Graded [Fallen Blossom Shrine] Falling to Rise, Part 2 (aka No Rest for the Weary)

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

gmimperfecti Shawazama saxon Shadow Dancer

There they were again in great conflict. He was glad that he managed to stop Indicus or someone else from getting hurt at the very least. As if on cue there was Tadakatsu there again very obviously jockeying for the position once more. He was becoming even more of a problem than Masanori had been initially. If anything this third member had the potential to sway things in his favor since he had spent time training the units and now was trying to make himself look better than Yukan in this great time of need. Frankly it displeased Yukan. Yukan had been around long enough to know what he was trying to do. Of course Indicus inadvertly jumping up and damaging the roof wasn't going to help his or Indicus's case any, but he fully understood the reaction even if it wasn't in line with Republic of Kuridan culture. Yukan knew that he needed to keep it together and not get goaded by his words. This of course did not mean that Yukan didn't now how to clap back to so speak if needed. He kept his attention on Tadakatsu while he spoke.

Hearing Indicus lash out that way wasn't the most helpful for him winning the crowd over, but it was a reasonable reaction for the foreigner to have, he did not share their customs.

Yukan then looked to the shrine maiden as she spoke that much was true he needed to get the toad. As he gave her a slight nod.

He heard Tadakatsu speak up once more, sure Mitsunari had not been the correct choice, that much was clear, but Masanori's blunder had been pretty dangerous, putting his whole family into question about how secure their building of operation was. What Tadakatsu said next however, almost made Yukan's serious expression shift to one of disscontempt , some might say rage even, but he restrained it from being so, keeping the serious one. He had thought Tadakatsu was better than this. His words were making him out to be almost as bad as Masanori. He couldn't let someone with this mind set take the position that much was true. Tadakatsu was really content, to let whatever this evil was, ravage the the land and torture these innocent people just so that he had a better chance of promoting himself? Was he really that corrupt. take the resources after all the men had been severely injured from these people because they could just so they could be on their merry way and forget everyone here who had suffered so much? Yukan clenched his fists.

After that as Yukan conjured his response, things became too convenient for Yukan's liking. Something was up with Sawazuki and everyone suddenly coming to her defense it was almost..unnatural, perhaps she wasn't as innocent as she had made herself out to be, Yukan's eyes narrowed as she spoke. Certainly she was attractive, Yukan wouldn't deny that, and as innocent as she appeared outwardly, all of this together was too much for Yukan to overlook.

As Tadakatsu spoke back and questioned his judgment he clapped back with Republic of Kuridan Etiquette F and Republic of Kuridan Culture F. "Tadakatsu, I meant all the kind words which I said earlier, but you sincerely mean to tell me you expect a gaijin to know all of our ways?"

"Not only that you're content on gathering supplies where we stand, after these people have been tortured and moving along like nothing happened to them?" He said now with a tone that was on the precipice of malice, dancing between the lines.

"And you call yourself an ancestor of our family's esteemed royalty? From what I can tell this foreigner here, is more willing to stay and stop the evil who is causing this, and yourself? Where is your desire to stop this evil, Tadakatsu? If I didn't know any better I'd say you were valuing the success of a cultural event over the livelihood of our very citizens who we swore to serve. I'll allow all of you to make your own judgements on that. But until there is more evidence than just word of mouth accusations with good judgment how can we make this assertion?" Knowing fulll well this was going to cause tension but wanted it to be heard. Men like Tadakatsu who acted noble but then acted like this when it came time to make decisions really made Yukan upset.

Unfortunately part of Yukan thought that what Indicus said was true, but he was glad that Indicus appreciated it no less.

As Yukan was about to continue, suddenly a fire broke out, causing Indicus to yell it, he immediately looked up and saw the burning. Suddenly Indicus was moving rapidly again and got close enough to speak to him quietly, as he heard him speak. It was all very surprising, but he made out what the reptile wanted to share with him.

He tapped into leadership F "Everyone remain calm, escort the civilians out of the building, help the injured and elderly and leave the building in an orderly fashion. I just saw Indicus make a run for it towards the woods, It is priority that once we have dealt with the flames and secured this area we go after him."

Yukan stated loudly and authoritatively. This was bad news, what if Sawazuki slipped away during all of this? Yukan went over to assist the injured himself first and foremost, trying his utmost to prevent a panic as that was a way people were going to get hurt. He really hoped that Indicus knew what was talking about since this action didn't exactly make him look innocent.

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan
​

As Ceylan was on his way home from Bishi, stopping by Ryken for some business first, he got word from one of the priests in Kuridan. Well, the equivalent of a priest in Kuridan, at least. Although he was eager to visit the Holy City of Vegard again, he knew it was also pretty valuable to increase his ties to the other established religious entities within the Republic, so he decided to heed the call. Then again, the request was rather odd. Ceylan hadn't got a clue how to 'low profile' himself, but perhaps there would be a first for anything? He'd try, at the least.

As he was on his way to meet up with the man who'd asked for him, however, he noticed there was smoke coming from somewhere. To his surprise, he soon found a crowd of around 30 people watching something... a hunt in some rice fields, on fire. For a moment the bystander effect kicked in, making him stand and watch along with the rest of them. Then he snapped out of it, as he swore he saw some movements there. <Wait, aren't people some still in there? We should help them!”> He called out, some [Empathy F] seeping through in his voice whilst he tried Scanning the Mood (F).

He wasn't sure why they weren't helping, was there something else going on? He figured he'd focus for a bit, relying on his Divine Senses (F) to figure if he could pick up on something. Still, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing, regardless of what he'd learn from what was happening. Regardless of what he'd learned, he would head over to the hut to see if there were people in need of his aid.

E Grade Cool-downs (0/0)
=
F Grade Cool-downs (N/A)
Divine Senses – Magic Affinity F, Religion F, Sixth Sense F, Energised F – Characters connection to the gods allows them to sense dangerous/evil magic and curses that might go unnoticed by others. - Grade F
Scanning the Mood – Magic Affinity F, Appraisal F - Empathy F, Energised F – Character uses their senses to pick up on the mood of those around them. - Grade F
Empathy F

 

[saxon]

Crymaria​

Crymaria continued to be on her guard as she wasn't sure if they were entirely alone. After all, this could have been a rouse to get them to come out here. To which she couldn't rule out, turning her head back around to speak she noticed the others had gone onto into the hut or had spread out to do whatever they were doing.

As she turned her head to look in front of her she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Looking in that direction she noticed one of the bystanders going into the corpse of trees to which she cocked an eyebrow. "Comrade Borris, we might have company soon keep an eye out," Crymaria stated.

As she saw the arrow fly out of the trees she knew that probably wasn't a good sign, she turned to look in the direction of the others. "Hey Comrades! There is something going on out here! Some kind of signal just went off or something!" She called out to the group.

mentions: TheTimePiece gmimperfecti @Akudon Shadow Dancer Shawazama

 

[gmimperfecti]

As Crymaria turned her head to look in front of her, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Looking in that direction she noticed one of the bystanders going into the corpse of trees to which she cocked an eyebrow. "Comrade Borris, we might have company soon keep an eye out," Crymaria stated.

Borris rose up, stretching. He brought his two great forepaws, studded in giant claws before him in a boxer's pose. He opened his mouth in a half-yawn half-roar, low and guttural.

With that said Indicus once more used the confusion to slip away and sprinted to the woods where the arrow came from. (Stealth F+ undetected (sound) F+ Precision D+ Fast F) Once In the woods he started tracking down the bowman. Indicus made sure to leave obvious tracks to follow while keeping himself hidden from his prey the, dark of the forest not posing any problem to the Dragonborn (Survival F + Stealth F + Undetected (sound) F + Precision F + Dark vision)

The smoke wrapped about him as if it was greeting an old friend, and Indicus seemed to disappear. There were calls of alarm, but the roar of the flames were more of a distraction. Indicus snuck through the smoke filled area around the hut and slipped into the copse of trees nearby. Inside, his eyes adjusted to the gloom, and he could see a shadowy figure putting a crossbow into a small bag. Somehow as the large crossbow approached the small bag it shrunk until it could be easily dropped within. The shadowy figure placed the pouch back on a nice, toad skin belt. The pouch itself, Indicus realized as he got closer, was fashioned to looked more like a Hill Toad tadpole. Such fashion was both distributing and common, especially this close to the Cherry Blossom Festival. So while It was a memorable accessory, it wouldn't distinguish someone in a crowd.

As she saw the arrow fly out of the trees she knew that probably wasn't a good sign, she turned to look in the direction of the others. "Hey Comrades! There is something going on out here! Some kind of signal just went off or something!" She called out to the group.

Her cry of warning was lost in the commotion of the flaming hut and chaos that ensued.

As Yukan was about to continue, suddenly a fire broke out, causing Indicus to yell it, he immediately looked up and saw the burning. Suddenly Indicus was moving rapidly again and got close enough to speak to him quietly, as he heard him speak. It was all very surprising, but he made out what the reptile wanted to share with him.

He tapped into leadership F "Everyone remain calm, escort the civilians out of the building, help the injured and elderly and leave the building in an orderly fashion. I just saw Indicus make a run for it towards the woods, It is priority that once we have dealt with the flames and secured this area we go after him."

There was a moment of panic rippling through the people, but all the military folk responded well to Yukon's commands and their own discipline. The Tanuki rice farming family; however, went insane. They were already broken people and their hut was now rapidly burning up around them. They'd be left with nothing and the most dangerous thing is to take everything away from someone.

Yukan stated loudly and authoritatively. This was bad news, what if Sawazuki slipped away during all of this? Yukan went over to assist the injured himself first and foremost, trying his utmost to prevent a panic as that was a way people were going to get hurt. He really hoped that Indicus knew what was talking about since this action didn't exactly make him look innocent.

Yukan's example forestalled Masanori and the others from more insurrection and forced everyone to follow his example. The biggest obstacle was Choi, but once spurred into action the big fella helped to haul out several of the injured farmers. In doing so, unfortunately, the brittle pot he'd gathered the farmers rice in was dropped. The rice spilled out everywhere, but at least everyone seemed to make it out of the hut with only minor singed hair and smoke inhalation. The coughing and foul smell of burnt hair faded after Gyoubu conjured more sweet smelling flowers and a fine sprint mist over everyone. It took twenty seconds but everyone was mended up and back in good health. Alas the hut itself wasn't fairing very well.

As he was on his way to meet up with the man who'd asked for him, however, he noticed there was smoke coming from somewhere. To his surprise, he soon found a crowd of around 30 people watching something... a hunt in some rice fields on fire. For a moment the bystander effect kicked in, making him stand and watch along with the rest of them. Then he snapped out of it, as he swore he saw some movements there. <Wait, aren't people some still in there? We should help them!”> He called out, some [Empathy F] seeping through in his voice whilst he tried Scanning the Mood (F).

Ceylan's words were like a bucket of hot water. The words themselves echoed with the cries of pain and loss that poor, downtrodden rice farmers felt. The farmers had been tortured by a force much stronger then them until they were broken and one of them forced to vomit all over people, probably ruining her career and the only meaningful amount of income outside of rice farming that the family had. Now the family was hopelessly ruined in every way possible. And each of the 30 people in the crowd felt this deep in their souls.

The mood had been a mixture of interest at seeing was Yukan and his group were up to. There were pockets of people eager to see him or another member (mostly Masanori) fail. There were rivals and tatter tales in the crowd. There were also random people just drawn to a spectacle, outsiders come to the fair and eager to see something interesting. Finally there were neighbors who were filled with a mixture of the deep bonds of reciprocity that bound the community of rice farming families together.

Most interestingly of all, in the midst of the crowd, was an fresh water octopus girl named Yu Vu Tu. Yu was a Lady of the Lake, its waters rushed to fill her every wish. If anyone had known or realized that Yu was there, they would have fallen on their knees, because Yu was insanely powerful. Yu could, if she wanted to, call for the vast Lake to rise up in a Tsunami thousands of feet into the air. Yu was just visiting the Cherry Blossom festival incognito for that very reason. She had on a dark blue silk robe and had really just followed along out of curiosity. She'd only arrived the evening before and she'd been visiting a friend at the Five Thousand Peony Blossoms, the Masanori Geisha House. She'd actually gotten into the courtyard ad spent sometime with Borris that night listening to the beautiful music there. So she'd been interested in and followed along. She was one of the bystanders swayed by Ceylan's empathetic plea. Now enough to reveal her identity, but enough to flick her fingers at the hut and cause a hundred balls water, each about the size of a bucket of water, to materialize above the hut and splash down upon the hut. It was in this way that the fire in the hut was put out exactly thirty seconds after it had happened. Only someone who was looking at the right moment with magical or divine senses would have noticed...

Ceylan wasn't sure why they weren't helping, was there something else going on? He figured he'd focus for a bit, relying on his Divine Senses (F) to figure if he could pick up on something. Still, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing, regardless of what he'd learn from what was happening. Regardless of what he'd learned, he would head over to the hut to see if there were people in need of his aid.

Spoiler: what Ceylan sees

He looked not with his eyes but with his soul, the spark of divinity that was a flame was reduced once more to a spark, but still that spark shed light on the unseeable. It was dimmer than he was used to, but keeping a low profile had its downsides. He was sure, his soul told him so, that if he shown his full light there was so much more he could see! Still, he glimpsed a darkness near them. No it was beneath them! It was like a poisoned vein in the world. Ceylan wasn't a scholar but he had the intuition and affinity with magic to be familiar with the ley lines of this world. They were denser here, something he'd been aware of on his travels. His knowledge of healing and the flow of blood in the body created a synergy in his understanding of the situation. The black vein ran from under the crowd, through the hut and snaked like an angry worm off in the distance.

Set into motion, the rest of the crowd surged forward to help. An additional 30 people ran forward. Seventy-four people or so milled about, trying to help or just get in the way. It was madness once more. The rice was kicked around and covered in ash anyway, until it was just a pile of mush. The farmer's hut was burnt but most of it remained, just a large hole in the roof and the smell of smoke was everywhere. As things settled down, Yukan's units slowly formed back up. Or at least they formed clumps.

Meanwhile the rice farmers from nearby helped and comforted the Tanuki who's hut had nearly burned down and been tortured. Sawazuki was no where to be seen, or at least it wasn't immediately obvious where she was.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

gmimperfecti saxon Shadow Dancer Shawazama Elvario

Yukan wished that he hadn't had to resort to the verbal back and forth but he couldn't well let the other Tanuki continue to just say what he pleased to suit his agenda, now not only was this group of civilians tortured, but their home was quite literally burning away, and all Yukan could do was try to save their lives. Just the audacity of Tadakatsu to suggest that leaving this severe security risk to Kuridan in their administrative region and that they seize the rice after all that these poor civilians had gone through had rubbed him the wrong way and it couldn't be helped. What if the threat came back and tortured again or worse killed civilians?

He would have thanked the shrine maiden for the assist if his mind wasn't so preoccupied with what was unfolding before them. Yukan wanted to cringe at the pot breaking with the rice in it, but now wasn't the time for that, they had to secure the area once again, which was becoming increasingly more difficult it felt. As more people started to gather around the area it became increasingly more difficult for them to secure it as more opportunities to slip away into the crowd became apparent. There was still the unresolved Indicus situation, and now Yukan's worst fears were confirmed in that the primary suspect wasn't anywhere that was obvious to be seen.

After he had done his part to help the civilians out he had just been about to call to action for them to try to put the fire out, but When Yukan was in the central position among the people who had come over and he winced upon seeing the rice get destroyed, he noticed that the fire was already out somehow? He wasn't aware of anyone there who was capable of using magic to do something like that. What was going on? It couldn't have been an illusion could it have been? No the burn damage was very real..as he could see.

"Suijin could that..possibly be your doing? Thank you.." Yukan bowed slightly, speaking softly, thinking divine intervention was a possible scenario, he figured he would thank the god irrespectively since it was his water that let it be put out, unaware of what had really transpired, regardless as people started to group he continued with
Leadership F and Republic of Kuridan Etiquette F

Yukan raised his voice over the chaos to demand attention from the now grouped up units.
"Even in times of chaos we must maintain order! Our next objective is securing this area. I know that many of you are here for a hunt, but this has become a matter of Kuridan security. We cannot allow this threat to remain free. The fire and destruction in it's wake has proven that much. There are many people here who are vulnerable. Tadakatsu, as one of our most skilled spearmen I want you and your men to make sure that the people here remain safe and that the area is secured, you are best suited for this defensive and if need be offensive task should the threat show up. And whatever you think regardless, Sawazuki is no where to be seen and is still a primary suspect." Even if Yukan had been fighting with him just earlier he still knew which tasks were best to delegate he thought.


Yukan then turned to the beautiful one once more, "Shrine Maiden Gyoubu and logistics core, assist and operate as you see fit."


"Whiteclaw and scout company come with me, we need to go find Indicus who ran off in the woods towards a potential primary suspect threat and you are all the most suitable for this task."

"Is all of this understood?"

Yukan did his best to use assertive language to show that he was in fact still in charge and if they had a problem with it they'd have to just deal with it, they were going to do things his way, and it seemed like trying to run things more like a democracy hadn't worked as well as he liked previously.

Yukan then got ready to head towards the way that Indicus ran, still unaware of Ceylan's influence on the situation that had unfolded that seemed so mysterious.

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan
​

Mentions: Yukan TheTimePiece

Ceylan wasn't sure how or why, but he was grateful that his words had their desire impact. With people moving to help, he felt a sense of comfort come over him. Even though he, too, was rushing towards the blazing fire. However, when she spotted what happened, he halted in his tracks for a moment. He wasn't sure who this was, but the unexpected aid was baffling him. Still, he'd only barely picked up on this, so his mind quickly realised that was likely for a reason. Without drawing too much attention, he'd give her a short bow and offered her a silent “Thank you.” whilst the others were focussed on the recently extinguished fire. His tail was a little more honest, as it was swaying around vividly when he bowed towards her.

Then he left to check up on those that made it out of the building. “I'll be alright.” He spoke, as he approached. Using a [Soothing Aura E] to calm down the worst victims and help them deal with the smoke in their lungs. One particular victim seemed more wounded than others (the one that'd been tortured) and although Ceylan knew not where his wounds came from, he was sure to include that Tanuki in the targets for his [Soothing Aura], hoping that every little bit he could offer would aid these people.

That said, he'd felt something else. Something wrong. He wished he could learn more, but now that he knew he wasn't alone in trying to stay on the down-low, he felt compelled to try harder. His good boy desires to help without holding back struggling with his good boy desire to obey the request he'd been given. It was already a dilemma to him, but for now, he would attempt help out as much as he could without overextending.

Still, that left the odd feeling. He looked around, then spotted someone commanding the others. A particular Tanuki that seemed military. With no better alternative, Ceylan decided to approach him. “Excuse me, sir.” He'd waited for Yukan to have finished giving orders before speaking up, but when he did, he'd sound like he needed the latter's attention urgently.

“Forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn, for I am highly unfamiliar with this situation. However, I can sense something strange about the magic in this place. It concerns me deeply, so whilst I do not know your purpose here, I would beg for your assistance to aid me in investigating where it leads.” He was truly hoping he wasn't pushing some boundaries by approaching an official like this, but at the same time, with some Empathy F / Persuasion F, he'd make sure his concern was carried over as genuinely yet strongly as possible.

E Grade Cool-downs (0/0)
Soothing Aura – Magic Affinity E, Healing E, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Magic Duration F, Religion E, Empathy E, Energised E, Persuasion F – Character has a soothing aura that calms and heals those around them. - Grade E – 0 Post Cooldown.
F Grade Cool-downs (N/A)

 

[Shadow Dancer]

Upon observing the one that started the fire earlier Indicus had two options continue to follow the shadowy figure or attempt to capture them. He was sure this person was connected to the Witch but unsure of if he would return to her or if he captured the assailant, that some geas would not instantly kill them. Even so Indicus believed that following this figure would be the better choice and so Indicus waited keeping himself hidden so he could follow the figure and paid close attention to the figure in case there was something he could use to identify the unknown figure incase they got away. (Stealth F + Undetected sound F + Perception F + Precision D + Survival F)

gmimperfecti
Summary: Indicus decided to continue to follow the crossbowman in hopes it leads to the witch or at least to another clue as he deemed the risk of some magical geas preventing questioning to great so using (Stealth F + Undetected sound F + Perception F + Precision D + Survival F) Indicus will continue to follow the crossbowman

 

[gmimperfecti]

"Even in times of chaos we must maintain order! Our next objective is securing this area. I know that many of you are here for a hunt, but this has become a matter of Kuridan security. We cannot allow this threat to remain free. The fire and destruction in it's wake has proven that much. There are many people here who are vulnerable. Tadakatsu, as one of our most skilled spearmen I want you and your men to make sure that the people here remain safe and that the area is secured, you are best suited for this defensive and if need be offensive task should the threat show up. And whatever you think regardless, Sawazuki is no where to be seen and is still a primary suspect." Even if Yukan had been fighting with him just earlier he still knew which tasks were best to delegate he thought.

For a moment as Yukan first began to speak there was some grumbling. Many of the Yari spear-minions were eager to pit their spears against the Hill Toads starting to hunker down for hibernation. However, Tadakatsu raised his hand towards the spear minions. "You heard your commander, form up and corral the rice farmers. Keep them safe while our commander sorts out the politics."

Tadakatsu glanced at Masanori and smirked. "May the petals fall in your wake."

Tadakatsu barked out orders and the rice farmers both the Tanuki family from the hut and those others around were corralled, watched, and protected from further harm. It took some prodding but the units moved with far more coordination than the day before and after a few examples were made to demonstrate what Tadakatsu was looking for, no more rice farmer tried to leave.

Yukan then turned to the beautiful one once more, "Shrine Maiden Gyoubu and logistics core, assist and operate as you see fit."

Gyoubu looked Yukan up and down, "Mhmm, whether it's to march in the muck or plow a field, I'll be your willing partner." Her playful grin lingered for a long second before she gestured. "Crymaria, Borris, Choi, let's go." She looked around, frowning for a moment, "Masanori, we are short a member." She tapped her snout and wrinkled her noise, "Did you go all cheap on me?"

"What!" Masanori snorted, "I'm sure there was a fifth." He looked around...

"Whiteclaw and scout company come with me, we need to go find Indicus who ran off in the woods towards a potential primary suspect threat and you are all the most suitable for this task."

"Of course," Whiteclaw ducked his head, his avian black eyes roving. He gestured to the others. "Ixtal and Acys, shadow stealth until you're called." The two shadow assassins bowed and slipped into the nearby shadows of the copse of trees. "You two, tracking." Whiteclaws eyes roved around towards Maria his Mermaid Scout. "What did you hear?"

Maria approached, clutching the hilt of her azure sword and bowed. "A great deal!" She looked towards Yukan and then back towards Whiteclaw. "There's a man who roused the crowd with the most beautiful of words."

Without drawing too much attention, he'd give her a short bow and offered her a silent “Thank you.” whilst the others were focussed on the recently extinguished fire. His tail was a little more honest, as it was swaying around vividly when he bowed towards her.

Yu Vu Tu eyed Ceylan and quietly inclined her head. The squiggling tentacles at the base of her head writhed curiously at Ceylan. "It was be delicious to taste pieces of you..." She paused, looking around at the madness, she turned, tilting her head, "You words is so sweet." She glided closer for a moment, before withdrawing.

"Is all of this understood?"

"Sir, yes sir!" All the spear minions said. The scouts and logistic units joined with a mixture of "yes."

Everyone continued doing what they were doing. The spears guarded the rice farmers. The scouts scouted, and the logistics units wandered around Yukan and Gyoubu.

Then Ceylan left to check up on those that made it out of the building. “I'll be alright.” He spoke, as he approached. Using a [Soothing Aura E] to calm down the worst victims and help them deal with the smoke in their lungs. One particular victim seemed more wounded than others (the one that'd been tortured) and although Ceylan knew not where his wounds came from, he was sure to include that Tanuki in the targets for his [Soothing Aura], hoping that every little bit he could offer would aid these people.

While Gyoubu had done an excellent job healing and improving the smell, her powers weren't of the soul.

Ceylan approached the rice farmers being guarded by the spear minions and Tadakatsu lifted his spear. "Halt!"

However, Ceylan's presence and words were kind and soulful, plus his soul helped, Ceylan was eventually allowed to approach and let his soothing aura wash over the rice farming Tanuki. Like cool menthol, they were soothed and rejuvenated in deep ways. All the rice famers looked in adoration at Ceylan's unspoken kindness. The tortured looks and catatonic state many were in eased and they came back to themselves. Many cried and knelt before him.

Still, that left the odd feeling. He looked around, then spotted someone commanding the others. A particular Tanuki that seemed military. With no better alternative, Ceylan decided to approach him. “Excuse me, sir.” He'd waited for Yukan to have finished giving orders before speaking up, but when he did, he'd sound like he needed the latter's attention urgently.

“Forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn, for I am highly unfamiliar with this situation. However, I can sense something strange about the magic in this place. It concerns me deeply, so whilst I do not know your purpose here, I would beg for your assistance to aid me in investigating where it leads.” He was truly hoping he wasn't pushing some boundaries by approaching an official like this, but at the same time, with some Empathy F / Persuasion F, he'd make sure his concern was carried over as genuinely yet strongly as possible.

Gyoubu looked him up and down. "Sure why don't you tag along. With those soulful eyes I'm sure you can't possibly be anything but a boon to us. Our commander here is on the move, so why don't you talk while we walk?"

Ceylan noticed something odd as they group moved towards the copse of trees...

Spoiler: What Ceylan sees.

The group as the scouts lead them into the copse, but it seemed to follow the crooked, snaggled black corrupted leyline. It's thin and constricted but not shriveled. It pulses in slow squeezes, moving quantum of essence along it's course.

The group moved on...

---

Upon observing the one that started the fire earlier Indicus had two options continue to follow the shadowy figure or attempt to capture them. He was sure this person was connected to the Witch but unsure of if he would return to her or if he captured the assailant, that some geas would not instantly kill them. Even so Indicus believed that following this figure would be the better choice and so Indicus waited keeping himself hidden so he could follow the figure and paid close attention to the figure in case there was something he could use to identify the unknown figure incase they got away. (Stealth F + Undetected sound F + Perception F + Precision D + Survival F)

Indicus slipped through the leaves, moving like a ghostly shadow amongst the dappled light.

The figure wearing the toad fanny pack looked around, before their legs coiled. Their hands landed on the ground. Their butt raised high. The air distorted around them. Then they dashed away. They moved incredibly fast covering 240 feet in a few seconds! In a blink, they were through the woods and down the road moving at a blur. It was hard to follow after them but it was easy to follow their trail. The speed at which they moved left deep gouges in the earth and curiously enough there was several other people on the road leading not into town but towards the rolling hills. Indicus saw Sawazuki the Tanuki Geisha also running along that road. She was running towards a large, gnarled oak tree. It looked twisted and broken, like a curled tortured soul that was reaching out in pain.

"No!" Sawazuki shrieked as the blurred, toad fanny pack person raced towards the oak tree. The person whirled and jammed something into Sawazuki's stomach, causing the girl to keel over before rushing off again towards the hills.

 

[Shadow Dancer]

Indicus cursed as the figure sprinted off using his own speed (Fast F) he ran after them though catching up was hopeless the trail was obvious enough he was on the figures trail when he saw a familiar geisha kneeled over. Once more Indicus swore as he gave up his chase to check on the woman and using his experience (Survival F) Indicus looked to check what was wrong with the woman. As he did so he noticed the solitary oak tree down the road. But before he could worry about creepy oak trees he had to help this woman.

"You do know we should stop meeting like this." Indicus joked as he inspected Sawazuki's wound as he did he found the object and went to grab it

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

gmimperfecti Elvario Shadow Dancer saxon Shawazama

Yukan was pleased to see that everything was falling into place. He did realize that it was a bit of a risk letting Tadakatsu control the spears in the grand scheme of jockeying for power, but he was the one who had the most prior military experience, worst case scenario it was a double edged sword Yukan figured, he could get credit for assigning people to tasks appropriately, by putting them in their best role, while if Tadakatsu did his job well while he would get praise no doubt, the people would be protected which was a high priority of Yukan.

Yukan knew well enough that if they left these people here, with the current bureaucratic system in place after all who wanted to bothered helping out the poor and feeble when they could go and win themselves prestige from hunting the toads? it was unlikely anyone else seriously was going to help then sufficiently other wise he would have just as well continued the hunt onwards. Yukan wanted to change the status quo in that sense, some of these people were seen as the least valuable of society but Yukan saw an inherent dignity of life that these civilians deserved. It was of no fault of their own that disaster struck and someone had to do something to make it right and stop the rampaging. After all who knew what this security threat's next goal was? start attacking even more populated areas? There was clearly some kind of agenda here Yukan could only imagine.

As he continued to delegate tasks and that process eventually slowed down once the others were listening to him. He found himself almost turn a bit red at what the Shrine Maiden had said, wondering if there had been intentional innuendo at the specific actions she mentioned. "Thank you, Shrine Maiden Gyoubu.. I truly appreciate your support." he continued with a small bow trying to keep his serious face and tone to reaffirm his leadership mode.

It wasn't long before Yukan saw the crowd..suddenly fall very calm and that combined with the scouts talking about someone who had calmed the crowd? Just as he had been about to follow after Indicus too, he turnd and saw Ceylan approaching, this must have been the person the scouts had mentioned since everyone just seemed to let him walk through to Yukan which Yukan knew under normal circumstances wouldn't have been an easy feet.

Yukan as he was on the move with some of logistics and the scouts he heard Ceylan out and then gave him a small bow using Republic of Kuridan Etiquette F As he walked. "So you can tell there something arise here too, Im uncertain of what you did earlier, but I thank you for helping. It would appear our goals are alligned so I see no issue in us working together to find the source of this strange magic as you put it...Since time is of the essense I'll explain swiftly."

Yukan continued as he walked with the rest of the group now presumably towards where Indicus had tipped him off to go.

"I'm here leading a hunting party to capture the largest hill toad we can manage for an important festival, the outcome of which is integral. However my party and I was attacked earlier with strong illusion magic and as we moved out for the hunt we came across this portion of the village, decimated, people tortured and signs suggest that whoever did the attack earlier at the Geisha house is related to the torture of these people. Right now we have a suspect, whose gone missing and a dragon man whose run off. I feel obligated that this threat needs to be stopped for the security of our region and betterment of the civilians of Kuridan, it would be unacceptable to leave them so vulnerable, so any additional aid you would like to provide I would greatly appreciate."

Yukan said looking to Ceylan as he spoke while moving at a fairly brisk pace, while not wanting to run out of stamina when they presumably caught up.

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko Matatsu



​

"...Thats a wierd ass tree..." Was, really, all he could truely say about it. This whole hunt thing was kind of taking abit to be underway for him... he had.. well.. Though there'd be abit more chaos to the whole thing... So... he decided to just... walk around. Find trouble and deal with it, undead were an issue sure with the whole not bleeding thing but... well.. It was a beautiful landscape however, one he felt slightly enraptured and inspired by... But... he could compose no true poetry, he was a man of the sword... Though some might consider the way of the warrior one that includes arts...

He... was pretty terrible at it...

The structure, the nuances... His father had attempted to pound such into his head, thats why he doesn't go home even when given leave by his master to explore this world and learn...

To go home... would be to invite the trappings of the life again.

And he was the type to not to want to stay in one place for long.

So, as he stood along the path, thinking about the troubles of a third son in line, he overheard words and shouting... And... "Oh shit was she just stabbed what the fu-" wait the stabber was getting away! Shit what should he do? What should he do!? He didn't know the whole deal but his body seemed to act straight out of instinct, as his brain followed suit. Signals and orders, unspoken words brought his hand from his hip to his side, his hands leapt to action and within a flash, attempted to strike the incoming foe.

Or, so he thought they were.

• Mercy's edge, Weapon Mastery E, Nonlethal E, Hot Shot E, Penetrating E, Accurate E through the back of the blade or hilt, or guard of the sword the user attempts to take out a target without bloodshed. Grade E Action 1​

His body stiffened and reacted, a draw of his blade and a flash of mithril as he turned the blade at the last moment, to turn bladed death into a flat of a blade to the forehead of the incoming foe.

Effectiveness break down:
Strength D, Weapon E, Ability E 7 effectiveness
tech core explanation

Spoiler: tech cores

Accurate - the technique makes it so the target's speed is treated as though it were reduced by 1 letter grade. Amount reduces increases by 1 grade each time technique is upgraded.
Penetrating - weapon can ignore grades of an item when it is used to defend E 2 grades
Hot Shot -Character is good at hitting called shots to disarm or hit weak points if they already know where to aim. The higher the grade of tech core, the higher the grade of creature they can hit weak points on. In the case of weak points, damage sustained is doubled.
Non-Lethal - Abilities with this technique applied will never kill the target(s). Grade of technique must be equal to grade of ability to properly mitigate its lethal potential

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan
​

Mentions: Yukan TheTimePiece

A shiver ran down Ceylan's spine. Did the woman just admit to wanting to eat him..? Or did she just do something magic essence stuff that he didn't understand..? He wasn't sure what she was going on about and he didn't quite like it. Even so, that dislike didn't draw out his gratitude towards her aid, so he didn't back off when she got closer, although his tail did end up swaying noticeably slower than before due to his confusion regarding her words.

After initially being halted, Ceylan managed to go through after his magic did its work. That said, them kneeling was a bit much. “Please, get up. It's nothing much, I'm merely trying to help out to the extend the gods allow me to aid you.” He couldn't possibly take more credit than that, as he already felt like this was way more gratitude than he was worthy of. Especially as he was holding back, which made him feel even more bad about getting such sincere gratitude.

Ceylan nodded to the man who told him to tag along and talk while on the move. “Very well sir, thank you.” He wasn't sure what the man meant with 'soulful eyes' but he figured it was something good. Then again, he was sensing something... “This... could this be feeding something?” He asked himself aloud, wondering if the pulsating feeling he got from the leyline was the movement of mana or energy towards something nefarious. “Or maybe spreading something...” He mumbled, as he tried to figure out if his [Divine Senses E] would be enough to pick up on the direction of the flow of energy.

In his best attempts, he still wasn't really able to appreciate the type of bow he was getting from Yukan, as he was an uncultured etiquette-less dog but he'd reply with a simple bow of his own. “I merely asked the gods to aid me in soothing and healing them.” Ceylan said, attempting to explain his actions. In turn, he listened to Yukan's explanation carefully. That said, there were some things he didn't quite understand. “Do you mean to say the dragon man and suspect aren't the same?” That was one confusing part, as Ceylan didn't see how that dragon man would otherwise fit into the story. “That illusion magic you spoke of, could you describe it a bit further?”

E Grade Cool-downs (0/0)
Divine Senses – Magic Affinity E, Magic Range F, Religion E, Sixth Sense E, Energised E – Characters connection to the gods allows them to sense dangerous/evil magic and curses that might go unnoticed by others. - Grade E – 0 Post Cooldown.

 

[saxon]

Crymaria​

Crymaria seeing as the group was splitting up at the moment and the spearmen were securing the area thought this was a very bad idea. "Comrade Borris, I don't think these comrades realize that splitting up is probably not a good idea. There are too many unknowns," She concluded with a shrug as she looked over to the large bear.

When she heard Yukan give the order for the supply core and the shrine maiden to do as they pleased she cocked and eyebrow. "Well Comrade Borris I suppose we should follow the shrine maiden for the time being, things are surely strange here." Crymaria stated as she followed the shrine maiden for right now. As the group joined around Cylan and the others as he inquired about the dragon man to which she figured could only be their other companion.

"Oh you must mean Comrade Indicus," Crymaria responded as she and Borris had now joined the others that were still around. Though she couldn't help with the description of the magic due to her paying far more attention to the crowd. She still wasn't sure what entirely was going on at this point so just reverted to petting the bear.

mentions: TheTimePiece gmimperfecti @Akudon Shadow Dancer Shawazama

 

[gmimperfecti]

After initially being halted, Ceylan managed to go through after his magic did its work. That said, them kneeling was a bit much. “Please, get up. It's nothing much, I'm merely trying to help out to the extend the gods allow me to aid you.” He couldn't possibly take more credit than that, as he already felt like this was way more gratitude than he was worthy of. Especially as he was holding back, which made him feel even more bad about getting such sincere gratitude.

The Tanuki rice farmers rose. The elderly needed the help of the younger folk, but each one heeded Ceylan's words.

Tadakatsu shook his head, "I never seen a peasant bow and rise so quick, you've got quite the touch." He frowned watching Ceylan for a long moment before waving the man off. "Off you go now, see after the commander and don't incite my charges further."

As Ceylan left, the rice farmers continued to give praise and whisper in awe at the man who soothed their aching souls with his very presence. "His fur is so glossy," one of the farmers said. Another whispered back, "And a fine tail, he got too!" A third elbowed the second, "Mind yourself around his holiness." The first shot back, "Aye, but it done wag toot sweet. Tis a fine thing to see." A chorus of "Amen!" followed from many of the others.

---

When she heard Yukan give the order for the supply core and the shrine maiden to do as they pleased she cocked and eyebrow. "Well Comrade Borris I suppose we should follow the shrine maiden for the time being, things are surely strange here." Crymaria stated as she followed the shrine maiden for right now. As the group joined around Cylan and the others as he inquired about the dragon man to which she figured could only be their other companion.

Yukan, the scouts, and the logistics core moved into the copse of trees. The scouts lead them through the trees, pointing the odd track or broken branch. They also pointed out that there was no sign of a struggle and two people looked to have left the small glade together. As they moved, Yukan discussed with others.

Right now we have a suspect, who's gone missing and a dragon man who's run off. I feel obligated that this threat needs to be stopped for the security of our region and betterment of the civilians of Kuridan, it would be unacceptable to leave them so vulnerable, so any additional aid you would like to provide I would greatly appreciate."

Yukan said looking to Ceylan as he spoke while moving at a fairly brisk pace, while not wanting to run out of stamina when they presumably caught up.

In turn, he listened to Yukan and Crymaria's explanations carefully. That said, there were some things he didn't quite understand. “Do you mean to say the dragon man and suspect aren't the same?” That was one confusing part, as Ceylan didn't see how that dragon man would otherwise fit into the story. “That illusion magic you spoke of, could you describe it a bit further?”

"Oh you must mean Comrade Indicus," Crymaria responded as she and Borris had now joined the others that were still around. Though she couldn't help with the description of the magic due to her paying far more attention to the crowd. She still wasn't sure what entirely was going on at this point so just reverted to petting the bear.

Gyoubu spoke up, turning to look Ceylan up and down, pausing on his honest tail. "An alchemist brew perhaps. The Indicus, the dragon man, felt a kinship of sorts, so perhaps it's dragon magic. Thus suspect but not necessarily the suspect. The combination was expelled orally. Upon contact, it dulled the senses and caused those affected to think the room they were in was on fire while the true threat was an organic consuming acid whose volumetric area was impressive." Gyoubu paused, "Of course the illusion only covered five of six walls, causing those affected to flee out back, which is an odd oversight. You'd think if the goal was to melt the bodies that the whole room would be on illusory fire." She shrugged. "Holes in the illusion, the witch's plan, or our understanding."

Ceylan nodded to the man who told him to tag along and talk while on the move. “Very well sir, thank you.” He wasn't sure what the man meant with 'soulful eyes' but he figured it was something good. Then again, he was sensing something... “This... could this be feeding something?” He asked himself aloud, wondering if the pulsating feeling he got from the leyline was the movement of mana or energy towards something nefarious. “Or maybe spreading something...” He mumbled, as he tried to figure out if his [Divine Senses E] would be enough to pick up on the direction of the flow of energy.

Gyoubu perked up, watching Ceylan's gleaming eyes. "Now is not the time to be cryptic. Speak clearly."

White feather paused, peering into the distance further off where many things were happening. With a mighty leap, the owl kin and the other avians leapt high into the air, bows drawn. "Halt in the name of Commander Yukan." They made quite the sight, soaring thirty feet into the air and soaring horizontally for a hundred more.

Once more Indicus swore as he gave up his chase to check on the woman and using his experience (Survival F) Indicus looked to check what was wrong with the woman. As he did so he noticed the solitary oak tree down the road. But before he could worry about creepy oak trees he had to help this woman.

"You do know we should stop meeting like this." Indicus joked as he inspected Sawazuki's wound as he did he found the object and went to grab it

Indicus saw the dagger plunged into the women's guts. It was a cruel, rusted, serrated thing six inches long. It ripped and tore skin, guts, and organs going in. Sawazuki smiled faintly at Indicus joke. She opened her mouth to say more, but instead coughed up blood all over him. Her supple body sagged into Indicus, the strength rapidly leaving her. Gut wounds were a horrible way to die, sending toxins into the bloodstream which can poison the rest of the body leading to organ failure and death. Unfortunately for the victim, this can mean hours or days of agonizing pain.

She looked into Indicus eyes tears streaming down her eyes. She howled in pain. Her body shuddered. Something was devouring her faster than a normal gut wound. Her bowls voided and vomit poured from her mouth. The pressure of her abdomen pushed pieces of her intestines out of her body. He could literally see the life being drained from her. The blood loss accelerated faster than normal. Her back arched, her toes curling and fingers balling into fists. Her eyes rolled back in her head.

So, as he stood along the path, thinking about the troubles of a third son in line, he overheard words and shouting... And... "Oh shit was she just stabbed what the fu-" wait the stabber was getting away! Shit what should he do? What should he do!? He didn't know the whole deal but his body seemed to act straight out of instinct, as his brain followed suit. Signals and orders, unspoken words brought his hand from his hip to his side, his hands leapt to action and within a flash, attempted to strike the incoming foe. His body stiffened and reacted, a draw of his blade and a flash of mithril as he turned the blade at the last moment, to turn bladed death into a flat of a blade to the forehead of the incoming foe.

The fanny pack ninja blurred at incredible speeds but Ko Matatsu's sword was just as fast. Mercy's Edge struck with the force of a charging Rhinoceros. The only thing the ninja had to defend itself with was the incredible speed, but Ko's accurate penetrating maneuver cut through such trivial defenses and turned them against his foe! He found the perfect arc of his blade, the flat of the blade translating the kinetic force and spreading it through the body. The ninja's forearm exploded in flechette-like shrapnel, the fragments exiting the arm and entering the torso. The majority of the kinetic energy continued shattering all the ninja's right ribs, causing more bone fragments to fly through the internal organs. The energy continued, lifting the body up and hurling it nearly twenty feet through the air and into the gnarled, twisted body of the ancient looking oak tree.

The ninja's body jerked. Only the ninja's eyes were visible and these were wide before rolling up into its head. Something like white cilia sprouted from the trunk of the ancient oak. The short hairlike structures vibrated, crawling and cradling the body the ninja, preventing the body from falling to the ground. Like microscopic needles, the cilia penetrated the skin and turned from white to a dark crimson. Meanwhile the body seemed to start to sink into the trunk! It was deceptively slow like pressing a hand into thick jello, but the cilia kept emerging in greater number, drawing and pulling. At first it was only tens and then hundreds and quickly it became thousands of those tiny little cilia until the body looked more like a white, crimson growth on the tree being absorbed inch by inch in a slow, rhythmic pulse.

OOC: Assume everything was visible by everyone. Indicus is 60' away and Ko 120, the tree is 160'. Yukan et al. are at the top of a hill with a small cart road leading down towards the ancient tree. Near the tree the road splits left and right. Right towards town. Left towards the hill and the distant guard towers on them.

 

[Shadow Dancer]

Indicus solemnly looked at the woman as she died "Rest in peace, I'll get to the bottom of this." Indicus placed a hand over the woman's face and shut her eyelids. He took the body of Sawazuki and placed it at the edge of the road. He Inspected the dagger but besides his initial findings he could glean nothing from the blade though with how quick it killed the woman it was probably poisoned or enchanted. Indicus carefully wrapped the dagger in a cloth and tied it next to his coin purse. It was then he noticed something at the old oak a katana wielding man and the oak covering what looked to be a body in cillia as it absorbed it.

Indicus walked closer to the oak and looked at the wolfman. "Hello sir, mind telling me what you think that tree is doing absorbing a body?"

gmimperfecti
Talking to: Orikanyo

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan
​

It was rather odd to see people so obedient, something he wasn't the only one to notice, as he was soon addressed for it. Were people in here generally more obedient or was he already failing at keeping a low profile? He wasn't quite sure. He also wasn't quite sure what to make of the man's words. Don't 'incite my charges' further? What did Ceylan do to incite charges? He was confused, but figured it wasn't worth the time to keep pondering about it. “Thank you, sir.” Was all he said, before going after Yukan and the rest.

Rather than Yukan, someone else responded to his questions. “I see.” He replied to the explanation, for lack of better understanding. Perhaps, trying to recall knowledge he'd obtained through his [Healing (B)] experience might prove fruitful in getting him to reach some answers. As for now, he had no clue what kind of concoctions could cause the mentioned type of effects.

Ceylan instinctively shook his head at the idea of there being an oversight. “If I had to guess, it's our lack of understand, not a hole in the illusion. If it's as powerful as you describe it to be, I would be too outlandish to think it'd have such a highly specific flaw.” He tried to pierce things together, but being relatively new to the 'scene' altogether, it wasn't easy. “Those people that fled out the back... was there something near there? Could they have been forced in a certain direction?” That was one option he could think of. The other... “Or could it have been a scare tactic? Just to get them away from there? Perhaps even to save them, rather than melt the bodies?” With his limited knowledge, either option sounded equally plausible to him.

He didn't like being addressed as 'speaking cryptic' when he didn't know anything much more concrete either. “The ley lines carrying mana, something seems to be pulsing through it. I'm trying to see if it's going towards the hut or away from it. Whatever it is though, it's nothing good.” That was the most concrete answer he could give, as he used [Divine Senses E] yet again, now that they were a bit away, to see if he could get an answer to his own question, considering his previous attempted hadn't resulted in success.

He noticed the flying beastfolk leave the rest of the group, but he wasn't quite sure what to make out of what was happening in the distance that drew them in. He'd been too focused on these ley lines thus far.

E Grade Cool-downs (0/0)
Divine Senses – Magic Affinity E, Magic Range F, Religion E, Sixth Sense E, Energised E – Characters connection to the gods allows them to sense dangerous/evil magic and curses that might go unnoticed by others. - Grade E – 0 Post Cooldown.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

gmimperfecti Elvario Shadow Dancer saxon Elvario Orikanyo Shawazama

Yukan listened to the Shrine Maiden's back and forth with Ceylan. He could have answered himself but she handled it quite well. It was very understandable to him why Gyobu told him not to speak cryptically this was a serious high stress situation, where people's lives were at risk and the longer they spent not catching the perpetrator the longer.

As he walked he listened to Ceylan's way of explaining it. Unfortunately Yukan was not the most well versed in magic, it wasn't something he had spent much time investigating, nor was he capable of using it at least yet, at some point he would like to change that if it were possible since it seemed to have been incredibly useful for amany people as he had seen time and time again.

He thought that Ceylan's thoughts were interesting on the matter but the duality of possibilities was what made Yukan concerned to begin with they really weren't entirely sure what was going on. What he did know was that at least with Daisuke's spears AND Tadakatsu's spears near each other it was unlikely that anything would dare attack the people at least alone, they'd have to contend with all of those spear units, which was considerable. It was just unconscionable to him, the very notion. He couldn't run off with Indicus with all of his units in toe that would leave the people completely defenseless who were apparently quite easy to torture by whatever this witch was.

Yukan saw the birds spring into action not long after as he looked ahead, not having much time to add commentary to Ceylan and the shrine maiden's conversation. Since Yukan felt covered by the multitude of bow birds he immediately approached the body that Indicus had walked away from towards the man with the sword with Fast F enough to get him close enough to see what had happened exactly as he was still processing it all it was all so fast.

"Those who are not ranged, approach with added caution, there are potential hostiles..one has been dispatched it seems but someone has been severely injured." He said with Leadership F, He then noticed the body on the ground. Looking ab it surprised, that's what that blur had done..Indicus hadn't helped her but it looked liked he had realized it was too late.

"Sawazuki!" Yukan called out, coming over to her, who, why would anyone do something so horrible to her? She was so youthful. It was obvious she hadn't been behind all of this to him now, and he felt awful about the whole affair, perhaps she had been manipulated or controlled and used as a puppet. This was utterly sickening to him. with Republic of Kuridan Etiquette F and Republic of Kuridan Culture F he said quietly to no one in particular. "May you pass over the Sanzu River peacefully.." and seriously his face returning to a somber one, before he looked up quickly over at the tree that. He tightened his fists, now they were having deaths, this had to be stopped.

He moved again this time closer to the tree and Incidus, and the new comer, but stopped a distance away for safety reasons seeing the tree. "I appreciate you trying to stop that..figure from escaping but, I don't understanding what's transpiring here." Yukan said matter of fact looking towards anyone who may have had an idea of why the tree was eating the figure.

He looked towards Indicus, "Are you okay? Did you gather any insight?" Referencing what had been asked of him earlier to follow since it had been discrete.

He then looked towards the dog, "I apologize but given the circumstances, I must ask, Whats your family name? and why were you here?" He inquired He didn't mean to sound too demanding or rude thus the apology, but given what just happened he needed to know who this was and get the story straight quick.

Actions:
1. Tap into leadership F with general cautionary instruction.
2. Move towards Sawazuki
3. Move towards Indicus and Ko and ask for details.

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko Matatsu


​

"...Matatsu..." Ko answered the tanuki's question, regarding both of them with a light coldness, uncertainty in his eyes as he sized them both up. but he sheathed his sword in one flowing motion nonetheless. "I came, I saw, I acted. I have no knowledge of apparently carnivorous trees... But I do know that woman likely needs a doctor..." he pointed up to the woman who was.. very much bleeding out... Alone and untended to.. what were these men savages...?

"...Have you both any sense the tree can wait, it has a murderer and is apparently feasting, that WOMAN who was stabbed in the GUTS needs aid. Don't stand there looking at me like it's not a pressing matter! Shes some fancy lady surely her favor is akin to some benefit to you! Gods, i can practically hear her mewling over here.." the young man regarded them brashly, he had a running mouth but the gait of a trained warrior, and a hand that never left his sword's handle.

"OI! Anyone out there have a lick of DOCTORING should get their asses over here! We got a stabbed woman! And a.. APPARENTLY CARNIVOROUS TREE! Gods... Why does a swordsmaster's apprentice need to do this.. I'm about making this happen to folks not fixing it.." the young man grumbled as he walked on forwards, towards the injured woman.

"Well!? Healer! Now!

And that means now not later or when you feel like it!" he continued to bark out, all but ignoring the two men who spoke to him in favor of procuring some kind of aid. Though he had no clue about ongoing events elsewhere...

 

[Shadow Dancer]

Indicus laughed, it was a hollow laugh filled with his rage and self loathing as the memories of watching the person he failed to save not once but twice flashing through his mind even if most would not blame him for not carrying out miracles. Indicus' laughter quickly stopped as abruptly as it came as he looked at this Matatsu as he took out the dagger that killed Sawazuki. "Kind sir." Indicus bowed mockingly "I would not be here if that woman had not died in my arms. The dagger," Indicus emphasized the dagger he held. "our stranger used either had some toxin or was enchanted. Sawazuki died in less then two minutes abnormal for a gut wound I know."
Indicus decided to let his words settle in and worked to calm himself, he would find that witch somehow.

Orikanyo TheTimePiece

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan
​

Mentions: Ko Orikanyo | Yukan TheTimePiece | Indicus Shadow Dancer

Ceylan's focus snapped away from the ley lines when he heard a fellow doggo canine [beast] call out loud enough for him to realise just what exactly was going on in the near distance. Well, enough of it. Woman. Guts. Doctoring. Apparently Carnivorous Tree. Wait, those last three words didn't add up with the first three he'd heard. Then again, the first three were enough for him to spring to action, rushing over to where his fellow canine had been yelling from.

He figured Yukan and his troops could deal with that tree, whatever it was, so that he could focus on what he was good at. Still, it was difficult not to use all of his powers. With effort, he managed to hold back and used [mundane] healing (without catalyst/magic) methods to provide some first aid, but that wouldn't do much unless... “Put pressure on here, make sure that tree doesn't get to her.” He told the fellow canine that'd called out for a healer (Ko), the strange lizard (Indicus) and Yukan, assuming they cared enough to save this persons life. He'd also give them a few pointers (using his higher knowledge of healing) to see if they could help out based on his instructions.

From what he saw, the woman had a bad gut wound, yet healing wise, that might not be the most complex. Painful and deadly, but not to the degree it couldn't be healed. The poison might be the nastier thing, as he realised she was dying from something more than just a gut wound. It took him all the mental fortitude he could muster not to immediately use his healing powers at full, instead limiting himself to [Healing E] to see if he could at least stabilize her. Should that fail, however, he'd not think twice about trying again with [Healing D] to ensure her survival over all else. He'd break his Syncretist vows if he'd let someone die when he could've prevented it, after all, which were worth more to him than any promises he made to try to stay under the radar.

 

[Shadow Dancer]

Indicus sprinted (Fast F) the second he heard the implication of a possibility to save Sawazuki's life and started to do whatever the unknown medic needed him to do. "Just tell me what to do sir." With the hope to save her Indicus got some bandages he carried for personal use and using his experience (Survival F) applied pressure to the wound.


Elvario

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake

gmimperfecti Shadow Dancer Elvario Orikanyo saxon Shawazama ​

Yukan listened to what the stranger had to say. He had given a name to his credit, but his reason for being there didn't seem to be anything too specific. As soon as Matasu said that she needed healing, Yukan didn't have an initial response to Matasu when he went off on them, instead he listened with a serious expression on his face as perusual. Yukan really thought that was wishful thinking, he had been quite convinced whatever damage had been done was soon to be fatal from the trajectory of the attack and the powerful magics involved. As Indicus said, that was a reasonable assessment given the situation had it been a simple gut wound that might have been one thing, but it hadn't looked that way to Yukan.

"With all due respect as tragic as it is I'm inclined to agree with Indicus, it looked fatal, and we have a threat whose capable of targeting more people enmass their lives are on the line, there isn't time to-." Yukan tried to explain after Ko called out following after some, but he paused.

When he saw Ceylan approach and start to engage with Sawazuki, and speak to Ko, that was a good sign. Upon hearing about the tree, Yukan looked toward it once more as he headed over back towards Sawazuki. "You mean it's really possible? I thought I already saw Datsue-ba stripping her, if there's a chance...try to save her." Yukan. said earnestly before he continued

"I'll do whatever I can, Sawazuki, please hold on." He diligently got to work assisting where Ceylan how he wanted him too, every now and again looking towards the tree to make sure that it wasn't going to do anything problematic, ready at a split second to take his Yari out.

 

[gmimperfecti]

While the majority of those who came to Ceylan's call were minimal in their ability to assist, Yukan's encouraging words and Indicus survival training, helped focus and channel that healing capabilities that Ceylan could muster. Gyoubu was the biggest assist, her magics mingled with Ceylan's own. Gyoubu's magics were of the spring blossom and calming wind. She could call upon nature's embrace and organic poisons and harms of the body were strengths of hers. Ceylan's magics of the soul and heart worked in their own ways; however, neither brought the women back to full health. Her stomach wound closed and a bit of life returned to her.

Meanwhile the tree's cilia drew the body into it. Sap oozed out like syrup, dark and thick, filling in and over the cilia. The sap hardened like a scab, bark forming over the bulge were the body had been wrapped. The bark was ashen grey with fine, black filigree. The mosaic patterns pulsed in a rhythmic beat. Thump, thump. Thump, thump. A small crowd formed around the tree, watching as it continued to "incorporate" the fanny pack ninja.

Sawazuki blinked up at all the people hovering over her. "Ttthhaaannkkkss," she whispered, her word stretching out, before she started coughing. Blood formed at her lips and the action causing the wound at her gut to begin leaking blood and other fluids.

"What..." Gyoubu whispered, scrunching up her face. She put her hand upon Sawazuki's wound, "It's, something...hmm." She looked around, frowning.

"Pl..plea..see," Sawazuki said, stretching up a hand to point towards the tree. "Ss...sh..eee." Sawazuki panted, coughing, "In...in...the..." She coughed more blood. Gyoubu and the others worked on Sawazuki more, Ceylan's magics mixing with Gyoubu and the manual work of healing, survival, and rousing speeches continued to work on her. A minute later, she continued, "Bran..." more coughing, pointing at the distant tree, "Chesss." Her breathing came out in a wheeze, her lips once more wet with blood from the effort of trying to speak. "Tttooooo." More coughing.

Meanwhile focused on keeping Sawazuki alive, the bark formed over the lump that looked vaguely Tanuki shaped. There were lots of add lumps about this tree, ancient and tangled as it was. The branches shook in their own wind, independent of the wind's breeze. New buds formed on it's few remaining branches. They were like thick, thumb sized black caterpillar chrysalis, hundreds of them. Who knew what would blossom with the fresh new fertilizer it had been given?

"Hee," she gasped, grabbing a hand on her and squeezing, "Lp. Dr...dri..." The effort was too much. She looked to be on the mend, but extremely fragile. For every step forward, she seemed to take a half step back.

mentions: saxon Orikanyo Elvario Shadow Dancer Shawazama TheTimePiece

 

[Elvario]

Ceylan
​

Mentions: Ko Orikanyo | Yukan TheTimePiece | Indicus Shadow Dancer

With everyone else stepping in to help out, they were able to keep the woman alive without Ceylan needing to rely on high grades of healing. Still, it made shivers run down his spine. To prolong someone's suffering just so he could keep a low profile? Was that really the extend of his Syncretist pledges? He could probably get this woman out of her suffering with a single higher grade healing prayer, yet... He didn't. He hated himself for it, but he realised that keeping her alive was currently enough to at least not fully betray his vows without breaking his low-profile. That didn't mean he didn't feel horrible though, something his low-hanging tail and drooped ears were eager to betray. Perhaps he could just write it off as being saddened by the woman's condition in general.

Either way, the one positive was that she was still alive. He wasn't sure how much longer it would stay that way. Her words, however, thoroughly confused him. 'Thanks, please, she in the branches, too, help dri(nk)?' She wanted to head towards that foul looking tree? Not away from it? He needed to go through her words in his mind multiple times just to see if he was getting this right. “You... want to drink from something on the tree's branches?” That was his best guest. He truly hoped she'd shake 'no' yet he expected her to nod 'yes' instead. Perhaps the tree, evil as it seemed, would be able to provide some sort of antidote to whatever poison was coursing through her veins? He sighed, seeing her struggle, then made up his mind. If he wasn't going to commit to fully using his healing powers, the least he could do was trust in whatever she wanted.

He kept using his [Divine Healing E] on her to ensure she'd last long enough for whatever was about to happen to work out. “I'll do my best to keep her stable. Can someone please check if there's anything growing on the tree that she might be talking about? Fruits, nectar, sap, anything. The tree seem ominous to me, but it's the only thing I can think of.” He admitted, hoping the others would check the tree whilst he kept her as stable as he could.

Divine Healing E - Magic Affinity E, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Healing E, Religion E, Energised E - Character channels the powers of the gods to heal significant injuries. - Grade E - 0 Post Cooldown.

 

[Shadow Dancer]

Indicus found his part of the process over as Sawazuki seemed to not be in danger of dying as long as the healing was kept up and with the stranger and Gyoubu healing her she seemed to be barely on the mend. That is when Sawazuki pointed at the strange tree and said something akin to. She in the trees too, help dri... Indicus looked at the tree now blossoming and felt dubious about letting anyone drink whatever the tree produced but Sawazuki might know more about it then them. At the same time if whatever that tree produced was strong enough to heal someone on death's door then Indicus doubted it would be easy to acquire.

"You might be right, but if it is as strong as to bring someone in Sawazuki's condition back getting it will not be easy." Indicus took out a canteen filled with water and gave it to the healer "Take this she might just need something to drink."
Indicus stood , before approaching the tree and trying to figure out what on it that Sawazuki was telling them about or warning about.