Their main forces line up but there are goblins, orcs, and militia on the sides. They seem to be converging on the small group of defenders.
"We need to take down their arcanist and priest quickly, as well as the oni, or at the very least get someone on the arcanist to jam them up and keep them from casting" T’kharr orders.
"They've got a necklace of fireballs!" Silgara states.
"Who has it?" T’kharr asks her.
"The Zakharan."
"He's first priority then, and we'll need to spread out." T’kharr tells everyone.
Balan goes into a full defensive position protecting his allies behind him and waiting for the traps. Zsikhou darts to the side, taking some cover, then throws some Shuriken at Gobu Bin-Palacca (The Zakharan). They are deflected. T'Kharr swings out to avoid being caught in the radius of a fireball aimed at someone else, slinging a stone at Gobu to try to keep the heat on him. It hits him in the chest, but the distance deadens the impact.
The horseman of war advances and sets off a trap. However, he's got surprisingly quick reflexes, so the spikes don't hurt him as badly as they could have. Two militiamen open fire, one targets Zsikhou, the other Balan but both miss.
Gobu Bin-Palacca activates his Necklace of Fireballs to throw a fireball at the group
Zee, Silgara, Mingzhu, Fwangzhu and Minamoto are in range. Her magic protects Silgara, Minamoto also has some protection. Zee completely avoids it, but Mingzhu takes it full in the face. Fwangzhu partially avoids it and only gets singed. Mingzhu wobbles but stays up. She’s not in good shape but bound and determined to make herself the target of the Elder so she can deflect his arrows.
Zee jumps and moves around the traps screaming out at the mage, “I accept your terms!” While waving his arms. Silgara casts Glitterdust on the Oni and Elder. Both of them are blinded by it. Two orcs move in from behind, coming at the party from the rear, they charge and close in on Mingzhu and Silgara. Minamoto comes to their rescue and attacks one of the orcs. Lashing out he puts a deep wound in its leg.
Fwangzhu goes into a rage and charges at the Horseman of War. He strikes out with his axe also wounding the man. Even blinded the Oni tries to strike Zee by listening. He fails badly, almost losing his weapon.
Mingzhu downs a healing potion while still watching the elder. He tries to move away and shake off the blinding effect. Two goblins get into the mix through the traps. One throws a blast globe at Balan, T’kharr and Fwangzhu. The badger gets hit, full blast as the globe breaks in front of him. Balan laughs and T’kharr manages to escape the worst. Fwangzhu, in his rage, doesn’t even realize he’s on fire and most of the fur on his right side is burned off.
One of the goblins throws a javelin and hits Silgara in the foot. Luckily, most of the damage is absorbed by her robes, she gets a light bruise.
Balan walks through the fire around him directly for the horseman. He’s holding his blade with purpose partially on fire and goes to swing. He misses the man and pulls up his shield for the counter. Zsikhou goes to get on Gobu along with Zee. He swings out with his Siangham giving the mage some nasty wounds to the stomach. The mage tries to back up. T’kharr does a full charge attack against Gobu with her quarterstaff but completely misses bypassing the crowd surrounding him.
The Horseman of War raises his flaming scimitar and attacks Balan just barely missing as his sword hits the dragonborn’s shield with a clang. Balan snarls at him with his maw and smiles.
Arrows come in from the militia at Silgara and T’kharr. All of them miss but one. Silgara takes a partially deflect shot in her shoulder. Gobu channels some eldritch energy into his scimitar and then makes a swing at T'kharr. He strikes her with a hideous blow of Eldritch power. She takes a huge amount of power but resists most of it. Still, she wobbles and concentrates to stand firm on her feet. Zee seeing now that he can flank Gobu strikes out and slices a deep grove in robes and flesh. The Zakharan almost goes down but somehow manages to stay on his feet. He’s starting to bleed out. Silgara tries to finish him out with Magic Missile. The arcanist goes down.
Half the Orcs come in through the trap field, several wounded and attack Minamoto. Four of them attack him at once but by both armor and dodging Minamoto is not wounded in the slightest. He lashes out at one of the orcs and takes its head off. Fwangzhu swings again at the Horseman and puts another deep gash into him. Still blinded, the Oni swings wildly and Zee does a dance around it, sticking out his tongue.
Mingzhu, seeing that the Elder is still blind goes after the nearest orc that is attacking Minamoto. Her punch connects to its neck, but his coif partially deflects the blow stopping her from killing him outright. One of the goblins shows up to throw a blast globe at Minamoto, Silgara, and Mingzhu. The orc Mingzhu had just hit gets completely fried. Mingzhu even with her resistance gets severely burned. Minamoto also gets burned. Silgara manages to avoid most of the fire.
Another goblin throws a blast globe at Balan and Fwangzhu. Balan just shakes his head. Fwangzhu again gets burned. Still in a rage he ignores the pain. Two more goblins get through the traps, but it looks like they are out of blast globes.
Balan goes on the attack against the horseman. His blade clangs off the horseman’s shield. Zsikhou goes after the blinded Oni but with each attack his Siangham fails to get through the giant’s thick hide armor.
T'kharr takes advantage of the Oni's blindness to snag the necklace of fireballs from the fallen warlock, then starts heading for Mingzhu. Two of the militia try to shoot her but both miss. More militia shoot at Silgara again, her robes partially deflect one, but its tip still slashes her for yet another minor wound.
The Horseman takes a swing once again. This time more deceptively first for the head then changes momentum and twists his wrist downward. He slashes Balan deeply in the ribs. The big Dragonborn falls to the ground, going unconscious from the pain and starts to bleed out.
T’kharr shouts out, “Stay on the Oni! Zanders!” She then yells to Minamoto and Fwangzhu "Charge the Horseman, make sure he can't cause any more havoc!"
Zee attempts to get the Oni's attention. “Who else but the Might Zander Zee Vogel can keep this war chief in line? What witty riposte can he manage on short notice? Hey! Ugly!" He hits the blind Oni with a nasty cut to the stomach. Silgara casts a Scorching Ray on the Horseman, but his shield of faith defects it.
The orcs on Minamoto again gang upon him. One wounds him slightly. He goes on the offensive and hits one nearly killing it. Fwangzhu takes another swing at the Horseman but misses this time. The Oni swings around wildly at Zee but Zanders just dances around the giant and laughs taunting him more.
Now almost mortally wounded, Mingzhu knows what she has to do. It’s her responsibility to take out the Elder if she can. She stumbles after him, picking up speed as she goes closing the distance. Silgara meanwhile barely dodges two more javelins from goblins. Zsikhou goes to press the advantage against the Oni and strikes. This time he connects both times nearly hamstringing the Oni. It stumbles back on one knee then gets ready for one last desperate charge even though still blinded.
T'kharr flings a fireball at the elder gaging Mingzhu’s advance. Blinded he takes the full brunt of the blast but somehow manages to stay standing. The Horseman refocuses on Fwangzhu and strikes the raging badger. He connects with Fwangzhu’s shoulder laying out a deep wound, but the badge is in such a rage he keeps going on.
Crossbow bolts start striking all around them as the militia unleashes a volley of quarrels. Somehow none of them connect to anybody. Zee makes another attack on the Oni before it can charge. He completely slices off its forearm and the beast finally, goes down for good bleeding out the last of its life. "Excellent work!" T'kharr shouts as the Oni falls.
Silgara casts grease at the Horseman of War. He slips and falls giving Fwangzhu an attack of opportunity who viciously attacks the man putting more deep wounds into him. The orcs on Minamoto are still on him. Another slices through his armor putting a fairly deep wound in his side this time. The ronin counterstrikes and misses. Fwangzhu takes aim carefully and takes off the horseman’s head. It rolls down the slope of the hill a few feet the mouth gasping for air. T’kharr watches with a smirk on her muzzle.
Mingzhu gets to the elder and lands a blow to his collarbone putting a deep bruise on it but unfortunately the bone doesn’t break. He pulls out a shot spear and goes on the attack blindly. Having seen both the Oni, Horseman and warlock go down the goblins flee the field. Zsikhou goes on the attack against the militia. He immediately kills one and badly wounds another.
"I'll take care of getting Balan back up! Focus on the fighting!" T'kharr shouts to Zee.
Zee's not listening. He's in the zone. A mind full of heroic triumphs and parades. He doesn't know how to help Balan anyway. He scans for someone he can sneak up on… Maybe that gaggle of crossbow wielders? He sees they seem to be busy trying to deal with Zsikhou. The kobolds already killed one of them. Instead, he goes after the Elder.
T’kharr shouts to Zee. “Stay home, let Mingzhu deal with the elder!"
"Alright! Reload faster, you dogs! Zee's on your tail!" Zee shouts and starts after the militia with the kobold. He rushes into the mob as best as he's able.
Silgara turns her bow on the orcs and downs one putting an arrow through its ear. The last orc on Minamoto gives him another minor wound. He counterstrikes but misses. Still raging Fwangzhu charges the elder, “Get back here old man!!” The elder, meanwhile, finally shakes off his blindness and swings his spear at Mingzhu who is still nearly mortally wounded. She is still able to sidestep him.
T'kharr runs over to Balan's side and casts a Cure Moderate on him to try to stabilize him. While Balan is still down, his shifting and groaning under the influence of her healing spell is enough sign to T'kharr that he'll pull through this at least.
Some of the militia pull spears knowing they will be killed if caught and attack Zsikhou and Zee but none of them can hit the trained fighters. The orc on Minamoto gets a lucky hit deeply cutting him. It looks like Minamoto can barely stand now. He counters again and this time connects slashing the orc across the hips. It falls withering in its death throws.
Fwangzhu charges at the Elder, now in melee range "Put that stick down old man!!" Mingzhu’s leg sweeps out as she tries to side kick the elder but misses badly as she’s so burnt, wounded, and weary her leg can no longer get where she wants it to. He counters and pierces her shoulder. She goes down. After a moment she opens her eyes weakly and sees Fwangzhu down the old man. She hears the badger snarl, “"Fucking hell old man..." She passes out.
In an instant Fwangzhu pulls out a potion of Cure Light Wounds and pours it into the Mingzhu’s mouth. T’kharr charges full tilt to the down shamaness. T'kharr reaches Mingzhu and gets her up properly with a Cure Light Wounds. Balan stumbles over to her is about to perform a Lay on Hands. T’kharr looks at him, “Use that on yourself.” He does. Mingzhu opens her eyes but isn’t doing well. They can tell she’s still in great pain.
.
Silgara looks around "All hostiles have been either eliminated or fled."
She Came from the Sea
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Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2259
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
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- nwnihof: Yes
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Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2259
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: She Came from the Sea
T'kharr does put a Cure Minor on Mingzhu and helps her up before heading back towards where the victors gather.
Fwangzhu looks down at the fallen elder, growling, then kicking the ground in frustration "Eight million damnit old man... why the fuck did you have to go like this?!?..." He snarls, then turns away. He huffs, panting, coming down from his rage. Minamoto drinks a cure light wounds potion. Mingzhu downs her last cure light wounds.
"Now...what of the rest of the orcs and militia, I hope the village is still intact..." T’kharr turns looking at the houses.
Silgara looks over to the others "Looks like this battle is over, at least... Balan? Mingzhu? Are you able to stand and...?"
Zee's attention turns to the fallen lieutenants. The heads of this so-called uprising. He studies the foreigner but does not recognize any of them off hand, the Horseman, nor the Zakharan.
Zsikhou looks around "Looks like the remainder have fled."
Mingzhu gets up on shaky legs and starts walking to the beach. "I will come back in the morning. I must rest and heal."
Silgara looks over towards Minamoto, then Fwangzhu goes over towards him. "I... think there's one more problem we might need to deal with imminently..." Silgara comments.
Balan looks at Silgara a bit woozy then walks to where the horseman is and buries his blade into their chest.
“Well, waste not want not. Time to settle some gambling debts with a spot of shameless plunder. These guys seemed decently equipped, and it sounded like more trouble was brewing.” Zee intones.
Minamoto seems to walk closer towards the Village. However, Fwangzhu moves over. "Oh no, no, no. Oh fucking no. You're getting out of here. now! Bootlicker!"
Minamoto looks over "My duty to defeat the Oni is done. Now I have a duty to collect the owed rice tax. I will have that done."
Mingzhu walks into the surf and disappears. She dives under the water and swims to the middle of the bay. There she lies on the seabed and falls into sleep. Snout stays in the bay roughly marking her position.
Silgara desperately searches for Mingzhu and/or Snout. She sees the otter curled up in some kelp floating not far offshore. She gets the animal’s attention. It slips its bed and dives. Snout wakes Mingzhu back up. After several minutes Mingzhu returns. As she rises from the water her gills are clearly visible for a moment until they snap shut again and fade into her neck. She discharges the water from her lungs. She’s still badly burned and wounded.
"Mingzhu, I think those two are going to try to kill each other over the rice tax dispute. You'd better come with me." Silgara urgently states.
"What I'm saying is that you need to stop, take a deep breath, and think through your priorities because right now, you have the cart before the horse. Look at yourself. You're beaten half to a pulp still and you'd rather pick a fight over something that can wait instead of letting other folks help you solve your problem." T’kharr says rather roughly.
Mingzhu lets Silgara lead her to the scene. Minamoto looks over to T'kharr, narrowing his eyes "Were I a samurai, I would be obligated to perform seppuku if I were to fail in my duties to my lord."
"Even if the badger has no will to help you find the camp, I certainly do -- but we both need to be rested and ready in order to go back out." T’kharr says to him. "And then the taxes don't get submitted."
Fwangzhu just snarls at Minamoto "How about you crawl on back to that Asslicker you serve and stay away for good?"
When the shamaness gets there, she steps in between Minamoto and Fwangzhu, "We will work this out now.........Peacefully!... Both of you please sit."
Minamoto looks over to T'kharr "If you would join this savage in stopping me from performing my duty to my lord, then..." He stares down at Mingzhu. “It's quite simply shamaness. I have an obligation to collect the rice tax that is owed."
"LISTEN. I'm offering to help you with that very obligation but you're too bloody blind right now to see it." T’kharr says in exasperation.
Balan supports her. “Look around you what is there left to collect fool.... On my god and yours stop this aggression for now…”
Fwangzhu snarls "And I have an inkling to maul self-righteous jackasses that would take from a ravaged village's food stock. Especially for a Daimyo that does all of jack shit to uphold his obligations."
Mingzhu again tries to get a handle of the situation. “We must work this out peacefully now. I will not stand for this any longer. both of you please sit. I know your duties to your lord, and I also understand Fwangzhu. Now let us sit and talk this out.... before I pass out.”
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "I have had /enough/ of your insults towards my lord! It is well past time you received due punishment for it."
Minamoto looks at Balan, furrowing his brow some. He backs up a bit, intimidated. Fwangzhu snarls, also seeming quite ready to hit Minamoto with his drawn axe. The dragonborn gestures to Mingzhu. “Listen to her and hear her words.”
Fwangzhu looks to Mingzhu "There's nothing to discuss. This Pissbucket keeps his grubby hands off of the village's rice."
She looks at him. “Fwangzhu if you strike him you will have to strike me down first.! Sit please. Both Minamoto and Fwangzhu have drawn weapons but haven't swung yet. But they clearly are ready to waste each other. “Gentlemen. I beg you please sit.”
Zsikhou looks at them both like he's considering just snuggling with both of them stabbing them both to end the dispute. Balan stands next to Mingzhu starring Minamoto down like a worm. T'kharr is also staring Minamoto down still.
Mingzhu still standing between the two angry men to keep them from coming to blows says, “Put your weapons away please.”
This time her diplomatic training works. Minamoto looks over, shaking his head, then a breath out, putting his katana back in his sheath "I know when I am being thwarted in my duties. I am not a samurai. I am not obligated to perform Seppuku should I fail in my duties. But neither can I stay here any longer. It is clear I cannot carry them out."
Fwangzhu snarls at him "Don't let the door hit your fat ass on the way out. Get lost."
"Only because you refuse to see the opportunity that's been laid at your very feet." T’kharr tells Minamoto.
“Minamoto, please let us talk about this. There is always a way to get what both of you want.” Mingzhu softly says.
Fwangzhu huffs "Why are you indulging him anyways?"
“We will talk this through and find a way.” Mingzhu answers.
Minamoto looks down to Mingzhu "Alright then. What's your proposal, then?"
Balan stares at the kami. “That one is the last resort you want to measure to in this conflict.”
“First we sit.” Mingzhu looks at Minamoto then at Fwangzhu. T'kharr seats herself as a cue to the two arguing parties. Zee decides to observe instead of reminding people just how great of a negotiator he totally is. Perhaps it’s just his instincts looking out for him. Mingzhu refuses to sit until Minamoto and Fwangzhu both sit down.
Zsikhou gives both Fwangzhu and Minamoto a look. They look back to the kobold. Both of them seem to decide to calm down before they get stabbed. Minamoto sighs "Fine." He sits down.
Fwangzhu puts his axe away then goes to sit as well. "There really isn't anything to talk about here. The Daimyo's an utter failure in keeping people safe. He doesn't deserve that tax. There. Done. Simple enough." T'kharr waits for Mingzhu to sit and speak.
Mingzhu sits in full lotus and offers prayer. "Lords of the celestial court give those here today the wisdom to have an open mind and negotiate in good faith. Please give us the wisdom to find a way to peace and after break bread in friendship." Neither seem to be thrilled with the idea of breaking bread in friendship with each other. Balan sits cross legged mimicking Mingzhu with his facing on one to the left and one to the right and calms.
Mingzhu begins the negotiations in earnest. “Fwangzhu has the heart of the people in his mind with his way of thinking and yet Minamoto has a duty to collect fair taxes. We have come to a crossroads where the people must be fed but the taxes must be paid. Let us not be too narrow in our ways to consider the concerns of the other. How may we do both? What are each willing to concede and are each willing not to? There must be a fair balance between both the people and the lord. what are your suggestions.”
"If I might be bold... It's clear that these two parties will not agree. Why not get a third party to mediate? An outside opinion with obvious goals?” Zee says.
Minamoto states very simply. "The Daimyo is owed his tax. The rebellion and failure to do so undermines order and leads to chaos and harm. It is simple. The tax needs to be paid."
Mingzhu answers in a neutral tone, “And yet the people are much dwindled upon the land Minamoto. They will starve without food. If you take all you will have no village to collect taxes next season.”
Fwangzhu looks over "There isn't a middle ground to find here Shamaness. The Daimyo's failed in his duties. And they're not taking from an already battered people. It's that simple."
Zsikhou just looks over. Watching the procession.
Mingzhu answers the hengeyokai in the same patient neutral tone. Her training by her master clearly shows. “There is always middle ground put down your anger. put yourself in Minamoto’s shoes what if you had to collect these taxes.”
"I have a proposal: we head over to the Oni's camp and collect the warlord's leftover rations, that should be enough to at least start on the tax and get the people out of starvation both, no, especially now that the Oni's forces have been scattered to the four winds and the village has fewer mouths to feed?"
Mingzhu nods. "I will deal with this you go and collect the food T'kharr.”
"But we need to be rested to do so, which means that the trip will have to wait until sunrise tomorrow." T’kharr state.
Fwangzhu huffs "They had those rations for a while, don't know how much will be left now."
"I strongly suspect that the stolen rice was not their only supply of rations." T’kharr answers.
Then Fwangzhu looks over to Mingzhu "Feh, if I was this Asslicker I'd tell the Daimyo to screw himself to his face and then find something better to do with my time than serve a useless tyrant."
Minamoto glares "I will /not/ abide your insults to my lord, Savage. You have crossed many more lines than I should tolerate already."
Zsikhou glares at them again.
Mingzhu looks down while speaking in a reverent tone concentrating on her words. “Minamoto will likely lose his head if he does not come back with something Fwangzhu. You must know this.”
"Good riddance!" Fwangzhu shrugs.
“And what of the next time the village needs help. will you be there its lone protector? it took all of us to down this small force. Minamoto acted with honor of protecting this village. Please respect him and his view as he will yours.” Mingzhu answers.
“If one does not come back with a report and is killed another more invasive may come to be in their place.” Balan utters to Fwangzhu through Silgara.
"This village is in a right fucked state, Shamaness, after the old man lost his balls." Fwangzhu shakes his head "All the more important they keep their rice to rebuild."
Mingzhu asks, “Minamoto will you be willing to take less than what has been allotted due to circumstances.”
Minamoto considers, then shakes his head "I was about to return with nothing and make a report, given your companions stated their intent to interfere with my duties. But I also know how endemic stiffing the Daimyo is on this island."
Mingzhu nods to the tax collector.
Balan looks at Minamoto. “Your report should state exactly what has happened and ask for the forgiveness needed in this case.” then looks to Mingzhu
"So, there is the matter of precedent to consider. I do not want this kind of open rebellion that we have faced here to become accepted either." Minamoto states.
Balan stares at the dirt between all of them and takes a handful looking at Fwangzhu. “This is your village. It is as close to home as you have am I not correct?”
The shamaness looks at Fwangzhu. “Minamoto has offered a concession. Are you willing to accept that he does need something to bring back to his lord. If so, what are you willing to concede?”
The badger snorts, "The only reason he offered that concession was because it was clear he was going to get his ass kicked if he tried to force the matter. And I'm still ready to do that. Your friends were going to join me in that."
Mingzhu patiently says, “He did this in good faith. You have heart Fwangzhu, have wisdom too.”
Silgara can't help but roll her eyes when she says Fwangzhu has wisdom. As she misinterprets what Mingzhu said.”
Fwangzhu, his voice showing his anger says, “He did this because he's out to collect the damned tax." A huff "Fine, he did kill some orcs and goblins. But he keeps his hands off the rice. The villagers need that."
Mingzhu looks up again and at the tax collector. “Minamoto are you willing to accept some other means of payment?” Balan stares him down waiting for an answer.
Fwangzhu snarls, then huffs "You know what just... let that Asslicker take some of the spoils from those guys we killed and that'll be enough."
Minamoto glares "Stop making insults towards my person and my lord."
Fwangzhu snarls in turn "Oh fuck off." Then he turns his head to Balan. “Close to home, I usually range the woods nearby." A huff.
T'kharr just sighs "Look, while his language may have been crude, Fwangzhu just offered you a golden opportunity to settle this matter without blood, ser Minamoto."
Again, Mingzhu intercedes. “Fwangzhu we are negotiating. Do not let your feelings overrule good sense, again put yourself into his shoes as Minamoto has already put himself into yours.”
"I'm not putting myself in that savage's shoes." Minamoto grumbles.
Zsikhou gives them a glare again, his claws crackling with electricity.
Balan then shifts his gauge to Minamoto. “If one were to come to your home demanding taxes during a war you could not pay, would you react in a reasonable manner if you were protecting a whole village and wood around it?”
He looks to Balan "I know the importance of duty and maintaining it. But..." He sighs "Fine. I'll take the Oni's cloak as a tribute to the Daimyo. That should settle the matter."
Fwangzhu huffs, not wanting to give that concession, but at this point seems too tired to argue. "Fine, go ahead then. Tell your tax collector that I thoroughly enjoyed throwing him through a table when you meet him again."
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "One of these days, Savage, you will get what you deserve." But then he starts to go off.
Balan places his hand out to both. “Bathe your hands in the soil of this place as an agreement then.” He has split the dirt into both hands.
Fwangzhu snarls, then shakes his head "Happy, Shamaness?"
“Then if all parties agree Minamoto will take the Oni's cloak as a tribute to the lord. Both parties swear to the court and the 8 million that they agree.” Mingzhu says shifting her eyes first to Minamoto then to Fwangzhu.
Balan is holding the dirt to both of them still.
Fwangzhu snarls but then lays his paw down. Minamoto gives a tired sigh, then nods "I do so swear."
But each of them glares at each other. While they might have agreed to this peace, it's clear there's still very much a lot of bad blood between them.
T'kharr nods slowly with a sigh of relief. Balan looks between them. “The earth and land of this place will remember this.”
“Minamoto if your Daimyo has words to say tell him that I am the party responsible for negotiating this deal. It is not upon you but upon me as the mediator. Thus, I swear to the celestial court.” Mingzhu intones.
Zsikhou keeps glaring at Minamoto and Fwangzhu, perhaps silently letting them know clearly what will happen if they don't remain reasonable about this.
Balan looks straight up and blows a direct flame into the sky saying. “Into celestial to the gods May they honor their deal amongst the gods here.”
Minamoto looks to Mingzhu "Of course, Shamaness. I doubt it will come to that, but I will keep that in mind." she nods. He goes off to take the cloak and head off. Fwangzhu just looks grumpily. "Could have run him off, but fine, whatever." He growls "Don't give a shit right now.... damn it old man." He walks off tiredly.
Mingzhu looks at the rest of the party. "I must rest. Snout as always will mark my position." She gets back up and walks into the sea, disappearing under the waves."
Zsikhou nods. "Should get some rest, then."
Fwangzhu looks down at the fallen elder, growling, then kicking the ground in frustration "Eight million damnit old man... why the fuck did you have to go like this?!?..." He snarls, then turns away. He huffs, panting, coming down from his rage. Minamoto drinks a cure light wounds potion. Mingzhu downs her last cure light wounds.
"Now...what of the rest of the orcs and militia, I hope the village is still intact..." T’kharr turns looking at the houses.
Silgara looks over to the others "Looks like this battle is over, at least... Balan? Mingzhu? Are you able to stand and...?"
Zee's attention turns to the fallen lieutenants. The heads of this so-called uprising. He studies the foreigner but does not recognize any of them off hand, the Horseman, nor the Zakharan.
Zsikhou looks around "Looks like the remainder have fled."
Mingzhu gets up on shaky legs and starts walking to the beach. "I will come back in the morning. I must rest and heal."
Silgara looks over towards Minamoto, then Fwangzhu goes over towards him. "I... think there's one more problem we might need to deal with imminently..." Silgara comments.
Balan looks at Silgara a bit woozy then walks to where the horseman is and buries his blade into their chest.
“Well, waste not want not. Time to settle some gambling debts with a spot of shameless plunder. These guys seemed decently equipped, and it sounded like more trouble was brewing.” Zee intones.
Minamoto seems to walk closer towards the Village. However, Fwangzhu moves over. "Oh no, no, no. Oh fucking no. You're getting out of here. now! Bootlicker!"
Minamoto looks over "My duty to defeat the Oni is done. Now I have a duty to collect the owed rice tax. I will have that done."
Mingzhu walks into the surf and disappears. She dives under the water and swims to the middle of the bay. There she lies on the seabed and falls into sleep. Snout stays in the bay roughly marking her position.
Silgara desperately searches for Mingzhu and/or Snout. She sees the otter curled up in some kelp floating not far offshore. She gets the animal’s attention. It slips its bed and dives. Snout wakes Mingzhu back up. After several minutes Mingzhu returns. As she rises from the water her gills are clearly visible for a moment until they snap shut again and fade into her neck. She discharges the water from her lungs. She’s still badly burned and wounded.
"Mingzhu, I think those two are going to try to kill each other over the rice tax dispute. You'd better come with me." Silgara urgently states.
"What I'm saying is that you need to stop, take a deep breath, and think through your priorities because right now, you have the cart before the horse. Look at yourself. You're beaten half to a pulp still and you'd rather pick a fight over something that can wait instead of letting other folks help you solve your problem." T’kharr says rather roughly.
Mingzhu lets Silgara lead her to the scene. Minamoto looks over to T'kharr, narrowing his eyes "Were I a samurai, I would be obligated to perform seppuku if I were to fail in my duties to my lord."
"Even if the badger has no will to help you find the camp, I certainly do -- but we both need to be rested and ready in order to go back out." T’kharr says to him. "And then the taxes don't get submitted."
Fwangzhu just snarls at Minamoto "How about you crawl on back to that Asslicker you serve and stay away for good?"
When the shamaness gets there, she steps in between Minamoto and Fwangzhu, "We will work this out now.........Peacefully!... Both of you please sit."
Minamoto looks over to T'kharr "If you would join this savage in stopping me from performing my duty to my lord, then..." He stares down at Mingzhu. “It's quite simply shamaness. I have an obligation to collect the rice tax that is owed."
"LISTEN. I'm offering to help you with that very obligation but you're too bloody blind right now to see it." T’kharr says in exasperation.
Balan supports her. “Look around you what is there left to collect fool.... On my god and yours stop this aggression for now…”
Fwangzhu snarls "And I have an inkling to maul self-righteous jackasses that would take from a ravaged village's food stock. Especially for a Daimyo that does all of jack shit to uphold his obligations."
Mingzhu again tries to get a handle of the situation. “We must work this out peacefully now. I will not stand for this any longer. both of you please sit. I know your duties to your lord, and I also understand Fwangzhu. Now let us sit and talk this out.... before I pass out.”
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "I have had /enough/ of your insults towards my lord! It is well past time you received due punishment for it."
Minamoto looks at Balan, furrowing his brow some. He backs up a bit, intimidated. Fwangzhu snarls, also seeming quite ready to hit Minamoto with his drawn axe. The dragonborn gestures to Mingzhu. “Listen to her and hear her words.”
Fwangzhu looks to Mingzhu "There's nothing to discuss. This Pissbucket keeps his grubby hands off of the village's rice."
She looks at him. “Fwangzhu if you strike him you will have to strike me down first.! Sit please. Both Minamoto and Fwangzhu have drawn weapons but haven't swung yet. But they clearly are ready to waste each other. “Gentlemen. I beg you please sit.”
Zsikhou looks at them both like he's considering just snuggling with both of them stabbing them both to end the dispute. Balan stands next to Mingzhu starring Minamoto down like a worm. T'kharr is also staring Minamoto down still.
Mingzhu still standing between the two angry men to keep them from coming to blows says, “Put your weapons away please.”
This time her diplomatic training works. Minamoto looks over, shaking his head, then a breath out, putting his katana back in his sheath "I know when I am being thwarted in my duties. I am not a samurai. I am not obligated to perform Seppuku should I fail in my duties. But neither can I stay here any longer. It is clear I cannot carry them out."
Fwangzhu snarls at him "Don't let the door hit your fat ass on the way out. Get lost."
"Only because you refuse to see the opportunity that's been laid at your very feet." T’kharr tells Minamoto.
“Minamoto, please let us talk about this. There is always a way to get what both of you want.” Mingzhu softly says.
Fwangzhu huffs "Why are you indulging him anyways?"
“We will talk this through and find a way.” Mingzhu answers.
Minamoto looks down to Mingzhu "Alright then. What's your proposal, then?"
Balan stares at the kami. “That one is the last resort you want to measure to in this conflict.”
“First we sit.” Mingzhu looks at Minamoto then at Fwangzhu. T'kharr seats herself as a cue to the two arguing parties. Zee decides to observe instead of reminding people just how great of a negotiator he totally is. Perhaps it’s just his instincts looking out for him. Mingzhu refuses to sit until Minamoto and Fwangzhu both sit down.
Zsikhou gives both Fwangzhu and Minamoto a look. They look back to the kobold. Both of them seem to decide to calm down before they get stabbed. Minamoto sighs "Fine." He sits down.
Fwangzhu puts his axe away then goes to sit as well. "There really isn't anything to talk about here. The Daimyo's an utter failure in keeping people safe. He doesn't deserve that tax. There. Done. Simple enough." T'kharr waits for Mingzhu to sit and speak.
Mingzhu sits in full lotus and offers prayer. "Lords of the celestial court give those here today the wisdom to have an open mind and negotiate in good faith. Please give us the wisdom to find a way to peace and after break bread in friendship." Neither seem to be thrilled with the idea of breaking bread in friendship with each other. Balan sits cross legged mimicking Mingzhu with his facing on one to the left and one to the right and calms.
Mingzhu begins the negotiations in earnest. “Fwangzhu has the heart of the people in his mind with his way of thinking and yet Minamoto has a duty to collect fair taxes. We have come to a crossroads where the people must be fed but the taxes must be paid. Let us not be too narrow in our ways to consider the concerns of the other. How may we do both? What are each willing to concede and are each willing not to? There must be a fair balance between both the people and the lord. what are your suggestions.”
"If I might be bold... It's clear that these two parties will not agree. Why not get a third party to mediate? An outside opinion with obvious goals?” Zee says.
Minamoto states very simply. "The Daimyo is owed his tax. The rebellion and failure to do so undermines order and leads to chaos and harm. It is simple. The tax needs to be paid."
Mingzhu answers in a neutral tone, “And yet the people are much dwindled upon the land Minamoto. They will starve without food. If you take all you will have no village to collect taxes next season.”
Fwangzhu looks over "There isn't a middle ground to find here Shamaness. The Daimyo's failed in his duties. And they're not taking from an already battered people. It's that simple."
Zsikhou just looks over. Watching the procession.
Mingzhu answers the hengeyokai in the same patient neutral tone. Her training by her master clearly shows. “There is always middle ground put down your anger. put yourself in Minamoto’s shoes what if you had to collect these taxes.”
"I have a proposal: we head over to the Oni's camp and collect the warlord's leftover rations, that should be enough to at least start on the tax and get the people out of starvation both, no, especially now that the Oni's forces have been scattered to the four winds and the village has fewer mouths to feed?"
Mingzhu nods. "I will deal with this you go and collect the food T'kharr.”
"But we need to be rested to do so, which means that the trip will have to wait until sunrise tomorrow." T’kharr state.
Fwangzhu huffs "They had those rations for a while, don't know how much will be left now."
"I strongly suspect that the stolen rice was not their only supply of rations." T’kharr answers.
Then Fwangzhu looks over to Mingzhu "Feh, if I was this Asslicker I'd tell the Daimyo to screw himself to his face and then find something better to do with my time than serve a useless tyrant."
Minamoto glares "I will /not/ abide your insults to my lord, Savage. You have crossed many more lines than I should tolerate already."
Zsikhou glares at them again.
Mingzhu looks down while speaking in a reverent tone concentrating on her words. “Minamoto will likely lose his head if he does not come back with something Fwangzhu. You must know this.”
"Good riddance!" Fwangzhu shrugs.
“And what of the next time the village needs help. will you be there its lone protector? it took all of us to down this small force. Minamoto acted with honor of protecting this village. Please respect him and his view as he will yours.” Mingzhu answers.
“If one does not come back with a report and is killed another more invasive may come to be in their place.” Balan utters to Fwangzhu through Silgara.
"This village is in a right fucked state, Shamaness, after the old man lost his balls." Fwangzhu shakes his head "All the more important they keep their rice to rebuild."
Mingzhu asks, “Minamoto will you be willing to take less than what has been allotted due to circumstances.”
Minamoto considers, then shakes his head "I was about to return with nothing and make a report, given your companions stated their intent to interfere with my duties. But I also know how endemic stiffing the Daimyo is on this island."
Mingzhu nods to the tax collector.
Balan looks at Minamoto. “Your report should state exactly what has happened and ask for the forgiveness needed in this case.” then looks to Mingzhu
"So, there is the matter of precedent to consider. I do not want this kind of open rebellion that we have faced here to become accepted either." Minamoto states.
Balan stares at the dirt between all of them and takes a handful looking at Fwangzhu. “This is your village. It is as close to home as you have am I not correct?”
The shamaness looks at Fwangzhu. “Minamoto has offered a concession. Are you willing to accept that he does need something to bring back to his lord. If so, what are you willing to concede?”
The badger snorts, "The only reason he offered that concession was because it was clear he was going to get his ass kicked if he tried to force the matter. And I'm still ready to do that. Your friends were going to join me in that."
Mingzhu patiently says, “He did this in good faith. You have heart Fwangzhu, have wisdom too.”
Silgara can't help but roll her eyes when she says Fwangzhu has wisdom. As she misinterprets what Mingzhu said.”
Fwangzhu, his voice showing his anger says, “He did this because he's out to collect the damned tax." A huff "Fine, he did kill some orcs and goblins. But he keeps his hands off the rice. The villagers need that."
Mingzhu looks up again and at the tax collector. “Minamoto are you willing to accept some other means of payment?” Balan stares him down waiting for an answer.
Fwangzhu snarls, then huffs "You know what just... let that Asslicker take some of the spoils from those guys we killed and that'll be enough."
Minamoto glares "Stop making insults towards my person and my lord."
Fwangzhu snarls in turn "Oh fuck off." Then he turns his head to Balan. “Close to home, I usually range the woods nearby." A huff.
T'kharr just sighs "Look, while his language may have been crude, Fwangzhu just offered you a golden opportunity to settle this matter without blood, ser Minamoto."
Again, Mingzhu intercedes. “Fwangzhu we are negotiating. Do not let your feelings overrule good sense, again put yourself into his shoes as Minamoto has already put himself into yours.”
"I'm not putting myself in that savage's shoes." Minamoto grumbles.
Zsikhou gives them a glare again, his claws crackling with electricity.
Balan then shifts his gauge to Minamoto. “If one were to come to your home demanding taxes during a war you could not pay, would you react in a reasonable manner if you were protecting a whole village and wood around it?”
He looks to Balan "I know the importance of duty and maintaining it. But..." He sighs "Fine. I'll take the Oni's cloak as a tribute to the Daimyo. That should settle the matter."
Fwangzhu huffs, not wanting to give that concession, but at this point seems too tired to argue. "Fine, go ahead then. Tell your tax collector that I thoroughly enjoyed throwing him through a table when you meet him again."
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "One of these days, Savage, you will get what you deserve." But then he starts to go off.
Balan places his hand out to both. “Bathe your hands in the soil of this place as an agreement then.” He has split the dirt into both hands.
Fwangzhu snarls, then shakes his head "Happy, Shamaness?"
“Then if all parties agree Minamoto will take the Oni's cloak as a tribute to the lord. Both parties swear to the court and the 8 million that they agree.” Mingzhu says shifting her eyes first to Minamoto then to Fwangzhu.
Balan is holding the dirt to both of them still.
Fwangzhu snarls but then lays his paw down. Minamoto gives a tired sigh, then nods "I do so swear."
But each of them glares at each other. While they might have agreed to this peace, it's clear there's still very much a lot of bad blood between them.
T'kharr nods slowly with a sigh of relief. Balan looks between them. “The earth and land of this place will remember this.”
“Minamoto if your Daimyo has words to say tell him that I am the party responsible for negotiating this deal. It is not upon you but upon me as the mediator. Thus, I swear to the celestial court.” Mingzhu intones.
Zsikhou keeps glaring at Minamoto and Fwangzhu, perhaps silently letting them know clearly what will happen if they don't remain reasonable about this.
Balan looks straight up and blows a direct flame into the sky saying. “Into celestial to the gods May they honor their deal amongst the gods here.”
Minamoto looks to Mingzhu "Of course, Shamaness. I doubt it will come to that, but I will keep that in mind." she nods. He goes off to take the cloak and head off. Fwangzhu just looks grumpily. "Could have run him off, but fine, whatever." He growls "Don't give a shit right now.... damn it old man." He walks off tiredly.
Mingzhu looks at the rest of the party. "I must rest. Snout as always will mark my position." She gets back up and walks into the sea, disappearing under the waves."
Zsikhou nods. "Should get some rest, then."
-
Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
There's a period of restful quiet after the battle. Silgara and Zsikhou retreat to rest, as does Fwangzhu. The village after the battle has a notably dour mood, many stay shut in their homes, with only a few going out to fish and tend to tasks, mostly keeping their heads down and staying out of trouble.
T’kharr takes time to get a good night’s sleep, when she wakes up, she forages for breakfast in the morning after she awakens and gets herself together. Thankfully, there are at least some crustaceans to hunt along this beach too. It seems they at least don't really care about who was fighting who in the village. She thinks to herself. ‘Maybe some buttery lobster will be a really nice treat after that battle...’
Mingzhu comes up from the bay just before sunrise. She meditates then goes back into the bay. She spends the next 4 hours looking for oysters. It has a rather large oyster bed. She picks every 5th one in a long line and finds several good pearls. One is especially rare. A large cream-colored pearl of exceptional transparency.
When she comes back up Silgara seems to be studying a spellbook in the hut she was resting in. Zsikhou is spreading the hugs and snuggles keeping an eye out on things. watching for more raiders or other ills out on the border of the village. Fwangzhu for now just keeps to himself. He's got an impressive amount of injuries he's survived during that battle. Balan spends the time healing himself and giving any aid to the villagers he can. The villagers seem quiet, scared, and timid. They are thankful for the defeat of the Oni, relieved. But they're also shaken by the elder's death. There are clearly some mixed feelings there.
Mingzhu comes out of the sea at about 10 am holding two large and two small pearls. Snout follows her. She sits on the beach and looks out over the ocean. She watches T’kharr join Balan to provide whatever spirits she can. She may be big and scary, but she's also no slouch as a hug dispenser
Most of the villagers seem to keep a distance from them though. There’s till clear mixed feelings about the deaths of the elder and the others who joined him in battle. They’re typically timid and not very talkative, though. They do express thanks for the Oni’s death, though. Mingzhu nods to them silently and looks at the sea afterward.
She finally looks over to the village. sighs heavily still slightly burnt from her ordeal and walks into it asking to speak to the wisest of them still alive. She finds that it doesn’t look like there's any real leadership among them. The elder did have some lieutenants among the militia but they're either dead or missing. She keeps searching and asking questions of them but cannot find any candidates that immediately stand out that could replace the elder. Most of them are timid and shaken, upset about the elder’s death, despite what he had done. She goes back to the beach in a dour mood and sits back down staring out at the ocean, lost in her own thoughts and failures.
While wandering around the village, she does see Zsikhou and Fwangzhu roaming around though. Fwangzhu and the villagers seem to be avoiding each other, though. She takes note of the situation but doesn’t otherwise have the energy to try to intervene between the hengeyokai that she is not fond of and the village people.
Balan decides to keep to himself in a way but holds himself in a firm manner, offering help if needed and conducting a prayer to the lost and dead. The shamaness studies him for a moment then looks around in midafternoon. She sighs and goes back to watching the ocean. Snout talks to her with grunts, whistles and barks. While doing so T’kharr walks by mentioning to all the others that once the party is together again, she does want to investigate the Oni’s camp further. Silgara and Zsikhou get themselves ready to move. She tells them, "Just need Zee and Mingzhu, I think the mood of the town will take some time to heal." Mingzhu nods and lifts herself off the beach slowly.
“Indeed, they lost many I am sure were cared about.” Balan says as he looks at the badger. “Any knowledge of how to conduct anything that may be of need at this time?”
Fwangzhu looks over to Balan, giving them a shrug "Fuck if I know... damn it..." He huffs "I split the old man's head open with my axe. They all looked up to him. I looked up to him. And he sided with the Oni in the end." Mingzhu stays quiet about the whole affair.
T'kharr offers Fwangzhu a hug "Yeah, having someone you look up to turn against you like that...I can only imagine how awful that is."
The hug catches him off guard, but he also seems too tired to get angry about it. "I spent gods know how long protecting this village and then it ends in me burying my axe in the guy who was defending it for longer than any of us. It's fucked..." He huffs.
Mingzhu looks at him. “Do you want to say goodbye?”
T’kharr answers him, “"At least the Oni's gone, the forces that were turning people against the city are gone, the taxman has his fill.... the road forward has opened again." letting go as Mingzhu asks her question.
"Villagers can't even look at me now and they used to look up to me. I don't even blame them." He mutters some profanities. "There is that. Don't know what I'm going to do next..." He looks over to Mingzhu "To who?"
"To the Elder?" She replies.
He huffs, then looks aside "Yeah... I guess... I ... I don't even know what to say. Fucking damnit old man...."
She leads him to the graveyard and sits in the middle of it. She looks at Fwangzhu. "You may ask two questions or say two statements." She casts commune with spirits and calls for the elder to come forth.
The elder’s spirit doesn’t answer. Silgara and Zsikhou watch from a distance. Mingzhu waits patiently until the spell expires. Fwangzhu at least doesn't seem to notice... "Damn it old man, why did you side with the Oni?! After everything?!..."
She shakes her head His spirit has been judged, Fwangzhu. He will not show. I am sorry. I cannot contact where his spirit has gone, beyond my reach. I am sorry."
He looks aside, a snort, then a huff "Guess after what he did, I wouldn't be surprised they... fucking hell..." He growls. "Old bastard deserved better after... after doing so much to protect these people then just.... broke in the end. Gave up. Damn it all... Not a thing I can do either," He shakes his head, pacing around some... "And I did it too... fucking damn it... Well, you tried at least." He huffs.
She nods sadly.
"Well..." He sighs "Are there any more of those bastards left to put my axe into? Won't change shit here, but maybe there's a few more jackasses that could use a good mauling."
"As far as I know all the horsemen are dead." She replies.
He looks aside "I could tell he was gonna skewer you back there, you know..."
She nods. "I........ She looks in the distance. I failed."
"Well, you're still alive. Up to you if you want to spend that life sulking or if you want to get up and get some shit done." Fwangzhu straightens up a bit, seeming to get some of his poise back. "Speaking of which, did you lot want to go scouting the Oni's camp again? Odds are with the big red bastard dead; the rest of the horde will disperse. But who knows..." He huffs
She shrugs "I will go if needed."
"Well, I still know the way there, so if you need me to show you again, it can be done. Otherwise. I don't know." She nods and stands up.
Silgara and Zsikhou approach. Mingzhu tells the two. “The elder's soul has been judged he no longer stands as a spirit of the community."
Zsikhou nods "Figured it would be so. Betrayal of one's community is a heavy crime, after all."
Silgara seems skeptical, raising an eyebrow. "You're certain? Maybe if you can contact his spirit, he just... didn't want to show up. I understand it can be difficult to speak with those. One has partaken in fighting to the death with, after all."
She nods and looks distant. “It is possible. Though the spell is somewhat compelling. A strong spirit can reject it.”
Zsikhou shrugs "Whatever the fate of his soul is now, it's in the hands of the Celestial Court. Let them do their duty with him. We still have duties here, after all." Fwangzhu goes back to feeling some of his numerous injuries. It does look like they took quite a beating in that battle as does the shamaness.
Fwangzhu eventually paces off a bit to sit down. Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Will you need some time to tend to yourself? It was a pretty rough battle. You, Balan, and Fwangzhu all had a pretty rough time." Though Silgara sports some injuries, none are really all that severe.
She nods. I have a lot of healing to do. and I am very tired."
"Well, if you have any magic, yourself and Balan are probably highest priority."
Mingzhu looks back at the ocean. "I will go back and try to collect more pearls so we are better equipped should the gods choose to test us further..........” She nods. She goes to Fwangzhu, and casts cure serious wounds on him converting her spells to healing spells. The badger gives a grunt of thanks. The shamaness then casts cure moderate wounds on herself and him again. He's still pretty banged up, but is looking better, the cure moderate helps considerably though.
"The likely conclusion to the fall of the Oni is that the remaining orcs and goblins will fight one another for supremacy. But it is possible that individual units could still pose a threat. We don't know how many more goblins have those blast-globes either." Silgara speaks.
Mingzhu goes back in the bay and works the oyster bed picking every 5th one so that she does not kill the population. She knows the next test of the gods will be harder and she wants everyone to be better equipped as possible. She hears the badger say, “Thanks Shamaness.” As she goes. That night she rests on the bed of the bay not wanting to see or talk to anyone.
T’kharr takes time to get a good night’s sleep, when she wakes up, she forages for breakfast in the morning after she awakens and gets herself together. Thankfully, there are at least some crustaceans to hunt along this beach too. It seems they at least don't really care about who was fighting who in the village. She thinks to herself. ‘Maybe some buttery lobster will be a really nice treat after that battle...’
Mingzhu comes up from the bay just before sunrise. She meditates then goes back into the bay. She spends the next 4 hours looking for oysters. It has a rather large oyster bed. She picks every 5th one in a long line and finds several good pearls. One is especially rare. A large cream-colored pearl of exceptional transparency.
When she comes back up Silgara seems to be studying a spellbook in the hut she was resting in. Zsikhou is spreading the hugs and snuggles keeping an eye out on things. watching for more raiders or other ills out on the border of the village. Fwangzhu for now just keeps to himself. He's got an impressive amount of injuries he's survived during that battle. Balan spends the time healing himself and giving any aid to the villagers he can. The villagers seem quiet, scared, and timid. They are thankful for the defeat of the Oni, relieved. But they're also shaken by the elder's death. There are clearly some mixed feelings there.
Mingzhu comes out of the sea at about 10 am holding two large and two small pearls. Snout follows her. She sits on the beach and looks out over the ocean. She watches T’kharr join Balan to provide whatever spirits she can. She may be big and scary, but she's also no slouch as a hug dispenser
Most of the villagers seem to keep a distance from them though. There’s till clear mixed feelings about the deaths of the elder and the others who joined him in battle. They’re typically timid and not very talkative, though. They do express thanks for the Oni’s death, though. Mingzhu nods to them silently and looks at the sea afterward.
She finally looks over to the village. sighs heavily still slightly burnt from her ordeal and walks into it asking to speak to the wisest of them still alive. She finds that it doesn’t look like there's any real leadership among them. The elder did have some lieutenants among the militia but they're either dead or missing. She keeps searching and asking questions of them but cannot find any candidates that immediately stand out that could replace the elder. Most of them are timid and shaken, upset about the elder’s death, despite what he had done. She goes back to the beach in a dour mood and sits back down staring out at the ocean, lost in her own thoughts and failures.
While wandering around the village, she does see Zsikhou and Fwangzhu roaming around though. Fwangzhu and the villagers seem to be avoiding each other, though. She takes note of the situation but doesn’t otherwise have the energy to try to intervene between the hengeyokai that she is not fond of and the village people.
Balan decides to keep to himself in a way but holds himself in a firm manner, offering help if needed and conducting a prayer to the lost and dead. The shamaness studies him for a moment then looks around in midafternoon. She sighs and goes back to watching the ocean. Snout talks to her with grunts, whistles and barks. While doing so T’kharr walks by mentioning to all the others that once the party is together again, she does want to investigate the Oni’s camp further. Silgara and Zsikhou get themselves ready to move. She tells them, "Just need Zee and Mingzhu, I think the mood of the town will take some time to heal." Mingzhu nods and lifts herself off the beach slowly.
“Indeed, they lost many I am sure were cared about.” Balan says as he looks at the badger. “Any knowledge of how to conduct anything that may be of need at this time?”
Fwangzhu looks over to Balan, giving them a shrug "Fuck if I know... damn it..." He huffs "I split the old man's head open with my axe. They all looked up to him. I looked up to him. And he sided with the Oni in the end." Mingzhu stays quiet about the whole affair.
T'kharr offers Fwangzhu a hug "Yeah, having someone you look up to turn against you like that...I can only imagine how awful that is."
The hug catches him off guard, but he also seems too tired to get angry about it. "I spent gods know how long protecting this village and then it ends in me burying my axe in the guy who was defending it for longer than any of us. It's fucked..." He huffs.
Mingzhu looks at him. “Do you want to say goodbye?”
T’kharr answers him, “"At least the Oni's gone, the forces that were turning people against the city are gone, the taxman has his fill.... the road forward has opened again." letting go as Mingzhu asks her question.
"Villagers can't even look at me now and they used to look up to me. I don't even blame them." He mutters some profanities. "There is that. Don't know what I'm going to do next..." He looks over to Mingzhu "To who?"
"To the Elder?" She replies.
He huffs, then looks aside "Yeah... I guess... I ... I don't even know what to say. Fucking damnit old man...."
She leads him to the graveyard and sits in the middle of it. She looks at Fwangzhu. "You may ask two questions or say two statements." She casts commune with spirits and calls for the elder to come forth.
The elder’s spirit doesn’t answer. Silgara and Zsikhou watch from a distance. Mingzhu waits patiently until the spell expires. Fwangzhu at least doesn't seem to notice... "Damn it old man, why did you side with the Oni?! After everything?!..."
She shakes her head His spirit has been judged, Fwangzhu. He will not show. I am sorry. I cannot contact where his spirit has gone, beyond my reach. I am sorry."
He looks aside, a snort, then a huff "Guess after what he did, I wouldn't be surprised they... fucking hell..." He growls. "Old bastard deserved better after... after doing so much to protect these people then just.... broke in the end. Gave up. Damn it all... Not a thing I can do either," He shakes his head, pacing around some... "And I did it too... fucking damn it... Well, you tried at least." He huffs.
She nods sadly.
"Well..." He sighs "Are there any more of those bastards left to put my axe into? Won't change shit here, but maybe there's a few more jackasses that could use a good mauling."
"As far as I know all the horsemen are dead." She replies.
He looks aside "I could tell he was gonna skewer you back there, you know..."
She nods. "I........ She looks in the distance. I failed."
"Well, you're still alive. Up to you if you want to spend that life sulking or if you want to get up and get some shit done." Fwangzhu straightens up a bit, seeming to get some of his poise back. "Speaking of which, did you lot want to go scouting the Oni's camp again? Odds are with the big red bastard dead; the rest of the horde will disperse. But who knows..." He huffs
She shrugs "I will go if needed."
"Well, I still know the way there, so if you need me to show you again, it can be done. Otherwise. I don't know." She nods and stands up.
Silgara and Zsikhou approach. Mingzhu tells the two. “The elder's soul has been judged he no longer stands as a spirit of the community."
Zsikhou nods "Figured it would be so. Betrayal of one's community is a heavy crime, after all."
Silgara seems skeptical, raising an eyebrow. "You're certain? Maybe if you can contact his spirit, he just... didn't want to show up. I understand it can be difficult to speak with those. One has partaken in fighting to the death with, after all."
She nods and looks distant. “It is possible. Though the spell is somewhat compelling. A strong spirit can reject it.”
Zsikhou shrugs "Whatever the fate of his soul is now, it's in the hands of the Celestial Court. Let them do their duty with him. We still have duties here, after all." Fwangzhu goes back to feeling some of his numerous injuries. It does look like they took quite a beating in that battle as does the shamaness.
Fwangzhu eventually paces off a bit to sit down. Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Will you need some time to tend to yourself? It was a pretty rough battle. You, Balan, and Fwangzhu all had a pretty rough time." Though Silgara sports some injuries, none are really all that severe.
She nods. I have a lot of healing to do. and I am very tired."
"Well, if you have any magic, yourself and Balan are probably highest priority."
Mingzhu looks back at the ocean. "I will go back and try to collect more pearls so we are better equipped should the gods choose to test us further..........” She nods. She goes to Fwangzhu, and casts cure serious wounds on him converting her spells to healing spells. The badger gives a grunt of thanks. The shamaness then casts cure moderate wounds on herself and him again. He's still pretty banged up, but is looking better, the cure moderate helps considerably though.
"The likely conclusion to the fall of the Oni is that the remaining orcs and goblins will fight one another for supremacy. But it is possible that individual units could still pose a threat. We don't know how many more goblins have those blast-globes either." Silgara speaks.
Mingzhu goes back in the bay and works the oyster bed picking every 5th one so that she does not kill the population. She knows the next test of the gods will be harder and she wants everyone to be better equipped as possible. She hears the badger say, “Thanks Shamaness.” As she goes. That night she rests on the bed of the bay not wanting to see or talk to anyone.
-
Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
They rest for a couple of days in Golamaru. Silgara, Zsikhou and Fwangzhu all seem ready to head back to the orc camp. The air is morose, but there is a relief underneath it. T’kharr is ready for the new day as well as she wraps up her morning routines. Mingzhu, however, is rather slow in her motions as she prepares to go to the camp. They decide to set out. Mingzhu walks slightly behind everyone.
This time the trip is less eventful. Without the Oni keeping the orcs and goblins in line, it doesn’t seem there’s nearly enough trouble. T’kharr leads the way to the place. When they find the camp, it looks deserted. There are a lot of orc bodies. Some of them are relatively fresh, but the camp looks completely empty. Silgara sighs, shaking her head. “"Predictable orc behavior. When one leader falls the rest butcher each other until one finds their way to the top, or they destroy themselves."
Mingzhu studies the bodies for mauling marks. There are none. The wounds look like they were done with various weapons but mostly axes. T’kharr makes a sweep of the camp for any signs of recent activity while Mingzhu nods to herself hoping the bear she sent after them made it through. No bears or bodies of bears are in sight. She sighs in relief.
After doing some checking, it looks like most of the camp has been looted and then abandoned. There's evidence some of the remaining orcs fought each other and killed one another. There's goblin corpses too. T’kharr comments, “Seems that whoever won the fight took whatever they could carry."
Mingzhu looks around and nods. “That takes care of the bludgeoning army. Still another elder is dead.”
Silgara looks around, considering "It may be prudent to double check the two large tents."
Fwangzhu snorts "I doubt there's anything of the Village's rice left by now, but if you want to look, go ahead."
Silgara considers "The Oni's tent is likely worth searching too."
Mingzhu nods, "Blast globes
T'kharr heads off to search the two large tents for anything that didn't get dragged off. Silgara says, “None of the corpses so signs of being blown up, which means the Oni might have kept them hidden."
One of the tents was clearly a granary. Was, being the operative word. It's pretty clearly looted, with only a few scattered grains being present. T'kharr shakes her head and sighs "Looks like the badger hit the nail on the head, the victors of the fight decided to either drag the rations off or feast on them."
Mingzhu comments, "I am glad we gave the tax collector that cloak for the village had not else to give to the daimyo.”
"Aye, at least the village won't starve because they had to give all their rice to the tax collectors. Besides, I don't think it'd have fit me very well, never mind anybody else in the party." T’kharr remarks.
Balan answers, “Indeed, though I was hoping for the better outcome.”
Fwangzhu huffs "Should have still mauled that Asslicker, but whatever. Problem for later."
Zsikhou keeps looking around for anything hidden but keeps silent for now. T'kharr moves onto the other big tent to see just how much work the fire arrow did. It looks like this tent has also been pretty heavily looted. There does at least seem to have been a map here, but it looks like it was torn apart, likely by the orcs. Only a few map scraps remain, and the indent of where furniture might have been.
It is, however, a rather spacious tent...
Mingzhu searches the tent for any clues as to where they may have taken the blast globes. T'kharr searches it thoroughly, both for anything stashed away and for signs of what damage the fire arrow might have inflicted on the things inside. Balan takes a few moments attempting to put together the map scraps for information. Mingzhu’s search is messy as if she is tired or impatient. Anyways, the damage from the fire arrow seems minimal. It might have been because it hit the Oni directly.
Mingzhu looks around embarrassed. “I think I’ve been swimming too much.”
Balan has trouble putting the map completely together. There are missing pieces, but once he does it looks like a strategic map of the island and possibly surrounding ones. It’s very hard to read. And no one can tell where the Oni, or maybe the Horseman’s forces may or may not have been.
T’kharr looks slightly angry. “Well, rats. I was hoping that the Oni would panic and thrash the fire about but...." shaking her head. “Likely the victors made off with the blast globes, sadly." Silgara and Zsikhou look around.
Mingzhu looking at the map asks, “Why would the Oni have such a large area map? Could he be working with the privateers?"
Silgara interjects "I don't think so, look over in this corner here..."
Balan decides to hold onto to scraps since it may be of value. It would seem the map would have been more useful as a whole, but it may still hold some information in the future.
T’kharr’s ears perk up like a German Shepard’s. She looks at Silgara. “Oh, found something?”
Zsikhou nods, seeming to scrape on some of the ground "Buried cache here, this one thinks."
Balan looks over in their direction. “Aye?”
Silgara looks over "As for why the Oni had it, maybe it was the Horseman's... he did seem rather studied in war at least." T'kharr heads over to help carefully dig.
Balan comments, “Agreed.” He heads to assist T’kharr. As both have claws it makes the digging easier. “Aye let’s see what we have here.” He comments as he helps. After some digging, they dig up what looks like a metal safe.
T’kharr’s eyes light up. "A strongbox.... hopefully getting this open will explain a few things" as she helps heave it out of the hole for Zsikhou to break into. Mingzhu watches and nods.
"On it..." Zsikhou gets his thieves’ tools out. He manages to deftly pick the safe's lock open.
Inside there are two sealed crates. Or rather one is sealed. The other is open, and empty. Both have the emblem of the Azure Winds on them
"I think these might be what we're after." T’kharr says, then lets Zsikhou do the delicate work of unsealing the full crate.
Mingzhu looks at the crate worryingly. "Be careful with opening it there may be blast globes within it."
Zsikhou moves the empty crate aside, he then nods, “Maybe I should..." Silgara casts a detect magic.
She nods "The second unopened crate is packed full of blast globes. I'm picking up numerous evocation auras. The safe is warded with an abjuration aura. Probably a persistent protection from fire."
"It may be safer not to unseal the crate, unless we want to try making use of the blast globes ourselves."
Zsikhou looks at the company emblems though. He seems to take note of it. But he says nothing. Fwangzhu on the other hand, looks over "Hold on, what's that symbol there?"
"That is fair. The crate being sealed makes it much more valuable as evidence anyway" T’kharr says nodding.
Mingzhu looks at them all. “We should take these back to the azure winds. It was stolen from them."
The hengeyokai huffs, “Meaning their incompetence in safeguarding their goods got people in Golamaru killed?"
"Aye. Let us pack this crate up and haul it back to Port Ginji, the Azure Winds will want to see this. The globes could very well have been stolen by privateers on their way here then traded to the Oni and its crew." T’kharr responds to Mingzhu.
Mingzhu nods, “I will speak to the mayor about what happened in Golamaru and the elder.”
"I think they better have a fucking good explanation for this shit because I saw villagers get blown the fuck up by the shit in here!" Fwangzhu snarls, shaking his head
Balan comments to T’kharr, “Agreed, they will be happy to have these returned.”
T’kharr turns to the elf, “"Silgara, do you want to ward me against fire? I can carry the crate in that case."
Mingzhu explains to Fwangzhu. “We were on the ship when the Azure winds realized they were stolen. It was probably an inside job being how tight their security is." Silgara remains silent but then nods and casts a protection from fire on T'kharr.
"Fine, let’s go, but I'm giving those jackasses a piece of my mind." Fwangzhu snarls. Zsikhou remains silent though.
Mingzhu nods and gets herself ready to go. T'kharr takes up the crate and heads out, making sure she has her staff and sling with her as well. Balan keeps himself close to T’kharr nodding, “Shall we make our way then?”
Silgara nods, “Yes, lets…”
This time the trip is less eventful. Without the Oni keeping the orcs and goblins in line, it doesn’t seem there’s nearly enough trouble. T’kharr leads the way to the place. When they find the camp, it looks deserted. There are a lot of orc bodies. Some of them are relatively fresh, but the camp looks completely empty. Silgara sighs, shaking her head. “"Predictable orc behavior. When one leader falls the rest butcher each other until one finds their way to the top, or they destroy themselves."
Mingzhu studies the bodies for mauling marks. There are none. The wounds look like they were done with various weapons but mostly axes. T’kharr makes a sweep of the camp for any signs of recent activity while Mingzhu nods to herself hoping the bear she sent after them made it through. No bears or bodies of bears are in sight. She sighs in relief.
After doing some checking, it looks like most of the camp has been looted and then abandoned. There's evidence some of the remaining orcs fought each other and killed one another. There's goblin corpses too. T’kharr comments, “Seems that whoever won the fight took whatever they could carry."
Mingzhu looks around and nods. “That takes care of the bludgeoning army. Still another elder is dead.”
Silgara looks around, considering "It may be prudent to double check the two large tents."
Fwangzhu snorts "I doubt there's anything of the Village's rice left by now, but if you want to look, go ahead."
Silgara considers "The Oni's tent is likely worth searching too."
Mingzhu nods, "Blast globes
T'kharr heads off to search the two large tents for anything that didn't get dragged off. Silgara says, “None of the corpses so signs of being blown up, which means the Oni might have kept them hidden."
One of the tents was clearly a granary. Was, being the operative word. It's pretty clearly looted, with only a few scattered grains being present. T'kharr shakes her head and sighs "Looks like the badger hit the nail on the head, the victors of the fight decided to either drag the rations off or feast on them."
Mingzhu comments, "I am glad we gave the tax collector that cloak for the village had not else to give to the daimyo.”
"Aye, at least the village won't starve because they had to give all their rice to the tax collectors. Besides, I don't think it'd have fit me very well, never mind anybody else in the party." T’kharr remarks.
Balan answers, “Indeed, though I was hoping for the better outcome.”
Fwangzhu huffs "Should have still mauled that Asslicker, but whatever. Problem for later."
Zsikhou keeps looking around for anything hidden but keeps silent for now. T'kharr moves onto the other big tent to see just how much work the fire arrow did. It looks like this tent has also been pretty heavily looted. There does at least seem to have been a map here, but it looks like it was torn apart, likely by the orcs. Only a few map scraps remain, and the indent of where furniture might have been.
It is, however, a rather spacious tent...
Mingzhu searches the tent for any clues as to where they may have taken the blast globes. T'kharr searches it thoroughly, both for anything stashed away and for signs of what damage the fire arrow might have inflicted on the things inside. Balan takes a few moments attempting to put together the map scraps for information. Mingzhu’s search is messy as if she is tired or impatient. Anyways, the damage from the fire arrow seems minimal. It might have been because it hit the Oni directly.
Mingzhu looks around embarrassed. “I think I’ve been swimming too much.”
Balan has trouble putting the map completely together. There are missing pieces, but once he does it looks like a strategic map of the island and possibly surrounding ones. It’s very hard to read. And no one can tell where the Oni, or maybe the Horseman’s forces may or may not have been.
T’kharr looks slightly angry. “Well, rats. I was hoping that the Oni would panic and thrash the fire about but...." shaking her head. “Likely the victors made off with the blast globes, sadly." Silgara and Zsikhou look around.
Mingzhu looking at the map asks, “Why would the Oni have such a large area map? Could he be working with the privateers?"
Silgara interjects "I don't think so, look over in this corner here..."
Balan decides to hold onto to scraps since it may be of value. It would seem the map would have been more useful as a whole, but it may still hold some information in the future.
T’kharr’s ears perk up like a German Shepard’s. She looks at Silgara. “Oh, found something?”
Zsikhou nods, seeming to scrape on some of the ground "Buried cache here, this one thinks."
Balan looks over in their direction. “Aye?”
Silgara looks over "As for why the Oni had it, maybe it was the Horseman's... he did seem rather studied in war at least." T'kharr heads over to help carefully dig.
Balan comments, “Agreed.” He heads to assist T’kharr. As both have claws it makes the digging easier. “Aye let’s see what we have here.” He comments as he helps. After some digging, they dig up what looks like a metal safe.
T’kharr’s eyes light up. "A strongbox.... hopefully getting this open will explain a few things" as she helps heave it out of the hole for Zsikhou to break into. Mingzhu watches and nods.
"On it..." Zsikhou gets his thieves’ tools out. He manages to deftly pick the safe's lock open.
Inside there are two sealed crates. Or rather one is sealed. The other is open, and empty. Both have the emblem of the Azure Winds on them
"I think these might be what we're after." T’kharr says, then lets Zsikhou do the delicate work of unsealing the full crate.
Mingzhu looks at the crate worryingly. "Be careful with opening it there may be blast globes within it."
Zsikhou moves the empty crate aside, he then nods, “Maybe I should..." Silgara casts a detect magic.
She nods "The second unopened crate is packed full of blast globes. I'm picking up numerous evocation auras. The safe is warded with an abjuration aura. Probably a persistent protection from fire."
"It may be safer not to unseal the crate, unless we want to try making use of the blast globes ourselves."
Zsikhou looks at the company emblems though. He seems to take note of it. But he says nothing. Fwangzhu on the other hand, looks over "Hold on, what's that symbol there?"
"That is fair. The crate being sealed makes it much more valuable as evidence anyway" T’kharr says nodding.
Mingzhu looks at them all. “We should take these back to the azure winds. It was stolen from them."
The hengeyokai huffs, “Meaning their incompetence in safeguarding their goods got people in Golamaru killed?"
"Aye. Let us pack this crate up and haul it back to Port Ginji, the Azure Winds will want to see this. The globes could very well have been stolen by privateers on their way here then traded to the Oni and its crew." T’kharr responds to Mingzhu.
Mingzhu nods, “I will speak to the mayor about what happened in Golamaru and the elder.”
"I think they better have a fucking good explanation for this shit because I saw villagers get blown the fuck up by the shit in here!" Fwangzhu snarls, shaking his head
Balan comments to T’kharr, “Agreed, they will be happy to have these returned.”
T’kharr turns to the elf, “"Silgara, do you want to ward me against fire? I can carry the crate in that case."
Mingzhu explains to Fwangzhu. “We were on the ship when the Azure winds realized they were stolen. It was probably an inside job being how tight their security is." Silgara remains silent but then nods and casts a protection from fire on T'kharr.
"Fine, let’s go, but I'm giving those jackasses a piece of my mind." Fwangzhu snarls. Zsikhou remains silent though.
Mingzhu nods and gets herself ready to go. T'kharr takes up the crate and heads out, making sure she has her staff and sling with her as well. Balan keeps himself close to T’kharr nodding, “Shall we make our way then?”
Silgara nods, “Yes, lets…”
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2259
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
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Re: She Came from the Sea
The trip out of the woods back to Golamaru, then through Tsaboru, to Port Ginji is uneventful. No one wants to stop at any of the villages. They move across the Island to its largest city. Mingzhu wants to stop by the mayor’s office first. Balan and T’kharr agree, and they start toward it when they hear a commotion in the town square.
In the town square, there's quite a stir. The mayor isn't in his office. In fact, there's a lot of people gathered in the town square... The Tax Collector, the Mayor, Khalid, Samael, and also a Durpari woman in very ornate, extravagant jewelry and a gold and white colored silken outfit.
Mingzhu breaks out into a jog to the square to find out what’s going on. Everyone joins her. They see Minamoto and another man-at-arms are by the tax collector’s side. Khalid, Samael, and the Durpari woman are there, and each have two guards each.
T’kharr tells the group. “This is a problem.” There is clearly a public argument going on. The gnoll looks around. “We may have to have a couple folks stay back and keep an eye on this while I take the crate to the Azure Winds"
Mingzhu nods and walks right into the middle of the fray, while waving T’kharr off because she has the blast globes. She hears the Tax Collector speak. “You foreigners always bring corruption and destruction with you! I know you have been undermining us!"
"Gentlemen, Ladies? What is going on here, I know all of you. How may I help?" the shamaness casts her domain power calm emotions. in the center of the square.
Samael speaks in turn "My, my, yet another fabulous turn of accusations from our dear official. Now if only there were laws against slander in this country! Oh dear." He seems to be doing his usual extravagant gesturing "But this all does make for fine entertainment for the audience."
T'kharr heads over to find the Azure Winds stall. It seems everyone's attention is on the commotion in the square.
The calm emotions does calm people down, then the Tax Collector looks to Mingzhu "What is happening is that these foreigners send corruption to our shores, undermining our ways with malice and treachery."
Khalid shakes his head "I must say sir, this is not how an honorable servant of your sheikh should behave. Your baseless accusations don't help foster any good will between our peoples."
The Tax Collector goes red in the face. "Do not tell me how to perform my duties! I know that there has been treachery afoot!"
Fwangzhu looks over, snarling, like he wants to talk about the blast globes
Mingzhu turns in the tax collector’s direction. “Sir, please calm yourself. You know how hard I and my friends have worked to help the situation. Please people, calm we can talk this all out without cursing and fighting.” Zsikhou moves beside Mingzhu but says nothing. The locals become visibly nervous, those who see him anyways.
The Tax Collector looks at Mingzhu, shaking his head "I have my duties."
“What are these duties that have everyone up an arms. Please explain sir?”
The Durpari woman shakes her head "You are only making yourself look ridiculous, sir. You have your taxes to collect; you could at least show some decorum while you do so."
The Tax Collector goes red in the face "Silence!" He then huffs "I am sure you have been breaking the Daimyo's laws and spreading corruption! Unsanctioned witchery! Aiding the troubles plaguing these villages!" Silgara can't help but roll her eyes at the 'witchery' bit.
Mingzhu looks at him, "Do you have proof sir? Because I believe you are looking in the wrong direction and have proof of this."
Fwangzhu moves over "Of course this Asslicker doesn't. What do you expect?" Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu, the glare is returned.
The Tax Collector looks over "You had best keep your hands to yourself, savage!!"
Fwangzhu snarls "Oh, throwing you through a table felt amazing, want to go for seconds?"
Minamoto steps forward.
Samael at least seems to be very amused. "My, my, this could go on a stage play! I might be inclined to take notes!" Mingzhu maneuvers herself slightly to come between major parties, especially Fwangzhu, and the tax collector along with Minamoto.
The Durpari woman sneers at Samuel. “I know how everything is a joke to you, or something to exploit.”
Samael smiles at the Durpari woman. "My, my, Dear Saruma, surely you also enjoy these spectacles? The other option is simply growing so tired of them! Such a boring chore. Nothing at all exciting, like say..."
Saruma cuts him off "Enough of your showboating."
Mingzhu sees T’kharr and Balan make their way to the Azure sails stall and turns her attentions back to the crowd around her. "Have we not had enough tensions for now. Golamaru is now free from the Oni that tried to destroy it. Rhakku is now plague free. Sudzuki is free of both yakuza, slavers, and free of the opium trade. Working together we accomplish more. This fighting only turns into useless drama."
The mayor steps in. “That is a relief to hear.”
The Tax Collector looks to Mingzhu "And I am grateful, but there are still problems that need tending to. Problems these foreigners have a hand in, I'm sure." Mingzhu watches Minamoto as he looks oddly towards her then over to where T’kharr is. He makes a quiet aside to the tax collector, then walks over to where T’kharr and the others are. T’kharr see him and starts to move toward the Azure Sails ship to try to avoid the soldier.
Mingzhu turns her attention once again to the crowd. “Then let us tend to them and stop this useless fighting amongst ourselves. The truth will be revealed if we all work together for a better community.”
Fwangzhu looks over "The fuck is he up to...?" He moves after Minamoto.
The Tax Collector looks to Mingzhu, then heaves a heavy sigh. He looks over to the merchants. "Get out of my sight. Just... go..." He looks to Mingzhu "We'll talk.” She nods and looks at her comrades. Only Silgara and Zsikhou are with her still.
Khalid breathes a sigh of relief out. "I thank you for being a voice of reason, ma'am." Samael chuckles to himself.
Mingzhu looks at the mayor next. “Let the major players here come together to discuss all these problems together and see if we may work things out amongst us."
Saruma sighs "Well thank you for keeping it brief."
The Tax Collector shakes his head "no, no foreigners. We will speak. You can bring the... Kami and the Unsanctioned Witch. Much as I find her presence distasteful."
Zsikhou glares at the Tax Collector. "Remember your place, human. Also, this foreigner has done plenty to stop the breaches of the Mandate of Heaven. More than this one has seen you do."
Mingzhu says to him, “And I would like the mayor with us then.” She nods. She then turns to Zsikhou and whispers, “Calm we are trying to get these ones to work together. There is a time for intimidation and not.”
The Tax Collector goes visibly nervous hearing Zsikhou speak. Zsikhou looks up to Mingzhu "There's also a time for those to be sensible. Will follow your lead though."
She nods, “Thank you.”
The Tax Collector shakes his head "No. I cannot include the mayor in this."
“Let us go to the mayor's office so we may speak privately.” Mingzhu insists.
The mayor looks over to the Tax Collector. "Now I'm wondering what it is that /you/ have to hide."
The Tax Collector looks back to him "I am a loyal servant of the Daimyo. And I am aware you keep civility, but I know your true stance on our lord."
Frustrated, Mingzhu exclaims, “gentlemen please, let us conduct this in a more private setting.”
The Tax Collector speaks, "I agree, but I cannot include the mayor in this. I will speak with you. And the Kami. And the Foreign witch if I must, even if my duty demands I have her arrested for being an unsanctioned witch."
Silgara rolls her eyes "It never fails to surprise me how human stances and beliefs often result in self-destructive behavior. I would have hoped that my actions in aiding your people would prove I'm not working against you."
The Tax Collector sneers "That is why I am giving you some allowances, witch. Don't push it."
"Silgara has done more for these communities than most here. I have been with her for weeks now and she is a worthy person. Come then let us find someplace better than the middle of the square for our meeting." Mingzhu replies trying to cut both of them off before they start.
"Very well, I have an office. Come along." The Tax Collector sighs and moves off. His man at arms follows him.
The mayor rolls his eyes "Your secrecy on this matter is not endearing me to you being straight with us. Regardless, I'll return to my office."
Mingzhu nods, “I will speak with you later mayor at your word.”
The tax collector and his guard move off. Zsikhou and Silgara follow him. Though both look very nervous at Zsikhou’s presence. Mingzhu follows behind.
In the town square, there's quite a stir. The mayor isn't in his office. In fact, there's a lot of people gathered in the town square... The Tax Collector, the Mayor, Khalid, Samael, and also a Durpari woman in very ornate, extravagant jewelry and a gold and white colored silken outfit.
Mingzhu breaks out into a jog to the square to find out what’s going on. Everyone joins her. They see Minamoto and another man-at-arms are by the tax collector’s side. Khalid, Samael, and the Durpari woman are there, and each have two guards each.
T’kharr tells the group. “This is a problem.” There is clearly a public argument going on. The gnoll looks around. “We may have to have a couple folks stay back and keep an eye on this while I take the crate to the Azure Winds"
Mingzhu nods and walks right into the middle of the fray, while waving T’kharr off because she has the blast globes. She hears the Tax Collector speak. “You foreigners always bring corruption and destruction with you! I know you have been undermining us!"
"Gentlemen, Ladies? What is going on here, I know all of you. How may I help?" the shamaness casts her domain power calm emotions. in the center of the square.
Samael speaks in turn "My, my, yet another fabulous turn of accusations from our dear official. Now if only there were laws against slander in this country! Oh dear." He seems to be doing his usual extravagant gesturing "But this all does make for fine entertainment for the audience."
T'kharr heads over to find the Azure Winds stall. It seems everyone's attention is on the commotion in the square.
The calm emotions does calm people down, then the Tax Collector looks to Mingzhu "What is happening is that these foreigners send corruption to our shores, undermining our ways with malice and treachery."
Khalid shakes his head "I must say sir, this is not how an honorable servant of your sheikh should behave. Your baseless accusations don't help foster any good will between our peoples."
The Tax Collector goes red in the face. "Do not tell me how to perform my duties! I know that there has been treachery afoot!"
Fwangzhu looks over, snarling, like he wants to talk about the blast globes
Mingzhu turns in the tax collector’s direction. “Sir, please calm yourself. You know how hard I and my friends have worked to help the situation. Please people, calm we can talk this all out without cursing and fighting.” Zsikhou moves beside Mingzhu but says nothing. The locals become visibly nervous, those who see him anyways.
The Tax Collector looks at Mingzhu, shaking his head "I have my duties."
“What are these duties that have everyone up an arms. Please explain sir?”
The Durpari woman shakes her head "You are only making yourself look ridiculous, sir. You have your taxes to collect; you could at least show some decorum while you do so."
The Tax Collector goes red in the face "Silence!" He then huffs "I am sure you have been breaking the Daimyo's laws and spreading corruption! Unsanctioned witchery! Aiding the troubles plaguing these villages!" Silgara can't help but roll her eyes at the 'witchery' bit.
Mingzhu looks at him, "Do you have proof sir? Because I believe you are looking in the wrong direction and have proof of this."
Fwangzhu moves over "Of course this Asslicker doesn't. What do you expect?" Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu, the glare is returned.
The Tax Collector looks over "You had best keep your hands to yourself, savage!!"
Fwangzhu snarls "Oh, throwing you through a table felt amazing, want to go for seconds?"
Minamoto steps forward.
Samael at least seems to be very amused. "My, my, this could go on a stage play! I might be inclined to take notes!" Mingzhu maneuvers herself slightly to come between major parties, especially Fwangzhu, and the tax collector along with Minamoto.
The Durpari woman sneers at Samuel. “I know how everything is a joke to you, or something to exploit.”
Samael smiles at the Durpari woman. "My, my, Dear Saruma, surely you also enjoy these spectacles? The other option is simply growing so tired of them! Such a boring chore. Nothing at all exciting, like say..."
Saruma cuts him off "Enough of your showboating."
Mingzhu sees T’kharr and Balan make their way to the Azure sails stall and turns her attentions back to the crowd around her. "Have we not had enough tensions for now. Golamaru is now free from the Oni that tried to destroy it. Rhakku is now plague free. Sudzuki is free of both yakuza, slavers, and free of the opium trade. Working together we accomplish more. This fighting only turns into useless drama."
The mayor steps in. “That is a relief to hear.”
The Tax Collector looks to Mingzhu "And I am grateful, but there are still problems that need tending to. Problems these foreigners have a hand in, I'm sure." Mingzhu watches Minamoto as he looks oddly towards her then over to where T’kharr is. He makes a quiet aside to the tax collector, then walks over to where T’kharr and the others are. T’kharr see him and starts to move toward the Azure Sails ship to try to avoid the soldier.
Mingzhu turns her attention once again to the crowd. “Then let us tend to them and stop this useless fighting amongst ourselves. The truth will be revealed if we all work together for a better community.”
Fwangzhu looks over "The fuck is he up to...?" He moves after Minamoto.
The Tax Collector looks to Mingzhu, then heaves a heavy sigh. He looks over to the merchants. "Get out of my sight. Just... go..." He looks to Mingzhu "We'll talk.” She nods and looks at her comrades. Only Silgara and Zsikhou are with her still.
Khalid breathes a sigh of relief out. "I thank you for being a voice of reason, ma'am." Samael chuckles to himself.
Mingzhu looks at the mayor next. “Let the major players here come together to discuss all these problems together and see if we may work things out amongst us."
Saruma sighs "Well thank you for keeping it brief."
The Tax Collector shakes his head "no, no foreigners. We will speak. You can bring the... Kami and the Unsanctioned Witch. Much as I find her presence distasteful."
Zsikhou glares at the Tax Collector. "Remember your place, human. Also, this foreigner has done plenty to stop the breaches of the Mandate of Heaven. More than this one has seen you do."
Mingzhu says to him, “And I would like the mayor with us then.” She nods. She then turns to Zsikhou and whispers, “Calm we are trying to get these ones to work together. There is a time for intimidation and not.”
The Tax Collector goes visibly nervous hearing Zsikhou speak. Zsikhou looks up to Mingzhu "There's also a time for those to be sensible. Will follow your lead though."
She nods, “Thank you.”
The Tax Collector shakes his head "No. I cannot include the mayor in this."
“Let us go to the mayor's office so we may speak privately.” Mingzhu insists.
The mayor looks over to the Tax Collector. "Now I'm wondering what it is that /you/ have to hide."
The Tax Collector looks back to him "I am a loyal servant of the Daimyo. And I am aware you keep civility, but I know your true stance on our lord."
Frustrated, Mingzhu exclaims, “gentlemen please, let us conduct this in a more private setting.”
The Tax Collector speaks, "I agree, but I cannot include the mayor in this. I will speak with you. And the Kami. And the Foreign witch if I must, even if my duty demands I have her arrested for being an unsanctioned witch."
Silgara rolls her eyes "It never fails to surprise me how human stances and beliefs often result in self-destructive behavior. I would have hoped that my actions in aiding your people would prove I'm not working against you."
The Tax Collector sneers "That is why I am giving you some allowances, witch. Don't push it."
"Silgara has done more for these communities than most here. I have been with her for weeks now and she is a worthy person. Come then let us find someplace better than the middle of the square for our meeting." Mingzhu replies trying to cut both of them off before they start.
"Very well, I have an office. Come along." The Tax Collector sighs and moves off. His man at arms follows him.
The mayor rolls his eyes "Your secrecy on this matter is not endearing me to you being straight with us. Regardless, I'll return to my office."
Mingzhu nods, “I will speak with you later mayor at your word.”
The tax collector and his guard move off. Zsikhou and Silgara follow him. Though both look very nervous at Zsikhou’s presence. Mingzhu follows behind.
-
Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
The Tax Collector and his man at arms finally settle in at his small office. The man at arms seems very nervous, seemingly thinking Zsikhou wants snuggles is looking for any excuse to murder them.
The Tax Collector sighs "Look, I am about to reveal something that is... potentially dangerous. But you have been fighting for the Daimyo's people, so I trust that you can keep this information carefully handled." she nods while looking over at her companions.
Zsikhou looks over "Your Daimyo's response has been lacking to the blatant breaches of the Mandate of Heaven. This one hopes you have a satisfactory explanation for this lapse in maintaining their station's responsibilities."
The Tax Collector sweats some at that, then looks over to Mingzhu, a shudder, then nods "Look, Daimyo Kaluso actually did, some time ago, send a ship here, filled with Man at arms, led by a team of Samurai. The ship was intercepted by corsairs and sunk. But... that's not the end point. One of the Trading companies was involved in the incident, involved in killing the Daimyo's loyal men who were set to deal with the problems here. Directly aiding the Corsairs in such." He heaves out a heavy sigh, leaning back, he seems quite exhausted, despite his earlier, angered energy. "But I don't know which one."
Mingzhu nods and thinks then says, “What is your name sir so that I may have one to answer you bye? I am Mingzhu a Shou Lung shamaness of the Path.”
"Ah, apologies. Most go by my title. But my name is Hattori. And none of the trading companies have been cooperative with my inquiries." He shakes his head.
Zsikhou gives Hattori a hard look but keeps quiet for now.
She nods "I understand the problem however open aggression and agitation usually make a foe become more careful and work harder to hide their dealings."
He shakes his head "They've always been hiding their dealings. Being pleasant and open with the foreigners only allowed them to seep in and spread corruption. I had to adopt new tactics..." He heaves a heavy sigh, "But I don't have enough information to make an official inquiry, and with the ship gone I'm cut off and left with few resources." He leans back, then looks to Mingzhu "You've been around the villages and aiding, though. Have you seen any evidence at all regarding the trading companies being involved in our troubles? Any of them?"
She nods the evidence has been circumstantial trading company crates have been found in these hideouts of what we call the 4 horsemen. Though in the Azure winds case I believe the crates were stolen from them by a person inside their organization that is a traitor him or herself."
Silgara frowns at something, then looks away. Mingzhu continues. “I was on their ship when it was found the crates were stolen and there was a mass hunt for the person and items.”
Hattori looks unamused "And you did not alert the proper authorities of this right then and there? Why did you not?"
“We took it upon ourselves to get it back and make right by it. The leadership as far as we know are innocent, but it was a traitor within their ranks. Something I believe is true.”
He sighs "Or it could be another manipulation. Slip the goods to our enemies then claim they were stolen. Minamoto already filled me in on what happened in Golamaru. I am not pleased with hearing that not only did a foreigner's goods end up with a clearly hostile force, but that you knew and did not say anything about it."
Mingzhu calmly states, “There are other trading company crates we found in other hideouts.
Silgara who’s crates did we find in the plague witch’s hideout?”
"That would be Diamond Industries and Solutions goods there, outside Rhakku."
Hattori twitches. "You knew about this, Shamaness? Witch? How long have you known this?"
She turns to Hattori. “It seems these horsemen have infiltrated all the trade companies with their own persons of interest.”
He looks to Mingzhu "So /all/ of the Trading companies are compromised and spreading corruption? That is good to know."
Silgara shakes her head "That isn't what she said."
"This is the first time we have met Honorable Hattori. I was much more focused on defeating the horsemen than about crates at the time. If you have no people, you cannot collect any taxes."
Hattori glares at Silgara "Remember your place, witch. And I know well what she said. It is clear none of the trading companies can be trusted. All of them are a poison." Then Hattori looks to Mingzhu "It would not have taken much effort to have informed myself or one of my men of it."
“That is where you are wrong. It’s not the trading companies themselves; but individuals that are somehow coerced to work for these dead horsemen.” Mingzhu plainly states.
"I do not share your optimism, Shamaness. Regardless. I do know that it is not simply infiltrators responsible for the loss of the Daimyo's ship. At least one of the trading companies is aiding the Corsairs actively in undermining my Lord's lands. I would not be surprised if all of them were." Hattori leans forward.
“There may be also ties between the yakuza and corsairs and the Oni and the corsairs. Those may have been the communication lines between mainland and pirates, but I cannot be sure at this point.” Mingzhu adds.
Hattori sighs.... "So, a lot of vile conspiracies against the Daimyo's people, then." Hattori shakes his head "But this is enough to increase the pressure on two of the companies, at least."
“Hattori please do not be too harsh. We do not know all the information yet. Nor do the trading companies themselves. They too have been attacked by the pirates. and trade is at a standstill. They are hurting as much as your own people. Jumping to conclusions and going on information that is not solid only leads to more dissension.” Mingzhu says, as she tries to temper his emotions.
Hattori looks to Mingzhu "You should not be overly trusting. I know at least one of them is an active, hostile threat to the Daimyo's people, and I will have them excised when I find proof of such." He sighs, leaning back. "But you have a point. I would not have enough evidence to even bring them before a magistrate at this point. Unlike the foreigners, we are people of honor." Silgara can't help but roll her eyes.
“But which one. We do not know; and putting more and more pressure on them may lead to the one doing all this framing another company. think Hattori. Think and plan how to bring them out before you act.”
Hattori sighs, then leans back "I know, I know! So long and I know the corruption is there and..." He shakes his head "You are going to keep investigating, correct?"
She nods, “Let us try to find these things out. Thus far we have had varying degrees of success although two new elders need to be elected. I blame myself for those losses. I should have counseled the one in Golamaru better. The one in Suduzki I had abdicate because he was a coward and incompetent.”
Hattori nods to Mingzhu "Very well. Elder elections are... not something under my purview. Still, I know you have been combatting the threats to the Daimyo's people. I can offer you Minamoto's services to your group to aid in this. I will let him know next time I see him. He shakes his head "The elder of Golamaru held rebellious thoughts. The crime is his, not yours. And he paid for it. As for the one in Suduzki, I am not aware of the details. I would like a report on what happened there. I understand..." He gives a nervous look to Zsikhou
"The mandate of heaven was breached. This one issued punishment." Zsikhou responds.
Mingzhu nods, “Please let us do our work before attacking one trade company or another. give us time to sort these things out, Hattori. please speak nothing of this meeting so that no one knows and those that are doing these things remain ignorant of what we know.”
Hattori considers, then a sigh "As you wish, Shamaness, do your investigation, but please don't keep important information from me in the future."
She nods, “Now that we know each other perhaps we can work together for the betterment of the people of this island. I also have a request, Hattori.”
"Yes, Shamaness?" Hattori looks to her.
"Your people are disillusioned. They are fighting for their lives and livelihood and are standing on the edge of ruin with all these challenges. Be a little kinder to them. They are near the end of their tolerances as seen in Golamaru. Have some mercy and give them time. We ourselves gave up out greatest treasure we found on the Oni so that the people of Golamaru could pay their rice tax. They are weary. have some compassion."
He looks to Mingzhu "I did hear of how you negotiated with that Savage who tried to stop my man at arms' duty, you handled that commendably. Still, I do have my duty to my lord. And law and order must be maintained."
“I realize this, but you cannot extract blood from a stone. Your people’s abilities are at a low level to pay. Realize this, have some compassion. I am willing to stand before your Daimyo himself to plead their status.”
He sighs, shaking his head "I cannot abide rebellion or undermining of the Daimyo's law, Shamaness."
“Yes, I also understand but what do a people have when they have nothing. Those that have rebelled in Golamaru have been taken care of. You are left with the poor and the helpless there. If the state of affairs continues, I fear there will be no one left for the lord to tax. Your people are troubled, starving, and downtrodden. What industry can come of people like this?”
Hattori looks over to Mingzhu "They will be better off once the foreigners who are harrying them and the corruption they spread is dealt with. It was by your own admission. Once these outside malign offenders are removed, they will be well again. But in the meantime, order still must be maintained."
“Think of the big picture Hattori. After these problems are solved, you can rebuild better, the people will be industrious, and you will collect even more but something must be built first from what we have left.
Hattori considers, then shakes his head "I have my obligations to fulfill. And even if... that would not be my decision. Right now, the best way to help these people would be to find and remove the subversive elements causing their problems in the first place. It's best you and your team focus on that."
She nods, knowing she can go no further with him. Hopefully she has plead her case for the common people appropriately and it’s settled into his mind.
Mingzhu and company leave the office. Minamoto is standing watch just outside. She looks at him, “What are you doing here Minamoto? I saw you engaging with T’Kharr earlier.”
He shrugs "The Hengeyokai is set to meet me here. The Azure Winds was evasive about what business they had with her and would not let me oversee it. Unless you wish to speak of what was in that crate they had?"
Minamoto looks over to the entrance, noting T'kharr's entry, then Fwangzhu's "/You/ stay outside this building, Savage."
Fwangzhu snarls at him "Why, you gonna fucking make me? Besides, you're the one that wanted to hear shit. So, put up with it. Jackass."
Mingzhu rushes up to Fwangzhu. “Could you escort me to sell these pearls. There are many ruffians on the docks?"
Minamoto glares "No, your rebellious streak and your constant insults against my lord have forfeited your place here. Begone."
T'kharr speaks up when she sees them there "Ah, hello again. I have good news for you. The corrupt figure within the Azure Winds that was likely responsible for their involvement in the trouble, is dead, felled on the field at Golamaru. Furthermore, given his position on that field, it is likely that the traitors within at least one if not both of the other trade companies were slain in battle as well."
Fwangzhu looks toward Mingzhu, a huff "Fine, fine, let’s go." She purposely gets between Minamoto and Fwangzhu while she’s doing it Then goes with him to sell her pearls. Fwangzhu follows her.
The Tax Collector sighs "Look, I am about to reveal something that is... potentially dangerous. But you have been fighting for the Daimyo's people, so I trust that you can keep this information carefully handled." she nods while looking over at her companions.
Zsikhou looks over "Your Daimyo's response has been lacking to the blatant breaches of the Mandate of Heaven. This one hopes you have a satisfactory explanation for this lapse in maintaining their station's responsibilities."
The Tax Collector sweats some at that, then looks over to Mingzhu, a shudder, then nods "Look, Daimyo Kaluso actually did, some time ago, send a ship here, filled with Man at arms, led by a team of Samurai. The ship was intercepted by corsairs and sunk. But... that's not the end point. One of the Trading companies was involved in the incident, involved in killing the Daimyo's loyal men who were set to deal with the problems here. Directly aiding the Corsairs in such." He heaves out a heavy sigh, leaning back, he seems quite exhausted, despite his earlier, angered energy. "But I don't know which one."
Mingzhu nods and thinks then says, “What is your name sir so that I may have one to answer you bye? I am Mingzhu a Shou Lung shamaness of the Path.”
"Ah, apologies. Most go by my title. But my name is Hattori. And none of the trading companies have been cooperative with my inquiries." He shakes his head.
Zsikhou gives Hattori a hard look but keeps quiet for now.
She nods "I understand the problem however open aggression and agitation usually make a foe become more careful and work harder to hide their dealings."
He shakes his head "They've always been hiding their dealings. Being pleasant and open with the foreigners only allowed them to seep in and spread corruption. I had to adopt new tactics..." He heaves a heavy sigh, "But I don't have enough information to make an official inquiry, and with the ship gone I'm cut off and left with few resources." He leans back, then looks to Mingzhu "You've been around the villages and aiding, though. Have you seen any evidence at all regarding the trading companies being involved in our troubles? Any of them?"
She nods the evidence has been circumstantial trading company crates have been found in these hideouts of what we call the 4 horsemen. Though in the Azure winds case I believe the crates were stolen from them by a person inside their organization that is a traitor him or herself."
Silgara frowns at something, then looks away. Mingzhu continues. “I was on their ship when it was found the crates were stolen and there was a mass hunt for the person and items.”
Hattori looks unamused "And you did not alert the proper authorities of this right then and there? Why did you not?"
“We took it upon ourselves to get it back and make right by it. The leadership as far as we know are innocent, but it was a traitor within their ranks. Something I believe is true.”
He sighs "Or it could be another manipulation. Slip the goods to our enemies then claim they were stolen. Minamoto already filled me in on what happened in Golamaru. I am not pleased with hearing that not only did a foreigner's goods end up with a clearly hostile force, but that you knew and did not say anything about it."
Mingzhu calmly states, “There are other trading company crates we found in other hideouts.
Silgara who’s crates did we find in the plague witch’s hideout?”
"That would be Diamond Industries and Solutions goods there, outside Rhakku."
Hattori twitches. "You knew about this, Shamaness? Witch? How long have you known this?"
She turns to Hattori. “It seems these horsemen have infiltrated all the trade companies with their own persons of interest.”
He looks to Mingzhu "So /all/ of the Trading companies are compromised and spreading corruption? That is good to know."
Silgara shakes her head "That isn't what she said."
"This is the first time we have met Honorable Hattori. I was much more focused on defeating the horsemen than about crates at the time. If you have no people, you cannot collect any taxes."
Hattori glares at Silgara "Remember your place, witch. And I know well what she said. It is clear none of the trading companies can be trusted. All of them are a poison." Then Hattori looks to Mingzhu "It would not have taken much effort to have informed myself or one of my men of it."
“That is where you are wrong. It’s not the trading companies themselves; but individuals that are somehow coerced to work for these dead horsemen.” Mingzhu plainly states.
"I do not share your optimism, Shamaness. Regardless. I do know that it is not simply infiltrators responsible for the loss of the Daimyo's ship. At least one of the trading companies is aiding the Corsairs actively in undermining my Lord's lands. I would not be surprised if all of them were." Hattori leans forward.
“There may be also ties between the yakuza and corsairs and the Oni and the corsairs. Those may have been the communication lines between mainland and pirates, but I cannot be sure at this point.” Mingzhu adds.
Hattori sighs.... "So, a lot of vile conspiracies against the Daimyo's people, then." Hattori shakes his head "But this is enough to increase the pressure on two of the companies, at least."
“Hattori please do not be too harsh. We do not know all the information yet. Nor do the trading companies themselves. They too have been attacked by the pirates. and trade is at a standstill. They are hurting as much as your own people. Jumping to conclusions and going on information that is not solid only leads to more dissension.” Mingzhu says, as she tries to temper his emotions.
Hattori looks to Mingzhu "You should not be overly trusting. I know at least one of them is an active, hostile threat to the Daimyo's people, and I will have them excised when I find proof of such." He sighs, leaning back. "But you have a point. I would not have enough evidence to even bring them before a magistrate at this point. Unlike the foreigners, we are people of honor." Silgara can't help but roll her eyes.
“But which one. We do not know; and putting more and more pressure on them may lead to the one doing all this framing another company. think Hattori. Think and plan how to bring them out before you act.”
Hattori sighs, then leans back "I know, I know! So long and I know the corruption is there and..." He shakes his head "You are going to keep investigating, correct?"
She nods, “Let us try to find these things out. Thus far we have had varying degrees of success although two new elders need to be elected. I blame myself for those losses. I should have counseled the one in Golamaru better. The one in Suduzki I had abdicate because he was a coward and incompetent.”
Hattori nods to Mingzhu "Very well. Elder elections are... not something under my purview. Still, I know you have been combatting the threats to the Daimyo's people. I can offer you Minamoto's services to your group to aid in this. I will let him know next time I see him. He shakes his head "The elder of Golamaru held rebellious thoughts. The crime is his, not yours. And he paid for it. As for the one in Suduzki, I am not aware of the details. I would like a report on what happened there. I understand..." He gives a nervous look to Zsikhou
"The mandate of heaven was breached. This one issued punishment." Zsikhou responds.
Mingzhu nods, “Please let us do our work before attacking one trade company or another. give us time to sort these things out, Hattori. please speak nothing of this meeting so that no one knows and those that are doing these things remain ignorant of what we know.”
Hattori considers, then a sigh "As you wish, Shamaness, do your investigation, but please don't keep important information from me in the future."
She nods, “Now that we know each other perhaps we can work together for the betterment of the people of this island. I also have a request, Hattori.”
"Yes, Shamaness?" Hattori looks to her.
"Your people are disillusioned. They are fighting for their lives and livelihood and are standing on the edge of ruin with all these challenges. Be a little kinder to them. They are near the end of their tolerances as seen in Golamaru. Have some mercy and give them time. We ourselves gave up out greatest treasure we found on the Oni so that the people of Golamaru could pay their rice tax. They are weary. have some compassion."
He looks to Mingzhu "I did hear of how you negotiated with that Savage who tried to stop my man at arms' duty, you handled that commendably. Still, I do have my duty to my lord. And law and order must be maintained."
“I realize this, but you cannot extract blood from a stone. Your people’s abilities are at a low level to pay. Realize this, have some compassion. I am willing to stand before your Daimyo himself to plead their status.”
He sighs, shaking his head "I cannot abide rebellion or undermining of the Daimyo's law, Shamaness."
“Yes, I also understand but what do a people have when they have nothing. Those that have rebelled in Golamaru have been taken care of. You are left with the poor and the helpless there. If the state of affairs continues, I fear there will be no one left for the lord to tax. Your people are troubled, starving, and downtrodden. What industry can come of people like this?”
Hattori looks over to Mingzhu "They will be better off once the foreigners who are harrying them and the corruption they spread is dealt with. It was by your own admission. Once these outside malign offenders are removed, they will be well again. But in the meantime, order still must be maintained."
“Think of the big picture Hattori. After these problems are solved, you can rebuild better, the people will be industrious, and you will collect even more but something must be built first from what we have left.
Hattori considers, then shakes his head "I have my obligations to fulfill. And even if... that would not be my decision. Right now, the best way to help these people would be to find and remove the subversive elements causing their problems in the first place. It's best you and your team focus on that."
She nods, knowing she can go no further with him. Hopefully she has plead her case for the common people appropriately and it’s settled into his mind.
Mingzhu and company leave the office. Minamoto is standing watch just outside. She looks at him, “What are you doing here Minamoto? I saw you engaging with T’Kharr earlier.”
He shrugs "The Hengeyokai is set to meet me here. The Azure Winds was evasive about what business they had with her and would not let me oversee it. Unless you wish to speak of what was in that crate they had?"
Minamoto looks over to the entrance, noting T'kharr's entry, then Fwangzhu's "/You/ stay outside this building, Savage."
Fwangzhu snarls at him "Why, you gonna fucking make me? Besides, you're the one that wanted to hear shit. So, put up with it. Jackass."
Mingzhu rushes up to Fwangzhu. “Could you escort me to sell these pearls. There are many ruffians on the docks?"
Minamoto glares "No, your rebellious streak and your constant insults against my lord have forfeited your place here. Begone."
T'kharr speaks up when she sees them there "Ah, hello again. I have good news for you. The corrupt figure within the Azure Winds that was likely responsible for their involvement in the trouble, is dead, felled on the field at Golamaru. Furthermore, given his position on that field, it is likely that the traitors within at least one if not both of the other trade companies were slain in battle as well."
Fwangzhu looks toward Mingzhu, a huff "Fine, fine, let’s go." She purposely gets between Minamoto and Fwangzhu while she’s doing it Then goes with him to sell her pearls. Fwangzhu follows her.
-
Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
Mingzhu takes Fwangzhu to her favorite pearl dealer, Vrishnu, who is always happy to buy more pearls from her. She watches the badger hengeyokai to make sure he doesn’t get into any more trouble. Vrishnuis happy to see her and buy her lovely pearls. Mingzhu pulls out a large white pearl first and places it on the table. She looks at the merchant.
“Oh my! What a lovely find! I’ll give you 500 for it.” Mingzhu nodes and pulls out a small blue pearl placing it on the table. “Ooooh, this one has such a lovely hue… how about 250 for this one?” Mingzhu nods and collects the money. She then smiles and pulls out a large black pearl next. Vrishnu offers her 350 for that one. Mingzhu finally take out the large cream color pearl with perfect luminescence and places it down. The merchant’s eyes widen and she almost faints looking at it. When she calms down, she offers the pearl diver 600 gold.
“Thank you Vrishnu.” Mingzhu bows and makes her way to the inn, watching over Fwangzhu.
"Thank you, Mingzhu! Have a blessed day." The merchant smiles at her. Mingzhu waves back as she goes.
Mingzhu and Fwangzhu meet up with everyone at the Dizzy Panda. She notices Zsikhou's presence does unnerve a lot of the patrons, though, and anyone else who sees him on the way there.
Silgara rubs her face "It may be prudent to compare notes and discuss our next steps..."
Balan nods, “I would agree on this. Our next step must be planned carefully.”
"Aye, and we still have Famine on the loose for that matter." T’kharr intones.
Mingzhu looks puzzled. “Are you sure? We killed the one that had the amulet. At least I thought so.”
“Aye War Pestilence and Famine are done with.” Balan says.
Silgara notes "It was the Zakharan at Golamaru that had it. He's dead."
"Oh? I thought it was War, Pestilence, and Death that were dealt with, unless Famine was riding with War?" T’kharr looks confused.
Silgara looks over "It also assumes there's only one of each cultist. We may need to be careful about what assumptions are made here." She sighs
Mingzhu affirms, “We killed the one with the amulet that burnt the village of Tsaboru’s crops. We did not get all his henchmen.”
"Aye, we're not sure if there's more of Famine's work out there or if we managed to pick off their leader." T’kharr now remembers. Mingzhu nods to her.
Silgara considers "It may also be prudent to share how our meetings went. How did things go with the Azure Winds company? Anything of note said there?" She then looks at Mingzhu "She had a long discussion with the Tax Collector, Hattori. And there was some... new and troubling information that was shared."
The shamaness nods, “There may be infiltrators in at least two of the companies. I tried to make the tax collector Hattori by name use more restraint with both the trade companies and his own people. I hope he sees my reasoning and uses his head. There are things he mentioned about the pirates too. Things we should perhaps talk about in more private settings.”
"It's unlikely." Silgara comments. Then she looks around. "We can take this to our room, once we've made our meal and drink orders, if any of you want them."
T’kharr nods and orders a tea. “The tax collector addressed Balan and I as well, including about the pirates. And more precisely, there were likely infiltrators in at least two of the companies if not all three, but there's a good chance they're dead. We know that one of them is dead for sure."
Silgara goes to the bar and orders a water, light meal, and goes upstairs to the party's room. Zsikhou also makes an order. The bartender is visibly nervous with Zsikhou, he makes him his meal quickly and doesn't even ask for payment from him. Fwangzhu also goes to order an ale. The Bartender seems happy he's there.
Mingzhu nods. "That would be a good thing for Hattori to know so he doesn’t go off the wall and start accusing the companies themselves.”
T'kharr has some tea and stew to refresh herself. “I mentioned it to him yes.”
T'kharr finishes up her tea and stew and retires to the party's room as well. Mingzhu goes up after eating a decent meal and drinking some tea. The rest of the group moves to their inn room. It seems safe enough and private enough at least.
Fwangzhu snorts "Don't count on that jackass being anything resembling reasonable."
Silgara sighs, rubbing her face "He does have a distaste of foreigners that is quite irrational."
“Now that we are in a more private area I have a thought.” Balan starts. “We have found two crates that were more than likely stolen and one company we know had dealings with the Yakuza in this area which seems a bit odd.”
“Again, one person from one company that dealt with yakuza. That’s not enough to send the whole of the company down and accuse them.”
Zsikhou nods "The Yakuza do not oft keep written records of their dealings or trackable evidence. That private dock we found was abandoned before we got there. Pity we did not find them while they were present."
“That is a good point. Now that the pirates are cut off from communications from the land, they will have to get information back and forth in another way. It’s something we can look for. Ships crossing out into the open sea to meet with them.” Mingzhu agrees.
"Aye, that's definitely a clue we can watch for." T’kharr puts in.
Mingzhu clicks her tongue on the roof of her mouth. “If a ship goes out, I can follow them.”
Balan thinks a moment and adds, “Indeed. What is more concerning to me is with corsairs trolling these waters, they seem to have been able to continue the trade. Did we hear if they had trouble with them?”
"Who, specifically?" Silgara asks
T’kharr sighs, “I probably should have inquired about further corsair trouble but that can be a point of follow up."
"I mean more, who is continuing what trade and, who is having trouble?" Silgara looks at Balan.
“I am not sure it matters. If I were head of a trade company dealing with pirates, I would say I have had troubles with pirates just to throw authorities off the trail and if making good profit may even let them sink one of my smaller ships to show that indeed my trade company has been hurt as well.” Mingzhu surmises.
“It was more of the thought I had with when the sails were trading with the Yakuza.” Balan states.
Zsikhou nods, "And we know what the Yakuza were involved in now."
Silgara considers "It's likely that the Corsairs and Yakuza may have had some kind of business arrangement, for sure. I'm not sure where the Golden Sails could factor in in such a manner. Unfortunately, the Ninja we faced, well, she did mention internal divisions in the Yakuza, didn't she?"
“She did mention divisions.” Mingzhu nods. “I was unable to collect evidence of the Oni trading with the corsairs. but still think there was some form of communication and trade there.”
“It is something to consider in our investigation is it not?” Balan asks.
"Well, the fucker /somehow/ got his hands on the Azure Winds goods." Fwangzhu huffs
“Hattori is not without reason for his prejudice also. Trading companies bring in those that wish to take over more power for themselves over the people that they trade with. He has reason to be suspicious. But he goes way overboard in drawing conclusions without proper evidence.” Mingzhu frowns.
Fwangzhu snorts "Hattori's a fucking idiot who can have his face buried in the mud for all I care."
Silgara sighs, then looks over "Regardless of opinions, do you suspect that the information he shared with us is sound?"
T’kharr considers. “The Azure Winds goods could very well have been an inside job."
Irritated by the constant berating Mingzhu says, “Ok Fwangzhu if you were in his place what would you do? How would you handle all the responsibilities and duties you have to perform? I am asking because maybe your own point of view on how to handle the job make brin out something that could help.”
Fwangzhu snorts "I wouldn't work for a scum sucking tyrant, that's for sure. I'd tell the Daimyo to kiss my ass."
“And you might lose your own head over it if what I hear is true.” Mingzhu rests her eyes on the badger.
"I'd kick the asses of those who tried." A huff, Fwangzhu shaking his head
Silgara considers, then a sigh "The Azure Winds did ask us to keep the matter regarding the stolen goods discrete, though." She looks to Mingzhu at that
“Fwangzhu. I think you might want to broaden your horizons all this hate and anger seems to make you very narrow minded. There are duties that these people you stand against have to do. They may not even like what they are doing. but they must do it. I just wish sometimes you would think what you would do in their shoes. Perhaps you could come up with something useful to help bring betterment for the people in any insights you might come to while thinking about it. With all this anger you can’t do it. You can’t put yourself in other’s shoes and look for new inspiration. I feel saddened by this.”
Fwangzhu snorts "I really don't give a shit."
Silgara huffs "If we may get back on topic to important matters?"
“I know and that’s why you have my pity. Because you will never understand and get to a higher state of being.” Mingzhu looks at him frustrated.
Zsikhou shakes his head "Doesn't sound like we really have conclusive evidence against any of the companies though that can't be attributed to circumstance. Though betrayal seems common among human tribes." He shakes his head "Still need to find a direction, or plan."
“Yes, that we do. Wait….” The shamaness thinks a moment. “Did we hear rumors that other daimyos of other islands may be cohorts of these pirates. perhaps that is a direction we could turn but how would we do that?”
"I do recall that as well. It could very well be that the attention placed on the trading companies for supporting that raid on the Daimyo's ship is completely misaimed." T’kharr suggests.
Silgara nods "That was from Samael's account. Daimyos Zuodong and Yasima don't have trouble with the corsairs."
Zsikhou interjects "That doesn't sound like a lot to make an accusation off of, though. Not unless there's more."
“And are they not rivals of this Daimyo?” Mingzhu asks.
Silgara speaks, "According to Samael, they are."
Balan considers, “There may be reasons no one knows that they are not being attacked by the corsairs as an example paying them off with trade or something similar, no?”
Silgara considers, then nods, “Also possible.” She shakes her head. “Maybe some of the locals know more about local politics. Regardless, there's a lot of gaps in what we know about these matters. It does beg the question of what we do next."
Mingzhu nods, “So, what do you all think. What should we do or where should we go next? I could ask the monk at the shrine. He sees and councils many of the Path. Perhaps he has something useful that could help?”
Zsikhou nods aside "Have been meaning to visit him again." Silgara looks to T'kharr and Balan.
"I was thinking I could inquire with the Azure Winds about the corsairs, at least, perhaps see if we can get a lead that-a-way. We could also work Diamond Industries for that as well." T’kharr says after thinking about it a bit.
Mingzhu gets a thought. “Perhaps mentioning how Zee helped us greatly in Golamaru will help with the Diamond industries. Balan what do you think? is there anyone you know who you could go to for more information?”
“I perhaps could speak with the golden sails on this matter. They may be willing to shed some light on the situation if they see it to benefit them.” Balan concurs. Mingzhu nods to him.
T’kharr agrees, “That would be worthwhile too.”
Mingzhu meditates a moment then says, “Look for inconsistencies that can be followed up on. It may lead us to a clue as to which company is working with the pirates.”
“Aye, it may prove to have some relevance in the long term but that will need to be found first.” Balan says.
"Well, it may work to our advantage to split up and investigate for clues, then." Silgara considers
Mingzhu nods. “I think I will go rest for a bit now. I am still tired and upset about recent failures. We did our duty but not without losses which I think could have been prevented. If only I had seen the elder's thoughts or anticipated what he might do. I could have counseled him better.... maybe turned him to a different path. The other elder was hopeless from the start.”
Zsikhou nods aside "Can investigate on the morrow, then."
Silgara looks over "If... you two wish to go to the shrine then," She looks to Balan and T'kharr "If each of you are going to follow an investigation path, do you want myself or Fwangzhu to pair up with you when you do?"
“What about Minamoto?” The shamaness asks.
Fwangzhu snorts "Fuck him".
Silgara considers "I suppose he is an option if you wish him along. Mind, the trading companies know who he works for and may not be willing to speak with him. He was with Hattori in the square before he went off. Though he does have official authority which none of us have."
Zsikhou ah hems.
“I can take him with us?” Mingzhu intones.
Zsikhou shrugs "This one has no objections to him accompanying us to the shrine."
The shamaness adds, “Though we may be keeping him away from his love interest. I do feel sorry about that.”
Silgara snickers, Fwangzhu snarls.
“Oh my! What a lovely find! I’ll give you 500 for it.” Mingzhu nodes and pulls out a small blue pearl placing it on the table. “Ooooh, this one has such a lovely hue… how about 250 for this one?” Mingzhu nods and collects the money. She then smiles and pulls out a large black pearl next. Vrishnu offers her 350 for that one. Mingzhu finally take out the large cream color pearl with perfect luminescence and places it down. The merchant’s eyes widen and she almost faints looking at it. When she calms down, she offers the pearl diver 600 gold.
“Thank you Vrishnu.” Mingzhu bows and makes her way to the inn, watching over Fwangzhu.
"Thank you, Mingzhu! Have a blessed day." The merchant smiles at her. Mingzhu waves back as she goes.
Mingzhu and Fwangzhu meet up with everyone at the Dizzy Panda. She notices Zsikhou's presence does unnerve a lot of the patrons, though, and anyone else who sees him on the way there.
Silgara rubs her face "It may be prudent to compare notes and discuss our next steps..."
Balan nods, “I would agree on this. Our next step must be planned carefully.”
"Aye, and we still have Famine on the loose for that matter." T’kharr intones.
Mingzhu looks puzzled. “Are you sure? We killed the one that had the amulet. At least I thought so.”
“Aye War Pestilence and Famine are done with.” Balan says.
Silgara notes "It was the Zakharan at Golamaru that had it. He's dead."
"Oh? I thought it was War, Pestilence, and Death that were dealt with, unless Famine was riding with War?" T’kharr looks confused.
Silgara looks over "It also assumes there's only one of each cultist. We may need to be careful about what assumptions are made here." She sighs
Mingzhu affirms, “We killed the one with the amulet that burnt the village of Tsaboru’s crops. We did not get all his henchmen.”
"Aye, we're not sure if there's more of Famine's work out there or if we managed to pick off their leader." T’kharr now remembers. Mingzhu nods to her.
Silgara considers "It may also be prudent to share how our meetings went. How did things go with the Azure Winds company? Anything of note said there?" She then looks at Mingzhu "She had a long discussion with the Tax Collector, Hattori. And there was some... new and troubling information that was shared."
The shamaness nods, “There may be infiltrators in at least two of the companies. I tried to make the tax collector Hattori by name use more restraint with both the trade companies and his own people. I hope he sees my reasoning and uses his head. There are things he mentioned about the pirates too. Things we should perhaps talk about in more private settings.”
"It's unlikely." Silgara comments. Then she looks around. "We can take this to our room, once we've made our meal and drink orders, if any of you want them."
T’kharr nods and orders a tea. “The tax collector addressed Balan and I as well, including about the pirates. And more precisely, there were likely infiltrators in at least two of the companies if not all three, but there's a good chance they're dead. We know that one of them is dead for sure."
Silgara goes to the bar and orders a water, light meal, and goes upstairs to the party's room. Zsikhou also makes an order. The bartender is visibly nervous with Zsikhou, he makes him his meal quickly and doesn't even ask for payment from him. Fwangzhu also goes to order an ale. The Bartender seems happy he's there.
Mingzhu nods. "That would be a good thing for Hattori to know so he doesn’t go off the wall and start accusing the companies themselves.”
T'kharr has some tea and stew to refresh herself. “I mentioned it to him yes.”
T'kharr finishes up her tea and stew and retires to the party's room as well. Mingzhu goes up after eating a decent meal and drinking some tea. The rest of the group moves to their inn room. It seems safe enough and private enough at least.
Fwangzhu snorts "Don't count on that jackass being anything resembling reasonable."
Silgara sighs, rubbing her face "He does have a distaste of foreigners that is quite irrational."
“Now that we are in a more private area I have a thought.” Balan starts. “We have found two crates that were more than likely stolen and one company we know had dealings with the Yakuza in this area which seems a bit odd.”
“Again, one person from one company that dealt with yakuza. That’s not enough to send the whole of the company down and accuse them.”
Zsikhou nods "The Yakuza do not oft keep written records of their dealings or trackable evidence. That private dock we found was abandoned before we got there. Pity we did not find them while they were present."
“That is a good point. Now that the pirates are cut off from communications from the land, they will have to get information back and forth in another way. It’s something we can look for. Ships crossing out into the open sea to meet with them.” Mingzhu agrees.
"Aye, that's definitely a clue we can watch for." T’kharr puts in.
Mingzhu clicks her tongue on the roof of her mouth. “If a ship goes out, I can follow them.”
Balan thinks a moment and adds, “Indeed. What is more concerning to me is with corsairs trolling these waters, they seem to have been able to continue the trade. Did we hear if they had trouble with them?”
"Who, specifically?" Silgara asks
T’kharr sighs, “I probably should have inquired about further corsair trouble but that can be a point of follow up."
"I mean more, who is continuing what trade and, who is having trouble?" Silgara looks at Balan.
“I am not sure it matters. If I were head of a trade company dealing with pirates, I would say I have had troubles with pirates just to throw authorities off the trail and if making good profit may even let them sink one of my smaller ships to show that indeed my trade company has been hurt as well.” Mingzhu surmises.
“It was more of the thought I had with when the sails were trading with the Yakuza.” Balan states.
Zsikhou nods, "And we know what the Yakuza were involved in now."
Silgara considers "It's likely that the Corsairs and Yakuza may have had some kind of business arrangement, for sure. I'm not sure where the Golden Sails could factor in in such a manner. Unfortunately, the Ninja we faced, well, she did mention internal divisions in the Yakuza, didn't she?"
“She did mention divisions.” Mingzhu nods. “I was unable to collect evidence of the Oni trading with the corsairs. but still think there was some form of communication and trade there.”
“It is something to consider in our investigation is it not?” Balan asks.
"Well, the fucker /somehow/ got his hands on the Azure Winds goods." Fwangzhu huffs
“Hattori is not without reason for his prejudice also. Trading companies bring in those that wish to take over more power for themselves over the people that they trade with. He has reason to be suspicious. But he goes way overboard in drawing conclusions without proper evidence.” Mingzhu frowns.
Fwangzhu snorts "Hattori's a fucking idiot who can have his face buried in the mud for all I care."
Silgara sighs, then looks over "Regardless of opinions, do you suspect that the information he shared with us is sound?"
T’kharr considers. “The Azure Winds goods could very well have been an inside job."
Irritated by the constant berating Mingzhu says, “Ok Fwangzhu if you were in his place what would you do? How would you handle all the responsibilities and duties you have to perform? I am asking because maybe your own point of view on how to handle the job make brin out something that could help.”
Fwangzhu snorts "I wouldn't work for a scum sucking tyrant, that's for sure. I'd tell the Daimyo to kiss my ass."
“And you might lose your own head over it if what I hear is true.” Mingzhu rests her eyes on the badger.
"I'd kick the asses of those who tried." A huff, Fwangzhu shaking his head
Silgara considers, then a sigh "The Azure Winds did ask us to keep the matter regarding the stolen goods discrete, though." She looks to Mingzhu at that
“Fwangzhu. I think you might want to broaden your horizons all this hate and anger seems to make you very narrow minded. There are duties that these people you stand against have to do. They may not even like what they are doing. but they must do it. I just wish sometimes you would think what you would do in their shoes. Perhaps you could come up with something useful to help bring betterment for the people in any insights you might come to while thinking about it. With all this anger you can’t do it. You can’t put yourself in other’s shoes and look for new inspiration. I feel saddened by this.”
Fwangzhu snorts "I really don't give a shit."
Silgara huffs "If we may get back on topic to important matters?"
“I know and that’s why you have my pity. Because you will never understand and get to a higher state of being.” Mingzhu looks at him frustrated.
Zsikhou shakes his head "Doesn't sound like we really have conclusive evidence against any of the companies though that can't be attributed to circumstance. Though betrayal seems common among human tribes." He shakes his head "Still need to find a direction, or plan."
“Yes, that we do. Wait….” The shamaness thinks a moment. “Did we hear rumors that other daimyos of other islands may be cohorts of these pirates. perhaps that is a direction we could turn but how would we do that?”
"I do recall that as well. It could very well be that the attention placed on the trading companies for supporting that raid on the Daimyo's ship is completely misaimed." T’kharr suggests.
Silgara nods "That was from Samael's account. Daimyos Zuodong and Yasima don't have trouble with the corsairs."
Zsikhou interjects "That doesn't sound like a lot to make an accusation off of, though. Not unless there's more."
“And are they not rivals of this Daimyo?” Mingzhu asks.
Silgara speaks, "According to Samael, they are."
Balan considers, “There may be reasons no one knows that they are not being attacked by the corsairs as an example paying them off with trade or something similar, no?”
Silgara considers, then nods, “Also possible.” She shakes her head. “Maybe some of the locals know more about local politics. Regardless, there's a lot of gaps in what we know about these matters. It does beg the question of what we do next."
Mingzhu nods, “So, what do you all think. What should we do or where should we go next? I could ask the monk at the shrine. He sees and councils many of the Path. Perhaps he has something useful that could help?”
Zsikhou nods aside "Have been meaning to visit him again." Silgara looks to T'kharr and Balan.
"I was thinking I could inquire with the Azure Winds about the corsairs, at least, perhaps see if we can get a lead that-a-way. We could also work Diamond Industries for that as well." T’kharr says after thinking about it a bit.
Mingzhu gets a thought. “Perhaps mentioning how Zee helped us greatly in Golamaru will help with the Diamond industries. Balan what do you think? is there anyone you know who you could go to for more information?”
“I perhaps could speak with the golden sails on this matter. They may be willing to shed some light on the situation if they see it to benefit them.” Balan concurs. Mingzhu nods to him.
T’kharr agrees, “That would be worthwhile too.”
Mingzhu meditates a moment then says, “Look for inconsistencies that can be followed up on. It may lead us to a clue as to which company is working with the pirates.”
“Aye, it may prove to have some relevance in the long term but that will need to be found first.” Balan says.
"Well, it may work to our advantage to split up and investigate for clues, then." Silgara considers
Mingzhu nods. “I think I will go rest for a bit now. I am still tired and upset about recent failures. We did our duty but not without losses which I think could have been prevented. If only I had seen the elder's thoughts or anticipated what he might do. I could have counseled him better.... maybe turned him to a different path. The other elder was hopeless from the start.”
Zsikhou nods aside "Can investigate on the morrow, then."
Silgara looks over "If... you two wish to go to the shrine then," She looks to Balan and T'kharr "If each of you are going to follow an investigation path, do you want myself or Fwangzhu to pair up with you when you do?"
“What about Minamoto?” The shamaness asks.
Fwangzhu snorts "Fuck him".
Silgara considers "I suppose he is an option if you wish him along. Mind, the trading companies know who he works for and may not be willing to speak with him. He was with Hattori in the square before he went off. Though he does have official authority which none of us have."
Zsikhou ah hems.
“I can take him with us?” Mingzhu intones.
Zsikhou shrugs "This one has no objections to him accompanying us to the shrine."
The shamaness adds, “Though we may be keeping him away from his love interest. I do feel sorry about that.”
Silgara snickers, Fwangzhu snarls.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
The next morning Mingzhu collects up Zsikhou and they get to work. The first thing they do is go to the Tax collector’s office. Minamoto is there, standing guard. He looks over to Mingzhu and shudders some when he sees Zsikhou but goes to stand straight. “Greetings shamaness. Can I assist you?” He says.
She nods, “We wish you to come with us, Minamoto.”
He dips his head "Very well, I shall accompany you." He steps in line. “Where too then?”
“We are going to the shrine of the Path. Be respectful. You may worship the 8 million, but this is still a holy place.” Mingzhu states.
“Of course, Shamaness.” He nods.
Zsikhou looks to him with a glare of 'you better'. He seems to get the idea.
The three of them then head out and eventually arrive at the shrine. While they talk, the locals seem to avoid Zsikhou. However, when they get there. Qualai Minh is tending the shrine. It seems like the same humble place as it was last time.
Zsikhou approaches, giving a respectful bow "Sensei Minh, greetings."
Qualai looks over, gives a bow in turn. It seems like Qualai Minh, unlike the others, doesn't seem to fear Zsikhou. And Zsikhou's demeanor seems to treat him with respect, more than he seems to show most others. "Greetings, Zsikhou."
Mingzhu bows, "Greetings Master Minh. We seek council with you in private."
"Your intuition was truer than you knew." Zsikhou comments.
The Sensei gives a solemn nod. "I see, I am not surprised." He looks over at Mingzhu, dipping his head "Ah, greetings, and of course. We do have a smaller room for such. This way, please." She follows. It's a small room. Qualai Minh arranges some sitting mats for everyone. He goes to sit cross-legged at one, Zsikhou and Minamoto soon follow suit. She takes off her shoes, makes a small prayer and sits in her place in full lotus.
The Sensei sits in a similar manner. "So, what may I help you with then?"
She starts. “The four horsemen are dead now. Yet the island is still troubled. One elder has been forced to abdicate by myself, and another is dead justice for turning against his own people. though I fear it is partially my fault. I did not foresee such and had a chance to council him. I could have turned affairs around.” He listens, not offering judgement, simply listening, letting Mingzhu speak for now. “The islands are still plagued by these pirates and their corsairs. We have come here humbly asking for wisdom about these buccaneers. You see many people that follow the Path even perhaps some that follow the 8 million. Have you any information that may be helpful to us?”
"Two separate matters weigh on you. Matters within and matters without. Which weighs on you more?" Qualai replies, his tone even and gentle.
“Matters within trouble me more. Guilt is a vial thing that is not easily shaken. I got caught up in other troubles not perceiving the elder’s stances until too late. When he went missing, I knew in my heart what happened. and when I spoke to the spirits of the Golamaru elders. They confirmed what was in my heart. That I had failed him.” Mingzhu says sorrowfully.
He nods, listening "Perhaps it might be best to start from the beginning then. When one examines one's place on the path, it is important to see where one started, where they could have stepped differently to have guided the path."
“We went to Golamaru and found a picket line of irregulars along with one of the servants of the tax collector a badger hengeyokai and the elder defending the town.” Minamoto looks over, wondering what Mingzhu is going for here, but he respectfully remains quiet while here. “The Badger hengeyokai and tax collector's man were fighting nearly bringing out their weapons against each other. I invested all my time and lessons in the two of them to get them to work together and failed. Meanwhile the Elder was showing signs that his temper was at an end. signs that I did not perceive until we were asked to leave town. because of myself.
In a desperate move I went to the cemetery and called out to the spirits. I found out what each of the adversaries were most embarrassed about and tried to use the information to get them in line. It was my last desperate attempt to find peace between the two defendants. for I knew if they could not work together, we would lose this battle. Afterward the Elder asked us to leave. and with good reason.”
Minamoto's brows furrow, as if it clicks as that is how she came to know that about him... Qualai simply continues listening. She continues, “We went to Suduzki, and it was there that i realized the Elder was faltering and I had not paid attention and should have put my efforts into helping the Elder so that he would stay with his people that he fought already so hard to defend. So, my own unmind fullness led to the elder betraying everything he fought so hard to protect.”
Sensei Minh nods "Knowing the path that you have walked, would you have done anything different now?"
She nods. “I would have kept myself beside the elder and counseled him and picking up on the signs. I would have done my best to turn him from the path he took.”
Qualai Minh listens carefully, considering, then a nod "I see. Reflecting upon such is an important part of staying true to the Path." He considers "And yet even then, we don't truly know what would be better unless we have walked that path. Perhaps going to Suduzki later would have led to things being worse there, for instance. Perhaps asking for the spirits aid in such a manner was not the wisest way they could have aided." She nods still listening. "After all, when soldiers, or even villagers are at war, their thoughts are on surviving their next battle or seeing them and their fellows through the struggle."
She nods, “I should not have gotten caught up in the petty bickering.”
"What would you have done then, to have tried to aid them, knowing what you do now?" The Sensei asks
“Other than council the elder to stay firm..........I do not know Master. The answer has eluded me. I feel so many have died because I myself became so embroiled in bringing peace to two souls that I missed what was important. It weighs heavily upon me.” She thinks deeply. “Perhaps I could somehow call upon the sea spirits the other spirits I talk too or speak with the animals to help defend the people. I am unsure.”
He shakes his head "The spirits can help provide guidance, but often being a community guide will rely on your own wisdom and insight. And sometimes then, it isn't always enough. There will always be those who will not sway from a bad path even with wise counsel. Our role as guides is to help as many as we can, even those who may not listen."
She nods, “I will meditate on those words.”
"Perhaps the elder could have been saved from his path of self-destruction and despair. But we cannot change the past. But we must keep walking the path and learn from those steps we have erred upon." the Sensei says. She nods and listens. "Something to reflect upon, at least." A nod ... "Did you have anything else you wished to say or ask on that matter?"
She nods. “You council many of the villagers. We are looking for clues about these pirates and their corsairs. Perhaps where the ships may be docking or anything they may have heard of where they buy and sell? Possibly of any associates on the island that help these scourges.” Minamoto looks like he'd have wanted to comment before, but he keeps respectfully quiet.
Sensei Minh looks over "Ah... I take it, you mean on other islands, then? I am afraid that pirates don't come to seek my counsel, and as for where they might be, none of the villages would welcome them. I couldn't say where upon other islands they might be. For this isle, I know the northern sections are not well tamed or watched. Such areas may have hiding places, but they could just as easily be elsewhere." He shakes his head, considering. He looks over at Zsikhou. "Perhaps those of the underworld might also know. Did you find any clues among the Yakuza?"
Zsikhou shakes his head. "They had a hidden dock on an outlying island. The Corsairs probably did trade there. But it was abandoned by the time we got there."
Qualai Minh nods, considering "I see, unfortunate. It would at least suggest they might have clandestine bases around the isles."
Mingzhu asks, “Do you know anything about the Daimyo's rivals? And what hand they might play in the corsairs or other woes of the island?”
"Ah... politics." He nods, he looks at Minamoto, then back to Mingzhu "As for Daimyo Kaluso's rivals, I do know of them. There are two other Daimyos, Zuodong and Yasima. What I can say of the Daimyos..." Qualai Minh continues "Kaluso is a staunch traditionalist, while Zuodong is very much not. It does admittedly have some of the other Sensei who live within Zuodong's islands quite worried." He shakes his head "Still, all of them would have a duty to root out those such as the corsairs and protect their people from it. Still, some of them take their charges all too literally and protect only those under their lands, rather than their neighbors."
She thinks a moment then asks, “What of Yasima? What is this Daimyo like?”
"Of what I have heard of Daimyo Yasima, he is a grand strategist. He attained his position through cunning and strategy, outplaying opposition with gambits and clever tactics. Some say he is a schemer, outwitting everyone to his own ends." He considers speaking. "I'm not sure if his and Daimyo Kaluso's animosity is ideological or personal, though." Minamoto shuffles, like there's something he wants to say, but refrains
“Would it be beyond the realm of reason of either Yasima or Zuodong helping these pirates, if not would they simply close their eyes while the pirates did their business in their lands so long as they themselves are not attack?” Mingzhu asks, theorizing.
The Sensei considers "Were either of them to be found actively aiding the pirates and proof were made known? I expect such would be brought to the emperor, who would then order the offending Daimyo executed and replaced." Minamoto nods to that
“And no leader in the history of Wa ever took such a gamble to acquire more land?” Mingzhu states more than she asks.
"Oh, there is precedent for it. The offenders were indeed executed for their crimes. Either that, or it was never proven, and they got away with it, while they denied it. The truth was never known." The Sensei nods.
She nods satisfied with the answer and reflects on it. Qualai continues, “As for... turning a blind eye to them, that's more complicated. I expect that wouldn't be sufficient for getting a Daimyo in trouble with the emperor, even if they are supposed to be rooting such things out. It ultimately depends on how much can be proven about their involvement in such, or willing blindness as it were. The politics get tricky, alas." He shakes his head.
After her reflections she asks, “Based on what I have I cannot personally think of anything else that I can say.............except one. Are there any other troubles on the island that you wish us to know about so that we may try to eliminate it?”
"Technically, their mandate is to keep their own people protected. If they stand to risk their own people by provoking them, then simply observing may be the wiser option, or so they would say."
The Sensei considers "I expect there are still monsters and problems on the Northern side of the isle, but usually they stay there. I had heard of the Oni Warlord's demise."
She nods, “It was a costly battle.”
Zsikhou, having kept silent, speaks up "If they simply keep to themselves, it's not a great concern, at least."
The Sensei nods in turn "I heard... I expect the path for Golamaru will be a hard one. And Suduzki will need time to recover. Those ones have become used to the opulence that had not been earned by them, they will need time to adjust."
“Two elders need to be elected. Competent ones.” Mingzhu states. She then turns to her companions. “Zsikhou, Minamoto would you seek council with the master?”
Zsikhou looks to Minamoto, like he can tell something feels off about him. "Could tell you had more to say about the Daimyos, but you refrained."
Minamoto shakes his head "I am a man-at-arms. It would be improper to question the actions of my or another Daimyo."
“If you have sound reasoning, please speak. This is for all of your people, Minamoto.” The shamaness says.
Minamoto shakes his head "As I said, it would be improper for me to question those far above my station. I'd rather not cause damage with rumor that may well be unfounded."
She looks at Zsikhou. “Anything you wish to speak of Zsikhou?”
He looks over to Qualai Minh "Sensei, we've made many strikes against a dark 'Horseman Cult', who have been responsible for many breaches against the Mandate of Heaven. Been meaning to ask though, what's your take on the trading companies?"
Minamoto looks to Zsikhou, noting the careful phrasing, then looks back to Qualai Minh. The monk almost smiles, "Ah..." He nods "I actually have received several guests from them who were curious about our ways. They sought learning and enlightenment, same as many others who come here."
Mingzhu listens closely to the answer.
"I also paid attention to their own ways as well. The trading companies are, of course, out for material accumulation. Some are honorable, others are less so. I expect that many of them, even if they do not walk the Path of Enlightenment, will host their own challenges." Minh states.
Zsikhou nods "Was... hoping for more on each, if you knew more."
Qualai Minh nods, in reply "Of course. I suppose I could start with those of the Golden Sails, as you know them. From what I have seen of them, they chafe at the more structured codes that we follow, instead preferring to act on intuition and guidelines, rather than strict laws and paths. It is a clash in view, I'll admit. They see a lack of freedom where we see structure and pillars to stand upon. I suspect that they might play loose with laws, but they do have their own guidelines of honorable conduct, even if they are less strict than ours."
Mingzhu nods as he continues, “As for the Azure winds, I did get those who came here seeking to learn more about our ways. I have found in many ways, they do have mirrors to our own culture, even if there are many differences in the specifics. Though more open to foreign ideas than many in Wa are. Honorable in their own ways. I know some hold the view that outsiders are backwards, but they have been so far, courteous and kept such opinions to themselves for the most part. I have seen the attitude simmer during arguments with the Tax Collector."
The Sensei continues, considering "For Diamond Industries and Solutions, I must admit, while I have seen some come here for enlightenment, it's to less of a degree than the other companies. They seem more direct, but fond of theater, art, and consider themselves cultured. That said, I have seen the underlying greed that motivates them. They seem… a harsher people. And selfish ones."
Mingzhu watches while he continues. "I hope this helps." He looks over, like he can read more of Zsikhou and Minamoto's expressions than they let on. Was there else I ought to help you with?" Qualai Minh looks over to the group
Minamoto looks to Mingzhu "Just... one thing, Shamaness?"
“Yes Minamoto?”
"I know you were troubled by the Elder's betrayal. Advice may have swayed him, but his sins and crimes were ultimately his own to make. I don't think you need to feel responsible for his choices. He was ultimately the one who made them." Minamoto nods to Mingzhu.
She nods. “I have one more thing before we move on to our next destination.” They all look at Mingzhu. “I was sorely wounded in the battle with the Oni master. Could I possibly buy new robes or wraps for the trying times ahead?”
The sensei frowns, shaking their head "My apologies, that was the best I had. If I find better, I'll let you know, though."
She bobs her head, “Thank you master. Gentlemen we have one more place to go.”
The Sensei bows his head, they depart. Mingzhu collects her shoes, putting them back on and heads to the beach. After they leave the shrine though, Zsikhou looks to Minamoto "Speaking of which, your thoughts on the Daimyos..."
Minamoto looks to Zsikhou "Apologies honored Kami, as I said, it wouldn't do well for me to speak of matters above my station."
Zsikhou looks to Minamoto "This one has a god's authority. Can order you to speak on it."
As they walk, she tells the two of them. "Spirits are often invisible but sometimes they manifest. You may see a wave that does not move, or a sea creature come near the shore a mist that surrounds us. Stay calm and be at peace do not disturb the work I am doing."
They look to her, then Zsikhou looks to Minamoto "Will discuss this later." Minamoto gulps.
She goes to the beach, Zsikhou and Minamoto follow. She follows along, walking in the sand until she can sense the sea spirits lingering. Eventually she finds some. When she does, she goes into lotus position and casts two spells. The first is Trance to get the spirits’ attention. Then she casts commune with spirits.
As they gather round her she asks, “Spirits of the sea. Whas a foreign trade company on this island involved with the sinking of Daimyo Kaluso’s ship?”
They answer, “Yes.” Minamoto shuffles, narrowing his eyes, then nods.
She asks her second, and final question. “Is there evidence at the wreckage of the ship of which company was involved?”
The spirits answer, “Maybe.”
She nods, “Thank you spirits. You have my gratitude." She stands and turns to them. “I need an exact position of where this ship was sunk. can you get me that information?”
He nods "I don't know it myself, but I will ask Hattori."
She nods, “It looks like I will be going pearl diving soon.” She then looks at Zsikhou. “San you breath underwater?”
Zsikhou looks to Minamoto, then looks to Mingzhu "This one can, yes. His blessing allows that."
“Two are better than one. Let’s go back to the Dizzy Panda gentlemen to compare notes with the others.” Mingzhu says.
"Before that..." Zsikhou looks to Minamoto "Think it's important you share what you know of the Daimyos." Minamoto looks to Zsikhou nervously, then to Mingzhu.
She shrugs. "I tried diplomacy."
Zsikhou nods, then glares at Minamoto "Minamoto, this one orders you to speak about what you know of Daimyos Zuodong and Yasima."
Minamoto looks rather uncertain, a heavy sigh, looking around, then relents. "Fine, I'll tell you what you want to know."
Mingzhu cuts in, “Hold on.” Zsikhou looks at Mingzhu as she says, “Minamoto we all want what is best for your people. Holding back information from us who are truly trying to help has no advantage. If it is rumor, let us decide how sound it is. I do not wish to command you. I hope you to become a working part of this group we have become, and honesty is important to all of us. I hope it would be for you too. If you know something even rumor, please speak. and tell us that it is rumor if that is so. It’s important. How many could die without us knowing this information?”
Zsikhou shrugs "Probably better if this one orders it then. That way you are following orders of one with divine authority, rather than acting on your own and potentially being out of line."
Minamoto looks to Mingzhu, then to Zsikhou, somehow, he seems to find following orders comforting somehow. "Right... I'll say this of Daimyo Yasima. My lord never trusted him. Yasima is a ruthless schemer and is about as trustworthy as a slippery, venomous snake, and acts like it too. I expect that he's got some scheme to come out ahead. He's been eyeing my lord's dominion for a while now. If mine looks incompetent and can't stop these problems? He stands to usurp them. So does Daimyo Zuodong, if he angles it right."
Minamoto continues. "As for Daimyo Zuodong, he is a brute and would toss all of our most important traditions into a fire if it would get him an advantage. He is much more open about allowing foreign trade, which has allowed him to get fat on their coin. He can scheme as well but is far more direct in his approach. He also covets Daimyo Kaluso's dominion." He shakes his head "I could see either of them having a secret arrangement with the Corsairs. If my liege fails to keep his people safe from them, the emperor would question his competence, and have his lands placed in another's hands."
Minamoto lets out a breath "Of course, a soldier like myself shouldn't make such accusations without proof."
Zsikhou looks up to him and nods, then looks to Mingzhu. She nods, “Thus my own question to the master has been answered. It gives us something. Let us go back to the Dizzy Panda and compare notes.”
Minamoto nods "Of course."
Zsikhou goes to head back to the Dizzy Panda and receive snuggles and give hugs.
She nods, “We wish you to come with us, Minamoto.”
He dips his head "Very well, I shall accompany you." He steps in line. “Where too then?”
“We are going to the shrine of the Path. Be respectful. You may worship the 8 million, but this is still a holy place.” Mingzhu states.
“Of course, Shamaness.” He nods.
Zsikhou looks to him with a glare of 'you better'. He seems to get the idea.
The three of them then head out and eventually arrive at the shrine. While they talk, the locals seem to avoid Zsikhou. However, when they get there. Qualai Minh is tending the shrine. It seems like the same humble place as it was last time.
Zsikhou approaches, giving a respectful bow "Sensei Minh, greetings."
Qualai looks over, gives a bow in turn. It seems like Qualai Minh, unlike the others, doesn't seem to fear Zsikhou. And Zsikhou's demeanor seems to treat him with respect, more than he seems to show most others. "Greetings, Zsikhou."
Mingzhu bows, "Greetings Master Minh. We seek council with you in private."
"Your intuition was truer than you knew." Zsikhou comments.
The Sensei gives a solemn nod. "I see, I am not surprised." He looks over at Mingzhu, dipping his head "Ah, greetings, and of course. We do have a smaller room for such. This way, please." She follows. It's a small room. Qualai Minh arranges some sitting mats for everyone. He goes to sit cross-legged at one, Zsikhou and Minamoto soon follow suit. She takes off her shoes, makes a small prayer and sits in her place in full lotus.
The Sensei sits in a similar manner. "So, what may I help you with then?"
She starts. “The four horsemen are dead now. Yet the island is still troubled. One elder has been forced to abdicate by myself, and another is dead justice for turning against his own people. though I fear it is partially my fault. I did not foresee such and had a chance to council him. I could have turned affairs around.” He listens, not offering judgement, simply listening, letting Mingzhu speak for now. “The islands are still plagued by these pirates and their corsairs. We have come here humbly asking for wisdom about these buccaneers. You see many people that follow the Path even perhaps some that follow the 8 million. Have you any information that may be helpful to us?”
"Two separate matters weigh on you. Matters within and matters without. Which weighs on you more?" Qualai replies, his tone even and gentle.
“Matters within trouble me more. Guilt is a vial thing that is not easily shaken. I got caught up in other troubles not perceiving the elder’s stances until too late. When he went missing, I knew in my heart what happened. and when I spoke to the spirits of the Golamaru elders. They confirmed what was in my heart. That I had failed him.” Mingzhu says sorrowfully.
He nods, listening "Perhaps it might be best to start from the beginning then. When one examines one's place on the path, it is important to see where one started, where they could have stepped differently to have guided the path."
“We went to Golamaru and found a picket line of irregulars along with one of the servants of the tax collector a badger hengeyokai and the elder defending the town.” Minamoto looks over, wondering what Mingzhu is going for here, but he respectfully remains quiet while here. “The Badger hengeyokai and tax collector's man were fighting nearly bringing out their weapons against each other. I invested all my time and lessons in the two of them to get them to work together and failed. Meanwhile the Elder was showing signs that his temper was at an end. signs that I did not perceive until we were asked to leave town. because of myself.
In a desperate move I went to the cemetery and called out to the spirits. I found out what each of the adversaries were most embarrassed about and tried to use the information to get them in line. It was my last desperate attempt to find peace between the two defendants. for I knew if they could not work together, we would lose this battle. Afterward the Elder asked us to leave. and with good reason.”
Minamoto's brows furrow, as if it clicks as that is how she came to know that about him... Qualai simply continues listening. She continues, “We went to Suduzki, and it was there that i realized the Elder was faltering and I had not paid attention and should have put my efforts into helping the Elder so that he would stay with his people that he fought already so hard to defend. So, my own unmind fullness led to the elder betraying everything he fought so hard to protect.”
Sensei Minh nods "Knowing the path that you have walked, would you have done anything different now?"
She nods. “I would have kept myself beside the elder and counseled him and picking up on the signs. I would have done my best to turn him from the path he took.”
Qualai Minh listens carefully, considering, then a nod "I see. Reflecting upon such is an important part of staying true to the Path." He considers "And yet even then, we don't truly know what would be better unless we have walked that path. Perhaps going to Suduzki later would have led to things being worse there, for instance. Perhaps asking for the spirits aid in such a manner was not the wisest way they could have aided." She nods still listening. "After all, when soldiers, or even villagers are at war, their thoughts are on surviving their next battle or seeing them and their fellows through the struggle."
She nods, “I should not have gotten caught up in the petty bickering.”
"What would you have done then, to have tried to aid them, knowing what you do now?" The Sensei asks
“Other than council the elder to stay firm..........I do not know Master. The answer has eluded me. I feel so many have died because I myself became so embroiled in bringing peace to two souls that I missed what was important. It weighs heavily upon me.” She thinks deeply. “Perhaps I could somehow call upon the sea spirits the other spirits I talk too or speak with the animals to help defend the people. I am unsure.”
He shakes his head "The spirits can help provide guidance, but often being a community guide will rely on your own wisdom and insight. And sometimes then, it isn't always enough. There will always be those who will not sway from a bad path even with wise counsel. Our role as guides is to help as many as we can, even those who may not listen."
She nods, “I will meditate on those words.”
"Perhaps the elder could have been saved from his path of self-destruction and despair. But we cannot change the past. But we must keep walking the path and learn from those steps we have erred upon." the Sensei says. She nods and listens. "Something to reflect upon, at least." A nod ... "Did you have anything else you wished to say or ask on that matter?"
She nods. “You council many of the villagers. We are looking for clues about these pirates and their corsairs. Perhaps where the ships may be docking or anything they may have heard of where they buy and sell? Possibly of any associates on the island that help these scourges.” Minamoto looks like he'd have wanted to comment before, but he keeps respectfully quiet.
Sensei Minh looks over "Ah... I take it, you mean on other islands, then? I am afraid that pirates don't come to seek my counsel, and as for where they might be, none of the villages would welcome them. I couldn't say where upon other islands they might be. For this isle, I know the northern sections are not well tamed or watched. Such areas may have hiding places, but they could just as easily be elsewhere." He shakes his head, considering. He looks over at Zsikhou. "Perhaps those of the underworld might also know. Did you find any clues among the Yakuza?"
Zsikhou shakes his head. "They had a hidden dock on an outlying island. The Corsairs probably did trade there. But it was abandoned by the time we got there."
Qualai Minh nods, considering "I see, unfortunate. It would at least suggest they might have clandestine bases around the isles."
Mingzhu asks, “Do you know anything about the Daimyo's rivals? And what hand they might play in the corsairs or other woes of the island?”
"Ah... politics." He nods, he looks at Minamoto, then back to Mingzhu "As for Daimyo Kaluso's rivals, I do know of them. There are two other Daimyos, Zuodong and Yasima. What I can say of the Daimyos..." Qualai Minh continues "Kaluso is a staunch traditionalist, while Zuodong is very much not. It does admittedly have some of the other Sensei who live within Zuodong's islands quite worried." He shakes his head "Still, all of them would have a duty to root out those such as the corsairs and protect their people from it. Still, some of them take their charges all too literally and protect only those under their lands, rather than their neighbors."
She thinks a moment then asks, “What of Yasima? What is this Daimyo like?”
"Of what I have heard of Daimyo Yasima, he is a grand strategist. He attained his position through cunning and strategy, outplaying opposition with gambits and clever tactics. Some say he is a schemer, outwitting everyone to his own ends." He considers speaking. "I'm not sure if his and Daimyo Kaluso's animosity is ideological or personal, though." Minamoto shuffles, like there's something he wants to say, but refrains
“Would it be beyond the realm of reason of either Yasima or Zuodong helping these pirates, if not would they simply close their eyes while the pirates did their business in their lands so long as they themselves are not attack?” Mingzhu asks, theorizing.
The Sensei considers "Were either of them to be found actively aiding the pirates and proof were made known? I expect such would be brought to the emperor, who would then order the offending Daimyo executed and replaced." Minamoto nods to that
“And no leader in the history of Wa ever took such a gamble to acquire more land?” Mingzhu states more than she asks.
"Oh, there is precedent for it. The offenders were indeed executed for their crimes. Either that, or it was never proven, and they got away with it, while they denied it. The truth was never known." The Sensei nods.
She nods satisfied with the answer and reflects on it. Qualai continues, “As for... turning a blind eye to them, that's more complicated. I expect that wouldn't be sufficient for getting a Daimyo in trouble with the emperor, even if they are supposed to be rooting such things out. It ultimately depends on how much can be proven about their involvement in such, or willing blindness as it were. The politics get tricky, alas." He shakes his head.
After her reflections she asks, “Based on what I have I cannot personally think of anything else that I can say.............except one. Are there any other troubles on the island that you wish us to know about so that we may try to eliminate it?”
"Technically, their mandate is to keep their own people protected. If they stand to risk their own people by provoking them, then simply observing may be the wiser option, or so they would say."
The Sensei considers "I expect there are still monsters and problems on the Northern side of the isle, but usually they stay there. I had heard of the Oni Warlord's demise."
She nods, “It was a costly battle.”
Zsikhou, having kept silent, speaks up "If they simply keep to themselves, it's not a great concern, at least."
The Sensei nods in turn "I heard... I expect the path for Golamaru will be a hard one. And Suduzki will need time to recover. Those ones have become used to the opulence that had not been earned by them, they will need time to adjust."
“Two elders need to be elected. Competent ones.” Mingzhu states. She then turns to her companions. “Zsikhou, Minamoto would you seek council with the master?”
Zsikhou looks to Minamoto, like he can tell something feels off about him. "Could tell you had more to say about the Daimyos, but you refrained."
Minamoto shakes his head "I am a man-at-arms. It would be improper to question the actions of my or another Daimyo."
“If you have sound reasoning, please speak. This is for all of your people, Minamoto.” The shamaness says.
Minamoto shakes his head "As I said, it would be improper for me to question those far above my station. I'd rather not cause damage with rumor that may well be unfounded."
She looks at Zsikhou. “Anything you wish to speak of Zsikhou?”
He looks over to Qualai Minh "Sensei, we've made many strikes against a dark 'Horseman Cult', who have been responsible for many breaches against the Mandate of Heaven. Been meaning to ask though, what's your take on the trading companies?"
Minamoto looks to Zsikhou, noting the careful phrasing, then looks back to Qualai Minh. The monk almost smiles, "Ah..." He nods "I actually have received several guests from them who were curious about our ways. They sought learning and enlightenment, same as many others who come here."
Mingzhu listens closely to the answer.
"I also paid attention to their own ways as well. The trading companies are, of course, out for material accumulation. Some are honorable, others are less so. I expect that many of them, even if they do not walk the Path of Enlightenment, will host their own challenges." Minh states.
Zsikhou nods "Was... hoping for more on each, if you knew more."
Qualai Minh nods, in reply "Of course. I suppose I could start with those of the Golden Sails, as you know them. From what I have seen of them, they chafe at the more structured codes that we follow, instead preferring to act on intuition and guidelines, rather than strict laws and paths. It is a clash in view, I'll admit. They see a lack of freedom where we see structure and pillars to stand upon. I suspect that they might play loose with laws, but they do have their own guidelines of honorable conduct, even if they are less strict than ours."
Mingzhu nods as he continues, “As for the Azure winds, I did get those who came here seeking to learn more about our ways. I have found in many ways, they do have mirrors to our own culture, even if there are many differences in the specifics. Though more open to foreign ideas than many in Wa are. Honorable in their own ways. I know some hold the view that outsiders are backwards, but they have been so far, courteous and kept such opinions to themselves for the most part. I have seen the attitude simmer during arguments with the Tax Collector."
The Sensei continues, considering "For Diamond Industries and Solutions, I must admit, while I have seen some come here for enlightenment, it's to less of a degree than the other companies. They seem more direct, but fond of theater, art, and consider themselves cultured. That said, I have seen the underlying greed that motivates them. They seem… a harsher people. And selfish ones."
Mingzhu watches while he continues. "I hope this helps." He looks over, like he can read more of Zsikhou and Minamoto's expressions than they let on. Was there else I ought to help you with?" Qualai Minh looks over to the group
Minamoto looks to Mingzhu "Just... one thing, Shamaness?"
“Yes Minamoto?”
"I know you were troubled by the Elder's betrayal. Advice may have swayed him, but his sins and crimes were ultimately his own to make. I don't think you need to feel responsible for his choices. He was ultimately the one who made them." Minamoto nods to Mingzhu.
She nods. “I have one more thing before we move on to our next destination.” They all look at Mingzhu. “I was sorely wounded in the battle with the Oni master. Could I possibly buy new robes or wraps for the trying times ahead?”
The sensei frowns, shaking their head "My apologies, that was the best I had. If I find better, I'll let you know, though."
She bobs her head, “Thank you master. Gentlemen we have one more place to go.”
The Sensei bows his head, they depart. Mingzhu collects her shoes, putting them back on and heads to the beach. After they leave the shrine though, Zsikhou looks to Minamoto "Speaking of which, your thoughts on the Daimyos..."
Minamoto looks to Zsikhou "Apologies honored Kami, as I said, it wouldn't do well for me to speak of matters above my station."
Zsikhou looks to Minamoto "This one has a god's authority. Can order you to speak on it."
As they walk, she tells the two of them. "Spirits are often invisible but sometimes they manifest. You may see a wave that does not move, or a sea creature come near the shore a mist that surrounds us. Stay calm and be at peace do not disturb the work I am doing."
They look to her, then Zsikhou looks to Minamoto "Will discuss this later." Minamoto gulps.
She goes to the beach, Zsikhou and Minamoto follow. She follows along, walking in the sand until she can sense the sea spirits lingering. Eventually she finds some. When she does, she goes into lotus position and casts two spells. The first is Trance to get the spirits’ attention. Then she casts commune with spirits.
As they gather round her she asks, “Spirits of the sea. Whas a foreign trade company on this island involved with the sinking of Daimyo Kaluso’s ship?”
They answer, “Yes.” Minamoto shuffles, narrowing his eyes, then nods.
She asks her second, and final question. “Is there evidence at the wreckage of the ship of which company was involved?”
The spirits answer, “Maybe.”
She nods, “Thank you spirits. You have my gratitude." She stands and turns to them. “I need an exact position of where this ship was sunk. can you get me that information?”
He nods "I don't know it myself, but I will ask Hattori."
She nods, “It looks like I will be going pearl diving soon.” She then looks at Zsikhou. “San you breath underwater?”
Zsikhou looks to Minamoto, then looks to Mingzhu "This one can, yes. His blessing allows that."
“Two are better than one. Let’s go back to the Dizzy Panda gentlemen to compare notes with the others.” Mingzhu says.
"Before that..." Zsikhou looks to Minamoto "Think it's important you share what you know of the Daimyos." Minamoto looks to Zsikhou nervously, then to Mingzhu.
She shrugs. "I tried diplomacy."
Zsikhou nods, then glares at Minamoto "Minamoto, this one orders you to speak about what you know of Daimyos Zuodong and Yasima."
Minamoto looks rather uncertain, a heavy sigh, looking around, then relents. "Fine, I'll tell you what you want to know."
Mingzhu cuts in, “Hold on.” Zsikhou looks at Mingzhu as she says, “Minamoto we all want what is best for your people. Holding back information from us who are truly trying to help has no advantage. If it is rumor, let us decide how sound it is. I do not wish to command you. I hope you to become a working part of this group we have become, and honesty is important to all of us. I hope it would be for you too. If you know something even rumor, please speak. and tell us that it is rumor if that is so. It’s important. How many could die without us knowing this information?”
Zsikhou shrugs "Probably better if this one orders it then. That way you are following orders of one with divine authority, rather than acting on your own and potentially being out of line."
Minamoto looks to Mingzhu, then to Zsikhou, somehow, he seems to find following orders comforting somehow. "Right... I'll say this of Daimyo Yasima. My lord never trusted him. Yasima is a ruthless schemer and is about as trustworthy as a slippery, venomous snake, and acts like it too. I expect that he's got some scheme to come out ahead. He's been eyeing my lord's dominion for a while now. If mine looks incompetent and can't stop these problems? He stands to usurp them. So does Daimyo Zuodong, if he angles it right."
Minamoto continues. "As for Daimyo Zuodong, he is a brute and would toss all of our most important traditions into a fire if it would get him an advantage. He is much more open about allowing foreign trade, which has allowed him to get fat on their coin. He can scheme as well but is far more direct in his approach. He also covets Daimyo Kaluso's dominion." He shakes his head "I could see either of them having a secret arrangement with the Corsairs. If my liege fails to keep his people safe from them, the emperor would question his competence, and have his lands placed in another's hands."
Minamoto lets out a breath "Of course, a soldier like myself shouldn't make such accusations without proof."
Zsikhou looks up to him and nods, then looks to Mingzhu. She nods, “Thus my own question to the master has been answered. It gives us something. Let us go back to the Dizzy Panda and compare notes.”
Minamoto nods "Of course."
Zsikhou goes to head back to the Dizzy Panda and receive snuggles and give hugs.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea
They go back to the Dizzy Panda. Mingzhu sits wearily at a table. Zsikhou and Minamoto join her. Though a lot of patrons look nervous as soon as Zsikhou shows up. Even the bartender seems nervous with him around. T’kharr arrives as well, giving a nod to her party mates as she moves over to join the group. “Ah, good seeing folks back here.”
Balan arrives and sits with them fiddling with one of the gold rings he purchased. Mingzhu nods, “Be at peace, T’kharr.”
Silgara and Fwangzhu show up with their respective leaders. Though Fwangzhu and Minamoto exchange hateful glares. Silgara looks over, then around. “Ah perhaps we should head upstairs?”
T’kharr agrees. “Aye, let us head upstairs.”
Mingzhu looks at the two love birds. “Either one of you two start up and I’ll turn you both into chickens and tell the bar crowd that you are the best eating in all the east. Fwangzhu snarls at her. Zsikhou glares at Fwangzhu. He settles down. She growls back at him. “I can be feral too.
"I shall behave with all due decorum, Shamaness. And give Fwangzhu all the respect he deserves. Which is..." Minamoto speaks but then cuts off when Zsikhou shoots him a glare as well.
“Umm good. Let’s go then.” Mingzhu responds.
The party heads up. Zsikhou gets some tea from the bartender before he goes. The bartender looks utterly terrified when Zsikhou orders and doesn't even ask for payment, but Zsikhou leaves some currency to pay for it regardless, then joins the party upstairs. Minamoto and Fwangzhu also head up, though they clearly still exchange hateful glares. Silgara looks around "Right then, who wishes to go first then?"
"I can. I followed up with the Azure Winds and the Diamond Industries both." T’kharr intones. Both Mingzhu and Silgara nod to her. Silgara deciding to let T’kharr speak for their team.
"The local pirates seem to be retreating towards the west after they claim their prizes. Those waters are held by Daimyo Zuodong, which'd seem to be an obvious link, but it does need further validation. As a side note, Yasima's waters are to the east, or so I have been told."
Minamoto nods "That's geographically correct."
Silgara interjects "I would mention our source on that is trader Samael."
"The Azure Winds offered to let us interrogate their captive, but that will have to be something we keep in our back pocket I reckon. Interrogations can be challenging, especially for someone as obviously intimidating as I can be." T’kharr moves on.
Fwangzhu huffs "Intimidating? Really? You had that and didn't take a crack at 'em? Feh, you want proper intimidating? I'll get the job done. Just let me at the bastard." Balan gives a hearty chuckle at that.
“Intimidation often gets you the wrong answers only.” T’kharr insists.
Fwangzhu snorts "Means you're not doing it right."
T’kharr looks at him, “"People will start talking to try to get you off their back, which leads to false confessions and all sorts of other mayhem."
Zsikhou looks up "Did they share anything else with you? Those of the Azure Winds? And who is their captive?"
"Their captive is one of Gobu's lackeys in the scheme he was plotting. And sadly, they did not have other information to share at this time." T’kharr answers. He nods to her.
Silgara speaks, “It does mean at least there is a lead to chase, if we can find a way to make their prisoner speak. I expect it won't be easy. It was mentioned to us that their prisoner has not been cooperative so far, so we'd have to find a way."
Fwangzhu snarls "Oh just let me at them and I'll show you how it's done."
Mingzhu states quite firmly, “I will not be a part of torture.”
Fwangzhu huffs, looking over "Oh if you're too precious to watch me put pressure on someone or mauling them a bit then you can stand back and let me do the work then."
"It'll take a great deal of patient work, I suspect, getting into his head so to speak, getting him to the point where he's willing to talk." T’kharr theorizes.
“I will refuse to even be there. There are better ways to get information and it’s cruel and inhumane.” Mingzhu adds.
Fwangzhu huffs "Want to do it? Fine. Be my guest. Come back to me when you want it done right though."
Silgara considers "I didn't have the spells prepared but charm compulsions may make them more amenable."
"There is some value in such, although it's tricky all the same given their...side effects." T’kharr nods.
Mingzhu considers, “ Something like that is acceptable to me Silgara.”
Fwangzhu looks aside "Or use witchcraft. Assuming that stuff actually works any better." He huffs.
Silgara nods "I'd need time to prepare it though. Regardless... how did your ends go?" She looks aside to Balan, Mingzhu, Fwangzhu, Zsikhou, and Minamoto
Mingzhu takes a worthless small white pearl from her bag and rolls it on the table with her finger while looking at Balan. “I guess I’ll go next, then. First and foremost, I have confirmed with the sea spirits that one of the trading companies was working with the pirates on the direct attack of one of the daimyo's ships for the relief of the island.” Fwangzhu looks over, the fact that the Daimyo sent a ship here was news to him. He looks to Minamoto, then to Mingzhu, but doesn't interrupt. She continues, “I asked them if there is evidence of which company did this at the site of the shipwreck. The spirits said maybe. which means we may find what we need at the shipwreck site. I would like to dive and see if I can find any. Since Zsikhou can also breath water We can go together and cover even more of the wreck faster. Minamoto assures us he can get an exact location at the tax assessor’s office.”
T'kharr nods along, seeming in agreement with the idea. Mingzhu again continues, “I also got some anonymous tips from someone about the general attitudes of the Daimyo's rivals.”
Silgara looks over, awaiting elaboration while Mingzhu goes on. “ The informant said: Yasima is a ruthless schemer and is about as trustworthy as a slippery, venomous snake, and acts like it too. They expect that he's got some scheme to come out ahead.
Daimyo Zuodong, he is a brute and would toss all of our most important traditions into a fire if it would get him an advantage. He is much more open about allowing foreign trade, which has allowed him to get fat on their coin. He can scheme as well but is far more direct in his approach. He also covets Daimyo Kaluso's dominion. That's all I have on them.”
"Which'd explain why he'd be at least indifferent to the pirates selling stolen goods in his territory." T’kharr says while noting everyone’s expression.
“I did think of something else though I do not know if it will matter being it is speculation.” Mingzhu adds.
Fwangzhu looks to Mingzhu, then to Minamoto, then back to Mingzhu "Well, what is it then?"
She rolls the pearl to him. “What do you know of pearls?”
"They're a kind of gem you find in the sea. Certain creatures naturally make them. What of it?" Fwangzhu huffs, wondering where she is going with this.
“When sailors don’t have enough coin or wish to carry a lot of currency on the sea. They often convert that coin into something easily traded. That being pearls. What I get from the merchant they can easily turn around after polishing and get 10X more. 10X which means you can carry literally 1,000s of gold in the palm of your hand with polished pearls. One company has been giving me much more than the usual affair for my trade. Why would they do that unless they were trading and did not want to have governments know about...… certain funds that may go missing.”
Minamoto looks over, curious "Which company would that be?"
“The Golden Sails.” Mingzhu states.
Zsikhou grimaces "And we never did find out what it is their company representative was doing with the Yakuza..."
Mingzhu adds, “It is the perfect medium to exchange wealth without notice and pearls are traded in every port.”
Zsikhou nods... Minamoto considers "Perhaps we need to investigate them more closely, then."
Silgara shakes her head "An interesting point but it's not conclusive either."
Mingzhu concurs, “I agree Silgara, but it does raise suspicion when a merchant pays so generously for them from pearl divers.”
"Aye, that is another thread to tug on." T’kharr says while thinking.
Fwangzhu shrugs "Dunno, maybe she just really likes pearls. That merchant you went to."
Minamoto shakes his head "It's worth investigating indeed."
Mingzhu answers, “Perhaps but it is something we should know, Fwangzhu.”
Balan says, “It could be as simple as needing them in their craft”
Mingzhu answers, “It is a lead to follow. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“I am sure she would be expecting you if you were to head there.” Balan explains.
T’kharr nods, “Aye, that and the diving work." She then looks to Balan to see if he has anything to present.
Balan places some rings on the table. “Managed to buy some rings.” he pauses waiting for a reaction holding in a hearty laugh then shrugs and places 3 gold rings in the center moving one to the side and placing four silver ones under it. “Well, it would seem we face a much larger challenge than we expected with what our journey has already dealt with, in that meaning the horsemen.”
Silgara raises an eyebrow, wondering what Balan is getting at. He removes the silver rings and leaves the gold. “I found we have only cut the legs off the spider controlling the horsemen. She called that one a Khan. gestures to the other two rings There are two more elsewhere that are more powerful.”
Zsikhou raises an eye ridge "She being...? And how reliable is this information?"
“Ahh yes. The woman we had met with once on the golden sails ship. I had also asked if they had any knowledge of one who would steal goods from the other companies in a general mention, and it was stated that who or what is doing so has a way ‘to not be seen’ by her threads of fate. It was quite a chilling time in a way.” He gestures to Fwangzhu, “I've not seen the badger so mystified in our short time.”
Minamoto looks over … "What do you mean by threads of Fate?"
Fwangzhu huffs "Don't worry about it."
Minamoto glares "I'll decide what to worry about."
Balan gives a nod. “Think of it as a divine path in which only certain people are able to see and follow to help others in times of need.”
Minamoto looks over with a hard look. "Given what we've heard about the Golden Sails, that seems highly suspect."
Mingzhu adds, “Divination can also be used to hide or distort. Find out a truth and that truth can always be made clouded.”
“It would explain how they are able to avoid the corsairs in their travels but not without risk.” Balan says while thinking. “Aye, It could.”
Minamoto narrows his eyes "That sounds more like witchcraft than any blessings of the divine." Silgara rolls her eyes.
“We are not sure they are the ones Minamoto we just have leads which seem a bit particular at this time. we address it...…. follow the leads until there is proof.” Mingzhu insists.
Balan comments, “There was a mention of how to find this path to travel as well. He quotes “‘Look for those who ruin and follow order at the same time.’ If we wish to attempt to find the thief as well. Apologies if my mind seems to go between two different subjects.”
Minamoto looks over to Mingzhu "Between dealings with the Yakuza, your mention of them paying highly for pearls which could be used for money laundering, and now they happen to have strange information that they know for not well explained reasons... it is highly suspicious to me, Shamaness."
Balan scoops up the rings and places all but one in the pouch and spines it between his fingers. Silgara huffs, "Speaking in riddles. Annoying. How much do we know about this 'Khan' though?"
“Only that he has weakened because we have taken out their pawns. Though he may still be strong and this will be dangerous.” Balan reports to her.
Mingzhu tiredly says, “Suspicion is not guilt Minamoto that is why you follow the leads to have proof of guilt or innocence.”
Zsikhou looks to Fwangzhu, who has kept very quiet here...Balan nudges the badger. “Anything I missed?”
"Yeah, when I asked her about what role the Daimyos played in this whole mess..." Fwangzhu speaks. Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu. Fwangzhu snarls right back.
Zsikhou looks to Balan "What was said?"
Mingzhu looks at the two combatants. “Perhaps a wedding is in order. they've already past the honeymoon phase.” Silgara snickers.
Minamoto looks to Mingzhu "Please, such comments are beneath you."
Fwangzhu snarls "As if I'd ever be interested in this scum-sucker."
“And such childishness on whose shrimp is bigger is beneath the two of you.” Mingzhu snaps back.
Zsikhou glares "Can we get back ‘on topic?!?’ Now, you." He points to Balan "What was stated?"
Minamoto and Fwangzhu glare and growl at each other.
“Aye Apologies.” Looks to Minamoto. “It is possible that the Daimyo is under the influence of the Khan, though they may not know they are?”
Minamoto rolls his eyes "That is an utterly absurd assertion. I want to know more of whomever would be speaking such slander of my lord?"
Balan looks at him, “Is it. You have seen what the pawns are capable of. If one creature can have power over the horseman and they each can control power over those under them it is not out of the question.”
Minamoto snaps, "Enough! I will hear no more of this slander against my liege, foreigner. Tell me who has spoken of this!"
Balan stares him down with intent for Minamoto to relax. Mingzhu steps in. “Minamoto please calm down. Balan is an ally and now a companion of yours show due respect.”
Fwangzhu snarls back at Minamoto "You know there's ‘plenty’ of people who hate his guts for good reasons. Maybe you ought to think about that and why it is."
Minamoto looks back to Fwangzhu "Do remember your place, savage!"
“If the Daimyo is under some influence, then there would be reason to question. Here is a question for all that know him or knew him in the past. Has the Daimyo's ways changed recently? What was it like on the island before these troubles? Was he a much fairer ruler?” Mingzhu asks.
Zsikhou steps in between them, staring Minamoto and then Fwangzhu down. Balan also steps in. “You will calm yourself and lower your tone. I brought the knowledge I learned to the table amongst friends do not make me regret that decision to include you.” Minamoto huffs but quiets down.
Then Fwangzhu looks to Mingzhu "He's always been a scum-sucking worthless tyrant."
Mingzhu concentrates on the man-at-arms. “Minamoto think has there been recent changes?”
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "Cease your insults against my lord, Savage! He has ever been a fair and true lord, and that has not changed."
Frustrated Mingzhu states, “If the two of you cannot admit the truths of the situation within your own selves you will never grow to become better than what you are.”
Fwangzhu just snarls "He's always been a tyrannical jackass. That is the truth of this situation, Shamaness."
Balan lends a hand, “Yet, has it gotten worse in the time that the horsemen have arrived?”
The Badger huffs, “Doesn't mean he's changed though."
Balan continues, “Any change you could think of may be valuable in knowing? If he has been influenced, it would be information that could be valuable into returning him to his normal self.” The dragonborn leans back and kicks his feet up on the table waiting and listening.
Minamoto glares "Do you want proof, Shamaness? My liege sent aid here. The problems we face are external, not internal. He has not changed."
Silgara considers "It is possible ‘if/’ this line of inquiry can be trusted that he is cracking under the pressure he is under, from possible rival Daimyos and outside factors."
Mingzhu hesitates then thinks before she responds, “I'm just saying Minamoto that if someone is influencing him there will be changes and the general state of the people right now is not good. Look around you. This is not something you can use passion and emotion with. We know you are loyal, but loyalty is greater with a clear head to think straight.”
"Shamaness, I am certain of this. He is not going to be under the influence of foreign, malign entities." Minamoto shakes his head.
"Yeah, because he's always been a scum-sucking tyrant." Fwangzhu snorts back
"You cease your insults against my liege, savage!" Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu again
Mingzhu sighs, “This is getting us nowhere. What actions do we take first?”
“I feel as what you had mentioned with wreckage earlier may be of some value in our search.” Balan responds.
Silgara gives a nod "That's one possible lead, however unless we have a way of granting water breathing or finding transportation, I suspect only Mingzhu and Zsikhou can investigate that. What of others?"
Mingzhu looks down while reflecting on the Silgara’s comment, “We will need a few to guard the boat while we are under.”
Balan nods, “It will give me time to work on a project I have been tinkering with in my mind.
May I have that pearl Mingzhu.”
T’kharr looks around. “Aye, will we need a bigger boat then what we've been able to get so far for that matter?"
Mingzhu answers the dragonborn, “Its worthless you know, or I would sell it. I have several mouths to feed now.” She rolls it over to him.
Silgara considers "It shouldn't be hard to acquire a fishing boat."
Balan nods, “It should be easy in this village. I am sure we may find one large enough for our party.”
Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Or your companion's favorite furnishing. Where is Snout anyways?”
Minamoto looks over "If that's our next lead, I will ask Hattori for the location, while you secure a boat?"
Mingzhu looks around. “Where is that mischievous varmint.”
Zsikhou shrugs "Your animal companion? Downstairs making mischief."
Mingzhu nods, “Go to him and find the exact location and tell him his suspicions have been confirmed.”
Minamoto nods "I was planning on it."
The shamaness gets up. “Excuse me, Gentlemen.” She runs downstairs looking for Snout. She finds him opportunistically swiping spare scraps from people's meals. The inn seems lively enough. “Snout! Come here!” Minamoto leaves right behind.
Snout does indeed come over. His face makes him look like he’s been grabbing table scraps. Mingzhu chides. “I see the look of guilt all over that muzzle of yours. Get ready. We are going for a swim.” The sea otter looks very proud of himself. To her that is guilt. To him a successful outing. That said, it doesn't look like any of the patrons are angry at him. If anything, the barkeep seems amused. She eyes the bartender and shakes her head. He just smirks at her. She sighs, “Well at least there were no flying carpets this time. You keep eating all that human food you’re going to be two fat and slow to swim around a shark.”
Snout just looks very proud of himself. She points up. “Upstairs with the rest of us…. Now!” He follows as she brings him back to the room.
Silgara looks over "So what did he do this time?"
“He was stealing scraps.” Mingzhu mutters. “And not even being good at it. He became amusement for everyone.”
Fwangzhu smirks "Sounds like he could just take what he wanted, and knew no one would stop him."
Mingzhu stares daggers at Fwangzhu. "Don’t encourage him."
Fwangzhu just smirks in turn. “I don’t think I need to!”
Zsikhou considers "At any event, we do have some things to consider. Further investigation into the Golden Sails seems warranted." Then he looks over to Balan, now that Minamoto isn't here. "Could tell you and Fwangzhu were hiding something from the Daimyo's man. Your source from the Golden Sails is an unsanctioned arcanist, correct?"
“When we get a boat, we get one not owned by any of the trading companies.” Mingzhu insists.
Fwangzhu's hair stands up on end. Silgara looks to Mingzhu "Should be easy enough, we can pay some of the local fishermen." Mingzhu nods.
“A seer of fates If memory serves.” Balan muses.
Zsikhou nods to that "The laws against unsanctioned magi are laws of man, not law of the divine. This one is not obligated to enforce that one. However, this one does advise you to take care regarding such subversions."
“Aye, quite difficult to speak clearly when he was in the room.” Balan agrees.
"Now that he isn't, is there more you want to share?" Zsikhou asks
“She spoke what her crystal ball had shown though it seemed like her mention of influence over the daimyo was clear in some way.” Balan observes.
Silgara rolls her eyes "Are we really going to trust that she is actually correct with her improper divination techniques?"
Fwangzhu shudders "Seemed pretty real and convincing to me."
“Really would you call my divination techniques improper?” Mingzhu asks.
Balan considers, “It is only one possibility, and it is not unheard of.”
Mingzhu mentions, “Different cultures have different ways.”
Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Not yours, I am aware of how divine-spellcasting divinations work. You're calling upon spiritual beings for answers."
“That I am.” Mingzhu concurs.
Balan looks between the two women. “I do not see many differences between that and calling magic into a crystal ball.”
"But I'm not fully convinced by that Seer's technique." She shakes her head "It strays far from how a wizard's divinations function. In fact, a Crystal Ball isn't a proper focus for numerous known divination spells." Silgara explains.
Zsikhou looks over "Did she specify how the Daimyo was being influenced?"
Balan shrugs, “It is a lead that we did not have before.”
"Or how we might find this Khan." Zsikhou considers
“The spirits do not like direct and pointed questions. They help but mortals have to do their part too.” Mingzhu instructs.
Balan thinks about it all and says, “It was a bit cryptic but if we find the thieves and those that ruin and follow order that is what we must work on.”
Mingzhu replies, “Just go to court.”
Balan let’s out a hearty laugh, “They are the same in every country aren’t they.”
Mingzhu grunts, “That is true.”
Silgara rolls her eyes. "A classic of fortune tellers. Never give a straight answer and obfuscate with poetic language like a half-baked gleeman."
“Aye, better than no words at all though.” Balan agrees.
Silgara shrugs, "Assuming it's not all just obfuscation." She shakes her head
“Her divining has been right in the past but was it divining or something else.........knowledge.” Mingzhu muses as much to herself as to the others.
“She did know we were coming to speak with her without any for-word.” Balan insists.
Mingzhu asks, “Or does she say that every time someone is welcomed on the ship?”
“That I would not know. I am not her.” Balan considers.
“Well, let us also remember that there are two other companies that may be involved.” Mingzhu reminds.
Balan shrugs, “Aye.”
Mingzhu shakes her head. We need solid proof. Right now, the first suspicion is the golden sails based on very shaky ideas. Next would be Diamond Industries for general demeanor and greediness. Last Azure Sails but we cannot rule them out either.”
T’kharr nods, “Azure Winds, but yes.”
Zsikhou looks over "Does beg the question now of how we would find such proof. Or this Khan. We do at least have two potential leads, the prisoner and the boat."
Without any proof at all we cannot rule any of them out nor can we say one is guilty and there may even be more than one guilty party. something we haven’t considered yet.” Mingzhu adds.
“Well, if any of ours would want to question the prisoner we may get information or may not.” Balan says looking unsure of himself.
Fwangzhu huffs "I can get it."
“You know my feelings on torture.” Mingzhu intones. “I guess we wait on Minamoto to return.”
T’kharr suggests, “I reckon we can get the boat ready to go while he's off getting us our map to the wreck site?"
“Sounds good who stays behind to meet him and tell him we are getting a boat? Not Fwangzhu.” Mingzhu concurs.
"I'll meet him there and direct him where to go." Zsikhou volunteers
Silgara nods "Might be for the best. Well, shall we?"
Mingzhu nods. “Let's go then. come on snout. I’m not letting you out of my sight pup.”
Zsikhou slinks off.
"Well, to the docks then." Silgara says. Everyone but Zsikhou joins Silgara. They go down the stairs and out the inn.
Balan arrives and sits with them fiddling with one of the gold rings he purchased. Mingzhu nods, “Be at peace, T’kharr.”
Silgara and Fwangzhu show up with their respective leaders. Though Fwangzhu and Minamoto exchange hateful glares. Silgara looks over, then around. “Ah perhaps we should head upstairs?”
T’kharr agrees. “Aye, let us head upstairs.”
Mingzhu looks at the two love birds. “Either one of you two start up and I’ll turn you both into chickens and tell the bar crowd that you are the best eating in all the east. Fwangzhu snarls at her. Zsikhou glares at Fwangzhu. He settles down. She growls back at him. “I can be feral too.
"I shall behave with all due decorum, Shamaness. And give Fwangzhu all the respect he deserves. Which is..." Minamoto speaks but then cuts off when Zsikhou shoots him a glare as well.
“Umm good. Let’s go then.” Mingzhu responds.
The party heads up. Zsikhou gets some tea from the bartender before he goes. The bartender looks utterly terrified when Zsikhou orders and doesn't even ask for payment, but Zsikhou leaves some currency to pay for it regardless, then joins the party upstairs. Minamoto and Fwangzhu also head up, though they clearly still exchange hateful glares. Silgara looks around "Right then, who wishes to go first then?"
"I can. I followed up with the Azure Winds and the Diamond Industries both." T’kharr intones. Both Mingzhu and Silgara nod to her. Silgara deciding to let T’kharr speak for their team.
"The local pirates seem to be retreating towards the west after they claim their prizes. Those waters are held by Daimyo Zuodong, which'd seem to be an obvious link, but it does need further validation. As a side note, Yasima's waters are to the east, or so I have been told."
Minamoto nods "That's geographically correct."
Silgara interjects "I would mention our source on that is trader Samael."
"The Azure Winds offered to let us interrogate their captive, but that will have to be something we keep in our back pocket I reckon. Interrogations can be challenging, especially for someone as obviously intimidating as I can be." T’kharr moves on.
Fwangzhu huffs "Intimidating? Really? You had that and didn't take a crack at 'em? Feh, you want proper intimidating? I'll get the job done. Just let me at the bastard." Balan gives a hearty chuckle at that.
“Intimidation often gets you the wrong answers only.” T’kharr insists.
Fwangzhu snorts "Means you're not doing it right."
T’kharr looks at him, “"People will start talking to try to get you off their back, which leads to false confessions and all sorts of other mayhem."
Zsikhou looks up "Did they share anything else with you? Those of the Azure Winds? And who is their captive?"
"Their captive is one of Gobu's lackeys in the scheme he was plotting. And sadly, they did not have other information to share at this time." T’kharr answers. He nods to her.
Silgara speaks, “It does mean at least there is a lead to chase, if we can find a way to make their prisoner speak. I expect it won't be easy. It was mentioned to us that their prisoner has not been cooperative so far, so we'd have to find a way."
Fwangzhu snarls "Oh just let me at them and I'll show you how it's done."
Mingzhu states quite firmly, “I will not be a part of torture.”
Fwangzhu huffs, looking over "Oh if you're too precious to watch me put pressure on someone or mauling them a bit then you can stand back and let me do the work then."
"It'll take a great deal of patient work, I suspect, getting into his head so to speak, getting him to the point where he's willing to talk." T’kharr theorizes.
“I will refuse to even be there. There are better ways to get information and it’s cruel and inhumane.” Mingzhu adds.
Fwangzhu huffs "Want to do it? Fine. Be my guest. Come back to me when you want it done right though."
Silgara considers "I didn't have the spells prepared but charm compulsions may make them more amenable."
"There is some value in such, although it's tricky all the same given their...side effects." T’kharr nods.
Mingzhu considers, “ Something like that is acceptable to me Silgara.”
Fwangzhu looks aside "Or use witchcraft. Assuming that stuff actually works any better." He huffs.
Silgara nods "I'd need time to prepare it though. Regardless... how did your ends go?" She looks aside to Balan, Mingzhu, Fwangzhu, Zsikhou, and Minamoto
Mingzhu takes a worthless small white pearl from her bag and rolls it on the table with her finger while looking at Balan. “I guess I’ll go next, then. First and foremost, I have confirmed with the sea spirits that one of the trading companies was working with the pirates on the direct attack of one of the daimyo's ships for the relief of the island.” Fwangzhu looks over, the fact that the Daimyo sent a ship here was news to him. He looks to Minamoto, then to Mingzhu, but doesn't interrupt. She continues, “I asked them if there is evidence of which company did this at the site of the shipwreck. The spirits said maybe. which means we may find what we need at the shipwreck site. I would like to dive and see if I can find any. Since Zsikhou can also breath water We can go together and cover even more of the wreck faster. Minamoto assures us he can get an exact location at the tax assessor’s office.”
T'kharr nods along, seeming in agreement with the idea. Mingzhu again continues, “I also got some anonymous tips from someone about the general attitudes of the Daimyo's rivals.”
Silgara looks over, awaiting elaboration while Mingzhu goes on. “ The informant said: Yasima is a ruthless schemer and is about as trustworthy as a slippery, venomous snake, and acts like it too. They expect that he's got some scheme to come out ahead.
Daimyo Zuodong, he is a brute and would toss all of our most important traditions into a fire if it would get him an advantage. He is much more open about allowing foreign trade, which has allowed him to get fat on their coin. He can scheme as well but is far more direct in his approach. He also covets Daimyo Kaluso's dominion. That's all I have on them.”
"Which'd explain why he'd be at least indifferent to the pirates selling stolen goods in his territory." T’kharr says while noting everyone’s expression.
“I did think of something else though I do not know if it will matter being it is speculation.” Mingzhu adds.
Fwangzhu looks to Mingzhu, then to Minamoto, then back to Mingzhu "Well, what is it then?"
She rolls the pearl to him. “What do you know of pearls?”
"They're a kind of gem you find in the sea. Certain creatures naturally make them. What of it?" Fwangzhu huffs, wondering where she is going with this.
“When sailors don’t have enough coin or wish to carry a lot of currency on the sea. They often convert that coin into something easily traded. That being pearls. What I get from the merchant they can easily turn around after polishing and get 10X more. 10X which means you can carry literally 1,000s of gold in the palm of your hand with polished pearls. One company has been giving me much more than the usual affair for my trade. Why would they do that unless they were trading and did not want to have governments know about...… certain funds that may go missing.”
Minamoto looks over, curious "Which company would that be?"
“The Golden Sails.” Mingzhu states.
Zsikhou grimaces "And we never did find out what it is their company representative was doing with the Yakuza..."
Mingzhu adds, “It is the perfect medium to exchange wealth without notice and pearls are traded in every port.”
Zsikhou nods... Minamoto considers "Perhaps we need to investigate them more closely, then."
Silgara shakes her head "An interesting point but it's not conclusive either."
Mingzhu concurs, “I agree Silgara, but it does raise suspicion when a merchant pays so generously for them from pearl divers.”
"Aye, that is another thread to tug on." T’kharr says while thinking.
Fwangzhu shrugs "Dunno, maybe she just really likes pearls. That merchant you went to."
Minamoto shakes his head "It's worth investigating indeed."
Mingzhu answers, “Perhaps but it is something we should know, Fwangzhu.”
Balan says, “It could be as simple as needing them in their craft”
Mingzhu answers, “It is a lead to follow. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“I am sure she would be expecting you if you were to head there.” Balan explains.
T’kharr nods, “Aye, that and the diving work." She then looks to Balan to see if he has anything to present.
Balan places some rings on the table. “Managed to buy some rings.” he pauses waiting for a reaction holding in a hearty laugh then shrugs and places 3 gold rings in the center moving one to the side and placing four silver ones under it. “Well, it would seem we face a much larger challenge than we expected with what our journey has already dealt with, in that meaning the horsemen.”
Silgara raises an eyebrow, wondering what Balan is getting at. He removes the silver rings and leaves the gold. “I found we have only cut the legs off the spider controlling the horsemen. She called that one a Khan. gestures to the other two rings There are two more elsewhere that are more powerful.”
Zsikhou raises an eye ridge "She being...? And how reliable is this information?"
“Ahh yes. The woman we had met with once on the golden sails ship. I had also asked if they had any knowledge of one who would steal goods from the other companies in a general mention, and it was stated that who or what is doing so has a way ‘to not be seen’ by her threads of fate. It was quite a chilling time in a way.” He gestures to Fwangzhu, “I've not seen the badger so mystified in our short time.”
Minamoto looks over … "What do you mean by threads of Fate?"
Fwangzhu huffs "Don't worry about it."
Minamoto glares "I'll decide what to worry about."
Balan gives a nod. “Think of it as a divine path in which only certain people are able to see and follow to help others in times of need.”
Minamoto looks over with a hard look. "Given what we've heard about the Golden Sails, that seems highly suspect."
Mingzhu adds, “Divination can also be used to hide or distort. Find out a truth and that truth can always be made clouded.”
“It would explain how they are able to avoid the corsairs in their travels but not without risk.” Balan says while thinking. “Aye, It could.”
Minamoto narrows his eyes "That sounds more like witchcraft than any blessings of the divine." Silgara rolls her eyes.
“We are not sure they are the ones Minamoto we just have leads which seem a bit particular at this time. we address it...…. follow the leads until there is proof.” Mingzhu insists.
Balan comments, “There was a mention of how to find this path to travel as well. He quotes “‘Look for those who ruin and follow order at the same time.’ If we wish to attempt to find the thief as well. Apologies if my mind seems to go between two different subjects.”
Minamoto looks over to Mingzhu "Between dealings with the Yakuza, your mention of them paying highly for pearls which could be used for money laundering, and now they happen to have strange information that they know for not well explained reasons... it is highly suspicious to me, Shamaness."
Balan scoops up the rings and places all but one in the pouch and spines it between his fingers. Silgara huffs, "Speaking in riddles. Annoying. How much do we know about this 'Khan' though?"
“Only that he has weakened because we have taken out their pawns. Though he may still be strong and this will be dangerous.” Balan reports to her.
Mingzhu tiredly says, “Suspicion is not guilt Minamoto that is why you follow the leads to have proof of guilt or innocence.”
Zsikhou looks to Fwangzhu, who has kept very quiet here...Balan nudges the badger. “Anything I missed?”
"Yeah, when I asked her about what role the Daimyos played in this whole mess..." Fwangzhu speaks. Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu. Fwangzhu snarls right back.
Zsikhou looks to Balan "What was said?"
Mingzhu looks at the two combatants. “Perhaps a wedding is in order. they've already past the honeymoon phase.” Silgara snickers.
Minamoto looks to Mingzhu "Please, such comments are beneath you."
Fwangzhu snarls "As if I'd ever be interested in this scum-sucker."
“And such childishness on whose shrimp is bigger is beneath the two of you.” Mingzhu snaps back.
Zsikhou glares "Can we get back ‘on topic?!?’ Now, you." He points to Balan "What was stated?"
Minamoto and Fwangzhu glare and growl at each other.
“Aye Apologies.” Looks to Minamoto. “It is possible that the Daimyo is under the influence of the Khan, though they may not know they are?”
Minamoto rolls his eyes "That is an utterly absurd assertion. I want to know more of whomever would be speaking such slander of my lord?"
Balan looks at him, “Is it. You have seen what the pawns are capable of. If one creature can have power over the horseman and they each can control power over those under them it is not out of the question.”
Minamoto snaps, "Enough! I will hear no more of this slander against my liege, foreigner. Tell me who has spoken of this!"
Balan stares him down with intent for Minamoto to relax. Mingzhu steps in. “Minamoto please calm down. Balan is an ally and now a companion of yours show due respect.”
Fwangzhu snarls back at Minamoto "You know there's ‘plenty’ of people who hate his guts for good reasons. Maybe you ought to think about that and why it is."
Minamoto looks back to Fwangzhu "Do remember your place, savage!"
“If the Daimyo is under some influence, then there would be reason to question. Here is a question for all that know him or knew him in the past. Has the Daimyo's ways changed recently? What was it like on the island before these troubles? Was he a much fairer ruler?” Mingzhu asks.
Zsikhou steps in between them, staring Minamoto and then Fwangzhu down. Balan also steps in. “You will calm yourself and lower your tone. I brought the knowledge I learned to the table amongst friends do not make me regret that decision to include you.” Minamoto huffs but quiets down.
Then Fwangzhu looks to Mingzhu "He's always been a scum-sucking worthless tyrant."
Mingzhu concentrates on the man-at-arms. “Minamoto think has there been recent changes?”
Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "Cease your insults against my lord, Savage! He has ever been a fair and true lord, and that has not changed."
Frustrated Mingzhu states, “If the two of you cannot admit the truths of the situation within your own selves you will never grow to become better than what you are.”
Fwangzhu just snarls "He's always been a tyrannical jackass. That is the truth of this situation, Shamaness."
Balan lends a hand, “Yet, has it gotten worse in the time that the horsemen have arrived?”
The Badger huffs, “Doesn't mean he's changed though."
Balan continues, “Any change you could think of may be valuable in knowing? If he has been influenced, it would be information that could be valuable into returning him to his normal self.” The dragonborn leans back and kicks his feet up on the table waiting and listening.
Minamoto glares "Do you want proof, Shamaness? My liege sent aid here. The problems we face are external, not internal. He has not changed."
Silgara considers "It is possible ‘if/’ this line of inquiry can be trusted that he is cracking under the pressure he is under, from possible rival Daimyos and outside factors."
Mingzhu hesitates then thinks before she responds, “I'm just saying Minamoto that if someone is influencing him there will be changes and the general state of the people right now is not good. Look around you. This is not something you can use passion and emotion with. We know you are loyal, but loyalty is greater with a clear head to think straight.”
"Shamaness, I am certain of this. He is not going to be under the influence of foreign, malign entities." Minamoto shakes his head.
"Yeah, because he's always been a scum-sucking tyrant." Fwangzhu snorts back
"You cease your insults against my liege, savage!" Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu again
Mingzhu sighs, “This is getting us nowhere. What actions do we take first?”
“I feel as what you had mentioned with wreckage earlier may be of some value in our search.” Balan responds.
Silgara gives a nod "That's one possible lead, however unless we have a way of granting water breathing or finding transportation, I suspect only Mingzhu and Zsikhou can investigate that. What of others?"
Mingzhu looks down while reflecting on the Silgara’s comment, “We will need a few to guard the boat while we are under.”
Balan nods, “It will give me time to work on a project I have been tinkering with in my mind.
May I have that pearl Mingzhu.”
T’kharr looks around. “Aye, will we need a bigger boat then what we've been able to get so far for that matter?"
Mingzhu answers the dragonborn, “Its worthless you know, or I would sell it. I have several mouths to feed now.” She rolls it over to him.
Silgara considers "It shouldn't be hard to acquire a fishing boat."
Balan nods, “It should be easy in this village. I am sure we may find one large enough for our party.”
Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Or your companion's favorite furnishing. Where is Snout anyways?”
Minamoto looks over "If that's our next lead, I will ask Hattori for the location, while you secure a boat?"
Mingzhu looks around. “Where is that mischievous varmint.”
Zsikhou shrugs "Your animal companion? Downstairs making mischief."
Mingzhu nods, “Go to him and find the exact location and tell him his suspicions have been confirmed.”
Minamoto nods "I was planning on it."
The shamaness gets up. “Excuse me, Gentlemen.” She runs downstairs looking for Snout. She finds him opportunistically swiping spare scraps from people's meals. The inn seems lively enough. “Snout! Come here!” Minamoto leaves right behind.
Snout does indeed come over. His face makes him look like he’s been grabbing table scraps. Mingzhu chides. “I see the look of guilt all over that muzzle of yours. Get ready. We are going for a swim.” The sea otter looks very proud of himself. To her that is guilt. To him a successful outing. That said, it doesn't look like any of the patrons are angry at him. If anything, the barkeep seems amused. She eyes the bartender and shakes her head. He just smirks at her. She sighs, “Well at least there were no flying carpets this time. You keep eating all that human food you’re going to be two fat and slow to swim around a shark.”
Snout just looks very proud of himself. She points up. “Upstairs with the rest of us…. Now!” He follows as she brings him back to the room.
Silgara looks over "So what did he do this time?"
“He was stealing scraps.” Mingzhu mutters. “And not even being good at it. He became amusement for everyone.”
Fwangzhu smirks "Sounds like he could just take what he wanted, and knew no one would stop him."
Mingzhu stares daggers at Fwangzhu. "Don’t encourage him."
Fwangzhu just smirks in turn. “I don’t think I need to!”
Zsikhou considers "At any event, we do have some things to consider. Further investigation into the Golden Sails seems warranted." Then he looks over to Balan, now that Minamoto isn't here. "Could tell you and Fwangzhu were hiding something from the Daimyo's man. Your source from the Golden Sails is an unsanctioned arcanist, correct?"
“When we get a boat, we get one not owned by any of the trading companies.” Mingzhu insists.
Fwangzhu's hair stands up on end. Silgara looks to Mingzhu "Should be easy enough, we can pay some of the local fishermen." Mingzhu nods.
“A seer of fates If memory serves.” Balan muses.
Zsikhou nods to that "The laws against unsanctioned magi are laws of man, not law of the divine. This one is not obligated to enforce that one. However, this one does advise you to take care regarding such subversions."
“Aye, quite difficult to speak clearly when he was in the room.” Balan agrees.
"Now that he isn't, is there more you want to share?" Zsikhou asks
“She spoke what her crystal ball had shown though it seemed like her mention of influence over the daimyo was clear in some way.” Balan observes.
Silgara rolls her eyes "Are we really going to trust that she is actually correct with her improper divination techniques?"
Fwangzhu shudders "Seemed pretty real and convincing to me."
“Really would you call my divination techniques improper?” Mingzhu asks.
Balan considers, “It is only one possibility, and it is not unheard of.”
Mingzhu mentions, “Different cultures have different ways.”
Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Not yours, I am aware of how divine-spellcasting divinations work. You're calling upon spiritual beings for answers."
“That I am.” Mingzhu concurs.
Balan looks between the two women. “I do not see many differences between that and calling magic into a crystal ball.”
"But I'm not fully convinced by that Seer's technique." She shakes her head "It strays far from how a wizard's divinations function. In fact, a Crystal Ball isn't a proper focus for numerous known divination spells." Silgara explains.
Zsikhou looks over "Did she specify how the Daimyo was being influenced?"
Balan shrugs, “It is a lead that we did not have before.”
"Or how we might find this Khan." Zsikhou considers
“The spirits do not like direct and pointed questions. They help but mortals have to do their part too.” Mingzhu instructs.
Balan thinks about it all and says, “It was a bit cryptic but if we find the thieves and those that ruin and follow order that is what we must work on.”
Mingzhu replies, “Just go to court.”
Balan let’s out a hearty laugh, “They are the same in every country aren’t they.”
Mingzhu grunts, “That is true.”
Silgara rolls her eyes. "A classic of fortune tellers. Never give a straight answer and obfuscate with poetic language like a half-baked gleeman."
“Aye, better than no words at all though.” Balan agrees.
Silgara shrugs, "Assuming it's not all just obfuscation." She shakes her head
“Her divining has been right in the past but was it divining or something else.........knowledge.” Mingzhu muses as much to herself as to the others.
“She did know we were coming to speak with her without any for-word.” Balan insists.
Mingzhu asks, “Or does she say that every time someone is welcomed on the ship?”
“That I would not know. I am not her.” Balan considers.
“Well, let us also remember that there are two other companies that may be involved.” Mingzhu reminds.
Balan shrugs, “Aye.”
Mingzhu shakes her head. We need solid proof. Right now, the first suspicion is the golden sails based on very shaky ideas. Next would be Diamond Industries for general demeanor and greediness. Last Azure Sails but we cannot rule them out either.”
T’kharr nods, “Azure Winds, but yes.”
Zsikhou looks over "Does beg the question now of how we would find such proof. Or this Khan. We do at least have two potential leads, the prisoner and the boat."
Without any proof at all we cannot rule any of them out nor can we say one is guilty and there may even be more than one guilty party. something we haven’t considered yet.” Mingzhu adds.
“Well, if any of ours would want to question the prisoner we may get information or may not.” Balan says looking unsure of himself.
Fwangzhu huffs "I can get it."
“You know my feelings on torture.” Mingzhu intones. “I guess we wait on Minamoto to return.”
T’kharr suggests, “I reckon we can get the boat ready to go while he's off getting us our map to the wreck site?"
“Sounds good who stays behind to meet him and tell him we are getting a boat? Not Fwangzhu.” Mingzhu concurs.
"I'll meet him there and direct him where to go." Zsikhou volunteers
Silgara nods "Might be for the best. Well, shall we?"
Mingzhu nods. “Let's go then. come on snout. I’m not letting you out of my sight pup.”
Zsikhou slinks off.
"Well, to the docks then." Silgara says. Everyone but Zsikhou joins Silgara. They go down the stairs and out the inn.
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Re: She Came from the Sea
Everyone goes down to the docks. There’s the usual amount of traffic there. Fwangzhu huffs, “Usually there's some fishermen off to the side here, let’s see if one of them is willing to rent out a boat." He heads off in that direction.
Mingzhu follows behind T’kharr and Balan. Silgara looks aside dubiously, then looks over at Fwangzhu. “Is he going to make a scene…?”
After that comment Mingzhu moves up right beside the Hengeyokai. Fwangzhu seems to be speaking to some of the fishermen. It... actually seems to be going pretty well.
He gives a nod of thanks to one fisherman, gives him a few coins, then moves to another
Then Fwangzhu looks over "Got a boat for rent for us. Larger than the usual ones, since I know if you're bringing the bootlicker that's two people wearing heavy armor."
Mingzhu looks at him questioningly, “They would be stupid to wear heavy armor out to sea.”
He shakes his head "Not easy finding one that can carry the weight of more than six people." She just nods as he ignored the question. Despite his usual snarly and rough demeanor, while he's blunt with the fisherman, he actually manages to remain cordial with them. After some time spent, he looks over "Yeah, I got a slightly bigger than normal fishing boat for us. You can get the gawkers. I'll handle the rest. Though we will want to return this one in good condition."
Mingzhu carefully looks the boat over. She turns to them, “It looks good.” Just as Minamoto and Zsikhou come back.
Minamoto looks over "I got a map with the marked location; we should be able to set sail without too much trouble."
She nods. “Yes, let us go.” She jumps in the boat with Snout right behind her.
Silgara looks over "Well, it's something we can do, I suppose that prisoner isn't going anywhere..."
Minamoto looks over "This... may be a lengthy trip, so I was sure to pack extra rations."
Mingzhu looks for a fishing spear and can’t find any. She looks up. “Food we don’t have to worry about Minamoto. I have to jump off for a bit. Snout you stay here. She jumps off and runs off purchasing a decent fishing spear close at hand. It’s not too expensive; Thankfully and there are several merchants, so she is able to buy a good relatively inexpensive one. She jumps back on.
T’kharr is the last to hop on. Balan takes a moment saying a prayer and they cast off. Mingzhu is ready and tests out the spear on some fish while waiting for them to get past the surf. She’s spearing at small red fish. But not catching anything. Snout looks like he’s snickering while she’s doing it. She looks over, “Oh, shut up already.” She looks over to see Fwangzhu also seems to have some fishing gear with him.
Minamoto mans the oars. There's some time spent going out to sea, it's going to be a relatively lengthy boat trip, at least..., Minamoto diligently mans the paddles, Zsikhou keeps watch. Silgara keeps charting the course. Fwangzhu attempts to catch a fish himself... He catches a 30 lb. grouper.
He smiles with glee. “Heh, this’ll keep us fed for a bit.”
Silgara looks over, "I do wonder how you're going to clean and cook that."
Mingzhu nods and puts her spear away. She lays down with Snout against her back. “You don’t need to cook sea fish.
Fwangzhu huffs "Who said anything about needing to cook this?"
Silgara sighs "Right... maybe I'll stick to the rations then."
Fwangzhu snorts and looks over "What, anyone else want some?"
“Yes.” Mingzhu holds out her hand.
Balan sits mid deck watching them devour the fish pulling out the tiny tools and starts working on the pearl making intricate designs into it. Fwangzhu huffs "Fine, I'll give you lot a share too." He does take a knife and divides portions, though for his own he seems to go eat the fish raw. Mingzhu eats half of hers and offers the other half to Snout who gobbles it down. Zsikhou also doesn't seem to have any problem eating raw fish. Silgara just shakes her head in disgust. Minamoto also doesn't seem to like the idea of eating raw fish. T’kharr has absolutely no problem at all with raw anything.
Mingzhu looks over at everyone and smiles, “I see many here did not come from a fishing village.”
"I did not, that is for certain." Silgara mentions.
Those who partake enjoy the meal Fwangzhu caught. They seem pretty satisfied. Meals aside, it does take them several hours of boating, but they do eventually find their way to the site in the evening. Mingzhu asks, “Do we dive at night or wait for sun?”
Balan holds up the pearl he’s been working on blowing the dust from it and gestures to her. Zsikhou looks over "We're in deeper waters here, I expect it's not going to matter too much once we're down there."
Mingzhu stands and walks over to Balan while answering Zsikhou, “More predators at night.”
Balan hands it to her. “That should make it more valuable. She looks at it. There is tiny scrimshaw marks on it showing waves of the ocean mixed with the beauty of the sun and earth meeting on it.
“Interesting.” Mingzhu puts it in her pouch.
Balan asks, “Well, then you are headed down?”
She answers, “It depends on if Zsikhou wants to head down at night or not. There are more predators fighting and eating in the depts right now. It’s more dangerous at night.”
"I'm fine with heading down at night. Most predators know better than to try tangling with this one. And if they don't, some electrified shuriken get the point across well." Zsikhou shrugs
She nods, "I don’t have a Light spell, do you?"
Balan looks credulous, “I am not sure if electricity and water would mix well.”
Silgara looks over "I can cast that spell. It will only last 50 minutes though.”
Mingzhu nods, “Alright. Place it on each of us so we know where each other are at all times.”
Silgara nods "Better to place it on something handheld."
“Depending on depth of the wreck we may be a few hours but that is coming up.” Mingzhu holds out her spear. Silgara casts the spell on the spear, then on Zsikhou’s Siangham. Balan takes a look over the side of the boat staring into the water.
"Good luck down there." Silgara nods.
Mingzhu looks at Zsikhou for a moment then dives. She lets her lungs fill with water and her gills open up. She goes quickly to reach the bottom as fast as she can. Zsikhou dives and down and follows after her. Snout starts down. Mingzhu seeing it and the depths they will go too stops him and signs for him to mark their position for the boat. He does so. She continues her dive. Zsikhou also dives down, looking. Eventually they do find the wreckage of a larger boat. It looks like a decent sized war-boat.
Mingzhu follows behind T’kharr and Balan. Silgara looks aside dubiously, then looks over at Fwangzhu. “Is he going to make a scene…?”
After that comment Mingzhu moves up right beside the Hengeyokai. Fwangzhu seems to be speaking to some of the fishermen. It... actually seems to be going pretty well.
He gives a nod of thanks to one fisherman, gives him a few coins, then moves to another
Then Fwangzhu looks over "Got a boat for rent for us. Larger than the usual ones, since I know if you're bringing the bootlicker that's two people wearing heavy armor."
Mingzhu looks at him questioningly, “They would be stupid to wear heavy armor out to sea.”
He shakes his head "Not easy finding one that can carry the weight of more than six people." She just nods as he ignored the question. Despite his usual snarly and rough demeanor, while he's blunt with the fisherman, he actually manages to remain cordial with them. After some time spent, he looks over "Yeah, I got a slightly bigger than normal fishing boat for us. You can get the gawkers. I'll handle the rest. Though we will want to return this one in good condition."
Mingzhu carefully looks the boat over. She turns to them, “It looks good.” Just as Minamoto and Zsikhou come back.
Minamoto looks over "I got a map with the marked location; we should be able to set sail without too much trouble."
She nods. “Yes, let us go.” She jumps in the boat with Snout right behind her.
Silgara looks over "Well, it's something we can do, I suppose that prisoner isn't going anywhere..."
Minamoto looks over "This... may be a lengthy trip, so I was sure to pack extra rations."
Mingzhu looks for a fishing spear and can’t find any. She looks up. “Food we don’t have to worry about Minamoto. I have to jump off for a bit. Snout you stay here. She jumps off and runs off purchasing a decent fishing spear close at hand. It’s not too expensive; Thankfully and there are several merchants, so she is able to buy a good relatively inexpensive one. She jumps back on.
T’kharr is the last to hop on. Balan takes a moment saying a prayer and they cast off. Mingzhu is ready and tests out the spear on some fish while waiting for them to get past the surf. She’s spearing at small red fish. But not catching anything. Snout looks like he’s snickering while she’s doing it. She looks over, “Oh, shut up already.” She looks over to see Fwangzhu also seems to have some fishing gear with him.
Minamoto mans the oars. There's some time spent going out to sea, it's going to be a relatively lengthy boat trip, at least..., Minamoto diligently mans the paddles, Zsikhou keeps watch. Silgara keeps charting the course. Fwangzhu attempts to catch a fish himself... He catches a 30 lb. grouper.
He smiles with glee. “Heh, this’ll keep us fed for a bit.”
Silgara looks over, "I do wonder how you're going to clean and cook that."
Mingzhu nods and puts her spear away. She lays down with Snout against her back. “You don’t need to cook sea fish.
Fwangzhu huffs "Who said anything about needing to cook this?"
Silgara sighs "Right... maybe I'll stick to the rations then."
Fwangzhu snorts and looks over "What, anyone else want some?"
“Yes.” Mingzhu holds out her hand.
Balan sits mid deck watching them devour the fish pulling out the tiny tools and starts working on the pearl making intricate designs into it. Fwangzhu huffs "Fine, I'll give you lot a share too." He does take a knife and divides portions, though for his own he seems to go eat the fish raw. Mingzhu eats half of hers and offers the other half to Snout who gobbles it down. Zsikhou also doesn't seem to have any problem eating raw fish. Silgara just shakes her head in disgust. Minamoto also doesn't seem to like the idea of eating raw fish. T’kharr has absolutely no problem at all with raw anything.
Mingzhu looks over at everyone and smiles, “I see many here did not come from a fishing village.”
"I did not, that is for certain." Silgara mentions.
Those who partake enjoy the meal Fwangzhu caught. They seem pretty satisfied. Meals aside, it does take them several hours of boating, but they do eventually find their way to the site in the evening. Mingzhu asks, “Do we dive at night or wait for sun?”
Balan holds up the pearl he’s been working on blowing the dust from it and gestures to her. Zsikhou looks over "We're in deeper waters here, I expect it's not going to matter too much once we're down there."
Mingzhu stands and walks over to Balan while answering Zsikhou, “More predators at night.”
Balan hands it to her. “That should make it more valuable. She looks at it. There is tiny scrimshaw marks on it showing waves of the ocean mixed with the beauty of the sun and earth meeting on it.
“Interesting.” Mingzhu puts it in her pouch.
Balan asks, “Well, then you are headed down?”
She answers, “It depends on if Zsikhou wants to head down at night or not. There are more predators fighting and eating in the depts right now. It’s more dangerous at night.”
"I'm fine with heading down at night. Most predators know better than to try tangling with this one. And if they don't, some electrified shuriken get the point across well." Zsikhou shrugs
She nods, "I don’t have a Light spell, do you?"
Balan looks credulous, “I am not sure if electricity and water would mix well.”
Silgara looks over "I can cast that spell. It will only last 50 minutes though.”
Mingzhu nods, “Alright. Place it on each of us so we know where each other are at all times.”
Silgara nods "Better to place it on something handheld."
“Depending on depth of the wreck we may be a few hours but that is coming up.” Mingzhu holds out her spear. Silgara casts the spell on the spear, then on Zsikhou’s Siangham. Balan takes a look over the side of the boat staring into the water.
"Good luck down there." Silgara nods.
Mingzhu looks at Zsikhou for a moment then dives. She lets her lungs fill with water and her gills open up. She goes quickly to reach the bottom as fast as she can. Zsikhou dives and down and follows after her. Snout starts down. Mingzhu seeing it and the depths they will go too stops him and signs for him to mark their position for the boat. He does so. She continues her dive. Zsikhou also dives down, looking. Eventually they do find the wreckage of a larger boat. It looks like a decent sized war-boat.