The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

Before Khzuro starts he has a word with Ogano. “"Still... what was discussed then, well, not to be on record. Not to be shared. Don't want to break a direct order like that. We know how dangerous this is. Even with oaths of silence taken..."What do you think?"

Ogano says to Khzuro, "I believe you may tell them everything if you want now. They need to know the depth of the threat that this demon may be able to change time itself and make the world to his own ends."
A nod aside to Ogano "That won't go against the emperor’s orders to us?"

Ogano shakes his head, "This group must be sworn to secrecy of the mission. other than that it is now they need to know."

Khzuro nods "Of course."

Meanwhile Drasta comes up and asks the captain, “What could help you make more haste on the journey.” While she listens to what everyone is doing.”

The captain tells Drasta, "An air elemental would be appreciated."

She nods, “that will take time.”

Once everyone is assembled Khzuro begins. “"Thank you all for coming. This one knows how dangerous this mission is, and what we're up against. And it's importance. This one did say they would share the details. But... the matters we are dealing with here deals in dangerous knowledge that cannot spread. Dangerous magics. Would like an oath from all of you, that what am about to say, and what we see there, beyond that we are going to stop a demon scheming to bring ruin to the empire, remain a secret between us and the gods."

Of those that do not know the full extent. Masako asks, "This seems a lot ever if ordered by the emperor. An oath to the gods themselves?"

He gives her a nod. “Trust this one, given what we are up against, it's warranted. Once this one tells you, you'll understand."

Drasta is sitting mid deck meditating and listening. Khzuro looks to see how Masako and the others react. Masako nods and listens to Khzuro.

Khzuro asks for oaths of silence. Once he has that he will go over the chronomancy stuff once all have sworn. He stresses the importance that this magic be kept out of anyone’s hands. Drasta opens her eyes staring at the group waiting for their answers of silence. One by one each of them swears upon a god or gods that they will stay silent about this. Shin stomps his large stick, and a round of Isaac’s greater missile barrage goes up into the heavens and explodes. "Now what is this all about?"

Khzuro exclaims, “"Very well. Then what is said here shall remain a secret forever. But it is important that you know what you are up against. There are to be no records of it.

This one has alluded to forbidden magics. The demon that we are after has found an artifact of Chronomancy. With potentially the ability to manipulate time itself. The demon hasn't yet mastered this magic. Once it does? It can potentially travel through time unbidden to wreak untold havoc. It must be stopped before it is able to master this magic."

Several people that do not know about the whole affair blink. There is a long silence.

He continues, "This magic spans from a time thousands of years ago. It was the work of an old elven Chronomancer, and engineer of unmatched skill. She attempted to secure this time magic to ensure none would abuse it. She failed; the demon has managed to gain access to it. It has already caused disruptions in which those attuned to magic have been able to feel. This has been the demon's attempts to control this magic."

Ayako speaks up. "How do we fight an enemy that knows what we are going to do before we even think to do it?" Drasta watches everyone’s body language carefully.

Khzuro answers her. “It won't be easy. This demon likely knows who we are, what we are doing, all our plans, because it has already seen us attempt it. We must therefore make our moves in such a way that the demon has no way to possibly win here. At the very least though, the demon has not gained full control of the artifact's powers. A silver lining in this fight ahead of us."

Ayako is suddenly agitated; Shin is thrilled when Khzuro mentions an engineer of unmatched skill. Masako seems suddenly somewhat afraid. Khzuro continues looking the others over. Ogano responds. “We fight this demon as in a game of Shogi. We try to anticipate its countermoves with something he doesn't suspect.” He looks over at Khzuro. “Am I right?”

Khzuro responds, “And set up a position where they cannot win."

Drasta tweaks her look to Ogano on his word of anticipation. “He may already anticipate or have seen a move we would not expect him to, No Khzuro?”

Ayako thinks a bit, "To use the hidden blade. What is your hidden blade master Khzuro?”

Looks to Drasta, considering "Am definitely expecting that he's already anticipated what moves we make. Why this one has tried to be well prepared for this trip. As for the hidden blade, this demon made a blunder before this confrontation started, or after it, as it were. It's been taunting this one for a while with messages from afar. But it's also shown openings. It's how this one knows that its control of the time magic is still flawed."

Ayako muses. " I am your queen Khzuro. He will not anticipate what I will do." He raises an eye ridge at that, then a nod. Then he thinks about any kind of Kozakurian dragon, to whom horses REALLY don’t like. Drasta watches and listens closely to Ayako as she has been a bit mysterious during this journey so far. Ayako smiles in her little 4 ft frame and gives Khzuro a bow. He furrows his brow, whatever he's thinking, he decides to keep to himself for now though. "Any other questions about what we're in for?"

Shin raises his hand while Khzuro is speaking. "Since our foe already knows what we're doing in advance... ah, yes?" Looks to Shin.

Drasta stands up walking towards the group quietly so as not to be seen or paid attention to.

“You said something about a master engineer. We need to know as much as we can about what we are dealing with on this man.”

Drasta seems to disappear.

Khzuro nods, “Woman, in this case. Her name was Lauriella Sithmore. She's the elven engineer that made the artifact, as well as many other devices. Had a whole ship full of them. She had attempted to secure her artifacts and knowledge, especially the chronomancy, so that no one would be able to use it. Her spirit is still around, at least. But yes, she's a master engineer. Also, technically dead for four thousand years. But our foe is highly interested in her devices too."

Drasta kneels next to Khzuro out of nowhere palming his head to comfort him watching the group.

Shin has a moment of lucidness, " We need to know more about her workings. You say she was a Chronomancer and an engineer. To me that sounds much like an artificer of extreme power. You say that she tried to hide her knowledge after her death. That means traps and eldritch magic. A potent force indeed."

Khzuro answers him. “Oh, what she had left behind was definitely trapped, heavily and thoroughly. Her works were powerful, impressive, and dangerous. She didn't want them falling into anyone's hands after she was gone."

Drasta says, “Did that blue elf not say she had some necromantic magic?”

Organo chimes in. "Suspect everything you see. This person, this woman was an archmage and arcanist of the Netheril empire that died a millennia ago."

Khzuro does seem to appreciate the head palming at least. “Ah, yes, she did have a firm grasp on necromancy too. She left her works on her ship, the Moonflower. The artifacts won't work if taken far from where they were left, though. If we find the ship, we'll need to be extremely careful. He gives a nod to Ogano "Indeed. And she did everything she could to prevent this from falling into anyone's hands. She knew it was too dangerous to ever see the world again."

Drasta adds. “She was indeed intelligent...Playing with magic forbidden or other realms poses a risk to all planes.”

Haru suddenly gives her voice. "That’s a heavy burden upon us."

Aiami asks, "What is our plan Khzuro? How do we defeat this demon?"

Drasta exclaims, “Indeed...The courts of my home play with similar magic though only in their own plane if one were not familiar with it you could age in any direction without even knowing.”

Khzuro goes on. “Our objective is primarily to ensure this demon cannot access the Chronomancy magic. I expect we will likely need to fight this demon and its minions and defeat them in battle. But if it comes to it, we may accomplish our mission by destroying the artifact it's using for the chronomancy or otherwise rendering it inoperable, if defeating the demon in battle is not feasible. I expect it will not be easy in either case.”

Drasta nods, “Those of us who are most to confuse one may help though I am unsure on this.” She wanders her gaze amongst them stopping at Katsu and Masako a slight second and then looking to Haru and Samo, the two she trusts most.

Samo takes it in with a smile, Haru does not. She stares at Drasta with slight disapproval.

Khzuro raises an eye ridge but doesn’t comment knowing that Haru is Drasta’s direct supervisor.

She then pats Khzuro on the head and steps away onto the ship’s front where the long wooden beam that pokes out the front is and sits on it cross legged watching the water in front saying first to him quietly. “I trust your judgement, but I will do what you need, for now I will pray to yours and mine.”

Khzuro purrs happily at the pats. A nod aside "Of course, thank you." Then a look to the others "Does, that cover everything? Or did you wish to ask anything else?"

Haru addresses him. "Ayako is of Tora, the Tiger god who waits for ambush. Aiami though soft spoken is also not of the greater realm. These are the two I most trust to add to the group, being free to roam.”
Countermanding what Drasta said. Drasta sits quietly where she is balancing, looking to the horizon but listening still.

Khzuro takes note of what Haru says but doesn't seem to comment further. "Well, ssk, will that be all for now?" Looks around.

Several bow to Khzuro, several do not, including Samo and Haru. Haru leaves. Samo sticks around along with Ogano. All that bow to Khzuro leave and get rest.

Looks up to Ogano and Samo perhaps trying to gage if they think that the whole briefing went as expected or if it was abnormal. He checks if they look worried.

Organo is the one that answers him. "I get mixed feelings. Ayako wants to kill all in her path. Her need seems to be primal. Shin wants to learn and take as much as he can with him from both a magic and engineering capacity. Masako envies this woman and wants to learn her secrets of planar energy. I do not know the true reason that Iwao took on this mission. He was not a part of this meeting.

Khzuro mentions, “At least in Iwao's case, he signed up to fight a demon that threatens the empire. And he's terribly afraid of water. As for the others..." A pause, considering. "Stopping the demon from abusing time is the primary objective here. We all know that needs to be done. I think I can at least trust those present here that they'll keep that objective up first." A pause, looking to Samo and Ogano "Do you have doubts?"

Drasta calls out. “One could wake Iwao if the other is not on top of him again.” Khzuro looks over to Drasta, blinking confusedly. She answers, “Ayako spent some time doing some adult matters with the fire child. We have not seen him since, no?” Sighs a bit and curses her ears in multiple languages. Khzuro raises an eye ridge, apparently not familiar with that phrasing. Or maybe his kobold brain just can't process that.

Samo just shrugs. Ogano says, “I would trust everyone here but Ayako and Aiami. I suspect they are not human but only use humanity as a facade. I also suspect they are diametrically opposed to each other.”

Drasta looks back feeling Khzuro’s gaze. “Mating kobold.”

Khzuro. ... Blinks a bit confusedly, then just goes. "Oh...." ... A pause "Is that normal, or should this one consider discipline to have faltered on day one?"

Drasta continues, “It seems a bit odd that the other did not leave their quarters but i have seen stranger things from men.... though her flesh color had changed which is notable.”

Ogano says, “Think about it Ayako and Aiami used a language none of us know to confront each other while we rode to the docks. The horse where afraid of Ayako while Aiami is obviously a vegetarian.”

Khzuro muses, “Iwao's fear of water is at least an understandable reason, but the changing colors, that definitely is odd. You also noticed how horses reacted to her... Still, she wouldn't have blessings of the Tiger God if there was something truly amiss with her, correct? If she is a shapeshifter, shouldn't matter. As long as she still puts the mission first."

Ogano insists, " there is definitely some tension between the two women."

Khzuro nods, “Probably. Will they be able to keep their minds on the mission first despite whatever problems they have with one another, though?"

Ogano is hesitant. "I think that these two are hengeyokai wrapping themselves in human form. Ayako may be a tiger. and Aiami is some form of herbivore."

Khzuro gives him a nod, “A nod, taking note "It would explain some things. It shouldn't be a problem though, not for this mission at least, should it?"

Samo thinks a bit. "If what Ogano says is true it is a matter of predator and prey. If they are both hengeyokai the predator will win and eat the prey... Tora, the god expects this as the natural way."

Khzuro lets out a sigh, considering, then he tries to see if there's some kind of indication or record of who is bunking with who. He then remembers that the passengers don’t have an assigned place and bunk where they want since this is one the emperor’s personal ships. "Would think that they would refrain from that while on this important mission. They'd know if they indulged in such, the rest of us would turn on them at the very least, not to mention disgracing their patrons and the emperor for doing so." A pause as he looks over. "Still, might be a good idea to have someone stay with Aiami. I trust that Ayako won't dishonor the Tiger God by striking one of us now, but probably best to make sure."

Samo is the one that replies, "Ayako will not attack Aiami being that both are looking to stop a greater evil but Ayako being of Tora will taunt and play with Aiami being if suspected is true a cat."

Khzuro slowly nods, "Then that will do. Will maintain the same expectation of decorum from them as well as anyone else on this mission."

Samo and Ogano both nod. The last three go to midships to get a good rest.

[Winterhawk99]

Drasta walks down to Iwao’s bed again and checks on him. He is still sleeping. She reaches to his neck checking his pulse and his general welfare carefully and gently. As she walks midships to her room she finds Ayako there. The woman pulls the bed sheet to show she has nothing on. Drasta notices she has stripped fur going from the middle of her chest to down between her legs in a diamond-like pattern.

The elf looks to her side eyed a moment and smirks, “Quite nice legs my dear.” She takes a step out of the door waiting for an answer.

Ayako purrs to Drasta, “You, yourself said men are not your forte.” Drasta turns the corner and hides. Ayako taunts her. “What is this. Are you afraid of your own announcements of principles?”

Drasta skillfully sneaks up beside the bed mat behind the priestess while Ayako seems to smile all the more at the silence. The elf touches her back after a second. “You are the one that hides in shadow… I am the shadow.”

“Prove it! Come to me and have me known to you.” Drasta moves to the desk in the room and in front very comfortably picking her nails with a dagger looking at Ayako with her green eyes. The priestess laughs, “Second thoughts?”

“Of?”

“Of mingling with a priestess of Tora.”

“There are darker ones that could be mingled in.”

"Tora does not judge evil nor good only freedom against oppression. individuality against subversion." Drasta grabs her hand and pushes against it a tine bit staring into her eyes. Ayako says, “Come to me and know the greater pleasures.”

Drasta concentrates. She seems to think there is no magic around. She is familiar with Sadao who worshipped Tora. The great tiger is a battle god and well respected among most samurai. Ayako seems to be loyal to her god even if extremely individualistic. She raises a hand to each side bringing an image of a butterfly and a dragon with her natural magic to see Ayako’s reaction.

Ayako chuckles, “It seem you waver and use the ruse of magic.”

“Pick your side and we will see what you would desire.”

Her eyes become soft. “You are saying I should pick between power or naive beauty. I pick neither."

The elf presses her hands together forming them both into a fairy dragon. “Then you are of both worlds.” She holds the image out. “That is acceptable.”

"Do you have any other tricks in your bag my elven beauty?"

“It depends. Have you ever seen the stars that float above the ocean?”

"They are only holes punched into the aether of reality." She giggles.

“Perhaps in a way yes. Even here or in other places.”

“Come to me for tomorrow may be our last.”

“Tomorrow has come too many times...After over 100 years tomorrow is inevitable.
Do you trust me?”

"Of course, I do not trust you nor anyone I have not known. Still, everyone has their needs both physically and mentally. The house of Tora realizes that, and we provide those in need the pleasure. It also adds unity. We become a proper pride."

Drasta smirks and places a hand on her shoulder. “Close your eyes a moment, yes?” Ayako does. “You are in no harm just trust me.” The Elf makes sure her eyes are completely closed and magically jumps with her to the crow’s nest.

The two women make love in the crow’s nest of the ship. While doing so Drasta feels something she has never felt before. Ayako is slowly and gently draining something from her. Miwa had warned her of Kozakurian women, but she just could now remember what about them in the moment.

Once Ayako drains as much of Drasta’s yin as she possibly can she releases the elf who immediately falls into a deep revelry not able to comprehend what just happened. Ayako smiles and stretches renewed again with an excess of ki. She looks at the elf a moment then blows her a kiss as she starts to make the descent to the deck.

[Winterhawk99]

The ship comes upon the northmost village of the island of Shinkoku. Everyone leaves the docs. Ayako immediately disappears. Aiami is collecting samples of northern plants around the village. Iwao gets off the boat and kisses the ground in reverence. He is also praying to the gods and giving them thanks for surviving the trip. Samo is sharing drinking stories with Drasta or trying too. Haru watches everyone she can with her view. The other mages are conferring on spells for the expedition. Drasta shares drinks with Samo and listens to him keeping her ears and eyes open.

Khzuro wanders the village looking for Aiami. He finds her on the edge of it taking samples of plants. As the rest head for the local inn/teahouse. Khzuro wanted to talk with her on the boat but now is a good time as any. He waves at her while walking up. “A moment please, professor?” He then looks around to make sure they are clear.

She looks around then down at the kobold. “Oh, hello what can I do for you? I rarely get to these parts and the specimens in spring are…. Exciting.”

"Just wanted to ask, since it's very likely we'll be thrust into some dangerous situations, do you have ways of handling those and fighting when it needs to be done? I know most of the crew's capabilities and what they can do, but not yours."

“She chuckles, “Oh yes, I do. I am quite an accomplished wu-jen. That is if I and Ayako can come to an agreement, and she doesn’t eat me first. She’s quiet an accomplished war priestess."

He gives her a nod, taking note. "Good to know. As for her eating you, she'd better not."

"I do not know if she will break the bond of a group, but she is rather......individualistic. I suppose she is on the hunt now, hungry from her trip."

"Among my kin, one who kills one of their tribe is forever branded an exile. Regardless, I trust that she will keep that restrained until this mission is concluded, at least." A pause, considering, “How much longer will you need to take samples? This one doesn't want the group to get too separated. In case of ambushes. To a foe that has seen us coming in advance."

She looks up and around, "Perhaps an hour. I will come in before dark at least. Our war priestess is out there, and I wouldn't want to be caught out in the dark with her in the area. Do not worry too much. As far as I know she doesn’t hunt humans or other bipedal. She will hunt my kind though."

Khzuro nods but doesn't much like the prospect. Mentally, he also tries to remember how far away they are from their target. "Right. Is the sample collection you're doing mission critical?" He also tries to gage how far away they are from the others. He sees that he is about 300 meters from the edge of town which has about a thousand to twelve-hundred people.

"No, no it’s for my own research and for my students at the university. I have a collection of potions too for healing and other things that I made beforehand. if needed."

"Right." A sigh, considering. This does seem important to her, but Khzuro must put the mission first.

"I get that you're capable. But this one really doesn't want you to go and leave yourself exposed like this. Am not too worried about Ayako, by divine oath she will behave herself during the mission. However, this one doesn't know what agents and traps our target might have out here."

“She puts a plant in a glass bottle and stops it. "Alright then. We can walk together.” She puts everything in a case and picks it up.

A nod "Of course. Shouldn't be far." Khzuro gives her a bit of time for clean-up. Didn't feel like a good idea to let her go off on her own for an hour. Too dangerous. Though he does look to see if she looks disappointed. But also remains alert for ambushes. Now that they're off the boat. She doesn’t look upset. It seems she’s collected quite a few plants while out and about.

The two of them go back to the inn. Ayako is still missing. but the rest are there. Drasta and Samo are especially loud in orating their drinking stories. Some are entertained by the whole affair. some are not.
There is a large table set up for the group and everyone gets their own room because Haru threw all the rest of the patrons out.

Once Aiami is back at the inn with the group Khzuro goes back out to gather information. The others at least seem like they're enjoying themselves and should be ready enough for trouble. Assuming they don't get too sauced anyways. Though he is admittedly worried about Ayako being absent.

As he walks through the village some complain about the very mean intimidating besshikime that threw everyone out of the inn. Some men want to challenger her. Some even walked up to her but she stared them down into submission. Some say there may have been magic involved.

There are rumors of yeti in the mountains to the west attacking groups and caravans. It's been the first time in decades. There is also a rumor of a snow leopard moving through villages as if looking for something or someone.

Once he's done gathering information, he heads back to the inn to rejoin the rest of the group. He realizes that as group leader, he /really/ shouldn't be out there alone doing that. He tries to find whoever isn't completely sauced in the group. Before he asks anything though he looks to see who's present. He sees that everyone is there except for Ayako. He furrows his brow some, then looks over to Ogano "sskh, how long has Ayako been gone now...?"

Ogano says, "She’s been missing since we left the ship."

Khzuro muzzle paws and sighs. "Really thinking none of us should be wandering off alone here. No idea what could be in store for us out there..." Khzuro then tries to consult a map if they have one to see how much further they have to go.

Iwao speaks up, "I would not worry Khzuro. I have traveled with her before. It’s just her way of doing things. As for safety...........I would not worry. I would be more worried for anyone or anything she encounters." Drasta staggers over patting the kobold on his head looking at what he is doing. Iwao continues. "She will be back by morning"

Haru gives Drasta a stern look. "No more for you, young lady."

Khzuro gives a nod to Iwao, “Have been trying to anticipate and consider what could be lying in store for us..." Then a look at Drasta. "How did the drinking contest with Samo go?"

“I could still shoot and man off an apples head.” Samo suddenly looks at Drasta shakes his head and waves his hand as if "not the right time." She laughs like she is just toying with them.

Khzuro doesn't comment on Drasta's grammar. Figuring she must be more sauced than she's trying to present herself as. Either way, he takes another look at a map. "Possibly she decided to go hunt some Yetis, have heard rumors they've been attacking groups and caravans."

Ogano nods and most of the mages also look to it. Samo sees three maps and just rolls his eyes. Haru calls the madame over and two women try to take Drasta upstairs while two more try to take Samo. He doesn’t waste any time and goes with them.

Drasta shakes her head. “Give me a few moments and I’ll be alright. Perhaps some food!”

Khzuro gives a side glance to Iwao. “Have you ever used magic to cure drunkenness before?"

Iwao nods and goes over. He casts a constitution and cure poison spell on her then shoves a foul-smelling drink in her face while saying, "This isn’t that unusual in the city." The kobold snickers some. Iwao pays puts his attention to Drasta. “Drink it or I'll burn you girl."

Khzuro says, “Duly noted." Tries to keep a straight face. The innkeeper furiously looks for a bucket. Drasta glares at the burning comment with a bit of annoyance then drinks it staring him down. It tastes horrible and she starts to regurgitate. The innkeeper makes it with the bucket, and she manages to not make a mess out of the floor.

Iwao pats her on the back of the shoulder saying, "It will take a few minutes but works every time.
He then cast clarity on her. Haru smiles a bit after the whole incident. Iwao smiles back at her and goes back to his place.

[Winterhawk99]

Khzuro grunts, “Well, was… not expecting that. Good to note though…” He then looks back to the maps, trying to see how far they are from their target.

Katsu looks at the map. “The portal is in this territory somewhere.” He points to the clan region. It takes three days over land to get there. From there we can ask the local villagers about it.”

Ogano studies it. “It looks like two camps in the mountains unless there is an unmarked village.”
"Ayako will most likely be patrolling in the night. It’s her time of activity." Aiami adds.

Khzuro’s eyes follow several possible trails along the passes. “"Well, we might encounter some Yeti on the way. Also heard of a Snow Leopard acting strangely, but that's likely of lesser concern right now."

Drasta lights up, “Was there not a beast of such in one of Sei's visions?”

"A snow leopard? Now that you mention it... there was." Khzuro remembers.

Masako comments, “That’s interesting.”

Khzuro sighs, considering. Also looks around to see who's present, he doesn't want to spill mission critical details near those not on the mission. There are the serving girls, the innkeeper and his wife all around. Everyone else was ousted. He gives a meaningful look to Ogano and the other wizards. Perhaps wondering if Sithmore is somehow watching, or around, but doesn't vocalize it. Not in front of those not on the mission anyways. Haru catches the face. She asks, "Do we need more privacy?"

"Maybe, is there a room we can move this discussion to?" Khzuro answers.

Haru looks to the innkeeper, and he comes up to her meekly, "We require no more service this night. please leave to your homes or rooms." It takes only 5 minutes for everyone to vacate.

Looks over, then a breath out, a nod "Right... If this one remembers the context of the visions correctly, it means that Lauriella Sithmore, the one who tried to protect her devices, is... actively ‘alive’ as a ghost, posing as a ranger somewhere near here. Wonder if the Snow Leopard is related Likely won't be easy to gain her trust. But... if we can find her, it might be very valuable to this endeavor."

Aiami speaks up, "It is not unusual for rangers to tame a companion animal......could this be it?"

Khzuro considers, “"That's one possibility. And with the right magic could possibly see out of the Snow Leopard's eyes."

Ogano grunts. "So, what do we do if we encounter this leopard?"

"I've got an idea... remember that trinket the old elf gave to this one?" Khzuro muses.

“I would not suggest attacking it.” Drasta adds.

He gives a nod to Drasta. “Indeed.”

Iwao says, “We will need to tell Ayako not to hurt it."

Khzuro gets an idea. “No idea where she is. Can one of you give her a sending?"

Katsu is the one that nods. He says, “says I need quiet for this.” He calls a minor spirit and shapes it into a sparrow then whispers a message to it. It flies out a window.

Khzuro asks him, “Ayako will be able to give a return message, correct?"

Katsu nods, “25 words or less.”

Masako looks at the map. "We are at the northern end of the spine." There will be no more snow on the mountains. At least not enough for avalanches but there are earth dragons. The region is prone to earthquakes from their movements.

Khzuro gives her a nod, taking note "I'd expect any Earth Dragons would also be agitated if there are demons in their territory as well."

“Perhaps so.” Drasta adds.

Iwao agrees, "A logical supposition. But earth dragons are hard to find. some live deep. We should camp in relatively safe areas away from where rockfalls can occur. there is no safe place from the ground splitting open.”

Khzuro thinks about what was said. "Good idea." A nod, another consideration. “We can't be sure the Snow Leopard and Sithmore are connected but might as well try it. If the Leopard doesn't recognize the trinket, that will put that theory back. So, watch for Yeti, don't get caught by an Earth Dragon's earthquake... anything else we should be aware of?"

Masako says, "Anything this demon lord might send our way."

Khzuro gives her a nod aside. aside "We have to expect that it knows what we're going to do before we do it, am afraid. But we're not sure what kind of resources it has or what it can extend beyond its base of operations. Best just be careful..." And then another heavier sigh. “One reason this one was hoping to find Sithmore. She might know more about what we're up against. But am not sure where to find her among the northern provinces here."

“More of whatever it was they made me drink.” Drasta chuckles.

Haru smiles and asks, “What do we know about this demon and his territory?"

Khzuro responds to her. "Not much. We know that it can't go too far from the old Mythallar, or they cannot use their chronomantic magic. Which means they have to be there. We should also expect that they've either plundered the Moonflower or have taken it over and set up base nearby." But I don't know how many forces our foe has deployed in this region. Agents, minions, cultists, the like." ... A pause, considering "Finding Sithmore would let us know more. If we can find her."

Masako asks, "What do we know about this Sithmore? All I know is she is a necromancer of some power that uses both the energy planes in her magic. It is why I am here."

Khzuro again answers. “An Elven artificer and Chronomancer that's been dead for four thousand years. She had many artifacts from that time and has tried to make sure that they didn't fall into the wrong hands. But the demon we're up against has at least one of her artifacts now. From what this one understands, she is still around as a 'ghost' and might be possessing a ranger, or possibly has a physical body. Not sure about too many of the details. But she's also very secretive, reclusive, and slow to trust others. Rarely wanted to share her secrets with anyone. She took it upon herself to guard this dangerous magic. Am hoping she is more open to asking for help now that a demon has compromised whatever security she's left."

Ogano thinks a long time, "If she’s an artificer expect everything to be a trap especially if she is naturally paranoid."

"Indeed." A nod aside, looking to Shin Mahiko "Why we invited our own expert on the matter." Khzuro replies.
Shin looks up, anything that can be built I can disarm........mostly without incident."

Khzuro then looks back at the map. . "Not sure if locating Sithmore is viable. It's possible the demon may also be hunting her too. But it would be hugely valuable to do so if we can. Otherwise, we'll just have to rely on ourselves and our own skills and intuition." Then a look to Katsu. "Any response yet?"

He shakes his head. Aiami says, "I hope she didn’t try to eat the spirit." Iwao laughs everyone else stares at the two confused.

Drasta smirks a bit. “I do not know many elves who are living or spirit who would consume another spirit but there is always a first.”

Katsu thinks, "Did we not find out that this demon runs some kind of machine plane in the abyss. if so, how do we fight things that have both the resistances of a machine and demon?"

Organo says, "demons have fire, electrical, and cold resistance. They are immune to poison and most have some spell resistance."

Khzuro gives them a nod, listening to the tactical implications.

Shin considers, "Constructs they are immune to mind effecting spells, poison, paralysis, illusions, most necromancy, though tapping into the negative and positive planes will hurt them."

Masako thinks, "It seems the best path is acid and sonics at least on an elemental scale."

Katsu frowns, "I’m an enchanter. if all this is true most of my spells will be of no effect."

“What of Planar magic?” Drasta asks.

"Right, can they be banished? Demons maybe, demonic constructs...? Not sure..."
Khzuro considers.

Ogano smiles, "if they are demons they can be banished. Katsu. I'll go over some banishment spells and defensive magic with you if you like?"

Katsue nods to him. "That would be good."

Khzuro realizes something. “Not capable of that kind of magic. Probably his most powerful offensive spell he knows would be enervation, draining a target."

Drasta nods to the mages. “Yes, that may be best. My magical capabilities are slightly limited to your own, so it is best we are all prepared for the best and worst.”

Harus says, "they can still be killed. Kyo has given both Samo and I, new equipment for dealing with this and Shin I am sure can come up with something.”

Khzuro asks Drasta, “What of you? Do you need demon-slaying arrows? Or construct destroying ones?"

It perhaps would not hurt though any negative or positive magic may not be wise if they have the contraption on them, no?”

Shin starts writing right on the table. "What about arrows that make a sonic burst?”

Drasta smiles, “That would be best more than likely.”

"Sounds practical." A nod aside "Don't worry about crossbow bolts for me though. My armaments make their own ammunition." Khzuro comments.

Shin starts to draw equations and designs on the table, becoming oblivious to everyone else. Khzuro does wonder if he should ask Shin if he can tune-up his crossbows, but then again, their magic only works for kobolds. Might cause issues with his tinkering. But let’s him design for now. Drasta places her ancient elven bow on the table in front of Shin, so he has referance on how long the arrows need to be along with their knocking. He glances at the bow then waves his hand as if annoyed. She shrugs and takes it over her back again, taking a step back.

Haru slaps her on the back. "Engineers! Can’t live without them, can’t live with them and certainly don’t marry one."

Khzuro looks over to Katsu. “Anything yet?”

Drasta laughs. “Made that mistake once before.”

Katsu nods, “Ummm it starts off with a growl then…. “Ok! No cats!”

Khzuro responds, “Noted. Anything else of note?”

Ogano says, "I can’t think of anything other than we are going into the deep mountains. expect just about anything."

Khzuro now tired of all the thinking says, “Right then. Guess we'd better get some rest and get ourselves ready then." A sigh "When will Ayako return? Should all be together when we make for the mountains." The mages stay and study. Shin goes to his room and there are various sounds coming from within. Eventually all go to sleep.

[Winterhawk99]

Before they go to sleep Khzuro checks on Samo, since he was so totally sauced. The girls are gone and he’s out cold snoring like a baby… elephant. Khzuro goes back to his room to get some sleep. Masako’s room is on one side of Samo and Drasta is on the other. At one in the morning a small ruckus starts up coming from Samo’s room. Both Drasta and Masako are woken up by the noise. They then hear slaps and grunts, both male and female. The next thing they hear are things breaking in the room.

Drasta is able to move away as Samo stumbles through the wall, and crashes into her room with Ayako on his back. They both smell of sex. Samos butt is bright red, and he has deep scratches on his back. Ayako has a black eye and a smile on her face as she tries to drag the large man back into his own room. Everyone wakes up after they crash through the wall. She sees Samo trying to fight the priestess off saying, “NO MORE! Please, NO more!”

Khzuro reacts quickly and casts overland flight. He is the first there except for Drasta as others come behind him. Drasta looks at the naked pair and raises a hand to Ayako glaring at her. “I advise you to stop now that you have broken into my room or there will be consequences.”

Khzuro blinks confusedly, not comprehending what is going on. “By the Eight Million's heavens, what is going on?! This one thought we were under attack!"

Ayako lets go of Samo and rolls on her back doing a full body stretch. then says......."sigh ok, I though the big man had more in him"

Khzuro raises and eye ridge, “Had more what…?” … He notices there is a diamond shaped tuff of thick fur on Aiakos stomach from the middle of her breasts down to between her legs its striped orange and black. He doesn’t look at all bothered by the nudity and doesn't seem surprised either. But does look over at them with a nonplussed look, as if he's walked in on tantruming hatchlings.

Ayako politely asks, “Where is my room?”

Samo yells out, “She spanked me! And she’s really strong!” The kobold looks over at both with a look of ‘seriously?’ Drasta gets up and stands of Samo looking down and shaking her head. Ayako just smiles. Aiami looks at the scene in revulsion and leaves to her room, Iwao just laughs and goes to his.

Ogano looks at the woman and says, “Please try to control yourself. You are under the emperor’s flag."

Khzuro nods vigorously aside to Ogano then looks back to the three of them. He includes Drasta. “Am still waiting for an explanation."

Drasta sighs, “You found the one who bested you Samo.”

He rubs his butt. “Maybe I should marry her.”

She snickers, “Just stop breaking walls or there will be trouble for you as well.”

Ayako just smiles, “One man? No way.”

Khzuro sighs and looks at the broken wall. “How did ‘that’ happen?”

Ayako smiles. "We were playing, and things got a little rough."

“Sure.” Drasta mutters under her breath.

Khzuro raises and eye ridge. “Uh huh." Just shakes his head "Suppose this one should be glad it wasn't an ambush." Then a look aside "Well, we're going to need to recompense the innkeeper." Suppose for now though we can get back to rest, though. But am expecting some of you might want to change rooms."

Ayako sighs. "I'll go to my room like a good little girl now. I've had my fill."

"Just as long as this doesn't get in the way of the mission." Khzuro responds exasperated.

Drasta comments, “Indeed I would rather not stay in a room where I can see into another’s. More specifically a naked mans.”

Ayako gets up stretches again and looks for her room completely nonchalant about her nakedness.
When she finds it, she sniffs and says, "Oh Aiami is across from me.........How adorable."

Masako says, “You can stay with me Drasta.”

The elf nods and looks to Ayako. “Stay in your room.”

Haru looks at Khzuro and whispers to him, "I don’t think she’s human at all." He nods aside, like he’s already aware. Though also looks to Ayako with a look like he's telling her to behave herself.

He then looks at Drasta. “Is this normal?”

“No, it is not for humans.”

"Well, we're going to need to recompense the innkeeper in the morning." Then Khzuro looks at Ogano "How much Ryo do you think should cover it?"

Ogano looks at the damage, “1,000 Ryo should cover it.”

"Assuming none of us can just magic it better? Would be awfully convenient." The kobold muses.

"Well, whatever. Let’s try to go back to sleep. Will need to ask Ayako what she found while roaming out at night. Might be useful. Then we'll set out as planned." Looks to Haru and Ogano "need anything else before this one returns to his room?" They both shake their heads. He nods then goes back to rest.

Drasta leaves for Masako’s room sitting across from her bed getting ready to go back into trance. After a few hours she goes down to the main room for a bit of reading and studying until the others wake.

The rest of the night is peaceful in the morning it looks like Aiami did not get much sleep.

[Winterhawk99]

The group assembles after a breakfast of bacon and eggs. Aimai has her own food she picked as she was moving through the farm fields. Khzuro moves to speak with Ayako. “So, did you find anything interesting while scouting last night?”

“Mostly Sika, rabbit, fox, other creatures. Nothing out of the ordinary thus far.”

“No Yetis?”

She shakes her head, “I would not worry about yeti too much unless they are organized, they will fear my presence.”

“Good to know. Well, carry on." Though after breakfast, Khzuro checks in with the owner of the establishment. The owner is slightly upset but has been paid by Ogano so is civil. Khzuro makes some small talk but mostly wants to make sure they are recompensed for what happened.

Drasta checks the sanity of Aiami for the moment making sure she is alright. The woman seems to be ok just tired. She wouldn’t sleep with Ayako in the other room across from her. Drasta makes a note and lets Haru know to keep them separated next time then brings her focus back to watching and listening around them. Haru nods to the elven.

They set out again as soon as they do Ayako runs toward the woods and disappears in short order. Khzuro tries to get her attention trying to call out, “Wait! Where are you going?”

Iwao says. "She is our outrider. If anything comes near us, she'll chase it away. or be the first in combat.”

“Understood.” Khzuro answers.

Drasta notices tiger prints near the inn. They look like someone tried to swipe them away or rub them out so not many would notice. She also notices they are about three times bigger than any tracks she has ever seen in her life. She nods to the others talking while looking at the tracks. “It is for the best. Perhaps given her nature.”

Haru also sees the tracks as she studies them, she mutters, “Smilodon.” Drasta nods to her. Khzuro overhears the whispering.

Everyone starts up the mountain passes. It takes longer than expected being the mages are not use to physical exercise. They are going at about 4/5ths normal pace though. Aiami seems to be going at a better speed than the rest of the wu-jen. Ogano has the most trouble being an older gentleman. Drasta keeps pace slowing to their speed doing her best to help them move along. Aiami places a few spells on the elder for strengthening his constitution and strength. He seems to start doing better. Khzuro bobs his head slightly to Aiami in thanks.

The mountain passes here are rugged but dry being its summer. Not many peaks have snow on them now and the valleys are filled with pine and other temperate climate trees. Aiami gives Khzuro a smile.
Shin keeps saying he should have brought his mechanical horse.

The expedition makes camp for the night. On this first rest nothing disturbs them. In the morning, they find two sika deer lying by the fire. Their bellies have been slit from throat to pelvis and all the organs have been sucked out. The cut is ragged but looks like a single slice of a dull sword. Most of the mage women start to quarter skin and cook the deer. The taste is mild much like elk. Ayako is nowhere to be found this morning.

Drasta and Haru walk around camp to find the same tracks from a Smilodon. This time they are much more prominent and easier to read. Drasta talks to her about her suspicions. Haru nods and hands a box to the elven saying, “For special services rendered.”

Drasta takes the box and looks inside. There are 3 potions of healing, and 2 potions of bull’s strength, cat’s grace and bear’s endurance within. A small treasure by Kozakurian standards. She nods and packs them away. “My thanks.”

With the meat salted and everyone’s belly full they move on. They walk all through the day without incident and set up camp. The girls including Haru and Drasta cook the salted meat. Everyone sleeps deeply. The mountain air is dry and warm.

Everyone wakes up a few hours before dawn to Growls, grunts and screams as a battle suddenly erupts just outside their perimeter.

Khzuro gets a grip on his crossbows, casts overland flight on himself, then looks to see what’s going on. He has Darkvision, so he can see just fine in the darkness. He gets to the scene first to find 6 yeti doing battle with a saber-toothed tiger. Another yeti has been split from neck to hip on the ground and is dead. The Tiger is 11 feet long and looks to weigh anywhere from 3/4 to a ton its hugging one of the abominable snowmen and raking the ever-living shit out of it with its back claws that are as long as kaikens. but the other yeti are raking the tiger in turn. He casts greater invisibility on himself. As he does, he sees the cat completely disembowel the yeti it’s on with its claws.

The five creatures left are not done though. One of them attacks the cat. He rakes the tiger with his own large claws. He lashes it deeply near the front quarter. The feline’s skin freezes near the wound, and it loses its fur there. Khzuro flies in a charge toward the combat and halves the distance.

Drasta spins towards the noise. Pulling her bow, she fires 4 arrows split between two yetis over everyone’s shoulders and heads. The first she hits for minimal damage as the creature’s fur acts to slightly deflect the two arrows from hitting a critical spot. The second she hits square, and it is knocked back catching fire. It breaks off to run away.

5 fire shuriken fly past everyone as Ogano weaves a spell. He hits a separate on. It catches fire too but instead of retreating it makes the yeti more enraged. Another yeti suddenly freezes in place as Katsu weaves and enchantment spell.

Iwao runs as fast as he can to where he thinks Khzuro might be. When he thinks he is in range he prays to Fire Bright. Khzuro feels suddenly more confident now that both he and Iwao are under a Bless spell. The tiger turns its attention to the one being held by Katsu’s spell. It decapitates the yeti. As the great beast fights it moves around in combat and it seems the Abominable snowmen cannot seem to score a hit on it.

Khzuro keys in on one of the monsters and fires his crossbows under invisibility. He hits it in multiple vital organs. It falls dead to the ground. The plants around the tiger and yeti suddenly grow into a veritable jungle as Aiami casts plant growth. The two monsters left start to be entangled. The tiger, also in the middle of it, rips away the vines to get to them.

Drasta fires 4 more arrows. The first she kills outright it goes limp as the vines coil and constrict its body. The second she severely wounded. Masako finishes the last off with a magic missile. The tiger roars and a golden light surrounds it healing its wounds. It takes off into the night. Drasta holds her place drawing back an arrow and watching where the tiger went to waiting for Haru to give her the order. Her commander puts her hand on the upper end of the elf’s bow. “I think we both know who that was.”

“Indeed. Pretty obvious at this point, really. A child playing their own game.”

"A powerful priestess that could slit you down from the top of your head to your legs if she wanted too."

Drasta looks back to Aiami and keeps her voice down. “I would assume that one can do something similar.”

Haru shrugs." I don’t think Aiami is like that. She’s a vegetarian." Samo suddenly runs past the group now that he has his armor on. He suddenly stops, shrugs, and puts his shoulders down. The big man turns around and walks back sulking.

"Why did she take off then? Seems she's quite averse to staying with the group." Khzuro mutters.

Iwao walks up. "It’s how she’s always been. She's around just doesn’t want anyone to see her right now."

“It is often changelings do not want to be seen.” Drasta muses.

Khzuro shakes his head. “"If she's trying to keep this a secret, she's really not doing a good job of it."

Iwao laughs. "I think she tries but 1-ton tigers are hard to hide, and her general demeanor tells it all anyway if you watch her. She’s a cat and they are all pretty much the same no matter how big or small."

“I would agree with that.” Drasta chuckles. She then sighs, “Should we finish packing up the camp then or are there things anyone would like to do with the bodies.”

Khzuro nods. "Duly noted." A sigh... "Right."

[Winterhawk99]

Our intrepid gang of heroes and heroines set up camp for the night after a long walk in a valley of sparce forest. The trees have room to grown here. There are boulders strewn about from previous earthquakes. some as big as a house. As they start to set up, they hear two different types of growls over a nearby slope. One is a very deep throated guttural growl. the other is an octave higher. Both are cats: unmistakably cats.

Khzuro casts resist cold, see invisibility, and heroism on himself and looks around. Everyone else is looking at each other like: Who’s going to investigate this?” Drasta shrugs with no one heading forth and walks off towards the noise quietly and quickly. Khzuro follows her. “Let’s see if any of those are Snow Leopards. Though of course it might not be the one we're looking for..." A sigh.

Drasta walks up the slope and around the mountain some 500 meters. Khzuro following close behind. They see the Sabre tooth tiger has treed a snow leopard. The Tiger is laying down and looking up at the leopard growling while the snow leopard is hissing and growling down and occasionally trying to take a swat at the tiger's head and ears. The tiger looks toward Drasta with little regard for a moment then looks back up at the leopard it’s got cornered.

Drasta steps forward pulling her hood down staring at the leopard but directing her voice to the tiger. “Stand down.” The tiger ignores her.

Khzuro moves close behind Drasta. He looks at the snow leopard, then, pulls out the timepiece and tries to hold it where the cat can see it. He waits for a reaction. It hisses at Khzuro and tries to jump to a closer branch. The tiger stands and cuts it off though. He notices the leopard’s ears go back as far as they can go, and it hisses wildly when it sees the timepiece.

Drasta places a hand on her rapier guarding Khzuro from both. “Careful we must be, but I do not think we should hurt this one. Please put that away as well.”

Khzuro thinks about casting comprehend languages but has second thoughts. Whatever communication the cats are using it would most likely be some form of animal language. He knows he would have to have speak with animals for that. Whatever the cats are saying, both Drasta and Khzuro seem to be throwing the equivalent of 4 letter words at each other. Drasta keeps gesturing to the tiger, but it keeps ignoring her.

Khzuro tries to remember if that old elf ever told him his name. If the elf did, He cannot remember it. He looks to the leopard. “Could tell you recognized the watch. He gave it to me, entrusted this matter to this one. If he's done that, you know what is at stake. “Looks to see if the Leopard reacts in any way to that.

Drasta is a bit uncertain if she should leave to get another. Leaving the small kobold with two very large cats. Thinking out loud in elven she exclaims, “I wonder if their master is close by.” The leopard paces its branch. The tiger matches it.

Khzuro nods aside to Drasta, replying but not in elven. “Would be good to speak with them. We have big problems, and we might only be able to solve them by working together. And they're having difficulties too." Drasta looks down in a how did you read my mind I didn’t say anything way. He turns his attention back to the leopard to try to see if they reply in any way to Khzuro’s back and forth.

Drasta asks, “Perhaps you should get one who can translate for us Ayako.”

Khzuro concerned counters her. “They might flee if we do that. We need their cooperation.” The leopards major focus now rests on the tiger that weights about 4 times its own size.

Drasta curtly yells at the tiger, “That was not a suggestion.”

Looking at Drasta, Khzuro asks, “How quickly can you get the others? This one should be able to ah... stay safe from the big cats."

“A few moments depending on which one of them will be able to speak.”

He nods and casts haste on Drasta. “Go ahead then, this one doubts the leopard will want to let this one out of their sight and expects the Tiger will keep them from misbehaving too much.” She nods quietly and heads off with great speed to the others asking which of them can speak with animals. She makes it to camp within a minute or two. Everyone is wondering what is going on. Khzuro stays where he is but is ready to fly up and away out of pouncing distance if the leopard tries anything. Or Ayako for that matter.

Drasta looks amongst her companions and is direct. “We require someone who can speak with an animal if this is possible.”

Aiami asks, “Why?”

“We have found our snow leopard I believe.”

Her face goes pale, "Ummm nope."

Drasta raises and eyebrow looking at the others. Ogano says, “We can put spells on you.”

She shakes her head wide eyed, “NO!”

Drasta replies, “A spell should work though it may need to last some time. Unless you have one in a scroll that I may use.”

Ogano still looking at Aiami says, “I can cast giant size. That will help, Aiami.”

“Khzuro feels this may be very important, so please.” Drasta exclaims.

Aiami looks around and closes her eyes. "OK! OK! I better not be lunch.!”

Drasta nods, “I will do my best to keep you safe.” She thinks to herself. ‘Did not tell her about Ayako or she never would have come.’ “Unless you wish to have another guard come as well.” She looks to Samo and Haru.

“I’ll protect her.” Haru replies.

“We should be quick.” Drasta nods.

Samo munching on some axis meat says, "I go where she goes. we have a kill bet." Drasta chuckles at that. Both Ogano, Katsu, and Shin through a spell on her. Aiami grows to 40 ft tall, becomes immune to mind effecting spells taking away her fear, and Shin casts stone skin on her. Samo looks up, "Damn, not sure she needs us two now."

Drasta leads them back to the cats quickly stating to Aiami, “Just stay between us.” She shrugs and heads off. The other three follow. They get to the spot with the same situation at hand.

Khzuro looks over towards the 40 ft tall Aiami with a flat 'What the hell in the heavens??' look, but then sighs "Not going to ask, even though this one really should. Do you have the appropriate translation ability?"

Aiami nods. She speaks a spoken language first. looking at the tiger. It growls and makes a deafening roar at her. She looks around at the surrounding trees and their roots. She carefully selects one the right size and with weak roots. Pulling it out of the ground she tries to talk again. Khzuro blinks, looking to the uprooted tree, then to the two cats. Drasta stares slightly confused. The tiger growls at her again and hisses loudly. Khzuro says, “The Leopard is the one we need the cooperation of."

Aiami takes the tree with one hand at the trunk the other at the tip and bends it with the tiger still growling at her. She steps forward toward it. Ayako crouches down for a spring, and she lets go of the tip saying, “Dodge that you asshole!” The tiger springs but the tree hits it in the back flank and sends the Ayako sailing.

Khzuro just before asks, “Mind translating for me before this gets further out of hand?"

Drasta starts to tell him, “I believe she is telling the tiger she’s not afraid anymore.......” chuckles then almost shits herself laughing.

Khzuro growls, “Focus you two! Mission first.” as Drasta is talking. Samo and Haru move up to take the tiger’s place. Haru is laughing so hard that the leopard almost gets past her, but she goes to guard still laughing hysterically.

Aiami says. I'll try to talk sense into the cat now that she’s gone.” Khzuro sighs, then muzzle paws. “It’s about territory. The tiger considers all of us its territory.” Aiami concludes.

The kobold makes a mental note to have a long talk with Ayako and Aiami about discipline on an important mission later.

Drasta is surprised. “That is curious, does it state why?”

Aiami goes to her knees and starts speaking in clicks and whistles while her body and moves slightly here and there and her eyes go from focusing on the cats then to the side. There seems to be some communication between Aiami and the leopard for some time. Then it stops. Aiami says. "The cat had a human pet. A woman that walked with it. It came to the woman one day and she smelled like herself but also different. The woman didn’t seem to recognize her master and ran off. When it tried to chase the woman. She threw magic at it a dazzling light that left it confused. When it came to its senses. His pet was gone. He has been searching for his pet since trying to follow the trail, but it goes back and forth along the mountains as if looking for something. He has been searching for his pet.”

Khzuro is again surprised, “They consider the human their pet...? Um..." A pause, considering "Good to know." A sigh "If our information is correct, that means that the woman was likely possessed by Lauriella’s Ghost. Would explain the changes that the animal sensed, especially if it has her magic. But that is our best lead and finding her would be of great value. Can you try to convince the Leopard to try and pick up the trail for us? Probably best get the whole group for this though. Including the Tiger."

Aiami says, "I can smell her. I'll drag her back to camp if I have too.” Drasta nods and looks at the leopard.
"Going to need to have a talk with you both but for now, let’s make sure we don't lose this lead. Too important." Khzuro sighs, rubbing his muzzle.

Aiami turns back to the leopard. She goes back to clicks, whistles and body movements. She turns to the four of you. "It says it will. It wants its pet back, but can you take whatever is inside of her out?"

"Lauriella is a four-thousand-year-old archmage. We also are likely going to need her help to defeat the demon we're after." The way Khzuro says it makes it seem like getting her out of the woman's body isn't his highest priority. "Don't know if exorcising her will be possible. Though it may be her spirit would pass on if her works are properly secured. A spirit shouldn't remain out of the celestial bureaucracy's grasp like this." the kobold protests.

Drasta affirms Khzuro’s misgivings. “I would agree with this. If her objects are returned to where they belong, she should release the human.”

Aiami turns to the cat and talks to it again. When she turns back, she says, "It wants assurances. The connection between animal companion and ranger run very deep."

“I cannot speak for others, but I will do what I can for the creature and it's human.” Drasta tells her. Aiami waits for Khzuro to respond too.

He closes his eyes, considering the angles. He really needs the intel Lauriella has on this. "Forcibly exorcising her human won't be feasible. She's more powerful than any of us, or at least was, and we're going to need their help against the demon first. Then have to convince her to let the human she possesses go. It won't be easy but will do what can be done. Freeing her is probably going to be a long, drawn-out affair. Still, it should be done. Her spirit should have been able to move to the Celestial Bureaucracy ages ago. Better get it prepared though. Maybe Ayako and Iwao have some methods of exorcism we can use if Lauriella doesn't cooperate."

Drasta replies, “Should have yes, though she stayed to protect the world from her toys.”

Khzuro counters her. “Am aware. And it's admirable that she did such a duty, or at least tried to. But possessing an innocent to do that is a violation of the celestial bureaucracy's cycle."

She nods, “In the worse possible scenario I can send both spirit and body to their home planes...Though I am not sure if that will separate them from each other. In theory it may work but I have never needed to use it in that manner.”

Aiami says, “Its name is Yukihou.” Drasta looks to the others in a what do you suggest or think manor exorcism is out of her territory. Aiami turns, "it's easier to find a lich’s phylactery than exorcise a powerful mage from a body but I'm sure it can be done."

“Then in one way or another it can happen.” Drasta nods.

Khzuro isn’t so sure. “"Ssskh, given how powerful Lauriella is it's not likely we can give a guarantee for something like this. The fact that her help against the demon is invaluable adds another layer of complication. It's just as likely she will want to remain afterwards to protect her devices too. Still, for Yukihou, this is probably the best chance they'll get to get their human pet back. If we can convince Lauriella to let go, after the demon is dealt with." A sigh "We may need to consult with Ayako, Iwao, and the others to see if such is even possible."

Aiami says, "I will promise Yukihou that we will find a way to exorcise the ghost from her pet's body if she comes with us. I will make this vow. If we cannot find a way, we must convince the ghost to leave of her own free will. My honor is in your hands now."

Khzuro pauses, carefully considering for now... "I don't know if we /can/ exorcise her forcibly. Convincing her to leave won't be easy either. She is noted to be paranoid and very protective of her works." A pause, a sigh "Can't ask you to make that vow. Considering all the angles, we don't know if we can do it." Aiami turns to the cat. Khzuro adds, “Might still be her best chance. Odds are Yukihou won't get another."

The leopard jumps down and goes to Samo. You hear a deep throated purr. He looks at everyone not knowing what to do. "Ummm! What’s this?"

Drasta smiles, “It seems you have been claimed.”

He shakes his head. “Ayako did enough damage.”

Khzuro more concerned with the possession dilemma asks Aiami, “Did you make that vow?”

She nods "Now I have to find an asshole and bring her back." She starts to walk off to the northeast.

Khzuro yells out, “I'm going to need to have a sit down with you two later, am certain." He turns to Samo and the leopard. “Thought that Yukihou had a human pet already though? Guess they're claiming more?" Drasta shrugs.

They get back to camp. Yukihou stays by Samo's side. The women in camp have everything set up and food is cooking.

An hour later everyone hears Aiami running and screaming her head off, with the Sabre-toothed tiger hot oh her heels. She’s normal sized now. Ogano throws a spell called forced shapechange and the tiger trips and tumbles shrinking into Ayako. She gets up on her hands and knees and screams out, "Fuck you! You fucking Rabbit! After this is over, I'm going to eat you and suck every morsal of marrow from your bones!" Aiami doesn’t stop, she runs through camp and keeps going. Ayako spits in the direction Aiami fled.

[Winterhawk99]

Drasta pulls her rapier and walks towards Ayako with purpose. Meanwhile Khzuro with his overland flight spell still active flies over to the commotion. He looks at Ayako. “Hey! You! Get over here and sit down. We’re having a long talk about your conduct. Now! Thisss way!” Khzuro looks plenty unamused as he calls out orders.

Ayako gets up and dusts herself off. “Umph!” Aiami is hiding. Drasta stops a few steps behind Khzuro looking directly at Ayako with a bit of fucking behave. The kobold looks over to the elf. “Can you find Aiami? This one doesn’t want her being ambushed now. Not while we have a paranoid Netherese archmage and a demon lord to contend with.” He then looks at Ayako. “This way.” And goes to fly back to camp, trying to find a place where he can have a ‘sit down’ talk with her and Aiami when she gets back. Ayako gets up and walks head held high. As she passes Ogano she tries to slap him, but he dodges and smirks. Drasta nods and goes to find Aiami putting her rapier away.

Drasta walks out of camp and follows Aiami’s tracks. She comes to a small cave just large enough for a human to walk into. It’s dark. She touches her amulet and casts ultravision on herself to see more normally. “I know you are here.” She sees something backed up against the far wall. It has spell components in its hand and looks something like a bipedal 5 and ½ foot rabbit. She says, “Come child. I will keep you safe.”

The rabbit speaks, “Keep your distance and do not call me child. I’m over a 150 years old.”

Drasta nods gently. “Finally, someone only a bit older than I am then.”

“She can’t get in here and if she tries, I have a surprise for her.”

The elf takes a knee and kneels where she is no threat. “Khzuro wishes to speak with both of you…. Her talking to is going to be more…. Well, you can imagine.”

“Would you feel better if she was cursed?” Drasta gives a light chuckle.

"I'm not sure I can go on with Ayako in the group. It's too dangerous for me." Aiami puts the spell components back in her pockets. She changes back to her human form.

Drasta nods to Aiami and steps away to give her a moment, going to the mouth of the cave letting a whistle out towards Haru. “JOIN ME OUTSIDE WHEN YOU ARE READY.”

Haru makes the long walk out of camp. and comes up to Drasta, "Ok give me what I need."

‘Aiami does not feel safe with the other around. I need your guidance some before I take measures to punish Ayako. Khzuro also wants to speak with her, but I am worried she will not come out for a time without our guard.”

"Why would you beat your head against the wall. As far as Ayako is concerned, she’s queen bee and has the power to back it up in size. Besides you ever try to correct a cat. It’s better to change its focus. In her case maybe throwing a severed head in front of her when she’s being ridiculous. it will turn her attention to that. She may even play with it. As far as Aiami is concerned...........I'll guard her. Ayako comes after her I'll poke the bitch in the eye with my naginata."

The elf smirks, “I will send Khzuro over. If she does not come out beforehand.” Drasta starts to walk to find Khzuro.

Haru swears, “"8 million we have a cat hengeyokai and a rabbit hengeyokai in the same group. No wonder. Alright I'll go in and explain what’s going on to her. you get the kami." Haru walks into the cave.

Durin this time Khzuro is with Ayako. He looks at the woman entirely unamused by this latest incident. He tries to gage her demeanor as he sits down with her. He also looks to see who else is watching. From Khzuro's look though, he looks like he really wants to lay into it at Ayako right now. "Does this happen regularly on missions you're called into?" Khzuro asks Ayako, still looking unamused.

She looks at him quite innocently. “Prey makes me much more aggressive.”

"It's not like this one was unaware of your animosity with Aiami. But this one was hoping that at least the both of you could maintain decorum for this mission and /not/ disrupt operational efficiency with antics. You do remember what we're up against here and who's sponsoring this mission, right?"
Khzuro's speaking in a more authoritative tone or trying to. Asking what he thinks are rhetorical questions.

She sighs "Yes, daddy. Don’t hurt the poor little rabbit till this is over. Then I can eat her!"

"That /also/ includes not starting a fight, chasing her off, or starting other antics that disrupt the mission. We're dealing with a demon lord /and/ an archmage who can both manipulate time to do stuff like make sure we never existed! And know what we're doing before we even do it! And in case you forgot, we actually want said archmage's help, and it will not endear her trust if our group comes off like a disorganized group of clowns! Just be thankful it didn't turn out that the archmage was seeing out of the Leopard's eyes. She would have dismissed all of us as a group of hopeless idiots for sure."

.Ayako retorts to him. “Have I not kept the group safe since we hit land. Have I not provided meat for the team? Have I not put myself in danger for the rest of you with the yeti?"

"Yes, you have and am grateful and thankful for it. However, this mission is going to get more dangerous very soon. And it also means that we're going to need to be at our best. Which also means we can't keep up this infighting. I would not be surprised if our foe took advantage of such a misstep. That's going to go for both you and Aiami." A sigh, pausing "Am going to have a talk with /her/ too about abusing her powers. She did strike first there before." Then a pause "Can you agree to cut the antagonism towards Aiami until /after/ the mission is done? And by that, I mean when we give the Emperor himself a debrief on this mission."

Ayako sighs, "I'll try to stay away from that divine morsel of flesh until the mission is over. but refuse to stop roaming."

He nods "Not going to expect you to stop roaming. The scouting is helpful, and you did find that Leopard. Just try to treat Aiami as a tribe-member while we're on this operation. Even if you do find each other irritating."

She smiles, "I don't find her irritating at all. I find her tasty."

"What did you say again when you were chasing her? Don't answer that. We all heard it." A sigh, looking aside, wondering when Aiami is going to get here.

As Drasta walks up he looks like he’s been berating Ayako then looks over to the other when he sees her. She stops behind Khzuro staring down Ayako with a shimmer of green in her eyes. “You may need to go to her, Khzuro. Ayako looks at her likes she’s completely innocent.

Khzuro looks up. “Oh for…….What’s going on now?” Drasta reaches into her pocket and throws a ball of twine behind Ayako then leans into whisper to special K. “She does not feel safe coming out at this time and I do not blame her.” Khzuro looks like he's pretty irate with Ayako right now, then raises an eye ridge at the ball of twine, then up to Drasta, a nod. Ayako follows the ball with her head but has enough self-discipline not to go after it.

"Right, I'll go find her then. Can you try to keep things sane here?" Khzuro looks to Drasta, almost like he wants her to be with Ayako. "I'll find her. And hope we don't get ambushed or something." A huff, then goes off to where Aiami is.

She nods, “I left Haru with her. points in the direction and sits in front of Ayako staring at her waiting.”

Khzuro follows several obvious tracks up to the cave. Haru has a torch so she can see and is sitting next to Aiami talking to her.

Drasta says to Ayako, “Further playing this type of game may not end well. This is your last warning.”

Ayako stands and stretches. "Now that Daddy's done with his lecture. I think It's time to roam." She starts walking off to the woods. The besshikime keeps an eye on her quietly and will keep her ears listening to where she goes and what she is always doing. Ayako turns back before she’s out of earshot. “And by the way. I know where you’re ticklish.”

Khzuro approaches the two women and speaks in a level voice, touching ground as he nears them. “Haru? Aiami?”

Haru nods, "Drasta and I have found an answer."

“Ah?”

"I'll guard Aiami myself. I've trained hardheaded women all my life. I know them. Ayako better not challenge me. She'll be surprised. Drasta meanwhile wanders back to the cave entrance leaning on it and listening closely.

Khzuro says, “This one expects that Drasta is about ready to turn her into a pelt. Made sure she's keeping an eye on her." Looks over to Aiami to see how she's holding up

Drasta’s voice rings through the cave. “I heard that Haru.”

Aiami is still shaken but isn’t hyperventilating anymore. Haru yells out to the cave. "Yes, that includes you!"

A sigh, Khzuro was extremely annoyed of her swatting Ayako away, but he decides to keep it cool for now. Knowing her morale is nearly broken. Still, he looks back to where Drasta called from "Hold on, weren't you keeping an eye on Ayako."

Drasta walks down closer. “She left to hunt she is also not hard to find she leaves a trail.
I would rather her be out hunting than trying to find this one here.”

"Ssskh. I was hoping to speak with both her and Aiami together. Tried to make it clear that am not going to tolerate more of her nonsense." A huff "Really did expect better decorum from a priestess of the Tiger God." Rubs his muzzle. "Right, Aiami?"

Drasta inputs, “That… I would not recommend.”

Aiami looks up. “Yes?”

"We know what's at stake in this mission and what we're up against. We cannot afford to have this group sundered by these antics." Looks over to Aiami "Speaking of which, this one knows you were speaking with her while we had the Leopard cornered. What was spoken there?"

"I was trying to get her to move away so we could take care of things. She wouldn’t move. She considers the leopard competition. She wanted it away from the group."

"Is that why you resorted to swatting her away? Or was that because of your prior rivalries with her?"

"I had to resort to it. Khzuro I’m not her rival. I’m her prey. If not for the group, she would chase me down and make a meal of me."

Haru flatly states, "Aiami is a rabbit hengeyokai. She’s a rabbit that can take human form."

"Next time, make sure you tell us what's going on before you do that then. You're both part of the group here and we do have to keep the mission in mind. And if she is doing something to disrupt our objectives then that should be brought up with the rest of us. That said, I've spoken with her and I've made it clear she is not to continue her antagonism towards you. And that includes the trip back as well." While his tone towards Aiami is slightly berating, he does it in a much more gentle fashion than what he said to Ayako. He's not as irritated with Aiami's side of the antics after all.

Then he looks to Haru "Regardless of what everyone is, this one does expect proper decorum from our team." Then a look back to Aiami "Anyways, do come to us if she continues to antagonize you against this one's direct orders. Now that that's settled though, we should return to the others. This one doesn't want us to be split up and potentially get ambushed by our foes out here." Looks to see how Aiami and Haru react.

She looks somewhere between offended and deeply saddened, "But I did nothing wrong. I simply tried to stay far away from her until I was dragged up the mountain because I spoke animal?"

"Was referring to when you smacked her with a tree."

"You don’t think she deserved it?"

Drasta snickers, “At the least it was worth a good laugh.” Haru also smiles slightly.

Khzuro continues. “Like this one said, would have preferred you informed this one of what was going on before you did so." He sighs rubbing his muzzle "Will also have to figure out how to order her to call off attacking you after the mission. The only reason you're in danger is because you're both with us on this mission."

Haru nods, "if she comes near Aiami I'll shove my naginata up her ass..........sideways."

Khzuro agrees, “Expect there will be others who will defend her too. Ayako hasn't exactly been making a lot of friends this trip."

Drasta adds, “If that does not work, I will take her claws until she learns her lesson.
One...By...One...”

Khzuro comments, “Best to try to keep the infighting to a minimum. But if she does break rank and attack one of the group, handle it, swiftly.” A sigh, looking to Aiami "Are you ready to return to camp, then?" She wipes her face and nods. "Right." A nod aside "Also, thought of something. After the mission, you can ask the emperor to demand Ayako not harm you. Expect after this mission you'd have rights for such a favor."

Drasta muses, “I don't think the leopard has interest in you at least.” saying playfully trying to make the conversation more enlightening.

Khzuro shakes his head. "That one's just an animal, not a Hengeyokai. Doubt she is really a problem. Well, unless you count her claiming Samo."

Once the ranger is free the leopard will return to her ranger." Aiami says.

Khzuro gets a serious look contemplating. “Just hoping we /can/ free the ranger. Expect this isn't going to be simple especially with a Netherese archmage whose help we need." A heavy sigh, then looks over "Did you make that vow to Yukihou, by the way?" Aiami nods.

"Ah..." A slow nod, considering "We'll have to do our best to uphold it then. Still think the best route is to get her help dealing with the demon then convincing her she needs to let go. At least, we've got a lead. Of course, we may need Ayako and Iwao's help with the exorcism in case Lauriella doesn't cooperate though."

Drasta answers him, “We will find a way.”

The kobold nods to her. “Right then, let’s get back to camp, we've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow. We'd better be well rested for it."

They get back to camp and have a good night’s rest. Nothing disturbs them. Drasta stays with Aiami during the night in her tranced state at the foot of her bedding. Khzuro after losing several hours dealing with his subordinates’ antics grumbles off to get some sleep. He makes a mental note to consult with Iwao and Ayako in the morning. But for now, rest.

They begin their trek early in the morning and come to a saddle between two mountains. There they see a shimmering vertical field in the shape of a half circle its 30 meters high and 50 meters wide. Beyond that they only see ice and crevasses. A land completely alien to all but one. Within the depths is a glacier as far as the eye can see. Small human boot prints stop at the edge then continue to the other side.
Ayako comes out of the woods and investigates the depths of the portal. She smiles and mutters a name. "Mammoth" while licking her lips and drooling.

[Winterhawk99]

The group enters the portal and starts their trek. The snow leopard following slightly behind the group. That is all besides Ayako who of course seems to have silently disappeared. Khzuro stops and motions the leopard to the front. He lets the trackers do their part as now Drasta and Haru move up with him. They travel past the sun’s zenith. At about 2pm they are about to crest a snow hill and hear a deafening grunting going on the other side. They stop trying to hear what is going on there.

Khzuro gets down and crawls almost to the crest with Drasta and the other leads. He is sure to always keep his overland flight and dual greater magic weapons on his crossbow now. They do not wait long. They hear on the other side a tearing/grating-like sound of grass being ripped from its roots.

Drasta quietly throws snow over her hat and cloak trying to make as little noise as possible or slip for a disguise. As she pokes her head over the hill, she sees a group of strange creatures she has never seen before. They each weigh a ton and a half to two tones. They look like a cross between a shaggy dog and pig with a single curved horn on their faces about 40 inches long. Each stand from 6 to 7 feet tall at the shoulders. There are ten of them. They are grazing on the sparse tundra grass. The three with the leopard go back to the rest so Drasta can report what she saw.

As she reports, Khzuro gives her a nod, taking note, then looks aside. “Are they in the way of our trail? And... any idea what they are?"

Drasta shakes her head. “I do not know what they are.”

Ogano and Katsu look at Aiami questioningly. She thinks for a short time, "I have it......I think. Woolly Rhinoceros. They are herbivores but highly territorial and aggressive. She takes out a paper and scribbles an animal almost stick figure like. "Is this it?"

Shin’s eyes light up. “Ah, now I can test my surefire animal caller. Ummm what do they sound like?" Aiami shrugs.

Samo scratches his new growing beard. "So, what do we do, boss? They are in the way of the trail it goes right through the middle of the small valley.

Khzuro says, "Fighting them would be a waste of time and risk more exposure." Looks to Shin, "Can that fire animal caller lures them away, or scare them away from where we need to go through?"

Shin smiles, "Of course it will. My inventions always work...........Ummm not always as intended but they work. Where do you want me to set up.?"

"Wherever works best for getting them out of the way as efficiently as possible." The kobold then gives a look to Aiami "Speaking of those... what capabilities do they have if we do end up being forced into a fight?"

She digs in her pack and brings out several books. She then chooses a blue one and opens it up. “They can gore and trample you. They've also been known on occasion after goring being able to throw large creatures off their horns and sending them 20 ft in the air. They can also easily knock a target down. They are thick skinned but not heavily armored but getting through hide and fur can be a problem for thrown and bludgeoning weapons.”

He asks, “Do they have any way of hitting someone who's flying?" Aiami shakes her head.

Drasta also comments, “I would prefer as well not to fight them.”

Khzuro strokes his muzzle. “Well, Shin's idea seems like the best chance we have on that. Let’s try it?" There's an implied 'Unless anyone has any better ideas', with it.

Ogano says. "I would rather not fight such tonnage unless we have too."

The kobold nods, “Agreed... Shin, your invention will ah... will it lure them away or scare them off?"

Shin looks around. “I’m not sure I only have one sound that may either make them run or make them mad.”

Khzuro nods, then looks to Aiami. “What would you say it would more likely do? Wait... hold on, where's Ayako?" Looks around for her...

She’s nowhere to be found. Shin winks, “Thats the sound. I have her right in this box."

Khzuro muzzle paws, remembering that Ayako has a spell that can get them around this, before huffing in frustration. He takes a breath to regain his composure, then looks to Aiami, then back to Shin Well, whenever you deploy it, we shouldn't be anywhere near it. Don't want to give them a target to stampede upon. Aiami, you know these creatures best, what do you think?"

"In truth I've never seen these creatures. I just go by my studies and the books. If they think a single tiger is around, they'll most likely attack. if they think there's a pack.......They'll most likely run. If we use their nature in the book as a referance. Ayako is not going to take on 10 rhinos. One maybe but 10? There is no way.”

Drasta asks, “What about a loud explosion…What do we think that would result?”

Samo walks up the hill and goes down on his belly peeking over. He comes back down. "They're adorable. I want one. I can use it as a mount." Katsu rubs his face and snorts. Drasta shrugs. Ogano shakes his head, “We can’t be sure, Drasta.”

Drasta shrugs, “Well do what you can Shin.”

Khzuro makes his decision. “Right then, you go, Shin." He takes a breath, hoping this will work as expected.


Shin takes his box and waddles north downwind of the valley. Drasta gets herself ready loading a splintered arrow. Everyone waits for 1/2 an hour then you all hear a booming sound of Ayako’s roar then again after 3 seconds then again after another 3 seconds. It’s much louder than what they have heard before. There is suddenly a thunderous thumping of the ground, and it shakes as the herd stampedes away from the sound and out of the valley. After another 1/2-hour Shin doesn’t come back.

Khzuro finally states, “Shouldn't Shin have been back by now...?"

Drasta says, “Hmmm...I believe we should check on Shin.” She quickly darts off full speed.

Khzuro brings his arm forward, “Let’s go.”

Haru nods, “He should.”

Khzuro, Drasta and Haru go to investigate. Khzuro flies up a bit to bet a better vantage point. Shin is laying face down in the snow and his box is smashed up. Everyone rushes over to check on him. He is fine. There are no injuries, but he smells like cat pee. Drasta flips him over and slaps him in the face.

He looks up at her surprised and questioningly. “I don’t think she liked that.”

Khzuro sniffs the air. “Ayako…?”

Everyone hears a low guttural grow as Ayako crests the opposite side of the hill and lays down.

Khzuro looks at her. "Well, there she is. Anyways, it seems the herd is out of the way." Then a look back to Shin "What happened...?"

Drasta shakes her head and looks at Ayako. “You alright over there?” Ayako chuffs, gets up and leaves again.

Shin suddenly speaks, “She jumped up out of nowhere and smashed my box then grabbed me up shook and threw me.”

Drasta sighs and looks at Khzuro. “I think your talk did not work so well.”

Khzuro in turn looks at Ayako leaving. “Are you serious...?!? ... Where are you going...?" A sigh. They collect him up and bring him back to the group.

Katsu asks, “What happened?”

Khzuro answers him. “Ayako smacked him around, smashed his box, then peed on him." Khzuro sounds entirely unimpressed and quite frankly very annoyed as he says that.

Haru thinks a long time. "Maybe it's good that she did."

The kobold raises an eye ridge, looking at Haru… “Really…?”

Drasta says, “Perhaps it made them think there were many of them. It does seem somewhat logical.”

Ogano suddenly nods. "Judging this area, she isn’t the only cat out here. That roar may have attracted other cats. maybe bigger than her."

Khzuro suddenly says, “…OH...”

Drasta ends up defending her. “Indeed, it is possible. She could have marked him to save his life.”

Khzuro, still disgruntled and slightly confused says, “"Could have..." A sigh "Would really prefer it if she would tell us this though... At any event, that's settled, let’s keep moving." Though to any who could read Khzuro's expression, one might gage that he's not particularly thrilled with Ayako's antics at the moment.

[Winterhawk99]

Drasta and Haru work as a team now tracking the fading footprints in the snow. The leopard moves between them. Everyone walks the rest of the day and as the sun goes down, they know they must set up camp. There are a lot of full canyons and crevasses around this area so stopping and camping would be the best thing. Khzuro goes to find a secure place to set up camp. Though he hopes he’s got a moment to speak tactics with Iwao and Ayako whenever they are both in camp. He realizes he can because Ayako is helping the women set up. Samo is sharpening his weapons, Ogano and Katsu are smoking pipes and discussing creatures both myth and real that should be in the region. There is a baby mammoth laying near the fire that Ayako brought in. Its organs have been removed and eaten but the rest is still warm and fresh ready to cut into steak.

Khzuro looks around with a nod, this time though, despite his earlier irritation with Ayako, it seems to have calmed down a bit. "Right, Iwao, Ayako? Needed to talk tactics a moment. You know what we're going after, right?" He looks especially to Ayako, since she's been often away from camp and the rest of the group.

Masako waves and approaches him. He glances at her, “Ah, yes?”

“I can enspell the whole of the group with cold resistance if they gather round me in the morning.”

“Good idea, we’ll do that.”

She smiles, “I am an elementalist after all.” He nods in turn then looks to see if Iwao and Ayako are there with him, ready to talk tactics. They both come to him and sit with him along with Masako. After camp is set Drasta sits alone praying in meditation clutching her necklace and listening to everyone speak.

Khzuro begins. “Good, you're both here. Need to talk tactics." A nod, going to sit down "Assume you both know what we're up against? or maybe soon?"

Ayako says. "This is my natural habitat. I know what’s out here.......sort of.”

"I... meant more with the Netherese Archmage we're currently tracking."

Iwao closes his eyes. "The question is do we want to hurt this ghost or not. We could use something like spiritwreck on her and try to separate her from the host?"

He nods to Iwao, considering. “Personally, I still think the best option is to try and get her cooperation. She's lost control of what she was guarding to a demon, and she has indispensable knowledge. At this juncture, we do need each other's help, even if she might be loath to admit it." There's a pause, and a breath out. "But that's if she's willing to be reasonable. If she's not, and I have heard she's paranoid, so it's a fair chance it could go bad, we're probably going to need options to do exactly that."

Ayako blatantly says, "That’s the problem with most wu-jen: most think they are untouchable and immortal."

Iwao asks, "So how do we convince her?"

Drasta looks over and raises an eyebrow. “If done it must be carefully so and in her interests.” She then gets up and goes over to the group sitting down again.

Khzuro does some thinking then says, "Have a few things in mind. Drasta's an elf so might be more inclined to listen to her. This one was given a special timepiece from someone close to her, so maybe that's a good start. From there, imagine it's going to be akin to negotiating with someone who's bound to be difficult, but not impossible. Expecting that she doesn't want her artifacts being abused by a demon lord any more than we do, so we have some common ground to build off of there too."

Ayako asks, "So we use Drasta."

"That's one angle. This one figures myself and Drasta should be the ones doing negotiating. But... just in case this goes bad, you'll have options to get her spirit out of the ranger's body, that'll be our backup plan if she can't be reasoned with." The elf chuckles.

Iwao thinks, "And what if she doesn’t want to play nice. From our intelligence she has direct access to the negative, positive and the demi plane of time?"

Khzuro continues the thought. “And probably even more. She's a Netherese Archmage. An Artificer too, so odds are she'll have a few of those tricks too." Pauses to consider if there IS a demi plane of time. But she's a Chronomancer, and Khzuro knows little of that, so doesn't really think of it too much.

Ayako shakes her head, "I don’t even know how to fight someone like that unless we can disrupt her casting and she’s in a possessed body. Do you really think she cares about the host body?"

"Odds are she doesn't. From what we know of her, her largest interest is in protecting her artifacts, and some sacrifices of human hosts are apparently acceptable to this." There's a heavy sigh, leaning back "Another reason am hoping she will be reasonable. She's failing in her purpose in letting the demon use her artifacts." The kobold replies.

Drasta adds, “One could dismiss both entities from this plane to where they belong.... Well maybe...”

Iwao looks over to Drasta, "If the ghost can be banished do you think we can beat her spell resistances. Not only an archmage but an undead one."

Drasta nods, “That is the maybe part.”

Khzuro muses, “I expect an enervation casting wouldn't harm the ghost but would harm the host body?"

Katsu strolls over, "If we do destroy the host body, she may lose her ability to cast being a ghost possessing a living body rather than a lich or vampire."

Ayako says, "Then she'll just find another host maybe one of us."

Katsu scratches his chin. "Maybe. it may take one of us to touch something of hers. Remember Sei's dream? The ranger became possessed after she picked up a crystal.”

Drasta almost mused to herself, but everyone could hear. “In theory they could be separated from each other though it could kill one or both or neither, they could also be sent to any plane in an off chance.”

Ayako asks Drasta, "Explain?"

“The spell I mentioned can be dangerous, even if one is of this plane there is a chance it could send them to any other which in some cases could instantly kill them per say if they were sent to the water plane and drowned. That would be the most humane place for them to be altered to.”

Iwao says, "If possible, we should save the human host. I'm not sure I like that idea."

Drasta slowly agrees with him. “Of course. It is a last resort.”

Khzuro nods, “Agreed with Iwao on that." Then a breath out "Though am hoping none of that will become necessary. Having her help us against the demon would be ideal."

Ayako says, "As long as the ghost stays in the host body the body will be prematurely aging too."

Katsu says, "I’m pretty sure a bonifide Chronomancer can compensate for that if she wishes."

Drasta nods, “I would agree on this. Katsu”

Ayako asks, "What about the demon?"

"As far as we know, the demon doesn't know Sithmore is still around. While the demon knows we're coming for them, it's another reason why this one was hoping to enlist Sithmore's aid here." Khzuro says.

Katsu says, "I don’t think that’s the biggest problem."

"What do you mean?' Khzuro asks, looking to Katsu

"What I mean is even if we take care of the demon if the ghost is still around how to we get rid of the real danger without pissing her off? That is to destroy all her treasures. She’s not going to take a liking to that." Ayako smirks at the question.

Drasta sighs, “We give her back what is hers in theory or help her hide it the way she would like.”

"Point..." Khzuro pauses, considering "No, she won't. But something's bothering me... if she wants to protect the artifacts to prevent them from being misused, why hasn't she done so already? Why take the risk if they're never going to be used anyways? It... doesn't make sense to him. Then he remembers, “Oh right, now he remembers, that treasure... Mulhorandi custom? They believe it's their ticket to the heavens. Or something like that? Why they bury all their worldly treasures in their tombs. Which is now being corrupted by a demon." Rubs his muzzle. "Well, wonder if we can convince her to sacrifice it all to her gods to do it. Might be our best option."

“That is plausible, elves do hold their gods in high remarks.” Drasta advises. Katsu concentrates and calls Ogano and Aiami over. Drasta sits quietly with them listening further thinking of what they have said waiting to comment when needed.

Katsu then turns to the rest of the group. “What if we could shrink the ship and put it somewhere so implausible to get to? It could remain hidden forever.”

Aiami thinks, "An imprisonment spell?"

Ogano thinks about it. "That would put it very deep within the earth. The question is can we do it and can we do it to an inanimate object?" Khzuro just listens along quietly, that level of magic is beyond him.

Katsu says, "I'm sure we can shrink it. I'm not so sure it can be imprisoned. Any other ideas?"
They all look at Khzuro and Drasta.

Khzuro shakes his head. “Well, let this one know if you come up with anything. Either way, we know that negotiating with Sithmore is our next step."

Aiami says, "Khzuro I do think we are on the right track. we make the ship and all her toys inaccessible somehow instead of destroying them. but how? we may need to know this when we encounter her. "

Drasta surmises, “Shrinking a ship is plausible if one has that spell but even hiding it in the places darkest has a high threat. If the vessel is a bottle like those you see in an....Thats it.” she taps her lips a moment and pulls out an empty bottle that is corked and used for alcohol- might be some left in it

Khzuro says, "Hide in a pocket plane? move it somewhere secure?" Pauses, thinking "They can't function outside that Mythallar's range, so maybe if it's moved away, can hide it more easily then. If you /can/ shrink it though we could hide it elsewhere. Would need to find a secure location but away from the Mythallar is a good first step. Would render a lot of the magic unusable."

Drasta muses, “If one could shrink and place the ship into a bottle and give it to a king or great lord without telling them what actually laid within would that not be safe in their palace and not thought of? The crystals are the power source. If we remove them from any contact the machines may never work again.... Or perhaps until someone finds a solution around them which could take hundreds of years.
That is what I assume from any time Khzuro has mentioned seeing the hourglass with only some of the mixed inside”

Katsu asks, “Do you think that’s what she’s trying to do destroy all her power sources rather than the treasures themselves?"

Drasta again tries to answer. “If an elf of her status wishes that her magic not work than perhaps is the answer.”

Khzuro nods, “That's... possible. Or at least hide them. But the Demon managed to get their hands on some. Move it away from the Mythallar too and we have options."

“Regardless these items need to be guarded once they have been obtained or of such....” Drasta answers.

Ogano nods, "Now it seems we have a plausible plan and something the ghost won’t get upset about and start shooting spells at us."

Drasta sighs a bit at this. “Even my kind knows not to mess with time too much....and it is in the nature.”

Khzuro says, “She's from a different age, perhaps they had different thoughts then."

Aiami says, "No she wasn’t. She’s from the now or relative now. remember the old elf’s story?"

He corrects himself, “Ah…. Right…” a nod…

Katsu says, "She’s right. the ghost is from the recent past. She sailed into the past, studied as an arcanist to get her people back home."

Drasta contemplates, “Her soul perhaps is here.”

Ayako asks, "Could there be two of them? one alive and one dead?"

Khzuro shakes his head. “"Doubtful it's possible for one to be alive and dead simultaneously, even with chronomancy. Then again, we are dealing with unheard of and unprecedented magics here..."

Drasta agrees, “No… Once an elf passes their spirit can leave become a walking soul or a wisp that is it.”

Iwao asks, "So when we find this ghost what is our final pitch to her?"

“Resolution and peace perhaps? Drasta looks to Khzuro.

Khzuro gives her a nod in turn. "That we need to get rid of the demon, first and foremost. Then we can discuss what is done with the artifacts to keep them safe afterwards. As it is, none of this talk of what becomes of the artifacts will matter if we don't get rid of the demon and their minions first." She nods quietly. In fact, they all nod their heads. All except Ogano. He is not so sure.

Khzuro looks to him, “Something wrong?”

"It’s just that we are facing one huge threat, a demon lord. I do not want this ghost against us. the two combined could kill us all."

“She alone could possibly do it...We need her.” Drasta comments.

Khzuro throws out his hands to keep everyone calm. "I'm aware. Gaining Sithmore's cooperation will be very important." A breath out "And this one thinks if she could have done it herself, then the demon wouldn't have her artifacts."

Drasta shakes her head, “I do not think in her undeath she could stop him herself if it was absolutely needed.”

Iwao says, "It’s getting late. we need our rest."

Khzuro agrees, “Of course. Let’s get some rest."

Drasta nods and steps away to Aiami’s tent sitting in the doorway watching. The group splits up and eats by the fireside. Somehow Masako is able to warm the air around camp. Enough so that the ice doesn’t bother them so much. It’s about 30 degrees around the campsite.

As they start to bed down for the night Ayako is walking across camp when she suddenly stops. She sniffs the air while turning in different directions several times. She transforms into her true self and tears off to the west as fast as she possibly can.