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  1. - Top - End - #1
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    HalfOrcPirate

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    Default The End of an Era Part 1

    Chapter 1: Festivities



    Hayato: for weeks you followed a rumor, traveling fast across the snowy mountains from village to village, but always a step behind until you lost track near the frozen banks of the Hao river. The snow has now started to taw and the citadel is bursting with activity in anticipation of the spring festival. The regent has spared no expenses after a hard winter and the smell of food rises from everywhere to the common hall where you have spent the night. You told everyone here -about two dozen men sleep in this inn- that your name was Yuta, and that you are here to see the festivities. You hope to find clues or hear rumors that put you back on track.
    Yoy have a bowl of rice with veggetables and set way to the citadel landing across town. The village stretches over several hills surrounding the lagoon and the sun rises to the east where the lagoon meets the open sea. Merely a hundred years ago this was the imperial capital, now its size is dwarfed by many other villages that have grown under the shadow of the warring Daimyos. Still, the sacred grounds of the high temple attract hundreds of pilgrims every year to see the almond trees anounce the coming spring with their white little flowers.
    As you follow the windy road down the westent hill, you can see the place busrting with activity.

    Ahayla

    Your ship docks in the inner side of the wave breaker and the crew helps travelers dissembark. Not you, your impressive wolf sacres them away, even when you both get out of the ship and the wolf tumbles side to side with sea legs. There are many junks coming in and out of the dock, immense weaved baskets are unload from them by dozen of men and children while women weave and repair the nets. Most of them are human, but you see a few hadoozes manning their light junks carrying tropical fruit unseen in these lands.
    This is where the falling stars have led you thorugh countless nights. The foreign language is short and quick, not as melodic as in the lands you have crossed. Everyone seems charged with determination and they work efficiently. Some of them stare at you with a dissaproving snarl, but however their feelings, they keep them to themselves.


    Leylek

    You watch over the crowd from your position of vantage, perched over the warehouse across the main dock. You keep watch as indicated; once a proud warrior of the steppes, now you make a living as security for merchants and sailors. Hey, they pay on time and there's seldom anything more than a few theft attempts. But the festival changes everything, and the rumor is that prince Genji himself will come from his winter palace to prside the main ceremonies at the high temple. That could be trouble. Last time he showed his face in the village with his samurais, there was tension with the merchant's guild. That was before the snows. But the word is the Crab is preparing for a campaing in the spring and the regent wants prince Genji and his smaurais protecting the citadel, there can be no bad blood.
    Across the dock you spot a vanara exotically dressed accompanied by a large wolf. The spring brings funny things indeed.

    Onka
    The house they reccomended here turned out to be nothing more than a brothel, but you made it clear that you were only there to dance and manage to get a place to stretch your bedroll next to the dying embers of the kitchen. It has been a rough winter for you, skirting around the mountains you fled years ago trying to avoid being recognized. But it was worth it, the festivitites were going to be memorable and there was a chance to join the performers at the high temple and perhaps in front of prince Genji himself. Time had passed, and you were confident your new identity would hold scrutiny.

    As you washed in the inner patio, you heard the conmotion of the women in the house, rushing to the exterior and giggling. There they were, out in the dirty street, marching over the melted snow and the mud, four porters carried prince's Genjis carriage over their shoulders followed by four shujenjas, each with a robe representing their element of choice. Around them, ahead of them, and behind them there were twenty samurais, but one of them caught your attention. It was a Tengu! A huge black crow head over slender shoulders.

    Shiernein

    The winter came faster and sooner than you expected, cutting short your travels to the north. You were left with no money and surrounded by sacred woods where only prince's Genji men had the right to hunt. First your tried to manage with dignity and stoicism, working for food and helping a couple farmers keep their animals safe from bad spirits and bandits. Soon the rumor reached prince Genji: a Tengu swordmaster was doing menial jobs in the farms surrounding the citadel. Not much later you had met prince Gengi and entered his service for a period of four months.

    The fourth month will end in three days, right after the main ceremony at the high temple, Genji would pay you and you'll be on your way. Whispers in the air speak about a plan by the Crab to consolidate their power in the eastern coast and claim the citadel. But prince's Genji samurais were competent and well trained by Ayeshi, one of the finest swordmen you had met. If it weren't for your father's deteriorating health, serving prince Genji would have been a good option.
    You marched into the village with the other samurais, watchful and wary.

  2. - Top - End - #2
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Metastachydium's Avatar

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    The big crane doesn't let his eyes wander about for long; he has duties to perform, after all. He is uniquely suited to perform them too. Most can't fly and must choose between the street where most things happen and the vantage point up high, from where all is visible. Most aren't weapons, born and raised to fight with little gear or none to maintain. Leylek is far from pleased, of course, but that must account for something. And it certainly was a way to stay sharp and stay fed. A way to pass the time and let the fates work. The work now nears completion, he can tell it. Genji's here again. The Crab is coming. Things stir, at long last. He might be like the folded banner now, but soon, this will be a place of war. There is coin in wars. Leylek knows that well.

    Coin – and more indeed. War is the wind that drives the flame and smoke apart. Fresh air for the warrior. The tamga of his ancestors will see blood, warrior's blood, spilled before it once more. Blood brings glory, and glory breeds coin and glory again. Trouble is coming for these hills. Let it come!

  3. - Top - End - #3
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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Hayato continues following the path up the hill. The festival would be chaotic, but with such a large gathering there was every chance he could find clues from folk it would take him weeks to travel to normally. He quickly mingles with the locals and begins asking for strangers seen travelling in the last direction he'd had any clue about
    Quote Originally Posted by Nifft View Post
    All Roads Lead to Gnome.

    I for one support the Gnoman Empire.
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  4. - Top - End - #4
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RedWizardGuy

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Onka has been waiting for a chance to finally practice his craft again. When he sees the carriage he didn't just stand in front of it and performed right there, which may have been impressive but may also had him killed a bit too fast and there was the strange Tengu creature to behold too.

    He followed behind the carriage, which probably did go towards the temple. Perhaps he was able to get a glance at Prince Genji before anyone else, which would not only sate his interest but probably no one in the brothel would believe him and they're envy may be more sweet than clear spring water.

    Of course he won't only need to take care of his body but also for his soul.
    Quote Originally Posted by Ridai View Post
    No no no, not speaking while fighting. Speaking with the fighting!

    That rabite monk dive-blobbing you in the face, followed by hooking teeth into your belt and suplexing you is a woefully poorly understood way of remarking on how nice the weather is.

  5. - Top - End - #5
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    SamuraiGirl

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    The wide grin on Ahalyā's face was near-giddy in its joy. The bustling port was a far cry from her quiet forest home in Odisha. So many sounds! So many sights! And there was apparently a festival happening! Ahalyā fervently hoped that this festival wasn't the cause of the spirits' discomfort.

    The lanky wolf kept close to the vanara's side, not sharing Ahalyā's enthusiasm. For Raksha's keen sense of smell picked up spoiling fish, unwashed bodies and bilgewater, making for a nauseating melange assailing her poor snout.

    The wolf sneezed and shook her head, then nudged Ahalyā that they should perhaps start walking away from the docks.

  6. - Top - End - #6
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    HalfOrcPirate

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    The day moves as a succession of emotions and colors for most of you, visitors to the Citadel, the winding dust and dirt roads that climb down the sides of the hills through wooden an paper houses and trees of all kinds give way to stone pebbles streets near the the inner port and sturdy wood structures with solid stone podiums.

    Onka and Shiernien follow prince Gengi's procession towards the high temple through these roads and streets. For Onka, following becomes increasingly difficult as more and more people gather around the samurais and the porters. Shiernien even has to gently push a few villagers. They cheer and applaud prince Gengi -the Citadel's benefactor and guarantor of its neutrality in the constant bickering of the Clan's Shoguns.

    Elsewhere, Hayato mingles with villagers and travelers, eavesdropping for conversations and information, soaking in everything. Rumors abound about tonight's Festivities, some feel hopeful that Prince Gengi will finally try to claim the title of Daimyo and put an end to the low intensity hostilities. Some other talk about the prince's many lovers and bastards, but such conversation usually ends up in fights and shoveling.

    Leylek, among the steady flow of the port, a small boat floating to the northern edge of the inner lagoon catches your attention. It is manned by four oarsmen and glides quietly away from the pier, whatever they carry is covered with a large dark canvas.


    Ahalya asks for directions to reach the emple and walks toward the high temple following the pier and then long slope of a street that climbs straight into the mountain. From afar, you can make the lines of the high temple on a plateau in the middle of the climb where the road forks toward the regent's palace on one side and the citadel fortress on the other. If the smells and colors of the docks were new, the richly decorated walls and streets are a sight that's more familiar. The devotion to nature and Kamis may be different, but the spirit and the festivities are unmistakable. As you climb you see a big crowd a few streets up, they turn the corner and then you spot Genji's procession with the samurais. All climb towards the temple.

    All
    There's music everywhere and the almond trees are starting to bloom. The hilltops and the mountaintops are still covered with snow.

    Spoiler: OoC
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  7. - Top - End - #7
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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Leylek narrows his angry orange eyes as he follows the movements of the boats, trying, at the same time, to keep half an eye on the streets below as well. Experience in his current, undignified station tells him that this could also be trouble, and not the sort he craves. Nor the sort he knows to need his immediate and closer attention, nevertheless, but he stays alert.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Perception: (1d20+5)[6] to notice anything amiss, incl. markings, familiar shapes and the like on the boat;
    Knowledge (geography): (1d20+3)[5] to see if he knows of anything that way the boat might be heading towards.

  8. - Top - End - #8
    Ogre in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Leylek

    You absentmindedly see the boat reach the northern edge of the lagoon, but the gleaming light of the sun shining against the almost still water moves like the grass in the steppe transporting you to older times when you served the Horse Lady and her Hordes of brutal warriors swarming the borders of the Jade Empire. You remember Kalyek, your brother, and the memory is sweet and painful, as vivid and real as the people working in the port if not more.
    When you finally snap out of the daydream, the boat is making its way back across the water, two of the oarsmen missing and no apparent load on it. You scan the shore and see nothing.

  9. - Top - End - #9
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    SamuraiGirl

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    Ahalyā, still taking in the sights, knew enough to let the large procession (with its armed samurai) pass. For now, she was in no hurry, enjoying the experience of just Being Here. She would make it to the temple in due time, yes, and pay her respects. The walk up the mountain would be worth it.

    (1d20+8)[12] Know: religion

  10. - Top - End - #10
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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Hayato drifts through the crowds as they turn their attention to the prince's procession, gathering what he can while everyone is occupied with the royal arrival

    Gather Information (1d20+5)[24]
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    I for one support the Gnoman Empire.
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  11. - Top - End - #11
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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Ahalyā

    The procession passes and you follow the stream of people rising through the stairs, chanting Genji's name but as you ascend, the collective voices rise as a repetitive chant, it's almost a mantra, and while your understanding of Rokugani is good, these must be ancient words which meaning you ignore. Surely a religious chant. The stream of people moves with purpose up and up the hill and past the last line of houses through well kept and expertly placed terraces of Almond trees and Cherry trees. One could fool oneself into thinking this is "nature" but these terraces are man made. The tiny white flowers of the almonds are blooming, the cherries will soon follow. It is truly a sight those terraces to the side of the road, so enthralled are you on them that you barely realize when the procession stops at a gate. Only the Samurai and the porters with the chair are let in by half a dozen Sohei, two high priests and a shrunk man on a dark red kimono. The porters slowly lower the covered chair and slide the courtains as the samurai keep guard on both sides. The expectation grows as prince Genji slowly makes his way out of the chair. He is a handsome man in his early fifties, elegantly dressed in a gold and white kimono. People around you sigh and hold their breath.





    Gengi approaches the High Priests and lowers his head to graze the hem of their garments, then bows in a deep reverence to the man in the dark red kimono who also bows deeply. People Cheer and the four men climb towards the high temple. As you turn around, you can see the views of the double bay below.




    Hayato

    It costs you some time and a few coins, but you hear interesting rumors. People have both good and bad omens about the Festivities and the future of the citadel, mostly speculation about the war and Genji claiming the Daimyo. You are getting tired of the same stuff when a man with terrible teeth and dirty nails pulls the sleeve of your kimono.

    Misser-he slithers through a reeking wrecked messed of a mouth I've seen sumtin in the woods that nobody believes he says conspicuously. The wretched man could be a lunatic, but you are desperate to find anything useful so you go ahead and buy him a drink and some pork ribs from one of the many vendors.

    Not two days ago I was minding my business and seeing about if the early trout were swimming up a nice cold stream I know well, when I heard the noise of horses and men. I laid flat in my stomach and approached slowly thinking they could be bandits. But no, there were around forty men, well geared and ready for battle, they wore no banners and their clothes had nothing to set them apart from farmers. But they were passing around well sharped swords and bows. There was a man to whom they paid more attention. Tall and sturdy, with a large red birthmark on the right side of his neck

    At the mention of this man, you shake with rage. This is the man. It must be. The wretched vagrant goes on.

    These men were up to no good, they hid their weapons in baskets and crates and set way to the south bend of the river. I have been telling everyone that these were Crab ninjas, but they don't believe old Daruto.

    Another man violently and friendly slaps Daruto in the back of the head HAHAHA Daruto! You want to convice everyone that you snuck behind a group of ninjas? hahahah Don't pay attention to this drunk mister
    Last edited by Auranghzeb; 2023-03-27 at 11:19 PM.

  12. - Top - End - #12
    Troll in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Hayato smiles politely despite the increase in his pulse and says I try not to discount the wisdom of my elders, however it comes. Tell me now, where was this stream so that I can keep away from wayward Shinobi?
    Quote Originally Posted by Nifft View Post
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    I for one support the Gnoman Empire.
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  13. - Top - End - #13
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RedWizardGuy

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    Onka pressed by numerous people frantically searches around. He needed to find a spot to get through these masses of people, if he wasn't the first to make an impression he would needed to be the last to really make an impact, but being the first dancer would just be the best.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Perception: (1d20+9)[21]
    Tumble to get through people?: (1d20+13)[18] I don't know if this really works, but it seems the closest to get through a crowd.
    Quote Originally Posted by Ridai View Post
    No no no, not speaking while fighting. Speaking with the fighting!

    That rabite monk dive-blobbing you in the face, followed by hooking teeth into your belt and suplexing you is a woefully poorly understood way of remarking on how nice the weather is.

  14. - Top - End - #14
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
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    Leylek's scowl only deepened at the thought. He never thought he'd miss the great grass and his stupid brother so much. Well, him and Zhaz-Kizil, his stupid brother's stupid mate, and Cousin Akkush, and Kitshik, greeting the sun with her slender neck bent and slender bill raised… The Karakatans and the broad crescent of the Baltalint riding before the Horse Lady, calling the enemy with quick, short warcries. It is an awful distraction, and he's very displeased he couldn't avoid it. These days are as good as any, and if war arrives, will be better than most.

    His eyes continue to follow the departing boat for a while; he could, of course fly up and over to the north abd take a closer look. But luckily, the little intrusion of thoughts is unlikely to have done much harm. He is assigned to keep watch here; what happens on the waves is not his business, and the farther it happens, the less so. He should, perhaps, mention it when he reports in for the day. His eyes, on the other hand? They are needed here now.

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    Ogre in the Playground
     
    SamuraiGirl

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    ...all things work best in balance... Man-made (or man-placed) the trees might be, at least they were still here. To deny Nature its place would turn the world askew.

    And it was good to see this prince pay his respects too.

    In this pause, Ahalyā idly turned her glance over toward the double bay...

    (1d20+5)[24] Perception

  16. - Top - End - #16
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    HalfOrcPirate

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Hayato
    The intruder laughs harder at your remark, making Daruto blush with embarrassment, it is obvious to you that he is the butt of jokes. Well mister, it is up to you to take the words of this drunkard more seriously than an old woman's complains. The regent and Genji's men would never let any ninjas go through the citadel. And as quickly and rudely as he appeared he leaves laughing out loud.

    Daruto smiles with his wretched teeth and the stench hits you straight in the nose in this crowded place. Misser, I know what I saw. Ain't no reason for me to lie. There were armed and the man with the red birthmark seemed to know what he was doing. I don't think you'll find them by the bend on the river, and that's half a day march to the east. But today is as good as any other day to come into the citadel unnoticed
    He finishes his pork ribs and sake and shrugs.
    thank you for the food, do what you want with my story

    And he stumbles away, leaving a scent of decay in the air.




    Onka

    More than tumbling, you dance through the crowd, anticipating it's movement and rhythm as you would know the choreography of the multitude, the dance of the many. That allows you to keep close to the procession, but once in the High temple, there's no chance to cause an impression. the prince and the regent leave everyone behind them to confer away from the sights and ears of people. The stern Sohei and the Samurai stand guard. People soon start to disperse, the town below bursts with activity and they know that there will be time to come back to the temple.
    As the crowd disperses, you see something uncommon:
    A lean and elegant Vanara with a quiet wolf by her side.


    Leylek
    Your watch moves without incidents except for a few people falling into the water while unloading the ships, a broken leg of sorts and a couple of minor quarrels among the porters and stevedores. Soon you are relieved temporarily. One of the regent's men comes around the corner and signs to you. You have a few hours to wander around before the main ceremony starts. But first, you'll need to take your report to the warehouse you are using as a guard station.



    Ahalyā

    It is in human's nature to transform, much like the big Elephants of your land garden the forests, so do humans help life grow, they do it selfishly, arrogantly, but they do it. The inescapable imperative of life: transformative.
    You appreciate Genji`s reverence to the priests, whom you quickly identify as prominent religious figures of this town. Nothing here seems to reek of evil or unbalance. These men and women seem to honor the land and appreciate it's beauty. Yet, a feeling in the back of your neck tells you that this is the place.


    Spoiler: OoC
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    What do you do in the next few hours? This is a good time for more intervention from you as players: divinations? More gather information?

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Leylek bows to the regent's man; it's a shallow bow, but polite enough. He then stretches his wings once, twice and hops off his perch. He might as well ride some now, the way he rides: on winds. Rising in a slow, lazy half-circle, he inspects the streets below once more and heads for the warehouse. He has questions to ask, he reminds himself, beyond what he'd have to relay anyhow. He might as well put this shift behind himself as is proper.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Perception, just in case: (1d20+5)[8]

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    RedWizardGuy

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    Onka was shifting, weaving and bobbing through the crowds, almost losing itself in the rhythm of it all, forgetting his initial objective when it just... Suddenly stopped. How can they just close the doors? It was almost insulting in it's mundanity.

    Well he could just wait before the doors would open again, but his breakfast did fall flat today and who knows how long that would actually take? He just couldn't stand still and walked over towards the Vanara his hand raised in greeting.

    Greetings! New in town? Care to grab a bite to eat? It's on me of course, I do feel generous today. With a look on the wolf. And perhaps a bit of meat for your... Big dog? What breed is this?
    Quote Originally Posted by Ridai View Post
    No no no, not speaking while fighting. Speaking with the fighting!

    That rabite monk dive-blobbing you in the face, followed by hooking teeth into your belt and suplexing you is a woefully poorly understood way of remarking on how nice the weather is.

  19. - Top - End - #19
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    The canine appeared to give Onka a look of indignation, but the vanara gave the beast a reassuring skritch behind its ears. Still, the animal looked at the newcomer warily.

    "She's a wolf, good stranger -- and my dear friend. Are you from this town then?" The vanara grinned. "Food would be most welcomed, yes! I am Ahalyā and this is Raksha!"

  20. - Top - End - #20
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    HalfOrcPirate

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    The hours move fast on a festive day. Leylek spends some time kiting around the bay and stretching the old wings and enjoy the passing of the day, late winter, the snow still crowning the mountaintops, the soft breeze announcing the spring. You fill your report on the old warehouse where the regent's men are sheltered from the activity in the village and the citadel. You have time to eat, but you are informed that you will be part of the regent's security detail during the Dragon's ascend at sunset. You have been informed of what this is, a large paper and wood dragon will head the regent's committee to the High Temple, where the Shujenja will conduct the ceremony of Spring, iniviting the Kami to release the forces of spring. Your job will be to oversee everything from the air. You have to be ready in 4 hours.

    Ahalyā and Onka come down to the many food posts along the main street and the port and have their pick of food for them and the wolf. Some people are scared of the animal, but many identify Ahalya as what she is, a santified person, and do not mess with them.



    Hayato, suspecting foul play you move among the people and gather information about the festivities and the order of events. There will be a moment when the regent and prince Genji be exposed: the Dragon's Ascent. It could well be that the ninja will strike then.


    Spoiler: OoC
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    What do you do in those 4 hours?

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    RedWizardGuy

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    Well, not exactly from this town. Onka made a hand gesture that could mean anything or nothing at all. I live there for the moment, wandering where the wind leads me. I'm Onka by the way.

    After getting some choice food bits. I'm waiting for a chance to perform before prince Genji, you probably saw the carriage and the commotion? Getting into the court of the venerated may just give me some great personal chances. And what have let you here? Also trying to get a glimpse of the prince or did the kami or fate drew you towards this place at this moment?

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Onka try's to take a look at the time and be one of the first to be at the gate again.
    Last edited by Alhallor; 2023-04-03 at 04:53 AM.
    Quote Originally Posted by Ridai View Post
    No no no, not speaking while fighting. Speaking with the fighting!

    That rabite monk dive-blobbing you in the face, followed by hooking teeth into your belt and suplexing you is a woefully poorly understood way of remarking on how nice the weather is.

  22. - Top - End - #22
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    Leylek is somewhat pleased as he takes to wing again (or, at any rate, what passes as pleased for warriors of his dour temperament). What he is to do in mere hours might be undignified surveillance, but it is to be done in service of the regent – an honour, certainly. And a task, again, that few others could perform in his stead. Perhaps he will even get to fight, and not the overeager common folk swarming the streets: the regent's men seemed to all but ignore the strange vessel with its cargo unseen, but their calling in more troops than usual and more eyes for more caution paints them as nervous.

    As he soars on the currents to preserve his strength for the late hours, the crane narrows his eyes to try and gouge the distance to that northern shore. Much to his chagrin (that borders on indignation, in fact), he will have to eat and his time is limited. He'll have to tame his body, eventually – and cope, until then.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    What's one even roll to guess a distance and the time needed to traverse it? Survival: (1d20+6)[14]? Knowledge (geography): (1d20+3)[16]?

  23. - Top - End - #23
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    SamuraiGirl

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Ahalyā let out a throaty chuckle. "Fate, fate, fate, yes, yes, yes!" Her chopsticks snagged a particularly plump har gow and she offered it to a grateful Raksha (even a wolf could pull out the puppy dog eyes if quality food was around). "The spirits of my home land -- they are uneasy, yes. They lead me here! NOW! Now, I need to speak with spirits here now, yes? Hear what they know -- if they are uneasy too! Find out why!"

    The vanara's head bobbed eagerly as she paused to take a sip of tea.

  24. - Top - End - #24
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    HalfOrcPirate

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Leylek flies towards the edge of the lagoon, trying to find out whatever happened with the people who left the boat. Soon you spot them, two men sit around two large wooden crates and some baskets not two hundred feet away from you under the shade of the trees. They are eating. They don't pay much attention to you or any other bird whatsoever. They seem relaxed. Upon closer inspection, flying close to them you see the inscription on the wooden crates "Han-Fireworks".



    Hayato

    You are determined to unmask any intruder to the festivities, but the streets are crowded with people and as the hours pass, they get drunker and drunker. Your vigilant eyes assess people and look for any concealed weapons among the food crates. The steaming aroma of food and the noise of the crowd do not dull your senses. But if the enemy is here, it is yet to reveal himself.

    Of all the many colorful people you see, an odd couple draws your attention as you pass by them: a flamboyant young man of delicate and firm manners that speak of steel and grace eats with a Vanara and a large wolf, unconcerned with the crowd.

    That and two groups of openly armed men with the Regent's banner who move decisively towards a warehouse in the port.

    Onka and Ahalyā

    Time passes and soon the sun is approaching the water on the other side of the temple. You feel people moving more excited and a little fuss when two group of armed men shove people around impatiently.

    The Dragon's Ascent will soon start. People are talking excitedly about the fireworks.

  25. - Top - End - #25
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Luccan's Avatar

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Hayato's eyes follow the guards, assessing the warehouse they're headed toward. That will be something to keep an eye on. His feet carry him toward the odd trio, an outlier to his expectations so far that needs to be assessed. He adopts a friendly manner and bows politely Forgive me for the interruption, but it is not often one sees a wise Vanara and with such wild he nods to the wolf and refined company he nods to the man I would very much like to make your acquaintance. I am Yuta
    Last edited by Luccan; 2023-04-07 at 12:48 AM.
    Quote Originally Posted by Nifft View Post
    All Roads Lead to Gnome.

    I for one support the Gnoman Empire.
    Avatar by linklele

    Spoiler: Build Contests
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    E6 Iron Chef XVI Shared First Place: Black Wing

    E6 Iron Chef XXI Shared Second Place: The Shadow's Hand


  26. - Top - End - #26
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Metastachydium's Avatar

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Half-satisfied and half-fuming over wasting his time (fireworks, for the festival, presumably; that would explain quite neatly why the regent's men didn't bat an eye), Leylek turns around, approaching the waterfront again in an effortless glide. It's about time he grabbed something to eat, and a meal would indeed be well-deserved, given how thoroughly he chose to proceed.

  27. - Top - End - #27
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    HalfOrcPirate

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Leylek


    You start making your way back and catch a current of warm air rising you above the skyline and carrying you softly, kiting above the packed village.

    Spoiler: OoC
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    Perception please




    You find the port packed. You have about an hour to eat and report.



    The Rest

    While you talk and eat the short winter day starts to come to an end, long lines of dusky light start to appear and change the colors of the trees, the people, the food. Whether you want to stay in port, talk more with Yuta (Hayato) or start your ascent to the temple before it gets too crowded, this is the moment to make a decision.

  28. - Top - End - #28
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    SamuraiGirl

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    The vanara grinned happily as the new person approached them. "Hello, hello! I am Ahalyā and this is Onka! And this--" She gestured to the now-suddenly alert wolf eying Yuta. "--is Raksha! Are you here for the festival too? Are you from here?"

    The wolf gave a soft nudge towards Ahalyā, who seemed oblivious to the gesture. Here was another new hoomin. They were supposed to be talking to the local spirits. Instead, Ahalyā cheerfully ate dumplings and chattered with strangers. The one called Onka said he wasn't from here, ergo time to move on.

  29. - Top - End - #29
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    HalfOrcPirate

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Leylek

    The gleaming sun over the water hurts your sight forcing you to end your surveilance flight earlier than expected. You head back to a food stool you trust, with old friendly Rameek, a Hadooze mercanary turned street cook that makes the tastier spicy shrimp dumplings and gyozas and set to eat before reporting to escort duties. There's barely time to gulp down the food and head back to the warehouse.
    On your way there you see the large paper dragon that will climb the temple stairs and the close to twenty dancer-porters that will carry it up.

    Once in the warehouse, your sergeant is giving instructions to the regent's men. Six samurais you have never seen are squatting in silence. Then, from a room in the back two figures in elegant kimonos emerge. It is the regent and a man you have never seen, but you immediately know must be Prince Genji. How did they get here unnoticed you don't know. Everyone bows to them as your sergeant stops mid-sentence and both men head to the warehouse double doors. Outside, dusk is settling in and the night air caresses the citadel with a soft breeze. The regent and the prince stop at the still closed doors and are surrounded by the regent's men. And four of Genji's samurais with two more staying further back. You have your instructions, air cover. The doors open and the contingent moves towards the paper dragon swiftly, for a moment they remain unnoticed, until the light of the many lamps carried on long poles lit their faces and the crowd explodes in joy.

    The music starts and the Dragon starts its ascent.


    The others

    You start climbing the stairs where people are starting to fill in every gap on the side of the streets and guards and sohei from the temple try to control them. music burst from way down the street, close to where you were and joyous chants climb the dying day. You dally for a moment and set your way up.


    EVERYONE
    Roll perception rolls describe what you do.

  30. - Top - End - #30
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RedWizardGuy

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    Default Re: The End of an Era Part 1

    Onka waves towards Yuta, happy that the Vanara introduces him, smiling and giving a little bow. Greetings, I'm just here to enjoy the festivities, perhaps I can garner a chance to perform before the prince, you never know, right?

    When the festivities seem to be about to start, Onka dalies a bit before it strucks him that he really should try to get a good spot. I'll try to get a better vantage point. See you later.

    As before Onky try's to weave through the crowd, to see the dragon or the prince. His chance would come.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Perception: (1d20+9)[14]
    Tumble to move through crowd: (1d20+13)[19]
    Sorry but I was really bound up in easter. It should be better now at least.
    Quote Originally Posted by Ridai View Post
    No no no, not speaking while fighting. Speaking with the fighting!

    That rabite monk dive-blobbing you in the face, followed by hooking teeth into your belt and suplexing you is a woefully poorly understood way of remarking on how nice the weather is.

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