The Day of Thunder

[Otaku]

With the last villager safe, Otaku's attention turns to the fight. "They're ours now, friend," she hums to Tsubame, and her sword flashes out sharp as sunlight, mercilessly wounding the wolf. With an equine squeal of mixed rage and delight, the gray warhorse, smelling blood, rears up onto his hind legs and brings both front hooves down on the injured wolf, probably reducing it more or less to paste.

Horse and rider wheel again and spring as one back toward the center of the fray to relieve the others, leaving a trail of bloody hoofprints in the fertile soil.

As they move toward the other wolves, Otaku angles her sword arm and extends a wary eye to cover Tsubame against further attacks, exposing herself somewhat to protect her mount.

--
Tsubame takes 4 wounds from the wolf attack! (Reduction 3)

Otaku uses a Simple action to successfully attack Wolf 5: D2 EE Combat!--Round 3, Otaku attacks Woof 5. Otaku 1 tech applies. Base TN 20, 2 CR for Feint | 7k4+7 ⇒ 54 (TN: 30)
Damage: 25 D2 EE Combat!--Round 3, Otaku attacks Woof 5. Damage, +12 from Feint | 5k2+12 ⇒ 25 (TN: 30) (forgot to delete the attack TN from previous roll, ignore that bit)

Otaku uses a Simple action to Guard Tsubame (-5 to her ATN, +10 to his)

Tsubame uses a complex action to Trample Wolf 5: D2 EE Combat!--Round 3, Tsubame attacks Woof 5. Complex attack (Trample), +5 wound penalty | 6k4-5 ⇒ 32 (TN: 20)
Damage: 33 D2 EE Combat!--Round 3, Tsubame attacks Woof 5. Damage. | 6k4 ⇒ 33

Tsubame uses his Free move (up to 25") to close with Naraku/Wolf 4

Otaku also remembers that she has a Rank 2 school technique! Her ATN will be increased by 5 going forward.


Initiative: 30
Stance: Attack
ATN: 27 (Riding Armor, Guarding), becomes 32 from the first phase of Round 4
Reduction: 4
Wounds 0/57 (Healthy)

Tsubame Initiative: 21 [as per GM fiat, Tsubame will take all actions on Otaku's turn 'cos it's easier]
Tsubame ATN: 25 (Guarded)
Tsubame Reduction: 3
Tsubame Wounds 17/48 (Grazed +5)

[Ryoshun Yukara]

How the beast was so fit for battle after take such nlows was legitimately shocking.

Yukara gasped as fangs and claw rent her skin, even with the supernatural protection she had employed, snarling in pain and frustration as the beast bowled into her.

(Void damage)

She slammed down hard as the beast rolled her, but came back to her feet in a guarded stance, gasping for air, eyes blazing with fury at this creature that disobeyed reality so blatantly... and which denied her the future.

She took a rapid step back opening space while she gasped for air, hoping her initial efforts would not be in vain, and her fellows had finished saving the innocent.

Now she'd have to hope they were free to save her.

(Move out of free move Attack range of Shimizu, toward allies)

---
Failed contested roll, spend turn getting up and moving away as best she's able.

Pass corruption roll once jade bonus is included.

Defense Stance.
Initiative: 28
Reduction: 11 (2 rounds Embrace the Stone)
TN to be hit: 29 --> 20 (Ref) + 5 (Armour) +4 (defense stance)
Void: 0/3
Wounds: 65

[Tyrus]

The mighty hero Tsubame fells one of the monsters (with a little help from their rider) and the pair rejoin the main group. Naraku cuts into another wolf who yelps in pain and the poison courses through its veins. The wolves growl as hunger turn to hatred their mood being affected by that of Shimizu whose anger and rage fall off her in almost palpable waves. The wolves respond in kind lunging at the crab, the one who was injured just missed but in Naraku's attempt to avoid its jaws the other wolf sank its fangs into his thigh.

Shimizu lunges forward blitzing past the other samurai to lock her jaws around Yukara once again in a desperate attempt at ending the woman, jaws closing around her leg as flesh tore and burned and black ichor spilled out around her.

the last wolf darted forward its gaze baleful and angry as it pulled even with Shimizu and circled her attempting to protect her.

----------------------
Escape! wolf 2 earth roll tn 30 | 3k3 ⇒ 21 (TN: 30)
Escape! wolf 2 poison damage | 2k2 ⇒ 19
Escape! wolf 2 attack naraku FA +10 wp | 8k4 ⇒ 41 (TN: 45) miss

Escape! wolf 4 attack naraku FA fr for damage | 8k4 ⇒ 46 (TN: 35)
Escape! wolf 4 damage naraku +1k0 from raise | 6k2 ⇒ 21

Shimizu simple action follow Yukara
Escape! attack on Yukara Full attack bonus +5 wound penalties | 9k5 ⇒ 34 (TN: 34) (fr from pack tactics not noted but still there)
Escape! Shimizu Damage on Yukara fr from pack tactics for damage | 7k3 ⇒ 29 (TN: 34)
Shimizu must make a tn 15 roll to resist corruption

Wolf 1 simple action to move toward Shimizu, simple action guard

Initiative order
Wolf 1 46 ATN 15
Otaku 30
Naraku 29
Yukara 28
Akuto 25
wolf 2 19 ATN 20
wolf 4 19 ATN 20
Shimizu, of Primal Dreams 18 ATN 25

wolves 2 and 4 engaged with Naraku about 10 ft away from otaku and 20 ft from yukara and 40 ft from Akuto
Shimizu and wolf 1 engaged with Yukara, 20 feet from Naraku, 10 ft from otaku and about 20 feet from Akuto

[Otaku]

Otaku sizes up the situation with a hunter's eye. The great monster is clearly badly injured--all to the good, but she mislikes that bizarre dark fluid that seems to serve it in place of healthy blood. Tsubame has open wounds on his forelegs. What will happen if she presses him to attack the disgusting creature? She has no doubt of his fighting spirit, but things aren't so bad that she has to risk him that way yet.

Instead, she urges him into a charge at the smaller wolf that seems to be guarding the big one. If they can drive that one off, Yukara might rally--the Bat woman looks shaken in her courage but not seriously disabled.

Otaku clicks her tongue and sends Tsubame into a charge at the smaller wolf. She aims a sword cut at the big one in passing, but it glances harmlessly off the heavy slime-slicked coat--never mind that, as Tsubame's charge carries the weight of both armored horse and rider down on the guard wolf. They trample clean over it and keep going a few feet further before Tsubame sheds enough momentum to turn back to the fight.

---
Tsubame takes his Free move (25") toward, and then past, Shimizu and Wolf 1. In the course of the move:

Otaku makes a Simple attack on Shimizu and misses. D2 EE Combat!--Round 3, Otaku attacks Shimizu, Otaku R1 tech. Base TN 25, 2 CR for Feint | 7k4+7 ⇒ 25 (TN: 35)
Bad luck, shouldn't have Raised!

Otaku Guards Tsubame as a simple action.

Tsubame Tramples Wolf 1 successfully as a complex action.
D2 EE Combat!--Round 3, Tsubame attacks Wolf #1,TN 15 +5 wound penalties | 6k4-5 ⇒ 33 (TN: 15)
25 damage. D2 EE Combat!--Round 3, Tsubame attacks Wolf #1, damage | 6k4 ⇒ 26

Initiative: 30
Stance: Attack
ATN: 32 (Riding Armor, Guarding, Otaku R2)
Reduction: 4
Wounds 0/57 (Healthy)

Tsubame Initiative: 21 [as per GM fiat, Tsubame will take all actions on Otaku's turn 'cos it's easier]
Tsubame ATN: 25 (Guarded)
Tsubame Reduction: 3
Tsubame Wounds 17/48 (Grazed +5)

[Ryoshun Yukara]

As the fangs sank into her thigh, Yukara gasped, the pain sending her staggering. She didn't know yet, but amid the blood, bile, and sickly black fire, something foul began to take root.

Time seemed to be flowing strangely for her moments stretching and compressing as the blood spattered the earth. Someone's hair was matted with blood, and it was stuck to her face.

Oh. It was hers. She hadn't planned to escape, merely to rejoin her own pack, and yet she still seemed to be dying.

That was unfortunate - she had just learned so many new things.

The air didn't seem to want to co-operate, it was being hard to breathe.

Damn it. She had thought, at first, that maybe she could've saved this monster. Returned it to the wheel free from its corruption... How wrong she had been.

The absurdity of her naivete made her chuckle, even as she dug in her heels, her left leg limp and mangled. It seemed this was where she made her stand. She couldn't seem to make it move how she wanted... and she felt a warmth in her throat as blood mixed with phlegm, indicative that something was bleeding inside and choking her. Her kiho had kept her guts in her body, but she was certain that she was starting to unravel at seams.

Weirdly serene, she wobbled, and then planted her good foot forward, lashing out at the beast with Yumekiri in a wicked arc which trailed blood, both hers and her foes, her cat's eyes blazing with reflected fire and a soul that had chosen the only defiance it knew. The falling brass blade caught the onrushing beast, hewing deeply into Shimizu's dark chest as Yukara twisted her weapon from strike to strike, her hands slick with blood yet still bringing the weapon to bear with her final defiance, carving home once, and then twice, mortal strength expended in two final, desperate strikes.

"From nightmare's heart, I Stab At Thee!"

----

(Fail corruption)

Attack 1: Hit -- 55 damage
Attack 2: Hit -- 43 damage

Attack Stance.
Initiative: 28
Reduction: 11 (1 rounds Embrace the Stone)
TN to be hit: 25 --> 20 (Ref) + 5 (Armour)
Void: 0/3
Wounds: 83 (+20 wound tns)

[Otomo Akutou]

On his initiative count...

A third time, he stands, breathes, draws back the bowstring, does not try to.

A third time, the arrow goes wide.

Akutou drops the bow and moves in for melee. Enough's enough.

~~~~~
Attempted shot at Wolf 1 fails, https://sakkaku.org/r/11293

Free action to move in 15', unimpeded by moderate terrain

Initiative 25, https://sakkaku.org/r/11146
Stance: Attack
ATN 23
Reduction 1
Ashigaru Armor
8/15 Healthy
1 Void Point remains
Ghosting in PF

[Tyrus]

Otaku's attack does nothing to deter the beast as it savaged the Bat samurai. The horse's hooves trampled the wolf beside it which yelped and growled but was still standing.

Yukara struck out in one final act of desperation her weapon sinking deep into the beast carving it apart and splashing vile ichor all around her the monster seemed to take a moment to realize it was dead jaws locked on Yukara chewed once, twice before it huffed out a final death rattle and fell limp, fire in its eyes extinguishing.

Her pack howls in an eerie unison a howl of not only sorrow but a rage beyond what a simple animal should feel.

-----------------
Shimizu is dead only the Wolves remain
Yukara Make one final tn 10 roll to resist taint as she is covered in tainted blood and has open Wounds.

[Hiruma Naraku]

Naraku is once again assaulted by the two wolves and although he manages to dodge one of their reckless assaults, the other one manages to reach him and crunch through his armor.

He does not relent, Yukara must be protected. He cuts sideways towards the wolf that attacked him, cutting more lightly than before but at least drawing blood and ensuring his poison also acts on the wolf.

He rushes towards Yukara, a glint of happiness in his eyes when she manages to strike down the pack leader.

"Are you okay?" he comments as he reaches her. He notices the ichor covering him, but that will have to wait for when they are all safe.
---
Free Move: 10' closer to Yukara
21 dmg - 3 (reduction) = 19 wounds suffered
Wound penalties: +3
Stance: Attack
D2 EE | Poison blood | 1k1 ⇒ 7 (As per Inner Gift, if Naraku's blood gets into contact with the wolf during the attack)
D2 EE | Attack vs Wolf 4 | TN 23 | 8k4 ⇒ 40 (TN: 23)
D2 EE | DMG 5k2 +1k0 from mastery | 6k2 ⇒ 12
TN increased to 40 (46 against Wolf 4)
Wolf 2 is poisoned
Wolf 4 is poisoned

[Tyrus]

Naraku lands true on the wolf but his blade only just pierces the thick hide and this one seems far less affected by his poisons though they may have slowed it down enough as it just barely misses clamping its jaws around the crab's ankle. His pack mate is not so lucky though its eyes burn with anger they slowly go dull and close as it slumps to the ground unable to fight off the poison any longer.

The wolf that had been guarding it's leader when Yukara struck it down snarled fiercely at the woman and lunged to finish what Shimizu started its teeth sinking into her arm attempting to savage her wrist.

-------------------------------
wolf 4 earth roll resist poison tn 30 | 3k3 ⇒ 13 (TN: 30)
wolf 4 poison damage | 2k2 ⇒ 9

wolf 4 attack on Naraku full attack | 8k4 ⇒ 39 (TN: 40) miss

wolf 1 attack on Yukara full attack +5 WP| 8k4 ⇒ 52 (TN: 30)
wolf 1 damage on Yukara | 5k2 ⇒ 26

Naraku make a tn 10 roll to resist corruption

Initiative order
Wolf 1 46 ATN 10
Otaku 30 <--------
Naraku 29
Yukara 28
Akuto 25
wolf 4 19 ATN 10

[Otaku]

When she has time to think about it, Otaku will be surprised that the smaller, seemingly normal wolves—normal-looking, at least—didn’t flee when their pack leader went down and they found themselves outnumbered. Do they have the mad sickness? Or is this more work of Jigoku? She’ll have to ask a healer or a shugenja.

Right now, though, all those thoughts are relegated to a quiet, subconscious back room of her mind, one that isn’t near enough to interfere with the deadly business at hand.

Otaku wheels Tsubame again, slashing as they turn at the loyal wolf still dogging (ha) Yukara. With luck the blow was heavy enough to finish it, or at least subdue it. Tsubame then springs out of his pivot to ride over the last wolf harassing Naraku. The brave horse is flagging a little and doesn’t strike as hard as usual, but the already injured wolf should still have plenty to worry about.

---
Tsubame takes his Free move (25") past Wolf 1 and onto Wolf 4. I think everyone should be close together enough for that.

Otaku makes a success Simple attack on Wolf 1.
D2 EE Combat!--Round 5, Otaku attacks Woof 1. Otaku 1 tech. Feint. | 7k4+7 ⇒ 47 (TN: 30)—> belatedly noticed the Full Attack, TN is actually 20 with raises!
29 damage. D2 EE Combat!--Round 5, Otaku attacks Woof 1. Damage. +8 Feint. | 5k2+8 ⇒ 24—> Feint was actually +13 since Wolfie was in full attack!

Otaku Guards Tsubame as a simple action.

Tsubame Tramples Wolf 4 successfully as a complex action.
D2 EE Combat!--Round 5, Tsubame attacks Wolf #4, TN 10 +5 wound penalties | 6k4-5 ⇒ 32 (TN: 10)
18 damage. D2 EE Combat!--Round 5, Tsubame attacks Wolf #4, damage | 6k4 ⇒ 18

Initiative: 30
Stance: Attack
ATN: 32 (Riding Armor, Guarding, Otaku R2)
Reduction: 4
Wounds 0/57 (Healthy)

Tsubame Initiative: 21 [as per GM fiat, Tsubame will take all actions on Otaku's turn 'cos it's easier]
Tsubame ATN: 25 (Guarded)
Tsubame Reduction: 3
Tsubame Wounds 17/48 (Grazed +5)
[/quote]

[Ryoshun Yukara]

Yukara did not feel any particular joy in the kill, only a feeling of relief that at least that nightmare was over... no more innocent lives had to be caught in the conflagration... no more terror. She was almost dizzy with relief.

No, she was just dizzy. She didn't even see the wolf that caught her arm and pulled, and as her arm left its socket and her sinews tore, she didn't see much of anything beyond bright lights and blurred motion, the momentum of the beast carrying her off balance.

And down. As her head hit the earth, darkness replaced light, and the noise and confusion ceased.

Then Yukara was still, a tattered and bloody bundle, her strength utterly spent.

-----

Out Stance.
Initiative: Out
Reduction: 3
TN to be hit: 5
Void: 0/3
Wounds: 98 (+Out)

[Hiruma Naraku]

He lashes out at any of the wolves still standing, cold fury guiding his blow. How dare they touch the defenders of the Empire?

He rushes towards Yukara, a breath of relief seeing that she is alive.

(Corruption test autopassed due to jade)

---
Wound penalties: +3
Stance: Attack
D2 EE | Attack whichever wolf is still breathing, if any | TN 13 | 8k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 13)
D2 EE | DMG | 6k2 ⇒ 27
TN increased to 45 (51 against whichever wolf is alive)
Wolf 2 is poisoned
Wolf 4 is poisoned

[Otomo Akutou]

Seeing the battle largely or fully done, and knowing his own martial efforts to have been utterly in vain, Akutou moves to lift up the Ryoshun, who is clearly in the worst way of the lot, and to rush her off to a healer.

All permitting, he'll even grab his bow on the way out. Can't let someone else suffer its curse, after all.

~~~~~
Picking up Yukara and heading back towards town and a healer. Snagging dropped bow on the way out. Will roll if needed.

Initiative 25, https://sakkaku.org/r/11146
Stance: Attack
ATN 23
Reduction 1
Ashigaru Armor
8/15 Healthy
1 Void Point remains

[Tyrus]

The remaining samurai finish off the rabid, monstrous Wolves with ease, blade and hoof dropping the last two.

The night returned to a sense of relative peace as it was no longer filled with the sounds of crashing animals or howls of monsters. Now just a soft breeze that moved the fog gently. Akuto lifts Yukara to carry her back and is covered in vile ichor from the beast. (Please make a TN 10 roll to avoid corruption)

The group makes it back to the village proper there is some minor damage to the outer most buildings but it seems the local guard was able to divert most of the stampede.

The group was met but a tall and broad shouldered woman who bows to them. She looks a little haggard and her armor shows signs of recent use "You have our thanks, the villagers told us how you rescued them from a terrible monster." Her eyes looked to Akuto and she inclined her head in what passed for a familiar greeting.

"You have Wounded though, we have a healer in the village he does not often handle such grievous Wounds as this one seems to have taken but I am sure he would help but you are obviously welcome to take her to your camp for treatment as well."

"Again, thank you." And she would either lead the group to the town healer or let them on their way.
----‐-----------------
Combat over!
All players recieve .5 glory
All players recieve the Hero of the People advantage for the duration of this game.

You are free to rp in this thread if you wish.

[Otomo Akutou]

"Miss Aoyama," Akutou says, "it's appreciated."

(Roll to avoid Corruption successful at 25, https://sakkaku.org/r/11331)

[Hiruma Naraku]

Naraku was taken aback by the words of the woman. He was unsure on how to proceed; this was the first time he had ever received praise for anything he had done and, as such, he was unprepared for how to handle being on the receiving end of praise.

"We did what anyone would have done," he mumbled, his cheeks flaring red. "While we breathe we will not stand idly when these monsters attack."

He fidgeted with the brim of his coat. Is this how Kanna felt?

[Otaku]

"Thank you. You've fought hard too," Otaku says softly, to the village woman, swinging out of the saddle. Her sword is already cleaned and sheathed. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she bends and begins inspecting Tsubame's injured legs, relieved to see that the bite and claw woulds look like they should heal cleanly.

Looking up again for a moment, she asks, "Has this happened before? Or is this the first time?"

[Aoyama]

Naraku was taken aback by the words of the woman. He was unsure on how to proceed; this was the first time he had ever received praise for anything he had done and, as such, he was unprepared for how to handle being on the receiving end of praise.

"We did what anyone would have done," he mumbled, his cheeks flaring red. "While we breathe we will not stand idly when these monsters attack."

He fidgeted with the brim of his coat. Is this how Kanna felt?

She nodded "Well your deeds speaks well of your training." Her voice business like and manner somewhat distant.

"Thank you. You've fought hard too," Otaku says softly, to the village woman, swinging out of the saddle. Her sword is already cleaned and sheathed. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she bends and begins inspecting Tsubame's injured legs, relieved to see that the bite and claw woulds look like they should heal cleanly.

Looking up again for a moment, she asks, "Has this happened before? Or is this the first time?"

"We did what we had to. I am glad we didn't have to fight what those you rescued described." She bows again "I heard a rider on a mighty steed rescued most of them. I assume this is you. It is truly a hero that thinks of the defenseless when faced with monsters."

She looks thoughtful a moment "Nothing like this no. I assume the animals were driven from the woods by the monster. My best guess at the least."

[Otomo Akutou]

"That tracks," Akutou says.

"I'll get her t' th' healer," he adds, and he begins to move off with Yukara.

/exit unless stopped

[Otaku]

“If the spirits of air and earth gave us speed, we should use it well.”

“Tell the healer to take great care. The beast’s blood looks filthy, and it’s all over her,” Otaku issues a quiet warning and nods at Akutou.

“I never saw wolves attack like that, unless they were starved,” she adds gravely. “Not just the monster but the whole pack. It could be the water-terror sickness, but they weren’t foaming… we’d better find someone who knows the signs to look at them.”

She’s not sure which would be worse, the corruption of Jigoku or the water terror with its violent biting and convulsions. Jin had told her he believed the latter was entirely natural, not supernatural at all, but it’s nightmarish enough for all that.