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[IC Thread] A Wanderer's Romance - The Emerald Sea
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On the Emerald Sea - Prologue
Another rolling wave lapped up against the side of the boat, splashing the four passengers again. The tiny boat's fat pilot spat another mouthful of saltwater back into the opaque, green ocean.
"Okunu Island, not far now" he announced before spitting over the side of the boat again.
In fact the island had been in plain sight for some time now, a mess of dark green jungle bordered by glittering sand. Just above the trees the top of a flat peak stood, brilliant white. This was the largest island for some distance, standing a dozen miles in diameter, as if to tease the hungry ocean that had swallowed so many before. As the island approached the air grew warmer, the damp smell of soil and leaves coming with it.
The sail creaked and pulled as the wind picked up, the boat nearing the small dock on the island's shore. The passenger's thoughts interrupted by a wave crashing against the side of the boat, spraying them with cool seawater yet again.
A few general rules.
Character Quick-Reference
Another rolling wave lapped up against the side of the boat, splashing the four passengers again. The tiny boat's fat pilot spat another mouthful of saltwater back into the opaque, green ocean.
"Okunu Island, not far now" he announced before spitting over the side of the boat again.
In fact the island had been in plain sight for some time now, a mess of dark green jungle bordered by glittering sand. Just above the trees the top of a flat peak stood, brilliant white. This was the largest island for some distance, standing a dozen miles in diameter, as if to tease the hungry ocean that had swallowed so many before. As the island approached the air grew warmer, the damp smell of soil and leaves coming with it.
The sail creaked and pulled as the wind picked up, the boat nearing the small dock on the island's shore. The passenger's thoughts interrupted by a wave crashing against the side of the boat, spraying them with cool seawater yet again.
The passengers have a few minutes to ponder or discuss their journey before they reach the dock. Include a description of your character's current appearance in this too. You're likely to have heard of Okunu island and know it has a couple of settlements on it. Make sure you've read this post before you do anything.
A few general rules.
- If contradictory posts are posted while both players are writing the earlier post will get narrative priority. However, this can be mostly avoided if you write up your posts in a new tab and quickly refresh the thread before you actually post to make sure you've not missed something.
- Splitting up the group is fine but use your judgement on whether or not it's going to make the game too hard to follow. I wouldn't really want to be keeping track of three or more different locations over an extended period of time but branching off temporarily is all good.
- I'm going to do my best to handle the "spotlight" well in this game, as the system often puts a temporary focus on one character over the others. This is never likely to be for an extended period of time, so be patient when it's not on you and considerate when it is.
- When it comes to a duel remember on your attack you need to announce your Style, whether you're attacking or focusing and if you have focus remember to announce when you want to release it. If you're defending remember to announce your style before rolling, as well as if you're releasing focus. If you get hit you have to roll the damage roll yourself, remembering to check for any special effects from your attacker's Style. If the attack doesn't defeat or stagger you then you can go straight into making your own attack.
Character Quick-Reference
Shinriki (Simonwolf)
Air: 1
Earth: 1
Fire: 3
Water: 1
Balance: 3 (1)
Specialities: Husbandry, Storytelling.
Philosophy: It does not matter who is right, it matters who is left.
Weapons: Glaive
Armour: 2
Styles: Leaping Viper Student
Two-Colour Shu (Streever)
Air: 0
Earth: 0
Fire 3:
Water: 3
Balance 2
Specialities: Painting, Calligraphy
Philosophy: Reconcile the contradictory by acting with a clear mind.
Weapons: Staff
Armor: 0
Styles: Burning Calm, Student
Equipment: Pen, ink, paper.
Ma Daoning, Singing Sword (Infidel)
Air: 1
Earth: 1
Fire: 1
Water: 3
Balance: 3 (2)
Specialities: Dance, Strategy
Philosophy: If you are in a hurry you will never get there.
Weapons: Curved Sword
Armour: 1
Styles: Dragonfly's Weave Student
Xin, Wandering Monk (ElSkid)
Air: 1
Earth: 1
Fire: 0
Water: 4
Balance: 2
Specialities: Archery, Meditation
Philosophy: Emotion cannot be trusted; Act and react with your mind unclouded, and you will be successful.
Weapons: Staff, Bow
Armour: 0
Styles: Willow Branch, Student
Air: 1
Earth: 1
Fire: 3
Water: 1
Balance: 3 (1)
Specialities: Husbandry, Storytelling.
Philosophy: It does not matter who is right, it matters who is left.
Weapons: Glaive
Armour: 2
Styles: Leaping Viper Student
Two-Colour Shu (Streever)
Air: 0
Earth: 0
Fire 3:
Water: 3
Balance 2
Specialities: Painting, Calligraphy
Philosophy: Reconcile the contradictory by acting with a clear mind.
Weapons: Staff
Armor: 0
Styles: Burning Calm, Student
Equipment: Pen, ink, paper.
Ma Daoning, Singing Sword (Infidel)
Air: 1
Earth: 1
Fire: 1
Water: 3
Balance: 3 (2)
Specialities: Dance, Strategy
Philosophy: If you are in a hurry you will never get there.
Weapons: Curved Sword
Armour: 1
Styles: Dragonfly's Weave Student
Xin, Wandering Monk (ElSkid)
Air: 1
Earth: 1
Fire: 0
Water: 4
Balance: 2
Specialities: Archery, Meditation
Philosophy: Emotion cannot be trusted; Act and react with your mind unclouded, and you will be successful.
Weapons: Staff, Bow
Armour: 0
Styles: Willow Branch, Student
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Sprawled out as much as he could on the cramped ship, Shinriki told his story to the others, lazily letting one hand drift a few inches down in the green ocean's water. Whether the others were listening or not did not truly matter to him, it was all a matter of letting the others know he was the big man on this boat. The fact that the word "bear" in his island's dialect didn't mean the same thing in the common tongue hardly mattered.
"But I left that island, you see," he continued, pulling himself upright, "Decided that being lord-king of the spirit-bears wasn't quite the right lifestyle for me. So here I am."
He glanced out at the island, listening to the sounds of the boat and water colliding. This boat had the right idea. It just pushed on through whatever splash the sea threw at it.
That was Shinriki's aim.
Stretching and cracking his neck, Shinriki banged the staff his pudao on the hull of the vessel they had been trapped on for all these stinking hours. "Oiiiii, boatman" he gruffly spoke, "How about you drop us off somewhere with some booze, huh? Need to drink away the memory of this godawful ship."
Brandishing his weapon like an oaf, barking like a dog. Probably cares more about the drink and women than fighting, intimidating the weak as he sees fit. Ma Daoning evaluated him further. Seems to have some physique at the least, but unrefined and unforged. What waste.
Breaking the near-silence that Ma had maintained other than curt responses, he interjected as Shinriki addressed the ship.
"It is not the ship or the water that I would consider godawful this voyage. We have arrived at last, thank the gods."
It was out of annoyance but Ma wasn't one to tolerate the crude. He wondered again if this island would be a futile search like the others.
"I'm sure that we will get there soon enough, oh one who tells grand tales. I'm sure your majesty will be able to bear another few minutes at sea. In the spirit of friendship, allow me to introduce myself- I am Xin, wandering monk and overlord of absolutely nothing."
"Pleased to meet all of you. I am Two Color Shu, and I hope we can find the time to discuss matters of the brush at some point."
"Ma Daoning," he speaks, giving a formal and short hand-over-fist greeting to everyone at once. "I do not expect to keep our company beyond this dock, so safe travels to you all."
His hands return to the sleeves and Ma looks to the meager settlement on shore.
Shinriki scratched at his neck, then pulled back the light cuffs of his red yukata. Sneering at the lithe and elegant Ma, he then gave a curt nod at the other two and said, "The name's Shinriki, and that's all you need to know. Good to meet you."
The shoreline drifting ever closer, Shinriki began to contemplate what tales of his great deeds the women at this port would hear. Maybe something involving a sea serpent...
The boat finally washes up to the island, hitting the small dock with a thud. The boatsman hops onto the wooden surface, quickly looping a rope around a worn post. He shouts out to you.
"Here we go, gentlemen. Unless you feel like trecking through jungles and swamps I'd reccomend you take that road up to Leaves. That's the town where most folk are."
The boatsman jogs away at a brisk pace, headed to one of the three small huts standing next to the dock, giving a polite knock on the wooden door before stepping inside.
Above the lapping of waves on the golden beach you can hear the chittering and chirping of animal life within the gently swaying trees that crowd the island, a damp breeze washing in from the sea. A stone-cobbled road leads straight from the docks towards the inland, the light stones a stark contrast to the dark, soggy ground that rises from the beach. At the limit of your line of sight you can just make out a wooden bridge leading over a trickling stream.
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"I'm headin' for that village," he said, a hint of gruff disdain in his voice, "You can follow, if you want."
With that, he started walking along the stone path, heading towards that distant bridge.
Without a word he set out along the path and onwards to greet the brook, hands clasped behind him.
As you walk along the cobbled path towards the bridge the dark jungle surrounding you calls out in a choir of birdsongs and chirping insects. As you close on the bridge you see the blue-green vines of the jungle itself reach out and entangle themselves on the decorative sides of the bridge, creeping underneath the boards and pushing through the gaps. Tiny yellow flowers sprout from the tips of each vine, reflecting the light from the cloudless sky above you. The small stream underneath the bridge trickles quietly.
As you step onto the bridge, sloping upwards, you can make out the houses of a settlement a few dozen yards down the path. Your view is soon interrupted by a shouting coming from the tiny hut stood adjacent to the bridge.
"Travellers!"
The hut door slams open and a broad, bearded man strides out, climbing up onto the bridge.
"Ah, new faces. I'm warden of this bridge and I'll have to know what business each of you have in Leaves. If you're just here for the teahouse there's a toll, of course, and don't be lying to me. I've got my contacts around here."
The warden taps his staff lightly against the bridge as he awaits your answer.
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"I am Xin, the monk. I have given up all of my worldly possessions save my weapons, and am seeking adventure. May I pass without toll, friend Warden, given the circumstances?"
He gives the Warden a wide smile of encouragement, clearly confident he'll be allowed to pass.
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"Adventure eh? Be sure to let me know how that goes."
He grins and looks to the other three. "How about the rest of you?"
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He felt almost sorry the man hadn't called him out and forced a fight, but it would not do to attack the man now.
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He waits while the Warden looks over his work.
"Two Color Shu, at your service, certainly. Now, ahhh, I am here to meet others who work in ink. Perhaps I and my companions can cross this bridge? I am here to learn & to teach, as I may."
"I'll do you a favour, artist. When you get into town go to the tea house and speak to the owner, Grey Yun. She'll probably buy one of those pieces off you and give me a cut. Do that and I'll let you off the toll."
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"Well, one of you can pass for free. The other can pay. Then we'll call it a done deal."
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"It is too soon on this island to be indebted to strangers, let alone over a toll."
Ma gives the other travelers a glance before leading on ahead of them.
He flashed a wild grin, then scratched at his stubble and kept moving after Ma, jogging slightly so he could push on ahead of the man. Shinriki was a leader, not the type to be seen following a lithe pansy-boy into some new town.
As the travellers press on into town they are met with the sight of a large, red-walled tea house standing tall in the sunlit clearing. Ornaments decorate the roof and windows, the carved birds and leaves sanded to a smooth white colour. The cobbled road leads around a small well straight to the front door of the tea house, with a dozen smaller houses scattered around the outskirts of the clearing. Faint floral and fruit aromas waft from the teahouse, a refreshing change from the swampy air of the jungle.
Next to the well is a small, turquoise pagoda, a finely dressed man with a long beard, plaited in crimson bands, is stood serenely, eyes closed. There is a faint sound of raised voices coming from behind the tea house. A short, armoured man with a spear is standing leaning back against one of the smaller houses, surveying the clearing.
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Ma met the gaze of the spear wielder as he strolled along, wondering if he was a local on watch or another traveler as them.
After a crude pantomime of shoving something into his backside, followed by putting on a straight face not dissimilar to Ma's, Shinriki gave a chuckle and rose to his feet, then walked along and over to the spear-wielding man.
"Excuse me," he said, getting within close proximity to the man, "Could you tell me about this town? Great warrior like me needs to know where his business is most needed, y'know."
"This town? It pretty much comes down to that" the man gestures with his spear towards the tea house. "I'm surprised that's not why you came here, it's why most people do. If you're a great warrior you're probably better off speaking to-"
The man is cut off by shouting from behind the tea house.
"Lo Ken! Boy!"
A broad man, some six and a half feet tall, clad in the same armour as the spearman strides across to the two of you, talking loudly, without so much looking at Shinriki. "Did you tax this traveller yet, Boy?"
"No, sir!", Lo Ken replies, "I was just about to".
The large man interrupts again, turning to Shinriki and lowering his voice "We're the guards of this town, and our service doesn't come free. As you're going to be using our protection you've got to pay us five coins."
The large man leans on his heavy glaive as he awaits Shinriki's response.
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Leaves Tea House
As Ma's eyes meet that of the spearman, his armour suggesting he is a guard or soldier, the man nods with a forced smile.
As Ma and Shu push open the door to the teahouse they're met with a waft of refreshing, cool air, the door swinging closed behind them.
The room is dimly lit by the light that leaks through the slotted windows just below the high ceiling. A sky-blue silk curtain conceals whatever lies to your right. Most of the room is taken up by four alcoves lined along the far wall, each containing a square table with four stools. To the left of the enterance is a modest bar, where a young woman smiles lightly in greeting, having just emerged from the door to the back of the house.
Two other women are sat at one of the tables, one wearing simple green clothes and long, grey hair, the other with short, dark hair and much finer red silks. They are drinking tea and talking quietly. The faint aromas you could smell outside are now clear, but not overwhelming.
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"Charging people for protection?"
Shinriki looked at the guard quizzically, then broke into a broad smile and patted him on his broad, armoured shoulder. "Don't you worry about guarding me," he said with a chuckle, "I can protect myself quite fine, thanks, so I don't have any need for your services."
He glanced at the guard's glaive, then tightened the grip around his own pudao.
"Excuse me, Sir. Are you bodyguards, who charge people for their services, or are you town guards, who are paid by the town to keep order? I wouldn't ask, but you seem to be acting more like a bully, who demands payment from others, or else they would be attacked on your command."
The large man seemed to be turning a very bright shade of red at this point, but Xin continued as though nothing was wrong:
"I am but a poor wandering monk, so I have no money regardless. But if you could please clarify which of the above you are, I'd appreciate it. You see, I really don't care much for bullies."
"Don't need protection? Which of you is about to step forward and prove it?"
The man grips his glaive and takes a step forward.
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"Of course, when it turns out that YOU are the one that needs protection, you'll be paying me..."
"Ma is it?" Two Color Shu asked--"Perhaps we can find some advantages in the brash Shinriki. I think he'd serve as a useful human shield if someone tried to put a sword in us!" Laughing, he sits down, prepared to show a painting to the tea house owner & try to buy his drink with his work.
"Him, a shield? I do not think I would let him get that close again, he is overripe." He caught the eye of the woman again, making sure that she was coming to attend them.
Unavoidably curious about the artist's skills he watched as Shu produced his paintings.
Watching Xin step forward, Shinriki shrugged his shoulders. "This fight was below me, in any case," he said with a shake of his head, "A monk and a town guard? An amateur match if I've ever heard of one. Ain't nobody can challenge me but the Origins themselves."
He turned around started to walk off with his back to everyone, but paused to turn slightly, and pointed a finger at Lo Ken.
"You ever want to learn somethin' from a real warrior," he said with a grin, "I'll be around."
With that, he went back to his slow walk, meandering over to the pagoda with the old man. Was the guy sleeping? He deserved to be told about the fight coming up, at least, and Shinriki needed a spot to sit down and watch it from - if he was going to be hanging around this town with the monk guy, it'd pay to know how he moves in a fight.
Anything to win.
"Looks like Kamo is doing his usual thing..." the man observes, in a very well-spoken manner, before looking back to Shinriki.
"Do you think your friend is a match for him?"
--Meanwhile--
The large man laughs loudly and hefts his glaive up into a ready position, circling around the other side of Xin to give them both some more space.
"Show me what you've got, traveller."
Location: Humid Jungle Clearing (-1 Earth, +1 Fire).
Tea House post to follow.
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