Chapter 1: Travel by Night

[Cadogan Trahem]

You're snapped from your dream by a gentle shake from a servant girl.

"Miss. Miss! It is time for your departure." You sit up, over the several hours of your sleep you had unimaginable dreams, and now a cold sweat has made its way to your brow. The Servant girl bows and leaves you to get ready.

Inside your room are the several objects which you've been given to accomplish your goal, the leather armour, the fighting wheel, and a map of the secret route taken by the Chiang daughter. The food and drink is by-now no doubt already mounted on your horse and waiting for you in the compound.

There is also a letter written in Master Li's hand writting, opening the scroll a small charm falls to the table side.


"My Dear,

So fast have you grown up that i've neglected to accept the changes in your life and have often found myself suprised by them. Lord Chiang, as you no doubt now know, is a personal aquaintence of mine from years back. The return of his daugther is as much a desire of mine as it is of his, please succeed in your task but do not put yourself in any unnessesary danger. I have included a lucky charm to guide you.

Master Li."

[Maeko]

Still a bit shaken by the dream, I read Master Li's letter many times, moved by his care and concern.

Then I reverently put on the small monkey-shaped jade pendant, hiding it under my shirt.

Feeling keenly the thing's small weight and movement, I then double check my equipment before going to look for my horse.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You move out of your compound to find your horse all suited up and ready for you, with a familiar face standing by. It's the soldier from the night before who helped you prepare.

"I take it all is ready?" He asks giving you your pack and a help onto your horse.

"Take this gate and when you cannot see the lantins of the Chiang fort, you know it is safe to begin on your course. Good Luck." He concludes.

[Maeko]

" Thank you", I bow to him as well as I can from horseback, then, without further delay I nudge my mount forward.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You kick your horse into a fast pace and ride hard. Taking out the map that was given to you by the Chiangs you ride hard for the remainder of the night and late into the day when you finally let your horse rest. You have covered much in one day but so far there is no sign of the caravan or its missing occupants.

After you rest you mount up and ride again untill late in the night when you finally rest. Being alone in the dark wilderness is uneasy but you manage to sleep awaking early in the morning you eat some food and feed your horse before mounting and riding hard again - this day you do not stop riding after a few hours and instead press your horse onward.

Soon enough you come a river ford, a caravan appears on the side of the road, and dead bodies lay around under many sets of foot prints. If you where a normal passerby you would have thought everyone in the Caravan had died, however you do not see a young female who matches the description of the princess, and this surely must be her caravan.

You are taken by suprise from a war cry and a volley of arrows all which narrowly miss you. You turn to see a small band of men, two drawing more arrows, a further three who are reading their Kwan Do's. They appear to be a small band of Black Tigers.

Initative Order:
Xiao Hu
Black Tigers

(note, you are still mounted, less then 50ft from the group of men, they are however up a steep enbankment.)

[Maeko]

I look for such cover as can be found here (dismounting if necessary), draw my Nu and prepare to pepper with bolts as many Tigers as possible, starting with the ones throwing arrows.

If there is enough cover, I'll try to move after each shot, so as not to give them an immobile target.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You dismount off your horse and draw your crossbow and reach for a bolt ready to load it as soon as you have the time.

Meanwhile three of the Bandits make their way down the hill-side slowly, one of the falls and slides to the bottem but otherwise seens unharmed. All three men are less then 20ft from you. Up on the hill side the arches draw more arrows and fire down at you one narrowly misses your left leg, while the other narrowly misses your horse which reels back at the sudden shock and trots away from the apparent danger only to stop once it has reached the safety of near by trees.

[Maeko]

I shot and move trying to separate them, always using cover to my best advantage

[Cadogan Trahem]

You load a bolt into your Nu, backing away as quick as yo can while doing so you take aim and release a bolt which flies straight across at the advancing bandits. The bolt thumps through one of their light robes and strikes the man down where he stood. He squirms on the ground holding the bolt but does not stand instead he just lays there and bleeds before stopping to move.

The last man charges towards you his Kwan-Do lashing, its razor sharp edge comes close to you as the man slashes it through the air. The other man who fell earlier takes his time to stand before advaning steadily towards you Kwan-Do ready. Up on the rise the two arches draw more arrows and take careful aim and let them fly. One comes between you and your attacker who then takes a second to glance to the rise. The other flies off into the riverbed the arrow must have been poorly made.

[10ft from one Bandit (Reach Weapon), 15ft from the other, 55ft from the Archers]

[Maeko]

I'll change to my fighting wheels and go for the nearest bandit hoping to take im down or at least incapacitate him before having to worry about the others, I try to keep him between me and the archers.

I will not let Master Li down!

[Cadogan Trahem]

You drop your Nu and draw your fighting wheels and advance towards the closest bandit, slashing at him twice with the circular weapons. He paries one blow with his Kwan-Do, raising the shaft above his head as you slash downward but is unable to avoid the second attack which slashes across his cheast. The man stumbles backwards before falling down into a seated position he grasps at his stomach before falling on his side.

The third man with a Kwan-Do advances towards you in a furious charge, he lashes at you and catches your arm, you recoil in pain as the pole weapon lashes against your exposed skin causing a wound. Meanwhile the two Archers having seen their comrads fall draw Do's and advance down the hill towards the bottem.

[10ft from Bandit with Kwan-Do, over 20ft from two with Do]

You took 5 damage (already has been deducted on your sheet) you're at 12/17 HP

[Maeko]

I attack again the remaning bandit with the kwan do, I hope to finish him off and then have the time to mount and distance the other two.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You attack the man on the ground finishing him off, before turning to try find your mount, it however is over 100ft away looking quite scared. The other two men charge at you with their Do's, one man thrusts but you are faster and turn his blade aside with your Fighting Wheel, you denied it the blood which it was looking for. The other man slashes at you but his blade is turned back by an invisible force which surounds your newly aquired Leather armour, although weak the magic was enough.

An Arrow comes flying out some near by woods and hits one of the men you are fighting, you turn to see more Black Tigers. But why are they attacking themselves? You ponder as another arrow barely misses the second man.

[Maeko]

I attack again, hoping to finish this fight qickly and then catch my mount.

Why should be they attacking their own? Two factions? A ruse? If they had joined forces they would have taken me down easily...

[Cadogan Trahem]

You attack the second man, downing him with one attack. You turn and move towards your mount steadily, quietly but hastely as not to scare the creature you however remain aware of the second group of Black Tigers. As you approch you see a third group of Black Tigers come out of the scrub, one grasps your mounts reigns and holds the horse steady.

All of a sudden there is a thunderious crash in the skies, you and everyone around you peers upwards at the rapidly appearing thunder storm clouds. Lightning begins to thunder down but no there is no rain... and finally there is a cold feeling. You turn to see a gate to the darkest of places appear before you, the fabrick of space and time sunder under the force. Through the gate appears a creature of horror and misery.

Your heart beats faster and faster and fear grips at your throat as the creature fully emerges from the gate. You fall to your knees and begin to shake violently. The creature towers into the sky by atleast 12ft. Its body resembles that of a winged reptile, its head that of a human, its mouth filled with razor sharp teeth and two horns protrude from its head. Its claws black and stained with the blood of hundreds of battles.

Cornugon devil of the deepest hells! The thoughts race through your mind the creature strides forward and raises its claw to strike you down. However it pauses, a blue green light from your chest shines through your shirt. Reaching up you pull out the charm Master Li gave you, it explodes with light and a single beam lances towards the creature and strikes it in the head. There is a shattering sound before the charm burns out and turns black.

The creature remains but roars as thought a great burden was lifted. It glares at you, its eyes penetrating your very being.

"Thank you little one, you have freed me from my bondage to another." There is a blinding flash and when you look again the creature is gone, the stormy skies clear you glance around however and find that the black tigers, although amazed remain. None however make a hostile move towards you.

[Maeko]

Forcing myself to walk steadily I approach the one holding my horse and take the reins (OC or try to).

[Cadogan Trahem]

As you approch the men, you reach for your horse the man doesn't stop your attempts but asks.

"Who are you?" You grasp your horse reigns but he does not let go.

Meanwhile behind you some of the black tigers are looking over the bodies of the men you killed.

[Maeko]

" A simple traveller going on her common life" I answer, careful to let my low-class accent show.

" Excuse my boldness, do you know what that 'thing' was?"

[Cadogan Trahem]

"Yes. It was a Cornugon - an evil creature from the Hells, you are lucky to live. Such creatures have little care for human life." The man answers you bluntly. "And I don't think a simple traveler would have the skill you've displayed, nor would one become the target of imposters." The man concludes. He glances behind you, and you peer. One of the man standing near one of the bodies shakes his head.

"Like I said, imposters."

[Maeko]

" They attacked me on sight, as to my skills...even a simple traveler might be too big a bite for such scum, they miscalculated.
Have you dealt with such imposters before?" I decide to meet bluntness with bluntness, " Was that" (nodding towards the caravan attack site), " their work or yours?".

[Cadogan Trahem]

"People do not generally attempt to pass themselves off as Scum, no us Scum have not had to deal with such imposters before, they have been hear waiting for days. As for the wreakage, it is a complicated matter for one such as yourself. Simple Traveler." The man replies, behind him the two men scower the bodies of the dead before one approches with a Do in hand.

"What is it?" The man infront of you asks.

"It is marked Black Crane, see." The man holds out the sword pointing to the blade just bellow the hilt.

"Lim?" The Black Crane mentions the family name.

"It would appear so." The second man replies.

[Maeko]

I stand, apparently calm, and wait, pondering at the discovery and trying to dig up whatever I ever heard from Lord Chiang about the Lim, not much.

'Black Crane' has misunderstood my insult, who referred only to the scarce abilities of my opponents, but trying to set things right now would only make me appear farful or apologetic ...

[Cadogan Trahem]

"Why would Lim disguise themselves as us?" Black Crane questions.

"We can only assume to mislead someone." The second man replies, before both look at you at the same time.

"Oh, Simple Traveler. Tell me, where were you headed?" Black Crane asks.

[Maeko]

"Right here" I drop any pretense now " to discover what had happened. It seems the Lim have thought better of a deal they made and are trying to get you blamed...

Are the Black Tigers intererested in setting things straight? I cannot believe 'Brothers of the Marshes' are glad to be passed off as common bandits and robbers".

OOC I use the slang for 'outlaws' as in band of outsiders with honour (Robin-Hood-like)

[Cadogan Trahem]

"This 'deal' you speak of, it involves Princess Kim of the Chiange family and her marriage to a Lim noble does it not?" The man behind you asks the rtheoric question. Having already guessed your mission he continues.

"Black Crane, we should return to camp. There we can talk with this person in safety."

"I agree Black Tiger." comes the reply, and its painfully obvious that the man behind you is the leader of this little band of men.

"Follow us, try to keep up, do not stray or you might never see the sun rise tomorrow." Black Tiger addresses you before him and his men move into the bamboo forest beyond the road.

[Maeko]

I nod agreement and follow them

[Cadogan Trahem]

You and the troop press onward into the forests, and after nearly an hour you are completely lost as to where you are. People in your troop come and go as they please, disappearing into the forest only to appear ahead or behind the group. As you press onward everyone stops and pauses quietly, even you for you thought you heard something.

And again, ahead you can hear the sounds of a pitched battle! The group picks up the pace and rushes into the forest, soon coming across the Black Tiger encampment where a terracotter warrior is running on the rampage destroying everything. Many of the Black tigers stand to oppose it but none are having luck at slowlying the construct...

[Maeko]

I draw my fighting wheels again and join the fight; we'll have time to talk later and I tend to trust these men.

Fighting their enemy could bring a little more openess on their part

[Cadogan Trahem]

Black Tiger begins to order his troops about as he charges for the animated terrecotta warrior drawing his weapon on the fly, he hacks into it and reguardless of the hit the Warrior does little but chip. Black Crane focuses his 'Chi intently and begins to recite passages of forgotten lore before throwing his hand towards the area where the battle is fought. The Roots of the trees, the grass, the vines, they all come to life and lash about violently grabbing onto anything they can. The animated creature is held tight by the bindings. Four more Black Tiger members charge in Do's raised and slash at the creature, but none manage to even scratch the creature.

You draw your fighting wheels and head for the fight, moving slower then normal not to get entangled in the living vines you approch the creature and slash it twice, your first attack hits, and sparks fly as terrecotta and enchanted steel meet leaving a small but definate crack in the creature. Your other swing hits with equal visual effect but on a second look your attack did nothing at all!

The Warrior thrashes violently hitting a near by Black Tiger sending the man flying where he lays but doesn't get up. Black Tiger curses and strikes again and again, putting a decent sized crack on the size of the creature. Black Crane rushes around to where the wounded man lay, placing his hands over the mans chest he focus' his 'Chi once more and watches as the wounds begin to mend at an accellerated rate.

Black Tiger: 17
Black Crane: 16
Black Tigers: 14
Maeko: 13
Terracotta Warrior: 9

[Maeko]

I drop the useless fighting wheel and attack again with the magic one.

"Only magic steel damages it! Those who can't hurt it have better stay away!"

[Cadogan Trahem]

You shout your warning and several black tigers back away but stay near to give assistance. Throwing your fighting wheel to the ground to strike at the creature again smashing more of the clay creature away.

Black Tiger attacks with his Do, hitting the creature twice and crumbling more but reguardless the animated warrior still stands. Black Crane speaks ancient words and the weeds and roots of trees spring to life striking at the clay creature binding it to the ground, however the smiles are soon wasted as you yourself and the remaining black tigers find themselves trying to avoid animated plants which try to bind them, several men unable to dodge the weeds as you do.

The Terricotta Warrior turns its rage towards you and you find yourself trying to dodge two sledge hammer like fists. You duck one and try to weave another but find yourself unable to. The fist hits home and the wind is knocked from you. Such a blow could have easily slayed a man, but instead you roll with the blow and and let your armour absorb much of the impact - reguardless you believe a few ribs have fractured and nearly fall unconcious from the pain.

Maeko: You took 9 damage (Sheet Updated)

Black Tiger attacks again, heaving an arm off the creature for good measure, meanwhile Black Crane makes a rush for you. At first you don't understand why but as blood rushes from your mouth it becomes clear. He puts his hand on your chest and another on your back - soon warm flowing energies enter your body and you feel your vitality return slowly but surely as the blood stops and you feel your bones returning to their positions...

Maeko: You where healed for 14 HP (Sheet Updated)

[Maeko]

As soon as I can I stand, and, with a nod of gratitude to Back Crane, re-enter the fight.

[Cadogan Trahem]

As You stand and prepare to enter combat, Black Tiger slices another hunk out of the creature, and Black Crane casts a spell on his weapon enchancing it with a glowing blue flame. The remaining Black Tigers back away slowly from the creature as their leaders take over the fight.
You stand and attack the creature but miss poorly, your sense of direction muddled up after your crushing wounds. The clay creature attempts to attack Black Tiger but the man easily dodges aside as the animated warrior smashes the ground where he once stood.

In the distance you can hear a cry of a women and you search, seeing a young lady in noble attire, looking at the fight with worry. She is being escourted by several black tigers away from the battle. Black Tiger backs away and heads after he, Black Crane steps forward to take his place and puts a powerful blow on the creature crippling one of its legs.

Despite the large ammount of damage, this terracotta warrior still fights on. Although badly damage, it is missing an arm and looks near finished.

Black Tiger: 17
Black Crane: 16
Black Tigers: 14
Maeko: 13
Terracotta Warrior: 9

[Maeko]

I try to clear my head and, as soon as I can, signal to Black Crane I'm ready to take over

So there she is, young Miss Chiang; and she seemed mighty worried about Black Tiger too.

I think Lord Chiang won't be too pleased...

[Cadogan Trahem]

You join the Melee with Black Crane and he moves aside but remains in combat with the beast.

"If we take it together we can defeat it faster." He says towards you as he moves aside preparing to attack, his attack misses however and likewise yours does too as the clay warrior breaks free of the magical plant-like bounds which held it to the spot. It swings violently thrashing in a berserk rage at several near by Black Tigers but missing all of them as the agile man jump clear in time.

[Maeko]

I nod to Black Crane with an apologetic shrug, then stand ready to renew my attack as soon as I can.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Together you and Black Crane strike at the beast which finally falls to the ground and shatters into millions of peices. A Single terracotta hand of the warrior begins to shake as though still alive but fractures with cracks and moves no longer.

"Well done stranger." Black Crane says as he moves away towards Black Tiger and the one you guess to be the young Chiang you where sent to find.

(I owe you experience and will work it out and inform you OOC and add it to your sheet at that time i've lost my DMG :()

[Maeko]

I bow in answer to Black Crane: "I couldn't have helped, but for your healing", I then stand, checking my weapons, waiting for Black Tiger to spea.k

[Cadogan Trahem]

Experience Added; (Battle 1) 300, (Battle 2) 100 (Total) 400

*will update further later today*

[Cadogan Trahem]

*sorry for delay*

The leader of the bandits approaches you, the young noble staying behind him close to Black Crane who checks the women for wounds.

"Earlier today you spoke that you searched for a certain noble. You have found this noble," He points to the young maid behind him. "This is Princess Kim of the Chiangs, but I must press the question of why you have searched this noble out." Black Tigers words are cold and filled with no emtions, it is hard to tell what he is playing at although he does seem to be prepared for anything - including hostile action.

[Maeko]

I stare at him, trying not to look intimidated.

" The princess' honoured father is worried. He believes the Black tigers kidnapped her to cause trouble with the Lims.

Lord Chiang had charged me with discovering what happened and rescuing the princess".

I pause, apparently relaxed but ready to react.

" No doubt you have sources ables to confirm my words.

I would like to know your side of the story, though..."

[Cadogan Trahem]

"I assure you there was no kidnapping of Kim, she came here of her own free will. As for causing troubles with Lim, I believe its her choice to decide who she is to be wed with, and if Lim should disagree then that is Lim's problem."

The man doesn't allow too much details but gives you something to work with.

[Maeko]

I'm rather shocked at his casual view of family obligations, how can one consider all the factors involved in marrying when herself is concerned? It's the parents duty to arrange a suitable wedding.

Although I keep my thought on the matter to myself.

" Lord Chiang would want proof that his daughter is safe and that the Lims were involved in her attempted kidnapping".

[Cadogan Trahem]

"The Lim's want nothing but to expand their control, this marriage would do nothing but concieve their future pla-" Before Black Tiger can continue Kim steps forward and begins to speak.

"I would choose who I wed, when I wed and why I wed. I would not wed for political or military conviencies. These traditions mean nothing to me and my parents are wrong in trying to force them upon me!" Kim's outburst causes a bit of a shock to some of the men around her, Black Crane steps forward from behind Kim and the wise man puts both hands on her shoulders. Kim instantly turns her angry head away from you and looks to the ground and its apparent she is in deep sorrow.

"Kim has expressed her views for herself. We too, the Black Tigers of these woods, support her and her love for our leader. Noble traditions tainted by the 'Chi of political sorcerers are not worthy of respect." The old man falls silent, and Black Tiger nods in agreement.

[Maeko]

" I am not in a position to argue, but I cannot go back empty-handed claiming princess Kim refused to come back.

Lord Chiang would be right to have me flogged as a liar, and I would not have my Master and my chosen family lose face like this. May I ask for a note from the princess to her father, stating her view of the matter? That, and proof that the false black tigers are Lim's men should suffice".

[Cadogan Trahem]

"You could take the weapons of the false tigers with you..." begins Black Crane. "Those bear the markings of the house Lim, a foolish mistake but one which will provide you with evidence."

"Or better yet." Black Tiger interupts. "We could tell Chiang himself."

"But!!" Kim begins but Black Tiger puts his hand out to stop her.

"Your father wouldn't accept word of your safety unless it came from you yourself, he would continue to send people this this to find you." He indicates towards you. "And Lim themselves have harashed us enough, this animated warrior is proof enough, we cannot hold of other such attacks by ourselves. Your father would also like to know what plans Lim has for the furture, especially plans which involve his land..."

Black Tiger finishes his speach, and Black Crane nods in agreement before turning towards you.

"Is this acceptable to yourself? And is there anything you wish to know before we begin our journey?"

[Maeko]

I bow low to them all.

" It is more than acceptable, you have my deep thanks".

[Cadogan Trahem]

"We should leave immediately, our safe haven in these forests are no longer. The Lim's will indeed only send more to pound us down untill we make foolish mistakes." Black Tiger says.

"Even know, the sorcery of the Lim's watches us and I am not able to block their scrying." Replies Black Crane.

"I worry more for my family," Kim speaks up, "If the Lims are aware of our moves now, then perhaps they are willing to use a less then tactful means to their evil ends."

"I worry too Kim, Lim's plans for conquest must cease however we seem to be trapped in a corner. The only way out is to fight our way out." Black Tiger says to his love. "You there, what is your name? Whatever it is, we will need you more then ever. My scouts do not know how to travel to Kim's home, and Kim herself has never bothered to learn the way. So we need you to lead us." The man says with a stern face. "After all traveling in a group is safer then traveling alone."

[Maeko]

" My name is Xiao Hu", she almost smiles at the sudden reaction of some of the men, " as in 'young fox', not 'young tiger'. I will do my best to guide you safely".
Then she turns and starts checking her horse and weapons, ready to go as soon as the others are ready.

[Cadogan Trahem]

The Black Tigers pack their gear and prepare to head out, they do their best to lead you back to the first battle scene from their jungle hide away.

Coming out of the jungle just a short way up the road the first thing you notice is that the ground is torn up as though a torrant of horses, men and carrages passed the road no less then 4 hours ago. From the horse prints, they are heading towards the same destination as yourself, and juding from the size, its either an extremely large merchant caravan, or a small army.

All the black tigers express their interest as well.

"I think its best we ride hard and fast, and try to take whatever shortcuts which may show themselves to us. I suspect Lim is making a move against Chiang." Black Tiger speaks to you in hushed tons not to scare his love, Kim.

[Maeko]

" Yes, probably they guessed their ruse has been discovered", answers Xiao Hu, turning her horse away from the road and looking for a reasonably clear path.

" I doubt they'll be very fast with a force this size, though, and Lord Chiang is no fool".

She feels a pang at the idea that Master Li and her 'family' might be caught in a clan feud, with no more words Xiao Hu devotes her full attention to guiding the Black Tigers.

[Cadogan Trahem]

See new thread when I post it.