Graded [Taeko - The Republic] The Vanishing Villagers

A hearty laugh emanated from The Wolf as the another wave of unholy magic split against the edge of her blade and crashed into the divine protection.

She could feel the shifting tides.

Slowly the Archbishop's powers seemed to wane as those of Okami and her comrades held steadfast. One by one the cultists fell and the war of attrition seemed to be swinging in their favor. Even the Ashigeru looked like they'd gotten their resolve back as they joined in on the slaughter. Even now, the Archbishop continued to overcome their attacks; but the force of his magic grew ever-weaker.

Another strike to counter the Archbishop's latest attack. A nameless blow to weaken its force as she chose to conserve her strength for a more opportune moment. Let what remained crash against her once more, Kajta's defense had already more-than earned her respect. It left the others open to focus on whittling away at this monster's strength. Yukan called out to her as he raced towards one of the remaining cultists.

"Right!"

And, without a moment's hesitation, she would race towards what was likely the final cultist and launch a strike at it as soon as it entered into her range. For a guy who relied so heavily on his people for power, this Archbishop did an awful job of actually keeping them alive. There was certainly a lesson to be learned in this situation. Eh, well. The Ronin was eager to witness The Archbishop without the support of his loyal flock. Just how much of this overwhelming power was his own?

And just how much of it had he been borrowing from the comrades this entire time?

​

Bariton put a grip on the hilt of his blade. There would be no chance for playing any song of any effect with the combat at such close quarters and he had no idea of what effect there could be with some being that might not really be alive. But if any cultist came near enough they would find he knew how to use his blade too.

Bariton thought still of asking Kajta when there might ever be opportunity about her God. It reminded him of a God he had been hearing about. She sure had access to power this way.

Location: ???? - The Republic
Time: Night

Gwen_Temi | Okami
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
Spoiled Bread | Rei
TheTimePiece | Yukan
EMIYAman | Kurikara
GodlyDnD | Bariton

Katja's barriers shimmered with renewed vigor, encasing Yukan, Rei, Okami, the Ashigaru, and herself in a protective glow. The cracks that had marred them were mended, restoring a fragile sense of security to the adventurers. Yet, beneath the surface, the lurking dread whispered that such protection might only be temporary, a thin shield against the darkness that still seethed within the cavern.

As the dark, sinuous spikes lashed out, Katja's magic intervened to diminish their strength, encircling them with a faint, ethereal light. The attacks targeting both Yukan and Okami were momentarily ensnared, their velocity slowing as if moving through water, before finally breaking through. Yet, Katja's focus on shielding the others left her own defenses vulnerable. The dark energy that had spiraled toward her pierced the barrier around her, shattering it with a sinister crack. The tendril’s tip sliced into her abdomen, and a sharp, burning pain surged through her, causing her to collapse onto her knees. Blood seeped through her black regalia, staining the floor. [Katja's HP reduced to 1]

Rei danced away from the dark spike meant for her, her movements swift and graceful, a blur of motion. Yet, the tendril was relentless, adjusting its path to strike her barrier head-on. The impact caused a jagged crack to form, spreading outward like a spider's web, the barrier wavering but still intact. Refusing to yield, Rei lunged forward, her blade gleaming with an icy sheen, and delivered two swift slashes at the skeletal archbishop. Each strike was precise, her sword leaving a trail of cold mist in its wake. The first blow severed one of the grotesque hands that had anchored the archbishop, freezing it solid before it shattered into fragments on the cavern floor. But no sooner had it crumbled than another clawed hand erupted from the ground, replacing the severed limb in a sickening, unnatural display.

Yukan stood his ground as the dark spike darted toward him. His light tatami armor absorbed the impact, the dark energy dissipating harmlessly against its surface. In the same fluid motion, he moved with blinding speed, dashing across the cavern to J4, his spear aimed with deadly intent. The skeletal cultist at I2 crumbled instantly under the force of his strike, the bones shattering and collapsing into a heap as Yukan's spear cleaved through it with ease.

Okami’s sword flashed, cutting through the spike directed at her with surgical precision. The dark tendril disintegrated, its threat nullified. Without pausing, she advanced to L4, her stance shifting fluidly into the practiced kata of the Red River Flow. In a single, swift draw of her blade, she executed the attack, the air splitting with a thunderous shockwave that extended her strike. The skeletal cultist at K2 was cleaved cleanly in two, a sickening crack echoing through the chamber as its torso split apart, scattering broken bones across the floor.



As Vincent reached the altar, he moved with a delicate precision, removing the blindfold that had shrouded the wolf girl's eyes. For a moment, fear and confusion clouded her amber gaze, but as her vision cleared and she saw Vincent's determined expression, understanding dawned. She nodded shakily, her dark fur still matted with sweat and dirt, and allowed him to remove her bindings. With her hands and feet freed, she scrambled off the altar, keeping close to Vincent as he instructed, her eyes darting nervously around the chamber, searching for any sign of threat.

Vincent’s commanding voice reverberated through the cavern, carrying strength and resolve as he rallied the Ashigaru. Without hesitation, they tightened their formation, their makeshift weapons raised high. As the dark spike slithered toward them, they struck in unison, their collective force shattering it to pieces. The villagers, now unified and emboldened, roared a battle cry that echoed through the chamber, their morale surging as they prepared to charge the skeletal archbishop, ready to bring this nightmare to an end.

But before they could act, the skeletal archbishop’s form began to crumble. The grotesque hands that had lifted it up like a marionette fell limp, its body slumping forward. The chamber was suddenly filled with a violent, rhythmic tremor, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The Ashigaru and the wolf girl braced themselves against the unexpected quake, confusion and fear evident in their eyes. Then, with a deafening crack, the floor beneath the archbishop split open, a jagged rift tearing through the stone. A foul, sulfuric stench wafted up from the gaping chasm, filling the air with the stench of decay and brimstone.

From the abyss, the gnarled, grotesque hands that had once propped up the archbishop now seized its robes, dragging the hollow shell of its body downward. The skeletal figure was swallowed whole by the chasm, its staff slipping from its grasp and clattering against the stone before vanishing into the darkness. The ground shuddered one last time as the rift sealed itself shut, leaving no trace of its presence except for the lingering smell of sulfur and the faint, echoing rumbles that slowly faded away.

For a moment, the chamber was silent, the oppressive atmosphere dissipating, as if the dark energy that had choked the air had finally lifted. The Ashigaru and the wolf girl looked around, bewildered and tense, waiting for something to happen. Was this truly the end of the nightmare that had plagued Taeko for so long? Or was it merely a prelude to something darker, lurking just beneath the surface?

Katja hissed in pain as the dark spear forced its way through her barrier and into her guts. Though the others, they were safe that was what mattered, she couldn't stop the nightmare herself so if she got hurt, if she was struck down then for long as the others took down the skeletal monster then that was a victory. Katja was forced down to her knees from the pain of the darkness lodging itself deep in her being as blood leaked from her wound almost gushing from her organs being speared and torn open. It was almost like the attacker had targeted the area that would hurt her most while being a near kill shot. The floor below her became a thin pool of dark red.

Still even as her vision blurred and her mind felt blanks she was combing her mind for another verse for words of protection for the others. She did hope if she fell the protection would last after her. " Even though I walk through the darkest valley..." She started of already channeling the energy to cast [ The lord's Protection ] the blood welling up in her throat seeking to gargle her words she stopped. The world was blurry and she didn't know what had changed but the skeletal arch bishop was dragged down they had somehow defeated it.

Katja blinked for a moment before coughing as the blood welled up in her throat making her cough again. Her mind quickly switched to survival, her survival all others were safe so she could think about herself. " Our father who art in heaven...." the prayer started and the energies that had been going to heal others instead flooded her body healing the damage fighting the encroaching death from blood loss and organ failure. This was [ Healing prayer] something has had not had a chance to use this whole mission. As she prayed her voice grew stronger as second by second the warm power that had protected everyone reknit her flesh. By the time the prayer was done Katja was well, or well enough to move again.

Katja slowly stood up blinking as she took in the now enemyless room and that Vincent had saved the girl. he might be rude and direct but he had in Katja's mind done more than her. in fact in her mind she downplayed what she did, the humility perhaps a bit toxic, but not to the point she didn't believe she couldn't do something just that she had done less. The others had fought and saved overs she had just shielded them, and while the fight would have been far harder without that help she knew that without them the mission would have failed the innocent would have suffered but without her the results would only be slightly worse hopefully. " Is anyone hurt?" She asked looking about her legs barely able to hold her up but already she thought that the others should be helped first before she worked on restoring herself more.

Karcen Maxxob Gwen_Temi Spoiled Bread Maverick Six GodlyDnD

Yukan had to brace himself yet again as the large skeleton attempted to assault him with corrupted magic. Thankfully Katja's casting helped lessen the impact once again, even as he found himself wincing a bit when it hit his light armor, not from pain but from just how unnatural and wrong the magic felt, here Yukan was yet again fighting against corruption in the world, going against the natural order of what was right, between the witch, the shrine getting corrupted, the horde of undead he had fought...Even that lass in the East Empire who was committing horrible atrocities for her own gain with dark arts. Yukan had felt this feeling of unease before, like there was a sickness, a perversion which was driving people to commit unthinkable acts. He would stand tall against it all and continue to fight it as long as it threatened the Republic, these people needed help and he would do what he could.

The whole situation was pretty tense, as the last two cloaked skeletons fell thankfully, Yukan wasn't really sure what was going to happen next, The floor literally cracking open and the sulfur scent hitting him was not what he was expecting, even as the large skeleton was collapsing, the life energy probably starting to leave it by that point..or perhaps there was some form of retribution for the bishop's failure that was being enacted with the hands bringing it down into the abyss. Thankfully the abyss closed up after, but these details all struck Yukan as suggesting a greater evil was at play, and then there was that human who he had seen earlier who was up to no good, no doubt embracing necromancery for selfish gains..that's what Yukan was inclined to think with the information he had now.

Vincent had gotten and freed the person who looked like they were going to be sacrificed which was great. After Yukan felt okay moving after looking around to make sure there were no threats, he'd take note that everyone else seemed to be in relatively good health except for one, the very healer who had protected them.

"Katja you hardly look like you're in a condition where you need to be asking us that question right now, are you okay?" He'd ask out with a serious matter of fact tone.

"Are you able to heal yourself?" Yukan hoped that was true, otherwise they might need someone to stay and help stabilize her, time of was of the essence here, and Yukan didn't exactly have a plethora of medical knowledge on how to treat magical injuries.

He then looked to the Ashigaru, "And do any of you recognize who she is?" He'd gesture to the beast girl who Vincent had liberated.

Depending on what Katja said regarding her ability to stabilize herself, Yukan would continue to the rest of the group, speaking with Leadership F + Etiquette F + Warfare F

"Today is a victory for Taeko against their corrupt terrorizers! Thank you for who joined us in standing with us. However, there will be time to celebrate our victories, and honor those who have passed on later, as there is still a pressing matter, While this corrupt being was certainly a dangerous foe, There is still another path of this hideout which we have not yet gone down, and where I believe there may be people waiting for us to liberate them. For the sake of that young one's safety, someone should stay with her and ensure she is safe getting out here when all is said and done.

There may be more fighting ahead, if there are any who are guarding those who I believe I heard, so we should resume formation and continue to act as a unified force as we have been

I know not where that foul human went but it's also a possibility, we'll need to fight them as well and we should do so with the assumption he is at least as strong if not stronger than the caster we just defeated. Something tells me they've fled in favor of other purposes..but the possibility still remains so we must be vigilant. Okami, Rei, and myself should take the point of the formation once again, and we must move with haste but also awareness and consideration, there still may be traps or enemies lying in wait. Only until we can guarantee that we have liberated as many still living people as possible from the area, and have cleared this place of the threats we are able too, will I consider this operation a complete success, one so successfully that it will make anyone think twice about trying to trifle with the great beasts of the Republic ever again!"

"Also if anyone has any appraisal ability it might be worth looking into what they can learn about the catalyst which the corrupt one dropped..such a potentially dangerous artifact should either be secured and brought with us or disposed of, not left here where anyone can just take it , in either case."

With that said when everyone was ready, he'd look to move into position so they could move out in some capacity that would let them assume formation easily.

Yukan action:
1. Speech moving forward about what the group should do with Leadership F + Etiquette F + Warfare F
2. Get ready to move out.

By the blades of the Tanuki and the Wolf, the last two cultists fell.

Okami's excitement rose with her curiosity. She could feel the ominous dread fade from the air and all that was left to do was face the Archbishop, himself, and see just how much power he held on his own. The Wolf turned to him an assumed an offensive stance. Her eyes widened with focus as she anticipated the next strike; the earth trembling beneath her feet. The ground split open beneath the their foe's feet and she readied herself for whatever it was summoning up from the depths of hell to annihilate them all. And just as The Archbishop's performance hit its crescendo...

...he dove down into the earth and left them all behind in the quiet chamber.

Okami stood motionless for a short while before she slowly rose to a more relaxed stance.

"Ah..." she said to herself, "I suppose that answers my question, then."

The group began to rally as the battle came to an end.

Their mage was wounded, but Lord Yukan was quick to see to her. Moreover, he was quick to congratulate everyone on a job well done and give the group direction. Okami simply smiled and took the moment to relax as the group prepared to search the rest of the tunnel. But, there was one issue that she felt the need to attend to before she helped lead the charge through the rest of the cave...

The staff that was probably cursed and hazardous.

"Here. Hold this for me for a just moment." she handed her torch over to the Ashigeru before turning to Yukan, "One moment, Lord Yukan."

Did she have the means to analyze that staff? Nope. Did she feel comfortable leaving someone behind to analyze it while the rest of the party explored the caves? No. Did she agree with Yukan that the staff shouldn't be left here in the cave? Absolutely. Did she have a good way to deal with the staff for the moment?

Maybe.

Okami looked the staff over and gave it a light kick with her sandal before taking a walk over to the fallen cultists and rummaging through their clothing. The robes that she and Rei had sliced up wouldn't do them any good, but those with puncture wounds from Vincent's gun and Yukan's Yari might've come in handy. She picked out the three most intact robes and brought them over to the staff.

She laid one of them directly over the staff. Then, she threw a second over that one in opposing orientation; its collar lining up with the hem of the first and vice-versa. The third robe, she would lay out on the floor beside the covered staff in the same orientation as the second robe. Then, in much the same way that a dog owner would scoop up a fresh poo, she'd keep those two layers of cloth between the staff and her fingers as she lifted it up and laid it down over the third robe and threw the whole thing shut.

She'd wrap the sleeves of the third robe around the other two and the staff one good go-around before tying them tight around the entire thing. Then, she'd do the same with the sleeves of the first robe before tying them tight on the opposite end. Lastly, she'd turn and kneel in front of the staff; pulling one sleeve from the second robe over her shoulder and the other below the opposite armpit before tying them together over her chest.

If over four layers of thick cloth wasn't enough to keep the staff's bearer from getting hexed by whatever dark magics it bore, then Okami doubted they'd be able to carry it out of that cave, anyways.

And, if nothing got in her way, then she'd have the staff secured across her back; a bit of it extending past one shoulder and most of it hanging off to the side of her hip opposite The Fang.

Tight. Secure. Well out of the way if she needed to draw her own sword.

"Thank you," she said to the Ashigeru as she retrieved her torch.

Then, she made her way to the front of the formation with the staff on her back.

"Ready."

" I am fine " Katja said talking a few more deep breaths. She had healed herself already and was more or less just regaining her senes.

Looking down and bending ever so slightly forward Katja could see the dark bolt has taken out the area around her belly button which was now exposed. Her powers healed flesh and bone but didn't mend cloth so her already less than modest garb became even less so.

" let me check that staff " Katja said wanting to not think about the washing that her clothes would need and the bill for a tailor.

Heading to Okami Katja would inspect the staff upon her back " if evil has cursed it I can try sonething to perhaps drive it out " she said as she used [aprasail isekai F] and [relgion F] to figure out what the staff was and if it had sny significance to the cult.

Actions
1. Use appraisal isekai F and relgion F on the staff

Location: ???? - The Republic
Time: Night

Gwen_Temi | Okami
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
Spoiled Bread | Rei
TheTimePiece | Yukan
EMIYAman | Kurikara
GodlyDnD | Bariton

With Katja’s [Healing Prayer] mending her wound, a collective relief seemed to settle over the group. The Ashigaru exchanged looks of hope and pride as they rallied around Yukan’s speech, their expressions hardening with purpose.

"Taeko’s strength lives on!" one Ashigaru called, gripping his spear tighter.

"We’ll give them no quarter," another agreed, his face set with determination as they absorbed Yukan’s command to continue their mission. Nods and murmurs of agreement echoed among them as they prepared to form up, each soldier radiating both pride and readiness to face whatever lay ahead. "To those who stand with us, honor and strength," someone added quietly, almost like a prayer.

Meanwhile, Vincent led Yui, the young wolf girl, gently forward. Despite her shaken state, the sight of her own people brought her a faint, cautious smile. The Ashigaru recognized her instantly, and a voice rose from among them, wavering with the strain of held-back tears.

"Yui... By the ancestors, it’s Yui! You’re safe!" an older Ashigaru cried, his voice choked with relief.

"She’s safe! Thank the gods, she’s alive!" another exclaimed, clasping his hands together in gratitude.


Yui, still trembling but filled with a fragile hope, managed a small nod. She looked up at Vincent and Rei, her voice a soft murmur as she finally spoke. "I… I thought I’d never… see home again," she admitted, amber eyes flicking between them with both gratitude and lingering fear.

Rei's comforting hand on her shoulder seemed to ground her further. Accepting the waterskin with a timid sip, Yui glanced up, her eyes searching Rei's face. "I... I am Yui..." she said, her voice small. "You saved me... are you... an adventurer?" her tone was full of wonder.

While Vincent and Katja inspected the staff, their findings were disappointingly mundane. The high-grade metal was undoubtedly valuable, but it held none of the dark sorceries they might anticipated. Okami wrapped the heavy object carefully, slinging it onto her back.

With renewed focus Vincent, Katja, Yukan, Okami and the Ashigaru moved down the last, shadowed path. The end of the corridor opened into a small room where eight other bound beastkin lay. The moment the Ashigaru saw them, restraint gave way to joyful urgency. As they rushed forward, voices rose in astonished relief.

"You’re alive! We thought… we thought we’d lost you!"

"Gone from Taeko’s nights, but not forgotten!" another cheered, his hands trembling as he carefully helped an elder rise to his feet.

Some of the bound captives wept as they were untied, managing only weak words of gratitude. "You came… we thought all hope was gone," one murmured, reaching out with a frail hand to grasp an Ashigaru’s.

"We could never leave you here," the Ashigaru replied, voice thick with emotion.

Supporting those too weak to walk alone, the group was ready to return to Taeko.

The Ashigeru's cries of joy echoed through the cavern as the warriors of Taeko reunited with their loved ones.

And, for a brief while, Okami resonated with their laughter and celebratory spirits. But, quickly, the reality of their situation crept back into Okami's mind. She turned away from the locals- them them fully enjoy this victory for as long as they wished- and moved to Yukan's side. What might've surprised him most in that moment was the look of concern drawn over her face. She gestured for him to follow her as they moved out of earshot from the Ashigeru and their loved ones.

"Yukan."

Or, perhaps, it was the sudden lack of honorifics.

"We have seen victory today, but I fear that the people of Taeko are in no less danger than they had been before we arrived. And, were we to leave now, they would find themselves in a situation no less precarious."

Her voice was a whisper. Yukan would have no issue hearing her. The others could come and join the conversation if they wanted. But Okami would hold her tongue if one of the locals chose to lend an ear to her words.

"This nameless cult yet lives, and we don't know where that blonde man has spirited off to. But it's not just them. Taeko sits on the border between The Republic and The Empire. There will be more threats, even if the cult never returns. This village cannot defend itself from such treats as it is now, and we cannot afford linger here forever to defend its people. But I would not risk my life for a people just to watch them crumble the moment I turn away. But look..."

She gestured towards the warriors who had come to save their own. To those who had donned armor and bore weapons and walked straight into the unknown to fight for one another. The joy on their faces was evident, even after a close confrontation with that would strike fear into the hearts of many. The Wolf saw a spark in them. And that was a wonderful thing to see.

Because the fire that burned inside of her own heart- inside of each adventurer who had come here- could not linger here, forever, to protect these people.

"Forgive my cruel words, but this victory will prove insignificant if we simply leave now. These people have tasted fear and powerlessness. But they have also tasted risk, blood, violence and, most importantly... victory. I know that flavor well, and it is fresh on their tongues. If we can nurture that feeling in just a few brave warriors- have them seek out strength on their own- then we can turn this insignificant victory into something that might save the people of Taeko forever. With their own strength."

Some were weak. Some were old. Some were much too young. But every one of the people who'd chosen to come along with them to fight The Unnamed Cult was a candidate for change in Okami's eyes. It wasn't about the battles that they, themselves would fight. It was about the hope- the mindset- that they could inspire. The victories and the stories told by them would cultivate warriors of great strength in the village.

And those warriors of great strength could quell acts of terrorism like this on their own.

"The best thing we can do for these people is to put them in a position where we never have to look back and wonder if they're able to defend themselves. Where they no longer have to wait for someone to come and save them. I would gladly teach them. At least enough for them to continue to teach themselves before I'm gone. But I'm not foolish enough to put the wellbeing of one village ahead of our mission. It is only one village, after all, and we have much to do. So..."

Okami laid it all out to bear. Her thoughts on the matter, how she saw the people of Taeko, and what she would've done with them. But things like this took time, and time was fleeting; no matter how willing you were spend it. Even so, the look on her face was a familiar one to Yukan. That piercing gaze. It was the same look she'd given him when she awaited the order to fight or flee at The Battle of Fort Bury.

"What say you?"

Interactions: Gwen_Temi Karcen

Mentions: Spoiled Bread Maverick Six Maxxob

Thankfully things seemed to be working out at this point, Katja was okay. Okami didn't seem to get cursed immediately for picking up the catalyst. Vincent was still proving to be coherent and capable, also having an appraisal skill which was useful. Better yet it sounded like the catalyst wasn't cursed..though if it had been maybe that would have revealed some information about the nature of the magic which was at play. Either way perhaps it'd provide some form of evidence for this nefarious group which still had yet to be eradicated. In addition the Ashigaru's spirits were high and they recognized who Yui was.

Yukan the Ashigaru and company had been more than willing to the fight whatever laid beyond in the next path as some reaffirmed their unity verbally. Thankfully they did not have to risk more blood shed that day, and better yet the people who Yukan had heard bound earlier hadn't been killed, which was something that had crossed his mind earlier when they went through the door first, what if their enemies stooped as low as to have someone around to do that very evil deed. He was grateful that had not been the case.

The group instead, had been able to move down the path and liberate those remaining who had been captured. All in all the mission was resoundingly successful to a point..Yukan still didn't like the fact that human who had been casting disappeared without a trace..What he'd soon find out is that Okami actually felt similar to him about this cult of darkness, as he listened to her carefully while she spoke quietly, his enhanced hearing picking it up easier probably on that note.

His face stayed serious, having a feeling whatever she was going to say was probably something gnawing at her too when she dropped the use of honorifics and spoke more discretely.

He'd nod every now and again before eventually Yukan would reply when all was said and done to her. "Unfortunately I feel similarly, they are not out of harms way yet, even if we won this battle today, there is still possibly a war which is yet to come.."

"If the Taeko village is in a jurisdiction similar to the Nara No Nox Shogunate Shogun..then I Fear they will continue to not receive the aid which they need from the adventurer's guild and or military to stay safe.."

When Okami brought up the possibility of setting up the village for success in defending them selves in the future by teaching them, Yukan nodded. She also brought up the fair point that it was just a single village, but it was exactly that kind of sentiment which had allowed the village to be endangered to begin with with it not getting the proper help they needed, If Yukan could end the cycle of devastation and inability to defend one's self then he was certainly more than willing to step in and do so, it wasn't like they'd have to spend forever there, but long enough to get the ground work going so that the village actually had a chance if the cultists decided to try to come back, or there was a monster attack, bandits, or really whatever threat found itself approaching Taeko.

"If we can help them secure the safety and prosperity of Taeko and teach them how to embody that of a true beast from the Republic through martial prowess so that they have a fighting chance, then I say we spend some time here to make it so. Being complicit will not change this relam for the better, it is action which will bring the necessary change for a more secure future." Yukan rationalized.

"It is places like Taeko which need the most assistance because those above in power won't give them a second glance when they're in trouble, because they aren't lining their pockets. I believe a step in the direction of security and prosperity would be you training those capable. I too can provide knowledge on what I know about the art of war, and how to utilize the Kumi and various formations..of course as well as help them learn how to use a spear or Su Yari with better effectiveness."

"With that said then, I say we spend some time assisting them then."

At one point or another Yukan also looked over to Katja and spoke more normally now.

"Healer, I wanted to thank you again for the great work you have done here, because of your defensive use of magic, my allies and I were harmed far less than we would have been otherwise had you not been here. If you are searching for a greater purpose and wish to do more good works, I would like to invite you to join me and my companions on our journey together. With this invitation I will warn you that in joining me the road ahead may carry fighting against some of the very same sorts of evils witnessed here today, but what I can promise you is that more people who need help will be helped should you decide it is something of interest."

Yukan spoke honestly.

"This same invitation goes out to all of those here today who showed great courage in risking their lives and fighting for what is right, while I cannot promise it will always be easy, your life may even be on the line, what I can assure you is that much of the work we will do will be meaningful for many, well beyond what I expect many will understand in the present."

while katja was healed mostly she did lean against the walls once the staff was revealed to just be a normal catalyst. Katja was still tired from the near death she had just suffered. Her mind was mostly okay but she was physically a bit weak having not taking much time to heal herself to full, just enough to get back on her feet, she was still feeling like she was dizzy from blood loss. She would be fine in a bit or if she healed herself again, but they were moving down the other path and found not more cultists, but the kidnapped villagers. The idea that the cult leader had gotten away was annoying and after defeating the archbishop katja did have a bit more courage. She felt like perhaps if they had just beat down someone of some worth to the dark god and suffered no repercussions then perhaps saying that name would not cause the deity to notice them.

while katja leaned against a wall Yukan came over to her, she was not sure if the racoon man had forgotten her name or that was just how people addressed one another in this country. Katja honestly was not sure which it might be and she just assumed that he was not trying to be impolite. She listened and what he said did give credence to the idea that him calling her a healer was not a sign of disrespect. his invitation was well not something she wasn't going say no to. Katja really had no plans for the future she was just wandering to help people as she always did. Still it would be nice to have a home a place she could go back too. The only home she remembered, well the one she had been in the most had been the monastery. Maybe she should see about getting some land and building one for herself and any lost soul that needed help.

" I do have one thing to say before anything. The cult it had... has a name. I didn't say because saying the name of a god is a taboo, to say a gods name is to invoke it's power. So i didn't want to reveal it, but the cults is called The Cult of Nyzzum " it was a bit shameful to admit she hid it but she had a good reason in her mind to not want to speak a gods name. Though now that she spoke of it and was not struck down it must not be enough.

" As for the invitation I thank you lord I would be more than happy to help you and your people, though i can not promise that i will stay forever. There might come a time i feel called to other places as i am a wandering healer " Katja was rather firm in her desire to make sure no one thought she was going to stay anywhere forever, she felt the need to go where the hurt were. She might end up sticking around for a long while, but she did not believe it would be forever.

Location: ???? - The Republic
Time: Night

Gwen_Temi | Okami
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
Spoiled Bread | Rei
TheTimePiece | Yukan
EMIYAman | Kurikara
GodlyDnD | Bariton

As the villagers debated among themselves about Rei’s invitation, the value of training against the demands of village life weighed heavily on their minds.

"More training could mean a stronger defense… more security for us all," one Ashigaru murmured, nodding to his companion.

"Yes, but what about the fields? Our crops will suffer if we lose hands to training," replied another, uncertainty clear in his tone.

In the end, they agreed the village elder should be consulted, leaving the decision to Yoshiro’s wisdom. They would need to balance safety and sustenance as carefully as any soldier’s stance on a battlefield.


Meanwhile, Yui’s wide-eyed wonder was plain as she stared at the peculiar vehicle before her. The car's foreign and angular form seemed otherworldly in the village’s natural landscape. Despite her timid response, the gleam in her eyes betrayed her excitement. "I… I do," she murmured.

With a gentle lift, Rei placed Yui inside the car, and the young wolf girl couldn’t hold back a quiet, delighted giggle. The thrill of adventure filled her gaze as she glanced back at the rest of the group, her anxieties momentarily forgotten. The others set out on foot as the car rolled alongside, the journey back to Taeko passing peacefully under the open sky.

Upon reaching the village, the scene was one of joyous reunions and laughter, an overwhelming cheer shattering the somber quiet that had once loomed. Parents embraced children, spouses clung to one another, and old friends clasped hands with tearful smiles. The villagers’ faces, worn from days of worry, shone with relief as they saw their loved ones safely returned.


At the village’s entrance, Yoshiro, the elder and a goat beastkin of advanced age, awaited them. His posture was slightly stooped, but his eyes held a warm wisdom as he welcomed the group back. He approached with slow, steady steps, his gaze scanning each of the returning villagers.

"Blessings be upon you, brave ones," Yoshiro began, his voice carrying the gentle strength of a practiced elder. "You have done more than shield our village; you have rekindled hope that was fading from our hearts. For your courage and resolve, Taeko will forever remember your names.”

Turning his gaze upon the rescued villagers, he raised his hands in a soft gesture of blessing. "And to those returned, know that you are safe now. The darkness that sought to claim you has been driven away, if only for now. We are stronger because of the love and loyalty we share—let this be a lesson to us all."

The villagers nodded, clapping or cheering softly, some reaching to squeeze his hand in thanks.

---

Yet, as the crowd celebrated their victory, questions simmered beneath the surface. Why had a lesser-known bandit group strayed so far from their territory? What motives drove the Cult of Nyzzum? Though the village’s nightmare seemed ended, a subtle unease lingered. For now, the village rejoiced, taking solace in the quiet triumph, even if the hooded corpse and archbishop's scepter, who were sent to the Daimyo as proof of the peril which Taeko had faced, would never reach its destination...

Maxxob Gwen_Temi Maverick Six Karcen Spoiled Bread TheTimePiece EMIYAman GodlyDnD

Dug the art used to set the scene. Definitely had some good ones. As usual, the combat maps were helpful for making sense of the combat. The combat using advanced rules was spiffy. I did notice some oddities like 3 uses of an E grade ability in a post, but otherwise nothing too offensive.

The 2 factions seem fine enough for lore entries, or at least, they would if they had images and more info on them. Fairly barebones for each. Death cult especially. We'll probably make one for the cutthroats this time around though.

Good adventure overall that mixed together a few elements to feel like a more rounded experience. The setup for future conflict works. I assume this will eventually build into something assuming the party holds. Too bad about the flakes.


Aftermath

The immediate troubles for Taeko have passed, but in preparation for future ones, the village has made obvious efforts to better defend themselves.

Rewards

Available to all EXCEPT Partial Participants:

• Optional Asset/Title acquired The Republic Adventurer's Guild Member F (or upgrade) OR Asset Connection Village of Taeko F

Points
Maxxob - 46pts

Okami - 72pts

Vincent Robbins - 92pts

Katja Galinka - 105pts (attentive student)

Rei Unagishi - 38pts
Please keep an updated change log. One of your changes didn't have a date on it.

Yukan Koyake - 88pts

Partial Participants

Kurikara - 11pts
Please fix your change log with dates. Will probably need updated in general.

Bariton the Bard - 10pts
If you ever come back, Let's fix up your character sheet.