EPISODE ONE:

An Uncomfortable Flirtation

A heavy mist floats across the snow swept borders of the Shinomen forest a few miles west of the Imperial roads upon which your entourage travels. The regular beat of drum and the click of a clave echoes the loudest through the fields along either side of the road. One can imagine them flush with harvest in warmer climes- but now, they simply hold little more than ice, snow, and the churned mud beneath the entourages feet. This was not a journey you expected to be making- not in the beginning of what was expected to be a chill winter.

Kitsuki Reiko is accompanied by her Yoriki to investigate the disappearance of an Otomo Courier who was last reported seen just outside of the fiefdom of a minor Yasuki Vassal Lord. Along the way it was discovered some other merchants had gone missing, including a recent shipment of recreational opium that had been expected in the domain of Lord Yasuki Noboru.

Along the road, the players were able to make some new acquaintances- Hida Yamao spoke with an older merchant at the Tea Shop, where he learned that the most recent string of disappearances have been plaguing the area for the past two weeks- shortly after the reported disappearance of the Otomo courier. Togashi Ryuuka spoke with the monks of the temple, verifying that the courier had arrived and set off on her journey and that increased offerings to various fortunes and kami have been left in hopes of others finding safer passage. Ikoma Harukaze also verified the same information, as well as learning the rumor that Yasuki Noboru received his appointment as Lord due to the actions of a relative. Yogo Michimoro took advantage of the situation and got to know a “less than reputable” dealer in “Rare and exclusive spices” in the Empire. He was able to discern that a shipment of recreational opium had not arrived at it’s intended destination.

Daidoji Kenshin’s eye for the superb brought his attention to a small offering left before the Fortune of Jurojin- a tightly wrapped prayer, exquisitely written on a small ribbon of paper- hopes for a good marriage, anxieties of what the future may hold, and the name Soshi Inara.

A roadside encounter with desperate peasants allowed the wisdom of Shinsei to bring a halt to the violence as Togashi Ryuuka attempted to reason with the bandits. Ikoma Harukaze was also allowed to demonstrate the Generosity of a Samurai, sending the once violent thieves off with more money than any had seen in their lives. Though Imperial Justice could have been warranted, the Magistrate remained silent and signaled for the retinue to move on- though an encounter with a mysterious woman was also noted.

Arriving in the village proper, the Samurai once again sough the hospitality of a local Shrine. Tended by monks who carried obvious wounds, the Shrine was in the care of an Isawa named Mimi. Her obvious disdain toward the Crab and the monks left in her charge inspired the Ikoma’s performance of a haunting melody that brought fury and shame to flush the cheeks of the Shugenja. With only the feint gleam of approval from Kitsuki Reiko, the Ikoma bowed to her appreciative audience and enjoyed her meal as the Shugenja made her excuses.

Taking advantage of the woman’s absence, Yogo Michimuro was able to discover the use of Opium and questioned the Shugenja regarding the activities of the village. It was discovered that the Courier had, in fact, arrived in the village. That pressure from the Manor had been placed to encourage people to deny their arrival- The Scorpion the extricated himself from the uncomfortable advances of the desperate Shugenja and relayed this information to his companions before everyone took a rest for the evening.

THIS ENDS EPISODE ONE

SESSION 0 - A brief Prequel to Chapter One-

The players took on the Game of 20 Questions and we are left with the following general information:

The Samurai serve at the request of the Emerald Magistrates office, beneath the command of Kitsuki Rieko. She is a magistrate in charge of checking papers along several way stations along the southern roads near the Spine of the World mountains. The Yoriki are as such-

Daidoji Kenshin- A Crane duelist tasked with the execution of final justice to those deserving of such a fate.

Togashi Ryuuka- A Dragon Monk of the Togashi Order, whose purpose is to maintain various shrines and places of worship as per her training.

Yogo Michimoro- A Scorpion Shugenja tasked with the protection of and servicing the various shrines and places of worship as per his training.

Ikoma Harukaze- An Ikoma courtier tasked with maintaining the records and documentation for those traveling through the Spine of the World mountains on behalf of the Emerald Magistrates office.(edited)

Hida Yamao- A Crab Bushi tasked with the enforcement and capture of those who may wish to violate Imperial Law.

As our adventure begins; you have all been invited to Winter within the manor of your superior, Kitsuki Rieko. Perhaps you've met one another in passing, perhaps you have friendships you wish to develop, or however met you. If you wish to be strangers, that is just as well - The Spine of the World Mountains are a large and expansive area direction rising through the center of Rokugan.

There is one thing to note: Your duty has NOT been a reward for showing promise, for standing out, nor are you in any way to consider yourselves the shining beacons of glory that your families may have at one time hoped for. It is, for all intents and purposes, a rather "dead end" job with few opportunities for advancement and your middle-aged Lady seems to enjoy a quiet life where she is not likely to stand out. Perhaps this frustrates you to some degree, or perhaps this is just what you've always secretly wanted.... things, however, are about to change.

I gotta say I applaud you for taking a five player campaign.

I was nearly at 7 until people dropped... and now I'm at my goal of 5. I like a wildcard to break up ties when it comes to decisions. 😃

SESSION TWO

THE ROAD TO THE YASUKI MANOR

All is quiet along the forest road, the trees along either side stand straight and tall- ice forming alongside the western sides of several tall trunks, the cypress plumage still lush and green- yet with a slightly grayish pallor that you’re not used to. The mist continues to flow through, around, and glides over the path- moving like an extremely lazy river of steam.

Hida Yamao is vigilant, casting his thoughts to the manor walls ahead. His eyes searching for an ambush that never comes.

In a few short hours you approach the manor, and maybe more than a little too quiet. The hackles rise on the back of your neck and a single arrow is fired from the walled gate that stands shut before you. The arrow drops before the feet of the drummers, the lead of whom staggers back in a fright and he drops his instruments.

“I am Yasuki Tobei, advisor to his Lordship Yasuki Noboru who oversees these lands. To what do we owe such a visit to so well armed a retinue?”

It is again Yamao who steps forward, speaking plainly, “We are here on Emerald Magistrates business!” It is an uncomfortable pause when there is a curt nod of ascent from the Yasuki commander.

The gate opens shortly after introductions, enough time for the Lord to have been informed. None of the guards lower their weapons. Those atop the wall are still armed with bows, those in the courtyard still stand with Naginata in their hands. Many bear scars and terrible wounds. Many seem too wounded to have continued such duty reliably. Limbs have been replaced with crude devices, hooks, and the like. Kitsuki-sama allows herself to be shown to her quarters, leaving orders with Daidoji Kenshin that he and the others explore the garrison and collect information

After a brief respite to organize, Hida Yamao tasked each of the others with deeds appropriate to their skills.

Daidoji Kenshin approached the dojo, watching the bush train for a moment before bowing in respect, removing his sandals, and asking permission to enter. Once inside, the instructor exchanged brief pleasantries before learning that the young duelist was admiring how the men were training with their “off-hand”- a skill the Crane had long ago learned to his benefit. He offered a lesson of his own, instructing others in the use of ones’ “off-hand” – the result was relief, hope, and a concerted effort among the young trainees to focus further. As a result, Kenshin also discovered the purpose for this training hall- for the manor- a sort of place that one could go to recover and perhaps receive further training.

Togashi Ryuuka spoke with the servants and picked up some gossip regarding the Manor’s Lord. Yasuke Nobaru was often “engaged” with his new bride- much like he had often been engaged in the town proper with a sake hostess. Rumors persisted that he was a drunken letch, rumors quickly picked up upon by the Togashi monk in her casual and direct way of speaking. But she also learned that the true purpose of the Manor- was truly led by the efforts of the Kaiu iron smith.

The smell of ozone and burning coals fillrf the air as loud banging can be heard. A group of four ashigaru are tending one station, two dropping hammers as another turns an iron bar over the stoked heat of the furnace. The last of the four men kneels low to stoke that heat- watching over the men is a frail Samurai, his brows furrowed in thought as he watches the men work. He turns at your arrival and he makes a rather awkward turn, lurching toward you with a strange gait- sweat and effort evident in his features. “I am Kaiu Samizhi- this is my forge. How can I help you?”

He proceeded to reveal his life’s work- strange devices, almost like miniature siege weapons designed for single person use- chairs, hooked appendages, and other false limbs- he wanted to give wounded Crab a sense of purpose and duty.

Yogo Michimoro pursued his lead from earlier, attempting to speak with the expecting recipient of an illegal opium shipment. But the Crab was missing as of a few weeks ago, one of two men to return from a recent battle along with their commander. He is believed to be hiding in a local “Sake House” with one of the hostess’ there.

Throughout all of this, it was Ikoma Harukaze that admired the parapet walls and explored the tower overlooking the hills and Shinomen forest some distance away.

- Below her, the rolling hill blends into the lush foliage of the Shinomen Forest that stretches to the west and northward. A swirling mist, a thick fog, blankets just beneath the tips of the tall trees within the mysterious domain. It stretches on like this for some distance before the top of a tower rises above, a lone signal light allowing it to be seen from this distance.

Ascending the tower’s steps, she found a man leaning back against a strange contraption- steel, with various gears and leather straps looped with strange intricate patterns- it takes her a moment before she realized that these are actually his legs and they kept him standing at his station. He turned “Hai, Yoriki-sama. It is a pleasure to see you on the road and in taking such an interest with our humble manor.” Though the man’s legs are gone, his motions are precise- with a flick of his wrist, the seat grinds beneath him as a belt is released, allowing him to sit and bow his head before you- the closest a man of his condition can come to bowing.

Harukaze is moved by the bravery and skill of the archer; Hiruma Dozan- she heard his story, she listened and learned that this entire experiment had been the brainchild of Hida Kisada’s younger son. A way to keep Crab on the wall, to fulfill their duty, to keep fighting against the horrible taint to the south beyond. The young Courtier was overwhelmed with her emotion, but the archer was suddenly distracted by something in the distance while the woman took a moment to collect herself.

DINNER IS SERVED

Lord Yasuki Noboru is already seated as the retinue arrives for dinner, his head bowed as he shakily lifts a saucer to his lips for another drink- and from the smell it has not been his first of the evening. Beside him sits a woman, her upper face obscured behind a veil reminiscent of the Scorpion masks seen so often in court. Her painted lips smile brightly, and she is ready to pour another saucer for her Lord Husband.

Yasuki Tobei stands at the ready, fully armored with a Naginata cradled in the crook of his right hand. “My Lord Yasuki Noboru of the Crab Clan, keeper of the Shinomen’s Tail Manor and protector of it’s borders- his Lady, Yasuki Inara, until recently of the Scorpion Clan. We bid welcome to servants of the Emerald Magistrates office, led by Magistrate Kitsuki Reiko of the Dragon Clan and her esteemed Yoriki.” At this, the young Lord turns his bleary gaze upward to regard each of you in turn. He frowns after a moment. “What do you want?” He manages to slur out.

It is, surprisingly, Hida Yamao who notes that the Crab Lord’s recent bride held a deep Hida accent that she was trying, poorly, to hide. But it is the Dragon Monk whose frank interest in the former Soshi’s lack of interest in the well being of her missing Otomo cousin. The woman is questioned by the Togashi, further pressed when Kitsuke-sama expressed an interest in the questions being asked. Ultimately, the new bride was “rescued” from further questions when her husband drunkenly stood…

Yasuki Noboru lowers a fifth saucer of sake, his fingers trembling and he clears his throat- “Kitsuki-san. Yoriki-san. Have you heard about my Uncle’s exploits on the great Kaiu Wall? Just south of us- two weeks journey by foot, half that by the great Utaku steeds; it’s awe inspiring. A great wall that stands- as though sprung from the ground itself, cold gray and black stonework where jade still catches the sun on the rare day. It stretches upward- the figures like crawling ants near its very top, but walkways and passages are set at regular intervals. The towers themselves slipping above the clouds, where Hida are known to wear armor that has been bleached by the sun itself. And the only thing more impressive than that very image- than the image of the wall itself… is what lies beyond that wall.

“I, myself, have only heard stories.

“A twisted, blackened, corruption scorched earth riddled with walking corpses- staggering demonic hordes, goblins driven mad with hunger, and the Oni themselves. Some twisted mockeries with features that are only vaguely reminiscent of something almost human. Gaping maws, tentacled abominations, and all those hungry hungry eyes. It is the duty of a proper Crab to perform his duty on that wall.

(With this he took a hard swallow of his sake.)

“My Uncle, Tokei, stood his duty and then some. He was elevated high along the wall- not near the top, mind you, but high enough. Six stories from the bottom. But that’s where they struck- flying in on bat-like wings, their fangs dripping wit venom. Who knows what they call themselves- but my Uncle and his brethren fought hard and sounded the alarm? How many died before aid came? Twenty? More? Anyway- aid came and my uncles leg and back were shredded, one hand still ringing the warning gong and he other still swinging his tetsubo. Like a proper Crab.”

He lifts a toast to his Uncle.

He was quickly joined by the Togashi, begrudgingly by the Ikoma, and then a slight urging from Kitsuki-sama encouraged the others to join. Yamao asked to excuse himself- he asked that Tokei show him to the facilities and the garrison commander obliged. The two engaged in a heated discussion, Yamao decrying the Lord’s manners as an embarrassment to the Crab and discovering that the young Lord served in his position due to a promise that the Commander had made his dying brother. When questioned about what took place in the tower a few weeks prior, Tokei feigned a moment of ignorance and then dismissed the matter as a mere “encounter with bandits.”

The party returned to their quarters and plans were made to pursue the investigation by visiting the watchtower seen deeper within the Shinomen forest.

SESSION THREE:

-The Tower-

As the session opens---

The forest is quiet, cold, and several branches are covered in ice making them look almost like complex glass statuettes. The samurai’s breath rises before him, his ragged breath the only sound to hear for a long moment before the giggle of a young maiden’s voice carries on the wind. Turning past a large tree, the party can see her walking through the wilderness as she pauses to collect an occasional shrub from the forest floor. A woman in white, her face obscured behind a gauze veil, her lips bright red and her eyes a shimmering green- It is the Crab who speaks first: “Who are you?”

His question is more demand, the Lion sighing heavily as she steps forward to ask the woman her name in much more polite tones. Togashi Ryuuka feels something “wrong” with all of this- The Yogo noting a sense of unfamiliarity, realizing he doesn’t remember leaving the manor this morning- none of them remember.

She introduces herself as Lady Yasuki Inara- a different woman than the samurai had met the previous night. Gentler, kinder, and she steps away from them to collect her gathered herbs. The snow begins to fall heavier- and the members of the retinue wake with a start.

They feel a deep pang in their chest, a sorrow and acute fear. The cold still ekes the strength from their bones, their muscles tense, and Hida Yamao is first up and he snatches his tetsubo. He makes his rounds- the Yogo relates the events of his dream, and all realize it was a shared dream.

They make preparations and leave the manor, following up on the clues directing them to a distant watch tower. Snow lightly falls and yet a low mist still covers the road, through which Ikoma Harukaze and Togashi Ryuuka can make out the crumbling architecture of a burned out farm a short distance from the road. Other farm houses can be seen in the distance, smokey plumes rising from the chimneys. As most of the retinue pushes forward a yowling cat can be heard from within the structure’s husk.

Inside the home, the investigating Samurai find the charred remains of two women. One has had her head bashed in, the other with her is soon discovered to have had her throat cut. Yamao makes note of the head wound, recognizing the brutal work of a tetsubo. Yogo Michimoro questions a near enough neighbor- finding that three men were seen at the long abandoned farmhouse a few weeks back- the same time the patrol should have been returning. The men had set fire to the farmhouse.

As the party continued to examine the crumbled ruin, they find some shredded remains of a scroll with exquisite penmanship. They also discover that one body had been dead for longer than the other- a strange sensation overtook the group when they were suddenly surrounded by a flurry of snow. Large cats, the size of mountain lions, approached- the group quickly took position and fought the felines. When the snow sudden flurry lifted, the party found only the bodies of average house cats littered the ruins- other cats quickly fled into the nearby wilderness.

It is late afternoon- The forests are dark, enshrouded in a thick mist that curls through the trees with smokey rivulets- the scent of earth thick in the air, the scent of dead foliage and a hint of pine. The yoriki’s steps are slow, pushing through dry snow- often only ankle deep, though occasionally drifting toward their knees. The wind blows, not so much a howl as a steady moan through the foreboding wilderness around them.

Turning past a large familiar tree, they expect to find a young woman standing on the other side- and are surprised, perhaps even disappointed, to see nothing but the swirling eddies of snow banks along either side of the trail. The frustration, rising fear, and stress finally explodes for many of the yoriki- the Yogo’s eyes go wide, he clutches for his scrolls and mutters prayers to the kami. Hida Yamao is taken aback- but he remembers his training, and he pauses to take a long breath. Ikoma Harukaza is overcome- grief working it’s way through her calm demeanor. But it is Togashi Ryuuka, her tattoos shimmering in the cold- heat emanating from her shoulders as she screams and lashes out at the nearby tree- the bark scorching with the contact of her fists as they drive one blow after another home. Her shoulders tremble and shake-

Yogo Michimoro’s prayers are answered- the Earth Kami respond to his communion, speaking of the dead who were dragged past this point- of the men, the ladies who were murdered, and their murderers- a large man and a woman.

It isn’t long before they catch sight of smoke rising over the next few rises- revealing a small family, with four cottages set beside a babbling brook. They are fishing when the samurai arrive, and appropriate introductions are made- their largest cottage is made available for the group. Children play in the yard, having crafted a snowman-

It is discovered by Harukaze that the youngest adult son had been one of the bandits she had been charitable with. He is grateful and he shows her the food and supplies he bought for this family. He does not wish to disappoint her- It is during dinner that an alarm blares nearby. “Goblins” The family’s headman murmurs in fear.

TO BE CONTINUED….

FUYU NO KWAIDAN

EP.4

“The Lady of the Tower”

“Goblins!” The old man declared had declared, bringing the Samurai to their feet. The first out the door was Soshi Michimoro, with a quickly spoken prayer to the kami as he placed a ward across the threshold. The Shugenja watched as the creatures, small twisted mockeries in humanoid form screaming in petty rage, charged the cottage. He was joined by Hida Yamao, who took the first of the goblins as it simply charged head first into his raised hammer.

Ikoma Harukaze held back, assuring the children that she and her companions would ensure their safety. She nocked an arrow and dew the bowstring back, waiting for any goblins that might make it past her friends. Togashi Ryuuka watched the door, her tattoos swirling with anticipation!

The battle was swift- arrows flew, hammers were swung, fists sparkled with energy, and the pure jade of the earth rose to smite the small shadowland creatures one after the other until the small swarm abated- rotting bodies littered the snow and the Old Man spoke of how this hadn’t been the first experience. Matters were growing more and more dire-

The next day they finally arrived at the tower.

Lightning flashes as a chilling rain begins to fall- the watch tower stands above the approaching retinue, barely lit by the gray sky. Approaching the door, they can see a dim light coming from somewhere within the towers second floor.

As the lightning flashes again, Harukaze sees the face of a young woman peering from the second floor window- half her face is a crushed mess, bloody, broken bits of skull and bone catch the light and you can see tears falling from her one good eye.

As Hida Yamao approaches, there are few places that are not left open to the tower windows above- he can hear keening, mournful moans- perhaps just the wind. Perhaps something more. Moving through the area fills your gut with dread. He motions the others to follow- finding the double doors locked, Yamao chooses to use his own “key”-SMASHING the door!

There is a mechanical rush, an intricate system activated by the forced opening of the door sending a scything blade DOWN and across the lacquered chest plate of Yamao’s torso! “Clever” the Crab mutters, almost a curse.

The air inside is stale, dry, and there’s the smell of burnt ozone in the air. The bottom floor of the tower is dark- dark stains paint the eastern wall and floor, deep gouging divots are chipped and there are obvious signs of a struggle. A staircase rises along the wall a few feet from the stains, and dried puddles are splotched along- red streaks climbing the steps.

The second-floor is would have been an armory, another set of stairs ascending from the opposite side of the room. Scattered arrows, and broken weaponry lie scattered about. The sound of footsteps echo above- “Come down here!” bellows the Crab, the Lion following suit with a series of insults and attempt to draw their quarry down the steps.

A voice, deep gravel rocks scraping against one another, “It is considered rude to not introduce yourselves, Samurai- to whom do we have the pleasure of addressing this evening?” They are assured of their safety and the party cautiously make their way to the third floor.

A flickering light from a nearby lamp casts the room in a deep orange haze- the sound of the rain a dull roar outside as the smell of blood and rotting meat fill their nostrils. The hulking figure pauses, hefting a nodachi from his shoulder as his head tilts with a peculiar angle. His eyes are cast in a pale, sickening green glow- his teeth are rotting, meat still caught between jagged teeth as he regards the Yoriki’s arrival with interest. The Undead Samurai offers a low bow. I am Hiruma Misake- I served beneath the Yasuki banner and I was murdered by my commander. The taint I kept hidden was stoked by my unlawful death and I rose- and now I serve the Lady of the Tower.”

The Yoriki converse with the abomination and he readily admits that he should be dead, but he must see his service to the Lady through first. He agrees to let them pass, so that they can ask after The Lady’s purposes.

Upstairs, the party meet the real Yasuki Inara…

TO BE CONTINUED…

A brief recap:

After entering the top floor of the tower, the party encountered the restless spirit of the real Soshi Inara. She shared her tale of murder- at the hands of her imposter while paying respects at a nearby shrine- the one tended by the Isawa. Led to her demise by the Shugenja, Inara wants revenge on those responsible- she has given her word to rest once justice is done. She does, however, seem to hold a soft spot for Yasuki Noboru- her intended husband. She believes he is a victim to his uncle’s machinations with the imposter.

After their brief meeting, the players returned downstairs to find the tower changed- they encountered a number of visions, eerie recollections of the true Inara. Her childhood, her time as an entertainer, a strange encounter at a gambling den- small visions before the light of the morning woke the players from their slumber. A dream? An excursion within the realm of Yume-do?

Snow flutters in the courtyard, drifts growing against the walls and corners. There is a steady echo of steel ringing from the forge, the grunt of exertion, and your Lady waits with the rest of her entourage beneath the awning of the guest quarters where you spent only one night. Now Kitsuki Reiko stares out at the yard, at the ashigaru marching and the bushi positioned along the ramparts. She slightly inclines her head in greeting and asks, “Did you discover further details?”

Succinctly, and without regard for subtlety, Hida Yamao declared that the real Inara was murdered. Requesting a moment of privacy, the rest of the details are revealed-

Kitsuki Reiko returns to her private quarters to review the party’s testimony and consider matters. She leaves them to their own devices, excusing herself politely. Things are left tense, with Togashi Ryuuka taking a protective position outside her Lady’s door.

Meanwhile, Hida Yamao and Ikoma Harukaze were approached by a stern Yasuki Tokei- Their aid is requested to investigate a recent missing spice shipment and the involvement of some local goblins. The others are summoned, and they apologetically intrude on their Lady’s privacy. As they are awaiting her orders and decisions on the case, Yasuki Tokei takes this opportunity to make their hesitancy to leave their Lady seem as a sleight to the skill of the Wounded Samurai under his command. He is open and public and very obvious in his approach. It is with quick words from Harukaze and a decisive hand selection of personal guards from Kakita Kenshin that the garrison samurai take heart that they are not being looked down upon.

Taking their leave, the players manage to scout the trail in which the spice shipment had gone missing- some to hours into their search, and the party comes across the wreckage of a battle and discarded bottles of sake, crates of spices, and the like. Just overhead, perched on a gnarled branch, they see the forms of a small elderly humanoids, looking down at them from under furrowed brows. Their faces are inscrutable, and their tiny hands run down the rough scales of tree bark that cover the trunk. “Oh my,” says the woman. “We are being watched.” Her words come out as barely a whisper.

Identifying the creatures as Kodama, Yogo Michimoro engages the creatures and discovers that the forest trees are in pain and screaming. That the Goblins have been hiding in an old graveyard that the spirit creatures are happy to lead the party to. A line of Kodama appear, each pointing in turn as the Yoriki pass and guiding them to the ancient burial ground…

Buried beneath mounds of snow, they see the remains of an ancient graveyard- ancient, because it has been several hundred years since Rokugani buried their dead . The stone crypts have been covered in iced over fines, roots cracking through the stone bases, statues faces washed smooth with wind, rain, and age. The smell of rot permeates the air here . Stepping onto the unhallowed ground sends a wave of nausea through each of the Samurai, with the weak-hearted Harukaze the most strongly affected. She is doubled over, vomiting for a short while before recovering her senses- the very ground here feels rotten and the group push on. A strange creature is seen in one of the burrows, a gigantic worm-like creature that quickly scurries into the ground- it’s body secreting some sort of slick viscous oil. Another of the tombs seems to call to Yoriki, curiosity getting the better of him as Yogo Michimoro enters and discovers an old Iron Mempo within the grave of person identified as Ugawa Mushimi.

The players enter the Shrine on the far side of the yard- there, Yogo Michimoro leads the way- only for the ground to give out beneath him, sending him plunging to a pit below! Goblin attack! Hida Yamao stands as the mountain and begins to bat the goblins one by one! Denigrating their tactics, mocking their lack of skill- Daidoji Kenshin’s sword flashes in the twilight, cutting goblins down as Ikoma Harukaze’s arrows fly true and hit their marks. Yogo Michimoro’s magics fail him as two goblins plunge into the pin, one struck down by the pure jade called upon from the earth while the second knocks the shugenja unconscious. The Dragon is overwhelmed as a pair of Goblns drag her down and knock her unconscious!

With only one goblin left in the pit, he demands free passage in exchange for sparing the shugenja priest with him. Hida Yamao gives his word that he will bring no harm to the final goblin and the creature crawls out of the pit…. Only to meet the flying Arrow of Harukaze!

In the heat of battle, Harukaze’s normally calm demeanor is sudden broken with a shattering cry as she sends one arrow after another into her goblin victim. Even after it is killed, she continues to let loose with arrow after arrow, her face twisted in exalting rage!

The way to the root cellar below is open and the party regroups-

TO BE CONTINUED…..