Iron Regent - Entrance Level
Iron Regent - The Head (tiers 1-2)
Monday, February 1, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Scene 6: The Iron Regent
Age of Succession, 7217 IC
Month of The Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
Early evening, just after sundown
Clear skies with a biting wind out of the northwest
Morimoto joins Takeru down on the dock and sees their strange new companions making their way down the gangplank. Krylok still seems rather weak and he leans on his spear like an an old man's walking stick. His 'associate,' clad in plain brown robes provided by the tengu, slithers up behind him, however, looking lithe & deadly as a viper. Takeru raises an eyebrow at the subtle feminine features barely concealed beneath the robe, but then he notices the stinger-tipped tail waving about just below the hem.
As Krylok walks by, he says, "follow Krylok," and motions to the others with one curled finger. He leads the minstrel and the ninja back towards the right foot of the colossal statue and the great stone pedestal on which it rests. Once the group is standing together before the leering demonic face, the tengu raises his spear into the air held horizontally in both hands. Then he lowers it and sinks to his knees (with some effort & discomfort). With the spear held out in front of him now, he bows down on the worn patch of ground and says, "bid your humble servant Krylok enter, great Iron Emperor and lord of the Jade Throne..."
As before nothing at all seems to happen.
The tengu rises and says in a low voice, "follow close behind Krylok. It won't stay open very long. And be ready... we will be expected."
With that, Krylok turns and walks straight towards the blank stone wall, his bizarre 'pet' close on his heels. Just when the tengu's beak should smack right into solid stone, he passes right through the wall as though it weren't even there. The strange robed creature follows him and disappears into the pedestal in a similar way.
Then all is quiet.
Month of The Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
Early evening, just after sundown
Clear skies with a biting wind out of the northwest
Morimoto joins Takeru down on the dock and sees their strange new companions making their way down the gangplank. Krylok still seems rather weak and he leans on his spear like an an old man's walking stick. His 'associate,' clad in plain brown robes provided by the tengu, slithers up behind him, however, looking lithe & deadly as a viper. Takeru raises an eyebrow at the subtle feminine features barely concealed beneath the robe, but then he notices the stinger-tipped tail waving about just below the hem.
As Krylok walks by, he says, "follow Krylok," and motions to the others with one curled finger. He leads the minstrel and the ninja back towards the right foot of the colossal statue and the great stone pedestal on which it rests. Once the group is standing together before the leering demonic face, the tengu raises his spear into the air held horizontally in both hands. Then he lowers it and sinks to his knees (with some effort & discomfort). With the spear held out in front of him now, he bows down on the worn patch of ground and says, "bid your humble servant Krylok enter, great Iron Emperor and lord of the Jade Throne..."
As before nothing at all seems to happen.
The tengu rises and says in a low voice, "follow close behind Krylok. It won't stay open very long. And be ready... we will be expected."
With that, Krylok turns and walks straight towards the blank stone wall, his bizarre 'pet' close on his heels. Just when the tengu's beak should smack right into solid stone, he passes right through the wall as though it weren't even there. The strange robed creature follows him and disappears into the pedestal in a similar way.
Then all is quiet.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Scene 5: Shadow Harbor
Age of Succession, 7217 IC
Month of The Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
Fourth hour of the afternoon
Clear & mild, but with a chill west wind on the rise
Once the preparations are made, Morimoto, Takeru, Hojo, and Gakusei are provided horses and accompanied out of the temple gates by a pair of sohei. Megumi -- though eager to explore more of the city outside the compound -- is directed to continue her research, particularly on the subject of kitsune shapeshifting magic. She returns to the archives as the others thunder out of the west gate and towards the harbor on the Xidao Gulf.
Fortunately, the area that Morimoto suggests the group focus on is not far from the temple. With the sohei leading the way and clearing a path, the journey covers lots of ground very rapidly. This is a good thing indeed for there are only about three hours until the sun will set. Already the Empress of Heaven is beginning her descent towards the western horizon. The adventurers must work quickly, but at least they will arrive at the docks within mere minutes. When the riders are within several blocks of the slummy district that is huddled on the lapping shore of the Xidao Gulf, Morimoto calls for the group to stop. He would prefer the investigators approach on foot and without temple guards with them. The better to blend in, one would suppose.
The four companions make any final preparations, and then watch the sohei gallop off to return to the temple. In a few minutes, they are traveling northwest along a poorly patrolled & maintained road. To their right is a thickly overgrown wooded border that surrounds the Kourin Pagoda grounds (a place that is strictly avoided by the locals due to its haunted reputation). To their left are various storehouses, shops, and residences that grow more ramshackle and dingy as they continue down the road. People they pass traveling the same way are moving slowly and looking about with furtive glances. Those heading the opposite way are hurrying along.
Beyond the row of buildings on the right rises the enormous Iron Regent. It is a monument depicting a fearsome armored figure with a frightful learing mask and raised sword. The monstrosity rises over one-hundred feet high, its legs straddling the narrow channel between Inu Island to the south and the mainland to the north. Black birds appear to circle about its head squawking noisily. Rumor has it, the statue was to be plated in sheets of pure jade, but the evil despot was overthrown before the work could be completed. So it has been left in its dark gray state, which if anything, seems more menacing.
Before long, the group arrives at a crossroads. A long, busy street leads straight north & south. The docks themselves to the west of it and a shadowy overgrown wood on the east. Several larger boats are tied up currently with uncountable smaller craft scattered about. The long, wooden piers are interspersed with wooden buidlings, canvas tents, booths, and wagons. The larger structures are further north.
OOC: If anyone is trying to appear as something they are not, please describe what you are attempting and how you are attempting it. I will need Disguise checks for those individuals.
Unless you cause trouble immediately, this will be a skill-heavy endeavor. Some pertinent skills might include Appraise, Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge (various), Perception, Sense Motive, and Stealth. In fact, each of you might as well give me Perception checks right away.
Month of The Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
Fourth hour of the afternoon
Clear & mild, but with a chill west wind on the rise
Once the preparations are made, Morimoto, Takeru, Hojo, and Gakusei are provided horses and accompanied out of the temple gates by a pair of sohei. Megumi -- though eager to explore more of the city outside the compound -- is directed to continue her research, particularly on the subject of kitsune shapeshifting magic. She returns to the archives as the others thunder out of the west gate and towards the harbor on the Xidao Gulf.
Fortunately, the area that Morimoto suggests the group focus on is not far from the temple. With the sohei leading the way and clearing a path, the journey covers lots of ground very rapidly. This is a good thing indeed for there are only about three hours until the sun will set. Already the Empress of Heaven is beginning her descent towards the western horizon. The adventurers must work quickly, but at least they will arrive at the docks within mere minutes. When the riders are within several blocks of the slummy district that is huddled on the lapping shore of the Xidao Gulf, Morimoto calls for the group to stop. He would prefer the investigators approach on foot and without temple guards with them. The better to blend in, one would suppose.
The four companions make any final preparations, and then watch the sohei gallop off to return to the temple. In a few minutes, they are traveling northwest along a poorly patrolled & maintained road. To their right is a thickly overgrown wooded border that surrounds the Kourin Pagoda grounds (a place that is strictly avoided by the locals due to its haunted reputation). To their left are various storehouses, shops, and residences that grow more ramshackle and dingy as they continue down the road. People they pass traveling the same way are moving slowly and looking about with furtive glances. Those heading the opposite way are hurrying along.
Beyond the row of buildings on the right rises the enormous Iron Regent. It is a monument depicting a fearsome armored figure with a frightful learing mask and raised sword. The monstrosity rises over one-hundred feet high, its legs straddling the narrow channel between Inu Island to the south and the mainland to the north. Black birds appear to circle about its head squawking noisily. Rumor has it, the statue was to be plated in sheets of pure jade, but the evil despot was overthrown before the work could be completed. So it has been left in its dark gray state, which if anything, seems more menacing.
Before long, the group arrives at a crossroads. A long, busy street leads straight north & south. The docks themselves to the west of it and a shadowy overgrown wood on the east. Several larger boats are tied up currently with uncountable smaller craft scattered about. The long, wooden piers are interspersed with wooden buidlings, canvas tents, booths, and wagons. The larger structures are further north.
OOC: If anyone is trying to appear as something they are not, please describe what you are attempting and how you are attempting it. I will need Disguise checks for those individuals.
Unless you cause trouble immediately, this will be a skill-heavy endeavor. Some pertinent skills might include Appraise, Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge (various), Perception, Sense Motive, and Stealth. In fact, each of you might as well give me Perception checks right away.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Scene 4: The Imperial Palace
Age of Succession, 7217 IC
Month of The Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
About half-past the sixth hour of the morning
Chilly but sunny with clearing skies
Morimoto finally reaches the outer walls of the imperial estate. The closer he traveled to the heart of the city, the more its citizens seemed to be in a chaotic clamor. Most people actually seem to be overwhelmed with disbelief, but other groups (fewer in number, yet ten times as loud) seem to be stirring up unrest and panic in a variety of ways. Some seem to be religious or political rabble-rousers who are visibly shaken by yesterday's tragic events. Some are even spreading stories of the Jade Regent returning to power. Others believe that Minkai itself will soon fall since the line of emperors is now spent with the death of the last Amatatsu.
The gates leading into the imperial grounds are closed off as tightly as they would be during a siege. Kondo's imperial guardsmen stationed outside the gates and along the walls. They are ready for anything, but try to project the appearance of being assembled in a display honoring the empress' passing. They stand as still as statues, but are not arrayed in ceremonial armor & weapons. In front of them, closer to the chaos in the streets, are Osawa's city guard. The governor employs them as a police force of sorts. They are much more active, trying to keep some semblance of order so close to the palace.
Shortly after his arrival, Morimoto sees a group of horsemen trying to wind their way through the throngs. It is more of the provincial police along with Osawa Shunjei himself. The governor is also surrounded by several members of his own household guard. He is doing his best to part the masses of people so he may reach the gates. He tries to exude an air of quiet yet commanding authority, but it is not difficult to see that he is a tad overwhelmed by the whole situation.
He and his entourage are about to ride right past Morimoto...
Month of The Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
About half-past the sixth hour of the morning
Chilly but sunny with clearing skies
Morimoto finally reaches the outer walls of the imperial estate. The closer he traveled to the heart of the city, the more its citizens seemed to be in a chaotic clamor. Most people actually seem to be overwhelmed with disbelief, but other groups (fewer in number, yet ten times as loud) seem to be stirring up unrest and panic in a variety of ways. Some seem to be religious or political rabble-rousers who are visibly shaken by yesterday's tragic events. Some are even spreading stories of the Jade Regent returning to power. Others believe that Minkai itself will soon fall since the line of emperors is now spent with the death of the last Amatatsu.
The gates leading into the imperial grounds are closed off as tightly as they would be during a siege. Kondo's imperial guardsmen stationed outside the gates and along the walls. They are ready for anything, but try to project the appearance of being assembled in a display honoring the empress' passing. They stand as still as statues, but are not arrayed in ceremonial armor & weapons. In front of them, closer to the chaos in the streets, are Osawa's city guard. The governor employs them as a police force of sorts. They are much more active, trying to keep some semblance of order so close to the palace.
Shortly after his arrival, Morimoto sees a group of horsemen trying to wind their way through the throngs. It is more of the provincial police along with Osawa Shunjei himself. The governor is also surrounded by several members of his own household guard. He is doing his best to part the masses of people so he may reach the gates. He tries to exude an air of quiet yet commanding authority, but it is not difficult to see that he is a tad overwhelmed by the whole situation.
He and his entourage are about to ride right past Morimoto...
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Scene 3: Dancing Kappa Teahouse
Age of Succession, 7217 IC
Month of the Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
Third Hour of the Morning
Chilly with Clearing Skies (everything is damp from last night's rain)
Finally, the New Year's celebrations are dying away in the streets outside. Occasionally, a loud crack of fireworks will echo through the city, or there will be a group of drunken revelers that will pass by -- probably on their way to collapse somewhere -- but mostly, Kasai has decided that there has been enough revelry for one night. More and more of the citizens are falling off to sleep after an exhausting festival.
Gakusei sits at his usual table, nursing his drink for nearly its fourth hour. It was cold long ago. He has found he must make the simple things in life last longer than he once did. But that is wise, and it has taught him something of temperance. He has enjoyed watching the celebration from his lonely corner. There was a time, only a few short years ago, that such an event would be forbidden by the strict curfews set down by the Jade Regent. When the Amatatsu Empress threw him down off the throne, that was a blessed day.
So, the people of Kasai are free to drink and sing and debauch all they wish, particularly here in The Reeds, where there is plentiful debauchery on any night. And there is little to worry about of trouble. Years ago, there was no crime because the Jade Regent controlled the city with an iron fist. Under the new regime, there is little need for much policing on the outskirts. The Hitsugi Gumi keep things running smoothly, because trouble is bad for business. All is pretty much as it should be.
But, as soon as the old man thinks this to himself, there is loud, obnoxious laughter heard outside. There is a sound of breaking glass, and the front door to the teahouse swings violently open. Three men stumble into the teahouse, clearly drunk. From the size of them, they look to be common laborers of some kind -- their manners are too brutish to be bred from the warrior caste.
One of them flops back first onto the nearest table, laughing uncontrollably. The second has an oversized mask of red-painted papier mache -- probably pulled off of some festival decoration. He hangs it on his head where it tips at a ridiculous angle due to it being so huge. It depicts an outlandish demonic face grimacing in a frightful leer. It is difficult to find it intimidating, however, when the man wearing it is such an inebriated clown. He tries to pour a bottle of alcohol into the mask's mouth, but the drink just spills out all over the floor. This makes the first man laugh harder.
The third fellow immediately begins bellowing and slamming his fist down on the polished counter. He is calling for a paramour, presumably. The proprietor's daughter, no doubt. A pretty thing, but much too young for this idiot.
Month of the Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
Third Hour of the Morning
Chilly with Clearing Skies (everything is damp from last night's rain)
Finally, the New Year's celebrations are dying away in the streets outside. Occasionally, a loud crack of fireworks will echo through the city, or there will be a group of drunken revelers that will pass by -- probably on their way to collapse somewhere -- but mostly, Kasai has decided that there has been enough revelry for one night. More and more of the citizens are falling off to sleep after an exhausting festival.
Gakusei sits at his usual table, nursing his drink for nearly its fourth hour. It was cold long ago. He has found he must make the simple things in life last longer than he once did. But that is wise, and it has taught him something of temperance. He has enjoyed watching the celebration from his lonely corner. There was a time, only a few short years ago, that such an event would be forbidden by the strict curfews set down by the Jade Regent. When the Amatatsu Empress threw him down off the throne, that was a blessed day.
So, the people of Kasai are free to drink and sing and debauch all they wish, particularly here in The Reeds, where there is plentiful debauchery on any night. And there is little to worry about of trouble. Years ago, there was no crime because the Jade Regent controlled the city with an iron fist. Under the new regime, there is little need for much policing on the outskirts. The Hitsugi Gumi keep things running smoothly, because trouble is bad for business. All is pretty much as it should be.
But, as soon as the old man thinks this to himself, there is loud, obnoxious laughter heard outside. There is a sound of breaking glass, and the front door to the teahouse swings violently open. Three men stumble into the teahouse, clearly drunk. From the size of them, they look to be common laborers of some kind -- their manners are too brutish to be bred from the warrior caste.
One of them flops back first onto the nearest table, laughing uncontrollably. The second has an oversized mask of red-painted papier mache -- probably pulled off of some festival decoration. He hangs it on his head where it tips at a ridiculous angle due to it being so huge. It depicts an outlandish demonic face grimacing in a frightful leer. It is difficult to find it intimidating, however, when the man wearing it is such an inebriated clown. He tries to pour a bottle of alcohol into the mask's mouth, but the drink just spills out all over the floor. This makes the first man laugh harder.
The third fellow immediately begins bellowing and slamming his fist down on the polished counter. He is calling for a paramour, presumably. The proprietor's daughter, no doubt. A pretty thing, but much too young for this idiot.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Scene 2: Temple of the Sun's Blade
Age of Succession, 7216 IC
Month of The Sea Dragon
Last Day of Winter
Past the Seventh Hour of the Evening
Cold with Intermittent Rain (visibility reduced 1/2, Perception checks & ranged attacks -4, protected flames extinguished 50%)
Hojo welcomes the venerable Minoru and the haunting samsaran priestess, Megumi. Neither is talkative, but the latter seems especially shaken by this day's events. The high priest pats Megumi's arm gently, and then passes in through the double doors with some assistance from the sohei flanking the doorway.
Inside, Morimoto sees the robed man slowly make his way across the vast sanctuary. Ameiko still screams & writhes in pain, but before Minoru can complete his journey, the empress suddenly falls silent. There are gasps heard throughout the temple, and Minoru rushes as fast as his old bones can carry him to the dais.
One of the priests rises from Ameiko's side and moves towards Minoru. There are words whispered between them, but it is difficult to make out. The cavernous structure seems to swallow sound. Other priests remain with the empress, gently wiping a damp cloth across her brow and otherwise trying to make her feel comfortable. Whether this is to honor the dead or to treat a patient, Moto cannot tell.
Back outside, Kondo arrives at the compound leading the procession in through the temple gates.
OOC: Morimoto -- You may attempt a Perception check.
The rest of you can role-play as you see fit. The battle between Takeru & the assassin is still raging across the city. But that will be concluded in another thread.
Month of The Sea Dragon
Last Day of Winter
Past the Seventh Hour of the Evening
Cold with Intermittent Rain (visibility reduced 1/2, Perception checks & ranged attacks -4, protected flames extinguished 50%)
Hojo welcomes the venerable Minoru and the haunting samsaran priestess, Megumi. Neither is talkative, but the latter seems especially shaken by this day's events. The high priest pats Megumi's arm gently, and then passes in through the double doors with some assistance from the sohei flanking the doorway.
Inside, Morimoto sees the robed man slowly make his way across the vast sanctuary. Ameiko still screams & writhes in pain, but before Minoru can complete his journey, the empress suddenly falls silent. There are gasps heard throughout the temple, and Minoru rushes as fast as his old bones can carry him to the dais.
One of the priests rises from Ameiko's side and moves towards Minoru. There are words whispered between them, but it is difficult to make out. The cavernous structure seems to swallow sound. Other priests remain with the empress, gently wiping a damp cloth across her brow and otherwise trying to make her feel comfortable. Whether this is to honor the dead or to treat a patient, Moto cannot tell.
Back outside, Kondo arrives at the compound leading the procession in through the temple gates.
OOC: Morimoto -- You may attempt a Perception check.
The rest of you can role-play as you see fit. The battle between Takeru & the assassin is still raging across the city. But that will be concluded in another thread.
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