The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

Silgara tries the Key on that door, she opens it, but then reveals the passage is collapsed, nothing accessible beyond. She shakes her head and heads out. The Vrock shrieks with rage as the party leaves "No! Don't you DARE leave me here mortals! Don't you DARE!!!"

Mingzhu suggests, “Let’s try the door on the other side.”

The Abishai hisses "This isn't over Paladin, kobold. I will have an eternity to plot my revenge!"

T’kharr asks, “We have the scrolls, right? And yes, let’s try the door on the other side."

"The scrolls I found were... Plane Shift, Greater Dispel, Magnificent Mansion, and Planar Binding."
Silgara looks over. "Particularly pertinent because if we are in an extraplanar pocket as I suspect, the plane shift scroll could allow us to leave."

“Aye but we have the ability to leave by ship?” Balan reminds everyone.

The mage nods, “That we do.”

“Should we save the spell for future use then?” Balan asks.

Mingzhu smiles, “Now we have two ways back home. That's good."

They cross into the room with the broken planar circle. Silgara tries the key. It works, unlocking the door. "Looks like we're in deeper." In this room, there's another binding circle. This time, one in the center of the room. There's a Mezzoloth daemon bound there

Mingzhu blinks, “I could not conceive in my mind something so.......Unique." On the right side of the room, there's another door. On the far side, left side, and between them, there are what looks like torture posts with some skeletons attached to them. Not animated skeletons, thankfully. The Mezzoloth looks over at the group as they enter the room. Stuck in the binding circle, but it's a look of pure undiluted malice

"Silgara, perhaps you could check the binding circle to make sure it isn't trapped, and Zsikhou can examine the door on the right?" T’kharr orders. Silgara and Zsikhou nod, they go about checking things. Zsikhou tries the door, it's unlocked. Silgara keeps examining the binding circle...

She spends quite some time inspecting it, but after a while, and since she knows what to look for, she returns to T'kharr and whispers to her, "That circle is structured like the others we saw."

Mingzhu looks at the circle. “A test of some form?”

Zsikhou looks over "Door here'sss not locked."...

"Right. Let us move on then, unless anyone sees anything odd in this room beyond the fiend?" T’kharr says while watching the daemon.

The Mezzoloth looks over to Mingzhu, glaring at them with hatred. There are the torture posts with the skeletons there... She moves toward the door. "I really don’t think that thing likes me."

Mingzhu hears a voice in her head "No test. There is nothing. No freedom. Nothing but torment. Just lay down and let me snap your neck. There is nothing else."

“I think we should avoid it and keep moving.” Balan says looking at the shamaness, worried.

"Get out of my head!" Mingzhu shouts.

Silgara nods "Agreed, it looks pretty firmly bound." The Mezzoloth seems to shift a bit, like it's smirking. Mingzhu brings her rebuke stick out and looks at it.

"Then of course I will not. Or I will. But you only need to lay down and die. Then you will never hear my voice again. It is the best thing." Mingzhu hears in her mind. She casts rebuke at the creature. The spell fizzles as the creature is too strong for her magic.

Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "What was that for? The fiend is firmly bound."

"I think it's trying to mess with Mingzhu's head. Can you get a protection from evil on her?" T’kharr surmises.

"It’s talking to me! In my head." Mingzhu shouts.

Silgara looks over, then to Mingzhu "Ah, Yulgoloth can communicate telepathically, but this particular kind of fiend can't do mental attacks, and even if it could, it couldn't without getting out of the binding circle." Silgara looks over "I didn't prepare any of those..."

Balan places a hand on Mingzhu’s head and casts protection from evil on her.

It looks to Mingzhu "There is nothing you can do. Your magic is useless. Your efforts are useless. There is nothing you will ever do that will matter." She grits her teeth and shakes her head.

Silgara looks over to Mingzhu "Best just ignore it. The door is open, and it's stuck in the binding circle. The only thing it can do is taunt us."

Fwangzhu looks it over like they want to swing their axe at it. Silgara looks over "Best not to try fighting it either, they're considerably strong..."

Mingzhu dashes through the door dragging Snout behind her. Zsikhou follows her, “Careful, careful…”

"Aye. Ignoring it is for the best, as hard as that may seem at first." T’kharr says softly.

Mingzhu shakes with anger. “I don’t even know why I’m so angry.”

[Winterhawk99]

The next room is rectangular in shape. This one, unlike the others seems maintained. There’s a straight way ahead to the next room, there's some kind of circular panel at the center of the room, with lines going across, to the sides, with a set of six circles inlaid in a two by three pattern on each side, with some grooves on the side. Zsikhou looks back. But he doesn't seem to find anything, he huffs "Can't shake the feeling that there's a trap in this room. A nasty one." Mingzhu stops and stands still when Zsikhou says that. She briefly blinks and tries to look into the ethereal plane for spirits. She only sees darkness. She shrugs but doesn’t move her feet.

Balan studies the diagrams. “I could send the horse forward but if it dies, I would not be able to summon it for a long while.” He starts counting fingers many times over.

Mingzhu looks back to the group. “If it’s elemental I can protect one person.”

Silgara looks over "If... they're willing to be put in that kind of danger, that could work..." She grimaces, "Then again... we might need their holy strikes to harm fiends..."

“Aye I believe it would be a month before it would return to me.” Balan surmises.

Mingzhu studies the diagrams on the floor trying to thing of something that would be familiar. She comes up with nothing. She shakes her head. “I have no idea.”

T’kharr moves up and gives it a try. That doesn't seem terribly interesting. Some kind of ward may be to T'kharr? She's not quite able to figure out what it's supposed to do, it doesn't look like the binding circles, but maybe the ones on the side are more interesting...? She looks to the side as well.

Mingzhu sighs and looks at T’kharr. “It must mean something more where you come from.”

T’kharr shakes her head. “Some kind of magic?” I cant figure it out.

Silgara looks it over, even though she is stumped, she seems unnerved by it. "My best guess is it's some kind of... ward or trap. We’d best… be cautious."

Balan keeps near looking around the room for anything obvious on the walls or anything he may recognize Aye it would be best considering what was in the prior room. As Mingzhu sees Balan moving forward also she says, “So don’t go anywhere near the circles… Got it.”

Silgara looks over "I don't see how to go across the room without stepping over one of those lines though."

“What if you don’t touch the ground?” Mingzhu asks.

Silgara shrugs "We... could try that..."

T’kharr rubs her muzzle. “Like, leaping over all of them in one bound?”

Balan grins, “Or tossing.” He says playfully.

Silgara takes a step back. “Does anyone volunteer to do that?”

Mingzhu looks at Balan then Fwangzhu. “Balan, can you toss a badge across the room?”

Fwangzhu snarls at her, "I can jump myself just fucking fine, thank you."

Balan laughs, “Aye…. Well, there goes my fun.”

Fwangzhu huffs "Fine, you want me to take point, I'll take fucking point." He's sure to stow his halberd away and get his axe and shield out instead

"If you turn yourself into a badger and Balan tosses you over this trap, or whatever it is, it would be safer." Mingzhu nods.

The badger huffs, huffs "Fine, whatever. Let’s do it. Try not to get me killed."

Minamoto shrugs "It's an acceptable sacrifice."

Fwangzhu snarls at him "Fuck off Asslicker. At least I'm being fucking useful here." He moves over to Balan "Don't screw this up, okay?"

Balan smiles, “Don’t worry, your next, Minamoto.” Fwangzhu turns into a badger. Minamoto glares at Balan. Fwangzhu seems to snicker. The dragonborn picks the animal up and judges the distance. “Ready little friend?” He smiles big throwing him without answers. Flying badger goes across the room, however as soon as they are thrown over the line... The door behind them shuts tight with a portcullis slamming down. So does the door ahead. Meanwhile, each of the six circles on each side finds a creature summoned, demons on the left, devils on the right. Weapons drawn. At each other, and the companions.

T'kharr sighs, “Great.” To the right of them are six Barbazu. On the left there is a Bar-lugua, a Palrethee, an Armanite, a Babau, and two Rutterkin. The whole of the group is in the middle. A Barbazu charges ahead straight at the paladin all going into a rage. He slashes Balan across the neck leaving a deep wound that is bleeding profusely.

T’kharr acts quickly slamming it back with her staff and giving it a mild bruise. Balan’s warhorse moves in to protect him. It beats the devil back even more and hurts him with its hoofs. Another Barbazu strikes the horse this one too puts a deep gash along the horse’s neck with a wound that is spurting blood. Zsikhou throws a couple of shurikens at that one. Only one hits and wounds it.

The Bar-Lgura stomps over and attacks T’kharr. It clobbers her, sending her several steps back. The Pelrethee also goes after Balan. It’s flaming long sword puts another deep gash this time in the outside of his hip. Another Barbazu comes up and attacks the war horse but in all the commotion cannot connect. Fwangzhu shifts back and gets his weapon and shield out, while the Armanite charges at T’kharr but it too misses with its heavy flail.

Balan casts Lay on Hands while raising his shield up in a defensive position. He heals some of the wounds, but his neck is still bleeding profusely. Silgara lets loose with a pair of arrows striking one of the Barbazus once. The arrow doesn’t connect deeply leaving a light wound. Two more Barbazu go after the horse but only one connects, raking its claws along the animal’s back. The Babau comes strikes out at T’kharr and forces her even further back. She stumbles as it nearly breaks her arm. A Rutterkin also goes after her but misses.

Yet another Barbazu attacks the horse again, raking a claw along the horse’s rump. The other Rutterkin attacks Fwangzhu and knocks him back. Minamoto attacks a Rutterkin and connects once with it doing some light damage to it. Mingzhu casts Prayer. It turns out to be a powerful prayer for all the devils and demons are instantly debuffed and the prayer helps the parties resolve.

The first Barbazu, has been getting beaten up a bit and goes to do a full attack against the horse but misses in the fog of battle. T’kharr quickly casts cure light wounds on the horse. Several of its wounds heal but it is still bleeding from the neck profusely. The horse Neighs and strikes the 1rst Barbazu with both of is hooves. The devil falls and turns into a puddle of goo.

Another Barbazu turns from the party and instead attacks the Bar-Lgura giving the demon a nasty wound. It in turn attacks the new enemy hitting the Barbazu back, hurting it lightly. Zsikhou throws two shuriken at the Palrethee. Again, one sinks in to its skin giving it a flesh wound. The demon goes after the horse though. It strikes the horse so hard that the animal disappears in a puff of smoke.

One of the five Barbazu now with the horse out of the way attacks the Palrethee but misses as it did not get a good track moving forward. Fwangzhu attacks the Rutterkin attacking him. His axe bites into flesh but only manages to give it a small wound. The Armanite, seeing what is going on, decides to attack one of the Barbazu but misses. T’kharr calls out to Balan alone in the middle of the thick of it all. “"See if you can get out of the middle of it all!" Balan hears her and does his best to get out of the center.

Silgara shoots at one of the Rutterkin and hits once, but the arrow bounces off of it. Another of the Barbazu goes after the Palrethee but misses. Yet another goes after the demon but also misses. The Babau attacks T’kharr again. It connects again almost knocking her unconscious. Another Barbazu goes after the Palrethee. This one rakes it hard. Black blood starts to freely flow from the demon. The Rutterkin on T’kharr goes after her again. She gets hit so hard she almost feints. The other one on Fwangzhu goes for him again but misses as the badger ducks and dodges.

Minamoto goes after the Armanite next. He puts a deep wound in it with his katana. Mingzhu thinks quickly and runs to Balan converting Substitution into a cure serious wounds. The spell heals most of his wounds and stops his profuse bleeding. T’kharr tries to disengage and ducks out to join Balan and Mingzhu. One of the Barbazu goes after the Bar-Lgura. The demon and devil fight, each taking wounds from the other. The palrethee goes to support the other demon badly wounding the Barbazu. Another Barbazu joins in this fight but misses the palrethee.

Fwangzhu is still fending off the Rutterkin. He puts another wound in it. This one deep enough to stop the demon it turns into a pool of goo. Zsikhou throws two more shurikens at the Bar-lgura but both just bounce off of it. The Armanite fending against the Barbazu strikes another for a light wound. T’kharr calls out, “Minamoto! Duck out and regroup with us!" Fwangzhu also disengages and stands on the other side of the room panting. Balan lines his weapon with silversheen. Silgara aims and shoots at the remaining Rutterkin. She gives it a light wound with one arrow. The demons and devils go all out now on each other. The group watches the melee, some with interest, others worried about who will win in the end.

That is until the Rutterkin stops and goes after Minamoto, giving him a flesh wound. Minamoto again disengages. Mingzhu converts Hold Person to Cure Moderate Wounds and casts it on T’kharr. The gnoll pants Haggardly, leaning on her quarterstaff to help her stay upright, quite bloodied. She looks over at the shamaness, “Thanks.” She then drinks one of her Cure Light Wounds potions adding to the healing.

Balan places himself in front of T'kharr and holds hit action to cut the hell out of something but is protecting her. T'kharr glances to Silgara "Do you know if the trap's expended itself or if it'll pull another set of fiends if Fwangzhu tries to return to us?"

Silgara looks aside "I'm pretty sure it's expended, but we'll need to fight off these fiends or just let them kill each other!" The fighting between the demons and devils continues.

"We're best off letting them kill each other and then mopping up what's left." T’kharr tells the others. "Curious that the demons are of different flavors, but the devils are all the same type, though." The Babau looks likes it’s barely standing now, but it goes to strike one of the Barbazu. After a few minutes the Rutterkin goes down.

Minamoto takes a defensive stance at front and goes into Expertise mode. Mingzhu converts Animate water to Cure Moderate wounds and casts it on T’kharr again. Healing her even more. T’kharr looks more fit now with barely visible wounds.

T’kharr shakes her head, “Silgara, got anything other than fire that might be useful on them as a group?"

"I have a few options to impede them if they become a problem, but they could resist it." She says aside.

"Ah, a fair point" a soft frown on her muzzle "Seems like our best bet is to sit back and wait for them to finish beating each other back to the lower plane they came. We should at least be more hale than whatever's left at that point." Zsikhou nods to the comment. Fwangzhu moves around the battle and rejoins the party. At the same time the Armanite bleeds out and collapses into a pool of goo.

Silgara looks over "Sure looks like the devils are winning this..." But holds her action. The Bar-lgura goes down. The Babau strikes down one of the Barbazu before succumbing to his wounds. Both go down almost together. Mingzhu casts Endure Elements on Balan. The Palrethee strikes down another of the Barbazu, then wounds another badly.

Fwangzhu moves to the party, noting what Balan did, they apply their Silversheen to their axe. The palrethee finally goes down. The three Barbazu left advance on the group. One of them goes towards Balan but misses. Minamoto doesn’t break expertise but attacks that devil. The man at arms slashes another wound into its flesh. Balan counterstrikes and connect with the devil, hurting it badly as the silversheen cancels the creature’s resistance to blades.

Mingzhu now casts Summon Ally 3. A lion appears behind the Yokai. T’kharr goes after the most badly wounded Barbazu with her staff. She puts a light bruise on it. Zskhou tries to flank and finish that one off. He connects twice. The devil turns into a pool of goo. Fwangzhu connects with his silversheen axe hurting another of the devils. Balan connects with the same one giving it another wound.

Silgara casts grease on one of the Barbazu. One keeps their footing the other one falls. Balan, Fwangzhu and Minamoto are all on it as soon as it does. Balan and Fwangzhu give it further wounds, but it keeps fighting from the ground. The other takes a swing at Fwangzhu. It rakes him hard, and blood starts flowing out of the Badger hengeyokai’s face.

The lion pounces on the one standing clawing and raking the devil for more damage. With most of her spells expended Mingzhu herself enters combat and levels at Kick on the one the lion is hanging onto. She connects with it hard but does little in the way of hurting it. Again, T’kharr hits one but barely scratches it. Zsikhou tries to take out the same Barbazu but misses. Fwangzhu swings at it but misses both times too.

Balan snarls and goes in swinging hard at the one on him. He connects and hurts it more. Silgara puts two arrows in it. The creature’s knees start to buckle while it tries to fight off the attacks. Minamoto adds to the wounds of the other. The devil on Balan tries to attack him but its claws simply scrape across his armor. Minamoto is not so lucky. The one on him connects causing a nasty wound that blood starts to pour out of. Minamoto surprised it got threw his guard misses the opportunity to kill it. Mingzhu’s lion cannot get through the creatures hide, as it tries to rake and claw him. Mingzhu herself tries to punch it but misses as it moves out of the way.

T'kharr brings one down with her staff finally. Zsikhou and Fwangzhu combine their attacks to take down the last of them. Now it is just the companions standing in a pool of gooey, smelly soup.

[Winterhawk99]

After the combat is over, the circles and lines in the room seem to power down, the portcullis and doors open. Fwangzhu and Minamoto are bleeding from the Barbazu's attacks though. Silgara looks over "They'll need a healing spell, a Barbazu's cursed weapon leaves wounds that don't heal naturally."

Balan huffs for a minute, “Well, so much for being careful.”

Mingzhu converts Lessor Restoration to Cure Moderate Wounds and heals Fwangzhu. He stops bleeding. T’kharr cast Cure Light Wounds on Minamoto. He too stops bleeding and gives off a sigh of relief. Zsikhou looks over... "Nasty ambush, that... think we're clear to proceed though."

T’kharr sighs with relief herself. “Aye, that was a nasty one, I haven't a clue how one even could have gotten around that.”

Mingzhu looks around "We did."

Silgara looks over "It could possibly have been dispelled but, I expect it would have required greater potency of magic than we currently have."

“It is a good thing there were many of us.” Balan chuckles.

Zsikhou considers "And that the conjured youkai fought each other more than us... makes for a poorly designed trap if so..."

Silgara considers, then sighs "The enmity between the Tanar’ri and Baatezu is well known, I cannot fathom the purpose behind such either, unless it was a mistake borne of arrogance. But somehow..." Fwangzhu huffs. Minamoto puts his blade back in its sheath.

"An arena to watch them fight?” Mingzhu asks.

Silgara considers "Possibly, but it doesn't seem likely. Regardless, we won't find any more answers standing here, are we ready to proceed?"

“It may be best and hope there is no more trouble. I have my doubts on that.” Balan sighs.

Zsikhou looks ahead at the door to the next room. "This one doesn't see any more traps."

Silgara looks over "Well, what's your call?"

Zsikhou looks over "Could scout again if you like."

“I can see now but am no scout.” Mingzhu intones.

T’kharr nods to her. “I think we should proceed with Zsikhou scouting ahead again."

Balan comments softly, “Aye that would be best.”

Zsikhou nods, slips ahead, opening the door then closing it behind him. After a short while though, he comes back. "All clear, seems like the room ahead is a kind of Wu-Jen's sanctum. No traps this one saw, or other defenses."

“Any Paperwork?” Mingzhu asks.

"Plenty!" Zsikhou nods. He considers, “Somehow this place looks... abandoned, though..."

Mingzhu nods to him. “It may still tell us something.”

"Ah. Let us search it then. Must be the sanctum of that jackal-headed mage from before." T’kharr says.

They all enter the sanctum ahead, it looks like part research lab, part treasury and storehouse, there is a bedroom to the side that doesn't look like it's been used in a long time. There does seem to be a research journal on one of the desks. There's a table on the side with a runed circle, there's four weapons on it, starting from the top and going clockwise a long sword, quarterstaff, dagger, and battleaxe. In the bedroom there is a storage chest. It's unlocked. Silgara goes to take a look at the research journal. There's also an armor stand in the lab that holds some well-made looking full plate mail armor.

Silgara's eyes widen as she reads the Journal. "I... think we might have found what we're looking for here, as.... as... honestly what is in here..." She pauses "It sounds insane, but also logically put together."

“Do go on?” T’kharr says, as she stares at the mage. Mingzhu listens intently. Balan eyes up the armor listening to Silgara.

She nods "There's multiple passages of note. The first is regarding the nature of the planes. On the material plane, our home realm, reality is fixed, magic works along expected constants, but among the planes, magic is more mutable, it goes on about how beliefs, strongly held, can create imprints upon reality, essentially belief utilized to mold and shape the fabric of the planes, in a way it is not possible to do so upon the materium."

Silgara keeps going "There was a particular incident they were researching. It also seems that planar beings who 'break' are of particular interest to them. Break from how they normally behave."
"Apparently in this incident..." Silgara keeps reading through, like she can barely believe what it is she is reading "A Deva performed a betrayal of all that is good that was so profound, that it caused an entire town to be dragged into Carceri."

Mingzhu ask, “It that a city in the west?”

T’kharr smirks, “Carceri? No, it’s a part of Hell.”

“Oh. So, a hell.”

Silgara continues, "But later, a nameless immortal being challenged this Deva to a battle and eventually defeated the Deva. It doesn't say whether the fallen angel was slain or redeemed, but in the aftermath, the town that was dragged into Carceri managed to be wrenched out of Carceri." She looks to Mingzhu "Carceri is a plane between the Abyss and Hades, it is a prison plane, a terrible place where many forgotten horrors are imprisoned. It's particularly difficult to escape that place once someone is there. "Somehow this Deva broke their nature, and broke reality..." Silgara nods "It would seem that the author has been researching how to replicate this."

“That would explain the circle we sound broken in some way then.” Balan notes.

Silgara keeps looking "To that end, they've been researching planar beings who also, like this fallen angel, managed to break from the expected behaviors of their kind. Even including instances where tanar’ri and baatezu have cooperated and trying to replicate this." She considers, then nods to Balan. "It does, they were trying to engineer a situation where the fiends would break their nature."

Zsikhou looks to Silgara "They were trying to make Youkai behave in a way that is contrary to their nature? That doess not sound possible."

Silgara looks to Zsikhou "I'm actually inclined to agree. What this experimenter is trying to do in this journal, it sounds impossible."

"It's worse than that -- if this was possible, and achieved, it'd likely be possible to use it to make celestials fall on command. Which'd be a Karsus level of disaster." T’kharr thinks out loud.

Silgara looks over "I wouldn't think such a thing would be conventionally possible, or simple, but... the Journal's detail is well supported in its thought process. Supposedly it has happened..." She considers
"There's also the law-binding circle that was broken... either the binder miscalculated... or..." She considers.

Balan thinks a bit then asks, “Could it be that the Khan was once in that circle.”

Zsikhou looks over "Seems far more likely they miscalculated than that such a being would truly break their nature."

Silgara looks at Balan, shaking her head "I doubt it, that Khan was a human, not a being of the planes. They couldn't have been held in that circle. Beings of the planes have... unique properties, and vulnerabilities because of their nature."

T’kharr nods, "Aye, it'd be like trying to throw Balan in a binding circle. It just wouldn't work."

Balan laughs, “They could try.”

Silgara keeps reading, her eyes open with alarm once again at reading a new passage. Mingzhu thinks a moment then says, “Mortals they can break their nature it is part of the testing to get to the celestrial court. Immortals cannot.”

Silgara nods aside "That's something I would agree with... but the writer of this journal, they were trying to engineer instances where immortals would break their nature."

Zsikhou considers, looking at Mingzhu, then to Silgara. "Even if this isn't something that can be done, such research and attempts could cause considerable damage."

"And not even in the service of a reasonable end." T’kharr scoffs. Mingzhu nods to her.

Silgara looks over. "I can infer that their intent is to... create a place they can re-splice a reality to their own belief and will, but it doesn't say exactly why they're doing this." She frowns.

“Silgara do the papers say what goal is afterward. What purpose of these experiments are?” Mingzhu asks.

She shakes her head "Nothing definitive, I'm afraid. Unfortunately, there's another section that is..." She breathes out a sigh "Apparently they have engineered a situation where a Tanar’ri and Baatezu have managed to cooperate in a scheme."

Mingzhu slightly cocks her head and looks up and around. “Do you think this place is one of these places?”

Silgara considers "Quite likely. It's a project called 'The Islands of Midnight.’

"Oh, dear" T’kharr frowns "it sounds like they are far further along than I think one might have first estimated them to be."

Mingzhu continues, “So, this place. It may have started somewhere else and was remade here?”

Silgara looks to Mingzhu "Honestly... I don't know. Everything in this journal, these experiments, the premises, it's so far from regular magical and planar theory that I've known that it sounds impossible."

Zsikhou sniffs "This place seems abandoned though... and this one would think that if they were that powerful, they would know we're invading their sanctum and would have interceded against them already. But they haven't..."

"Anyway, we need to get everything packed up and depart, before that jackal-headed mage shows up and tries to ruin our day for snooping about." T’kharr startles slightly.

Mingzhu nods We must tell Hattori of this place and what happened. I must talk to mayor about things too I think."

[Winterhawk99]

Silgara looks to Mingzhu, T'kharr, and Balan "There's more, and this part is exceptionally worrying."

“Aye?” Balan looks at her.

She sighs, "It talks about engineering cooperation between the tanar’ri and baatezu. It's usually a failure. But... there is a mention that the author is not surprised that a Falxugon has the organizational skill to run a trading company, and work with discretion."

Minamoto looks over sharply. Fwangzhu looks to Silgara "Th'fuck is a 'Falxugon'?"

“What is a Falxugon?” Mingzhu asks almost at the same time.

"Suffice it to say that any Youkai that can do that is a pretty nasty creature." T’kharr says.

Silgara looks to Fwangzhu and then Mingzhu "Some fiends specialize in tempting mortals to sin and damnation. A Falxugon is a harvester devil, one who specializes in manipulation and tempting others into such. They're not usually violent or overt threats, but they excel as infiltrators, schemers, and manipulators"

Minamoto looks over "So according to this: there is literally a Youkai running a trading company?"

Silgara looks over "We do not know it is one of the ones that we are dealing with locally but, according to the journal, yes, there is a Falxugon running a trading company that is working to both accumulate wealth and damn souls."

Mingzhu frowns and nods, “How can we sniff out this Yokai?”

She looks back to the journal "There is more said regarding demons who are tempters. Not the crass manipulation of a succubus, but there is mention of a Glabrezu that grants wishes that are most sinful."
She looks at Mingzhu "Unfortunately it will be difficult. Falxugons can appear as ordinary mortals and are very difficult to detect."

"And I betcha they'd have access to ways to hide from even Balan's talents at sniffing out evildoers." T’kharr comments.

Silgara looks over. "They also mention getting an Arcanaloth interested in this magical theory..." She frowns.

"That's...extremely disturbing as well." T’kharr intones.

Silgara nods to T'kharr "Most definitely."

“What is this Yokai like?” Mingzhu asks.

Silgara looks to Mingzhu "Which one?"

“Arcanaloth?”

She nods "They're one of the most powerful of the Yulgoloth, selfish beings with vast magical power. And are always looking and scheming to acquire more."

“So, the second is like the first?”

"How do you mean?" Silgara raises an eyebrow.

“Both can hide and use subterfuge to do their evils. do not like combat. They like to hide behind and corrupt others to do their work for them.”

Silgara nods, “An Arcanaloth's magical power is vast, they're not shy about combat but... generally consider such grunt-work beneath them."

Minamoto looks over "And the Youkai who grants wishes?"

"Good, then I have understood correctly. Corruption Yokai both.” Mingzhu smiles.

Silgara nods to Minamoto "Also a corrupting fiend. This one tends to find those who have unfulfilled, dark wishes, and tempts them into having them granted."

Zsikhou considers "So we have three of these Youkai mentioned, and according to this journal, active?"
Silgara nods. Silgara sighs, putting the journal down, as though reading that was an information overload, and quite worrying.

Mingzhu frowns, “Three? I only thought two?”

Silgara looks over "A Falxugon, a Glabrezu, and an Arcanaloth. But admittedly..." She pauses "We don't know how involved each of these fiends are in what has been going on in our world."

“Ok, and what is Glabrezu?”

"It'd be quite the situation if all three of them had their fingers in the local trading companies." T’kharr mentions.

Silgara looks to Mingzhu "As I mentioned that one corrupts mortals by appealing to their darkest desires and making those wishes come true." She looks over, considering "It would be... it only explicitly mentions the Falxugon being involved in a trading company, though. Glabrezu are beings of chaos, I doubt they'd care enough to run an organization."

I thought that was what you called the Falxugon?" Mingzhu says as she thinks.

Silgara shakes her head "No, the Falxugon is a baatezu. They're beings of order, temptation, and manipulation as well. While the Glabrezu is a Tan'ari, a being of chaos and corruption." She nods to Mingzhu.

"Ok so one is a loner. I think I am getting the hang of this now."

Silgara considers "If this were a normal situation, I would expect that if those two fiends are in play, they would constantly wage a proxy war and try to undercut the other while boosting their own position."

Zsikhou considers "Sssk," He looks to T'kharr and Balan "Do you recall when we went to consult with Sensei Minh?"

“Vaguely. Is there something specific?” T’kharr replies.

"The ssymbol we recovered from the corssairs," Zsikhou looks to T'kharr and Balan.

"Ah. Perhaps that points at the fiend in question?" T’kharr rubs her muzzle.

Zsikhou nods "It could..."

Silgara looks over "That would imply if we combined that, with the journal, that the Corsairs have demonic support... which would fit the Glabrezu."

Mingzhu nods, “We also know that a trade company helped in the attack of the Daimyo's relief ship.”

“Aye that would seem to be the case. I do remember also the statement of amulets being brought as well though that may be irrelevant.” Balan shrugs.

Silgara looks to Balan "I don't think it is irrelevant. The Horsemen cult are tied to a Hadean power, that's... something between the baatezu and tanar’ri." She considers "The Yulgoloth profiteer off the blood war, try to play both sides to their own advantage."

Zsikhou huffs "Would imply a conflict between Youkai, with us in the middle of it."

"Those men that had the amulets the horseman they would work for one of these yokai? Which one would it be?" Mingzhu asks.

Silgara looks over, considering "Honestly I don't know... could be any of them, could be none of them. Could be they're all just being played like puppets on a string." She considers "The Horsemen and the Arcanaloth are both Hadean powers, but..."

Mingzhu looks worried and asks, "Do you think more than one trade company would be lead by one of these not the loner but the other two? Go on."

Minamoto perks up sharply at that question "You're saying it could be /all/ of them are corrupted by Youkai? It would fit those foreigners." He shakes his head.

Silgara looks over. "If I go by literally what is written, it mentions the Falxugon being in charge of one company. That's it. Beyond that, it'd be speculative."

"I am saying that by what Silgara is saying all three could not be but two could be. for one of these Yokai is a loner of bad wishes and would not work with others. And that is ‘could be’ Minamoto. We cannot be sure of two. it may be perhaps one is corrupting your Daimyo in his court by rumors of what happens there." Mingzhu says, as she struggles to wrap her head around it.

Balan agrees, “Aye. We would need to narrow it down specifically though and that may be easier now we have this information.”

Silgara looks over "Parts of the Journal sound so... impossible regardless..."

Zsikhou looks over. "Think it might be that we have one working with a trading company and one supporting the Corsairs."

"Ok , then where is the other?" Mingzhu asks.

Silgara looks to Mingzhu "Playing both sides? Keeping them from killing each other outright? I don't know..." She considers "Usually that kind of fiend is only interested in furthering their arcane power... could be they were involved in setting up the Horsemen cult as part of this experiment... supposedly to replicate what happened with the fallen Deva and the city that fell into the planes, there's a lot of preconditions that need to be applied."

Minamoto glares at Mingzhu when she mentions one trying to corrupt his Daimyo "My lord would never allow a Youkai into his confidences."

Mingzhu fumes, “You do not know this Minamoto. The daimyo is not a god. He is a man just as any other man and men are corruptible even Balan.”

Minamoto shakes his head "My lord staunchly upholds the traditions of our people and working with Youkai is forbidden. He would not stray from this."

T’kharr tries to support Mingzhu. “He may not even know it is a Youkai doing it."

Fwangzhu snorts, "Who says they aren't being outsmarted by a damned fiend. Wouldn't be hard."

Minamoto glares daggers and fingers his blade hilt "Silence with your slander, savage!"

“I believe we have stated this once before. It is possible for one of their kind to do something like this without a normal being knowing.” Balan says shaking his head.

"Yes, A yokai in a trusted advisor’s position could do much damage and have much influence. Like having a shop wipe out a town before they come to help another island." Mingzhu insists.

"Let me put it this way -- any fiend that can pass as a mortal enough to fool Balan here would be able to fool someone without Balan's talents without issue." T’kharr tells Minamoto flatly.

“Aye, exactly” Balan agrees.

Minamoto shakes his head; he clearly doesn't like this line of thought. "I don't believe it. My lord would not allow himself to be corrupted like this."

“To cloak their own evil nature from my view means they are potentially more powerful than even those I learned from.” Balan insists.

Fwangzhu on the other hand, seems to be seriously considering it "Honestly someone like that Daimyo wouldn't really need much of a push from a Youkai, he's bad enough as is." He snorts.

Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu "Enough!"

"We must think of every possibility and there is evidence though not clear evidence that this may have happened with the daimyo wiping out a town, that was rumored to be in rebellion.” Mingzhu replies.

Minamoto looks over to Mingzhu "I find it far more likely that these Youkai would be tempting others into rebellion and then needing to be dealt with. Besides, wasn't that in the Khan's plan? Stir rebellion and then take control?"

Mingzhu shakes her head. “It does not make sense for a daimyo or any ruler to completely wipe out a steady income source. He could have changed elders, mayors, guard made new rules for these people."

Fwangzhu snorts "You /know/ the Daimyo would do shit like that anyways. It's his behavior that pushes people into rebellion in the first place. Don't need Youkai when you have a miserable excuse for a lord."

Minamoto shakes his head "I will not question a matter above my station. If my lord ordered it, it would have to have been bad enough to make it necessary."

Mingzhu sighs, “Sometimes you cannot think with your heart but think with head and be willing to think things out not just follow blindly. I hope this is not true, but things are pointing this way as we learn.”

Fwangzhu rolls his eyes and snorts "Oh this Asslicker won't ever consider the possibility that he's sworn to a piece of shit who should have his face mauled into the ground."

Minamoto looks to Fwangzhu "If you want to settle this in steel now, savage, keep talking."

Fwangzhu snarls "Be my fucking guest! I'll take you on any time."

"Mingzhu is right -- there are times when blind loyalty leads to the downfall of not only the servants, but the leader as well." T’kharr says looking directly at Minamoto.

“Fwangzhu, you have your problems too with fighting any kind of authority. You are just as guilty as Minamoto of following something blindly. It may not be the Daimyo it may be the idea of being a rebel.” Mingzhu chides.

Minamoto clearly looks very agitated from this line of conversation "Enough! Stop it with this... slander against my lord! I cannot tolerate it and maintain my honor!"

"If you two decide to turn steel on each other, the winner of that fight will not get a victory feast. You will become the main course instead. Got it?" T'kharr lays down an ultimatum to them both, giving the two a predatory glare.

Fwangzhu snorts and looks to Mingzhu "Of fuck off, you know better than that, Shamaness."
At this point Minamoto and Fwangzhu look quite ready to bloody each other.

Zsikhou however looks at each of them. "Enough. Both of you. Stopping these Youkai is first priority. Interfere with that and this one will have the interference dealt with."

“Honor is inside Minamoto if you come to find you follow a truly bad Daimyo what would you do. I am not saying your daimyo I am saying any daimyo. what if you were in another place and found you were following a corrupt an evil man? Would you do his bidding and kill women and children just because he is your Daimyo?” Mingzhu asks.

Minamoto looks to Mingzhu "I have my oaths to uphold, Shamaness. I cannot maintain honor if I betray them. I am a soldier, and I must follow orders. If..." He shakes his head "No, I won't entertain such rebellious thoughts unless I see real proof of dishonorable conduct on his part, not rampant speculation."

Fwangzhu snorts "He fucking would. Then I would bury an axe in his skull."

Minamoto glares at Fwangzhu, then looks to Mingzhu "If I were to share in such a dishonor... I am a man-at-arms, not a samurai, if I were, I would be obligated to commit seppuku."

Mingzhu nods. "It is a small step but a step in seeing beyond little duties to the big duties. The greater duty is to your people not your lord. I am somewhat impressed."

Minamoto shakes his head, glaring at Mingzhu "Enough Shamaness. I will not entertain such treasonous thoughts further. Nor will I stand for further slander against my lord."

Mingzhu just sighs.

"Anyway, let’s gather all the evidence and treasures up and work on getting ourselves home." T’kharr suggests.

Silgara sighs, nodding "Yes, we should. It... may be prudent for you to read this journal later... when we have a moment, more fully. You may come across some details I might have missed. Though given what we are up against, it would be prudent to look around for anything that could help us. If we stick with this fight... it looks like things may get really intense if we have three fiends like this in play." She considers

"Aye, let us search this place thoroughly." T’kharr agrees.

Zsikhou looks over "It's also unlikely these Youkai can act brazenly openly. Were they to, my master would hunt them down and bear the wrath of the storms upon them."

“Would they scheme to have things to defeat the others...… a sort of protection in case of confrontation?” Mingzhu asks.

Silgara looks over "The schemes of fiends are vast and can span centuries, I honestly couldn't say."

“If I were a yokai and knew there were two others I would seek protections against the others and things to kill them if they crossed my path.” Mingzhu theorizes.

They search the place thoroughly and find:

+1 Holy Longsword 2-12 vs evil
+1 Axiomatic Quarterstaff 2-12 vs chaos
+1 Anarchic Battleaxe 2-12 vs law
+1 Unholy Dagger 2-12 vs good
In the bedroom there's also two items of note:
Ring of Wizardry (+1 Spell slot for wizard level 1, 2, 3, 4)
Spiritualist Cloak (+1 Spell slot for shaman level 1, 2, 3, 4)
The armor on the stand is +1 Mithril Full-Plate

Mingzhu takes off her cloak of resistance and puts on the Spiritualist cloak because she is the only one that can use it. She puts her cloak of resistance into the pile for another to use.

"I take it you both have searched thoroughly to make sure we're leaving nothing behind? " T’kharr says to Silgara and Zsikhou.

Zsikhou and Silgara root around some more, Silgara finds some arcane scrolls and takes them with her.
Zsikhou shakes his head "Think we're clear. Given the dust and abandonment, this one thinks the owner here cleared out everything they considered important and just forgot the rest."

[Winterhawk99]

For any who would read the journal themselves:

Abbaddazzar The Experimenter’s Journal

In my studies of the planes, I have found many things. There is much power in the vast expanses of the planes, but among them is how reality is shaped among the planes. What I have found is that many of the planes I would term clusters of belief. Belief, held strongly, can re-shape the fabric of reality of the planes, to the desires of what one truly believes in. This in turn makes reality far more mutable, especially to those of strong belief and desire. An arcanist who works magic among the planes would have such work to greater effect than one would in the materium. By contrast, the materium follows many laws, statically held, constants of being. It is less mutable and does not allow one to bend reality to their will as easily.

I know a few examples of this. The Githzerai of Limbo are able to shape raw chaos and define it with their minds. Make blades made of thought itself, though such is rare. But they have shaped monasteries out of raw chaos and made them into bastions of order within the chaos of Limbo. Chaos matter by it’s definition should not be definable, as it is pure chaos. But it has been made possible through belief and desire. It should then in theory be possible to shape planar matter in other forms as well, if based off of this. It would explain why the Githzerai do not reside in the materium, as such would truly be possible there.

I have my theories as to why this is. It may be because many gods and planar beings have their eyes on the materium. With the belief and desire of so many conflicting beings locked in place, it makes for a more static reality. What mutability there is is challenged by their rivals, locked in an unstable equilibrium. Gods can reshape their domains to their desires but often takes a plane who’s concentrated beliefs match theirs. Even so, there are parts in the planes where no Gods watch, which would make it more mutable. Like unworked clay in a potter’s hands.
It bears further research.

There was a most fascinating incident that I became aware of. Belief as above, can reshape reality among the planes. It makes what is considered impossible possible. Redefining the constants of reality to great effect.

I came across an account of a Deva, one who betrayed their nature and the heavens, who schemed to lead an army of the lower planes against Mount Celestia. I found myself asking how they could possibly do this, given they must be an embodiment of virtue? Is it a case where virtue breaks against itself? Did they feel such actions were necessary for the greater good? One says fiends are often schemers playing games that last centuries. Who knows if this Deva believed hard enough that their actions served the greater good that they became willing to do evil?

In part of their quest to do this, they managed to drag an entire city into Carceri. How they did this was apparently an act of betrayal so striking, so profound, that the entire city was dragged into the planes and shifted. Belief in this case, pushed where they were. It should not have been possible, yet when walking the streets of that city, the scars of what had happened are still plain to bear. Reality was at it’s most mutable here, catalyzed by a great betrayal.

The process was reversed by a nameless immortal being, who challenged the Deva to battle, along with their various retinues. The immortal being defeated the Deva, in both blades and in belief. I do not know if the Deva was slain or redeemed, but regardless, the Deva being defeated in such a manner caused the city to escape Carceri and go back to where it was. An especially impressive feat, given that Carceri is the prison plane. It does not yield what it has grasped easily.

A once in a lifetime incident, and that lifetime is the existence of the planes. But it warrants further investigation. How such a thing was made possible, perhaps even more could be possible with directed belief and desire.

As part of my research, I’ve been looking at where planar beings break from how they are supposed to behave. As planar beings, it also means that while they formed from belief as part of how they are made, I would theorize that exposure among the planes might make them, or more specifically, the belief that makes up their essence, more mutable. It may also be why most planar beings stay on their home planes, as exposure to other planes and beliefs might end up fostering corruption. It would make sense; the Deva I had prior researched had been imprisoned on Carceri for some time. Perhaps that led to their falling.

But to other planar beings, though rare and obscure, diligent study and investigation has revealed that other planar beings have encountered deviations to their normal baseline behaviors. I have found that among planar beings, that those of Mechanus are particularly susceptible to corruption. Modrons going rogue is a common enough occurrence that there are procedures for terminating them. A whole Quadrone of Quaruts apparently broke the laws of time in aiding one time-magic abusing wizard’s quest for power, even though their duty would be the opposite. I’ve heard accounts of Maruts no longer follow their directives. There are other examples. I theorize that the overwhelming rigidity of their beings and a lack of ability to deal with more complicated situations among the planes that involve chaos can cause the beings of Mechanus to break more easily.

After all, it is said that the first of the baatezu were once celestials who fell in order to better combat the tanar’ri. So, if a being of law breaks itself in such a manner, it can cause corruption.

Yet, I have heard that it’s possible for the opposite to be true as well. I have heard mention of not one but multiple Succubae demons who have ended up breaking their natures. I wonder why it is them that seem particularly susceptible to breaking away from what it is to be a tanar’ri. They are deceitful beings, but perhaps they wear a mask for so long it becomes part of their innate belief?

The hypothesis requires further testing. Such things as mentioned above happen only in the most extreme of conditions. The proper circumstances will need to be calibrated very exactingly to test this.
My first few experiments have unsurprisingly, not produced results. That’s fine. I’m nothing if not patient. To cause a planar being to break from its nature is an exceedingly rare occurrence. Some would say impossible. Reshaping and adjusting the mutability of reality is likely required.

There is also the tanar’ri and the baatezu. They are caught in an endless conflict known as the blood war. Both hate the other with a seething passion. They would even rather ally with the upper planes than with each other, despite the conflicts in their nature. A conflict spanning the eons of time.
Yet, I wonder if it, like the natures of the planar beings, possible to break this. Force them into cooperation. It is tricky, as by nature, both are deceitful. They can potentially entertain alliances while planning to betray the other as soon as they can get away with it, and both are known to be patient. Getting them to genuinely cooperate would be an extreme challenge, and even then, such cooperation is fragile.

Still, I have found that in most cases, particularly with soldier level or lesser fiends, that each would rather die or be put in a severely disadvantageous position than cooperate with their sworn enemies. Some would even consider it preferable as to not grant their foe an advantage. It could be that with greater fiends, putting a balancing figure to stabilize them could work, except it would again, not be genuine cooperation but rather an unstable equilibrium where they don’t try to kill or undermine the other just yet.

Carrying out these experiments does take time and resources. I’m not surprised that a Falxugon has access to such though. Leading a trading company would easily fit their nature. The degree of organization, goods to offer to tempt to harvest souls for their purposes. Very fond of contracts that are to their advantage and following them to the letter, all things that would fit that kind of baatezu.
Still, care must be taken naturally with bargains of that sort. Even with expendable material goods for other goods.

Greater care must be taken in regard to bargains made with a Glabrezu. They grant wishes, but love twisting them to cause problems, and unlike a baatezu, their nature allows and even encourages them to outright betray those they work with.

The two would not be able to work together barring exceptional circumstances. They’d both scheme, manipulate, and undermine the other. Still, maybe those exceptional circumstances can be arranged. There’s already the groundwork set.

A fortuitous event. Any planar bargain is dangerous. The denizens of Hades, especially. Some are formulated of a belief involving pure nihilism and a desire for everything to end. There’s little in the way of room to gain anything from these Hadeans. There are others which are beings of self-interest taken to an extreme, they cannot see anything but their own benefit. It makes cooperation difficult since they will only see their own interests and never care enough to aid another, even to their own benefit. The lesser of the Yulgoloth are therefore impractical. Yet one of the greater, perhaps…

An Arcanaloth seemed quite interested in my research. Particularly in regard to what happened to the town and Carceri. We’re both using each other, but it seems that their interest in this is genuine. If only so they can replicate it for themselves. Still, they are a vast source of knowledge and are a master of spellcraft that goes well beyond mortal magi.

As part of another experiment… perhaps if that Falxugon and Glabrezu can be made to break from their natures, even if in part, it could progress this. Maybe a stabilizing element in between would help with this. It’ll probably start off poorly, but it’s a start. Potentially.

Much to do, I’ll have to get my notes ready to perform this experiment.

They’ve theorized that Carceri was shifted in such a manner because the place was already a place where betrayal was common and an accepted part of their belief. A profound enough shock was a pull in that direction, to a place where that belief more closely aligned with their own. And it was pulled back thanks to a break from that belief, a true act of heroism, courage, or compassion shocked it enough to break from the bindings of Carceri.

We’ve started working to replicate this in another manner. Project “Islands of Midnight”, enough belief in a particular direction might create a pocket that borders another plane, if only the proper conditions are correctly arranged.

[Winterhawk99]

T’kharr looks at all the stuff they found. “Balan, you want to take charge of the loot pile until we get back to civilization?"

Mingzhu says, “I took the shaman’s cloak since no one else can use it and put my own Cloak of resistance in the pot.”

T’kharr takes the staff. Fwangzhu grabs the axe and seems very pleased by it. Silgara takes the Ring of Wizardry. Minamoto, noting Fwangzhu taking the axe, decides to claim the armor. T’kharr also seeing Mingzhu’s old cloak takes it. Balan a grabs the mithril armor and holy sword. Silgara looks over, having collected the journal and notes, “I believe we found what we needed, here.”

“Aye, should be attempt to head back to the main land.” Balan suggests.

Mingzhu agrees. “I think we should go home and report to Hattori and the Mayor."

Silgara nods "I just hope that boat works as mentioned. If not, I have that plane shift scroll we can use for an emergency."

“It would be best to save that for last resort I believe.” Balan cautions.

She nods aside. "In case we get stuck again."

Balan loads up onto himself whatever can’t be take or was taken by others. The party heads off now that the place has been searched and all the things are gathered. They head out of the dark sanctum. Once exiting, they’re once again greeted by the ever-darkness of the island. Zsikhou looks around "Suppose what we do next is just pick a direction, walk until we reach water, then use that boat figurine. Hope it works."

"I reckon we should find our boat first, lest that figurine need an actual boat in order to work properly. Don't want to be dumped into the sea by it or something." T’kharr says.

Fwangzhu huffs, nodding "We do need to return that."

“We could tie it to the other boat.” Mingzhu states.

T’kharr nods, “Aye, that's probably a good idea."

"We'll have to see what kind of boat the figurine turns into when prompted." She nods.

“We cannot forget about all the supplies at the tower.” Mingzhu insists.

T’kharr the party dead ahead, knowing that they can find their boat by going radially to the shore then around to their quarry. It's a long, exhausting walk, but the party eventually finds their boat again, through the difficulty of navigating the ever-dark island with no foliage, light, or life. Mingzhu is just glad she can see again.

T’kharr talks while they walk. "So, anyone have some rope, cord, string, twine, that sort of thing? I was thinking we'd tie the figurine over to our boat, then drop it off the side and activate it, however that works" a glance to Silgara.

Silgara takes the boat figurine, as tired as she is, she works with it, then after figuring out the magic, the figurine becomes a large sailboat. Then she looks up to the new ship in the water, from the transformed figurine "It's... impressive magic, this..." She rubs her eyes "I think we can take the rowboat and carry it aboard. We should have enough room."

Mingzhu nods, “Let’s get all those supplies on the ship. It looks large enough to carry everything in its holds.

"Aye." T’kharr looks for a way to get on the big boat.

Balan nods, “Does it have a spell to go small again?”

Silgara nods, "I believe that it can transform into this size and back into a figurine at will."

"I'm not sure if we want to be testing that if we don't have to though." T’kharr says while looking concerned.

“Aye.” Balan answers.

Mingzhu looks across the horizon. “At least now until we are out of these waters.”

"Part of the reason I wanted to tie a line between our small boat and the figurine." T’kharr mentions.

Silgara nods "I don't have spare rope, I'm afraid."

“I would hate for it to become small while we are on it.” Balan laughs with some concern.

"Aye, that'd be no fun." T’kharr looks in the small boat for rope. There is none.

“Maybe we just put the small boat on the deck and do not tie it down.” Balan suggests. Mingzhu looks at him aghast.

"The problem is getting it up there." T’kharr says scratching her muzzle. Mingzhu rolls her eyes and looks at the docking ramp.

Silgara looks the boat over, "I do believe the way the enchantments are made it should not transform while on open water and cannot while people are on it."

Mingzhu nearly yells out, “You have to tie it down. We will be sailing the ocean when we leave this place. It will shift all over the sail boat.” She then points to the ramp. “That’s the docking ramp.

Fwangzhu huffs "I didn't take any with me. Fuck. I can carry the damn rowboat and find a place to store it or something."

Balan looks at Minamoto and Fwangzhu. “This may be a 3-person job.”

Minamoto and Fwangzhu can't glare at each other, they can't even see. Balan pulls the small boat and waits to lift the front. Minamoto and Fwangzhu help lift it and get it on the larger ship. After some struggle due to poor visibility, awkwardness, they all load the supplies from the tower with Minamoto and Fwangzhu generally snapping at each other, everyone can get aboard the boat from the figurine. It looks like a fully functional boat; it even has cabins below deck. And a functioning mast and sail.

Mingzhu takes over the sailing, being she has been on a junk many times and knows the basics. Balan goes about making sure the ropes are stable and getting it ready to sail to the best of his ability. Silgara also tries to help out where she can, particularly with the parts of the ship that seem to operate on magic. T’kharr gets on the boat. "Now, do we have an oar or something? We'll need to push off from the coastline to get going before we can start sailing, doubt we can rely on the tide coming in." and also helps with the ropes, especially on the lighter.

Fwangzhu huffs "We've got oars. Not sure how we can manage it with a boat this size, but I'll sweat it out if needed."

Mingzhu calls out. “As soon as the ropes are cut from the peer we can sail. T’kharr, no oars are necessary only wind.”

Balan grabs and oar, “I would be able to help with rowing as well.”

Mingzhu shakes her head while looking at the waterline. “Silgara is there any means of magical movement?”

Silgara looks over "This boat I believe is designed to operate in these conditions, given we are not on the material plane, and the realm may not work the same way... it may be there are... let me check." She inspects the wheel, considering. "Hrm, I believe so, actually."

Balan stands on the deck getting himself stretched out and ready for rowing. Silgara tries to use the ship's wheel to steer it and the masts, but eventually, she gets the boat moving. Though it does take some effort. Fwangzhu and Minamoto try rowing, with mixed success. T'kharr peers out from the bow.
Mingzhu looks out over the water. “When we hit the open sea, we will know.”

The shamaness uses her fisherman skills to work the ship. Eventually with some work, the ship starts sailing towards open sea. The island, not that it can be seen easily even with darkvision, soon fades from view. Mingzhu is able to help get things working. It's clear this group is not one of experienced sailors.
Silgara huffs "I... believe we have cast off to sea."

Balan starts to sing while rowing near Minamoto and Fwangzhu. Mingzhu goes over and checks if their oars are even able to touch the water. She looks across the gunwales at them and just shakes her head. They… actually don’t seem to mind the singing. It's impossible to tell time where you all are, but everyone is starting to feel the pangs of fatigue.

Mingzhu asks Snout which way is the closest way out of this place to the open sea. He circles around her three times and points in one direction then changes direction then again. She shakes her head again. Balan keeps singing, “And let the winds blow us home darlin, for it is the ale and bed I miss the most!”

"Once we get to proper seas, we'll rest in shifts, okay?" T’kharr says to everyone. There is a tired nod from the crew. Balan keeps singing to try keep it positive during this strangeness. It does take some time, sailing through the ever gloom and pure darkness.... Fortunately, they don't find any hostile encounters while sailing these dark waters... But eventually, some lights show in the sky, the gentle shine of starlight and moonlight.

"We'll have to take a fix off the stars once we get back into the Prime, too." T’kharr adds.

Just about everyone looks up to the sky as they see the stars for the first time in what feels like days. T’kharr makes a very large beastly sigh of total relief as familiar sights of stars and moonlight return to the sky. Silgara looks up "Never thought I would miss seeing the stars so dearly..."

Even Minamoto and Fwangzhu seem extremely relieved and lost in the moment. Mingzhu makes sure the rigging is secure, and the sails are full then goes down to rest

[Winterhawk99]

Zsikhou also looks up to the stars with relief. Silgara decides to keep on the boat, awake for now, as does Fwangzhu. Minamoto and Zsikhou go below deck to get some rest. Of course while the cabins themselves are nicely made, there's no furnishings. So, everyone sleeps on the floor. T'kharr stays up top for now at least, as well. Or cuddling up with the kobold who is sure to be very receptive to it.

Silgara looks aside to T'kharr and Balan "I'm... I kept that journal, if either of you want to read it. But... of what we discovered..." She looks back at sea "What do you think...? This all seems so... surreal."

Balan’s eyes follow hers. “It is something hard to believe. I would like to study it at some length when there is time. It just would seem not possible from what you had stated of the passages.”

Silgara nods "Of course. And... yes, I'd agree..." She sighs.

Fwangzhu huffs, "It's youkai related shit. Either find a way to banish them, repel them, or if you can, axe them up. Seems simple to me."

"It is very surreal but at the same time...deeply troubling. I can try to look over it, but it may be easier for someone like you to explain." T’kharr says. Silgara nods in turn.

“Aye, it is very troubling. I am in a state of concern whether there should be a letter written to the temple of the platinum dragon on this or not.” Balan looks away concerned.

Fwangzhu looks over "That your foreigner god? No offense, but will they actually listen to anything about what goes on this side of the world?"

The dragonborn shrugs, “They may or may not. I would believe they would log this into a tome and either study how the possibility stands or lock it where it could never be found.”

Fwangzhu huffs "So for our immediate problems, probably not much, then."

“And yes, Bahamut is my god foreign or not here it is, that one.” Balan shows the hengeyokai his holy symbol.

Below decks, Minamoto and Zsikhou go to try to rest. Though Zsikhou goes to check on Mingzhu. She is sleeping with Snout laying on her lap.

Balan leans back and looks at the stars trying to figure out if they are going in the correct direction. Fwangzhu nods in turn "Gods tend to only get involved in the most extreme of circumstances. That Kami we're travelling with is escalating enough."

“Indeed. He follows the rival of my own.” Balan incorrectly surmises.

It takes a bit of figuring out, but they do seem to be on the right course to Port Ginji. They won't arrive for several hours yet. Fwangzhu raises an eyebrow "He does?"

“I believe so, though we both have our own missions we are given to accomplish.” Balan says.

Fwangzhu huffs "Well, just as long as we're not caught in the crossfire."

Balan laughs, “My kind finds co-operation needed at times even if we are on opposing sides.”

Silgara looks over "I'm no expert on the subject but I... well, okay, I don't know how the dragons here and the dragons from where we are handle things with one another. I had assumed they mostly kept to their own territory."

“It is a bit more complicated when needed to be.” Balan huffs. Silgara nods, then goes back to navigating.

Time passes on... eventually it's near time to switch shifts... While on shift, Fwangzhu goes over to Silgara. He looks her over. “Hey witch, I noticed you use a bow in combat. And you’re not terrible with it either.”

Silgara sighs heavily, a moderate grumbling to herself before looking to Fwangzhu “The term is wizard, not witch. Witch is a term the uneducated use regarding practitioners of magic because they don’t actually know any better. Anyways yes, I have been trained in usage of the bow. Most of my people know at least the basics.”

Fwangzhu huffs. “You’ve got a lot more than just bare level practice in it though. Most witches I know don’t even bother with weapons, considering it beneath them. At least until one goes through their skull. Not you though.”

Silgara looks aside. “I said the term is wizard, not witch.” She huffs “Anyways, I have training as a war-wizard, meant to be in battle. And support fire from a bow can serve as a compliment to magic in extended engagements.”

Fwangzhu nods “Well good on you for being practical, then.”

Silgara raises an eyebrow "Meaning?"

Fwangzhu snorts "I mean a lot of witches don't even bother with things like that because they think it's beneath them or whatever. All that magic goes to their head.

Silgara shakes her head. "Hubris and magic make for a poor mix. Care should be taken when learning and practicing such."

"Any mage school worth its salt teaches the tale of Karsus as a most cautionary one." T’kharr interrupts.

Fwangzhu looks to T'kharr "Who is that?"

T’kharr replies, "Guy who let magic get to his head to the point where all of his descendants have no ability to use magic whatsoever. To make a long story short, that is."

Fwangzhu huffs "Sounds like it serves him right then."

T’kharr nods, "Aye, considering what he tried to do."

Silgara shakes her head "His people took hubris and power to astounding heights and caused much damage in the wake of such."

Fwangzhu snorts "I don't care so much about the laws regarding mages here, mostly it's just the stuffy elite trying to keep that all to themselves, but then again, witches can cause plenty of trouble too, so..."

Silgara breathes out a heavy sigh "It's /wizard/, not /witch/…"

Fwangzhu snorts "Whatever. Same difference." Balan is sitting in the corner just snickering at the maybe rude maybe playful behavior. T'kharr just shakes her furry head with a soft sigh. Fwangzhu shrugs and continues, "Anyways, if that shit happened in your lands, well, a prime example of witches letting power get to their heads." A snort

T'kharr settles in to take a rest once Mingzhu. She comes up on deck after resting fully. Balan leans against the deck near the main wheel enjoying the starlight hitting his skin but rests. Zsikhou and Minamoto are on top deck while Silgara trances and Fwangzhu rests below. Zsikhou looks relieved to be out of that dark gloom, even if he clearly needs a snuggle tries to be stoic about it. Mingzhu takes up the wheel following the shoreline.

It does take her some navigating, but she thinks they can make it to Port Ginji by morning or noon time
Minamoto and Zsikhou both look unnerved by the experience they went through. Relieved, though their discipline seems to prevent them from freaking out. Mingzhu used to dealing with spirits takes it rather well if not strained from the constant fighting between comrades.

Zsikhou pads over to her, he looks more thoughtful, perhaps more vulnerable than usual... and more snuggly he looks up to Mingzhu "Shamaness, have...." There's a pause "You considered how to present this to the humans around... what we've found out?" Balan snores and mumbles something unintelligible.

Mingzhu sighs, “I am not sure at the moment. Say things wrongly and Hattori will jump at a chance for quick justice, and an innocent may feel his wrath unjustly. The mayor is a different story, and we cannot tell all to him. just what he needs to know that there are threats that have been dealt with but there are more

Zsikhou nods aside to her "Am... " He pauses, considering "No, it's sound reasoning. Have seen plenty of the failings and flaws of the humans around in carrying out the Mandate of Heaven..." He turns around, leaning against the ship end, sitting down a bit, even rested, he still seems tired. "There's also the part regarding those... corruption Youkai mentioned. My master won't rest until they are found and eliminated. Am... not sure how much to believe of the foreigner's account. Doubt they lied to us, but what was in that journal seems so... absurd. Would be skeptical if someone told this one of it and was not there himself." He huffs "This one was there and can still scarcely believe it..."

"Most do their best just to live their lives and survive. There are very few with the time to worry about the heavens. People like me and the monks which it is a part of our profession. Evil will try to reach its goals in any way possible. I try to stop it with what I have to work with. The spirits of Sea and community.” Mingzhu states defending the common people.

Zsikhou looks aside, nodding. Though a crane of his head makes him seem like he wants a hug wonders what he's hearing between the lines of what Mingzhu said. Then he looks out to sea. "This one doubts his master would have sent him unless gross corrections were needed here. From... what we saw on that place, it was truer than any of us knew..." He pauses, considering "Even if we do hunt down and kill these Youkai and other corruptive influences, the damage their actions have done will likely lead to further problems down the line. Ones this one may not be in a good position to assist with." He looks out to sea again, possibly looking worried.

Mingzhu nods gravely, “The people they will be the ones to suffer most, and it may be the gods have sent me here to learn the very nature of what people face. My own village has done well over the last centuries being tuna fishermen. It is not a good place to test one’s mettle. Unfortunately, the stresses of these lands have marked me. I am tired. It is almost a constant battle between my own convictions and sense of duty. I feel I have failed within my own group.

Zsikhou nods, considering, looking over "Sounds like where you come from is an example of a healthy place. Where we are called to duty is not... that is often where the most corrections need to be made." He pauses, looking over to Mingzhu, considering. "How do you mean a constant battle between your own convictions and sense of duty? Despite the difficulties, this group of ours has made marked successes in combatting the problems. More than others have done." He states.

Balan has a string of drool forming out of his mouth.

Mingzhu stares at it a moment then answers, “I mean Fwangzhu and Minamoto. I am a community shamaness. One trained to make people see the middle ground even the perspective of those they hate yet...… I have been able to do that even with these too. I have failed in one of my first duties.”

Zsikhou nods, then shakes his head "Have the feeling their hatred of one another, and the tensions, are deeper than just those two." He looks ahead "And maybe with some they need gross correction before they'll ever see anything else. But ultimately the failure is theirs, not yours."

“I am not so sure about that. Still, I worry about the villages and need to tell their elders some of what I know and tell them that there is relief now. that things are getting better.”

He nods, "Then... this one will hope that that will be enough to get things working again." He looks on "If not, then it means there's likely more to be done."

Mingzhu nods, “Soon perhaps in the next months I will have to walk to find new spirits that want me to be their voice to the world. As of now I have the spirits of the ocean and community. Who will find me and how will their needs change me. I do not know.”

Zsikhou nods to that "A greater responsibility, and direction. Isn't easy holding such duties. But often still necessary."

Mingzhu nods. “We will have to deal with these Yokai and for that to happen I must seek out the villages, be with the people much like I myself grew up with. Strengthen my soul by helping them. At the moment I desperately need it. I feel I am losing my way.”

Zsikhou nods aside "Of course. Perhaps we will get a reprieve with the Khan and his Horsemen cult dead and scattered. Even if the Corsairs are still a concern." He looks out to the sea "Clear skies for now... at least, a moment to re-center oneself before the next storm comes."

Mingzhu nods and steers using Snout's nose as a guide. It takes a few more hours, but the companions end up in Port Ginji in the early noon hours.

[Winterhawk99]

T'kharr gets up shortly before they pull into port and stretches, doing a rather late morning routine before seeking out rations for brunch. The ship is able to dock and moor safely enough. Though strangely, no one comes to question the strange new boat that is coming in. The air on the port seems tense, there's few people working the docks, yet there seems to be a gathering further in...

Balan stretches and yawns looking out amongst the port. “Ahh, I see we did not have any issues over the night.” T’kharr snickers at him as she heads up on deck.

Mingzhu looks out at the beyond the slips. “I smell trouble ahead.”

Silgara looks over, a breath out "I would expect more activity at the docks at this hour..."

“Delicious trouble in the morning.” Balan heartily laughs while looking at T'Kharr.

Zsikhou looks over, narrowing his eyes. "Best go see what's going on then."

“Aye!” Balan shouts.

Mingzhu runs off the ship and starts making her way through the crowd at the stalls. T’kharr nods and joins everyone following Mingzhu. The crowd moves over for them. There seems to be a scene going on in public. There's a lot of figures there. Hattori with a few men at arms. the mayor, along with the Elder of Tsaboru and the Elder of Rhakku, and a man who has the demeanor of an official, but a dress that seems more like one of an expensive commoner is with them. Off to the side and watching with their retinues are Khalid, Saruma, and Samael. Though it does seem that there are arguing voices, mostly between Hattori and the Elder of Tsaboru.

The (former) elder of Suduzki is nowhere to be seen. And obviously the elder of Golamaru isn't here
The Elder of Tsaboru narrows his eyes at Hattori "Absolutely not! You wish to bleed us as dry as those raiders did! No, we are not yours anymore." Once Mingzhu is in range she uses her ability to calm emotions centered on the two opposing heads.

Hattori narrows his eyes "What you are doing is treason! I will have only one response to that!" Even the Mayor and the other Elder are heated up...

Balan follows and stands directly behind Mingzhu, staring past her at the group. Thankfully Mingzhu's use of her calming ability seems to calm them down some... for now. But the tense situation could easily heat up again if it's let to itself. Minamoto notices and goes to join Hattori. It looked like one of Hattori's men at arms was about to go after the elder of Tsaboru, hand on a weapon, before being calmed. Fwangzhu, noting the trouble, quickly goes to stand with the elders of the two villages

Mingzhu shouts out. “Gentlemen, what is going on? My companions and I have been away for a few days and have much to say?”

The mayor looks over to Mingzhu "Seems things happened rather fast, while you were away."

Hattori looks over to Mingzhu "The mayor and elders here are considering open rebellion and succession against Daimyo Kaluso. I cannot entertain such notions unopposed."

“There several Yokai influencing the region take care gentlemen. May the elders, Hattori come together with I and my companions to discuss all that we have discovered?” Mingzhu states.

The elder of Tsaboru looks to Hattori "And what has the Daimyo done regarding our burnt fields and the raiders responsible for it? Nothing. And yet you still demand to take from us as though you were a protector. No, I will not take back my words. I must look after my people. And I cannot have you crushing us anymore."

Hattori looks to Mingzhu "No, I must tend to this first." He looks over the Elder of Tsaboru, the Mayor, then to the Elder of Rhakku "All of you have considered and this day, conspired to commit treason against Daimyo Kaluso. This offense cannot stand. What have you to say for yourselves?"

Mingzhu tries to surprise them with a new viewpoint. “Elder the Daimyo did send a relief ship, but the corsairs sunk it. We in turn sunk one of their ships.”

She next tries to hit Hattori with a surprise. “Hattori if you do not listen and go to rash actions then the Yokai that are in our midst may have already won? Please hear us out. All of you.”

The Elder of Rhakku looks surprised to Mingzhu. Hattori looks over "A Youkai in our midst?" Most eyes are on Mingzhu now. Zsikhou however goes to stand beside Mingzhu, giving a menacing glare towards any who might look like they might strike her. Fortunately, it hasn't reached that level yet.

The mayor looks over to Mingzhu "This is a serious accusation, Shamaness. If there is indeed a Youkai present here, and you know who it is..."

She nods, “We would like to speak to you Hattori and all the elders of the villagers so that we may find a way to fight these yokai. There are more than one and they each are trying to carve out their piece of our lands in their own ways. Some by setting brother against brother as it looks like it has been done here. "

Hattori looks over. "Shamaness, I doubt the treason I have heard of can be attributed to Youkai alone, as corrupt and fell as they are. If there is a Youkai among us..." He looks over to the trading company heads "I'm sure it's one of you! Foreign devils who come to spread corruption!"

Mingzhu tries to get him to remember the old tales. “Think of the demons of old Hattori and think on how they slowly corrupt a populace or its leaders’ step by step until they hold sway over hearts and souls. It is what is being done to all of us.”

Khalid rolls his eyes "I for my part am glad that I have never been at service of a sheikh or sultan who behaves like you do. The accusations constantly levied against my people were quite tiresome months ago, much less now."

Mingzhu half begs half commands, “Please stand down all of you. Elders, Hattori lets us convene and hear what I and my companions have learned over the last few days."

Hattori glares at Khalid "Silence you! Do not think I do not know what you were involved in!"

Khalid looks to Hattori unimpressed "I would sure like to know. Because accusations of dishonor would compel me to seek to rectify them."

Hattori looks over to Saruma "And don't think I've lost sight of what corruption you've been involved in."

Saruma just looks annoyed. "If you had anything of substance to say or accuse you would have done so already. You can stop embarrassing yourself and your lord now with your behavior."

Hattori seethes "One more word, foreign wretch!... And you..." He looks at Samael.

Samael simply chuckles, cutting him off. "Now, now, what's it going to be this time, my good man? Oh, come now, I might take all of these ideas you throw at me and put them in a play! Some of those ideas are so exquisite. But oh please, if you do make an accusation, do make sure it's not the kind I would see out of some drunkard who can't control himself. That sort of accusation is so beneath you." He gives a smirk to Hattori.

"Enough of your mockery, you!" He seethes, then looks to Mingzhu again "Shamaness. You declare there is a Youkai among us. I can have this settled now. Declare who it is."

The Elder of Tsaboru narrows his eyes "Maybe it's you."

Hattori glares at the Elder of Tsaboru "Another comment like that and I will have you apprehended."

Fwangzhu snarls at Hattori "Just fucking try it, jackass!" Minamoto and Fwangzhu glare at each other, like they're one order away from drawing blades against the other. Minamoto positions himself in front of Hattori, while Fwangzhu positions himself in front of the Elder of Tsaboru.

“Gentlemen please we must calm ourselves and think like men not boys. Use your heads! Think! Why do we need to be at each other’s throats when all hear want the best for the people?

The Elder of Rhakku speaks up "The Shamaness and her retinue, including the Foreigner Witch are responsible for saving all of the people of our village from a plague. I propose we hear her and her companions out." T'kharr looks like she's about to speak, but instead nods in agreement with the offer of the Elder of Rhakku.

Hattori looks to the Elder of Rhakku "I know you were a part of that meeting too. Don't think you have escaped my notice."

“The elders, Hattori and the Mayor. No others yet. We have very sensitive information.” Mingzhu demands.

Hattori looks to Mingzhu "You mentioned a Youkai among us. If you truly know of such, then state who they are now, so that can be dealt with. Why are you stalling? Go on. Make the accusation then."

Mingzhu holds her ground to him. “As I said, We have sensitive information and only the leaders should be in this meeting to start. We must work together to defeat these Yokai starting by knowing what to look for so we can work together for the common good of the people."

Balan uses his ability to detect evil. He picks up on Zsikhou, a few people in the crowd, a few of Saruma’s and Samael’s men but neither of them do. However, the strength of the evil auras are more consistent with evil persons who are not of great power, like what you'd see of commoners or rank in file soldiers, not outsider-level strength evil auras. One of Hattori's men-at-arms ping too. Again, the strength of aura, consistent with some guy with a sword, not an evil outsider.

Hattori looks to Mingzhu "Either you have sensitive information or don't. Regardless..."

Silgara whispers aside "Maybe trying to appeal to Minamoto and Fwangzhu may help here..."

Minamoto and Fwangzhu look tense, like they're ready to try to waste each other if this escalates

“Regardless I have called a meeting of the leadership of the island. Let us find a place to convene and talk about all these things. My people, Hattori, elders, and mayor. These are all things you need to know and know why we all have to work together. with knowledge and working together we can defeat these evils.” Mingzhu says as she firms her resolve.

Hattori stops for a moment and listens to her intently. He then shakes his head. “No, we can tend to that after this."

The mayor also looks over. "While it may be worth hearing, there are some other matters that need addressing."

Mingzhu looks to the large sailing ship they came in on. and points to it. “I and my companions have secured a large sailing ship we can convene there in private.”

Hattori looks over "And share sensitive information with those who have been courting rebellion?"

Zsikhou narrows his eyes, but he doesn't move, yet... Silgara looks aside to Balan, wondering if he caught anything he is inclined to share. Balan seems unsure but as if it seems normal looking at Silgara.

Mingzhu scoffs, “I do not know about a rebellion, Hattori. All I know is that these yokai some of them affect the minds of those around them. Thus, let us sail out a bit and all convene after you hear what we have to say we can talk about the problems that happened while my companions and I were gone. We should all look and hope for peace and for working together for the betterment of our communities. Can we all agree on that?”

"Which means some infections must be cast out." Hattori states, glaring at the Elder of Tsaboru

Silgara whispers to Mingzhu "Maybe he'll listen to Minamoto?"

Mingzhu looks to the man at arms. "You saw what we saw Minamoto and read what we have read. Help us. please."

Minamoto looks over to Mingzhu, briefly breaking his stare down with Fwangzhu, then a breath out "What she says is true. There is new information that is very pertinent to our duties, and things I have personally seen as well. I would say it is of utmost importance we hear her out soon."

Hattori looks aside to Minamoto, focusing some, but he nods, he seems to trust him at least. Fwangzhu looks aside to the Elders and Mayor "Yeah, we saw some pretty fucked up stuff out there. Better tell you about it."

The tension is thick. There's some uncomfortable stares. This meeting here very nearly came to bloodshed. Eventually, however, they relent. Hattori waves Minamoto over "Alright then, I'll hear the Shamaness out. But I have not forgotten about this matter of rebellion. That /will/ be sorted out."

Mingzhu nods and leads them to the big sailing ship. Once they are on, she casts off and sails out beyond the reefs but still in sight of land.

[Winterhawk99]

Hattori and some of his retinue, along with Minamoto board. So do Fwangzhu, the elders, and the mayor. Along with Zsikhou and Silgara of course. Once beyond the reefs Mingzhu gathers everyone up. “There is much to say but much of what is to say is of western lore not eastern. I will have T’kharr and Silgara explain first.” Balan stands behind her in a more intimidating manner like he could throw any of them overboard. Silgara seems a bit nervous about addressing so many at once...

T'kharr begins, “"Suffice it to say, that we found something far darker than we were anticipating. We are opposed by a power that wants to basically...unmake the order of the heavens themselves and is trying to leverage Youkai to sow a great deal of discord on this isle as...proof of concept for their vile techniques."

Hattori looks over, unimpressed "That sounds utterly preposterous, Hengeyokai."

“It is true there are three Yokai each with different specialties from the granting of wishes to the use of magic. All hide within the populace assuming a form, and each has their own goals to take what they can by sowing dissent and eventually conquering the lands surrounding us.” Mingzhu asserts.

The elder of Rhakku looks over to T'kharr "Please start from the beginning. It may help us with some context."

“These are not trifling yokai. They are very powerful.” Mingzhu insists.

Hattori looks to Mingzhu, looking to see if she has more to say. She looks at T’kharr. The gnoll continues, “Ah. . We were seeking an island hideout rumored to be used by the Khan and the Corsairs allied to him. We found the island...but it was not on this plane of existence. And what we found there...was not just the Khan's hideout, but the hideout of a powerful mage, a jackal-headed figure most likely."

There's some murmurs and perplexed looks among them. The mayor speaks up "Who is this... Khan? We've never heard of such."

T’kharr nods. “He was one of the forces behind the Horsemen we felled previously.” There's a pause, waiting to see what else T'kharr or the others have to say. Or possibly any evidence that they want to present...

Balan speaks, “Aye, and we did not think it wise to ask him questions when he had a small army attempt to eliminate us.”

“We found the Khan's men in league with corsairs there, as if they were using it as a hidden outpost." T’kharr adds.

Mingzhu nods. “We have his journal.” Hattori looks over. Balan looks to Mingzhu a moment then looks back to the men studying them still. She speaks slowly and methodically, “We will in time. Listen, learn, Think and understand what we wall face. What we are all up against.”

"I'd like to see this journal." Hattori states.

"I'd be interested in it as well." Adds the Mayor.

Mingzhu looks at everyone present. “We must join all of our resources. We must understand how to defeat these beings together. If we do not put away all these prejudices against each other, then we are already defeated by one or more of these beings.” T’kharr presents the Khan’s journal to Hattori. Mingzhu continues. “Gentlemen we all have strengths and weaknesses, that is why we support each other rather than tear ourselves apart. When we are set against each other the communities we look over also tear and shred until there is nothing left.”

T'kharr supports Mingzhu. “"And that is exactly what the Youkai want. Ashes."

Hattori reads through the journal. It's eventually passed to the mayor and elders. "So... this Khan was one of those who sow dissent, trying to stir rebellion and then take over. A foolish plan. Such would not have evaded the emperor's gaze..." He speaks... "But it is noted." Then he looks to Mingzhu "This journal doesn't mention anything of Youkai. There is mention of a Jackal Hengeyokai Wu Jen."

The Elder of Rhakku looks over, seemingly the most sympathetic of the audience "Then it seems there's more of your tale to tell. What else happened during your venture?"

T’kharr nods to him, “Aye, the Jackal Hengeyokai Wu-Jen is the jackal-headed figure I mentioned. After we felled the Khan, we were confronted by an avatar of said wu-jen, who mercifully departed without coming down in the flesh to destroy us. We then found their old lair on that isle, and in it we found...some things left from their experiments on trying to bend the will of Youkai, make them do things against their nature. Including a setup of endless debate between demon and devil, if you'd believe it."

The audience looks at T'kharr skeptically. She moves on, “We were able to bypass the attempts by them to try to get us to spring them, though, and defeat the other traps the wu-jen had left for us, letting us reach their inner sanctum and find their journal, which documented a most disturbing series of planar experiments and theories." She pulls out the second journal and hands it over, then motions to Silgara "Silgara here can explain further -- the details are much easier for her to explain than I."

Mingzhu nods, “The others explained it to me. that there are three of them. One the leads a trading company. One that grants wishes and one that uses magic it may be the Jackel thing. I am not sure but the these are western Youkai thus my companions would know more about each one than I would. that is why They are speaking they know the enemy better than the Kami or I.”

Silgara looks over to T'kharr, perhaps not sure how much she should reveal, or how to convey it,...

T’kharr adds to her oration. "They were experimenting in making differently natured sorts of Youkai try to cooperate, studying incidences where beings of a goodly celestial nature fell from grace and became one with the Youkai. And yes, there are three Youkai, one of each of the three natures possible for a Youkai, involved with the heart of this. One of them is a wish-granter that grants corrupting wishes, one of them is a powerful mage that could be the jackal-headed figure in its own right instead of it being a Hengeyokai, and the third is a subtle sort of trickster that is leading a trading company, perhaps using a human as a front as well, although all three figures likely have the ability to appear human if they wish."

Hattori seems to be particularly interested now. "Well then, I'll ask this again. If one of these is a Youkai that poses as a man and leads a trading company..."

"Unfortunately, unless you can find something in the journals that we missed somehow, there is not a clue here as to which trading company could have been infiltrated by such a malevolent figure." T’kharr tells him.

Mingzhu steps up. “Hattori, we do not know which one of these trading companies and I worry that you may jump to conclusions. We must be wise in our investigations so that the innocent are not wrongly hurt.”

Hattori seethes at that, feeling quite insulted. "I know my duties, Shamaness."

Mingzhu nods, “So you see that all of us may have been influenced at one time or another to unjustly strike out against each other because of the influence of these youkai. guard your souls, guard your people, work together and we can prevail against these evils.”

There is a pause. T’kharr fills it. “This is a matter larger than us, larger than this island, larger than the shogun even."

Mingzhu looks at them all and adds, “And this is why we must stand together.”

T’kharr smiles at Mingzhu then says, “"What the jackal-headed figure is trying to accomplish, should they succeed at it, would shake the very heavens to their core and threaten all notions we know of stability and goodliness in this realm."

Hattori looks over "That seems an utterly preposterous notion."

T’kharr motions to Balan. “It would render even the faith of a noble knight like him a hollow, empty shell with no point in being."

Minamoto nods "It is... but the hubris in this figure, whether unsanctioned Wu Jen or Youkai can spell immense danger for us all."

"They want to make angelic, celestial figures, goodly kami if you will, fall at will, impose that fate on whatever celestial being they point at." T’kharr says, nodding to Minamoto.

Fwangzhu huffs, "Doubt the fuckers can actually do that shit. But in trying they're causing problems."

"Aye, they're already causing problems, and this is the kind of thing that needs to be headed off at the pass because the threat, if left untouched, is a sword hanging over the heads of everyone, everywhere." T’kharr agrees.

The mayor looks over. "So... this is much bigger than any of us had thought. And the Corsairs still ravage our shores."

“Indeed!” T’kharr says, “Although without the Khanate to supply them, they are now weaker than before."

Mingzhu states, “We have sunk one of their ships. If we can sink one. We can sink more.”

“That as well.” T’kharr nods.

Hattori seems to quietly consult with Minamoto, while Fwangzhu and the elders quietly consult with each other. T’kharr then cedes the floor to Silgara to see if she has more to add. Nervously Silgara steps up while T’kharr steps back.

She looks over, thinks a bit, considering whether she should say something or not... Then she speaks up "I should add, although we are aware of a Falxugon devil, that is, the harvester devil, the one that can pass easily as a human, and operates by trying to corrupt souls to sin to take them to the hells... and that there is one running a trading company, the information does not specify which company this is. It might not even be one of the ones that does business here, although that is conjecture at this juncture."

Hattori seems particularly displeased at hearing that. Then he huffs "Very well, is that all, then?"

T’kharr asks Silgara, “Did you wish to speak more about the demon as well, Silgara?"

Silgara nods "The Glabrezu demon. Also known as a wish maker. They tempt mortals to sin, by offering to have wishes granted. They either corrupt them so that more harm is done, or they grant the darkest desires that people have. We suspect but... cannot confirm that this demon is backing the Corsairs."

Silgara nods "Such would fit their behavioral patterns."

"As you can see. There is much we know, but also much we do not know. We do feel we know enough to bring all of you in so that we may stop these youkai and then perhaps the land will know peace again.” Mingzhu intones.

Hattori nods.... "These Youkai are a problem. This information is..." He considers "But there is the matter prior discussed that needs handling." He looks squarely at the mayor. "You and the elders were discussing rebellion and succession from the Daimyo's rightful rule."

The Elder of Tsaboru replies "We have enough grievances to support such a motion."

Hattori narrows his eyes "And you know that if you do, I will have a duty to have carried out."
The air in the room starts to get tense again.

The Elder of Tsaboru speaks, still "My people had their fields burned. No relief has come. This cannot continue. If this is rebellion, so be it, I must serve my people how I can."

Mingzhu steps into the fray. “Gentlemen , there are grievances yes on both sides. Let us try to work this out without bloodshed or rebellion, which is exactly what the Youkai want. In Hattori’s favor I would say that he did send for assistance. The daimyo obliged, however the ship that carried the help was ambushed by pirates and sunk.”

The mayor and elders didn't know that, raising eyebrows, but they let Mingzhu speak. She continues, “Hattori did do his duty for all of you and your people elders. It was ambushed. On the Elders side I would say that they and their people have suffered sorely from the horseman and the influence of evil in the lands. They do deserve redress, so let us sit like adults and talk it out: come up with a solution.”

They look over at her. "Do you have a solution to propose, then?" The mayor speaks.

Mingzhu answers him, “A solution where there is no bloodshed and where the people may have a better future. First let us take a step back and try to see the other side. Then think to yourself, what can we all do to help the citizens together to make their lives better. If your lands sit in squaller everything will only become worse. It is a time we build together and co-operate for a better future. Elders, you all come from different backgrounds and have the wisdom to rebuild your communities. Hattori. You cannot depend upon your lord for help as long as the corsairs still threaten the lands. How can you help the elders rebuild their communities and Elders how can you help Hattori keep sound discipline among the people and help him learn of these Youkai so he and we can put an end to them?”

Zsikhou whispers to Mingzhu. “They did remember to take the Khan's food supplies at that port before they got on the boat, didn't they? Uh...”

“She looks back to him, “I made sure to get every last grain.” Zsikhou nods back to her.

Hattori looks over at Mingzhu "I can't abide rebellion, Shamaness."

Mingzhu turns to everyone. . "We have packed this very ship with all the food supplies we could bring for the people of the lands. You can either give it to the Daimyo on the written promise that it will reduce your rice tax or split it among the villages for relief. That is something for you and Hattori to decide together. It would be a first step to cooperation.” Thankfully, they seem to be listening to reason for now. Mingzhu breaths a sigh of relief.

The elder of Tsaboru sighs with relief "If it's enough to ensure my people do not starve... I can acquiesce."

Hattori looks over, considering "They are spoils of conquest, but... yes, the people here will still owe tax, but what was taken by this Khan and his pirates can be returned to the people here."

There's still palpable tension in the room, but they seem to be cooling off. The Elder of Rhakku looks to Shamaness, then to the others. "Then... that should suffice for now, then."

Mingzhu’s voice goes softer almost motherly, “Look for ways to work together to compromise for the greater benefit of the people, you do this. All of you and your people will once again thrive and happily live their lives as they should." The Mayor and Hattori look at each other. Clearly seething and not looking forward to it, but for now they just nod.

The Elder of Rhakku breathes a sigh of relief "Well, I believe that concludes what needs to be discussed then. Unless you wish to bring up anything else?"

Mingzhu moves on to another concern. “What of the other two villages? Have elders been elected or appointed?”

The mayor shakes his head "I'm afraid not. And we haven't seen the elder of Suduzki since his disappearance."

Hattori sneers "Good riddance to him."

Zsikhou looks up "If he had shown up this one would have been obligated to kill him."

“I had to oust him myself. There needs to be new elders I will go and find out what I can.
Without them the villages will die off.” Mingzhu says, worriedly.”

The mayor nods in turn. "Finding a suitable replacement takes some time, but I have been working on it." He shakes his head. "Golamaru is in even worse straits, I'm afraid."

Mingzhu asks, “Do you wish to consult now, Mayor?"

The mayor sighs, "I can sort things out with Hattori in my office. We're.... going to handle it properly this time." Hattori grumbles but goes along with it.

"It would be good for the two of you to work together on this yes. Listen to each other. You each have perspectives, and each are good at certain things and have blind spots in others. But working together you will be able to find the best candidates. When we return to shore and it gets dark, I will sleep in the graveyard and mingle with the spirits of elders past perhaps they have their own perspectives, and I may be able to advise you.” Mingzhu advises.

The mayor nods and then shakes his head. “I'd appreciate the counsel, but finding someone suitable for that position, especially given what has happened to each it won't be easy. I don't want to put someone who is unsuitable forward in a rush to find someone for it."

With the meeting wrapped up, tension having simmered down some, Mingzhu sails back to the slip. The guests manage to leave without trying to murder each other.

[Winterhawk99]

Mingzhu steps off the ship with Snout following the others. Minamoto heads off with Hattori. “Balan and I can drop off the little boat.” T’kharr mentions. "Or would you rather handle that yourself, Fwangzhu?”

Fwangzhu looks over. "I'll get that back." He nods "I'll see about filling in the mayor if he's got any questions after." He huffs "Still don't believe that shit we went through." Fwangzhu does indeed go to heft the rowboat they used before.

Mingzhu asks Silgara to turn the boat smaller after they are done and keep it with her. Silgara looks over "I'm... not sure it's wise to do that at these docks. You know how the people regard magic here." Mingzhu thinks a long time then nods.

"Aye. Come to think of it, put the little boat in the water for now. We can have someone tie a rope from it to the big boat, then have Mingzhu handle taking the big boat out to sea a bit with Silgara in the little boat. Once out in a suitable spot, Mingzhu can jump off the big boat into the little boat, and Silgara can then do her thing without worrying about untoward attention." She looks around, finding that Fwangzhu already left to return the rowboat.

Mingzhu looks at the building where the harbor master is stationed. “If we don't shrink it we should deal with the dock fees.”

Silgara looks over to T'kharr "Well, suppose we can sail it off then shrink it if you want me to do that." She also considers "I also wonder if the docking fees are any worse than the inn fees..." She shrugs, "The inn I suppose is at least more comfortable than the boat at the moment...”

T’kharr laughs, “Problem is having to swim home." Mingzhu takes measure of Silgara to see if she can swim by pulling her along without drowning her. Silgara is very much not suited to swimming. Zsikhou just watches silently. and clearly expectant of head pats.

Mingzhu rubs her face. “I'll go pay the docking fees. She looks at the ship measuring it.”

Thankfully the docking fee isn't that heavy. Negligible honestly?... Most ships have been stuck here...
Silgara looks over "Well, we do at least have a place to stay. Even if it is completely unfurnished." She rubs the back of her neck "Resting without even a hammock isn't exactly comfortable."

Mingzhu goes and pays the harbor master the docking fees. and comes back. "I have the paperwork"
We should not have to worry about the inn fees. We have plenty for that. I'll pay the inn keep as we go.”

Silgara nods "I do admit I have become fond of the tea there..."

Zsikhou looks over "Basic logistics aside, what's our next move?"

Mingzhu answers, “I will be sleeping in the graveyard tonight and call the spirits of past elders. I need to do this for the villages of Sudzuki and Golamaru. Until then I am free to do what the group wants of me."

T’kharr shakes her head. "I'm honestly not sure what our next move should be at this point. We'll need some leads to hunt the corsairs further. The ocean is far too vast to simply wander alone."

"We do at least have the benefit of having our own boat. That should expand where we can investigate, at least." Silgara comments.

“I do want to go to the villages to see how they fare, T’Kharr perhaps they will have some information.” Mingzhu suggests.

"That would be a good idea to follow up on, yes." T’kharr nods.

“I do not want to take Minamoto or Zsikhou for this. I need the villagers to feel comfortable. I do want to take Fwangzhu.” Mingzhu insists.

Zsikhou looks over "This one can remain hidden if needed."

Mingzhu thinks then says, “I need you to do that if you go Zsikhou. This walk will be to help the villagers, and they may not feel free if a kami of a dragon is around. I do hope you understand.”

Silgara looks over. "If we intend to go to islands or other villages, do we take Fwangzhu, should we invite Minamoto to stay on the boat? Admittedly the notion I find... potentially problematic in multiple ways."

Mingzhu shrugs, “As long as Minamoto is out of the way for this. I am fine with what the group decides. with Minamoto we have the same problem the villagers will not feel relaxed with the tax collector around.”

Zsikhou looks over "Admittedly, despite his... problems, he does hold weight in the Daimyo's court if we do need a witness to testify to these events."

"I doubt there will be a need, I'm sure he can find somewhere to rest his head while we are out touring the villages. That said, if we do head to court, the script flips and now its Minamoto who we take and Fwangzhu who gets to take some time off." T’kharr surmises.

Mingzhu nods, "Exactly. Both have strengths and weaknesses we rely on the strengths and try to eliminate the weaknesses.”

Silgara looks over "I expect they may take Umbridge if told but we can come up with the excuse that someone needs to guard the boat."

Mingzhu asserts, “Fwangzhu is well respected among the villages, and he has sway is calm and cares for them. He is a great asset in this situation.”

"'Calm' is not a word I'd use to describe him, but you have a point." Silgara nods.

T’kharr turns to Silgara, “Let’s keep that in our back pocket as a plan B, the guarding the boat thing."

Mingzhu partially corrects, “Well, much calmer when Minamoto isn’t around him and he is with common people.”

"It is true keeping them both will likely lead to mutual agitation. For all of us..." Silgara rubs her face.

Mingzhu questions it all. “"So where do they go when they are not with us. Guard the ship or something else? Minamoto does have duties. We can tell him we have no need of him for the next few days. But if we go to court, what do we tell Fwangzhu?”

“That for managing to stick with things and not lose all his marbles thru all this, he earned himself a well-deserved break from the action?" T’kharr suggests. Silgara snickers.

Mingzhu smiles, "I like it."

Though Silgara sighs "Pertinent issue though, I believe if I go closer to the Daimyo's seat of power, they may deem me an 'unsanctioned witch' and have me arrested."

“I will go get Fwangzhu at the Mayor's office. Could someone bring the news to Minamoto that he is off for a few days. we can leave for the villages on the morrow." Mingzhu says.

“Aye successfully dealing with Minamoto without taking him to the dirt does deserve a break.” Balan asserts.

T’kharr asks, “Could we get you the proper papers?" to Silgara.”

"That is an idea. We have 5,000 coin." Mingzhu says optimistically.

Silgara looks over "I do believe that would make me forced into the Daimyo's or Emperor's service, which I am unwilling to do."

Mingzhu takes out two small white pearls and gives them to Balan. She then comes up with an idea, “It is your choice Silgara...…. If we go to court....... Perhaps I could say you are my apprentice. Many shaman spells mimic arcane spells. But then again if they ask you to call a spirit............ hrm."

Zsikhou looks over "That could be a dangerous lie to be caught in. If you are caught, you'd lose credibility. Or would possibly be executed." Zsikhou shrugs, "Then this one would be obligated to kill them if they don't back down from that."

Mingzhu frowns, “Good point.”

"Court is a different thing perhaps you may consider staying behind with Fwangzhu if we need to go?" Mingzhu asks Silgara.

"Aye, we could bring a set of written notes to Court with us." T’kharr suggests.

Zsikhou shrugs "If you feel it best, but this one is blessed by a storm god. This one's authority can't be questioned by these humans. They know it. Or are generally too afraid to press the matter."
He pauses "Depends on how corrupt this court is or not. If they are working properly, this one won't be necessary. If they aren't..." He clicks his tongue and claws

Balan takes the pearls and puts one in a pouch and starts drawing a design on the other. “Aye it would seem tricky in either way it could be approached.”

Silgara looks over "Well, what's our first move then? Unless you just want to spend today relaxing. I honestly wouldn't mind, given what we've been through..."

"As I understand these lands Daimyo's rule their courts absolutely. Caution must always be applied for they take heads quite easily for offence." She pauses a moment and changes the subject. “I wish to pick up Fwangzhu to guard me while I deal with the past elders and see if the mayor has any questions. Meet in the morning for a walk around the villagers?"

"Aye, that sounds like a plan." T’kharr intones.

Zsikhou shrugs "Might be best this one comes along if so... if you do go to such a court then. They cannot get away with trying to execute this one or one who is under this one's protection." Silgara nods.

Mingzhu nods to Zsikhou. “I would imagine you are taught court ways of the nations of these lands, so I am fine with that Zsikhou. You probably know more than I. If we go to court, I'll need a proper dress one of Shou lung. I'll have one made when we get back."

"Makes sense. Will I need anything special for that matter?" T’kharr says as she thinks.

"I would say something nice that fits your country of origin. You do not want to look like a woman from Wa. The court would not like that. May even find it offensive.” Mingzhu says.

Silgara sighs "Finding fine elven artifice out here is a pipedream..."

"Just a nice dress Silgara." Mingzhu shakes her head. “"Hopefully a tailor can make it to your general peoples. Or even a western dress you would feel comfortable in.”

Silgara shrugs. "I don't know how many fine tailors we'll find around here... I expect it's not something of interest to Fwangzhu..."

Mingzhu smiles, “Hopefully Fwangzhu will rest while we go to court. this would only be if we go to the court of the Daimyo.” Silgara thinks a moment and nods to the shamaness. Mingzhu then thinks and asks, “Would one of the two of you, Balan or T'kharr like to have audience with the trading companies, and see if you can find anything out? I'm sure the meeting out on the ship has perked their interest.”

T’kharr suggests, “I think we can each try a trading company? And...it’s not like my people of origin have formal wear." She gives a small laugh to Mingzhu.

Silgara looks over. "We'd best be careful with them. We do know that one of them is involved with our enemies."

"Maybe discuss tailors and outfits as our cover for what's going on?" T’kharr suggests.

Mingzhu nods "I trust you all as my companions to be able to speak with them. A good idea.”
Mingzhu takes out her coin and gives T'kharr 2,000 in gold. "Take this for your shopping trip."
She laughs, "Silgara and you may stump them for a bit."

Silgara shrugs. Mingzhu looks over to her, "Are you alright Silgara?"

Then the mage considers. "It does occur to me that each of the trading companies if they do have formal attire, it would be in their home country's style. Similarly, even such a request could give hints as to what we intend. That is not wear that is commonly worn among the locals." She continues.

"That is a fair point, even if we are careful about our words, it may tip someone who's already on edge off." T’kharr considers.

Silgara shrugs, "Still, I'll follow your lead. Shall we?"

T’kharr asks, “Do we want to all attend each company in turn, or split up?"

Zsikhou shrugs "Doubt this one will need formal attire for such a setting." Silgara shrugs, deferring to T'kharr.

T’kharr looks to the others in the party "Balan, Mingzhu?"

"I do not know T'kharr how do you and Balan wish to proceed together or split up?"

"Splitting up is quicker, but also somewhat riskier." T’kharr surmises.

Silgara shrugs "I doubt we're going to be attacked while in town."

Mingzhu considers, “If we do go to the inn the trading companies may come to us for information."

"Aye, that's not the issue, the risk is one of us screwing something up without the counsel of the others." T’kharr warns.

“Aye though on their ships it may be of some difference.” Balan suggests.

Mingzhu asks, “What puts us at greater advantage. going to them or coming to us. there is a chance they will not seek us out but some I think will."

“There is one who may seek us out since they have previously known what our intent is on approaching their ship.” Balan suggests.

"The one with the seer? I was thinking that if we did split up, you'd be the one going to them. Which do you wish to take Mingzhu?" T’kharr asks.

"If we split, I will go to the mayor's office and talk to him while taking along Fwangzhu to the graveyard."
It is important to divine the information to set new elders into place. Ones that will fit the job. It is one of my most important tasks as a shamaness with spirits of community. It is something I must do or attempt to do. Perhaps the two of you together would take on all the trading companies?"

“That works.” T’kharr nods.

Mingzhu smiles and nods. She and Snout bow to the group and head to the mayor's office with anyone that wishes to come. She turns her head back, Silgara, you may be needed with the trade companies. If you would like to come with me Zsikhou you are welcome to come with me or go with them."

Zsikhou nods and comes to accompany her.