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Post by Xynphos on Feb 9, 2015 4:01:47 GMT
Start Date: 5 Kythorn, 1372 DR (Spring) Yamatai Sakuya made her way to the land of Faerun in search of her father's killer, and the artifact he had stole. Her initial contact with the other half of the continent came by the way of Port Ghaast, a shady shipping village south of the Great Wild Wood. It had little to offer in the way of hospitality, and the people there seemed to give the armored female strange looks, but they took her coin all the same. After several frustrating days, she eventually found an information broker who told her that three days past a man came through the port with a blade similar to the one she described. Rumor was that the man was headed out of town towards the wood, and that only a brave soul could do such a thing, for the wood was infested with Centaur. Not much were know about the centaur by the people of Port Ghaast, except that you didn't go into the wood and come back the same, there was something that happened to unlucky sods who got lost in the wood. Most of the blame was placed on the only sentient species known to inhabit the wood, though scholars speculate otherwise. Regardless, Sakuya could not let superstition deny her the chance for revenge on her father's killer, and she set out from the dank little port town of Ghaast. The local cartographer was a kindly sort of fellow and gave her a basic map of the forest free of charge. Told her that the only pace of interest in the was towards the heart of the forest where several gates of stone stood ready, humming with magical power, for some unknown reason. Fastforward through the first day of travel and it was the Yamatai women's first evening in the forest that things started to get eventful. I'm going to need spot and listen checks.
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 9, 2015 4:23:13 GMT
Sayuka hears the snapping of a branch behind her. As she scans her surroundings she sees two tall, half horse, half men, approach her. "Whoah," says the one on the right, "Didn't mean to startle you miss. Name's Brand. We were just on patrol when we heard you over here. You know its dangerous to be alone in the wood at night. All kinds of scary things out here. Like my friend Cole here. You should seem him when the sun sets. Haha." Cole replies, "Yeah, well you need your beauty sleep too, you colt brain."
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 9, 2015 4:30:49 GMT
Sakuya knelt upon the forest loam, hands outstretched towards the small fire she'd created to keep the chilled air of night at bay. The days travels into the forest had gone well, indeed, she had encountered no resistance aside from a few small rodents who skittered about underfoot, and the occasional branch that tried to snare itself upon her clothing. Her mind occasionally drifted, wondering if the stories she'd heard were nothing more than superstition. But then, she was not one to blindly disregard the wisdom of others, especially in times such as this, when she had so little knowledge of her own to tend to. It would be a lie to say that, as she took rest in the grove for which she found herself, that there was not a temptation to press onwards, and attempt to gain ground on her quarry. But such action was more suited to a child, brash and lacking proper perspective. When the time came for her to face the unknown foe, she would need to be calm and centered, with a mind unclouded by fatigue or anger, so that the deed would not be tainted by such base feelings as vengance. There was no honor to be had down that road. So she would rest, and resume her travels at first light.
A single snapping branch would not be of much note to most, amid the many crying insects and woodland beasts who skirted on the edge of the firelight, but Sakuya's hands were already upon the hilt of her blade as she turned to see what had disturbed the tranquility of her rest. The Sight she encountered was a strange one, with beings that were unlike others she had seen. Confusion registrered on her features, if but for a moment, but then her more stoic expression returned. She removed the hand from her blade, but did not fully lower her guard. When meeting strangers after dark, it was unwise to offer trust to easier. But it was rude to offer distrust either. "This one appreciates your concern." She said standing up to address the two horse-men. "This one is unfamiliar with these lands, and apologies if she is intruding upon them." She gave a small bow, as a show of respect towards the two.
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 9, 2015 4:43:20 GMT
"No need to worry, little manling, we don't eat people like they tell you at the port. I find humans are too chewy anyways," replies Cole. Quickly Brand interjects, "He's joking of course. About the taste anyways, we really don't eat humans. So, what are you doing in the wood anyways? We don't get may visitors, though traffic has been more frequent of late. What was it, two days ago that we ran across another of your kind?" "Yeah," Cole replies, "now that you think about it, he had a sword kind of like yours. Lucky you didn't run into Tavir, heard the other guy sliced his brother up pretty good."
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 9, 2015 4:57:31 GMT
Sakuya did not laugh at the jokes, though she did smile slightly. It was nice to see these beings were not as hostile as the townsfolk had suggested. Truly, it was one of the great joys in life, to come across such good hearted strangers in one's travels. Their talk of the other person, however, instantly called up Sakuya's attention. "The one who carries the blade you speak of is a thief and murderer. This one has journey far seeking the one you speak of." The thought of the ancestral blade of her family being stolen was enough to anger Sakuya, but she felt true rage within her heart at thought of it being used to strike out against another in such an ignoble way. But she calmed herself again before continuing. "This one humbly asks your aid in pursuit of the one of whom you speak, before the thief does further harm to your people."
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 9, 2015 5:11:54 GMT
"Well, that's up to the elder really. I'd help you if it was up to me, but we have a strict, 'Don't stir things up the humans' policy," Said in a solemn tone, as if mocking someone. Cole does say, "We can take you to meet him, you don't need to be out here at night anyways. The portals are unstable." As he says this Brand shoots him a look, as if he'd said to much. "Yeah, it'll be faster if you hop on," Brant says, pointing to his back.
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 9, 2015 5:18:43 GMT
Sakuya nodded, understanding the importance of adhering to the traditions of one's culture, even if she'd have prefered to act with greater haste. Taking only a moment to snuff of the fire she'd kindled, and to secure her blades, she approached the one called Brant. There was a moment of hesitation, for though she had plenty of experiance riding horseback, riding a horse-man was a new experience. "Your Generosity is appreciated, kind sir" she said, mounting Brant and steading herself as she supressed her normal instincts to try and take hold of the non-existent reigns.
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 9, 2015 5:32:29 GMT
As Brand and Cole make haste, it becomes dark. You seem to recognize a lot of sharp turns, but neither horse-man made the need to explain it to you necessary. Though it was different than riding a horse, it was actually much easier than one could expect. The horse part of Brands body was under his complete control, moving as Sakuya bounces around to minimize the impact of the bumps. You stop in front of a large oak that must have been at least five hundred years old, when Brand says, "Dismount, and quickly. My brothers approach. They are curious."
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 9, 2015 5:37:48 GMT
Sakuya obeyed the instructions she was given, and quickly climbed down. She was uncertain why her hosts seemed so ill at ease, and hoped that the aid they had extended to her would not cause them ill among their fellows. It was difficult, being unfamiliar with their customs, to judge what was appropriate to do. So she simply kept her thoughts to herself, and followed the instructions she was given.
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 9, 2015 6:04:24 GMT
"Hail, Brand. Hail, Cole. Welcome back. I see you have brought a human to our doorstep. I trust you have good reason Son of Vulcan, Son of Igneous..." Says a smaller centaur, walking from around the ancient oak. A palpable silence hangs in the air as the words come out with a sort of hatred. "Indeed I do, Tavir, you would be wise to allow us to pass without hesitation. She is with us to see my grandfather. She is in pursuit of the one that harmed Ravir, and needs a guide through the forest. Do not be so quick to judge one based on the actions of another. Humans are as different as you and I." "Humph, very well." Tavir says as he places his hands to his mouth to make bird call. After the call is finished he says, "This way, your highness." With not respect in his tone at all.
Cole takes you aside says to you, "Brand must go ahead and explain the situation to our elder, you may follow me into the village. If I stand by your side, no harm will come to you. This is important, if you leave my side, your fate will be out of my hands. Now more than ever. This way."
He leads you to a giant waystone behind the ancient oak. It is about twice the height as Cole, who himself stands at a good hand above eight feet. It is well worn by the wind. Moss, ivy, and a singular beautiful pink flower grow upon the stone.
"We are in luck, the Yllvira is in bloom. The last time it bloomed was over two decades ago. Here," he says as the picks the flower. "For you. All I ask in return is your name, my lady."
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 9, 2015 6:26:45 GMT
Sakuya did not understand the ways that the centaurs ordered their society, but she could tell just from the tones used that Tavir was one whose words carried at least some weight, and so she humbly offered him a bow in greeting, hoping to avoid causing offense. She remained silent, however, and let the Centaurs speak among themselves. Shortly thereafter, she was granted passage, which seemed to be something of a rare privilege.
The space beyond the ancient tree was blocked by a massive stone. As instructed, Sakuya remained close to Cole, dutifully adhering to her position as his guest. The rock moss-covered stone was indeed beautiful to behold in the pale light that shone through the tree's. More so was the flower that Sakuya found herself offered. She accepted, before being told how grand a gift it truly was. She looked at the flower a moment, admiring the interplay of its petals, before giving a deep and reverent bow to Cole, her hands clasped together, one fist meeting an open palm. "This one has shamed herself, to accept such a grand offering and having such a meager thing to return as payment. This one is known Sakuya, of the Yamatai Clan"
With delicate care, Sakuya affixed the flower to her collar, where it could be displayed with pride. Had she possessed the skill, she would instead have interwoven it into her hair, but alas, such a feat was beyond her talents.
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 9, 2015 6:46:05 GMT
Cole leads Sakuya though some hanging moss into the Centaur village, and it was a sight to behold. To the west she could see a blacksmith hammering a spearhead, and the smell of the smoke that accompanied a forge. As he turned to the northwest, she sees a market of sorts, with fresh produce, except there were no vendors or merchants. Horse-men came and went grabbing what they pleased. Past the market true north was a magnificent structure. It seemed as though they had felled a giant tree and the longhouse was carved from the single piece of wood, the craftsman ship almost looked elven in a way. To the north east, there was a fountain flowing with crystal clear water. Around the fountain were several centaur children, playing, and splashing water upon one another. And to the straight west were the houses for lodging. Some made of stones stacked upon one another, and some with walls made from live trees.
He leads you to the fountain, and says "I have returned little ones, how are we today? Still as energetic as ever I see," while rustling the hair of one of the young boys.
Soon one of the the children approachs you, and say, "What is she Cole? She's beautiful. Can we keep her."
Cole says, "Miss Sakuya is not a pet, Grant, she is a human. This is your first time seeing one yes?"
"Mhmmm, Grant replies. She doesn't look evil like Tavir said."
"I told you not to listen to his stories, now run along and quit bothering our guest." Cole replies.
"By the way Mina was looking for you earlier," Grant says before running off to play with the other children some more.
"So, what do you think of out little village, Sakuya, daughter of Yamatai?" Cole asks.
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 9, 2015 15:48:18 GMT
Sakuya's normally ironclad expression cracked upon meeting the young children of the village, and a very warm, ernest smile crept onto her face. Even without asking, it was easy to see Sakuya's oponion of the village, and it was one she had no qualms about sharing. "Your home is far grander than its size would suggest, to live in such harmony, it is a blessing."
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 9, 2015 19:02:59 GMT
"Indeed it is, and I hope it stays that way. Which is why old Igneous needs to go ahead and make up his mind on whether to lend you aid or not. There is no way you will catch Bavir's attacker without a guide, and we are the only ones that can provide that assistance. Custom is custom though, I get a feeling you know about that." Cole replies.
As he finishes his remarks, a beautiful centaur woman approaches. She has long black hair, bright green eyes, and is about a half a foot shorter than Cole, though her demeanor would tell you otherwise. She gives you a quick once over, her eyes lingering on the flower you have for a moment, then a quick look of shock at Cole, then she says, "Cole, darling, grandfather has made his decision. He requests its presence at the hall to reveal his decision. Hehehe. Grandfather always did have a way of pleasing everyone. This way human"
Cole says, "Lead the way Mina, daughter of Vulcan, son of Igneous."
As Mina leads the way to the great hall carved out of the single tree, Cole explains, "Don't worry about her, she's just upset that she didn't receive the Yllvira. She's had a crush on me since we were colts. Don't take it personally."
You reach the hall and are escorted inside and Cole is told to wait outside. It is far more spacious in the inside than even its grand exterior would suggest. At the far end of the hall, what must have been at least one hundred and fifty feet from the entrance up a short ramp, stood a old centaur. His hair short, black, and with gray streaks. His eyes the same green as Mina's, with a scar going down his left cheekbone. To his right, stood Brand, not looking very satisfied. Mina took her place at his left. In front of Mina stood Tavir, a smug expression on his face.
Finally the old centaur speaks in a rich baritone, "Welcome to our humble abode Sakuya of the Yamatai Clan. I am Igneous, father of Vulcan, father of Brand, ruling elder of this village. The stars foretold of our meeting in the near future. I am glad to finally put a face to the name. Though it pains me to say so, we do not have very good relations with your people as of late, the humans that is. It is that relation that has bred mistrust upon your arrival, through no fault of your own. My heir, Brand, speaks on your behalf of this plight you face in catching this criminal. Would you care to tell me more?"
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 10, 2015 0:48:32 GMT
Sakuya bowed, her back parallel to the floor as she showed reverence towards the elder centaur. "It is a great honor, to be granted an audiance with you, most enlightened Igneous" Returning to her upright position, she began to explain the circumstances surrounding her travel. "Among this one's clan, no object is held in greater esteem then the Blade Of Our Founder, Lord Yamatai Izanagi. It is for this reason, this humble daughter of the Yamatai clan has come to these lands, to reclaim the blade and restore it to its place amongst this one's people." She paused a moment, as the memory of the terrible day flashed before her "And to enact retribution against the criminal, for the crime of stealing not only the ancestral blade, but the lives of this ones beloved father and brother."
Eyes tempered like the steel of her blade, Sakuya met the gaze of the elder, and the two centaur who stood beside him. "In this task, any aid to be offered would be most welcome, but this one will not ask others to shoulder these burdens, nor to violate their customs. You have already shown this one a great kindness, and it would be dishonorable to ask for more"
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 10, 2015 19:27:17 GMT
"You are very humble, young Sakuya, but I fear it is as Tavir has warned me." A smirk comes from Tavirs face towards you. "You seek this man out of vengeance, and not some whole hearted dedication to good," continues the centuar elder. "You cannot be serious grandfather," Brand interrupts. The elder coughs twice, "BUT, neither is your cause wholly unjust, for he has committed a heinous crime against your family. I am sure any of us here would not deny we would do the same in a hoofbeat, if the situation arose. Alas our customs regarding aid to outsiders forbid us from helping all but the purest of causes. I am sure you can see our delima, yes?"
Silence hangs in the air for a couple of seconds.
"I see you wear the Yllvira, it is said only to bloom upon the presence of one that can be trusted by our people, and you seem to be an able enough warrior to have made it this far from your homeland, unaccompanied no less. It is for this reason that I invoke the ancient tradition of Rhai-Lieh. It would translate to 'Aid in exchange for greater Aid'. Those whom complete the task set before them are to be considered one of our own for purposes of aid, and you would be welcome here at any time in the future. Do you accept this challenge, Sakuya, Daughter of Yamatai?"
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 10, 2015 19:38:10 GMT
Sakuya blinked a moment, before flatly answering "No". Certainly, that was unlikely to be the answer that. "This one's blade is not something that can be bought or traded for". For several seconds, Sakuya stood in silence, reading the expressions on the centaurs faces. It was only after this that she continued. "If this one's words were unclear, she extends her apologies. The Way, that is the teachings of The Way, instruct us to give of ourselves freely to those who have need of it. If this one's blade can be of use to your tribe, it is given freely. You owe this one no debt in exchange"
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Post by Xynphos on Feb 10, 2015 20:02:18 GMT
"Well, I guess the time for pleasantries and tradition is over then. Out with it. The Rhai-Lieh is more of a ritual that cements our trust in one another, rather than an exchange of services. It is only offered up in times of great peril. Some of our traditions date back a thousand years , and have not changed in all that time. Alas, it does not stop the world from changing. Perhaps it was I that was unclear. It is our way of saving face with other peoples. We are in need of assistance. This hamlet, in particular, has had many troubles of late with a demon stalking the surrounding forest, picking off our patrols one by one. None of us, not even our best tracker, Cole, has been able to locate the beast, or even return from the hunt until today. Indeed, it was only a matter of time before we would have had to resort to sending one of our own into the uncertainty of the port village to seek aid in this matter. I humbly ask you again, with true honesty and in the name of my father Perpherous, his father Boros before him. Will you aid us in our plight against this demon that haunts us, even though your quarry my further escape your grasp?"
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Post by Yamatai Sakuya on Feb 11, 2015 3:36:00 GMT
Sakuya was, again, puzzled. In her mind, she had just made it clear that she would indeed do so. Rather, she was willing to help because they needed her aid, not because they could help her in her journey. The distinction was a subtle one, since both interpretations lead to identical outcomes. Regardless, she was willing to simply push past the cultural barrier, and nodded her head. "This one will see the demon removed from these lands"
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