>>18829289
Aw yiss, martial artings time.

Missed the last thread? No problem, here's a recap! We parted ways with Naliah and finally made it to the alchemical capital of the world, Terec. After being stunned by its beauty, we got a room at Ingrid's Inn, run by the lovely Ingrid, a woman from the Holy City. Woken up in the night by some yelling, we learned that yet another hostage situation was taking place in a shipping facility. Disgruntled by the greed of the upper class, a small group of men captured and threatened to kill some hostages so that their grievances could be heard. The guards refused to listen, so we snuck in to rescue them. We made it in without a problem and managed to talk the leader, Richie, out of killing anyone. Just as we were about to get everyone out, the High Master of Terec requested an audience with Richie, who quickly got his arguments demolished by the coldly logical leader. He turned himself in, the hostages went home, and we slipped out and returned to our bed.

UPDATED! Here's a list of techniques that you know and can learn later on: http://pastebin.com/3bUwNDW2
Feel free to reference it whenever.

Inventory: 5 wooden shurikens, 2 doses of Heaven Berries, 292 gp, a pendant of Ward Fear, 1 emerald gem

In a hazy landscape, a pair of figures speak, voices echoing into the abyss.

A gentle man’s voice, “Tell me, ----, what are the fundamentals of -------?”

The smaller ghost speaks with the voice of a young man, “First, --- must not be seen. Second, you must leave no -----. Third, only initiate when --- have the advantage. Fourth, know ----- escape -----. -----, -- calm.” The void devours their words with a ferocious hunger.

“Good, ----. But --- forgot ---------: what -- ---- -------- tool?”

Piercing the fog, the dark boy’s voice rings clear, “Your mind.”

“----, -- ---. --- proud -- you.” The boy, and by extension the dreamer, are happy to hear this.

You rise from your bed, blinking the foggy dream out of your memory. Looking out the window, a Shard radiates high in the air as people on the streets go about their day. Ugh. You’re used to waking up early, before most people even leave their houses. But then again, you’re just going off of Sifu’s sleeping habits, which were… lazy at best. Even then, the sun… Shard that you lived under was incredibly consistent in its rise and departure. You awoke before you could even see it.

After stretching yourself and focusing your mind, you head down the hall into the main part of Ingrid’s Inn. Of course she’s at the bar, tending to a few hungry inngoers. You saddle up on a stool and order some fruit. Slipping her a gold piece, she remarks, “Good afternoon, Shun! You struck me as the mornin’ type, but I guess you’re a layabout just like the rest of these guys.” Her teasing smile shows that she doesn’t mean any harm, so you let it slide and munch into an orange. Mmm. It’s so sweet, it’s been too long since you’ve had one. Actually, now that you think about it, you haven’t even seen any fruit since you left Crestdale. Nor have you really seen any forests, barring the underground one. But that doesn’t count. “So what’re you up to today, kid?”

Hm. What ARE you up to today?

>>18829348
Well, we could do with replenishing our supplies. Some clothes, some first aid kits, some rations, stuff like that. After that jungle/temple bullcrap, we ought to be better prepared. If we're short on funds, let's find some work.

>>18829378
I agree.

>>18829378
We're not shipping out for the Starry Seas until we know we're in working order. Plus, since that guard said it's three days' -ride-, we should probably find someone making the trip, too.

>>18829348
Getting supplies, boyscouting it up, making sure we have rope, first aid supplies, preserved rations, a good blanket.

If there’s one thing that your pilgrimage to Terec taught you, it’s that you can never be too prepared. You should buy some supplies first thing. And probably get some new clothes- these are barely hanging on, and the brown and green makes you stand out more than before, given that you haven’t even seen a proper forest in over a month.

But you need money to buy goods, and you don’t know if you’ve got enough. “I need to buy some supplies, Ingrid.”

She cocks an eyebrow. “The wanderin’ type, are you? What’re you looking for?” You rattle off a list after a short consideration: clothes, medicinal kits, food, rope, a blanket or a cloak, maybe a compass. “Oh, you know what I think you should get?” You look at her quizzically. “A watch!” She sticks out her arm to show a little band with a clock on it. “Set to the very Shard that rises over Terec! One of the most constant ones in the Shardstream!” She smiles brightly and cheerily says, “It’s never wrong!” Hmm. That could come in handy.

“I’ll think about it. Do you know where I can find some work?”

Ingrid tilts her head in thought, “Depends. What kind of skills’ve you got?”

>>18829483
Martial arts and wilderness survival, they'd probably be best suited for body-guarding, infiltration, bounty-hunting or something along those lines as I don't see all that much wilderness in the city.

I don't have the skills for a lot of skilled labor and most unskilled labor just won't pay well at all.

>>18829483
Ha! They have watches. Didn't expect that.

"Well, if you MUST know, I'm the heir to a highly esoteric style of martial arts that specializes in subterfuge and quick resolutions. I've lived in the forest outside Crestdale to the west all my life, so I fancy myself as quite the survivalist. I've recently come under fire from bounty hunters and other individuals that seek ill, and my teacher has gone missing as well without my knowledge.

"Something along those lines."

>>18829520
(Shun seems to be rather blunt when referring to himself.)

>>18829520
>hey what're your skills
>HERE'S MY LIFE STORY

>>18829520
>>18829538
>Martial Arts Artist in charge of vagueness and conciseness

>>18829520
Telling them about bounty hunters and our teacher seems a bit much. Saying we're do martial arts, are specialized in subterfuge and can live in the woods works.

She's our innkeeper, not our shrink. There are details that really aren't relevant for her.

>>18829549
I agree with this fellow. Some things we don't need people to know.

>>18829538
>>18829546
>>18829549
I know, I know. Part of why I brought those us, just because he's still a little awkward. Feel free to discard whatever is unnecessary.

Hmm. You shouldn’t let too much slip. “Well, if you MUST know, I'm the heir to a highly esoteric style of martial arts that specializes in subterfuge and quick resolutions.” Wait a second, did you really just say that? Better keep going before she notices. “I’ve lived in a forest for most of my life, so I’m a pretty good survivalist. That’s… just about it, really.” The life of a martial artist is a focused one.

Ingrid’s brow creases. “Martial arts, you say? The School of the Phoenix Style’s always looking for people to spar with their students. Dunno why, but that’s their business. As for that subterfuge you were talkin’ about? I’d either check out the City Hall for some bounty work or prod the right people over at the Daedalus Workshops. Don’t go around telling people, but they always need somethin’, and they try to avoid directly paying for it, if you catch my drift. And… I guess if none of those strike your fancy, you could always go and be a test subject for the Arcane Schools. Pays well and you get to keep any effects of what they do to you, but… well, let’s just say that there’s a reason they give the hospitals a lot of gold.” She pauses. “Speaking of that, if you find the right alchemist, they can turn lead into gold. Provided you’ve got enough and give them a cut. Watch out, though, it’s against the law. ‘Breaks the economy’ or something.”

Wow. Those are a lot of options.

>>18829614
Let's check out the Phoenix School and beat up some newbies. It seems the most immediately relevant to our skills.

>>18829633
>>18829614
We could learn something, too. Always handy.

Wait, is she saying you can get PAID to fight? She must be joking. After saying so, she informs you that no, she isn’t joking.

Before she even has a chance to say goodbye, you’re out the door, heading towards the School. You walk down the street, hearing the dulled laughter of the people, the hushed conversations, seeing the aimless meandering. It doesn’t look like the situation you were in last night spread too far. Listening carefully, you hear snippets complaining about the greed of the alchemists. Unfortunate.

Shortly after, you find yourself walking next to a tall stone fence, which shortly transforms into a massive wooden gate with… a solid ruby phoenix statue hanging over it? Goodness, the wealth of this city never ceases to amaze you. Grabbing hold of the knocker, you bang the door once, twice, three times. After a few moments, you are greeted by a bald man opening the door. His gi is a mixture of deep red and light blue, contrasting heavily, and, to your uncultured eye, artfully. He gives you the once over, unimpressed by your ragged garb.

The man lightly says, “Hello, sir. What business do you have here?”

>>18829755
"I hear you could use a sparring partner. Well, not you, personally. You know what I mean."

>>18829785
derp

>>18829836
>>18829785
Can my agreement just be tacit now?
Unless otherwise stated, of course.

>>18829852
No, I was saying that post with Geese Howard was mine, but I forgot my name.

>>18829875
I meant, can I just always agree without typing it every time?
I am lazy

"I hear you could use a sparring partner.” Wait, that might not sound right. “Well, not you, personally.” Oh man, you should probably salvage this. “You know what I mean." Good enough.

The bald man looks you over again. “Ah, yes. That is true.” He blinks and straightens up, saying “Please, follow me.”

You pass the gateway, astounded by what you see. A large courtyard, grassy, with the occasional pond or statue of a phoenix dotting the small yard. In the center, a huge square building looms. Some young men dressed similarly to the man in front of you stretch and spar on the grass. A couple of them meditate outside of what you can only assume is the dojo. “Wait here.” He walks into the structure and comes out a few minutes later with a lean old man, dressed in the same clothes. He bows at you and departs, leaving you with the old man.

Clever brown eyes twinkle at you. “Hello, young man. I am Master Enkidu, leader of the School of the Phoenix Storm.” He chuckles. “As if you couldn’t tell. I was told that you wish to spar with some of my students? They’re always ready for a good thrashing.” The wizened smile stretches. You’re a little taken aback at how much he seems to enjoy watching his disciples get smacked around.

>>18829888
"This is quite the nice place you have. I've only ever trained with my sifu at his home, so this is new to me.
"Pardon my asking, but what, precisely, is the Phoenix Storm style?"

You’re still a little stunned at how nice this place is. "This is quite the nice place you have. I've only ever trained with my sifu at his home, so this is new to me.”

The smile doesn’t leave his face as he says, “Ahh, an apprentice student? Heh heh, I imagine that you must be a fair bit better than these buffoons.” He waves his arm towards a couple of teenagers kicking each other and stumbling onto the ground. That doesn’t… really give you any indication of what you’re going to be fighting. You hope.

With their sloppy movements, you can hardly tell anything about their style, so you decide to be direct about it. "Pardon my asking, but what, precisely, is the Phoenix Storm style?"

Another chuckle escapes the old man. Why does he keep doing that? “We focus our style like the cycle of the great Phoenix: shifting from slow, solid hits to blindingly quick evasive maneuvers. Always shifting, we keep our opponent on his toes.” He looks at the two kids. “Or we’re supposed to.” He releases a sigh, “Kids these days. Don’t even know the story of the Phoenix. How can they expect to learn anything when they don’t know about the namesake of the style? Of our traditions?” He shakes his head in disappointment.

>>18830022
"Perhaps they need proper inspiration, to actually be told of the legend of the Phoenix. I should hope you've shown them things yourself, Master Enkidu. If you want your students to graduate from, well, from fish, then they need to WANT to learn."

What is it with people in this city and ignorance? "Perhaps they need proper inspiration, to actually be told of the legend of the Phoenix. I should hope you've shown them things yourself, Master Enkidu. If you want your students to graduate from, well, from fish, then they need to WANT to learn."

He sighs, wistfully saying, “I have told them, time and time again. But they only want to learn the martial aspects, never the philosophy behind it. They want to fight, but not to learn.” Hm. Sounds awfully familiar. “I am at my wit’s end.” He looks off into the distance. “Oh well. I will not bother an outsider with our troubles.” He sneaks a sideways glance at you. “Unless you want to hear the story of the Phoenix?”

>>18830127
"Sifu always said never to turn down knowledge, especially when freely offered. I'd be honored to learn the legend of the Phoenix, Master Enkidu."

"Sifu always said never to turn down knowledge, especially when freely offered. I'd be honored to learn the legend of the Phoenix, Master Enkidu." You bow a little for that extra flair.

He turns to you and grins, remarking, “Oh, it is no legend, child. It is history. Fact. The Phoenix Storm is an extremely old style. One of the oldest, in fact. I assume you know about the Shattering?” You shake your head. Sifu said to never turn down knowledge, but he was draconian in doling it out. “I thought as much. A thousand years ago, the Sun had sustained life and prosperity on our world. Everything that happened in the world went by the clockwork motion of the Sun across the sky, never ending in its motion and the benefits which the world reaped from it. People in particular became comfortable with the world, mastered in the existence of the Sun and all of the gifts granted by its Light.”
A heavy look grows on Master Enkidu’s face.
“In due time though, the Sun would become much less constant, much less perpetual than people had come to understand it as. Starting with a surreal crack and ending with the most terrifying roar one could imagine, the Sun violently unraveled in the eyes of the people. Emerging from the explosion was the most brilliant creature ever gazed upon - the mighty Phoenix of countless legends. It awakened from what happened to be its egg, our Sun, sprawling forth its flaming wings with an indescribable splendor. But that magnificence would soon turn into despair as the Phoenix did not herald the rebirth of the world as in the tales of the people.”

“Instead, the Phoenix had abandoned it.”
“The shimmering Light faded soon after the Phoenix's departure beyond the sight of the people. In the blast's wake approached a cloud of golden daggers, thrown to the discarded world as an assassin would do to a victim without remorse. As the Shards struck the world beneath the former Sun, the worst calamity in the history of the world came to pass. Entire civilizations burned to mere ash. The environment was irreversibly ravaged by the fires. The world's climate mutated dramatically in an instant. Everything the people under the Cerulean Heavens once knew vanished in a torrent of flame and destruction.”
“In due time, the fires died to a smolder. The world was set not in the burning light of a crimson inferno, but in a speckled sky of lavender as the Shards which didn't strike the world or fly into the inky abyss floated in the skies above. Dots of the Sun's former Light drifted through the darkened sky in all directions, perhaps lighting the way for the next chapter of the people, of the world.
For the Phoenix, Birth gives way to Death, which then gives way to Rebirth.”

He looks at you with a sad glint in his eyes. “That is the story of the Phoenix. It brought life and destruction, order and chaos, fire and ash. The Phoenix Storm has remained the same for all these centuries, espousing the importance of the duality of the Phoenix.”

You sit there, trying to take it in. It… abandoned mankind? Destroyed it? It’s… difficult to think about.

>>18830237
"So all the Shards around the world are pieces of the Phoenix's eggshell? That's quite a profound thought. Do you ever anticipate the Phoenix to return?"

>>18830237
Dis setting
I like it

You had never thought about the cause of the Shards before. "So all the Shards around the world are pieces of the Phoenix's eggshell? That's quite a profound thought.” If the Phoenix dies and is reborn, though… “Do you ever anticipate the Phoenix to return?"

Master Enkidu shrugs. “I cannot say. Who am I to pretend to know the workings of a celestial being? But I wonder: what if it does? The world will still be scarred, broken. If the world is but a shadow of what it once was, then it, like the Phoenix, will be reborn one day. I just hope that day is soon. But I do not expect the arrival of the great Phoenix to change much in the world. Not as much as I would like.”

You ponder on his words. He has a point. So what if it does come back? People will still be facing the same problems they have been for a millennium.

>>18830329
"So how does the story translate to the style? And what would you have me do, now that I've heard it?"

It’s a nice tale, but… "So how does the story translate to the style?”

Master Enkidu’s features contort into a grin. Apparently you asked the right question. “It serves a constant reminder that, like the Phoenix, we all live a contradictory existence. The bird that gives life after it dies rains death upon its rebirth. The mother who keeps a strict leash on her children lets herself be walked over by her husband. The assassin who only knows how to kill uses his art for the good of man.” That one… hits scarily close to home. “With this bit of history, just by looking at the skies we reaffirm our art. We must be slow, but quick. Strong, but graceful. The philosophy compliments the style, which cannot exist without it. The story binds them both.”

Interesting. But you’ve got business here. “What would you have me do, now that I've heard it?" Master Enkidu chuckles yet again.

“Now that you’ve heard it? Ha, you just indulged an old man and his tales, is all. It changes nothing. If you’re here to spar with my students, then we should get started, should we not? I shall pay you five gold per student per spar. If you fight two students at once, for example, you will have earned ten gold. However, if you manage to fend off five of my disciples at once, I’ll throw in a little bonus for you.” He winks at you.

Five at once? Even if they aren’t that good, you’ve never really had to deal with odds like that before…

>>18830440
Well, at least we have some insight to the theory behind the style. I suppose we just sit around and let the instructors say we offer an open challenge to anyone looking to hone their skills.

“Well, let your people know that we issue an open challenge to anyone who is willing to hone their skills.”

A hearty laugh escapes the slim old man. “You misunderstand, simply tell me how many of my students you wish to engage at once, and I’ll round them up. There are always some miscreants who aren’t doing what they should be, and I know their hiding spots.”

>>18830507
"Let's keep it simple with one opponent, then work our way up from there."

You don’t want to get in over your head. "Let's keep it simple with one opponent, then work our way up from there."

He nods at you and asks you to wait a minute.

Sure enough, a minute later, he returns with a scraggly haired teenager with sleepy eyes. “I want you to spar with this young man, Kenji.” The kid named Kenji tiredly blinks at you and sighs. Wordlessly, he sets himself a few yards away from you and bows. After you bow back, he spread his legs apart to get a solid stance, arms forward. At least he’s got the stance down.

Are you going to initiate?

>>18830583
Harass him and be an all-around nuisance. Every free strike we get should be an open-hand slap. Offer necessary pointers.

No need to actually wail on the poor kid. You dart at him, ready to strike!

(Attack roll = 10!)
He moves his arm to deflect your attack, but he doesn’t notice your other arm until it’s smacking him upside the head! “You focus too much on one part of your opponent’s body.” You dart back out. “Take in all of him, every aspect of his movements.”
He takes a step forward and brings his arm down like a hammer!

(Defense roll = 9!)
You shift your body to the right. It’s too easy. “Strong strikes are for when your opponent can’t move or can’t see you.” To demonstrate, you smash your fist into his side.

(Attack roll = 13 + 1 for distracted opponent = 14!)
He winces in pain as you soften your blow. “Don’t let your foe rest.” Your arm goes to slap his neck.

(Attack roll = 13 + 1 for distracted opponent = 14!)
A loud smack pierces the day when you hit his neck. You move back. You’re trying to teach him, not beat him up. Better that he get a chance to do something. With a burst of speed, he leaps at you, trying to chop your elbow!

(Defense roll = 14!)
Too telegraphed. Too methodical. You divert his attack. “You focus too much on the upper body.” You bring your leg up to kick his shin!

(Attack roll = 12!)
You smash your leg into his, and he goes down! He doesn’t even bother getting back up. You hear clapping. Following the noise, you see Master Enkidu pleased at your performance. “Well done! You have earned your five coins. Do you wish to educate more of my students?”

>>18830747
Absolutely, sir. Two, this time?

>>18830766
You request to fight two more. “Ha! Only two? After a show like that, I think you’d be better suited for three, don’t you agree?”

>>18830766
>>18830787

Lets take 3 now

>>18830787
I've learned not to rush into things, if you don't mind. Caution is, in my experience, always preferable.

>>18830835
>>18830839

I'm getting conflicting reports here.

>>18830839
Come on. Lets speed up a bit. Going one by one will take too much time and we are in no danger of dying or getting crippling wounds if we lose.

>>18830874
AW SHIT
I don't really mind, I guess >>18830835 >>18830876 is right.

>>18830874
Be back in a few hours.

Yeah, you can definitely ramp this up. You look up and nod at the Master, who somehow has accrued three students already.

You settle into a relaxed stance, while two of them get into the same solid stance you saw Kenji use, while one bounces around on his feet. Before you can contemplate what to do, one of them jumps you!

(Defense roll = 9.)
You try to roll out of the way, but you’re too slow! A fist jabs you in the gut, and while you’re off balance, the student slides underneath your legs, appearing behind you! You shoot your leg backwards, aiming for his ankle…

(Attack roll = 10!)
And you land it! The kid bends over a bit, absorbing the hit, and jumps back a few feet! While you were distracted, though, the other two have slowly surrounded you, and there’s nowhere for you to go!

What do you do?!

>>18830925
I doubt it would look good if we were to suddenly turn invisible. Or make use of any of our abilities, really. At least not yet, there'll be more rounds after this.
So.
Wait for one of them to come at us, counter, then go through his gap. Get some space.

>>18830925
[typed pretty elaborate plan. Hit submit. Think it went through. It didn't]
>trying again.

Wait till they attack.
When one of them makes his move, dodge around him and get out of the circle.
Then try to attack from their flank.
Do not focus on one person, keep constantly on the move.
Use their numbers against them. Like, using one student as a shield against the other or redirecting their attacks to hit each other.

It’s best to stay calm. Never initiate unless you have the advantage. You don’t have to wait long.

With loud footsteps, you hear the student behind you rushing you!
(Defense roll = 8.)
You turn to counter him, but you’re greeted by a hand grabbing your arm, swinging you around, and throwing you towards his friends! Flying through the air, you decide that the best way to land is on one of them…!

(Attack roll = 12!)
Spinning your body around, you plant your feet into the chest of one of the teens, smashing him into the ground. His blank gaze confirms that you’ve only got two to deal with now. When you spin around to assess the situation, you see one of them glaring at the one that threw you. Good, an opening.

(Attack roll = 10 + 1 for distracted enemy = 11!)
Silently running at your target, you cover the few feet in a blink and deliver a flurry of blows to his side, hitting key pressure points, and he goes down! Just one left.

This is too easy.

>>18831029
>This is too easy.

Don't get overconfident now that only one is left. Keep fighting him as a worthy foe. Never underestimate.

Just because you took out the other two doesn’t mean that you should take it easy, though. After all, this guy’s the one that’s been giving you trouble. For the third time, he runs at you!

(Defense roll = 8.)
Just before he is about to reach you, he shifts stances mid run, coming lower to the ground, and you can’t stop him from landing a punishing punch on your leg! Shit… you can’t move!

(Attack roll = 14!)
But that doesn’t mean you can’t attack. You bring your palm back for a Shadow Riposte, not channeling the shadows, though, and you slam it right into his forehead, planting his face into the dirt! He doesn’t move for a few seconds. You hear more clapping. Turning, you see that Master Enkidu has already gathered more students. “You’re up to twenty coins! How about we skip to five now?“ You motion towards your leg. “Don’t worry about that, you should be fine in a few minutes.”

>>18831139
So... they used their abilities?
Oh boy!

>>18831029
Food for thought: if you ever find yourself in the center of a circle of assailants, never stay in the center. Work your way to the outside and STAY outside. That way you never get swarmed. I saw a video of an aikido demo showing that.

>>18831139
Catch your breath for 2 minutes or so and then agree for a bout against 5 students.

>>18831156
Not really an ability.
Remember, Phoenix Storm is entirely martial. More of a technique.

>>18831185
I suppose.
No invisible fun yet, then.

>>18831195
Let's avoid our shadow powers if we can. We're offering them a sparring partner, not trying to win. We're here for their benefit. Besides, we probably shouldn't show off our secret arts in this place of all, especially with someone like Enkidu watching.

>>18831223
I know, I know. I just like winning.

>>18831223
This. Even if we are losing, we shouldn't use them. Like I said before, we are not going to lose anything if we are defeated and I do not think that we cannot challenge them again after being defeated.

You rest for a few minutes, stretching while the students converse amongst themselves. When you’re ready, you nod at Master Enkidu. He claps, and five students surround you in a circle, each in a different stance. You decide to get yourself out of the circle ASAP and charge one of the students in a less solid stance.

(Attack roll = 9.)
You charge at him, but he sidesteps you and sticks his leg out, tripping you! You easily recover, but when you turn around, two of them are charging at you while the rest slowly advance! Coming from two angles, you get assailed…

(Defense roll = 11!)
Just before they are about to punch you, you step backwards and smash their heads together! Slumping to the ground, you return your attention to the three men slowly coming in very solid movements.

Mildly related point:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql99zLrU1wQ

That's Masutatsu Oyama, one of the baddest of asses you'll see. Many people unironically called him the God Hand. This is who we should aspire to be.

>>18831285
>posting the motherfucking God Hand

>>18831285
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql99zLrU1wQ

Fuck, did they HAVE to use that particular song?

>>18831278
Stick to the outside, use basic counter-throws ala judo or aikido. Make them hit the ground and back off, always keeping a distance and maintaining our momentum. Let them come to us.

>>18831278
Do not let them surround you.

AIming for knees and elbows all day long son

One of them charges at you, shifting to a more fluid stance!

(Defense roll = 10!)
He goes for your head, but you duck underneath him, and slip between his legs, grabbing hold of his ankle and causing him to slam into the ground! But he’s not out, and now you’re surrounded. That’s not good. Using your momentum, you keep going, ready to attack…!

(Attack roll = 14!)
You rush one, and he tries to intercept your blow, but you feint to the side, jabbing him in his side as you keep moving, staying on the outside. The guy you tripped is back up, and he doesn’t look too happy. But before he can close the distance, you focus on the third student, who is now moving from side to side. You see a crack in his defense…!

(Attack roll = 12.)
It’s a trap! You don’t notice until you’ve overextended and you receive a chop to your neck! Shit, that hurts. These guys are better than you thought. You’re surrounded yet again.

>>18831379
Get out of the circle using feints ,dodges and distractions.

>>18831379
What did I say about rushing an opponent? While they practice their everything, we're practicing our general self-defense. Nowhere in self-defense does it say "charge the enemy." We're trying to hassle them and keep them going. Flop them onto their back, then shuffle away. Flop, shuffle. Flop, shuffle.

>>18831411
So in a way we should he like the casting shadows? Always extending from the person, we act as they act.

>>18831455
>thisniggagetsit.jpg

>>18831455
>>18831472
I have no idea what he said.

>>18831472
Im not much of a martial arts expert(besides Bruce Lee stuff and HIT THE FUCKER IN THE SOLAR PLEXUS). But I just figured we should explore other aspects of shadows beyond hiding and subterfuge.

>>18831499
Neither did I, then I thought about it.

>So in a way we should BE like the casting shadows? Always extending from the person, we act as they act.
That makes a lot more sense.

Alright, you’ve got this. Just stay calm.

One of them rushes you…!

(Defense roll = 17!)
He stops in front of you, using his momentum to swing a kick at you! You see it coming and catch his leg, and continue to swing him around, throwing him into one of his friends! A loud CRACK tells you that you might’ve overdone it a bit. Oh well, it happens when you spar. They should be used to it. The last one looks a little worried and refuses to move, keeping his solid stance.

Fine, if he won’t move…

(Attack roll = 11!)
You shuffle over to him, and he tries to land a solid kick in your chest! You deftly spin out of the way, and chop him in the side! He shifts a few feet, but doesn’t go down.

(Defense roll = 14!)
He pulls his fist back, and swings it forward, putting all his weight into it! You backstep as his hand lands into the ground, creating a small crater! That would’ve broken quite a few bones. Had it hit. You shoot your leg out to finish him off…

(Attack roll = 11!)
And catch him in the chin! He flies backwards and lands on his back. For the third time, you hear clapping. You turn towards Master Enkidu. “Well done, well done indeed! I haven’t seen anyone do so well since my apprentice Naliah left!” Ah, so she did learn here. You thought as much. “Forty five coins is your payment! And a personal lesson from me for your outstanding performance!”

NEW TECHNIQUE LEARNED!
Consensus picks, as always.

Stance of the Cold Phoenix – Your strikes hit a little harder, and it is harder for you to be tripped while in this stance.

Baffling Defense – You adopt a strange stance, which makes your opponent hesitate for a moment, allowing you to get in a critical strike.

Decaying Grasp – You land your blow with such force that you immobilize your target.

>>18831513
Must review my text before submitting. D'oh.

>>18831560
Whoops, forgot to add that Decaying Grasp has a 2 minute cooldown.

>>18831560
>Baffling Defense

Take this. We could use more defense techniques.

>>18831560
Torn between the Stance and the Decaying Grasp. I'm a sucker for passive bonuses, which the stance has plenty of, but a Stunning Fist is always welcome. Paralyze, then go to town.

Hnngh.

>>18831560
Hey, we're not done yet. I want to keep increasing till we get overwhelmed.
Lets do 8 students this time!

But take a 10 minute break beforehand.

>>18831604
I like the Stance as well, myself.

>>18831616
Oh shit! We got an overachiever here!

>>18831624
Yep. No reason not too keep pushing till we learn of our limits. We don't get many chances to fight in safe, controlled environment.

Id say Decaying Grasp, but it seems like a more violant version of Death's Hand.

>>18831643
Paralysis =/= Immobilization. With Decaying Grasp, they can't run around, with Death's Hand they can't move at all.

>>18831624
We could always have a match against Master Enkidu for a true challange. Not many times we can come across a master who could show what we may come up against in the future.

>>18831595
It's not a defensive technique, really. It's a setup feint into a more crippling blow.
I'm cautious of this move, because I can't guarantee it will work on everyone we use it against. Would it work against that Stone Hunter earlier?
Take the Stance, adapt it into our preexisting style instead of leaving it as a standalone stance.

>>18831634
Do not overwork yourself. That's a sure road to destruction.

So, we going with the Stance?

>>18831687
Ah, okay. Changing my vote to stance.

>Do not overwork yourself. That's a sure road to destruction.
Come on! We can do it!
We fought more dangerous beats than these. We might be able to take them.
...though, of course, we cannot use shadow techniques here so I guess that evens the challenge rating a bit....
But still. Maybe we will be able to net another technique?

Hey! Instead of getting the gold from the elder for the sparring, can we ask him to teach us another technique?

Baffling Stance works well if we're forced into duels. Which if my martial arts movie knowledge tells me, that happens a lot.

You wonder if you could forgo the money for more teaching. You relay this thought to Master Enkidu. He laughs and says, “I’m sorry, child, but I can’t just go around teaching anyone who can pay me, now can I? Impress me some more and I’ll think about it.”

>>18831754
We should keep the gold, we kind of need supplies and I doubt work like this will come along again.

Speaking of which, did we get enough gold for our supplies? We should also give a speech to the other students, we showed them that we could best them, now we inspire them!

>>18831728
The Stance is the safest option to me, and we can later just incorporate the bonus into our regular stance.
>>18831754
We're getting the gold so we can buy supplies so we can make the trip to the Starry Seas so we can meet our ACTUAL sifu. And again, it's that mindset that leads to easily-avoidable injuries because we didn't know how to say stop.

We're not Khan. Moderation in all things.

>>18831793
>Impress me some more and I’ll think about it.”

Alright, another sparring session coming up!

>>18831809
But how can we get injured that much in a friendly sparring session? I know we might break some bones if we're not careful, but that comes with martial arts anyway. Besides, we might get another technique. You don't want another technique?

>>18831830
So exhaustion and fatigue mean nothing to you? You never want to be done in because you overworked yourself.

>>18831832
No one said anything about actually crossing the Starry Seas. At least the riddle didn't say as much.

>>1883179
Perhaps a small match against Mastee Enkidu himself? We are sure to face more dangerous enemies in the future. A master would show us, just how we would fare.

Back in a couple hours.

>>18831852
>So exhaustion and fatigue mean nothing to you? You never want to be done in because you overworked yourself.

Eh. No where in the updates was it said that we are tired or exhausted. Also, you're talking about a man who ran away from pursuers for 2 entire days with little sleep and food. These matches shouldn't have exhausted Shun that much. Besides, I said to take a break before the next match but I guess 10 minutes is not enough... how about 20-30 minutes?

>>18831901
If you want to keep going, feel free.
Hell, you could just come back tomorrow if you want. Nothing's keeping you here.

Also, you've set yourself up to learn the Stance. I've made note of it.

I've also gotta go run some errands for a bit, so I'll be back in a while. We're not done yet.

>>18831984
Alright. See you soon.

>>18831984
Have fun and stuff
Don't die, that would be sad

So I know Naruto is detested, but shadow techniques remind me of Shikamaru. Maybe we could borrow or adapt a few of them?

Also our powers depend on the amount of light casting the shadows correct? Perhaps we should get some mobile light source that we can activate. Im not saying a flashlight, but lanterns seem a tad..bulky.

>>18832342
There was a pretty awesome quest on /tg/ called Five Nations, it was based of Naruto setting.

So we can control our shadows and others right? WE ARE MASTERS OF SHADOW PUPPETRY!


(Trying to keep thread alive without resorting to bumping)

I'll use the break to say some things that I think might be important to do while we stay in Terec.

- Already mentioned but it couldn't hurt to get some funds
- Keeping in mind that Shun was brought up "under a rock" maybe we should try to improve our knowledge of the world around us, perhaps find a library or some people that could teach us the basic geography around us, major civilizations, deities, political factions, towns etc?
-Teagan advised us to make some friends in Terec
-On a final note I think we should use extreme discretion using our knowledge of Shdow Fist in order to keep our element of surpirse against enemies.

Any thoughts on this?

>>18832844
I like this. I say we meet with the Alchemy Guild. We could learn from them, perhaps get useful stuff for them by sending reagents to them.

>>18832844
You forgot that one of the bounty hunters you interrogated said that the hit was made by someone in Terec.

>>18832342
Shun's got pretty good control over shadow, but not good enough to go making his own techniques. Yet. And they do depend on how many shadows are around, hence the Shadow Storm final technique.

>>18832364
I find the world and mechanics of Naruto to be intensely fascinating. A shame the main characters and story are so shitty.

>>18832917
The alchemists could have mobile light sources. Would not surprise me if they had flash grenades or something.

>>18832927
>I find the world and mechanics of Naruto to be intensely fascinating. A shame the main characters and story are so shitty.

That was the same reason why the OP of that quest made the quest and the system.
It was pretty awesome AND the quest got a proper closure, something that doesn't happen often with quests. He started second quest but disappeared around new year.


Anyway, I say we keep beating those students! If not now then at least later.
OH! And lets talk about Naliah with the elder. I'd like to know what he can say about her.

So, are we calling it a day with the Phoenix Storm?

>>18832927

The person who ordered the hit is indeed in Terec and that is why it could be wise to try and keep low profile of our past and also to avoid using our masters name or shadow techniques in explicit manner.

What time of the day is it, is our character too tired from our previous spars to keep sparring? It might be interesting to match against Enkidu but shouldn't we sure to attempt it fully rested as to truly test our limits?

As a note to Student. I read the previous threads during the weekend, I actually posted in the previous thread saying so and I would like to compliment you for mastering such an interesting quest. Me likey!

>>18833053
Shun's been through worse. He could power through some more students, but Enkidu would be a bad idea at the moment. Shun should be at full strength for that if he doesn't want to get slaughtered.

>mastering such an interesting quest.
Not quite yet. I've been building up steam, but I'm far from greatness. This is a learning experience for me.

>>18833048
We should set up a work schedule with them. Every other day or so seems reasonable. Gives them time to lick their wounds.

>>18833079
Since people are not that keen on fighting more, how about another round which gets auto-resolved quickly?
Man, I would love Shun to get more practice and have Enkidu teach all three techniques.

>>18833107
One on seven?
I dunno. It's not something I want to write off as autowin/lose. Again, we can do it later. Shun will need to spend a few days with Enkidu to learn the Stance anyway.

>>18833079
Get a few more students in, try 8 this time. We're on a roll here.

We'll thank Enkidu for this opportunity to learn and practice.

Perhaps one day we can spar against him and he can teach us how large the world of martial arts truly is.

By that I mean he'll hand us our ass on a silver platter.

>>18833053

I think I will namefag from now on. I suggest we beat a few more kids to get some gold. Just staying at the inn already costs us 5 gp if I remember correctly Maybe we should take on say three? Is there any clue how long we have been sparring, is it still in the afternoon or is it already evening?

>>18833139
You woke up fairly late in the day, but there's enough time left for a quick match.

>>18833132
Okay. Lets learn the Stance first. It will help us in the fight afterwards.

>>18833156
Oh wait. More people are eager to fight this time!

>>18833139
>>18833133

LETS DO IT!

Hopefully we will not break any bones if we lose.
This time make priority of not getting surrounded above all!

>>18833132
We can challange more later. For now we train! Also we should ask about Naliah. Act like we're merely curious because he mentioned her being good.

This was hardly a challenge. “Master Enkidu, bring me eight students.” His eyes are bulging out of his wrinkled, grinning face. A cackle escapes him as he waves some more students over.

Eight men surround you, all in varying stances. You grin. Hopefully you can really test yourself.

>>18833177
I can second that. I wouldn't have minded the extra gold from beating a few more students but training is still probably a larger priority. Asking about Naliah also seems legit.

>>18833231
What's stopping you from training after you wail on some more poor bastards?

>>18833220
Alright. This will be hard.
We already fought with superior numbers before, so use all that experience to defeat them. We should now of their style now, their feints and attacks should be easier to identify than before we came here.
First order of business. Get out of the circle. I suggest dodging around the first one to attack. Maybe even jumping over him (you know, those somersaults where one grabs shoulders of the opponent and gets behind them?)

oh dude, definetly bring up the girl with the master. did she want people to assume she was dead so they wouldnt try the temple again? tell her master that she wants to be thought dead cause of that

>>18833238

Nothing I guess.

As before:

Wait till they attack.
When one of them makes his move, dodge around him and get out of the circle.
Then try to attack from their flank.
Do not focus on one person, keep constantly on the move.
Use their numbers against them. Like, using one student as a shield against the other or redirecting their attacks to hit each other.

>>18833220
With eight, they should start to get in each others way unless they are good at coordinating their actions.

>>18833340
Haha, this. We must exploit that. More bodies does not equal better performance. And the way the previous students performed, there's a high possibility that they do not coordinate together that well.

This is still manageable, you’ve just got to get out of this circle. You bum rush one of them, and angle yourself to jump over him…

(Attack roll = 11!)
Just as he moves to strike, you grab his shoulders and vault yourself over him, smashing your fingers into pressure points at the back of his neck, causing him to drop! You position yourself facing the rest of them, but you realize that your back is at a statue of a phoenix. Hmm…

Your thoughts are interrupted when you see one of the men swinging something around. Wait… is that a student?! You barely have time to think when he’s launched at you, feet outstretched!

(Defense roll = 12!)
You roll out of the way as his legs smash into the marble statue! You hear him curse and yell as he crumples to the ground in pain. That could’ve ended very poorly had you been hit…

Six more face you, waiting for you to do something. But you know better than that by now.

>>18833327

I think >>18833177 had a good point. Naliah probably had good reason to hide that fact that she survived the temple, hoping to disuade others from visiting it. In my opinoin it would probably be smartest to avoid mentioning that we have met Naliah, at least right now.

Let them bring it on. Wait for someone to attack, dodge and counter-attack.

>>18833386
HAHA!
Using each other as weapons!

They are waiting for us to attack, I say we make a move. Make a deliberate opening in our defenses that they will try to exploit and then counter-attack them.

>>18833400
how about later when we're talking with this master alone? seems like a good guy, wouldn't want him to worry bout his pupil when her failure to return gets announced. tell him to keep it secret

>>18833433
Sounds good, actually better than I proposed since we control the flow of the battle

>>18833438
Sorry to be so cynical but what do we have to gain by telling Enkidu about Naliah? How do we know that we can trust him? I say the lees he knows about us for the time being, so much the better.

>>18833386
6 opponents. Now that is more manageable.

Take a low stance, preferring dodging over else.

Two of them rush you!

(Defense roll = 9.)
Your lucky streak could only go for so long. A fist plants itself in your face as a leg sweeps you and you crash into the ground. Shit. One of them winds up a devastating punch…!

(Defense roll = 16!)
You move your upper body just in time to hear the thunderous roar of the ground splitting next to you! Now’s your chance…

(Attack roll = 14!)
You send your leg sailing into his groin, and he falls over onto the ground. You hear the crowd, Enkidu included, groan. Okay, maybe that was a little dirty, but who accused you of fighting fairly? You stay on the ground to try and bait another attack…

(Defense roll = 17!)
A quick stomp from the other man isn’t quick enough, as you grab his leg and twist his ankle, spraining it. He falls to the ground while you jump to your feet. While you were busy with these two, the other four have surrounded you.

>>18833487
Uh. So many typos. You'll have to excuse me. The keylayout is drastically different from my own laptop.

>>18833498
They dont work well as a team, we should exploit that more.

>>18833498

Found ourselves exactly were we don't want to be. Perhaps we should wait until one of the students makes a move and then try to dodge / counter ourselves to the outside?

You can see the fear in their eyes. You’ve taken out thirteen men single handedly, of course they’re afraid. They confirm your thoughts when they all rush you at once. Good.

A swing comes from your left!

(Defense roll = 10!)
You sidestep it and chop the man in the elbow. A kick comes from behind!

(Defense roll = 13!)
Catching his leg in between your arms, you twist his ankle and throw him into the man you just hit. From both sides, fists come sailing towards you!

(Defense roll = 16!)
You catch one and spin, twisting the man’s arm behind his back, and you kick him away. You leap on top of him and smash his face into the ground, knocking him out. One of the guys pushes an unconscious man off him and leaps back into the fray! You decide to take out the student closest to you…

(Attack roll = 10!)
You run at him and dive for his legs! He didn’t expect that, and you lift a leg off the ground, catching him off balance, and you chuck him on the ground, punching his knee for good measure.

The last one looks at you and falls on the ground. Enkidu laughs at his cowardice and tells him to get up. He says that it’s just easier for everyone this way.

>>18833729
Go up to the guy who just fell. Go for a finishing strike, but just stop short of his face and hold out an open hand.

"Sorry I went rough on you guys."

>>18833729
"Phew!
That was a good workout.
I suppose we can continue later? These fights are starting to drain me."
Then we have Enkidu train us.

>>18833729
Help them up, thank them for the opportunity to test our skills.

Talk with Enkidu, get the training, get to know him better.

You walk over to the man on the ground and send your fist sailing towards his face…
And extend it into a hand. “Sorry I went so rough on you guys." You look up at Enkidu and ask, “I suppose we can continue later? These fights are starting to drain me."

Delivering a standing ovation, Enkidu is amazed at your skill. “Eighty five coins, my boy, and no less! I’d love to see you fight some more, but you’ve nearly hospitalized seventeen of my students!” A hearty laugh booms from the slim old man. “I must say, I wasn’t expecting this when I woke up this morning!”

You’ve never fought so many people at once. It feels… pretty good. Adrenaline is rushing through your veins.

Young man, If you will not face your own fears whom would you have do it for you? Win your fear and fight like a true phoenix. It is not a shame to lose but to surrender in the face of fear is unacceptable.

Hopefuly the young man was inspired to stand up, let him make his move and dispatch of him in an honourly fashion. No need to get overconfident though. Prepare mentally for the incoming attack.

Oh shit, Holy Grail War Quest is up, how'd I miss that?!

Also, did anyone else feel like we were channeling Batman during those fights?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyjnMu8u9nE

>>18833865
Neither was I, but in my journeys so far I've learned that thinks rarely turn out as you expect so it's a fools game to try to predict tomorrow's sun rise.

I'm guessing that if I didn't hospitalize them you would have done so in due time, perhaps they will learn that there is more to martial arts than the fighting bits, but I'm not so sure.

>>18833865
While your students take some time to lick their wounds and gather their courage and pride, let us proceed to learn the stance.

>>18833866
Damn shame I wrote those fancy words for nothing.

>>18833884
Now I do.
We should channel Batman more.

>>18833865
"That is part of the journey of life." Lets take a breather. "So how about that technique?"

>>18833913
>>18833922
What is with you people and baiting for new techniques so ham-handedly? Are you really that dissatisfied with what you already have that you cast subtlety aside in the pretense of new ways to punch a dude in the head? Granted, they're all rather welcome, but it feels childish to think we shouldn't get something out of every single thing we do.

Chill out, brah. All things in time.

>Apropos of nothing, SAIKYOOOOO

You chuckle a bit, saying, "That is part of the journey of life. I'm guessing that if I didn't hospitalize them you would have. Perhaps they will learn that there is more to martial arts than the fighting bits. But I’m not so sure.” You pause a bit. “While your students take some time to lick their wounds and gather their courage and pride, let us proceed to learn the stance.”

He busts out in laughter at your confidence. “Very well! I must tend to my students, however, so I don’t have enough time to begin your training. Please, come back tomorrow morning if you’re ready!” A toothy grin marks his face. “I must say that I’m looking forward to it.”

He said he didn’t have enough to train you, but nothing about making conversation…

>>18834021
"I am in no hurry. I can wait till tomorrow."

We still have those supplies to buy, so we can spend the rest of the day doing just that.

>>18834012
Learn to be as subtle as the shadows we wield, lest we look like an oaf trying to always squeeze something from nothing.

>>18834021
"Are there any other schools here in Terec? I should imagine the Phoenix Storm isn't the only style in the largest city in the world."

>>18834021
"So who is Naliah. If you don't mind me asking. You mentioned she was pretty good, maybe we could spar?"

>>18834021
Who is this Naliah, you said that they were a promising student of yours, where is Naliah now?

>>18834060
>>18834072
Naliahmind?

>>18834060
>>18834072

Eh... I don't think we should pretend not to know her.
I don't see anything wrong with telling him we met her. She is a graduate, I think, so it is okay that she hasn't returned yet.

>>18833498

This former student of yours, Naliah was it? She sounds a formidable character. Would you mind telling me more about her?

I think we might also consider asking if Enkidu knows of any opportunities of earning some funds with our abilities. And perhaps we should ask were we could find some of the accessories that we want to buy?

>>18834101
Agreed. We don't have an extended track record of lying so much as there is omitting certain points.

>>18834060
Is Naliah a common female name? I think we might be giving up to much if we arent gender neutral.

>>18834125
Naliah seems distinctly female to me.
Unless you're from Africa or something, I dunno.

>>18834125
Sounds female enough.

You’re not in any rush. “Master Enkidu.” He looks at you. “Are there any other schools here in Terec? I should imagine the Phoenix Storm isn't the only style in the largest city in the world."

He looks at you mischievously, and says, “The largest city in the world? Now who told you that crock? That distinction belongs to the Holy City. And I’m afraid that we are the only martial arts school here. Between the alchemists, wizards, and traditional weapon training schools, there simply isn’t enough room for more.” What a shame. It makes sense, but what a shame.

Seems we are a bit split on how much we want to share about our adventure with Naliah. I tend to agree with Martial Artist. Its probably best that we dont lie but on the other hand we do not specifically need to mention or share too much of our experiences with Naliah.

You know. We will start our training tomorrow and it will take 2 days to learn the stance. Naliah might show up in meantime, so if we don't want to reveal anything we should just not mention her now.

>>18834190
She headed in the opposite direction and said that she was going to wander around, trying to find herself.

I say we tell him. He's been nothing but accomadating and we have no reason, not to trust him.

>>18834221
Maybe she will find herself back in the Phoenix School? *wink*wink*

Oh well, I have no problem telling him about our small adventure with Naliah. Heck, we could tell it over nice cup of tea.

>>18834152
Makes sense, I suppose.
All that's really left is to get pointed towards some manner of general shop so we can get an estimate on how much we need for supplies. As well, we can get recommendations from Enkidu about jobs that can fit our skillset.
>>18834190
"Might" is rather hopeful. Plus, I'm okay with leaving the Naliah point alone for now. It was a throwaway line of Enkidu's. Still, if you all are insistent on pursuing the point...

"Master Enkidu. You mentioned Naliah, a protege of yours. What do you remember of her?"
We'll elaborate on what we did with her later. No need to lay it all out now.

>>18834226

Perhaps we could say that we bumped into a martial artist called Naliah using the Phoenix style and that the last we heard of her:

>She headed in the opposite direction and said that she was going to wander around, trying to find herself.

>>18834256
Mentioning that she is safe might be something that Enkidu will be happy to hear and although he has been very hospitable so far it can't hurt our relations epecially since we are asking him for advice on a general store and possible job opportunities.

You remember him mention Naliah. Your curiosity is piqued. "Master Enkidu. You mentioned Naliah, a protégé of yours. What do you remember of her?"

His wrinkles contort as he smiles. “Aaah, one of my better students. She came wandering into the dojo a few years ago, and I took her in. A prodigy at the martial aspects, the poor girl never could take to the philosophy, even with me breathing down her neck.” He sighs. “She left last year to make money and hone her skills. And to get away from me, I feel. I haven’t heard from her since.” Was he like her father? It… almost sounds like it.

Honestly, I wouldn't get too hung up on Naliah in general. She was a welcome face in a terrifying cavern. She's gone her own way, and we shouldn't try to tie her down to us.
Plus, knowing our luck, there will be plenty more fine women crossing Shun's path. My first major dump in one of the earlier threads likely wasn't for show.

>Pic related

>>18834330
>Plus, knowing our luck, there will be plenty more fine women crossing Shun's path.

You're tempting fate, aren't you?

>>18834316
Now could be a good time to mention our crazy adventure with Naliah.

>>18834330
I suppose.... alright, lets timeskip to searching supplies, going back to the tavern, reading the journal a bit more learning the Cloak of Deception, going back to dojo and learning the Stance 2 days later.
No need to give input at every step that Shun takes, right?

>>18834347
You know it.

Well then you will be glad to hear that on our way to Terec, we bumped into a practiocioner of the Phoenix style called Naliah. The last we heard of her she seemed to have realize that martial aspects do not provide the whole truth. When we parted she said she was going to wander around searching for herself.

>>18834361
Of course not. That would be tedious for both of us.

>>18834316
"Would you believe me if I said we've met, that she's alive and well, and that as of late, she might be more receptive to your teachings than you think?

>>18834369
That's too blunt and ham-handed, plus it implies that there's more than one Naliah of the Phoenix Storm, which is generally in pretty bad taste.
Subtlety.

If we cant find any jobs, I say we check the alchemist guild. Not for the lead into gold, but since we've never actually seen alchemy at work..

Oh and are there any weapons that would compliment our technique? We use throwing weapons, right? Maybe we could check out schools like that?

>>18834438
Any *weapons* you need can be replicated with shadows, aside from some larger ones, like lances or greatswords.

You can’t keep your secret any longer. "Would you believe me if I said we've met, that she's alive and well, and that as of late, she might be more receptive to your teachings than you think?” A great sigh of relief escapes the old man.

“At my age, you can believe anything. Would you mind telling an old man how you met her?” Is… is he trying to manipulate you? His mildly pathetic looking faces tells you that yes, he probably is.

>>18834468
At the moment. Remember the twenty shadow drills?

>>18834416

Yeah no denying, I guess it's pretty obvious that so far I've mostly been lurking on /tg/. but you've got to practice to learn right?

So lets check for possible jobs or then head somewhere else to the store to check how much money we need or to some other interesting location in town.

>>18834486
Of course, of course. Later on things will get... silly.

>>18834482
"I'm...not sure I should. We met under, well, far less-than-savory conditions, to put it very lightly. Suffice to say, she would've died had I not intervened, and the experience must have...shaken her. She said she wouldn't return home to Terec for a while. Not until she found herself."

>>18834482
I don't see why not. Tell him it is a long story if he wants all the details and it would be better to tell it in a better place... like over the tea.

>>18834482

How about we give more exact details on what Naliah told us as she left? Along the lines that we met her on the way to Terec and that she left wandering the otherway searching for her identity. I don't know if there is any specific reason to avoid reaccounting what happenned in the temple but you never know.

Finally caught up. Too bad I missed the punchy bits again. Oh well.

>>18834482
Yeah he's trying to manipulate us, but what the hell, he's got a vested interest in his student's well being, just give him a sanitized version of events. She saved our life and we saved her in an underground cavern filled with monsters. Explain that the rest he should hear from her as opposed to us.

Er... not quite sure what I should say to Enkidu.

>>18834582
TELL HIM THE TRUTH

>>18834582
I'm not sure he needs to hear about EVERYTHING everything. Everything, certainly, but not EVERYTHING everything. Hence my post.

>>18834652
>>18834613
Cool with this. Lets just move on shall we?

tell him it's a secret!!!!!
but if he asks the right, vague, questions, we might be able to answer him

He doesn’t need to know EVERYTHING… “We met while we were both in a bit of trouble. Suffice to say, she would've died had I not intervened, and vice versa. The experience must have...shaken her. She said she wouldn't return home to Terec for a while. Not until she found herself."

Enkidu nods at you slowly. “Aren’t you a secretive young man? How sad today’s youth are.” He chuckles a bit. “But I thank you, child.” He blinks. “I just realized, I never got your name. Or your style.”

Well, he can’t learn one of those things.

>>18834613
>>18834652

"I believe that our experience has placed her at a cross roads on her journey. She saved my life and I hers in return. We parted ways so she could find her self as a warrior as our fiinal challenge was one that could not be overcome through strength of arms. I believe you will be a major factor in her self discovery and she will return to you when she is ready. So as not to hinder her it is my wish you be enlightened to her experiences through her own words."

>>18834696
HIPSTER MODE
ENGAGED

>>18834715

>>18834613
The truth? He can...probably handle it.

>>18834696
Oh well too slow.

"My name is Shun. In deference to my master's wishes I am not at liberty to say the name of my style since it is a relatively secretive and esoteric one."

Interesting. We probably don't want to unneccessarily share the shadowy aspects of our technique? Again not sure if there is any great risk but if we were to give our full name and Enkidu knows our master or his reputation it would probably be the same as manifesting ourselves as a user of shadow fist.

>>18834751
"you probably never heard of it."

>>18834751

"My name is Shun. In deference to my master's wishes I am not at liberty to say the name of my style since it is a relatively secretive and esoteric one." You almost say, “You’ve probably never heard of it,” but you don’t want to push your luck.

Enkidu nods, memorizing your name. “Thank you, Shun. You have taught my students a lesson and brought a little peace to an old man’s heart.” He sighs and says cheerfully, “Is there anything else you need?”

>>18834696
"Shun, sir. As for my style, however, I am bound by secrecy and my sifu's will that it not be revealed unless absolutely necessary. It is a highly niche style, to put it one way."

>>18834811
Possible jobs and the general store.

>>18834761
Is Shun a common name?

I'm reminded of the episode in Avatar 'Sokka's Masters' were Piandao managed to deduce Sokka's identity, quite easily.

>>18834811
"... a place to purchase new traveling attire and supplies."

>>18834811
"My travels are to take me to the Starry Seas, so directions to a general store for supplies and suggestions for jobs that will net me the coin needed for the journey.
"If you please."

>>18834831
No, it isn't, but even if it was, you've been living with Sifu Tong for literally as long as you can remember.

>>18834841
Perhaps we could get some advice how to get into the Holy City?

>>18834862
We're not even sure we have to travel that far. Granted the "hidden in the shadows there" portion of the riddle could be anything, but I'm not about to cross the ocean unless I'm sure we have to. That said, saving up for the fare can't be a bad thing.

"My travels are to take me to the Starry Seas, so directions to a general store for supplies and suggestions for jobs that will net me the coin needed for the journey.”

“The market square is a few blocks east of the entrance to this school. It’s impossible to miss. As for coin, well… if you don’t mind waiting, the annual Gold Tournament is coming up in a couple of months. The winner usually receives thirty thousand gold and dinner with High Master Blaine.” You can see Enkidu shiver at the name. “I’m sure it would be no problem for a young man of your skills.”

A martial tournament?! For thirty THOUSAND gold?! Oh yes. Oh *hell* yes.

>>18834928
In two months?
I suppose Sifu never told us to hurry....

Ask him about Master Blaine (that's the guy who talked wit the hostage takers, right?)

>>18834947
That's HIGH Master Blaine to you, citizen.

>>18834947
I presume the whole quest could be seen as a growing-of-age / finishing our years as a student of martial arts so I would presume that we are allowed to "grow at our own pace" ? Surely master Sifu doesn't wan't to hurry us?

>>18834928
Ask about Blaine.

Money is on that he is the master of that fire technique our rival uses.

>>18834928
On the one Hand... ensuring our master who could easily kick our ass for a month without rest is safe is very important.
On the other being able to show him a substantial amount of growth with our encounters on our journey while looking for him sounds like a good idea (that's probably one of the reasons he left us to fend for ourselves)

I vote we go for the tournament.

>>18835000
Money is on that we might end up fighting our Rival and/or Nhalin for those 30k. I also vote for waiting for the tournament. We could use with the cash and the High Master sure sound an authority figure worth checking out (for better or worse).

>>18835046
If we are to wait for the tournament, we should make sure to hone our skills at the dojo for the next couple of months.

>>18835000
What would you like to ask about him?

>>18835001
Of course we're going to a tournament.

So in the time inbetween we should continue expanding our style.

>>18835065
We are new here, so just general questions about the man.

>>18834985
>>18835001
>>18835046
Sifu Tong up and bailed on us because bounty hunters who had no right to be hot on his trail were hot on his trail.
The guards said the sea itself was only three days' ride. The tournament is in a couple months. I'm sure we can spare the time to AT LEAST visit the ocean and see if we can't already find Sifu without having to cross the water.

>>18835108
Fair enough. But maybe we could ask about the High Master if we want to and head to the shops? Also since the tournament is still months away we should still keep an eye open during hte meantime for some earning opportunities. It'd be cool to get into the bountyhunting / assasination game 3:)

>>18835108
>Sifu Tong up and bailed on us because bounty hunters who had no right to be hot on his trail were hot on his trail.

I am pretty damn sure Sifu used that as an excuse to bail on us. I mean, WE managed to kill them all, it should have been child's play for Sifu to kill them.
I suspect that this is some kind of final test that Sifu wants us to go through.

>>18835148
ONCE AGAIN I SAY
WHAT IF SIFU PAID FOR THE HIT ON SIFU
IT'S ALL PART OF THE PLAN

You can’t pass up thirty thousand gold and a chance to fight some of the best around. You make a mental note to check it out later. But the High Master… “Master Enkidu, I’m rather new around here. What can you tell me about High Master Blaine?”

He shakes his head. “Only that he gives me bad vibes. About sixteen years ago, he suddenly appeared as a Master, looking just like he does now. Before we knew it, our tiny wooden walls were now giant marble obstructions, the guards were better outfitted than ever before, our mining expeditions were returning more material than ever before… I don’t like him.” Enkidu pauses before continuing, “I can’t say he’s been bad for the city, but something about him is… off.” Like that mask.

Ugh, you get chills just thinking about that rusty thing.

>Meanwhile across the sea.

'Where is that boy? He better have not joined any tournaments or anything!'

>>18835154
Or just deliberately made his location known.

>I'm not saying it was Sifu
>But it was Sifu

>>18835192
Personally, I like the guy.
I hope we don't have to kill him.

>>18835214
>implying you can

>>18835148
I'm not saying it isn't all part of Sifu's final test, but still.

>>18835225
Oh, good.

>>18835192
So all of this growth, this place being the center of alchemy and a huge city of culture and innovation came about in 16 years, that while impressive is pretty strange. I can see having reservations about him.

>>18835192
Alright. No more questions. Lets get this going now!

Suggesting timeskip till after we get the Stance.

>>18835234
Nah, I'm kidding. Of course you *can*

Just like a normal man *can* kill an hippo with his bare hands.

>>18835241
It still was a large city run by alchemists, just... not nearly as nice as it is now.

>>18835255
Well, so long as it stays that way.
Speaking purely hypothetically, of course, might it also be possible for a man to become buddies with a hippo?

>>18835274

If you speak hippo, I guess.

>>18835284
Was that an analogy or...
You know what I don't even know any more.
To put it bluntly, can we bro it up with Blaine?

>>18835255
Or an inexperienced and considerably shrunk Shun can kill a Mucktouched in a single hit?

>>18835301
To put it bluntly, we'll find out, won't we?

>>18835315
Nat 20s are a motherfucker.

>>18835255
But normal man can kill a hippo with his hands.

Why, I just killed 3 today myself.

>>18835344
I suppose we will.

>catchpa: metta nosstir
How fitting.

>>18835255
>>18835274
>>18835284
>>18835301
>>18835315
>>18835344
>>18835353
>>18835364
>>18835367
Hell of a tangent you guys went off on.

>>18835398
That girl's chest scares me.

>>18835353
If you'll excuse my new, why is a nat 20 a nat 20, and not just a 20?

>>18835398
Why are her bandages sticky

>>18835398
I'm just waiting for next update

>>18835415
Cause we didn't have any bonuses for it. CRITTED THAT SHIT.

Well Blaine's cold hard logic has become..a concern.

And the guard's uptight attitude for those against the alchemists make sense.

>>18835415
>Why are her bandages sticky
Because you cannot show boobs on a Christian imageboard.

You thank Master Enkidu for his time and tell him that you’ll be back tomorrow to begin your training. Stepping out into the dusk of the city, you head east for the shopping district.

Lit by bright blue flames, the street lined with vendors is awash in a strange mixture of blue and orange light. A few people are out and about, chatting among themselves in the sleepy glow of the road. You’ve got supplies to buy. What do you need?

>>18835441
New clothes.

>>18835441
> What do you need?
Ah, come on, we've been over this a million times.

>>18835460
Just reiterating, bro. Gotta make sure when you're buying stuff.

>>18835441
Clothes make the man right? I say we get something functionable but nothing that stands out.

>>18835465
ah, alright.

And since we spontaneously decided to stay here for the next few months, I guess we don't need to buy travel rations.
Hmm, we need a permanent place to stay. 5g/day will be too expensive in the long run. I wonder if Enkidu would let us stay at his dojo?

>>18835508
>go to a place to do a job
>get paid very well
>"teach me things and let me live here"

>>18835441
We're here for a bit so we don't need to pick up rations quite yet. New clothes that blend in, rope, a good cloak that can double as a blanket, more rope, stuff to start a fire.

>>18835465
First aid kits, among other things.

>>18835441
>>18835522
Get some first aid stuff too.

Seeing the sign for a tailor, you open the wooden door and enter.

This shop smells vaguely like… is that vanilla? You see a candle burning on top of the counter, where a heavyset woman greets you. “Good evening, sir, and welcome to the Silver Threads. How may I help you?”

You tell her you need clothes. She doesn’t look amused, but decides to not make fun of you for stating the obvious. “What kind of clothes, sir? We can make anything you need, ranging from formal attire to travelling clothes to combat robes, if you engage in such endeavors. Our styles are the best in the world, at the absolute lowest prices.” She said all of that rather methodically. It’s obviously canned, but as long as the clothes are good, you don’t care.

>>18835531
Lightweight, free movement, tough. Practical for unarmed fighting, travel, and not noticeable at night.

>>18835465
Do I remember some speech about watches earlier on in this thread? Probably over our budget at the moment but still.

>Medicinal kits, food, rope, a blanket or a cloak, maybe a compass.

I guess those would all be quite nice to have if we plan on travelling later on.

>>18835515
Yep.
Can't see why this shouldn't work, especially since we are planning staying here for few months.

>>18835546
>not noticeable at night
We might not want to mention this. Ask for dark colours, sure, but that sounds a bit thief-y.

>>18835555
I guess there not urgent at the moment but better have them ready than be sorry later when we have to escape in a hurry?

>>18835546
>>18835569
Don't forget our original gi is still stored in our bag.

You tell her what you need. “Lightweight, free movement, tough. Practical for unarmed fighting, travel, and not noticeable at night.”

She writes it all down on a small piece of paper. “Very well, sir. Something in dark colors, doesn’t weigh much, but can last a long trip. Relatively tight, but not overly so. Would you like a cloak and hood attached? If so, we can imbed small bits of lead into the bottom of the cloak so it can be swung around in fights. For additional gold, we can also magically reinforce your clothing so that it can’t be torn.” Hm. This is getting rather fancy.

>>18835619
It's also getting rather handy.

>>18835619
I'm interested in that, how much extra is all of that going to run me, cloak, hood, lead and magic?

>>18835634
And expensive. Too many bells and whistles for our budget right now.

>>18835619
"How much would these additions cost, please?"

>>18835569
Dark blue would work well for stealth. Black stands out at night.

>>18835597
We should break that out for the tourney.

>>18835645
>>18835649

You ask her how much all this will come out to.

"Everything will cost one hundred gold and we'll have it ready in three days, sir."
All things considered, that doesn't sound too expensive. You almost made that much in one day.

Once we've ordered our clothes it couldn't hurt asking about some affordable lodges and possible jobs.

>>18835678
DO IIIIIIT!

While we are at it, ask her about magical enchantments. Can we get more applied on our clothes on a later date and where should we apply for more potent enchantments?

>>18835564
>>18835515

....Well, we could offer our service as a teacher. Certainly, we can teach them one thing or two about martial arts.

>>18835721
Well, that's kind of what you did today. In a rough sense.

>>18835721
We're bound by secrecy, though, from teaching others about the Fist of Shadow. We even had to turn down Khan mostly when he asked.

>>18835772
Some of them seemed lacking in even the basics, really.

See what it would cost without the weighted cloak. It'd be nice if we had enough money left over for diner and a place to sleep for the night...

>Captcha: cieikin barbarons

Or we could live like the Cieikin barbarians apparently.

>>18835800
If you bought it with the cloak, you'd still have 277 gold left over.
Don't worry, I've been keeping track all quest.

>>18835807
That's plenty, we made 85 in a day of fun sparring, if we get actual work done, bounty hunting and the like we'll make much more. Also it seems like a damn nice outfit.

>>18835772
I never said to teach them that. Just general martial arts.

>>18835772
Then we shall teach...basic self defense? We become that guy who teaches karate at the mall. Heh.

Im sure the inn lady would love to take lessons, especially with vagnabonds that we dealt with already.

You ask the woman if it would be possible to get further enchantments.

"Yes, sir, but for that you would need to contact the Arcane Schools. All we do here is strengthening of the material."

Hm.
Get the full package?

>>18835881
Why not? We had a good day, time to reward ourselves abit.

>>18835881
Full package, good investments like this pay for themselves quickly.

>>18835881
As long as we don't break the bank too badly.

>>18835881
yes, the full package

We still have a decent amount of gold left. As a thought we could consider/try running some errands for the magicians or alchemists. But now I think I should go sleep. Its nearly morning here. Thanks for this evening. Hopefully you'll archieve this thread and tell us when to expect more!

You give her one hundred gold and she tells you that it’ll be ready in three days, and to come back at around 8 o’clock. You have 277 gold remaining.

The rest of your night is spent moving from store to store in the blue nightlight. You get two medical kits, about thirty feet of rope, and a compass. It comes out to a clean 77 gold. How convenient!

You have 200 gold remaining. Is there anything else you’d like to buy/investigate tonight?

>>18835881
We should later visit the Arcane Schools and get an enchantment which helps with our stealth. Noise mufflement, chameleon, etc. Stacking stealth bonuses will help us greatly.

>>18835967
Don't think so. Lets get back to our room, study the book some more and go to sleep.

>>18835967
A watch might be useful if they aren't too pricey.

>>18835986
And let on to the alchemists about what we do and what our powers are? Hell no. We're doing this all-natural.

>>18836016
The Alchemist's Guild isn't the Arcane Schools.

>>18836007
After a little searching around, you find a vendor that sells a fairly low-quality one for 75 gold.

>>18836030
Either way, we don't need people snooping around our powers.

>>18836016
What? How does that let them on what our powers are?
Jesus, stop being so paranoid. There are a lot of reasons why someone might want stealth enchantments and our extremely rare, unknown style is the last thing they will think about.

>>18836030
Sure, lets get a watch. I'm sure we will buy one sooner or later. Better sooner. We should construct our days according to the watch and not to the local shards. That way we can keep better track of time and have a good sleep schedule.

>>18836030
Buying cheap just costs us in the future when we have to fix it or replace it with a good one.

Hold off on that, we don't need one right yet and I'd rather get a solid durable one then buy one that breaks the next day.

>>18836030

Couldn't resist one more post. I think we shouldn't buy the watch right now, we should have at least some gold in reserve. No need to go all hobo later on.

A question on our shadow technique: Would we be able to expand our cloak of shadow to encompas an other person/people a) now b) possibly in the future?

>>18836081
>now
Nope.

>later
Possibly. But not until a lot later.

Maybe we should work for the innkeeper for her's or something. She seems to like us.

>>18836138
No. Lets not.
Two reasons:
the pay is going to be shit
we are not going to learn anything useful

Going to dojo and beating students up is much better although probably not sustainable for a long time.

So what's the plan of action, guys?

>>18836209
Some want to check out the watches and see what they're like. No harm in taking a look.

>>18836209
Well, the majority does not want to buy the watch now so lets not.

Go back to the tavern, read, sleep.

>>18836220
It's just a collection of equally cheap watches.

>>18836241
Don't buy any yet.

Calling it a night, you head back to Ingrid’s Inn. Opening the door, you’re greeted with the familiar sharp stench of booze and sweat. Saddling yourself up to the bar, Ingrid greets you. “Hey, Shun! You’re spending the night again, hun?” You nod at her and pass her 5 gold coins. “How long do you plan on staying, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I’m planning on competing in the Gold Tournament, so about two months.”

A short squeal escapes the woman, and she says, “Really, Shun? I bet you’ll have fun. If you’re staying that long, then you get the house discount!” You cock your eyebrow, interested. “Only a hundred gold a month!” That’s a fair bit better than you were expecting. Things are finally looking up for you, aren’t they? Saying goodnight, you head to your room and pull out Sifu’s notebook, trying to understand the theories behind the Cloak of Deception. So you just focus your shadow around you, huh…?

>>18836161
>not learning anything in an Inn

Its like you know nothing of rpgs.

The next three days are a blur. By day, you learn the Stance of the Cold Phoenix with Master Enkidu. It’s a more grounded stance than you’re used to, but it’s not that difficult of to learn. It’s difficult to shake your training of going for your opponent’s vital spots, but really, you don’t bother not doing it. It’s good training to have, and Enkidu agrees… while standing on top of you after thrashing you in a spar.

By night, you leaf through Sifu’s notebook. It looks like the Cloak of Deception is one of the oldest techniques of the Fist of Shadow, and the first to ever require manipulation of one’s own shadow. Unlike with your other techniques, this doesn’t call for forcing the shadows to do as you want, but coercing your own to work with you as an equal. It’s… almost like they have a mind of their own.

Three days later, you pick up your clothes and walk out into the foggy night, your deep blue cloak swaying gently in the dark breeze…

>>18836385
Learn. Useful. Skills.
Do I have to spell everything out?
Or do you suppose sweeping the floor, serving drinks or guarding the door will make us learn something useful? I guess if we decide to be a cook we might learn something but not exactly useful to Shun, the martial artist extraordinaire.

There are better ways to earn money. Some of them may even net us good experience.

And tonight's episode is over.

So, what'd you think gentlemen?

>>18836487
Did we learn the Stance and the Cloak? I remember you saying that it should take only few days to learn the cloak, or was I wrong?

>>18836531
Yup. You got the Stance, the Cloak, and your new Totally-Not-Batman clothes.

>>18836523
It was great.... although I think it dragged out a little bit after the last fight at the dojo.

When are you going to run the next session?

>>18836487
>dark breeze

>>18836545
Yeah, I agree on that. But you can't make shopping too exciting. Usually.

Next session will be Friday, as usual.

>>18836550
I didn't wanna use night again so early, man!

>>18836563
Alright. See you then, I need to sleep anyway.

Archived! http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/18829289/

Anything you guys want to see in the future?

>>18836615
MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW A BADASS

..eh, I'm not sure. I like how things are going for now.

>>18836631
>to grow a badass

>>18836615
Since we're going to be in the city for a while, interacting more with the locals should be a good learning experience. Maybe more of the down to earth types though, find out more about the bounty hunters that tried to kill us in our home.

>>18836690
A reverse manhunt?
I like it.

>>18836731
We have been trained in the art of stealth, but we need to work to master subterfuge and information collection as well. This is one of the biggest cities out there, there are few better training grounds than this for such an endeavor.

>>18836755
Consider it done.