[After all of the inquiries, supply gathering, and resting after the travel...
The last day of the off time had finally come, with all of the supply gathering already been completed, the unnamed kitsune had called you for a briefing before the trip the next day in a private room of the village's guildhall.]
Basho has been mulling things over for the past day or so while he’s been fishing, digesting the bombshell of information he’s picked up. Finally he takes a deep breath and bows deeply towards the unnamed kitsune. ‘Your Imperial Majesty...’ he says, speaking in a low voice to make sure it doesn’t carry. He pauses a moment then, more hesitantly, ‘Perhaps it’s time to discuss *how* we’re going to be able to help you when we arrive back to your daughter..?’ He holds his breath.
Basho has been mulling things over for the past day or so while he’s been fishing, digesting the bombshell of information he’s picked up. Finally he takes a deep breath and bows deeply towards the unnamed kitsune. ‘Your Imperial Majesty...’ he says, speaking in a low voice to make sure it doesn’t carry. He pauses a moment then, more hesitantly, ‘Perhaps it’s time to discuss *how* we’re going to be able to help you when we arrive back to your daughter..?’ He holds his breath.
"I must commend you for guessing. But, I am not her highness, Empress Kyo. I am merely a noble, and not of royal blood.
Her highness is currently awaiting our arrival at our next destination by now, finished with her business which was at a undisclosed place."
[ The unnamed kitsune cleared her throat before she began to speak, obviously knowing about the road to the next destination.]
"The road ahead won't be as dangerous as the last. Though, we should still be on our toes for as much as possible, I asked around the village in case there were some sudden changes while I had been on the way to The Kingdom of Shin.
And it turns out, there have been some changes. Some traitors are apparently mugging any carriages that may pass on the said road."
The wolf-tengu, Akome,had spent his time devoutly praying to their patron for guidance, aiding him to digest the information the Kitsune had given beforehand, leading to him rarely going out of the party's room while doing so. On the off-times he did, he'd have went out and bought a block of incense for praying; a whetstone to maintain his greatsword's utility; and a few rations for the journey ahead.
Currently, Akome would be sitting atop a chair, listening to the conversation. Hearing the Kitsune talk about these traitors has him perk up, clearly disheartened. He looks to the Kitsune as he speaks, "If that would be the case, shouldn't we try to clear out that road of such?" his facial expression and tone gives off that he is concerned, if not angered—almost.
The wolf-tengu, Akome,had spent his time devoutly praying to their patron for guidance, aiding him to digest the information the Kitsune had given beforehand, leading to him rarely going out of the party's room while doing so. On the off-times he did, he'd have went out and bought a block of incense for praying; a whetstone to maintain his greatsword's utility; and a few rations for the journey ahead.
Currently, Akome would be sitting atop a chair, listening to the conversation. Hearing the Kitsune talk about these traitors has him perk up, clearly disheartened. He looks to the Kitsune as he speaks, "If that would be the case, shouldn't we try to clear out that road of such?" his facial expression and tone gives off that he is concerned, if not angered—almost.
"Yes, indeed. But that will have to come later since they have two heroes apparently with them that are Jigoku residents and I wouldn't advice such a thing to be done on our way to the next location because they also told me that nobody was really sure on the number of those traitors nor how they would react if we suddenly went their to clear them out without any reinforcements."
[The unnamed kitsune rolled open a scroll-like map that showed the road to the next village had no places to do a tactical retreat on except for a cave that is known to be the deadliest cave-like dungeon in the whole territory that has the rumour of if one were to reach the end of the cave then they would find a chest their containing an artifact of the goddess: Kitsune the Nine-tailed who is the patron goddess of the Kingdom that you are currently in.]
"I am afraid my abilities may not be able to aide any of you if you were to be injured critically, this time isn't like the last. I don't have the capacity to fight a hero without my own assigned territory's solidiers., Let alone two."
Basho is still a little embarrassed at mis-guessing the kitsune’s identity. ‘Well, we won't go looking for trouble on the road ahead, but we’ll make sure we’re ready for it.’ He looks over to his spear, leant against the wall. ‘I’m ready to leave whenever. I’ve been trading some of the fish I caught for dried and salted fish, so my supplies are replenished.’
(OOC: Basho has also given away any extra fish to families that might be struggling, or would appreciate some extra food. He wants to make sure he’ll be well received even if he comes back alone.)
"It seems to Salgim, that if we take this road trouble will seek us!"
Salgim had come to fight, that was why they were hired!
He'd spent his days off wandering. Spending money at different places to eat for every meal. Ducking into any and all merchant stalls he could find. Unfortunately he had not found that special "thing" he was searching for. That item that could peak his interest. He wasnt too upset about it.
He'd spent the evening time in the common area of their Inn, sharing drinks with who ever was willing to share a story with him.
"That being said, if it is our road. It is our road. I've heard a tale or two of this cave.." he begins, touching the marker on the map with his human hand. "If what they say about its treasure is true, might it be worth investigating before we run in to any 'Heroes'? Would we even stand a chance in either venture? Maddam?"
"It seems to Salgim, that if we take this road trouble will seek us!"
Salgim had come to fight, that was why they were hired!
He'd spent his days off wandering. Spending money at different places to eat for every meal. Ducking into any and all merchant stalls he could find. Unfortunately he had not found that special "thing" he was searching for. That item that could peak his interest. He wasnt too upset about it.
He'd spent the evening time in the common area of their Inn, sharing drinks with who ever was willing to share a story with him.
"That being said, if it is our road. It is our road. I've heard a tale or two of this cave.." he begins, touching the marker on the map with his human hand. "If what they say about its treasure is true, might it be worth investigating before we run in to any 'Heroes'? Would we even stand a chance in either venture? Maddam?"
"Even I myself am not as sure of that rumour's legitimacy, we have not gone that far in there when we once attempted to venture inside.
But one thing was for sure, the monsters inside pack quite a punch if you were to get hit.
I have seen it myself, one of the soldiers in my army suffered shattered ribs from just a single hit.
But what I can assure you, however, is the her highness the Empress has informed me that you will be receiving a worthwhile reward in return for helping with the reclaiming of the royal capital and driving away the invaders."
[The unnamed fox frowned upon hearing that you (@Yuknow) was interested in doing such a dangerous thing.
You were informed that she had heard about many adventurers that have attempted the same feat upon hearing that the royal family has attempted a expedition into the same cave and have died as a result of not being able to fight a sudden huge wave of monsters and no one really knows how big the said cave was.]
"Forgive Salgim any misjudgment Madam." He responds when she frowns at him. "If it is too dangerous. Then Salgim will put it out of his head. But Salgim has not heard a plan that puts us in a position to succeed."
"The road is like to be blocked by forces you say we might not be equipped to overcome." He runs a finger down the indicated road in the map. "The cave that is said to have a powerful treasure, if true that could surely aid us. But you tell Salgim, that we are unlikely to succeed there as well." He jabs the same finger at the cave marking.
"So then. How do we proceed? Do we stray from the path in an attempt to circumvent said Heroes and their forces? This is easy for Salgim the Sparrow. All I need know is how Madam would like to proceed" he sits back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, expression blank.
Akome picks up his greatsword which was propped on the wall Basho had leant his spear on. Returning back to the chair, he has the greatsword placed on his lap, pricking a finger lightly while he test's the tip of the greatswords' sharpness; Finally, he drifts another finger along the blade's fuller—seeming to be in solemn thought throughout the process.
Taking a moment to process, his eyes drift from the greatsword to the party and the Kitsune. "I've done my share of spending time, so I should be ready for anything." he says, indirectly towards the Kitsune. His tone is with a hint of discontent, but from what? It is hard to specify.
"Forgive Salgim any misjudgment Madam." He responds when she frowns at him. "If it is too dangerous. Then Salgim will put it out of his head. But Salgim has not heard a plan that puts us in a position to succeed."
"The road is like to be blocked by forces you say we might not be equipped to overcome." He runs a finger down the indicated road in the map. "The cave that is said to have a powerful treasure, if true that could surely aid us. But you tell Salgim, that we are unlikely to succeed there as well." He jabs the same finger at the cave marking.
"So then. How do we proceed? Do we stray from the path in an attempt to circumvent said Heroes and their forces? This is easy for Salgim the Sparrow. All I need know is how Madam would like to proceed" he sits back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, expression blank.
[The unnamed fox finally lowered her hood, exposing her face which clearly told you that she was right around her early twenties with it being almost doll-like in appearance, her hair was a shade of white, meanwhile her eyes were yellow in color.]
"As long as you understood then it's finen, although, if we only had enough people woth us then a quick peek into that cave could be a good warm up for you all."
Considering we do not have a carriage at the moment, we will have to ride with a group of military personel that are heading to the village that were are headed to..."
[Taking a sip of ale from a mug that had been in front of her the entire time, she looked at a pocket watch that she had with her to check the time before she continued:]
"There should be one departing in about three hours from now, we'll be going with them. I already told their leader about it too so don't worry about them not allowing any of you on their carriage."
Akome picks up his greatsword which was propped on the wall Basho had leant his spear on. Returning back to the chair, he has the greatsword placed on his lap, pricking a finger lightly while he test's the tip of the greatswords' sharpness; Finally, he drifts another finger along the blade's fuller—seeming to be in solemn thought throughout the process.
Taking a moment to process, his eyes drift from the greatsword to the party and the Kitsune. "I've done my share of spending time, so I should be ready for anything." he says, indirectly towards the Kitsune. His tone is with a hint of discontent, but from what? It is hard to specify.
"Umu, A well prepared adventurer is always a good thing."
‘Three hours then.. I’m going to take a nap before we leave. Something in the air tells me we might not get much rest in the next few days.’ Bowing, he collects his spear and heads back to his room, finishes packing and takes a light nap.
"Salgim must beg your pardon once again Madam. Had Salgim know this, he would not have bothered suggesting." He stands and inclines his head to the unnamed Kitsune.
"Salgim will wait for you all in the common room. He would eat before we begin our trek!" With that he leaves the room to gather his things and have a meal before they depart.
Akome glances over to his party before they disperse, saying in a low tone, "I hope in the midst of these situations we can get out in one piece—" his voice trails off as his mind focuses elsewhere. He sheathes the greatsword on a back-scabbard strongly attached to his knapsack via leather straps and a few buckles. He returns to the inn, oof he spends 2 hours within their allocated room in deep prayer and thought to his deity—using the remaining block of incense for such. His thoughts flow freely, eventually to the point where he almost forgets the time, had he not made a mental note to keep a good watch at the sun's movement.
For the final hour, he spends it maintaining his worn Chain Mail, easily fixing any holes or outer-breaks on the mesh. His expression shifts to be in full focus, not paying much attention until completing a short repair on the armor. He wears it over a cotton brown-dyed tunic; the armor fits perfectly, leaving little disturbance as his body moves around.
[DM: Would anyone mind if I maybe... I got the campaign go "dark fantasy-ish" after this chapter? (Y'all are close to finishing chapter 1 now btw) like for example... The light novel called "goblin slayer"?]
-
"Alright, the common room it is then."
The unnamed kitsune put her hood back on before she had left the room with the you all inside of the room still seated.
She was already aware what you all were thinking, considering how "suspicious" the whole ordeal of the recruitment had been. After almost forgetting to mention something, she went back into the room and said:
"I am fully aware that atleast one of you is thinking that this whole situation was suspicious. but don't worry I am not scamming nor am I tricking you, it just that her highnss, the Empress has ordered me not to reveal anything crucial or her or her highness' the Princess' identity until we got to the village."
[After all of the inquiries, supply gathering, and resting after the travel...
The last day of the off time had finally come, with all of the supply gathering already been completed, the unnamed kitsune had called you for a briefing before the trip the next day in a private room of the village's guildhall.]
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
(ooc: Is it just us in the room with the kitsune, door closed etc?)
The door is closed, and yes only the kitsune and the party.
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
Basho has been mulling things over for the past day or so while he’s been fishing, digesting the bombshell of information he’s picked up. Finally he takes a deep breath and bows deeply towards the unnamed kitsune. ‘Your Imperial Majesty...’ he says, speaking in a low voice to make sure it doesn’t carry. He pauses a moment then, more hesitantly, ‘Perhaps it’s time to discuss *how* we’re going to be able to help you when we arrive back to your daughter..?’ He holds his breath.
"I must commend you for guessing. But, I am not her highness, Empress Kyo. I am merely a noble, and not of royal blood.
Her highness is currently awaiting our arrival at our next destination by now, finished with her business which was at a undisclosed place."
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
[ The unnamed kitsune cleared her throat before she began to speak, obviously knowing about the road to the next destination.]
"The road ahead won't be as dangerous as the last. Though, we should still be on our toes for as much as possible, I asked around the village in case there were some sudden changes while I had been on the way to The Kingdom of Shin.
And it turns out, there have been some changes. Some traitors are apparently mugging any carriages that may pass on the said road."
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
Takayano Akome
The wolf-tengu, Akome, had spent his time devoutly praying to their patron for guidance, aiding him to digest the information the Kitsune had given beforehand, leading to him rarely going out of the party's room while doing so. On the off-times he did, he'd have went out and bought a block of incense for praying; a whetstone to maintain his greatsword's utility; and a few rations for the journey ahead.
Currently, Akome would be sitting atop a chair, listening to the conversation. Hearing the Kitsune talk about these traitors has him perk up, clearly disheartened. He looks to the Kitsune as he speaks, "If that would be the case, shouldn't we try to clear out that road of such?" his facial expression and tone gives off that he is concerned, if not angered—almost.
"Yes, indeed. But that will have to come later since they have two heroes apparently with them that are Jigoku residents and I wouldn't advice such a thing to be done on our way to the next location because they also told me that nobody was really sure on the number of those traitors nor how they would react if we suddenly went their to clear them out without any reinforcements."
[The unnamed kitsune rolled open a scroll-like map that showed the road to the next village had no places to do a tactical retreat on except for a cave that is known to be the deadliest cave-like dungeon in the whole territory that has the rumour of if one were to reach the end of the cave then they would find a chest their containing an artifact of the goddess: Kitsune the Nine-tailed who is the patron goddess of the Kingdom that you are currently in.]
"I am afraid my abilities may not be able to aide any of you if you were to be injured critically, this time isn't like the last. I don't have the capacity to fight a hero without my own assigned territory's solidiers., Let alone two."
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
Basho is still a little embarrassed at mis-guessing the kitsune’s identity. ‘Well, we won't go looking for trouble on the road ahead, but we’ll make sure we’re ready for it.’ He looks over to his spear, leant against the wall. ‘I’m ready to leave whenever. I’ve been trading some of the fish I caught for dried and salted fish, so my supplies are replenished.’
(OOC: Basho has also given away any extra fish to families that might be struggling, or would appreciate some extra food. He wants to make sure he’ll be well received even if he comes back alone.)
"It seems to Salgim, that if we take this road trouble will seek us!"
Salgim had come to fight, that was why they were hired!
He'd spent his days off wandering. Spending money at different places to eat for every meal. Ducking into any and all merchant stalls he could find. Unfortunately he had not found that special "thing" he was searching for. That item that could peak his interest. He wasnt too upset about it.
He'd spent the evening time in the common area of their Inn, sharing drinks with who ever was willing to share a story with him.
"That being said, if it is our road. It is our road. I've heard a tale or two of this cave.." he begins, touching the marker on the map with his human hand. "If what they say about its treasure is true, might it be worth investigating before we run in to any 'Heroes'? Would we even stand a chance in either venture? Maddam?"
"Even I myself am not as sure of that rumour's legitimacy, we have not gone that far in there when we once attempted to venture inside.
But one thing was for sure, the monsters inside pack quite a punch if you were to get hit.
I have seen it myself, one of the soldiers in my army suffered shattered ribs from just a single hit.
But what I can assure you, however, is the her highness the Empress has informed me that you will be receiving a worthwhile reward in return for helping with the reclaiming of the royal capital and driving away the invaders."
[The unnamed fox frowned upon hearing that you (@Yuknow) was interested in doing such a dangerous thing.
You were informed that she had heard about many adventurers that have attempted the same feat upon hearing that the royal family has attempted a expedition into the same cave and have died as a result of not being able to fight a sudden huge wave of monsters and no one really knows how big the said cave was.]
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
"Forgive Salgim any misjudgment Madam." He responds when she frowns at him. "If it is too dangerous. Then Salgim will put it out of his head. But Salgim has not heard a plan that puts us in a position to succeed."
"The road is like to be blocked by forces you say we might not be equipped to overcome." He runs a finger down the indicated road in the map. "The cave that is said to have a powerful treasure, if true that could surely aid us. But you tell Salgim, that we are unlikely to succeed there as well." He jabs the same finger at the cave marking.
"So then. How do we proceed? Do we stray from the path in an attempt to circumvent said Heroes and their forces? This is easy for Salgim the Sparrow. All I need know is how Madam would like to proceed" he sits back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, expression blank.
Takayano Akome
Akome picks up his greatsword which was propped on the wall Basho had leant his spear on. Returning back to the chair, he has the greatsword placed on his lap, pricking a finger lightly while he test's the tip of the greatswords' sharpness; Finally, he drifts another finger along the blade's fuller—seeming to be in solemn thought throughout the process.
Taking a moment to process, his eyes drift from the greatsword to the party and the Kitsune. "I've done my share of spending time, so I should be ready for anything." he says, indirectly towards the Kitsune. His tone is with a hint of discontent, but from what? It is hard to specify.
[The unnamed fox finally lowered her hood, exposing her face which clearly told you that she was right around her early twenties with it being almost doll-like in appearance, her hair was a shade of white, meanwhile her eyes were yellow in color.]
"As long as you understood then it's finen, although, if we only had enough people woth us then a quick peek into that cave could be a good warm up for you all."
Considering we do not have a carriage at the moment, we will have to ride with a group of military personel that are heading to the village that were are headed to..."
[Taking a sip of ale from a mug that had been in front of her the entire time, she looked at a pocket watch that she had with her to check the time before she continued:]
"There should be one departing in about three hours from now, we'll be going with them. I already told their leader about it too so don't worry about them not allowing any of you on their carriage."
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
"Umu, A well prepared adventurer is always a good thing."
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
‘Three hours then.. I’m going to take a nap before we leave. Something in the air tells me we might not get much rest in the next few days.’ Bowing, he collects his spear and heads back to his room, finishes packing and takes a light nap.
A wide grin cracks Salgim's expressionless face.
"Salgim must beg your pardon once again Madam. Had Salgim know this, he would not have bothered suggesting." He stands and inclines his head to the unnamed Kitsune.
"Salgim will wait for you all in the common room. He would eat before we begin our trek!" With that he leaves the room to gather his things and have a meal before they depart.
Takayano Akome
Akome glances over to his party before they disperse, saying in a low tone, "I hope in the midst of these situations we can get out in one piece—" his voice trails off as his mind focuses elsewhere. He sheathes the greatsword on a back-scabbard strongly attached to his knapsack via leather straps and a few buckles. He returns to the inn, oof he spends 2 hours within their allocated room in deep prayer and thought to his deity—using the remaining block of incense for such. His thoughts flow freely, eventually to the point where he almost forgets the time, had he not made a mental note to keep a good watch at the sun's movement.
For the final hour, he spends it maintaining his worn Chain Mail, easily fixing any holes or outer-breaks on the mesh. His expression shifts to be in full focus, not paying much attention until completing a short repair on the armor. He wears it over a cotton brown-dyed tunic; the armor fits perfectly, leaving little disturbance as his body moves around.
The Wolf-Tengu is prepared.
[DM: Would anyone mind if I maybe... I got the campaign go "dark fantasy-ish" after this chapter? (Y'all are close to finishing chapter 1 now btw) like for example... The light novel called "goblin slayer"?]
-
"Alright, the common room it is then."
The unnamed kitsune put her hood back on before she had left the room with the you all inside of the room still seated.
She was already aware what you all were thinking, considering how "suspicious" the whole ordeal of the recruitment had been. After almost forgetting to mention something, she went back into the room and said:
"I am fully aware that atleast one of you is thinking that this whole situation was suspicious. but don't worry I am not scamming nor am I tricking you, it just that her highnss, the Empress has ordered me not to reveal anything crucial or her or her highness' the Princess' identity until we got to the village."
And left once again.
"Let the game begin..."
-Sora, No Game No Life
((fine by me))