Mission Update
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Togashi Tahata san and Sa-echi Kazurō san watched as members of the Reji family appeared to be harassing villagers that clearly posed no threat. When they left the two of them emerged and made their presence known. To say Kazurō san cuts an impressive and at times imposing figure is an understatement. With some back and forth they found out the villagers were hiding a stash of homemade sake wine, in mild defiance of the order regarding no alcoholic beverages in the village. Tahata san wondered if that rule would be followed by those imposing it.
Initially it seemed like the Dragon monk may have misjudged the situation completely. Reju Jikai sama was being depicted as a violent and brutal lord that treated his followers unfairly. The Lord’s daughter, Reju Ume sama was in hiding although the two samurai heard conflicting tales about whether or not she was the leader of forest bandits or freedom fighters.
After some food and tales a local guide was acquired to help them go to spots where shrines have been vandalized, and people reported missing! The spiritual energy may be out of sync and they were looking to investigate to learn more. Perhaps even rectify some desecration(s) or fine people along the way. Their journey to the ‘Waystation Shrine’ location was only a few hours of travel. Located halfway between Closed Shell Castle and the village they came from.
Before they left one of the peasants told them if they made it back by nightfall. They’d be welcomed at a gathering in the village’s teahouse. There many questions would be answered and may prompt a few more. It was amazing to both samurai how low-tech the world was. Very reminiscent of the 12th century back upon the mother-world of the Emerald Empire. There was a small stone marker that showed the pathway from the main road to the shrine. The same dried and somewhat cracked earth was evident as they made their way to the shrine. Upon seeing it come into view the Waystation Shrine looked as though a windstorm had torn through the area.
According to one account of a shaken villager a monster lived here bearing a number of large yellow eyes. When the samurai fanned out to try and put various objects of the shrine back on trees, hang lanterns, or correct toppled objects. An air kami attacked both samurai. Kazurō san was a bit more proficient in dealing with the supernatural threat the kami posed. Tahata san supported his companion as well as possible given the surprising engagement. Still they managed to disperse the kami, and survive its wounds upon them.
A large, winged, yokai beast with colored plumage that appeared like eyes upon their wings threatened both samurai about interfering. It left by soaring into the air when it could not pull all of them under the sway. It’s plumage was capable of bending the mind of those that gazed upon it. Tahata san was able to resist thanks to their training. It soared off rather then fight its prey directly.
Upon returning by nightfall they returned to the village teahouse. Wounded and hurt they were treated and fed for the aid rendered to the shrine. Soon, a hooded figure entered and it looked like a meeting was to begin. The figure turned out to be Otomo Nobu sama! He talked about a group called the Pact of the Endless Dawn. He appeared to be radicalizing the peasants in to revolt against the lord of this world. Tahata san mentioned he must have connections to avoid the Lion Clan’s wrath. Inahikari was located within the space of that clan and they were not known for treating revolts with words, but with swords. Afterwards the peasant that welcomed them to the meeting met up and plans were made for the next day. The clock to preventing an uprising was ticking.
