted. However small that acquaintance may be, it brings with it some familiarity and respect. However, it has also come to my attention that my companion has found herself indebted to you for aid in acquiring her that which is necessary for her to perform her duty.

Sia's eyes flit over to Halira for just a moment, then return to the noble. This is not a tenable situation for us. It was the duty of my family to provide these things for her, which I am sure would have been quite acceptable, given the relationship she and I now possess. Because we did not, and this matter was resolved by an outsider, I now find myself having to place myself in your debt, sir.

[sean_hyer]

Taking the offered seat, Isidore raises an eyebrow and stares at Sia bemusedly.

"So. Let me get this straight. She owes me a (completely insignificant) sum, so that leaves you indebted to me. I'll tell you the same thing I would tell her. Forget about it."

Leaving that matter behind, and seeming to dismiss it altogether, he smiles.

"That aside, how have you been? What brings you out here, and armed no less?"

[Lentrax]

Sia sighs to herself. Outsiders never understand how the honor of an entire clan can be entirely sullied by even something as seemingly insignificant as this matter. How can she explain the intricacies of honor, of taking care of those you are responsible for? And to simply allow a matter of honor to drop at words? That would only deepen the shame.

The matter cannot be settled with words such as these. It was my family's duty. We have failed in that duty. You must allow me the chance to countenance for it.

[GameSpawn]

Hano keeps smiling, though he inwardly wonders why the other fellow didn't introduce himself, "It seems the town's a bit less lively than usual. Do you know if anything's going on?"

[Rhyvurg]

"No. Usually by now at least ten people would have offered to sell me something. It's like they know something we don't." He avoid eye contact.

[GameSpawn]

Hano laughs, "Quite likely. There are many things I don't know."

[ArcturusV]

Out in the Street:

As Kirnan tried to avoid eye contact with Hano something caught the corner of his eye. It took him a moment to really realize something was going on, just a quick flash of movement that drew your attention towards the stables.

Slowly your mind pieced together something. Before there were two people cleaning the stables. Now there was only one of them standing there that you could see. The other seemed to be glancing around and looking for something.

In the Common Room:

As you all discussed matters of honor, matters of coin, and being armed in the middle of a town, a scent of smoke started to come from the kitchen, a faint haze of smoke coming out from the opening to the kitchen. It doesn't look like the two inebriated villagers had noticed the smell, but then again you're closer to the kitchen than they are.

[Rhyvurg]

Kirnan nudges the other man with his elbow, then jerks his head back towards the tavern door. More people, but more cover.

[sean_hyer]

Isidore wrinkles up his nose at the smell coming from the kitchen.

"Well, I was going to suggest that you buy me breakfast as recompense, but it seems to have been burnt."

Standing up and pushing back his chair, he asks in a hopeful voice "Perhaps you can treat me to a meal somewhere else, and thus assuage your conscience?"

[Lentrax]

It will be a start. Sia notices the smoke coming from the kitchen.

Though, I suppose it will have to wait. Halira. We must retrieve our things.

Standing, she bows to Isidore and turns to head back to her room.

[GameSpawn]

Hano tilts his head back and forth to indicate his confusion. "Back inside?" he asks.

[Rhyvurg]

Kirnan nods. "Something's going on, and when it hits, I'd rather be in there than out here."

[GameSpawn]

"Well alright then." Hano pushes open the door and moves back into the inn.

[ArcturusV]

In the Common Room:

As the two came back inside, the smoke was starting to build up. Now it seemed that the drunken sods in the common room were smelling it as Sia and Halira went up to get their gear. The smoke didn't just smell of burnt food and grease, but was starting to take on the scent of burning wood as well. Hano, as he entered noticed the flash through the kitchen's entrance of flames, very large flames more than there should be from a cooking fire as the smoke started to practically billow out of the entryway. There was little doubt for Hano that this wasn't just burnt breakfast, but a full blown kitchen fire starting up.

... oddly there was none of the screaming, cursing, or frantic action from the kitchen that he might have expected if it was on fire.

[Rhyvurg]

The man calling himself Kirnan wasted no time, pushing the kitchen door open and looking for water, Shouldn't be to hard to find in a kitchen.

[ArcturusV]

In the Kitchen:

As Kirnan storms in, a few things become very clear. One, that it's hard to see in there due to the large amounts of smoke building up, stinging the eyes. Two, a VERY large fire over near what was a wood oven, spreading across the floor and starting to ignite the wood pile next to it. Three, there is a pump that would get water easily enough. Four, a total absence of kitchen workers here. Whatever cook, grunt labor, etc, might have started the fire that started with the stove, they weren't here now.

[Rhyvurg]

Kirnan sticks his head back into the common room. "Fire! Get everyone out of here!" He covers his mouth with one hand and starts working the pump.

[GameSpawn]

Hano pushes the door the common room open behind him, then gets out of the way, waiting to see what the people in the common room do.

[Lentrax]

Sia dashes up the stairs, the scabbards of her twin blades scraping the wall of the stairwell.

She bolts throughout he door to her room and grabs her armor, not bothering to try putting it on yet. She throws parts of it over her shoulders and thrusts more of it into Halira's outstretched arms. Grabbing her few other things, Sia runs back down the stairs and outside the inn. Once there she begins the laborious process of donning her armor, pulling pieces into place and strapping them down.

[Jormengand]

Halira dashes after the girl she's trying to protect, making sure nothing happens to her at every step, and finally makes her way out with her. While Sia dons her armour, Halira - already thus equipped - attaches her Sashimono to her back.

"Matasuki-Chama! Are you all right?" She asks, although the question is more one of formality than practicality. Anyone who was not all right wouldn't be calmly donning her armour. "Here, let me help." Sia leans forwards, offering to help Sia put her armour on.

[Lentrax]

Sia nods gratefully at the offer to help. Yes, Halira-chan. I am fine. I am more curious as to why a fire got so out of hand in the kitchen, and why no one seems to be doing anything about it.

[ArcturusV]

Kirnan managed to work the pump, eventually putting out the fire. It had spread badly, the room was filled with smoke and soot, but in the end he got through it, ending the danger of fire to the inn, as the two drunken patrons managed to stumble out, shoving each other as they both tried to get through the door Hano held open at the same time, spilling out into the street and falling on their faces before Sia and Halira.

As Sia finished arming and equipping up, the two drunkards stood up, rubbing their eyes, staring bleary at the strangers. One of the crawled up towards Sia's legs, trying to cling to her ankle, kissing her greaves/boots. "Thank ya Ma'am! Thank ya! Ya saved us!"

His companion, a bit more aware looked around, a confused expression on his face as he looked back at Hano and the inn.

Kirnan: As the fires die out, the last embers are cracking and popping, the steam is no longer hissing, and you are most likely quite well covered in the smell of wood smoke, you think you hear something from out the back door, a very faint noise that you can't quite place.

[Rhyvurg]

Kirnan, just about out of patience, draws his sword and readies his shield before kicking the back door open.

[Jormengand]

I'd appreciate it if I was given time to react, rather than the drunk guy just activating time stop before climbing up Sia's leg.

Halira stamped down between the drunkard and Sia. "Hey, back off!" She looked down at the man. "Seriously, you have better things to do than trying to hug her leg. Just go."

Halira sounded more tired and exasperated than angry, and it showed, but then perhaps tired an exasperated were not things you wanted to be on the wrong end of either.

[Lentrax]

The reflex is immediate. As soon as the men try to force their way past Halira, Sia's hand flies to the hilt of Moonllit Shadow. Her eyes narrow as she slowly draws an inch of the steel, the blade singing as it scrapes the metal ring inside the scabbard.

I did not save you and you know it. Back away. Now.

[roll0]

[GameSpawn]

Hano looks at the drunkards, the samurai, and her assistant, and makes a quick decision, bending down, he touches the drunk man gently on the shoulder, "Actually, it was I that saved you, though I understand your confusion."

Since this is sort of half true, I don't know whether a bluff check is required, but here's one anyway: [roll0]

[ArcturusV]

Kirnan:

As Kirnan kicks open the door, weapon at the ready he looks down to see two goblins, currently stuffing someone into a barrel that is laying on its side 20 ft away down the back alley. The Goblins are not prepared for a fight, their weapons (A blade on their hip) sheathed, and looking over at the sudden appearance of Kirnan in surprise.

(( Surprise Round, throw me an Initiative.
Gobbo 1 Initiative: [roll0]
Gobbo 2 Initiative: [roll1] ))

Out Front of The Last Chance:

The drunkard stopped with the raspy sound of steel, his eyes wide and a tremble going through his body. His mouth was gaping open, trying to form some words but none were coming out as his eyes were locked on that inch of steel. He wasn't responsive to Hano's touch and words, too focused on the impending threat looming in and just frozen to the spot like a deer that suddenly stumbled across a tiger.

Hano and Halira both manage to hear Kirnan kick down a door in the back of The Last Chance, but Halira also hears a startled cry, just barely on the edge of his hearing from down the street at the stables.

[Rhyvurg]

Kirnan charges, resisting the urge to shout.

[roll0] Initiative

Kirnan brings his blade down hard on the nearest goblin, slashing it across the back.

[roll1] Attack
[roll2] Damage

[Rhyvurg]

Pressing his advantage, Kirnan launches a flurry of vicious strikes with his sword and shield. The goblin ducks the sword strike but Kirnan punches the rim of his shield into it's chest.

[roll0] Sword Attack
[roll1] Damage

[roll2] Shield Bash
[roll3] Damage

[Lentrax]

Leave. Now.

[Jormengand]

"Matasuki! I hear someone shouting in the stables. Perhaps we can save someone today?"

[Lentrax]

Sliding the weapon back into its scabbard, Sia nods to Halira.

Lead the way.

[GameSpawn]

Feeling confident that neither the samurai nor her assistant are going to eviscerate anyone, Hano follows the noise towards the door at the back of the inn.