[IC] The Lands of the Eternal Sun

[Macros]

Destiny is a funny thing, that was a lesson Song Ku-Shii learned a long time ago. For instance, when he joined the illustrious Fourty Four Siblings of Alabaster Renown, he didn't expect to one day end up travelling toward the small village of Wǔyuè, an forgettable place at the edge of the south-western border of the Empire. Yet that was exactly what he was doing, on the explicit instructions of the Revered Elders, in order to catch a potential traitor to the Family. The rebel, a young dwarf called Yao Shan, was said to have smuggled several barels of dragon powder there, though his motivations remain unclear. Yet, that is not something the Family can easily ignore.

Yet he is not alone in his travel, for the matter has reached the ears of princess Li Mei ; usually, such petty thievery would be above her concerns, even if directly stealing from the imperial military supplies is a daring act. But that such an inexperienced thief would dare cross both the army and a powerful Triad for no obvious reason is unusual. It may be just a hunch, but she judged that such an action would require an investigation. And who better for this job than the swordsman Retsudo? Using her contacts with the underworld, she managed to convince the heads of the Siblings to make him join the mission.

Right now, the two of them are less than a day away from their intended destination, though the setting sun might force them to an halt before long.

Hikaru Zhao's vigil is never-ending. When he heard that a party of Wind Riders were making their way south, there was no question on the course of action he had to take. Yet he can't help but think this a rather strange initerary for them ; the south-eastern border is covered in forests, not a ground their skilled riders tend to favor. For them to cross the border in such a peculiar place, there must be an unusual reason. While the region is not the one he knows the most, he is fairly certain they're moving toward Wǔyuè, a tiny location only noticable for the Dog Monastery it was built around.

As a respected military officer, Cheng Ming was not used to travel alone anymore ; yet when the general Wei, supreme commander of the imperial forces, came to give her a special mission, she found herself in an unusual situation. For months now, the Empire have been marshalling its forces ; rumors have it that the Wind Riders are about to launch an invasion, and Wei seems to take the threat seriously. Apparently, he feels like the situation warrants some special measures ; Cheng Min was ordered to travel to the Dog Monastery of Wǔyuè, to the south-west border, and speak with a renowned imperial heroine : lady Lyangyu, an eladrin spellsword who distinguished herself during the last war, but retired ten years ago.

As only escort, Cheng Min had the company of Zui Hao De, a famous mercenary temporarily contracted by the army. The Walking Cyclone usually had far more exciting tasks, yet this mission piqued his curiosity, though he wouldn't be able to tell why. Maybe it was the perspective of meeting another of the Empire's famous names?

It is nearly dusk when the three travelling groups meet each other in the forest path leading to Wǔyuè.

[Sol]

Hikaru Zhao, The Golden Bow (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=642525)

Dancing from treetop to treetop, Zhao silently sped south from the Shùzhuāng Temple, along the forest path towards Wǔyuè. The further south he went, the more the signs of Wind Rider presence became clear. Twice now, he'd stopped to dismantle improvised bridges across the yellow river, though he was well south of its lowest curve now.

Hearing commotion on the beneath him on the path, Zhao nimbly drops down to mid-branches, to obtain a better view of whoever is below, while still not revealing his own presence.

Perception check: [roll0] or [roll1], whichever is higher (I also have 37 passive perception).
Stealth check: [roll2]

[Archemist]

It is nearly dusk when the three travelling groups meet each other in the forest path leading to Wǔyuè.

"Greetings, honored strangers," Ming begins. "Or, should I say, now that the fading light has obliged, greetings my honored friends! For now I recognize you, Mister Song. A fine coincidence to bring us together here on the Emperor's road."

Ming is in a traveling robe with wide embroidered edging. She looks ever the seasoned traveler, with pack and guandao slung across the rear of a horse of deepest black.

[Dimers]

"Blessings to your family, talented and wise Cheng Ming," replies the massive dragon-spirit as he executes a fluid bow. "I see my change in clothing has not distracted your eye." The last time the two had seen each other, Song had been in painstakingly clean, rich-colored loose silks with his fancifully marked chest bared to the world. Now he is dressed as a particularly rough outlander warrior, though he lacks the expected baggage such a barbarian would lug about. His red terror-mask is not in sight.

"I believe you have met my traveling companion Retsudo," Song continues. "In the time we have spent walking together, he revealed that he was in your camp when I came to notify you of that fool Chen's move against you, and that it was his storied blade which broke the assassin's knife. Retsudo is as humble as he is honorable, so if you perhaps do not recognize his face, it can only be because he has sought no personal glory for his excellence."

Throwing aside the remaining formalities of greeting and introduction, the dragonman steps forward to offer the commander an embrace. "A fine thing, to meet you here! Who is your companion? What brings you toward little Wǔyuè?" Even with the distance still between them, Song's bulk appears huge compared with the general, who is hardly small herself.

[Dacia Brabant]

Zui Hao De, The Walking Cyclone

The man walking beside Cheng Ming snorted unpleasantly at the sudden familiarity expressed between his traveling companion and two others who, a moment ago, had appeared to be strangers on the same path.

Curiouser and curiouser, he thought as he stroked the coarse black strands of hair that extended below the corners of his mouth--apart from his eyebrows and lashes they were the only ones that grew on his greenish-brown head that marked him a Githzerai. He stood tall and thin, with only a simple gray traveler's robe to cover him. A pack hung across his right shoulder and a jian--one a good bit longer than most--was at his left hip.

"Zou Taifeng," was all he said in response to the Dragon Son's first question. Although he hadn't left his true name behind when he climbed down from the mountain top, the name given to him afterward, Zou Taifeng--the Walking Cyclone--was the more commonly used in the Empire. He didn't object.

Taifeng didn't answer the second question. Instead, he surveyed the area in case any more "coincidences" were about to cross their path.


Roll Perception: [roll0]

[Archemist]

Ming responds coolly to Song's hug. She is much more reserved than the dragon spirit, though she allows a short, and wordless, embrace.

Then she says, "As you can see, Taifeng speaks for himself. And yes, I do see you as well, Retsudo. What brings you along this way? I hope you do not bear news for me like last time." She flashes a small smile, which quickly disappears again.

"As for us... surely you have heard the rumors of Wind Rider movements. We go to investigate, and get the counsel of Lady Lyangyu."

Ming gestures down the road. "But it is a ways yet, and first we should find a suitable camp for tonight. Perhaps you would join us and we can become reacquainted around a fire." Song may get the sense that the information about Ming's business were not exactly secrets, but that she is now keeping an eye on him to gauge his reaction and level of interest.

[Sol]

Hikaru Zhao, The Golden Bow (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=642525)

Zhao listens from above, and grins when he hears the voice of Cheng Ming.

When the conversation turns to Wind Riders, Zhao casually walks down the trunk of the tree and calls out to her.

Honored Mistress Cheng, greetings and welcome to the forests of my forefathers. It has been long since we last met, but the years have been kind to you, and I shall never forget your kindness. Did I hear you mention the Wind Riders? I too am chasing rumors of an imminent attack on Wǔyuè. Please, allow me to join your escort. These roads are usually safe, but I would never forgive myself if that proved untrue for a friend.

He turns and acknowledges the others present.

Greetings, friends. And friends we be, for any companions of Mistress Cheng are welcome in my homelands. I am Hikaru Zhao, watcher of these lands.

You must be Master Song,, he says, speaking to the dragon-spirit. But which of you is Retsudo, and which is Taifeng?

He frowns for a moment, turning back to Cheng Ming. A thousand apologies for listening in on your conversation, but I only now recognized your voice. Come, let us make camp, and share news.

[Dacia Brabant]

Zui Hao De, the Walking Cyclone

The man who introduced himself as Zou Taifeng cooly regarded this newcomer carefully, even after it became apparent that he, too, is well-acquainted with his traveling companion. It was to her whom he now turned.

"Either the Wheel of Destiny has turned in our favor this day, or this meeting was previously arranged, in which case you ought have informed me in advance. Had your wood-walking acquaintance not been native to these forests, and thus not able to escape my notice up in his hidden perch, he would not have met Zou Taifeng on as friendly terms as these."

It was the most he had said at one time throughout their journey. He nodded toward Zhou in acknowledgement, confirming his sincerity--in his own mind at least.

[Dimers]

As Hikaru confirms Cheng's description of Wind Riders exchanging their terror on the open steppes for subterfuge in the woods, Song scowls mightily. "Now I know at least one group in peaceful, loyal little Wǔyuè who would be interested in purchasing dragon powder in bulk: outlanders jealous of Li Han's glory. Retsudo and I" (he says with the slightest of movements, to show Hikaru of whom he speaks) "have been tasked with uncovering why a boy wishing to be adopted into my Family would have taken this small portion of our virtue and fled south, avoiding eyes. Casks of dragon powder are small enough virtue to the Siblings -- but they would seem very virtuous indeed to a foreign barbarian."

Song strokes manicured claws through a light orange beard as he mulls over the possibility. Though there is no especial spark in his eyes, this dragon-spirit has apparently learned not to confuse possibilities with truths.

[Archemist]

"Mister Hikaru - Zhao - another pleasant surprise." Ming takes her hand off her horse's flank, where it had been resting near her guandao since seeing Zhao appear out of the woods.

"If this meeting is indeed the favor of the Wheel of Destiny, Taifeng (as I did not prearrange it), we must make the most of it and form a plan together. I fear little Wǔyuè is in danger, and now I am torn between hurrying on this very evening, and camping as we had intended. It would be good to meet the challenges of tomorrow well-rested, but after what you all seem to be saying, I do not think I will sleep soundly until I see with my own eyes that Wǔyuè is safe."

[Macros]

The travellers, after a moment of hesitation, decided to press onward through the forest, despite the dimming sun. None of them were unfamiliar with night walks, yet it quickly proved a hazardous matter. The day-old trail that Zhao was following had grown cold, and was leading deep into the woods. However, the pathway to Wǔyuè remained an easier road to travel, and with luck, might allow the heroes to reach it before the western tribesmen.

However, none of them could quite shake off the feeling that something was wrong. The woods were cold, colder than the southern summer nights should be. More importantly, they all got the impression of being observed during their trek, even though not a soul was to be found near them. The forest at night had taken an eerie atmosphere, as if the world itself had stopped to watch the intruders. Everything was silent around them ; not a normal occurrence, even at night.

[Archemist]

"Under normal circumstances, I might invoke the ancestors to grant us protection from the cold; I fear that for now our haste must be what warms us. Let us hope we reach the city soon." Ming is riding, as befits her rank, and a magical lantern floats just beside her as the group travels, lighting the road for those who cannot see as well in the dark.

[Dimers]

The lantern's mystic gleam is soon joined by the light of a fluttering torch which Song pulls (already burning) from a brocade sack at his side. A chain dangles from the torch, and the dragon-spirit uses the chain to wear the torch on his chest. It seems harmless. Then a carmine fright-mask appears on his face, making him look like a leering demon with a mouth a yao guai would applaud. "I am not often bothered by evil spirits or hungry ghosts when I wear this face. But it is well wise to heed the warning they send as a chill in the spine. Let them turn their attention to other victims tonight, perhaps even to traitorous siblings and foreign invaders." Song's voice is low and tight.

Everburning torch is hanging around my neck, and familiar is in active mode.

[Sol]

Hikaru Zhao, The Golden Bow (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=642525)

As the dusk's last light ducks under the horizon, Zhao raises a hand and catches it. Slowly, the glow spreads to his entire body, banishing the imminent darkness.

This stillness is not natural. Something watches from the shadows. Let them look, I say.

Pelor's Sun Blessing allows me to glow bright light in 5 a square radius

[Dacia Brabant]

Zui Hao De, the Walking Cyclone

Taifeng walked just ahead of Ming's floating lantern, one hand grasping the hilt of his sword while the other he kept poised at his side--and with a swift motion of it he suddenly appeared not as a simple robed traveler but rather as a warrior, clad in heavy armor that appeared to be made from the scales of a black wyrm.

"Let them do what they will, I am prepared."


Using the at-will power of his armor to change it back into armor. I would like to ready an action to have him draw his sword at first sight or sound of trouble.

[Macros]

The group continued to make their way toward Wǔyuè, wary of any creature that might suddenly swoop upon them. The nimbus of lights they enveloped themselves with was giving the forest an almost ethereal atmosphere, gently illuminating their surroundings, and banishing an almost primal fear from their hearts. The walk remained unimpeded, though whispers kept reaching their ears - from spirits or their own imaginations, they could not say. Following the safety of the road, it was only a few hours before the lights of the village started to appear before them. At a distance, everything seemed quiet ; of the Wind Riders, no sign.

Everyone can make an Endurance check (DC14) against fatigue. Zui Hao De auto-succeed.

[Sol]

Hikaru Zhao, The Golden Bow (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=642525)

Zhao takes a moment to assess the party's surroundings, and studies the still-silent village intently. Maybe the night walk unnerved him more than he expected, but somehow, the absence of obvious Wind Rider activity does not immediately calm him. Had the rumors been false? Had they been a ruse, luring him away from home a second time, while they again destroyed all he cared about in this world?

No. Something was out there, in the darkness. Not the Riders, perhaps - they are generally....less skilled at evading Zhao's senses - but something.

With any luck, this is just how quiet Wǔyuè always is this time of night. Problem is, I'm not feeling very lucky. Where to from here?

Endurance check, as requested: [roll0]
Perception check: [roll1] or [roll2], whichever is highest.

What time is it? "Only a few hours" means it's still dark / in the middle of the night, yes? I have a brief bit I don't want to miss when the sun rises.

[Archemist]

With any luck, this is just how quiet Wǔyuè always is this time of night. Problem is, I'm not feeling very lucky. Where to from here?

Ming takes stock of the town lights and lets out a small sigh of relief. "Let us proceed into the town; we can alert the sentries of the potential danger, begin our errands as dawn comes and the town awakes, or merely find beds and get a little rest ourselves, finally. It is unnervingly quiet, I agree, but the lights ahead are reassuring." In the paper lantern's reddish glow, her face looks weary but determined, with eyes set on the village ahead.

Dimers and I rolled Endurance in the die-roll thread, fwiw. Looking good thus far.

Ming is still being leader-ish but you all should feel free to push back if you would rather case the joint first (scout the surrounding woods, approach from a different tack, wait for dawn, whichever).

[Dimers]

Song nods, satisfied with the plan. "No mention of my Siblings' concerns, please. If Yao Shan does not already know I am coming, I wish to offer him a surprise party."

[Archemist]

Song nods, satisfied with the plan. "No mention of my Siblings' concerns, please. If Yao Shan does not already know I am coming, I wish to offer him a surprise party."

"Of course, Song. I spoke mainly of the Wind Riders - you may handle your business as you see fit." She waves her hand graciously while speaking, dismissing Song's business as none of hers.

[Macros]

The group made their way to the village, expecting the worse. To their pleasant surprise, however, nothing seemed to have disturbed the peace. While the streets were empty - as would be expected at this late hour for such a small location - a few windows remained lit. Among the buildings still awake, a small inn grabbed the adventurer's attention, the sound of quiet music coming out from it indicating some sot of performance was still ongoing. Above Wǔyuè, the lights of the monastery shined reassuringly, as if standing watch over the peaceful town. Right now, it was hard to believe such a place would attract so much attention.

[Archemist]

Riding in to the sleepy village, Ming shakes her head to clear it and shrug off the worries of the night. Upon reaching the local inn, she dismounts and comforts the dark stony horse, which blinks its onyx eyes but then stiffens and shrinks down to a small statuette. Ming packs it away gently.

She addresses the others. "I have appreciated your companionship and willingness to make haste. I am glad all is well. For now, Taifeng and I will rest here until dawn, at which time we will seek out my Lady at the monastery. Please do me the honor of allowing me to cover your stay here tonight, and drinks if you so desire."

Ming herself does not seem like the type to stay up late carousing, but if the others wish to discuss anything over a drink, she may stick around for a bit. She heads in to speak to the innkeeper about arrangements.


Is there any "town watch" or sentries? If she knows of such (or passed any on the way into town) she will first stop and mention the Wind Rider intel to them, and give them a reminder to stay vigilant.

If the town doesn't have guards, well... all the more reason for Ming to worry earlier. But now it has us, at least. :smallwink:

[Sol]

Hikaru Zhao, The Golden Bow (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=642525)

Zhao bows slightly to Ming as she offers to cover the night's expenses. You are too kind, Mistress Cheng.

I suggest we rest while we can, morning is going to come early.

He pauses for a moment.

I will linger for a few moments, and listen for news from the locals.

Hikaru pulls his hood up, covering his ears. He orders a flagon of wine from the innkeep, finds a corner, and does his best to blend in, which is admittedly made difficult by the fact that he is still glowing. Once the flagon is drained, he retires to his room and does his best to get some sleep.

Hey guess what? The party's elven scout archetype is making another pair of perception checks! [roll0] or [roll1], whichever is highest, as always.
Stealth to blend into the shadows, so as to observe less conspicuously: [roll2] feel free to make this harder or impossible, since I'm not turning off my glowing.

Zhao considers himself a shepherd of the Sun's light, and will not release it until he can gift it to the next day's sun.

[Dimers]

Song takes in the scene at the rooming-house while listening to the work of the musician. In a quick sweep he scans faces for matches to his quarry and looks for anything that might seem out of place or beg the attention of a lord of the streets.

Streetwise check to see 'the lay of the land', however much I can tell from the few people at the inn. Streetwise is a particularly relevant skill for noticing what seems socially out of place or worth extra attention -- if you can identify outsiders and important people, you'll do well on the street. With the feat Connected, I use the higher of [roll0] or [roll1].

[Dacia Brabant]

Zui Hao De, the Walking Cyclone

Now that they had arrived, and no threat of Wind Riders swooping in was immediately apparent, Taifeng's thoughts turned to the Dog Monastery and the potential challenge waiting within it. Long had he hoped to meet another master of his art, regardless of whose teachings she followed; that it's a master with a grand reputation was all the more intriguing.

So it was reluctantly, albeit with no more an outward sign of his dissatisfaction at stopping here than yet another unpleasant snort, that Taifeng followed Ming and the others into the inn. Before crossing the threshold, he gave a second swift motion and his blackened armor returned to its previous form of a shapeless gray robe.

"Until dawn then," he muttered. "It has been many nights; Lyangyu can wait one more."

[Macros]

Zhao's attempts at discretion are foiled by the glow he keeps emitting, which rather attracts attention to him. No-one actually comments on it, though.

At first glance, Song's target isn't among the assistance. The only dwarf to be seen is the musician himself, but his appearance doesn't match what he knows of Yao Shan ; that dwarf looks older, and is rather well-dressed, distinguishing him from the locals ; clearly he is a minstrel of some sort, a rather respected profession in the Empire. Among the public, no-one really catches Song's attention : they seem to be locals entranced by the exotic traveller. However, a few of them seem to be dressed differently, the fabric of their clothes having nothing to do with the ones used by the villagers. In the back of the room, one githzerai and one elf are watching quietly the dwarf's performance, their robes marking them as monks.

The atmosphere in the Inn is rather subdued. Everyone seems captivated by the bard's performance, now playing a melancholic tune. The innkeeper seems a bit surprised by this sudden flux of strange newcomers, but is nonetheless welcoming, providing the travellers with rooms without troubles. All in all, nothing seems out of place in this village.

If some of you want to do anything else before going to sleep, now is the time.

[Archemist]

Ming sees no reason not to just get a little sleep. She asks the innkeeper to have someone rouse her at dawn if she is not already awake. She leaves the window in her room with the shutters open, so as to let in the sunlight. She falls asleep quickly once in a bed.

[Dimers]

After a few minutes of appreciating the dwarf minstrel's technique, Song leaves a generous donation and retires wordlessly to a faintly moonlit room. He falls asleep almost the instant he has shrugged off the thick armor he wears. His red terror-mask opens up its own pair of eyes, however, and keeps paranoid watch like a parent owl in its nest.

Activating my familiar. I can pay attention to events around me as if awake. If harassed now, I'll be at -7 AC and -2 Intimidate for lack of enchanted armor.

[Dacia Brabant]

Zui Hao De, the Walking Cyclone

Taifeng tossed the pack containing his meager traveling supplies unceremoniously into a corner of his room. He sat down onto the bedcushion with his legs crossed and his jian resting (still in its scabbard, of course) on his left shoulder--with his left hand still holding the hilt. He would not rest easy this night, but then he never does.


Even though he auto-succeeds to stay awake until the following day, I'll go ahead and have him go to sleep; I don't want to risk him getting fatigued in the middle of a potential battle.

[Macros]

The rest of the night ends far too quickly for the taste of the five newcomers. Nonetheless, no attack comes to disturb their dreams ; one could be forgiven to think the village is as peaceful as it appears to be ; yet it might just be the calm before the storm. The atmosphere in the common room is quite different, however ; now that the minstrel is gone, only a handful of people remain, workers about to start their shift after one late breakfast. As soon as the group enters in the room, the innkeeper focus on them, a welcoming smile on his face.

"Welcome to Wǔyuè, my lords, it is an honor to have such distinguished guests. I am sorry for not introducing myself this night, but I couldn't bear to disturb master Zashi during his performance. If I may be of any help to you, I am at your service."

[Sol]

Hikaru Zhao, The Golden Bow (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=642525)

As Dawn's first light breaches his window, the soft glow of Zhao's skin intensifies and bursts free, joining with the Light of the new day. Somewhere in the distance, a rooster crows his thanks, and Hikaru's eyes open.

Down in the common room, he orders a cup of caff, picks a table, and begins counting his arrows while waiting for the others.

When the innkeeper apologizes for not having introduced himself last night, Zhao considers for a moment.

Apologies for noticing, innkeep, but it seems you still haven't introduced yourself. I'm Hikaru Zhao of Jīnsè. My companions and I met on the road yestereve, but we have all heard rumors that an attack from the Wind Riders is imminent. What news have you? The woods felt strange as we walked here last night. Even if the rumors are misleading, something is out there watching.

[Archemist]

Ming had slept uneasily. Having readied herself for the day, she strode down the stairs, and took in the inn's common room. On being welcomed by the innkeeper, she simply replied, "Thank you, kindly. The camping alternative would have been much less comfortable. For the moment, a tea sounds fine. Then we should be off to the monastery, but shall return."

She listens to the news, as it is, he gives to Zhao, and sips the tea.

[Macros]

"Oh my, where are my manners? Huan Sen, at your service. My grandfather opened this inn for the few souls travelling south, or for those curious about the monastery."

Zhao's news about a possible attack were met with visible surprise.

"Wind Riders, this far south? Are you certain? That certainly would be a first. Our village went through the last war unscathed, and so did he the war before that one. Why would they even come? Wǔyuè doesn't have much things of interest. I guess I'll talk to the monks about that. However..."

Sen's face grew more worried.

"I hope you did not met any trouble in the forest last night. Spirits are restless, people say, and travelling is riskier than it used to be. As long as you remain on the road and during daylight, you're probably safe, but a few people disappeared here and there. And some folks here said they saw the ghost of old Fai roaming through her old house. A couple of monks came to cleanse the place, but everyone is getting worried."

[Archemist]

"I hope you did not meet any trouble in the forest last night. Spirits are restless, people say, and travelling is riskier than it used to be. As long as you remain on the road and during daylight, you're probably safe, but a few people disappeared here and there. And some folks here said they saw the ghost of old Fai roaming through her old house. A couple of monks came to cleanse the place, but everyone is getting worried."

"Ghosts, you say? Worrisome, to be sure. I will ask the monks about it, as well. There was definitely an unsettling feeling on the road last night."

Ming, having finished her tea, seems ready to depart up to the monastery. She invites the others, "Well, you are all welcome to accompany us - if you have not before seen the monastery, it is not to be missed. But I understand if you have other business in town."

Needless to say, I'm not usually a fan of splitting the party, but if you have other plans, chime on in.

[Sol]

Hikaru Zhao, The Golden Bow (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=642525)

Zhao finishes counting his arrows as the innkeep speaks.

Fifteen hundreds even, he notes, re-filling his quiver and slinging it over his shoulder. The quiver doesn't appear able to hold more than a few dozen arrows, and yet the table has been emptied by the time it's filled.

No, we cannot be certain regarding the threat, but I've learned not to ignore rumors, where the Wind Riders are concerned. He stands and positions himself such that it's clear he's going to follow Ming's lead.

I'm with you until this is over, Mistress Cheng. I do suggest we inspect this house belonging to Fai, after we're done at the Monastery.

[Dimers]

As Cheng Ming speaks with the innkeeper, Song occupies the doorway between the common room and the back hall, listening, again dressed as a barbarian outlander. Eyes turn his way as he strides in, and he makes an offhand gesture as he speaks (one known to the followers of certain Secret Societies as an indication that he would welcome conversation). "Should such a rumor be true, it may mean that the Wind Riders are seeking targets which don't expect them, since their ridiculous assaults upon the Exalted Emperor's prepared defenses always go so poorly. -- I too shall accompany you to the monastery, Cheng. I am certain it will be delightful to hear of the place's history, and my errands can wait." But to any viewers on the wrong side of the law, his moving hands state 'come find me'.

Song goes to the innkeeper for his breakfast and offers an introduction of sorts. "Honors to your ancestors, Mr. Huan. You may call me Dà [large]".

[Archemist]

"Your suggestion is a good one, Zhao - we should hear what the monks have to say, but can also investigate the house of Fai for ourselves later. It is intriguing, and I have learned there is often more to talk of spirits than just talk. Let us be off, then. Thank you again, Mr. Huan."

[Dacia Brabant]

Zui Hao De, the Walking Cyclone

While the others were still inside the inn, Taifeng sat on the stoop outside the front entrance, and waited. In his eagerness for the start of the day, he had awakened with the roosters and gone outside with his few possessions in tow, but had managed to stop himself before leaving the premises entirely. So he sat, and waited, and munched on a bun in between swigs from his waterskin.

[Archemist]

Ming heads outside. "Good morning, Taifeng. Did you rest well? Let us be off to the monastery." She decides it is a nice enough day just to walk, and, after waiting for the others, begins the hike up the hill.

Now might be a great time to find an alternate to Retsudo, too, before anything too drastic goes down.:smallsmile:

[Dacia Brabant]

Zui Hao De, the Walking Cyclone

Another annoyed grunt was the extent of Taifeng's reply as he stuffed the rest of the bun into his mouth and washed it down with a long gulp from his waterskin, which he promptly shoved into his pack. He stood up, shouldered his pack, shoved his scabbard into his belt and silently followed Ming up the hill.



Now might be a great time to find an alternate to Retsudo, too, before anything too drastic goes down.:smallsmile:

I agree.

[Macros]

There's no rush yet. Retsudo is currently in NPC mode (which means he's less talkative than usual), and I'll let the introduction play out. If he isn't back then, we'll recruit an alternate.

It is highly unlikely that any criminal organization is operating here. The fact that your target bothered to come here to begin with is surprising in itself.

The path to the monastery is easy to follow, taking only a few minutes at a leisurely pace. Built, or rather carved on the mountain's flank, the monastery offers a view allowing anyone to observe the valley down below. Rarely the saying "in the middle of nowhere" was more true. The village's houses were the only built edifices as far as the eye could see, surrounded by forest. However, some campfires can be seen east of here, within perhaps an hour of walk.

As the party approaches the gates, one monk comes to greet them. A young elf bows down, his vestments clearly marking him as a follower of the Dog.

"Welcome to our monastery, strangers. Would you happen to be pilgrims looking to learn from this place?"

[Archemist]

As the party approaches the gates, one monk comes to greet them. A young elf bows down, his vestments clearly marking him as a follower of the Dog.

"Welcome to our monastery, strangers. Would you happen to be pilgrims looking to learn from this place?"

Ming nods quietly. "In a way, yes. We seek Lady Lyangyu, and would learn what there is to know of this area and threats to its peace."

She bows. "I am Cheng Ming, and myself and my companions are honored to finally see the Dog Monastery of Wǔyuè. Once we have met with the Lady, I would indeed enjoy spending some time learning more generally of the wisdom of this place."

[Dimers]

Song smiles a bit wryly at the monk's welcome while he returns the bow. "A mark of wisdom and serenity, to not make assumptions about others' desire for learning based on their clothes." He erases his expression and awaits whatever cleansing and purification rituals the monks might impose before allowing entry, knowing from experience that while spiritual men scare almost as easily as any other, attempting to hurry knowledge out of them is often a losing prospect.

[Dacia Brabant]

Zui Hao De, the Walking Cyclone

"More wisdom to be gained from this place than its denizens, if this edifice is any indication. For a backwater, this valley is well protected," Taifeng tactlessly remarked as he looked up at the temple's mountainous edifice before leveling his gaze upon the monk.

"What are the origins of this temple? Has it always been dedicated to the Dog?"