The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

The companions sail to Port Ginji. They are able to have a long rest in the interim. Both Minamoto and Fwangzhu leave the ship first and go separate ways. Zsikhou groggily awakens by the time they reach the port. Balan looks over at the ships and merchant stalls. “We need to speak to a few of the trading companies here, correct?”

“Aye.” T’kharr affirms.

“That may be the best place to start if we would like.” Balan agrees.

“Diamond industries and golden sails most definitely.” Mingzhu adds.

“Aye.” Balan nods to her.

“Silgara should come for sure. I am unsure of Nor’vee, but he may recognize someone which may be a tremendous help.” Mingzhu says. Zsikhou perks his snout over, raising an eye ridge. She looks over. “I am unsure Zsikhou is well enough to come with us.”

“It may be best for us to stay together since we all have some difference in information.” Balan says musing over the others. Silgara nods and steps up with the leaders. Balan adds. “For most of the other place I was doing what I could while you all went out.”

T’kharr comes with them as well although she does hang back a bit. Balan walks with them towards the diamond industries ship. There's a pair of guards there. One of them looks over. "State your business."

Balan takes the lead, “A report to your leader.”

"Written?" The guard looks over.

“No, we need to speak with them. It is important.” Balan informs.

"Your names, and what you want to talk about?" The guard insists.

Mingzhu speaks up, “I am Mingzhu and we wish to speak about Kizamine and Zalusu.”

“Samael and I have spoken several times before." T’kharr says. Balan nods in affirmation.

Mingzhu begins to use her diplomacy, “We are also petitioning for Zee Vogel to become the new governor of the island and wish to speak to Samael about his nephew.” She watches for the guard’s reaction.

The guard looks at Mingzhu, then... one just bursts out into a snicker fit. "Zander Vogel? Governor? ... Seriously? Him of all people?!?"

Balan smiles getting it, “Aye! That is true.”

The other just bursts out laughing. "Oh, that guy would spend the entire fund wenching, gambling, and probably make all of that legal!" Mingzhu laughs with them.

The guard coughs some, trying to hide the snicker fit, then composes himself "Alright, alright, save the jokes for when we're off duty. What do you really need?"

"Nah, keep them coming. This shift is boring as hells." The other guard chimes in.

Now Mingzhu gets to the meat. “We need to see Samael for about some goings ons, on the other islands we have uncovered quite a few conspiracies and need more information that he might be able to provide.”

The guard sighs, making a motion. "Right, we'll let him know. He'll contact you when, and if he can."
One of the guard heads in the boat.

Balan looks over at another ship. “So, we wait here or should we notify the other one as well.”

Mingzhu shrugs, “You two are the western culture experts.”

The guard comes back. "The message is delivered. You'll need to wait until they're ready to see you though."

Mingzhu looks at her comrades. “So, we stay here and wait?” She looks down at Snout. He looks sad for some reason.

They might need to wait a few hours. Seems Samael is quite busy actually running his company, but eventually he strolls out the docking ramp. "Ah, the fine company of heroes." He keeps his usual poise, and dramatic arm movements as he speaks "So, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Mingzhu steps back for Balan and T’kharr to speak.

Balan says to him, “This may be best talked of in private.”

"Well now, well now, you know I am a busy man." He gives a smile "So, something to whet the appetite, yes?"

"Aye, we were wanting to follow up with you on the situation on Kizamine" T’kharr says.

"Ah..." A dramatic sigh "Well, I have already fired Sebastian. And Rynard is dead. But you already know this. So, what else did you wish to discuss on the matter?" Samael asks.

"Ah, I think that's a large part of what we wish to know, even. Thank you for your time, unless any of my compatriots have something they wish to raise?" looks between Mingzhu, Silgara, and Balan.

“I do.” Mingzhu steps up. "Samael there is a small island that was attack by pirates near Kizamine. They have a guardian spirit that went missing after a battle with a mage. A westerner. The pirates seemed to have enslaved most of the village population, "You haven't heard any rumors or tales of anything about this, have you?"

"Rynard being bought like that cost the company a lot of business. And of course. What's on your mind?" He pauses, a grim expression "Ah, a most grim tale you speak of. Sadly, I have not. A powerful mage, and a westerner? Interesting. But magi often have tricks to hide their trails, especially in a land such as this, where unsanctioned magi are quite against the emperor's law."

Mingzhu frowns and nods then asks, “Have you heard anything about the island of… I can’t remember the name there was a revolt there. Have you heard about their shaman or anything about the westerners he is reported to be running around with?”

"I'm afraid that isn't a lot to go on, my dear. Alas, most of my information comes along the lines of politics and commerce. Was there more to go off of, there?" He asks.

Mingzhu shakes her head and moves on. “Have you done any trade with either of these islands?”

"I cannot say I have, and Rynard's lack of professionalism has cost me all my business in Kizamine. Though I know the Golden Sails were, awfully… quick on the uptake to have us replaced. Makes me wonder what they might be up to." A dramatic pause, flexing some fingers, considering "But for those, you'll have to give me names on a map."

"Soljura, no?" T’kharr replies. Mingzhu nods to her.

Mingzhu corrects herself, “The one the pirates took was Zalusu where the guardian spirit was either killed or abducted. the other where the shaman is Soljura.”

“Ah yes.” T’kharr smiles.

He considers... "Soljura, I think I did send some traders there a while ago, but I decided that the place wasn't worth the business in the end, it didn't outweigh the costs and risks, so I pulled them out."

"Aye, I think your decision proved wise in the end." T’kharr muses.

"What costs and risks?" Mingzhu asks.

Then Samael shakes his head "I have not sent traders to Zalusu. I think the Azure Winds did." He smiles at Mingzhu. "Risks of being waylaid by corsairs. Costs of transportation and management against profit gained. All manner of business metrics."

She tries to sense the motive behind the odd smile, but it seems he's telling the truth. He looks like he could talk for hours about economics. "That's a simple summation, but I figured that doing business on other islands was a better use of my company's resources." Samael smiles at Mingzhu.

She smiles back, “Of course. Thank you, Samael.”

"Of course, Milady. Was there anything else I could help you with?" He smiles. She shakes her head. He then looks at Balan and T’kharr.

Balan shakes his head, “I think that is all.”

T’kharr nods, “I think that that suffices, yes, thank you for your time ser Samael" She curtsy bows to him.

"Of course. Have a fair afternoon, my good heroes." He gives a courtly gesture in farewell, then heads back to the ship.

Mingzhu huffs thinking about the conversation. There was something there, but she missed it. She feels like she missed something. She says, “Well, we have something to discuss with azure winds now too."

Silgara looks over, "Well, where to next, then?"

"Well, lead on then." Silgara nods. They head to the Azure Winds stall.

There are merchant stalls along the docks. There are some merchants there. "Salam Alaikum, honorable customer. Can I get you anything?"

Mingzhu hangs back playing with Snout but listens.

[Winterhawk99]

The Azure Winds merchant looks the party over, waiting to see what they do. T’kharr bows to the man, “If you could let ser Khalid know we wish to speak to him please? We do have a matter or two to follow up with him on."

"Ah, I believe he is at our company boat that's docked. If you wish to see him, you'll need to ask for him there." He nods politely.

"Thank you" she bows, then turns to the party "Shall we head to the boat then?"

Silgara nods, "Of course." T’kharr leads the party to the Asure Wind’s ship. There's once again two guards, but they seem happy to invite the party in. One of the guards escorts them to a room below deck. T’kharr dips her head to the guards in passing.

There's a bit of a wait time, but eventually Khalid strolls over. "Salam Alaikum, friends. I have heard that Captain Fareed was found, though he was... sparse with the details of what happened. Nevertheless, I appreciate your aid in this matter. It would be fitting to reward you for services rendered. If you would like one of these.” He motions to a man who holds a few items to pick one of. A scimitar, a Longbow, a staff, or some robes. The weapons are +1 enchantment/ 1-6 electric damage. The robe is +1 ac 5/- fire resistance.

T’kharr bows to Khalid, “Aye, good seeing ye, and yes, he had a bit of an...adventure." Silgara seems interested in the longbow.

"Well, if you have time, I would like to hear of it. Though I understand there were other matters you wished to discuss?" Khalid inclines his head.

Mingzhu motions to the robe. She looks it over and gives it to Silgara. She did not notice her interest in the longbow. Silgara rubs the side of her head, raising an eyebrow, but doesn't comment at first then accepts them saying, “Well, I might have been able to use the bow more, but thank you. I'll put these on later."

"Was there ought else you wished to discuss, then?" Khalid looks over the group waiting to see if the party wishes to discuss anything else.

Mingzhu steps back to let T’kharr and Balan do the talking but when they hesitate and say nothing she steps back up again. She asks, “What will you do now that the captain is free. Will you continue to trade on the island?"

"Of course. ..." Khalid raises a quizzical eyebrow at Mingzhu mentioning the captain is freed. "Freed? He didn't say what happened to him while he was missing. I did find that most curious. Nevertheless, I do intend to continue trading with them."

As soon as Diamond industries was banished from the island of Golden Sails moved right in within hours as if they knew what would happen. Is there any way they could have known without magic? Do you have any theories Khalid?"

Khalid considers, then shrugs "Saruma, my counterpart in the Golden Sails, is a shrewd businesswoman. She does like to keep tabs on things and likes to send her employees wide. That said, I'm afraid I cannot say how she might have known."

Silgara shakes her head. "We didn't see any Durpari humans on Kizamine. Though someone in there in theory could be paid off to report back to the company."

Mingzhu looks at Snout. He has mischief in his eyes. He’s looking at the carpets very intently. She chides, “Snout!... No.”

Khalid looks over, mildly amused. "Don't worry. I've had it secured since your companion's last caper."

She nods, "He got another ride on the island of Kizamine. We went to two other islands. One was attacked by pirates, and their guardian spirit was attacked by a necromancer. could you offer any information about it?"

Silgara looks over. "Wasn't it Zalusu he got the ride on?"

Khalid looks over, he frowns, then shakes his head. "I'm afraid I haven't heard anything about Guardian Spirits or necromancers nearby."

Mingzhu nods and looks at Silgara. “Might have been Silgara.” She turns back to Khalid. “We think the guardian spirit may still be alive but captured by this necromancer though we are unsure."

"What I can tell you is that corsair attacks have been particularly heavy on the western side of Daimyo Kaluso's island chain. If they have a base, I expect it's somewhere between the domains of Daimyo Kaluso and Daimyo Zuodong, However, I do not have an exact location." Khalid replies.

“That may be where we may search next. Do you know anything about the island of Soljura and what happened there?"

"Soljura, ah...." He considers "I had sent a group of traders there a while ago. However, from what I was told, the reception to foreigners there was particularly... heated. As I understood the politics of this region were particularly unstable there. Tensions between their people and the Sheikh of this island chain. But I opted to have my people withdraw from there. I did not feel we were welcome and while I might have been able to overcome it in time, I felt that my company's resources were best sent elsewhere." Khalid shakes his head "I had not heard anything further after that."

Mingzhu nods. "There is no one left, the town has been abandoned. There were undead all around. We dealt with the undead but... there were many angry spirits that would not depart."

Khalid heaves a sigh. "That is terrible news. I'm sure you and your company did what they could. I'll make note of that for future endeavors. Thank you." Khalid nods.

Mingzhu thinks a long time then asks, "Khalid if there were refugees from a few of the villages on this island what would it cost to transport them to somewhere like Soljura?"

"Are you sure such is a good idea?" Khalid cranes his head "An island full of restless spirits... in my homeland there are tales of lands that become cursed in such manners. To send people to live in such straits, I do not think that is something an honorable person should do."

“There is also the island that was attacked by pirates. Though we would have to deal with the pirates first.”

Khalid nods, "Should you have the specifics, it is something I can do. Fees would depend on risks, number of passengers, as well as travel time."

The shamaness nods, “That’s fair enough for now. Much needs to be done, before we can move people to a safer location.”

"Of course, let me know when you have such. I'll see what I can do with available resources." Khalid dips his head "Was there anything else?"

Mingzhu thinks a long time then asks, “Khalid, Tell me about Zalusu?”

"That is where I asked you to find Captain Fareed, yes? From what I know it is a larger, more advanced and prosperous village than many in this chain. From what I understand the locals were welcoming. Fareed before his disappearance was quite optimistic in mutually beneficial exchange." Khalid nods "That's why his disappearance was a concern. I'm glad he is back now."

"There have been rumors of western yokai in the realm, demons. Have you heard anything among your men or in your travels any mention of one? Or even strange occurrences?"

Khalid shakes his head. "The only thing I had heard of in that regard was in regard to Captain Fareed's disappearance, but I had not found out any details on the matter. Fareed's message back did not explain why he had disappeared. I thought it odd, but he said that trade could resume, so I will take him at his word and hope no other unforeseen circumstances arise. I do have some tradesmen further out west, but I have not received word from them in some time. Unfortunately, that is expected given the distance and corsair interference." Khalid offhandedly mentions.

"Do you have the names of the islands you send them to? We are apt to look there for what we are looking for."

"Hrm..." Khalid unfolds a map of the region. Seems he's been using it; there's a lot of scrawl on it. But it does look like he's sent a fair number of traders over in Daimyo Zuodong's territory. Some in Yasima's, but not nearly as many. There's quite a few to look at. Zalusu is one of them. Daimyo Zuodong's territory is further west of Zalusu.

"How do you get along with Daimyo Zuodong and Yasima?" She asks.

"If you are asking if I have met either of those Sheikhs, I have not. I will say that their men are typically far more open to foreign trade than those under Sheikh Kaluso. I have noticed that Sheikh Yasima mostly favors trade with Diamond Industries above other companies. That said, he still welcomes foreign trade, and his waters are safer than those under Sheikh Kaluso by a notable margin."

Mingzhu nods. "It is all I have to ask. Thank you for your valuable time."

"Of course, I hope this is of help. Ma'as Salama." Khalid nods, then goes to go about his business, while
Silgara seems to make a note of which islands were marked as doing business with the Azure Winds.

T’kharr bows Khalid farewell, "Thank you."

Silgara looks over. "Where to next? Golden Sails?"

“That's up to T'kharr if she wants to speak with them about the speed in which they came in after Diamond industries was banished.” Mingzhu remarks.

Silgara looks to T'kharr. T’kharr nods, “Golden Sails works...”

"Right then, let’s get going then." Silgara nods as the party moves off to the Golden Sails boat.

[Winterhawk99]

The ramp on the boat has two guards stationed there. As they approach, one guard looks at the other, then looks at the group. "You are expected. Please, come with me." As he invites them inside. T’kharr vows to the guards then heads in. Mingzhu and Snout follow along after Balan and T’kharr. They are lead to a room that is lavishly decorated. They had already been there of course. Carpets on the ground. A woman sitting cross-legged on cushions, a crystal ball on a table before you. Mrishnavurti looks over, relaxing and withdrawing her hands from the crystal ball.

"Welcome back. Once again, the threads of fate have brought you here. I do hope you know what questions you should ask this time." She gives a smile, waving her hands some around the crystal ball, as if peering into it for something that They can't see. T’kharr seats herself. Mingzhu follows holding Snout. Balan and the rest then follow them.

T’kharr asks, “Perhaps you can give us your perspective on what happened on Kizamine, for starters?"

Mrishnavurti gives a smile underneath the veil she's wearing. "I mentioned that you should venture there if you wanted to follow the threats of fate to uncover treachery. Following a trail of a small conspiracy that can lead to revelations of a larger one. Is that what you found when you and your company ventured there?"

"Quite so indeed."

"Then I'm glad my advice assisted you." Mrishnavurti nods in reply. Mingzhu stays silent but looks a bit angry too. Mrishnavurti waits for further questions.

T’kharr says, “We noticed that you moved in quite swiftly after the departure of the other traders."

Mrishnavurti nods "I foresaw that such would happen should you succeed in uncovering their treachery. So, I advised Saruma to be ready to send a boat with medicinal herbs to that island when the time was right. It was an easy enough decision to follow when I perceived that thread of fate."

"Ah, that makes sense then." T’kharr replies.

She nods, "She most often asks for my talents as a Seer when she asks me which routes our ships should take so they are not waylaid by the Corsairs. So far, my visions have kept our people as safe as they can be in these times."

Silgara huffs. "Well, that's quite a use of divination. Knowing when to take advantage of a competitor's misfortune." Silgara offhandedly mentions aside, "In the same time she gave that hint, she hinted that we shouldn't go to Renkao or we risk 'falling off a knife's edge' before."

Mrishnavurti looks over to Silgara. "Perhaps. But the move all the same did free their people from treachery, which is what you wanted, yes? And also provided supplies for them they'd needed at the time as well."

Mingzhu asks, “Renkao?”

“To visit the Magistrate.” T’kharr reminds.

Mrishnavurti's stance suddenly becomes more worried, tense. But her posture and demeanor posits herself like she's expecting a question. Mingzhu notes it. The seer keeps quiet, waiting for someone else to speak up and ask her a question. T’kharr looks to Balan to see if he has something to say. Mingzhu finally asks, “What was that?”

Mrishnavurti raises an eyebrow, looking to Mingzhu "You'll need to be more specific."

Mingzhu purses her lips, “You saw something.”

"I'm a seer. I see the threads and weavings of fate and follow them to where they are determined to go and offer what guidance I can so that others who walk along the chords of fate follow where it is best." She replies. "I see many things. But it depends on if you know the right questions to ask."

"We did not ask a question but suddenly you looked worried and tense. What was it?" Mingzhu insists.

"An anticipation of a question you would ask. It unfortunately does not have a pleasant answer no matter how it treads the weavings of fate at this juncture I am afraid." Mrishnavurti comments.

Silgara huffs, looking somewhat annoyed at Mrishnavurti. "She's alluding to what she mentioned to us last time. That going to Renkao, further north, would not be advisable, because we would fall off the knife's edge, whatever she means by that."

"The difficult choice about whether and how to present our case to the Magistrate, I'm sure." T’kharr observes.

Mrishnavurti shakes her head. "That... is a thread of fate that will not happen anymore, alas. Not in that way. It will not be a dance of courts even should you rush there now."

“And why not?” Mingzhu asks.

"And should you go there then at least one whose fate is tied closely to yours will be severed forever." She mentions.

"And what if we do not take this person with us?" Mingzhu asks.

"For why..." Mrishnavurti heaves a breath out "You chose other threads to follow. They had their own benefits and drawbacks. But as for what happens to the Magistrate..." She considers, "It might be best to show you, you have something tied to him symbolically? You might be able to string them along. But the moment they find out, strained bonds will shatter and only entropy will exist from then on." Mrishnavurti says.

Mingzhu turns to her companions, “So… We have the summons?”

Silgara nods, "We should have that, yes. That would suffice for a scrying focus. Do you want to hand it over?”

Mingzhu says, “Yes.” Silgara hands it over to Mrishnavurti.

She nods, placing it before the crystal ball, weaving her hands around it as though she's doing some casting... A vision of what looks like a courthouse, with an angry mob outside of it. Throwing torches onto the courthouse, guardsmen desperately trying to keep them out and safe, and it looks like there's definitely been blood drawn. Soldiers defending the courthouse, holding out, but slowly being overwhelmed by a relentless angry mob, rebellion, armed and dangerous. They greatly outnumber the soldiers. Eventually, the scene on the crystal ball fades. Mrishnavurti leans back some. Even Silgara seems to note what’s going on.

"Has this already happened?" Mingzhu asks insistently.

"Happening." Mrishnavurti mentions. "But you won't have any way to make it in time now before lines are crossed that cannot be taken back. And unfortunately, the visions become darker, because Daimyo Kaluso has sent a force to re-take the island from that rebellion." She shakes her head. "I have seen that you have balanced yourselves, dancing on the knife's edge without falling to one side or another. But in this conflict, I do not foresee any threads of fate where finding a peaceful solution is possible. You can side with one, but you will earn the enmity of the other forever."

Mingzhu thinks a long time then says, "Minamoto and Fwangzhu."

"More than just them, in this case." Mrishnavurti says. "If you wish to remain on the knife's edge, you cannot go there."

"That's my job Mrishnavurti. to keep peace between the common people and the rulers of the land." Mingzhu looks appalled then looks over at Silgara.

Mrishnavurti looks over. "You won't be able to in this case. And should you pick a side in this conflict, then your ability to do so in the future will be greatly hindered." She shakes her head. "This is what the portents and the threads of fate have said. I'm afraid I don't have a way you can navigate this one. Only guide you to where your efforts can still be of greater impact on the threads of fate."

Silgara seethes, looking at Mrishnavurti. "Why didn't you /tell/ us this before?!"

Mingzhu suddenly casts trance and shouts out. "Spirits of the sea come to me!"

Mrishnavurti replies, then shakes her head. "You know that answer better than anyone, Sun-child. Going there would still have forced you to dance off the knife's edge. You might have been able to save the Magistrate with less bloodshed, but still at the cost of fractured bonds, and at the cost of harm prevented elsewhere."

As the sea spirits of the area gather around Mingzhu she casts commune with lesser spirit. One comes to her the others leave through the very hull of the ship. Silgara narrows her eyes at Mrishnavurti then looks aside staring at Mingzhu.

Mingzhu concentrates on the spirit. “Spirit is Renkao in revolt?”

“Yes.”

“Is there an instigator of evil purpose leading or advising this revolt?”

“No.”

Mingzhu looks to the others to see if they have a question they do not. She asks the spirit, “Can we get there in time to save the magistrate?”

“Unknown.”

“Is Mrishnavurti human?”

“Yes.” The spirit fades as Mingzhu thanks him.

She looks at Silgara, "Mrishnavurti is not one of the ones we are looking for Silgara. She’s human."

Mrishnavurti looks over to Mingzhu "The only way you could possibly save the Magistrate now, and even then..." She shakes her head "Are you willing to massacre the people of Renkao in order to save the Magistrate?" The way she asks it it's like she's asking a rhetorical question.

Mingzhu suddenly looks depressed, “Of course not. What if we go to the Daimyo’s court?”

"That is one thread of fate you can follow. You would need to go further North than Renkao." Mrishnavurti nods.

"Hm, was Renkao some sort of...satellite court for the Daimyo?" T’kharr asks.

"It was the court that largely oversaw his southern holdings." Mrishnavurti answers.

“Got it.” T’kharr says.

Mingzhu looks at the others. “The answers to my other questions. Yes, Renkao is in rebellion. No there is no instigator. The spirit was not sure if we could get to the island in time to save the magistrate.

Silgara sighs, "It begs the question of why it's in rebellion. And if Magistrate Josou is on the level."

"I can’t ask any more questions until tomorrow. Mingzhu mutters rather loudly.

T’kharr huffs, “That is a very good point, perhaps we can get some answers tomorrow?"

"If we want to stop by Renkao, it seems like we need to go /now/." Silgara states, "If we delay by a day, we might be too late. That or... that or we skip going there altogether."

"We would have to save the magistrate without being seen somehow and before the daimyo's ship gets there if it does the corsairs are still a problem and we know more about the corsairs than most." She
looks to T’kharr as not to say too much.

"Aye, we'd have to somehow save the magistrate without being noticed by the rebels. We'd also have to know that we aren't just creating more trouble than we hope to solve...” T’kharr nods.

Mingzhu looks forlorn and says, “"The only place I can think to go is the Daimyo's court unless we want to risk investigating in other territories. I still can’t believe there is no way to strike a balance."

Silgara looks back and forth between T'kharr and Mingzhu, waiting to see what they decide on.
Mrishnavurti goes back to a resting position, though her eyes look heavy.

Mingzhu turns to Mrishnavurti, "Do you understand what we are up against? The gravity of where we stand. There are western demons somewhere in these territories causing utter havoc and two daimyos trying to disrupt the balance of power in the region. Do you realize that? Do you even care?"

Mrishnavurti looks over to Mingzhu, offering a shrug, then a breath out "Your anger is misplaced. It's why I suggested you go where I said. So, you could uncover such treachery."

"Best I can come up with is sailing for Renkao and communing on the way there." T’kharr suggests.

“Mrishnavurti said that would be a mistake. We should go to the Daimyo's court. I think I need to talk to Hattori first and then if we go to Renkao then we need to talk to everyone including Fwangzhu and Minamoto. If we go it has to be purely voluntary with a full understanding about what is going on.” Mingzhu insists.

Silgara lets out a sigh, "I know how it will go if we include both Fwangzhu and Minamoto on this. Fwangzhu will side with the rebellion. Minamoto will side with his Daimyo."

"Let’s talk to Hattori then. At least he has some common sense. At least more than those two empty headed battering rams."

T’kharr considers everything then says, “Aye, Hattori might be useful in that regard, and if we do sail for Renkao, it'll have to be about uncovering what sparked the rebellion and why, not taking sides."

"I expect that Fwangzhu and Minamoto both will take a side. As will Hattori." Silgara rubs her face. "I'll prepare two castings of dimension door, I expect we might need them if we're to pull this rescue off successfully, or... whatever we might be planning."

“We have to try Silgara and besides Hattori may be able to provide some intelligence.” Mingzhu mutters.

"If you feel that's best, let’s go, but he isn't exactly the model of being reasonable from what I've seen." Silgara rubs her face. "But we'd better do something."

"I still think we avoid Renkao and go to the Daimyo's court, but I am only one person." Mingzhu mutters obviously so upset that she’s contradicting herself.

"Should I go fetch Nor'vee as well?" Silgara asks.

T'kharr rises and bows to the seer, "Thank you for your time, and may your burdens be eased." then turns to Silgara "If you think Hattori won't flip out over meeting him, sure."

"May the threads of fate be as kind to you as they can." Mrishnavurti gives a nod farewell, though does look tired.

"I figured I might want to get him on the boat; I figured it's better than him drinking at the Dizzy Panda while ranting nonstop about how cats are the worst things in the realms." Silgara sighs "What about Fwangzhu, should I get him on the boat too or should we leave him behind for this one?"

Mingzhu looks frustrated by the idea. “I don’t know yet Silgara. it depends on if we go to Renkao if we do, I don’t want Minamoto or Fwangzhu around.”

"Well, if we go to Renkao, we need to set sail as soon as we can." Silgara says. "Do we go there or not? Time is at a premium on this one."

"I reckon he'll be nothing but an argument source for Hattori. As to Renkao...yes. We'll have to leave both of them behind shall we head there, given the place's current state. Let’s visit with Hattori first" T’kharr replies.

Silgara nods. Mingzhu says, “Alright then.” They head to Hattori’s office.

[Winterhawk99]

As they walk to Hattori’s place, Mingzhu looks angry as hell, “Now that we know Mrishnavurti isn’t the western yokai leading the trade company I’m pisses at her. She could have helped us! She could have..........warned us! What the hell are we supposed to do to bring peace to this realm!?"

"She was definitely not above manipulating our steps for her and her company's end. Though keep in mind she's not the leader of that company. Saruma, who I don't think we've met, is." Silgara states. She sighs, looking over to T'kharr "What do you think...? We did come across real trouble in Kizamine after all."

T’kharr snorts, “I think she could be trying to balance on her own knife's edge."

Mingzhu thinks then asks, “Do you think Mrishnavurti may be a conduit for Saruma and Saruma might be the yokai?"

T’kharr nods, “That can’t be ruled out.”

Mingzhu continues, “The woman uses no traditional magic for her visions that’s why I am suspicious.”

"I did catch her casting a scrying back there, but... most of her visions don't follow typical divinations that I am used to." Silgara nods

Mingzhu asks, “Could this yokai be sending her these visions in some way?”

"It's entirely possible." Silgara nods, “It would take notable illusion magic to do that, but a fiend's knowledge conveyed so can be interpreted as visions."

Mingzhu considers, “It would have to be proven. Also, the other two would have to be ruled out." Silgara nods to her.

They get to Hattori’s T’kharr knocks and says, “Do you have a minute? We have a few matters we wish your counsel on."

They hear a voice say, “Enter.” T'kharr steps in then steps aside to let Mingzhu and Silgara speak. Hattori and Minamoto are in his office. Minamoto has been bandaged to an extent from his badger-related wounds. Both of them look rather annoyed as they enter.

Mingzhu bows, "Has Minamoto reported to you. Are you up to date on our affairs?"

Hattori speaks. "He has. I /also/ heard about how that savage rebel you keep company attacked him. And then how he was shoved in a barrel. I hope you have an explanation for this behavior. I did not send him with you to have him treated in such a fashion."

"The barrel was merely a means of separation, lest the matter continue to boil." T’kharr states rather flatly.

Mingzhu backs her up. “Fwangzhu and Minamoto got into a brawl. Minamoto took it to the next level and drew his sword. that’s when we acted to separate the two.”

"I would have expected you to put down that rebel once he attacked. And that savage also has claws. I had to have his wounds thoroughly bandaged on a visit to Sensei Minh." Hattori scowls, seemingly unimpressed. "I expect you to treat the Daimyo's men-at-arms with due decorum."

Mingzhu already angry at the last visit retorts him, “I would expect The Daimyo's men to act with decorum.”

"And from the account I have heard, he had every reason to believe his life would be in danger. You realize that he could have drowned had that badger thrown him overboard? Swimming in armor is not feasible." Hattori scowls. "I hope you have more than excuses for your companion's actions, Shamaness." Hattori continues.

“He would not have drowned I would have retrieved him. And that isn’t the first incident either as both Minamoto and Fwangzhu have baited each other at every opportunity. Minamoto isn’t innocent here either. I have constantly had to step between the two of them. I have counseled each on how to treat each other for the good of the group to accomplish our mission at bringing peace to the realm, but it goes in one ear and out the other with both of them.”

"Then perhaps you should stop making excuses for that badger's actions." Hattori narrows his eyes. "Did you do anything to punish him for his actions?"

Mingzhu answers him, “Yes. We did. We forcefully separated both to cool down.”

Hattori huffs "I'll take your word for it. I do not appreciate how Minamoto had to suffer such a gross indignity." He shakes his head. "Do you have anything else to speak about?"

“Other than Renkao in rebellion and the magistrate about to be murdered........... no.”

... He blinks. "What?!?" ... That gets his and Minamoto's full attention. Hattori seethes, then a blink like a thousand-yard stare, then clenches his fist. "Then you know what you need to do. Head over there immediately and rescue the Magistrate and put down that rebellion if you can. But saving the Magistrate would come first."

“I don’t know if we can Hattori. The whole of the southern prefect is crumbling around our ears. Two entire islands have been wiped out! Daimyo Kaluso seems to only know tyranny at least that’s how it looks from my end at the moment. He certainly hasn’t helped his position with the common people. If we go there, and attempt to rescue the magistrate how will the people feel about that?”

Hattori looks over to Minamoto, "Despite the dishonor visited upon you, duty comes first. Go with them, rescue the magistrate. Put down any rebels you need to do get this done." Then he scowls at Mingzhu. “What? How dare...?!... * He huffs "Are you serious, Shamaness? A bunch of lawless rebels are going to murder a magistrate! This is not the time for discussion. If you can talk down the rebels from this madness, fine. But I cannot allow the Magistrate to be murdered like this."

“I am the bridge between the common people and the rulers of the land, Hattori. I see both sides and try to negotiate between them. I don’t know this magistrate and I do not know the people of Renkao. If we go there, I will do my best to negotiate a peace between the people, and the magistrate.”

"Then if that is the route you will take, then do that. But do not let the Magistrate die by the hands of some rebels." Hattori states.

T’kharr tries to add some levity to the situation. “The Daimyo is trying to grab hold of a mudball ever tighter, only for more to squeeze through his fingers. We need to get to the bottom of what's going wrong, whether he's lost his own touch or being led astray by faulty advice."

"Just get it done. It sounds like time is of the essence, so stop dallying." Hattori just states very plainly.

"Before we go, what can you tell us about Magistrate Jousou?" T’kharr insists.

"This isn't the time for idle gossip. He's a magistrate of the Daimyo's court. He handles matters of legal dispute in these lands. That's what's important right now. His life is in jeopardy." Hattori states.

"We need every bit of intelligence we can get to try to get to what is motivating such trouble to brew." T’kharr again insists.

Hattori sighs, "I know him mostly by his position and duty, I would not say I'm personally close to him. He takes his duties seriously, as do I. That's about all I can tell you." Silgara looks aside, perhaps contemplating or feeling regret, but she keeps quiet.

She nods slightly, "If you have no observations, that is fair." She than looks to her companions, "Renkao or not, 'tis the question at hand. I'm leaning towards going, as we need to find out what is driving the upheaval given what we've been able to rule out so far"

"Go there. Stop the magistrate from dying. If you decide not to go there, I'm going to try some other means to do so." Hattori's statement implies he'll be keeping Minamoto if you don't go to Renkao.

"I have a duty to my lord in this matter." Minamoto speaks up. He still looks a touch livid, but keeps his cool, for now.

Mingzhu says, “"I say no. We cannot take a side in this and if we go to Renkao we will most likely have to take a side. I would rather go to the daimyos court itself and try to find out if one of these demons is influencing him. That's my vote."

Hattori huffs, "I would believe that your sense of duty would compel you to take a side now. Murder of a magistrate goes farther than what is tolerable."

"We'll have to ensure we are fully prepared should we go the route of appearing before the Daimyo's court. I seriously doubt he'll let us drop in on a whim any more than Josou would have." T’kharr tells Mingzhu.

"That's why I wrote you a writ! So, you could go to Josou's court!" Hattori slams a fist on his desk, frustrated. "To get you to meet with Josou!" ...

“We were a little busy trying to save other islands from plague and utter mayhem, Hattori!” Mingzhu retorts.

"We had other things come up, other matters that we saw as more urgent, and some of them added greatly to what we could bring to the Magistrate as evidence and testimony." T’kharr says.

"I get that. But you should not hesitate to assist them now." Hattori snaps

"Do you even understand my position?" Mingzhu asks in a low tone.

"I already said that if you want to find a way to pacify the rebellion with words rather than steel, you can and should. You should not be hesitating to stop a magistrate from being murdered if you can!" Hattori huffs.

"I think we make do time north and try to maximize our ability to gather information along the way. You still have the writ, right?" T’kharr asks

Mingzhu huffs and looks away, “Fine, you have a point.”

Silgara nods. “We still have it.”

T’kharr looks at her, “Good, we may need it still.”

"Set out as soon as you can then." Hattori speaks. Minamoto stumbles a bit but then starts to move off.

T’kharr bows to Hattori. “Burdens be eased.” The group leaves.

Mingzhu goes to her room on the ship and slams the door shut.