I suppose the people who play this aren't around?

Your Stats

Honor: 3.8
Glory: 1.5
Status: 1.5

Traits
Air 2
Awareness 3

Earth 2
Willpower 3

Fire 2
Agility 3

Water 2
Perception 3

Void 2

Skills
Calligraphy 2
Kenjutsu 3
Lore: History 2
Performance: Storytelling 3
Theology (Shintao) 1
Etiquette 2
Courtier 2
Kyujutsu 1
Stealth 1

Advantages
Ebisu's Blessing
Precise Memory
Voice
Way of the Land (Sparrow Province)

Equipment
Your Grandfather's Daisho
A Fine Calligraphy Set
A Footman's Bow
20 Standard Arrows
Average Traveling and Courtly Attire
Traveling Pack
2 bu (silver coins)
Bayushi Hiroshi's Personal Chop
Shinichi of the Wasp's Personal Chop
Shinji of the Wasp's Personal Chop
A Borrowed Horse

Excellent. Good to see you again, Shinsei's Smile.

I'm just taking stock of of everything up to this point, I believe we have in our possession:
* Our Grandfather's Daisho
* A Fine Calligraphy Set
* A Footman's Bow
* 20 Standard Arrows
* Average Traveling and Courtly Attire
* Traveling Pack
* 5 bu (silver coins)
* Scorpion commander Bayushi Hiroshi's Personal Chop
* Wasp messenger Shinichi's personal chop
* As well as the chop of his younger twin brother Shinji
* Traveling papers

Our papers include:
* Kyuden Akodo (Lion Castle/Capitol)
* Kyuden Bayushi (Scorpion Castle/Capitol)
* Kyuden Asahinabachi (Wasp Castle/Capitol)
* Otosan Uchi (Imperial Capitol)
Which is all rather irrelevant as for this trip we have the travel authority of an Emerald Magistrate

We have achieved the following:
* ventured to Scorpion lands and met with Hiroshi, who has offered aid if we can ally the Wasp and Fox with Sparrow against the invading Lion
* Met Shinichi on the road to Fox lands, and exchanged chops as a sign of alliance. He also signed our papers as an Emerald Magistrate.
* Bested a Kappa in Fox lands, and by being merciful in a victory of wits, made an ally. He shall receive a shrine and tribute in exchange for no longer troubling travelers, an act which has earned us the title of Fishing Sparrow
* Met Shinichi's (younger) twin brother Shinji at the Fox court
* Spoken with the Fox daimyo, and -- despite botching the presentation -- presented her with a gift of good quality art: caligraphy of our own hand describing a large predator being subdued by the combined might of a pack of smaller creatures.

>>9995250
Ha! Looks like I was searching through the old threads a bit needlessly. Still, it's good to have you back.

Regarding the fox vanguard: are they primarily guarding the capitol, or out on the front lines? Also, remind me: did the Daimyo have any specific request or recommendations at the end of the last session?

A joyous occasion, the lifting of fear;
L5R quest is here!

How much hair, all of it or just some?

>>9995387
That is correct. Thanks for including the papers, I had an issue with copypastaing from my notes and had to hand type everything.

How much hair does the kappa want?

If I recall correctly, we got transported to the lair of the spirit wolf, didn't we?

Well then. If there is any way we can get the hair immediately, we can try. Otherwise, I'd say it is better to proceed from Fox Lands to Wasp, and continue gathering allies.

(My thinking being that finding hair to trade for information, then find the lair, then subdue or befriend the wolf could take quite a bit of time. Something to accomplish before long, but not immediately.)

Perhaps we should send a message (coded?) with a trusted ally back to the plains of the Golden Sun, so or kinsmen can prepare, or even negotiate some specifics given the new information?

fuck yes, came on just in time

>>9995424
The majority of the Fox forces are gathering at Kyuden Kitsune. Ryosei mentioned that she does not wish to commit until she see that there is equal commitment from the Wasp and Sparrow and a workable plan of action is in place.

>>9995430
The kappa wants full length of her long black hair. Such hair probably took her most of her adult life to grow. You do not know much about this sort of spirit, but you have heard stories of spirits removing the ability of a person to regrow their hair after taking it.

>>9995536
A member of the Wasp clan (Shinichi) already got dispatched when we left for Fox lands. He's (assuming he hasn't been waylaid by Lion Scouts or bandits) probably arrived/started Sparrow mobilization by now.

>>9995536
the hair is standing right next to us. The point of the spirit wolf bit was to improve relations between ourselves and the ever-so-lovely daimyo of the fox (who will be our waifu), the wolf was bouncing about.
I say we ask for the hair of the shugenja in a very suave manner, hopefully narrated by the rappin bushi

>>9995589
So a full length meaning a single long hair? Not so bad if she doesn't lose all ability to grow hair.

Even so, I think it best to proceed. We might find the lair without need to resort to accicentally cursing our allies.

>>9995622
Ah, I just must have forgot then. I assumed the hair/wolf information came after we left the castle of Fox (and after I logged off from the last thread).

So, other input on next course of action?

>>9995637
It wants more than just a strand. It wants the whole of the fall of her hair, leaving her with a short mannish cut.

>>9995730
Hmm... Is he willing to bargain down?

Maybe we can trade him another story /

>>9995730
Wow. Okay, a bit much then. In that case -- and based on the info in >>9995622 -- I'd say we mention that as a private matter to the daimyo. She can either order one of her vanguard or send her own people to negotiate with the kappa in her lands, depending on how troublesome or helpful she believes the wolf to be.

Normally I wouldn't like to "punt" like this, but it's not really our place to do anything other than present the option.

>>9995714
Assuming we can bargain him down to something more reasonable, I'd say paying would be good.

Also, I'm a supporter of the Shugenja Waifu. If we let her get her hair cut for our sake, I doubt we can honorably break off anything we might form, since we'll owe her a great debt of gratitude.

>>9995777
Kappa's reaction is pic related

YES! I'm so glad this quest is back.

What's the reaction of the shugenja girl when she heard the price? Does it look like she's totally against it or does it seem like she's willing to consider it? Asking would be just rude after all. This IS Rokugan.

Are we feeling a bit on the wild side? And, more importantly, is this Kappa a risk taker?

I say we offer the Kappa a new trade; our worldly possessions (whatever we've got on us), with a catch; he gets them if the Spirit Wolf kills us, and only then.

>>9995909
he isn't after worldy wealth, he already has a free cash shrine being built in his honor. He wants some motherfucking hair, he's crazy.

rolled 3, 6, 4, 9, 2 = 24

>>9995879
Hikaru has a barely hidden look of disgust at the attentions of the kappa. From what you have seen of her she is a dutiful samurai.

Also guys, don't even dream of getting the Kitsune daimyo as our wife. Our status is WAY too low for that so unless we become super important in the next while, we have no chance. We're better off getting her to fall in love with us and having a thing on the side with her, which is fine as long no one makes a big deal out of it... Regardless, we're better off aiming for the other shugenja that's with us if you guys are really that obsessed with a waifu.

Of course, there's the whole aspect of marriages being political things so if we want to improve relations between the Fox and our clan, in theory we could be used I suppose.

>>9995909
If we died after paying the hair price, he'd get them anyway. How's this one any different, unless we offer something else less tangible, like our soul (which I do NOT reccommend, considering what we've put the thing through)?

>>9995909
Seems a bit risky. After all, he's the first place also where we'd go to ask "how would you subdue the wolf spirit."

Maybe we should ask the shugenja to accompany us. We can then propose the kappa gets our worldly possessions in death, or the story of the exploits once we succeed. That might be enough for an even break. He might even settle for something less tangible, such as our given name, or a poetic tail of our failures (which may be amusing to a kappa).

Has Ryosei said anything or is she being silent on the matter and basically leaving it up to us?

>>9995964
Ah, so she is with us. Maybe she could convince some of the local spirits to track the wolf without the kappa.

>>9995976
this is a quest thread, we are a collective PC. Have you learned nothing from playing RPGs? We'll be doing, and have done already, bunches of crazy awesome shit. By the time this is all over and Shinsei's Smile gets tired of us the daimyos should all be kissing our imperial ring, or whatever crazy shit they do over there.

>>9995962
It is not crazy, it is a spirit, it has different needs than a human.

>>9995843
>>9995777
If you wish to bargain with it you can make a dice+3d10 roll vs a Target Number of 15. You may make up to two raises increasing your TN 5/raise. You may spend a Void point to temporarily gain a rank in the Commerce skill to change your roll to 4d10 keeping the best 3 and having the possibility of exploding dice, the exploding dice results will come from your post number starting at the rightmost digit.

>>9996041
Nonetheless, leave all that to its proper time. That is for the end of the quest, when the matter of the war is settled. We may yet all die before the season is out.

Let us then act. Ask Ryosei what her ability to locate the wolf is, and if she can do nothing, ask the kappa if he will take one of our tales, or a toe, or the last haiku before it will form in our minds.* If not, we will have to leave the matter to Ryosei, or else leave for the land of the wasp.

See if we can find a way to turn the kappa human, then make him a retainer of the Fox bushi. Or something like that.

A kitsune or tanuki would probably know how to pull that one off.

Alternatively, we make the kappa her retainer, but let him take the form of a comb and/or set of hairpins instead.

>>9996127
I like the comb plan.

>>9996099
Well, gents... What shall we do?

We've resolved to try some form of trade then. I eel no need to raise, but the void point makes failure unlikely. Shall we?

>>9996020
Up to this point, yes. You think she might be viewing this as a sort of test. Her retinue is watching the spirit rather closely. Shinji has had is bow with an arrow in hand the entire time you have been speaking to the kappa, you can tell he is a bit out of his element and very nervous.

>>9996127
is good, then we'd have a constant spirit companion with us to ask things about. He might be wary of leaving the river.

>>9996192
Take a jar of water from the river, in which she would store the kappa-comb.

I say we try to bargain with no raises. Save the void for the wolf.

>>9996127
>Alternatively, we make the kappa her retainer, but let him take the form of a comb and/or set of hairpins instead.
I like this. It's kind of classy & outside the box.

>>9996099
Void Pointing, plus potentially a raise might be worth it?

rolled 8, 8, 7 = 23

>>9996192
>>9996147
>>9996127
Alright then. We shall propose such.

>>9996223
This may not be wholly pleasant for him, so we may need to up ante significantly to deal again if we fail. Let the dice be cast.

>>9996267
We only have 2 void points though and the wolf encounter will definitely need at least one. Having 2 would be the safe bet and that's more important than this I think.

>>9996277
So we successfully trade, though that might not necessarily mean that he takes right to the comb idea.

>>9996277
Should have called a raise :/

>>9996277
Also, if he balks, make it the stipulation that if we WIN, he become a retainer. If we get omnomed by the wolf, he gets to keep his cushy shrine.

As well, every three months he may return to his river for a month (creating a cycle of 3 months - 1 month - 3 months - 1 month).

Sound peachy?

>>9996371
Forgive me, it's been a while. What do raises do again?

>>9996430
They give a bonus (+5 per raise, iirc).

>>9996430
We increase the TN by 5 but for every raise we do and our end result if we succeed is better. But obviously we have a harder time succeeding.

>>9996430
Ups the Target Number by 5/raise & increases the reward for success as well. Basic greater risk = greater reward gamble.

>>9996375
Sounds reasonable (though he's probably going to want an insurance policy of some sort). Perhaps five finely-crafted Sparrow Arrows?

>>9996375
Put the shrine on the river, have that be where he returns to.

>>9996375
Again, I wouldn't worry about the long term. We are humble sparrow. We have no need for retainers or pomp. We need to save our lands, and return to pious poverty. If we have to make deals leading into the coming years, fine, but it's nothing we need to reach for.

>>9996277
Your smooth talk and previous deal make the kappa eager to deal. After a bit of back and forth haggling you convince him down the shoulder length of hair with the assurances that after a turning of the seasons the hair will grow again. On leaving his river the kappa says such things are impossible and he would vanish back to stream if he strays too far.

You look towards Hikaru and she pulls a tanto from her belt. With deliberate cuts she cuts her to her shoulders and turns to you with a stern look and the slightest quiver on her lips, "A woman's beauty is her life and my father always said my hair was my finest feature. You best know what you are doing Toranaga-san." And she hands you her hair.

The kappa gleefully sniffs the hair when you hand it to him. "Mmm, yes, beautiful, yes. I can take you and one or two others, yes, to see old Ezo, hehe. Let us hurry on our way, yes."

On hearing the this, Shinji volunteers to go with you, saying he has a score to settle with that Wolf. Ryosei says you may take one of her vassals as well if you wish and the everyone else will continue to Kyuden Asahinabachi.

Who will you take to confront the Ezo Wolf? Tama, a young bushi armed with a spear and bow. Gen an older shugenja who had led the rituals that granted you speed. Hikaru, the younger shugenja who you now owe a favor. Or Ryo an older samurai who is armed with just his Daisho and a bow.

>>9996571
Ah, but the retainer is not for us, but for Hikaru-san, our lady fair;
I think she will be quite pleased if we need not cut her hair,
Though I imagine carrying around a Kappa with her will earn us quite a glare.
But that is now past; Onward to the Ezo Wolf's lair!

I'm in favor of the young Bushi or the elder samurai.

>>9996610
Hikaru definitely comes. She gave up her hair for this, she deserves to see the result first-hand.

>>9996610
leave shinji behind, tell him it's to guard the daimyo. We don't need hot-heads with us, especially if we're to try and recruit the spirit. let's take both shugenja and Ryo, leave the others behind.

We have -- I believe -- two middling warriors. Still, the benefits of any warrior against a spirit are debatable. Better a shugenja. The older are probably more powerful, but if Ryosei wants to come, clearly we should accept.

>>9996679
Oh, and obviously this doesn't count as the favor we owe her. It's just what's right and proper, nothing more.

>>9996610
>>9996610
Hikaru-Sama, my lady fair,
A woman's beauty is not solely in her hair.
Your poise, your grace, are also things for which I care.
Now, I have a request, if I may dare;
Will you accompany us to the Wolf's lair?

>>9996714
Agreed. Although would she be Hikaru-sama, or Hikaru-dono?

>>9996680
I approve of this course. If we will not offend, Shinji should remain. Besides, we can also ask of him a favor -- another polite distraction to avoid defense -- that if we not return, he personally carry the news back to our clan.

>>9996734
We're playing up the humble sparrow bit, but that doesn't mean we're dirt compared to her; besides, it might be weird, considering Ryosei is also there. Sama seems like a good enough compromise.

>>9996734
She is of similar rank to you so -san would be appropriate. -sama might be seen as being a little ingratiating, which in your current situation would not be totally inappropriate. -dono is reserved for those significantly above you in rank and might be considered mocking or patronizing if used.

>>9996680
>>9996747
I'd rather Shinji come with us, personally (as to do otherwise may make it seem like a slight to his honor), but the compromise of having be a last messanger of sorts is also good, if it won't offend him. If it works, I say we also take Ryo, since he's got experience that may be helpful.

So we take Ryo the seasoned veteran, and Hikaru the self-sacrificing Shugenja. Let us proceed. If there are other opinions, now is the time to make them heard.

>>9996808
Thanks. I wasn't quite sure where -dono fit in the honorifics hierarchy.

On the other hand, would we want to use -dono when we're talking to the Wolf?

>>9996808
-sama then
The whole deal with the hair is to help with the threat on HER people's lands. More for HER good then ours. Besides, hair grows back, she's a whiny bitch with a renewable resource.

>>9996848
Hair is pretty serious business where traditional Japanese ladies are concerned.

Traditional Japanese dudes too, for that matter. Cut off a samurai's topknot and you've just done one of the most insulting things you possibly can short of outright murder.

>>9996890
It's cool.

Besides, I like to assume that you're what our character actually sounds like. Because it would be awesome.

>>9996841
Ryosei is only volunteering one of her vassals to this. The rest are there as part of her retinue/advisors, she needs them at the summit at Kyuden Asahinabachi.

>>9996848
>she's a whiny bitch with a renewable resource.

Let's put it this way.

You are a relatively attractive female who has been exposed to the horrifying nature of the internets (shugenja magicks).

Now imagine Christian Weston Chandler (Kappa) has just asked for a length of your hair.

She is a braver lass than I would be, I can tell you that much. Especially considering whatever magical trickery the damn Kappa can pull off with that hair.

>>9996955
Ah, right. I guess we should keep shinji as another fighter then, and also ask Hikaru to come. A shugenja's skills are going to be invaluable.

>>9996955
Derp; guess Shinji and Hikaru are coming along for the ride then.

Besides, its kinda cool; A Sparrow, a Wasp, and a Fox working together to defeat a larger beast (OSHI SPARROW NOSTRADAMUS).

>>9996955
Take Shinji and Hikari. Hope that Toji shows up later.

>>9997003
It's like the Mantis Clan, except without any Mantis in it!

>>9996889
This anon is correct. Even cutting long hair short is a sign of saying, "I'm no longer a woman, I'm a man." You want to be exceedingly careful about how you go about this.

>>9997037
Pic related to Hikaru if we botch this.

We do NOT want an angry Shugenja after us (even if it DOES make the possibility of a Tsun/Yandere relationship more likely).

>>9997127
If we botch this, we get devoured by a wolf spirit.

Which is probably for the best, given what you mentioned.

>>9997127
YOU GODDAMN ASSHOLE, I CUT MY HAIR JUST SO YOU COULD GO AND GET YOUR ASS HANDED TO YOU BY SOME SHIT-KICKER WOLF? FUCK YOU.

NO, I MEAN FUCK YOU. GET DOWN. I'M GOING TO ANGRILY POUND YOU.

IT WILL NOT BE PLEASANT.

So our course is relatively clear:
A wordsmith, a nervous novice fighter, and a newly angered young shugenja follow a kappa out into the unknown wilderness, where we hope to befriend or defeat a power wolf spirit.

Yeah, we're going to need those void points.

>>9996963
>Christian Weston Chandler (Kappa)
I wanted the kappa to be a bit creepy, but not that creepy. Haha.

>>9997003
>>9996981
With a nod Hikaru and Shinji join you next to the edge of the stream were the kappa is swimming around making a swirling vortex. "Leap into my stream, yes, and I shall take you to see, old Ezo, yes. Maybe the old Ezo will give me the pretty girl after he is done, yes, hehehe," cackles the kappa as the whirlpool begins to glow with magic. You take a deep breath and leap into the swirling waters. You are buffeted around like a paper boat in a hurricane and spit unceremoniously onto the shore deep in the forest. Moments later Shinji bursts from the stream and lands next to you. A long minute passes before Hikaru appears, landing gently on the shore. Her face is flush with anger and she turns to you, "You best teach your pet kappa some manners or the next time he sees me he will feel the Wrath of Tengoku!" She then throws a gnarled finger down on the grass, where it writhes for a moment and then melts into water. Amazingly the three of you are completely dry.

Up ahead you see a path leading to the ruined remains of an ancient shrine. Its stones have long tumbled down and trees and vines have overgrown the sanctuary. The forest is unnaturally still, none of the sounds of birds or wind are in the air.

>>9997200
You make it sound so bleak, brosashi-san;
We go forth for the honor of our clans!

Goddamit, that Sparrow is infectious.

>>9997200
the more glory for us when we return then, hopefully astride the wolf spirit ready to kick some lion tail.

>>9997213
>She then throws a gnarled finger down on the grass, where it writhes for a moment and then melts into water.

Waifu confirmed for feisty (with possible Yandere tendencies).

Try to calm Hikaru down and make her realize how foolish she is by calling the spirit a pet. She of all people should realize the nature of spirits and how they can't be controlled or bargained with easily.

Also, see if there are the remains of anyone who have somehow stumbled upon this place.

>>9997213
On the forest path
The silent shrine awaits us
Do we have apples?

Take a look around (don't make any sudden movements). Either roll for knowledge or ask Hikaru if there is anything we need to be careful of. (Acts of reverence we should practice when approaching the shrine, wards that have been broken or defaced, and so on.)

>>9997283
I say let her think the Kappa is ours, since she DOES understand the nature of spirits; she'll be miffed, but understands that there's fuck-all we can do about its personality and that its a miracle we even controlled it in the first place.

>>9997283
I believe she understands quite well. (Shugenja, after all.) She's just angry and intentionally derisive.

>>9997320
I get that. But an angry shugenja will not help us now. She needs to be calm when we face this wolf.

>>9997320
She was in there for a decent bit longer and she chopped off one of its fingers.

Do we actually have to pull out a doll and ask her where the kappa touched her to figure this one out?

>>9997283
>>9997308
Be sure to be in the lead, with shinji in the rear. Keep him as far away from the wolf spirit as possible. Discussion with Hikaru should focus on placation and social behavior, less on combat practices. Does the wolf spirit still behave in a pack-ish fashion? If so, be sure to clearly be the alpha in your own mini pack of three.

>>9997350
I doubt patronizing her will calm her any. Best to move on, and respectfully request the benefit of her wisdom.

>>9997357
>Do we actually have to pull out a doll and ask her where the kappa touched her to figure this one out?

We must have a Drawfag.

I'm slightly leery of not taking Shinji, for one reason.

He's a Wasp, and they are absolute certified asskickers.

rolled 7, 10, 2, 7 = 26

>>9997308
>>9997283
A quick look around finds that the shrine is truly ancient. Having calmed herself Hikaru whispers "This might be one of the oldest shrines in all of Rokugan," as she places her hand on the weathered stones of the shrine's gates.

Peeking into one of the collapsed outbuildings Shinji calls you over. Visible under the remains of the roof lies a human skull.

>>9997365
Apologize for the Kappa's behavior first. We don't control it, but we were the ones who made the deal with it in the first place. We have some responsibility for its actions.

>>9997392
We DID bring Shinji.

Shinji has a ranged weapon, we keep him in the rear where he can do the most good. We take the lead.

Does Hikaru have any advice?

Bored cumdumpster here, 19/f/US - im lonely, someone add my msn for a chat / cam! 9
if youre from US, add my msn: KittyX@live.com!! And ask for cam! 58

>>9997410
A fresh skull, or ancient?

Femanon here, 19/f/us - im bored, someone add my msn for a chat! 70
Seriously, i need someone to chat / cam with! add: KittyX@live.com ! 97

>>9997410
Make a note to ourselves not to fuck this one up.

Don't get too uptight about the skull, though. It's a wolf spirit, shit happens; ascribing human morality to it is a bad idea.

>>9997410
You realize that if this shrine is truly as old as Hikaru said it was before the tradition of cremating the dead became part of Rokugani religion. You say as much and Hikaru agrees, a raised eyebrow giving away that she is impressed with your knowledge.

>>9997410
If it's a shrine, do the following:

Find some water to wash our hands.

Remove our shoes, wash our feet if possible.

Clap thrice once in the shrine, to summon the kami that dwell within.

>>9997444
I was more curious if it looked like an ancient warriors grave had been defiled, if the wolf had been gnawing on people recently, or if some drunk woodsman managed to bring the place down on top of him, thereby inadvertently starting all this.

An offering would be appropriate methinks to not get immediately attacked if it appears. It IS a spirit so it might work. Does Hikaru have any ideas on what might be appropriate or are gonna have to bust out some rhymes?

>>9997448
Ask her what we might do to honor the dead here.

>>9997493
Let's not just yet. We're on the spirits grounds. Until we know we can leave this area in peace, we shouldn't do anything just yet that could potentially anger it.

>>9997448
>before the tradition of cremating the dead
>>9997479
>an ancient warriors grave had been defiled

ding ding ding

>>9997482
We could try setting the shrine back to rights, as much as we are able.

Clear the rubble, clean a bit, put out dishes of sake and rice...

>>9997479

Seconding, we cannot rush into this.

What if this spirit is guarding people who were buried here and just time has made this place fall apart so it looks like how it does now... In that case, poking around might make US look like we're going to defile the place. We should probably make contact with the spirit first.

Lookin' good so far, although that silence is a bit unnerving.

>>9997547
For a shrine to have gone into this state without any signs of active Shadowlands defilement, it must have been forgotten completely. I think that doing at least the simple rituals expected at any shrine and then attempting to repair it to at least some degree would be a good start.

>>9997547
It probably was time. Whoever built this place presumed it would be kept up in perpetuity. It is clearly in need of repair. The question is what is necessary before contacting the spirit (not just the ritual, but what we should do to assure we appear as allies from the very start of the conversation. Are there some prayers that we can say or inscribe which might help us fare better?

>>9997493
Hikaru walks around the small build and says that this may have been a small mausoleum built by the keepers of this temple for themselves. Building a fire and cremating the remains and properly reburying them should be enough to honor dead. Unfortunately gathering the bones will make those who do it unclean until they can get to a proper shrine for purification. As the collapse does not look recent she doubts this is what set off the Ezo Wolf. She recommends sending a proper contingent here to rebury dead, repair and rededicate the shrine after the spirit here is placated.

>>9997588
While I'd normally agree, if this shrine is that old and existed before a lot of the normal traditions in the current empire, the rituals and such we do now could be wrong. Of course, I imagine Hikaru would be the best person to ask for advice on this matter since this kind of stuff is her job.

>>9997600
Calling it right now: offering to repair the shrine and have it put back into use would be an excellent boon to grant the local spirits.

>>9997567
That's a pretty awesome picture.

Too bad it probably wouldn't work for a character potrait of our intrepid hero ;_;

>>9997611
Then we abide by her advice. Let us cleanse ourselves and great the spirit. I'd recommend Hikaru and Shinji remain outside, weapons by their side, but not trained on the shrine. We will be at a disadvantage if things go bad, but that would be true no matter what. We cannot appear aggressive. Suzume will enter and call the wolf.

>>9997673
Look to see if we have any apples in our packs.

I have it on good authority that wolf spirits like apples.

>>9997639
Goddamn, we're a wandering philanthropist; first we build the Kappa a shrine, and now we're going to restore a really old shrine...

If nothing else, we are going to have a metric fuck-ton of spirit power on our side when the final reckoning comes.

rolled 9, 9, 3 = 21

>>9997611
As you continue to explore the ruined shrine the silence is shattered by a howl that chills you to the bone. The color drains from Shinji's face as he grits his teeth. That is the wolf that chased me through the forest two nights ago.

Enzo is awake then. Let us prepare quickly.

>>9997712
Find what seems like an appropriate spot, sit down. Open our packs, lay out some food. When the wolf arrives, offer to share freely.

>>9997739
Forgot to add: do this calmly, respectfully, without overt fear.

>>9997712
A wave of supernatural terror washes over you and you remember the teachings of your sensei. You let the fear through and around and remain a calm before the storm. The sky darkens and a great black wolf trots out of the woods with hunger in its eyes.

>>9997712
Forget your quotation marks, captain?

>>9997765
DERP, yep. Sorry about that.

Try to communicate with the wolf. Let's also be prepared to DIVE DIVE DIVE aside the second it jumps towards us to tear out our throats.

Anyone here up on protocol. Other than bowing and saying, "the honorable Enzo, I presume," I'm stuck.

>>9997673
We should leave shinji, but bring hikaru along with us. She's our only reliable source of knowledge about all of this.

>>9997800
We have to be respectful to it, that's for sure. It's a spirit... Beyond that, I'm not really sure. The RPG books I read didn't really cover this kind of stuff unfortunately.

>>9997753
Do these:
>>9997739
>>9997750

>>9997753
Proposed response:

"Well met, Guardian of the Shrine. Are you the great Spirit Wolf of Ezo?"

>>9997812
Be sure to bow appropriately. And pour him some sake. Then spill a bit on the ground as a libation for the dead here, unless that would be improper.

Rack our brains to think of how a wolf spirit might react.

Specifically, whether he would prefer us to get straight to business or to make polite small talk and offer food first.

>>9997808
We have left the realm of the material and have entered the world of shadowed spirits.

Time to leave the nest, spread our wings, and soar, my friend. We're a Sparrow, and by god this spirit is going to know it.

We address him and bid him well, and ask if we are addressing the honorable Enzo.

If so, again bow and request audience.

>>9997861
Be glad we're not at a Rokugani analog of Fushimi-Inari, where roasted sparrow on a stick is a traditional dish.

Serve wolf food and sake. Explain that we're here to inspect the shrine, and intend to send people to repair it.

>>9997837
>>9997808
As the Wolf crosses the threshold into the shrine you and Hikaru bow deeply to the Ezo wolf. It does not break and leaps towards you. You dive aside narrowly avoiding the snapping jaws. The whistle of an arrow sounds above your head an arrow pins the Ezo Wolf's foot to the ground. Hikaru shouts, "It looks like this one has forgotten how to speak. I shall attempt to banish it to its home, the realm of Chikushudo. The magic takes time, the two of you must protect me while finish the ritual."

Hikaru begins to chant and swirling mist begins to rise from the ground. The Ezo Wolf snaps the arrow from its paw and looks toward the source of chanting. You are between it and Hikaru. You can feel its anger as it charges towards the two of you.

>>9998004

Jump ontop of it.

Let us hope our grandfather bequeathed us the skill to accompany our daisho. Swing for the eyes and ankles. We have little hope of a killing blow, but perhaps even spirits may be hobbled.

Let's do this. Time to stab the Wolf.

...we really need to buy up Spear, Shouting Matsu was right.

>>9998004
fucking hell, I was hoping for an arcanine to ride around rokugan.
Wait till the last moment and whip out the daisho, preferably to redirect the charge away from the two of you, more towards shinji.

>>9998004
We must protect Hikaru at all costs. We must act like the Shiba do with their Shugenja. Full defense time... Oh god, we don't have the defense skill and we have a TNtbH of 10. We are so dead. New plan. Hit it first and hit it hard so it comes after us and hopefully hurt it to the point where it has trouble fighting.

>>9998004
Fallen spirit, tortured soul,
Let lightning wrack and thunder roll!
You shall not pass beyond my blade,
Even should I become unmade!
I do this not for pleasure or glory,
nor even for a wondrous story;
I do this for a beast in pain,
So let come forth the wind and rain!

>>9998069
Shinji is still with us. We must strike at the head and keep it busy while he goes for the precise shots that will pin or hurt it. We just need to buy time and not die.

>>9998004
When it opens its jaws, put our blade through the roof of its mouth.

>>9998112
Blood and Thunder!
White Whale!
Holy Grail!

The first one to make their roll is the one that counts.

>>9998031
dice+3d10 or dice+4d10 keeping the best 3 and have exploding dice vs a TN of 20.

>>9998037
>>9998039
>>9998049
And anyone else that wants to attack.

dice+6d10 keeping best three or 7d10 keeping the best 4, as you are a skilled swordsmen you have exploding dice on either roll.

Remember to call any raises you dare.

>>9998069

Things we need: Defense skill, armor, War Fans.

rolled 4, 9, 8, 7, 10, 5, 8 = 51

>>9998150
1 raise called

rolled 7, 10, 5, 7, 9, 4, 6 = 48

>>9998150
Two raises.

>>9998221
8+8+9+10+1(exploded) = 36

>>9998221

what's the raise being called for, bonus damage?

>>9998221
27 v TN of 25.

VICTORY AT SEA

>>9998265
better than that, actually:
>7d10 keeping the best 4... exploding dice

rolled 6, 4, 7 = 17

>>9998221
Your blade bites deep into the hide of the Ezo Wolf. It snaps back at and an arrow flies into its gaping maw. A wave of cold washes over and it is difficult to breath. Behind you the chanting intensifies and the mist takes on the sweet scent of incense.

>>9998221
I swear I rolled this, but I have no idea what the raise should be called for. Extra damage seems nice, but what are the other options?

>>9998322
Things like disarm, knockdown, feint, a second attack, called shots and as you said extra damage. I think Shinsei already assumed we were doing damage though so that's irrelevant.

>>9998312
The cold fury of the great wolf washes over you again, but you stand fast. If the wolf is going to taste the blood of a samurai today, it will be yours.

You notice the blood on your blade has frozen into an icy glaze as you make your next move.

What now Toranaga-san?

>>9998312
Fallen Guardian, go in peace,
Your reign of terror must now cease!
I bear you no ill will, Guardian of the Shrine,
But you must be brought to heel, brought into line!

>>9998377
Brace yourself for another attack, look around your peripheries for something burning, or hot. Yell at shinji to set his arrows alight.

>>9998377
If we have some way of starting a fire available, use it.

Attack it again. Press the advantage we have since it didn't attack us yet. It'll keep it off Hikaru hopefully.

If we live through this, we totally need to make a story about this and then link it to what we'll do the the Lion if the Kitsune, Wasp and Sparrow ally. It's so fitting.

rolled 3, 4, 5, 5, 2, 7, 10 = 36

Strike at its eyes. We must hold the line until the ritual is complete.

1 raise for the called shot

5+5+7+10+10(exploded)+4(exploded) = 41

>>9998440
37 (10 + 7 + 5 + 5 + exploded 10)

rolled 1, 9, 5 = 15

>>9998364
All you could get out of a single raise is extra damage or called shot to the torso.

>>9998412
As you had not set up any sort of fire ahead of time there is nothing burning. Shinji yells "Delay him for a few seconds," and you hear the sound of flint on steel.

The Ezo Wolf tries to get around you, to keep him in front of you, make a Agility roll (3d10) vs a TN of my roll. As this is a raw trait roll your explode and you may spend a void for a rolled and kept die.

>>9998477
I believe the exploded roll of 10 also explodes, meaning we get another 4 as well.

rolled 10, 4, 8 = 22

Agility - here we go!

rolled 1, 4, 2 = 7

>>9998527
So that should be a 29.

>>9998534
Apologies on that second roll. Didn't realize the e-mail field remained the same after posting. For future reference, if we make raises on any roll, will there be a benefit if we succeed or only those you mention where we can raise?

>>9998527
>>9998440
Your deft maneuvering keeps the wolf at bay and you land a fierce blow to its head (a called shot to the head is three raises which I gave you instead of one as you specified a head shot). The icy ichor splatters across you and feel a numbness where it lands. The mist has thickened to the point where you can barely see past the end of your blade.

In the corner of your eye you see a flash of light and a flickering flame in the mist about chest level.

>>9998561
If you wish to call raises do so and state what sort of effect you are looking for. If it is something that is seriously beyond your capabilities I will state so and give you the chance to change your raises.

Also you have spent all your void at this point.

GO FOR THE EYES, TORANAGA, GO FOR THE EYES!

>>9998634
Yell to shinji to tell him where you are, hit the deck with your blade pointed up and let the arrows take the rest of the wolf out.

Thread has been archived:

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/9994974

>>9998698
If we can barely see past our blade, I doubt Shinji can see unless he has awesome perception... I think it might be best to ensure we have it's attention or lead it towards Shinji and away from Hikaru. It'll likely follow us so heading towards him wouldn't be bad now that i think about it more.

So we're holding our own, and Shinji has lit his arrows. Keep talking so he is less likely to hit us, and keep trying to beat it back. Let Shinji try to deal some damage, and wait for Hiraku to complete the ritual

rolled 4, 8, 2 = 14

Rolling just to hold the line.
No raises at this time.

>>9998865
Well, that's not going to be good. =/

>>9998698
>>9998753
As you try to maneuver the wolf towards Shinji, you hear the creak of his bow and instinctively drop. As you do so the Ezo Wolf leaps at your throat only to be transfixed by the ignited arrow. At the same moment Hikaru completes the banishing ritual and the mist wraps around the Ezo Wolf like the coils of a great serpent. With a final howl the Ezo fades from view and the formerly flaming arrow clatters to the ground, its formerly black flights bleached white by its encounter with the spirit.

Hikaru drops to her knees, exhausted but with a small smile on her face. Shinji casually walks up claps you on the back with a laugh. The air quickly returns to its normal temperature and with it the normal sounds of the forest.

>>9998865
>Rolling just to hold the line.
And what the fuck does that mean, exactly? It's way too ambiguous of a statement to be an accepted action.

>>9998898
FLAWLESS VICTORY

>>9998898
Whew, good timing!

We should thank them both for their bravery, and take a moment to savor it.
What does Hiraku think needs to be done to assure the wolf does not come back?

(Also I would pick up the arrow and offer it back to Shinji, but I'm not sure if contact with a spirit empowers or taints a weapon in this scenario.)

>>9998898
Well...that's another story to tell I guess.

Thank Shinji for being an awesome shot and ensure Hikaru is alright. Ask Hikaru if there's anything we should/could do with the shrine before we return to Ryosei to help calm the spirit or is that unnecessary at this point since it's banished?

>>9998965

It's a worthy artifact nonetheless.

>>9998966
For sure. It shows what our minor clans can do working together and surely is a sign of what will happen if we ally against the Lion. Oh, that gift we gave Ryosei earlier was so fitting after this.

>>9998965
>Hiraku
It's Hikaru. HI-KA-RU. You should rape the shit out of that minor lysdexia before it becomes a problem.

Otherwise: what he said.

>>9998985
>>9998965
Hikaru says she is fine. Shinji laughs at your complement and says "I had no idea where the wolf was, I just fired near the sounds you were making knowing that the arrow always knows the way."

Shinji bends down to pick up the arrow and drops it like it bit him. "Damn it is still colder than Yuki-Onna's bed!" he exclaims as Hikaru looks at him in disgust.

As she leans in on the arrow her eyes widen. "I did not banish the Ezo Wolf to his home, somehow he was trapped in this arrow!"

You look down at the arrow and can see a frosty rime forming on the steel head.

So...nothing to see here? Everyone go home?

>>9999211
That's... Probably a bad thing no? Can Hikaru speak to the spirit inside the arrow or would Ryosei be able to maybe? Perhaps they could get the spirit to remember how to speak and calm it down so they could return it to the shrine.

>>9999211
Magic frost-wolf arrow. That's pretty cool.

Wow. No, that pun was not intended.

>>9999211
>binding the Wolf into an Arrow

Team of Toranaga/Hikaru/Shinji confirmed for awesome.

>>9999243

HEY GUYS I HEARD YOU LIKE COOL SHOOTING

SO I PUT A FIMBULWOLF IN YOUR ARROW SO YOU CAN ICE AGE WHILE YOU SHOOT

>>9999211
Seconding >>9999223 ; maybe some solitary confinement in the cooler will mellow it out.

Oh yes. That was intended. And its only gonna get worse.

>>9999223
"I am not sure," say Hikaru as she wraps her hands in cloth, "I have not ever heard of trapping a spirit this way. The only times I have heard of arrows holding spirits is a spell that the Phoenix sometimes use to trap spirits in trees or other large object by shoot through the spirit and into the object."

"I'd guess that if the arrow is broken that the spirit would be freed and probably not be too happy. So I guess it could be used as a weapon, though it would be a very dangerous weapon that could turn on its user."

"I think it would be best if we take to Gen-Sensei and Ryosei-dono. They are more experienced and might know more."

>>9999243
Very nICE. *You are now reading this in Arnold Schwarzenegger's voice when he was Mr. Freeze in that one Batman movie.*

>>9999333
Definitely agree. While it might be a useful weapon, I think if the spirit could be calmed that would be a greater benefit in the long run. We will become the Sparrow that tames spirits. First Kappa and then wolves that are cold.

>>9999333
Give it to the daimyo as a gift when you return. Recant to her the poem you wrote.

>>9999375
I wouldn't say as a gift because then it's like we're saying we own it and we're giving it to her. Treat it more respectfully since there IS a spirit inside it and that we brought it back hoping she could soothe the spirit inside.

>>9999356
>>9999375
>>9999392
After carefully wrapping the arrow, Hikaru places a small ward on it and gives it to you to place in your quiver for safe keeping. After a few minutes of meditation she says she is ready to lead you through the gaps in the world to Kyuden Asahinabachi. Before she begins to chant the spell she warns you and Shinji, "This is my first time leading this ritual, it may not be as gentle as my Sensei's."

Shinji looks at you in abject terror when Hikaru begin to chant, and where Gen's spell was a bit of a lurch and feeling of falling in your stomach, Hikaru's spell is like a punch in the gut from the biggest Hida on the wall follow by a kick in the head by the rowdiest Utaku warhorse. You feel your breakfast rise in your stomach as you fall through cracks in the world towards Tsuruchi's keep.

That is all for tonight. It is 4am here and I really need some sleep. As I have to work Monday morning and thus be up at 5:30am, I'll not be running late tomorrow night. If I can get on between 5-6pm CST I'll run it for a few hours then, if you do not see me then it will be next Saturday at 11:30pm CST.

Finally have a weird monster from the same source as my Kappa and Ezo Wolf images. It is a guy that was cursed with giant testicles.

Seconding (or thirding, or fourthing) taking the arrow to Ryosei, and asking for people to do as Hikaru recommended by cremating and reburying the bodies at the shrine, then repairing it. If it really IS one of the oldest shrines in Rokugan, fixing it up and keeping it in use might be worth an Honor boost.

Yeah, seems like it's best to finish up. Seems the majority of people taking part have hit the sack around this time. Glad you came back and looking forward to the next session Shinsei.

Find the largest concentration of Lion samurai. Fire the arrow from a high elevation into the center of their camp.

Then run away.