The End of an Era Part 1

[Metastachydium]

As the noble Samurai stands on, untouched by his fist, all Leylek used to feel collapses into a pinpoint knot, of dread and relief, twined fast together. He expects death from the blade next; but death with his hands clean. Failure, but not treason. He finds it hard to truly steel himself, but instinct moves his body all the same, and he tries. Is it truly treason, to free a man who is shackled, by force, turned against him? He was so certain it was not, when he charged forward a moment ago. And yet, his will is shaking.

Each man rides two horses, a voice within tells the crane. The blade flies past his form. Fate is willing. A fell will rides the one now; the other sleeps and cannot be woken. Not by him. Still, the blade spares him once more. Fate is willing; but is he? He must be. Mistress Ahalyā! he calls out, into the darkness that lights up with fire, all of a sudden. His own voice is shrill, too shrill. Panic? It must not be. I need your aid! And then, through the hard wall of his own terror, he strikes.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Single attack: (1d20+10)[12] for (1d8+6)[7] nonlethal bludgeoning,
with Fort DC 16 save against being nauseated, sickening on a success

[BelGareth]

Shimura plunged into an abyss of darkness, a well of despair where time lost its meaning. The walls of this grim void seemed to close in on him, pressing the weight of his failure and betrayal from all sides. Echoes of his friend's anguish reverberated through the emptiness, a haunting reminder of the consequences of his actions. Lost and adrift in this desolate expanse, Shimura's very identity seemed to dissolve into the consuming blackness, leaving him to grapple with the overwhelming weight of his actions.

He wasn't even aware of his actions anymore...

Spoiler

Show

5ft step towards leylek

Attack 1 - (1d20+15)[22]
Damage - (1d10+7)[10]

Attack 2 - (1d20+12)[20]
Damage - (1d10+7)[16]

If hit by a non-reach weapon:
fire - (1d6)[1]
fire - (1d6)[6]
fire - (1d6)[5]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 54/61, Speed 30
AC 21 Touch 14 Flat-footed 18
Fort +8 Ref +5 Will +5
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [1/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

Map

[Alhallor]

You don't anger the dragon.

After Onka got the nobles out, one of them was already killed and the dancer didn't see the follow up coming, which flung Onka away. He blacked out for a moment. Somehow he still was able to stand. Black dots where swirling at his vision and something in his body was grinding against another part, where it shouldn't.

You don't anger the dragon!

Onka spat out some blood, facing the false samurai. That's all? You can only take control of some weak-willed nobles and are too afraid to try a dirty commoner?

You don't anger the dragon, if you don't have a plan.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Onka readies an action, activating his ring of silent spells to cast silence on himself when the enemy trys to dominate him. It should include the samurai which means Onka can't understand anything he will say and order him to do. The enemys have been pretty talkative up to now, which could mean that they need to talk to give orders.

[Cygnia]

"The only one damned here is you, filth..." snarled the vanara at the burning corpse. "Now back to the Void where you belong and torment this world no more!"

Ahalyā turned to help Onka when she heard Leylek's cry. The panic was so strange coming from the crane warrior. Another enemy? Where is Master Shimura? The last thing she remembered was Shimura charging after the other pennaggalan--

Oh no! Oh spirits, let me be wrong!

Ahalyā rushed out of the house, ordering Raksha to follow her -- where she had left Leylek outside. The shaman's eyes went wide in horror at the sight of the two brothers-in-arms clashing. The pain, both physical and spiritual, wracked across Leylek's face as he tried to defend himself against Shimura's vicious assault.

"Raksha, aid my strike!" Ahalyā prayed she wasn't too late. Ignoring the flames that wreathed the dominated samurai, she desperately tried to apply the blessing that would suppress such evil influence in time for all their lives... "...oh ancestors, help me save this man..."

Spoiler: Actions

Show

DECLARING MY DODGE ON SHIMURA! ;) (ditto Raksha)
Move (Ahalyā): N9 (to get and give the +2 flanking bonus with Leylek)
Move (Raksha): N10 (so she can flank)
Touch "attack" on Shimura to apply Protection From Evil via Improved Unarmed Strike (which won't provoke AoO)
(1d20+10)[18] (bonuses are +1 Aid/+1 Know Devotion: Local/+2 Flanking. If Raksha succeeds with Aid Another, add another +2 to the roll)
(1d20+6)[19] Raksha (Aid Another: Attack)

[Auranghzeb]

Onka, you valiantly take a gamble as your allies leave you alone facing the masked horror, you make no movements and prepare a silent spell to avoid what you think it's coming. The petals of the cherry three contrast with the black branches as the shadows extend from the mountains with that effect that makes them larger, as the fingers of an extended hand, the sound of the waves gently crashing against the nearby beach just across the garden are soothing. You breath heavily as the masked samurai steps over the mangled body of the noble and rises its mace to strike again, even when you see the strike coming down, lit up by negative energy, you are too slow to avoid it.
The mace hits you on the left shoulder and spins you around, the sharp pain of many broken bones and severed tendons gives way to a peaceful darkness.

You fall unconscious, yet living, the cold ground gently caresses your cheek.

What you don't see is the pennangolan leaving its samurai form and creeping towards you, salivating, ready to devour you.

Spoiler: OoC

Show

You are at -9 HP

Ahalya is torn between two companions in need, she opts for the bird, as both Rhaksa and herself run outside and leave Onka to his luck.
The scene there is also horrific as Shimura strikes Leylek twice with his dreaded Katana, the bird unable to dodge or retaliate. Ahalya touches the samurai with a spell that brings him back to his senses temporarily suppressing the pennangolan influence.

The imminent dusk extends a shadow of desolation over the port.

[Alhallor]

Onka didn't see a spell or something getting slung at him and he was to slow to react in time when there was only a swung attack.

This time when the world gone dark he didn't open his eyes afterwards.

Spoiler: Stabilization

Show

stabilize with a 10 or lower (1d100)[18]

[Metastachydium]

As the pain and the rigor, instilled by some dark force, fades from Shimura's face upon the Shamna touching his form, Leylek, at the brink of lethargy and sensing death draw near him a moment ago relaxes with relief for an instant, casting a glance of open gratitude at the Vanara. Shimura-sama… he begins; but then a sinister thought flicks through his mind. The noble Samurai lost to the other masked man; and Onka is nowhere to be seen. A scowl materializes on his feathered face once more. Where is the dancer? he blurts out, already in motion, all his muscles tensing up again as he strides forward to peek past the corner of the house…

…and to see it, crawling forward, hungry towards a bundle on the ground; no… Not a bundle. Shimura-sama, Mistress Ahalyā he shrieks, but not with fear as such anymore: but with anger. Onka is down! dead? Alive? It barely matters. Something breaks loose in him, as if a furnace were burst and molten iron began to pour out, but with an irate will governing its flow. The Crane bolts forward, his fists clenching, hardening – and he attacks.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move action to move and see what's going on;
free action report;
move action move to V6,
swift action activating Strength Devotion;
and Iron Flurry Irate Crane Attack the organ donor thing: (1d20+8)[20] for (1d8+4)[12],
(1d20+8)[19] for (1d8+4)[9] and
extra slam (1d20+3)[4] for (1d8+4)[6] (+2 from feat), all adamantine magical bludgeoning.

[Cygnia]

Ahalyā was about to breathe a sigh of relief as her ward successfully applied itself to Shimura. But the new cry from the rushing Leylek about the status of Onka immediately turned that relief to fear.

"Mistress--!" whimpered Raksha. Already the wolf was straining to run towards the fallen dancer who had protected her so recently. Ahalyā nodded, murmuring to convert her Dispel Magic to healing energy as she gave her companion a stroke behind the ears again. "All speed, Raksha...oh, spirits let it not be in vain!"

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Ahalyā converts Dispel Magic to Cure Serious Wounds & sets up Rakssha to deliver the touch spell
Raksha declares her Dodge on Vampire Gut Head!
Raksha Move to : T6
COLD WET NOSE OF CURE SERIOUS WOUNDS ON ONKA~!
(3d8+6)[20]
Ahalyā move to: T8
Ahalyā declares her Dodge on Vampire Gut Head!

Spoiler: Statblock

Show

Ahalyā
F CG Vanara Shaman, Level 6, Init 2, HP 48/41, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 19, Flat-footed 20, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, Base Attack Bonus 4
(weapon finesse in play) Unarmed Strike +6 (1d6-1, x2)
MW Sickle +7 (1d6-1, x2)
Least Crystal of Adaptation Leather Armor +1 (+3 Armor, +2 Dex, +2 Deflect, +5 Misc)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 16
Condition Endure Elements (from Least Crystal of Adaptation)
Low-Light Vision
Shield of Faith (6 minutes, +2 defection bonus to AC)
Aid grants the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus temporary hit points equal to 7hp (6 minutes)
Improved Unarmed Strike: You are considered to be armed even when unarmed — that is, you do not provoke attacks of opportunity from armed opponents when you attack them while unarmed. However, you still get an attack of opportunity against any opponent who makes an unarmed attack on you. In addition, your unarmed strikes can deal lethal or nonlethal damage, at your option.

[BelGareth]

A sudden gasp of air filled his lungs, as if he just breached the surface of an avalanche, sudden clarity bought everything into stark focus. He frowned at the sudden onrush of information, he began to crumple, to fall to the floor, his grips loosened, and he began to fall, just like before....but then the words of his friend cut through him like a tanto, it chilled him to the bone, his face, wracked with fighting emotions, he managed to gain control, and spun around, rushing to the aide of his companions, the companions he had spoken an oath to protect.

There would be time to think, and sort through his failures later...now they needed him...he hoped.

Spoiler

Show

move to S8
Anklets of Translocation to U6

Attack 1 - (1d20+15)[28]
Damage - (1d10+7)[15]

Attack 2 - (1d20+10)[29]
Damage - (1d10+7)[10]

Crit confirm - (1d20+10)[23]
Crit Extra Damage - (1d10+7)[13]

If hit by a non-reach weapon:
fire - (1d6)[2]
fire - (1d6)[5]
fire - (1d6)[4]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 54/61, Speed 30
AC 21 (22 vs E) Touch 14 (15 vs E) Flat-footed 18 (19 vs E)
Fort +8 (+10 vs E) Ref +5 (+7 vs E) Will +5 (+7 vs E)
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR), Protection from Evil (+2 to def & saves vs evil)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [0/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

Map

[Auranghzeb]

Come, Dancer
Many veils Death has,
wear yours and rest

Onka slipped into nothingness, unable to feel the tendrils of the pennangolan lifting his body towards its anxious mouth. The creature opened its maw, ready to sink its teeth into the young dancer's tender neck!

Then, it felt the evil connection with the Samurai break and soon was surrounded by the dancer's allies.

Death shall not find you alone
Child of the Mountain, rise!

First, Leylek fluttering flurry came down over the pennangolan, severing some entrails that grabbed Onka. The predator howled as it buoyant head was pushed away from Onka.

AHGHAAAAA!

Then, Shimura enraged and protected from evil, dashed through the garden and hit twice with fury and precision. The magic katana of his ancestors cut true.

Then Ahalya and Raksha lifted Onka from the realm of the dying.

The rising flames in the nearby house lit the scene as the pennangolan snapped at Leylek, trying to rip the bird's long neck to no avail!

[Metastachydium]

Without a sound and deaf to the pained cry of the creature, Leylek moves around its flailing innards with a strange, whirling, frenzied grace, the sudden weight behind his strikes shifting itself, from fist to leg and to beak and to fist again as he tries to drive the being into Shimura's waiting blade.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Tumbling move to wherever the bird can flank with Shimura from (W4?): (1d20+14)[20];
Adamantine Crane Flanking Flurry Attack: (1d20+10)[14] for (1d8+4)[10] and
(1d20+10)[15] for (1d8+4)[9], with
slam: (1d20+5)[16] for (1d8+4)[5], all adamantine magical bludgeoning.

[BelGareth]

Shimura merely whispers as he readies his blades, swinging them in a dance of whirling steel flashing through the cold dusk light, they cut the air with a thrumming that belied their aim.

"In shadows I roamed,
Torn by a dark, binding spell.
Now, Oni, we clash."

Spoiler

Show

should be in U6? did i get moved?
5ft step if need be

Attack 1 - (1d20+15)[25]
Damage - (1d10+7)[8]

Attack 2 - (1d20+10)[21]
Damage - (1d10+7)[13]

If hit by a non-reach weapon:
Fire - (1d6)[3]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 54/61, Speed 30
AC 21 (22 vs E) Touch 14 (15 vs E) Flat-footed 18 (19 vs E)
Fort +8 (+10 vs E) Ref +5 (+7 vs E) Will +5 (+7 vs E)
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR), Protection from Evil (+2 to def & saves vs evil)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [0/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

Map

[Cygnia]

"EEP! Drive it into the flames to join its tainted ally! Such evil must be thoroughly destroyed!" Ahalyā screeched, once more calling upon the full power of her belt to heal Onka. Meanwhile, Raksha stood protectively by the still dangerously wounded dancer.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Both Ahalyā and Raksha declare their dodge on Malaysian Gut Vampire
Ahalyā is using all 3 charges of her Healing Belt on Onka
(4d8)[14]
Raksha uses Aid Another (Defense) to add +2 AC to Onka
(1d20+5)[6] (DC10)

Spoiler: Statblock

Show

Ahalyā
F CG Vanara Shaman, Level 6, Init 2, HP 48/41, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 19, Flat-footed 20, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, Base Attack Bonus 4
(weapon finesse in play) Unarmed Strike +6 (1d6-1, x2)
MW Sickle +7 (1d6-1, x2)
Least Crystal of Adaptation Leather Armor +1 (+3 Armor, +2 Dex, +2 Deflect, +5 Misc)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 16
Condition Endure Elements (from Least Crystal of Adaptation)
Low-Light Vision
Shield of Faith (6 minutes, +2 defection bonus to AC)
Aid grants the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus temporary hit points equal to 7hp (6 minutes)
Improved Unarmed Strike: You are considered to be armed even when unarmed — that is, you do not provoke attacks of opportunity from armed opponents when you attack them while unarmed. However, you still get an attack of opportunity against any opponent who makes an unarmed attack on you. In addition, your unarmed strikes can deal lethal or nonlethal damage, at your option.

[Auranghzeb]

Shimura slashes twice, his magi blade severing the creature's heart and lungs from the head, still buoyant it looks at the samurai before collapsing into the ground with a thud.

[BelGareth]

Shimura watches in no small satisfaction, as the evil thing was done with, what? He listened, yes, of course He numbly stood up, sheathing blades as he did so. Looking around he took stock of the situation, it was a dire circumstance they had stumbled into, but perhaps they could help these people. He quickly grabbed the remains of the...he could barely give it a name, in having done so it gave it power over him, and he had no need of that. He ran to the burning house and tossed it in with it's cellmate.

the flames were licking against the dry materials of the house, but there were other people inside, heedless to the fire, he ran into it looking for a body and picking it up to carry outside.

Spoiler

Show

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 54/61, Speed 30
AC 21 (22 vs E) Touch 14 (15 vs E) Flat-footed 18 (19 vs E)
Fort +8 (+10 vs E) Ref +5 (+7 vs E) Will +5 (+7 vs E)
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR), Protection from Evil (+2 to def & saves vs evil)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [0/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

Map

[Auranghzeb]

Th fire crept like a live animal through the wooden frame of the house. Shimura rushed in through the flaming threshold into the room where he had seen the bodies, making sure these were indeed dead.

He immediately knew they werent! The pennangolan death had broken the spell and Shimura found himself with the disoriented and terrified look of three women and a child waking from a deadly slumber into the warmth of the burning house.

HHHEELP HEELP

They started to rise, their legs numbed but swift, they moved towards the outside reeled by the valiant Dragon Samurai.


From the other house, more people came, and the villagers gathered around the old woman, the flames spreading fast, their concern was immediate!

Help us help us turn down the fire!

Amidst all this chaos, the old woman looked at the heroes with gratitude in her eyes.

[Cygnia]

"Is everyone now out of the house?" The shaman quickly asked. In her zeal to make sure the pennaggolans were fully destroyed, Ahalyā had not checked to see if the bodies on the floor were still alive. Onka had the excuse of being wounded and leading out the former puppets (who had sadly been executed by the undead regardless). She had not. Vanquishing evil meant nothing if the good could not be protected first! The shaman shook her head. EEP! Do better!

Still, with the coming darkness, Ahalyā once more drew upon her spirit sight in case of any new threats.

[Alhallor]

Onka didn't hear or see anything for awhile, it couldn't be long till he walked into heaven or hell.

It was just weird that heaven or hell felt a lot like a wet snout.

Huh?

The dancer blinked surprised, he was still hurting in several places but felt much better suddenly. When he stood up Alhalya even healed him further.

He wanted to forgive his companions that he had worried them this much but there was also a raging fire burning up the house... And no one was shouting orders!

When the dancer first drew breath he coughed up some blood but then made gestures towards the other houses.

Drench the other houses! We can't let the fire spread further! Gather everything that can held water! Make a line!

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Diplomacy I guess? (1d20+4)[24]

[Metastachydium]

With the people from inside he wasn't even aware of earlier taken care of, and, somewhat surprisingly, Onka, of all people, thankfully alive and standing once more, rallying the locals to suppress the blaze, and better than the bird himself likely could, Leylek finds himself uncertain what to do for a moment; but then, as he looks up at the darkened sky, he is reminded of its presence once more. The people of this place he ill-understands still; but the customs of war are not unknown to him. Fate willing, abiding by them might, in the end, put the townfolk at ease, showing them, in clear terms, that this battle is over; and he would do it regardless.

Springing into the air, the crane touches down upon the roof of the house aflame, and testing his grip against it, snaps the pole of the Crab's banner, and tears the flag itself in twain, sending both careening down the sloping roof. He does barely bother to see where they land, lest they fall upon someone, before gliding over onto the other roof to remove yet another banner, torn apart, its pole broken with a scowl of cold contempt.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

In case I need rolls for the bird to do that:
(1d20+8)[27] for (1d8+4)[5],
(1d20+8)[17] for (1d8+4)[10], and
(1d20+3)[5] for (1d8+4)[8] against the one banner/pole and

(1d20+8)[17] for (1d8+4)[8],
(1d20+8)[25] for (1d8+4)[6], and
(1d20+3)[22] for (1d8+4)[5] against the other,
all attacks ignoring hardness.

[Auranghzeb]

The crane warrior's grand gesture is witnessed by all the villagers that follow the old woman and her grandson. Cut against the darkening skyline and the blazing roof, Leylek's banner breaking punctuates Onka's call to action. Soon, the two dozen villagers are making a line from the beach to the house, quenching the flames under our heroes' direction and passing buckets of seawater that fizzles on the flames.

It takes you the better part of two hours to finally put off the last flame; half the house is now burnt. The faces around you are stern and sunk in the shadows of the cold, clear night, but there's also quiet pride and resolve in them.

One of the noblemen Leylek, knocked out during the fight, comes towards you as the last ember of the fire dies and kneels humbly.

You are our saviors! Whatever these creatures were, you saved us.
But they will be back; They promised to return when the moon reaches its highest point.

The Old woman's determined voice interrupts the man.

With the help of these heroes we can resist! My other grandson should be back in the morning with the other men who were out fishing. We need to hold on until then!

Then she looks at you

Samurai san, heroes, Help us, please!

[Auranghzeb]

The moon will rise soon, you have probably an hour until it is high in the sky and the threat for the penangolan becomes truth. The people trust you as allies and saviors, they will try to assist you. Prepare or wait, that is your choice.

Spoiler: OoC

Show

You got 4 max Posts to prepare. You can discuss OoC. Declare your actions here IC.
Everything will have a DC of 16 and will take 1d4 x10 minutes to do:

1. Fortify a house
2. Prepare weapons
3. Dig a trap
4. Set a fire trap
5. Prepare an ambush
ETC

Everything (within reason) you might think of has that DC 16 and that time. You got 170minutes in total, but your actions can be simultaneous.

[Metastachydium]

Back on the ground, and having stood in the line with the villagers to carry water against the flames, with that contained, Leylek passes a swift, scaled hand-talon over his belt as he looks at the speakers in turn. That is better news than you know. he says, grim, but without the barest hint of the gibbet's jest in his voice. I feared we'd lose their tracks. We hunt them, under the guidance of Shimura-sama. he explains And they are yet to learn that not without success, either; or so it should be. We fought on their terms here; now they shall fight on ours. he strides forward towards her companions. Mistress Ahalyā. You are strong against these. What are they? What should we know? he asks with a swift bow. All I can tell is take the bodies of men; and that they fear fire. lowering his head, almost menacingly, he turns it around, slightly, to look over his shoulder. I would have you prepare torches. It is light we need and fire we need. Set them up by the roads. Should help us see their approach. he informs the villagers, before having his head snap forward again to regard the dancer for a moment. Whatever happened to my lantern, Onka, I wonder?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Belt healing, two charges for now: (4d8)[3][7][6][7](23)

[Alhallor]

With the fire defeated and even most of the house still intact Onka let out a heavy sigh of relief. Which he almost choken on when he heard the news that they were even more monsters ahead.

He fumbled around a bit on his horse and retrieved one of the healing flasks they were given and emptied one, while stashing the other things away too. While he gathered Leylek's lantern (that fell down where he nearly died) and gave it to the crane warrior he thought about what to do.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Drinking a healing potion: (2d8+3)[17]

He gathered some of the villagers who seemed especially vibrant.

In the mountains where I come from we had a special dance that attracted the good kami and drove away the bad. Not only you were afraid but you're spirits were too. Let's give them new confidence, follow my lead.

There was no major drum in the center of the village. Clapped hands needed to suffice while Onka made some careful strides around the village, while clapping his hands, that was echoed by the villagers. He kept his movements steady and certainly, befitting the mountains he came from, but halfway through incorporated some weaving motions to adress the spirits of the sea that were certainly watching too.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Dancing check: (1d20+15)[28] against 16. (I can't actually fail this, but let's see what I'll get.

After this he congratulated the participating villagers and try'd to get a secluded spot to ask his ancestor for help. He danced the dance of Steel, martially and brutally slicing the air with his hands, feet and knees. His whole body was covered with sweat and he did feel a certain difference in his whole body.

He took off the amulet of his mother that should give his body the mighty fangs of a dragon and the feeling did not dissipate. When you're as good as me, you won't need it anymore.

The dancer searched for Raksha and called for her.

I want you to wear this, you rescued my life several times and I'm sure you're fangs may benefit from a bit of sharpness. If the wolf is willing Onka would put his Wyrmfang amulet over her head.

Spoiler: Time

Show

(1d4)[3] * 10 minutes
+
dance of steel (10 additional minutes)
Binding check: (1d20+10)[29] Against 25

[BelGareth]

With the fire put out, and the strength enhancing magic fading on Shimura, he felt a tired ache settle within him, there was some penance to atone for...but not for now, it would have to wait, his actions would have to suffice to show his admonition.

He stood by the side as watched LeyLek and then in turn, and more surprisingly, Onka take charge of these people, it warmed his heart, as if he were watching a pupil grow into something...else. Smiling, he nodded as LeyLek mentioned him by name, he nodded in recognition.

This would be a tough fight, but they had hope.

And maybe that was enough.

Spoiler

Show

Don't have much to add.

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai \ Mirumoto Niten Master 1
Level 6 Init 3, HP 54/61, Speed 30
AC 21 (22 vs E) Touch 14 (15 vs E) Flat-footed 18 (19 vs E)
Fort +8 (+10 vs E) Ref +5 (+7 vs E) Will +5 (+7 vs E)
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's Fortification 50%, DR 2/-, Mantle of flame 1d6 fire on hit, Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects), Bull's Strength (+4 enh to STR), Protection from Evil (+2 to def & saves vs evil)
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [2/3], Anklets of Translocation [0/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

Soulmeld	Benefit	Essentia benefit	Invested	Bound
Mirumoto Niten dragonmark	-	+25%/e	2/2	Arms
Mantle of Flame	1d6 fire	+1d6/e	0/2	-

Map

[Cygnia]

To Leylek...

"These foul undead were pennaggolan, Master Leylek. They drain the blood and very life from a victim and can dominate the innocent to do their will. Worse still, any slain by them rise up to become another of their depraved kind. And their corpses must be fully destroyed, else they will return to plague this world anew! Which, save some of that fire before it's extinguished -- I must see to that task..." Ahalyā grimaced towards the headless corpses, snatching up a few burning timbers to make sure their vile bodies were indeed thoroughly rendered to ash while the others saved the house.

***

After Onka made his offer, Raksha glanced over to Ahalyā to check with her. The shaman nodded, touched by such a generous offer. And the wolf bowed her head to accept the dancer's gift.

Then Ahalya closed her eyes, hoping that Onka's dance may have helped please the spirits in some way. Though she could not commune with any right now, knowing if any were in fact nearby could prove useful.

Spoiler: Action

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Casting Trance (duration 6 rounds)

Casting Time: 1 round
Range: 120 ft.
Area: 120 ft. spread, centered on you
Duration: 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

You place yourself in a deep trance, during which you cannot move, speak, or take any action.
In the trance, you are highly attuned to the powers and forces in the immediate area.
You can sense certain magical creatures and effects within the spell's area.
Each round you remain in the trance, you feel the presence of any one lesser spirit, greater spirit, curse, permanent magical effect, or haunting within the spell's area.
You can determine the general type of thing contacted (such as natural spirit, evil haunting), but cannot communicate with it in any way or gain any other information about it.
Using this spell does give you enough information to subsequently cast commune with lesser spirit or a similar spell to communicate with the spirit you desire to contact.

[Auranghzeb]

As the blazes died, the conversation between Leylek and Ahalya became somber and ominous. Whatever was happening in this land in the last few days was more widespread than what it initially seemed. These Crab samurai were more than mere humans. What could be going on?

The Crab were the guardians of the Shadowland Border, the sturdiest and most stoic clan in all the empire. Any rumor about them trying to gain power was sustained in their constant claim for more help from other clans in their desperate fight. But now, penangolan walked inside their armors and carried their banners. Dead animals rose as beasts that inhabited the shadowlands.

Was this all related to the stolen Scriptures?

Leylek and a group of men started making long spear-like torches, and soon had over a dozen stacked in front of the main house.

The moon rises steadily over the sea, not much time to go now.

Shimura watches while Onka organizes the peasants, he sees the natural leadership and charisma emerging from the young dancer. Looking at that made it impossible to see Onka as an honor-less murderer; in Miromoto Shimura's book, Onka was showing he was a warrior.


Onka soon had the children and elderly, those few that couldn't help anywhere else, dancing an ancient dance of protection as an offering to the protective Kami of the land.

Moved by Onka's generosity to her wolf, Ahalya complements the dance with a spiritual trance of her own, sending her mind to the void between the words and calling for aid.

The first thing she senses is Shimura's Veils, projected into his soul by his ancestors, then she feels Onka's binding of Iron Fist and sees the dancer's fists becoming living metal.

Then she senses the departing and confusing spirits of the recently death, still hovering around the village in disbelief. The noblemen spirtis hanging to their bodies as these are carried away by leylek and the peasant to a pyre.

The confused wailing of women who died the night before and now can't find comfort.

The village is heavy with these presences, but it is difficult to harness them, they all seem lost and out of touch.

Then she senses a strong aura walking from the sacred groove in the center of the village, anger coming from the woods, not evil, only anger.

From that groove, a man comes out, or more like a half-man... It appears as a human split lengthwise down the middle—standing on one leg and holding a glowing axe in its single hand. His features are familiar, as if they were a composite of the villagers.

There's a gasp and the dancers stop!

Spoiler: Image

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Spoiler: Knowledge check: Arcana, Religion, Spirits DC=12

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It's a doc cu’o’c, a protective Kami liked to the land. It looks like the inhabitants of a land, but it does not protect them, it protects the land and has no loyalty to any living creature.

Spoiler: Effects from your actions.

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Onka's dance will give all villagers a morale bonus through the night. I'll handle that. Plaing the torches around the town will improve visibility and when adjacent to them, will give you a 1d6 to attack and damage to any adjacent enemy. Maybe you grab them or move them around jackie chan style, whatever.

[Cygnia]

"A doc cu’o’c..." breathed the shaman as she rose to her feet. In a low voice, Ahalyā quickly continued "A kami of the land. He is not malevolent. But he protects the land, not its inhabitants..."

Still, if the spirit was called by Onka's dance, they might have a chance against whatever evil would come when the dark fully fell.

"Honorable spirit..." Ahalyā bowed her head, addressing the doc cu'o'c in the Spirit Tongue. "We did not wish to disturb you, but a great corruption infests this land and threatens to spread its taint even further. It has already twisted man and animal alike--" Recalling both the pennaggolan and the onikage from before. "--and the villagers that have already fallen to its wrath remain lost. Without rest or comfort. This taint, this evil cannot be allowed to take root among the grasses and waters as well. Please -- please, will you lend your aid to these humble villagers in driving it down to its final grave? So that people and land can truly heal from their scars?"

Head still bowed, Ahalyā heard her heartbeat thunder in her ears.

Spoiler: Actions

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Both rolled in Discord
Know (Religion): 28
Diplomacy: 29

[Alhallor]

Onka was surprised that his dance summoned an actual manifesting spirit, instead of awakening small spirits of good luck and protection. After Alhalya spoke he strode towards the spirit, goes down to one knee and bowed it's head low, besides Alhalya.

The land was already ravaged by the enemy's that will attack soon. You're help will not only be appreciated but it'll help rip out the taint by it's roots.

Spoiler: OOC

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Diplomacy aid against DC 10 for +2
(1d20+4)[20]

[Metastachydium]

Leylek frowns, of course. Half-men seem hardly good omens, not so shortly after their having fought part-men, and not so shortly before they'd have to fight them again. But Ahalyā's quick explanation, and the words of reverence form her and Onka (even as he couldn't understand the former) put him at some ease. The place is now well-lit; and they might have, if not an ally, a new obstacle for their foes to move around. He offers a quick bow to the half-man himself and begins to slowly spread his wings and bend his long, thin legs, flashing only a glance at Shimura, as if waiting for his assent alongside the resolution of the talks with the kami before he'd soar to the sky to spy for the enemy from above.

Spoiler: OOC

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If the doc cu'o'c doesn't act like a threat, Leylek's going to fly up 80' or so and make Perception checks (yes, I know, I'm very brave): (1d20+9)[13], +2 if there are Humans to spot.

[Auranghzeb]

The doc cu’o’c glanced with his one eye and after a moment of silence spoke with guttural voice that could not come from any mouth, his lips moved, and it was an unsightly sight from one side as his half-tongue moved in the cavernous mouth as the p's and r's rolled against the inside of the half jaw.

The land seeps darkness like the rain in summer. The roots of trees and the water below are becoming tainted. What have you done? Why is my land becoming a shadowland? The only use you humans had was as guardians against this illness, and you have failed!

The Kami have given you flowers in spring and harvest in summer and you repay with the dark blood-poison of the oni


Diplomacy is not completely working, the Kami is not moved by Ahalya's words, it demands an explanation.