The End of an Era Part 1

[Auranghzeb]

ROUND 1

Shimura bristles through the battle field drawing his sword with lighting quickness, the Katana slashes the Onikage's chest with ease but the foul beast is still standing. The descending continuation with the sword is not successful.

The Beast retaliates in full, raising over its hind legs and hitting Shimura with both its reptile-like claws, the bite misses Shimura's face.

The other Onikage joins the fray with fury and hits Shimura with all it got. Striking the Smaurai with claws and bite.

Spoiler: OoC

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Auch! damage: 1 claw 8, 2 claws 8, bite misses
1claw 8, 2 claw 8, bite 5
Total 37

The other Onikage moves toward Onka and misses the dancer with both its claws, however, as the dancer expertly dodges the attacks, the beast sinks its terrible teeth deeply into Onka's forearm!

Spoiler: OoC

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Crit 10 Damage

[Alhallor]

The dancer was too slow he didn't get the unholy energy before it flowed into the horses!

With ease he stepped away from the horses claws but as he readied a punch with his right arm the abomination sank his teeth in it.

Onka didn't let out a sound and hammered his other hand into the neck of the beast to get it away. Once, twice, thrice.

Spoiler: Attacks

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Attack 1: (1d20+7)[26]
Damage 1: (1d8+4)[12]
Attack 2: (1d20+7)[16]
Damage 2: (1d8+4)[7]
Attack 3: (1d20+7)[23]
Damage 3: (1d8+4)[6] Attacks count as magic.

[Metastachydium]

All looks very cold and dark to the bird now; this shouldn't be. But he will not let his fatigue better him, no. His indignation is a force in itself. He need only direct it against these mockeries of the greatest wealth his people know – and fate will decide the rest. He darts forward through the air, as fast as his tired muscles will let him and his talon and beak reach out for the closer of the two monsters assaulting the samurai.

Spoiler: OOC

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Leylek moves to above AI 6, flying; flurries the Onikage on AH7:
(1d20+8)[17] (-1 fatigue, +2 for flanking, +1 for high ground) for (1d8+3)[8] magical bludgeoning and
(1d20+8)[26] for (1d8+3)[11] as above

[Auranghzeb]

Round 1


Onka, all your strikes are good, smashing against the crocodile-like skin of the Onikage. A terrible sight, the beast lets your arm go as your knees and fist hit with a one, two three combo.


Leylek, you block pain and exhaustion and lunge forward to aid Shimura! Striking the Onikage to his right twice, the bones crunch, but the beast is still standing.

[BelGareth]

Blood, blood and intense piercing pain was all Shimura could see for a moment, it passed in a heartbeat, but it's effects lingered, and his focus was fraying at the edges as his lifeblood pumped out of the grievous wounds caused by the foul things before him, he gritted his teeth and pushed forward, he felt a surge of energy, and shunted his chi to protect him as he swung with his blade to try and stem the tide of attacks.

Spoiler

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Free: dodge vs whichever is less hurt (??)
Swift: Activate Law devotion +3 sacred bonus to AC
Attack: (starting with who is hurt more)
Attack 1 - (1d20+11)[16]
Damage - (1d10+7)[15]

Attack 2 - (1d20+6)[20]
Damage - (1d10+7)[14]

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai Level 5, Init 3, HP 31/51, Speed 30
AC 23 Touch 19 Flat-footed 20
Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +4
Abilities Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition 50% fortification, Law devotion (1/10)
Special Law devotion [0/1], Belt of Healing [3/3], Anklets of Translocation [2/3]
Boon Mirumoto Niten dragonmark 2/2 essentia invested (25%/e fortification)
speech: 008080

[Cygnia]

Oh, the spirits must be quite frightened by such dark magicks if they cannot drive back these beasts!

Ahalyā tried not to panic. Though her own magicks were nearly depleted, she had one item that needed to come into play, else all might be lost.

"Raksha, aid Master Shimura if you can. We must not allow him to fall!" The vanara shaman then activated the power of her belt, pouring all of its power for the day into the mighty samurai!

Spoiler: Actions

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Free: dodge vs whichever is less hurt
Activating all 3 charges of her healing belt into Shimura (4d8)[18]
Raksha will use Aid Another to give Shimura +2 to his AC
(1d20+1)[17] Vs AC 10 (penalty for Fatigued factored in)

[Auranghzeb]

Shimura swings his blade once and twice with supreme strength and speed, both strikes hit the unnatural beast, but it is the second with its upward motion that deals the final strike severing the creature's head cleanly.

Then the Shaman healing energy fills the samurai restoring some of his wounds.


The remaining onikage attack the nearest targets, one of them sinking his second claw deep into the crane's wings.

The one fighting Onka misses a bite and one claw, but hits the dancer with the other claw.

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Leylek 16 damage

Onka 8 Damage

[Metastachydium]

The dead horse cleaves deep into the bird; but what it truly wounds is not the flesh – but the pride, a dangerous gambit. With a menacing hiss, Leylek springs into the air, taloned feet balled up and lashing out with wrathful resolve.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Jump: (1d20+9)[29], Tumbling: (1d20+14)[16] five feet up; and
flurry, flanking, from above: (1d20+8)[18] for (1d8+3)[8] magical bludgeoning,
(1d20+8)[22] for (1d8+3)[10] the same

[BelGareth]

Shimura was expecting a counter attack, but it seems these beasts are not capable of critical thinking in combat, nonetheless, his companions were under threat, he would have to see how that can be abused at a later time, now he needed to protect his wards. Shunting his chi into his blade, he bought it to bear against the monster near him, slicing down as if he were slicing through bamboo.

Spoiler

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Free: dodge vs AH7
Free: Assign LAW devotion to attack and pump it into Power Attack (+6 damage)
Attack:
Attack 1 - (1d20+13)[20]
Damage - (1d10+13)[23]

Attack 2 - (1d20+6)[10]
Damage - (1d10+13)[22]


Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai Level 5, Init 3, HP 31/51, Speed 30
AC 23 Touch 19 Flat-footed 20
Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +4
Abilities Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition 50% fortification, Law devotion (2/10)
Special Law devotion [0/1], Belt of Healing [3/3], Anklets of Translocation [2/3]
Boon Mirumoto Niten dragonmark 2/2 essentia invested (25%/e fortification)
speech: 008080

[Alhallor]

Onka was always proud of his ability to dodge and weave out of blows, may it be dangerous animals or more intelligent enemies, but these horses were formidable foes indeed. Another wound joined the first one and occupied and dragged down the dancer who lost his poise for a moment, he was vaguely aware of the battle the others waged but this was his enemy after all.

The dancer span around, ramming his ellbow in the neck of the horse, not contempt with just one attack his other hand delivered a fast chop at the horses forehead.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack 1 (1d20+9)[13]
Damage 1 (1d8+4)[11]
Attack 2 (1d20+9)[27]
Damage 2 (1d8+4)[6]

[Auranghzeb]

Round 2 and 3

Leylek retaliates with bird fury, rising above the foe wth a mighty jump and a downward kick that snaps the beast's jaw. But it is Shimura who deals the deadly blows putting all his weight on a double chop of his katana with two sudden KIAAAAAAI! in quick succession driving the katana deep into the beast's spine, the samirai's feet sinking in the grass with the sheer force of the final blow.



Onka rolls with the creature's claw and elbows the beast in close quarters, so close that the elbow does not generate enough force to do any damage, however, the dancer continues his spin and lands a solid chop into the creature's skull.


It is still standing.

Spoiler: Initiatives

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Round 3:

Shimura
Ahalya

ENEMIES

[Cygnia]

"EEP! Now, Raksha, to Master Leylek's defense -- no whining!" With one foe left standing, Ahalyā hoped the spirits and ancestors would be more encouraged to help thwart this horrid creature. "HO! Ancestors, hear my plea! Drive this accursed spawn back to the Shadowlands and let this poor animal return to its eternal rest!"

Meanwhile, with what sounded like a grumble, Raksha loped over to aid in the crane's defense.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Free: dodge against the last onikage
Raksha will use Aid Another for Leylek's Defense
(1d20+1)[11] vs AC 10

Turning attempt 2 (turns as a lvl 3 cleric)
(1d20+3)[17]
Potential Turning Dmg
(2d6+6)[12]

[Auranghzeb]

Shinning like a beacon of hope in the dwindling afternoon, Ahalya sends positive energy towards the undead beast, for a second, the energy is engulfed by the land itself, desecrated by the same trap that rose the Onikage, but the Shaman's light is stronger and the attempt succeeds. Onka sees what can only be fear in the creature's eyes as it rises in its hindlegs and starts to gallop away from the Shaman.

Spoiler: AoO

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Onka gets and AoO

[Alhallor]

With the ancestors looming over the battle, the beast that Onka faced was rightfully afraid and the dancer used his chance to bring his knee towards one of the horses clawed feet to bring it down.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack: (1d20+10)[13]
Damage: (1d8+4)[12]

[Alhallor]

With his attack missing and the demonic horse running away the dancer couldn't let it roam around the countryside. Onka runs after the horse and with a decisive jump the dancer crushed into the unholy animal, feet first.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Attack: (1d20+12)[29]
Damage. (1d8+4)[12]
(1d12)[3] flying kick
(1d4)[2] sonic damage.

[Auranghzeb]

Bristling through the low grass, Onka landed a solid hit on the beast's Skull and the Onikage collapsed.



There was an eerie silence.

And Ahalya saw the evil shadowland spirits leaving the animals' bodies and sinking into the ground as rain into a thirsty land.

The night was almost upon you. Onka, fifty feet away was a shadowy figure in the dying day.

Spoiler: OoC

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What do you do?

[Metastachydium]

Sliding his wing-hand off of his bow he stood ready to draw as he watches the dead mockery collapse, crushed by the dancer, Leylek lets the praise due to the others remain unsaid, and turns to regard the samurai with an almost embarrassed scowl. Our luck holds, Shimura-sama. But our foe is crafty and shameless. I believe we should rest; this ground is as safe as any we can hope to find now. the bird advises the man. Even as he still struggles to keep it from showing, he knows he'll be of little use if they continue to hustle through the night.

[Alhallor]

Onka after having slayed the beast stood there for a moment just... Breathing. His wounds hurt, the fight had left him more exhausted than before and they still had to somehow catch these crab clan guys who were absolute monsters.

The dancer stumbled back to the group, hurt and bleeding and without most of his usual facile movement, having not heard Leylek's words.

I guess we can say we're on the right track? Alhayla do you have any idea how long it took to make... Onka gestures towards the place where the horses were sacrificed. This? Perhaps we can evaluate how far away they are from us?

[Metastachydium]

Bother not. the bird narrows his eyes, almost irritably. The fire last burned a night ago. They were waited upon, here, with fresh horses. No mad rush into the dark will let us catch up.

[Cygnia]

"We should at least move the corpses away from where we camp so that they do not attract scavengers..." Ahalyā said with a grimace. That the enemy was willing to consort with the evil from the Shadowlands made this mission all the more dangerous.

Murmuring her thanks to the spirits once again for their (belated) aid, Ahalyā turned her mind to the questions Onka asked. Though Leylek grunted about not bothering, that the enemy had at least a night's travel ahead of them (and again, eliciting another "that can't possibly be a stink eye, can it?" look from Raksha), Ahalyā knew trying to fathom any insight into this unholy ritual could give them warning into just what powers their enemy had at their disposal -- and how often they could bring them to bear.

Spoiler: Actions

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Taking 20 on the Heal for a total of 30
(1d20+8)[17] Know: Religion check

"OOK! Land is bad. Desecrated. May not be safe to rest here, yes yes yes..."

[BelGareth]

Shimura merely nods, his wounds were significant, but not anything his belt could not recover, "Yes, I agree, we are in need of some rest, even if we caught up with our foe, we would not fare well I fear"


He then focuses, and uses his belt to heal himself, walking back to find his horse to tie it to a tree.

"Let us camp away from this..." he waves his hand "I am concerned it will bring bad karma to us all"

Spoiler

Show

use 1 charge until fully healed:
healing - (2d8)[15]
healing - (2d8)[13]
healing - (2d8)[12] Not needed, so one charge remaining

Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai Level 5, Init 3, HP 51/51, Speed 30
AC 23 Touch 19 Flat-footed 20
Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +4
Abilities Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition 50% fortification, Law devotion (2/10)
Special Law devotion [0/1], Belt of Healing [1/3], Anklets of Translocation [2/3]
Boon Mirumoto Niten dragonmark 2/2 essentia invested (25%/e fortification)
speech: 008080

[Alhallor]

Onka thankfully having received some healing from Shimura he sayd: I don't want to burden you and leave the setting up to you but I'd like to do at least something.

Still battered and bruised the dancer moved slowly, deliberately with precise movements, as a warm up. Then he threw his head, moved with the breeze and let his hair fly. A last tribute to the loyal animals that where so harshly mistreated.

Spoiler: ooc

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Perform (dance): (1d20+14)[25]

[Metastachydium]

Leylek doesn't quite understand the exact purpose of Onka's ritual; but he can intuit some of it: a tribute and a silent dirge. This mollifies even the bird for a moment. Very well. he sighs, idly touching his own belt. I shall see to finding a better spot – but not too far.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Healing! (2d8)[10]
Survival to locate, secure and prepare a campsite: (1d20+8)[16]

[Auranghzeb]

Leylek finds a well sheltered spot not so far away from where the tracks start. As you unsaddle the poor horses, you notice their sweat and fear. They have been loyal. A small bonfire is quickly set, and rations of ricecakes passed around. You are so exhausted that sleep comes easy even in this eerie forest and you are awake long before dawn breaks.

Spoiler: OoC

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What do you do?

[Metastachydium]

No more time to lose. Leylek states matter-of-factly, a strange new vigour pulsing in his veins and his words – could it be that the embarrassment alone of yesterday steeled him so? Perhaps; but perhaps, it is just a matter of will, stubborn and angry will. He shall not yield to fatigue once more, if he can help it. Someone make sure the horses are ready. I'd hate to be hindered; and I'd hate to hurt them.

Surveying their surroundings briefly, he leans close to the road once more, to get a fresh sense of the trail. Today, the hunt continues.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Perception: (1d20+9)[14]
Survival: (1d20+11)[17] (add +2 if Raksha begrudgingly helps)

[Cygnia]

(1d20+4)[23] Raksha Aid Another: Survival w/Scent (DC10)

The bloodthirsty chickencrane was making his usual impatient squawks again.

Raksha rose from her slumber...


...stretched...


*~YAWWWWWN~*

...and immediately walked over to the obvious scent of new horseflesh and hoomins that Leylek hadn't noticed yet.

"Good girl, Raksha! Have treat!" The vanara offered Raksha a piece of jerky, who merely nodded.

[Alhallor]

Onka stood up, invigorated by the short rest.

The dancer prepares his horse as much as he is able too and try's to be as vigilant as possible when taking a look around while riding towards they're next destination.

Also Onka's body felt weird somehow. Like he finally understood and practiced something fundamental.

When they were going for a slower pace Onka try's to get his horse next to Shimura to ask him.

I haven't been that acquainted with the different clans because of my former life but can you tell me, well, anything about this crab clan people? Is what they did unexpected or is that normal?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Handle animal: (1d20+4)[20]
Ride: (1d20+5)[19]
Perception: (1d20+9)[11]

[BelGareth]

As they bedded down for the evening, watches were allotted, Shimura found it hard to fall asleep, he knelt with both blades a little away from the group, he rose slowly, and serenely, with a focused gaze, he flowed through the first kata, his katana cutting through the air in a fluid arc, while his wakizashi moved with a grace that resembled a shield, meeting the imagined strikes of an invisible foe. Every movement was deliberate, a testament to his dedication to mastering this new art.

As he transitioned to the next kata, Shimura felt the synergy between the two swords. The katana painted a path of offense, swift and decisive, while the wakizashi's movements were economical yet unyielding, parrying with precision and deflecting potential harm.

In the rhythm of the katas, he found harmony. The katana and wakizashi became an extension of his will, dancing in harmony as if two souls moved as one. Shimura's breathing matched the cadence of the dance, his mind focused solely on the intricate steps of this evolving technique.

Minutes passed, and Shimura's body glistened with sweat. With each completed kata, he felt a deep connection to the ancient masters of Mirumoto Niten, who had devised this art of dual swords. It wasn't just about technique; it was about understanding the balance between offense and defense, strength and agility.

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows, Shimura finished his final kata. His heart beat with a newfound confidence, knowing that the path he was walking would lead to mastery. The katana and wakizashi, now almost an extension of his very being, were not just weapons but tools to express his resolve, his honor, and his unyielding spirit.

His soul was settled, and his ancestors were at peace for the moment, he could now sleep.

~

In the morning, he was quick to rise, and gear up so he could watch his companions do their work, ever the sentinel over the others, he kept his eyes peeled for anything...else.

He cant's his head toward Onka and the question, "is what the Crab clan did expected? No, not at all, all the great clans have honorable families, leaders, and histories, so much so that they are the leading clans of their respective regions with lesser clans holding fealty to them, and they likewise to the Emperor. This is not normal behavior for any of them, though, treachery does run stronger with some clans than others...." he let that sit for a moment "Long have the Crab been the shield against the shadowlands, unfairly so many in the kingdom believe, and so they deal with the taint moreso than any other clan as their lands abuts the hordes, but I have met many honorable Crab Samurai, this is not normal, no, they are strong, stalwart warriors, who prefer large heavy weapons, I am both eager and dismayed to meet them in battle."

Spoiler

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Miromoto Shimura
M LG Human (dragon) Samurai\ Mirumoto Niten Master 1Level 5, Init 3, HP 61/61, Speed 30
AC 18 Touch 14 Flat-footed 15
Fort +8 Ref +5 Will +5
Stats Str 18, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition's
Special Law devotion [1/1], Belt of Healing [3/3], Anklets of Translocation [3/3], +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
speech: 008080

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

[Metastachydium]

The birds frown deepens as the samurai utters horde, but he decides against commenting on the matter. He needs to focus on his task more, not less.

[Auranghzeb]

The dawn comes marred by a thick low mist, dense and damp that covers the ground and the roots of the trees. As you move on carefully through the day and through the heavy forested road, the mist raises and becomes sparse, not think enough to impede vision, but enough to give everything a dreamy texture.

Initially, the mist causes Leylek and Rakhsa some troubles to track the horses, but soon they find their way and well-kept conditions of the road make it easier. You travel fast and safe, the course is set to take you to the port before sunset.

And so it is, as the sun starts to draw shadows in the mountains behind you, you have a clear picture of the small port town as the road bends out of the tall dense trees and opens into a hollow crowned by high rocks to both sides.

There's also a sight of thin black smoke coming from the port as you can see that something ill-fated has happened. Even from the distance -Roughly 2 miles- you can see the fishing ships half sunken and burnt and the houses... as if the harbringers of death had crossed by.

What do you do?