The New Years Festival, It begins...

[forgerofsouls]

[Narrator]
Gen smiled as he patted his leg. "Hah, healed up faster than you at any rate. Wasn't expecting you to pull a stunt like that. Told Morg about it. Even he was surprised that you managed to injure me. I think thats what prompted him to select you as the monastery's rep here." Gen said grinning widely.

Danisen nodded as if agreeing with him. In fact, as if to support that theory, Dansien opened his mouth. "A good decision than. Its not easy to hurt you in a fight with fists only. Almost as good as any monk you are in fist fights. And is that scroll what I think it is? And if so, why is it here? Is it because of the loop-hole?" Danisen said finishing with a question.

"Aye, it is." Gen confirmed. "Morg let it slip his mind before he sent Connall out. The tourny rules are still the same, well. At least they also forbid psionics. After lasts years fiasco with that psion, its good to see that the tourny sponsors got their act together and finally outlawed the use of psionics along with magic. Unfortunetly, they did not outlaw the use of ki abilities, amongst other abilities that are neither magic nor psionic. Which gives others, like, for example, half-dragons, the free use of their natural abilities. They really need to fix that to. So, Morg, unable to leave the monastery due to Katriana falling ill suddenly, he left me in charge of hunting down Connall to deliever the scroll." Gen explained at length, moving to the counter as if it was perfectly natural for him to be there.

Danisen just nodded, understanding and agreeing with what Gen said. "So, instead of Morg giving Connall the crash course, it'll be you than?" Danisen asked, to which Gen simply nodded in agreement.

At that point Orillia came rushing out of the backroom. She reached up and took hold of Danisen's ear and yanked him down. She whispered something to him before releasing him. Gen's eyes narrowed. As did Danisen's eyes. "Well, this is not good. The shipment that had your guys gifts never arrived it seems. Should have been here a week ago, in fact, I could have sworn it did. Hm...well, I will just contact the guild and get some info. In the mean time, you guys should head over to the tourny grounds now. I have a feeling that Connal and Gen might need all the extra time they got to get Connall up to speed." Danisen said with a grim look on his face.

[DM's note]
Basically what Orillia said was that the packages never arrived. That she checked the manifest, and the packages were still listed as in transit. Listen DC is 15 to hear what she is saying.

[colosusjokers]

And people think "I'm" naughty Colo thought to himself with a grin as he began searching for some extra scrolls of explosive rune and scrolls that would prevent scrying attempts.

[SmiterOfFoes]

Overhearing what was whispered, Quell spoke up, "Do you expect to be finding these 'misplaced' items soon? There is a low chance that we will be in town for very long, and it would be very useful to have any edge we can get in our upcoming journey."

Quell didn't like this. It wasn't the fact that he lost a trinket that he could have gotten. It was that the organization tasked with saving the world could mess up such a seemingly simple task of delivering some items to a store. He wondered if this is what he should start expecting from the WSG. He dearly hoped that things wouldn't get worse than this.

Listen Check: 17(13+4)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2735183/

[Luxon Cobrat]

17(12+5)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2737691/

Without really thinking about it, Akana listened in out of idle curiousity and overheard what was said. It wouldn't have really made much difference if she had heard it or not though- the items they were meant to recieve weren't there and that was all there was to it. If they didn't turn up soon, the mission would have to go on without them. Since she hadn't been expecting them since more than a few moments ago, and hadn't really known what they were anyway, it was hard to be disappointed.

Quell's line of thinking may have crossed her mind, but the cause could have just as easily been something beyond anyone's control. Bad weather, perhaps a blocked trade route. Or, on a bit more of a sinister note, there was the possibility of interference by an opposing force.

On another note, the ongoing interractions between Connall, the hobgoblin, and the shopkeeper eased Akana's protectiveness. She wasn't sure if using a loophole was any better than cheating in principle, but at least it wasn't something Connall would get disqualified for. As a priestess of a goddess that favored uprightness, the irony that taking an unfair advantage in a contest might help save the world wasn't lost on her, but she was trying not to think about that.

[Gaius]

At Gen'threl's account, and the incidental praise that followed, Connall developed quite the smug expression, smirk letting his teeth show a bit. He tried to keep from feeling too much of that, though. Sure, injuring Gen was an accomplishment, but it was vital to remember that injuring Gen was an accomplishment: the ranger had soundly beaten the monk. Much as his efforts earned a rare nod of respect from some of the more prideful of the 'special' students, Connall remained mindful of the gulf in abilities. Given Gen's skill and clear acquaintance with a Whiteruby Sword Guild member... wouldn't have surprised the young man if the hobgoblin was a member himself.

Perception: 14 (roll 3 + 11 skill) ((Bleh))

Surprised at the revelation that nothing (entirely) nasty waited for him within the scroll, he wasn't able to ask about it before Orillia rushed into the room. Though he missed what she had to tell her husband, and wondered about the specifics, Danisen gave the group a pretty good idea. Quell's thinking wasn't without merit, and an answer would certainly be nice, but the monk shrugged nevertheless. "Eh, if they don't get 'em before we head out, 's not like the Guild's only in this city." He hefted his bag of goodies with a smile. "Not exactly sendin' us empty-handed, either."

Connall's attention returned to the scroll, and the news that came with it. "Mm, makes sense why he'd stay behind." The man thought the world of his students -- the sometimes extreme training meant only to help them grow -- and cared greatly for them. Add that the girl didn't have any family, and that the master was the nearest thing to a father she had. "And nothin' too bad with Katriana, right, Gen?" Connall wouldn't exactly call her 'delicate;' if she'd fallen ill, it might be serious. Much as it felt that everything she said and did seemed meant to tease him, he didn't want anything bad to happen to her.

At Danisen's advice that they hit the road, the monk gave a nod to Gen and the giant of a shopkeeper. "Right. Not expectin' it to be easy ta learn whatever this is in a few hours, so let's get goin'." Gen had never struck Connall as the most... pleasant of instructors. As he headed out the door, looking back at the rest, he'd just have to hope all went well. And hope Gen stuck to teaching, without letting slip a certain secret of Connall's. Akana's concerns of cheating occurred to him, as well. 'Well, if it's just s'posed ta level the playing field for some... Eh, I could save it fer just them, but he told me to give 'em all everything I've got... Mm, we'll see how much 'everything I've got' turns out to be.'

[The_Vizir]

Not easy to hurt someone in a fight with fists only? Okay... Max sighed. Somebody who'd seen less fights than even him. He'd seen multiple bones broken in brawls. 'Course, those were dwarves, so it could be dwarven physiology was rather different than human. However, he somehow doubted that was the case...

Max looked over at Connall as the hobgoblin confirmed that other supernatural abilities were a go in the battle. Well, he certainly hopped that no syth monk had shown up. Syth monk... heh. There were maybe a dozen in the world... but allowing them free reign with their rune powers would be rather on the unfair side of things. Particularly any hallings... that could turn nasty fast. Still, most who followed the monastic path among syth were runemasters, who were empowered by the arcane and not ki, so they'd be barred from the competition. So, ancestors' blessings, Connall wouldn't have that little hiccup to deal with. And it also meant he could use his own knowledge and rune for Connall's advantage. Which was a definite win... the world kinda was at stake here, so the easier they could blow through this challenge, the better.

Hopefully this, combined with that scroll in Connall's hands, would help clinch the victory for them. Honour and spoils to the victors, through whatever means... though some of the others here might disagree with him here, sometimes one really did have to consider the greater good. And considering exactly why they needed to win this competition... yeah, they could take their noble sense of honour and stow it for the time being...

Max's ears perked up as Orillia whispered to Danisen (Listen check = 24)... something about the packages still being in transit, before Danisen confirmed it. The bead sighed and rolled his eyes "These are the people in charge of protecting the world? Way to instill confidence guys...." Of course, this could mean that the caravan with their packages had been ambushed and they would be forced on to some ridiculous sidequest to rescue them. That was the way it normally worked out in stories, right?

Hefting his staff, and nodding to his companions, Max gestured to the door. "Right then! Onwards to to save and/or destroy the world, nithat!" the bead smirked dryly.

[forgerofsouls]

[Narrator]
Gen nodded in agreement with Connall about getting a move on and gave a small chuckle at Max's comment about saving or destroying the world. He walked over to the door that was the store's entrance and opened it, he gave Danisen one last look and nod before heading out with a "Just a little bit of Mummy Rot. Nothing the clerics can't handle. Well, lets hoof it, heh, hoof it, hehe...ahem. At any rate, open the scroll and at least read it. It will instruct you for the most part. I shall handle demonstration....heh...hoof it..." Gen said, obviously amused by what he said for some reason.

Meanwhile

"So, than this is the object you guys are putting up as a reward for the tourney?"

"Ah, yes sir. We think its very rare, for it fell from the sky not to long ago, less an hour ago in fact."

"Ah, thanks for confirming what it is. I'll make you an offer, how about, 10,000 Greeds?"

"Ah! I can't...I mean...thats....but...no...perhaps...an auction during the tourney? Others are here also interested in the item."

"Ah, I see, an auction huh? Fine than, I shall obtain this item during from this auction while the tourny is going. just who else is going to be here? I take it, that its the main piece of the tourney to?"

"Ah, yeah, yes, we were thinking about making it so, and the usuals will be present."

"Ah, than this shall be interesting, I wonder if I can get it arranged to have me sitting with the Dark Queen?"

"Perhaps sir?"

"Than I look foward to this years auction. I do hope that this year the meat is better, last year, she didn't taste very good."

"Sorry to hear that sir, we try our best to get the best for you. I'm still confused as to why you refer to the girls we get for you as "meat" though. But, I have always found that its best to never ask questions!"

"Excellent thinking! Othwerwise you would have died long ago! Now, if you will excuse me, I'll head down to the auction room now. Can't wait to see how things will turn out. The "heroes" are here, so far, everything has been going according to plan."

"Ah, sir? No mentioning plans here, remeber?"

"Oh, right, forget you heard anything?"

"But of course sir."

[DM's notes]
Short post, need to get everyone to the tourny grounds, and also, gave you a little insight to whats happening in the background...

Also, Connall will find basically a bunch of information that builds off of all the past knowledge that he learned about Ki from training, except this one goes furthure by explaining about Mental Ki, Physical Ki,Spiritual Ki, and Natural Ki. And how one's body interacts with these various Kis. I'll leave it up to Gaius on how he wants the scroll to be read

At first, due to a previous descusion on the scroll, I was tempted to make it a DDR pad...

[colosusjokers]

Colo continued to examine the items in the shop "You guys go ahead. I'll hang here for a bit longer and catch up later."

[SmiterOfFoes]

Staying behind? That seems to be a tad odd. Quell thought. "I think I'll stick around here for a bit too unless you think you need me for anything." It was a shame to have to doubt his world saving companions so early in the game, but something just didn't quite sit right with Quell.

Sense motive roll: 26 http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2755180/

[Luxon Cobrat]

With her trust in Colo already having been shaken once, Akana wasn't terribly fond of leaving him on his own. There wasn't really much she could have done about it, though, since he was free to do what he wanted in the end. She couldn't really stay behind either, since she needed to be at the tournament to back Connal up.

Thus, she was thankful when Quell volunteered for that.

"We should be alright," she answered him with an appreciative nod.

And with that, she was ready to be off.

[Gaius]

((Re: DDR scroll about Ki manipulation: "'This's a technique where ya move yer Kis.' Hunh."))

Connall's eyes widened at the mention of Mummy Rot. He knew little of the disease, but enough to know its name was spot-on. Still, he couldn't get too worried; Clerics were working at it, and Gen's tone made clear everything was well in hand. At the hobgoblin's next words, relief was ushered offstage to make room for irritation. He shook his head and snorted at Gen's choice of words, likely just further amusing the Ranger. The Monk should have been glad of his tan. Any lighter and he'd have probably turned a little pink as well, getting a good, solid laugh from Gen.

In any case, as the group hit the streets again, Connall buried his nose in the scroll. And dug it out just as quickly; there was a lot of information there, leaving him quite a forest to survey. Sure, he'd seen such things during his magical research, but scrolls he'd seen for martial arts techniques tended to be... brief. That moment of surprise behind him, though, he got going, trying to internalize as much as he could. He barely noticed that Colo and Quell were staying behind.

The young man was very quiet in the beginning, simply reading, occasionally nodding, once or twice mouthing words, or flexing and positioning his right hand and arm. It all seemed fairly straightforward, even basic. A few katas, mindsets, koans, and exercises he felt he understood backwards and forwards... Connall read on, confident it was building to something. And then he got an inkling of what that something was. His grip on the scroll visibly stiffened. A few moments later, a smile crossed his face and he was clearly more enthusiastic about the scroll's contents.

From that point, the rest of the party might have felt they were hearing one side of a very interesting and important phone call.
"Never thought about it that way..."
More reading. His eyes widened and he tapped Gen's arm, pointing to a portion of the scroll.
"So this's why he's always goin' on about sun this, moon that, and the meanin' of apricots, then?"
Further along, he chuckled.
"Well, that just makes too much sense!"
More reading. A slight drop in enthusiasm.
"Eh, figured that out myself."
More reading, and another slight drop.
"That, too..."
Further reading, a pause, and then some rereading.
"That'd be news, though."
Moments after, the youth gave the scroll a frown, and half-turned to the Ranger.
"Oh, ya can't expect me ta belie--"
After a moment's deliberation, he gave the scroll a clockwise turn.
He looked as though he'd spotted two faces where he'd only seen a vase before.
"Ahhh. An agreeable nod, and then a long stretch of silent reading.
Then yet another tap to Gen, and a gesture at one part and a few others.
"So, when Katriana was up on that arch, ya were usin' these and he was usin' those ta... Heh... Nice ta know there really was a point." After a pause, a bit of old bitterness bubbled up out of the mirth. "... So, the, uh, bucket part... What was the deeper meanin' there?" He'd long suspected there wasn't one. Or that they'd thought of it after the fact.

After that, Connall was mostly finished. He reread the entire scroll until they arrived, asking for small points of clarification along the way. Things like, "Little smudged here; izzat Roc or Phoenix?" or "But how doesn' that kill ya?" or "And what've truffles gotta do with minglin' the Spirit and the Natural by the Physical?" Somewhere in there, the Monk made one request: "Could ya maybe start demonstratin' with these two?"

By the time they arrived, the young man was showing a lot of confidence. More, he'd learned, than it was usually wise to show in Gen'threl's presence. Hopefully, the instructor would correctly attribute it to Connall's excitement, and not seek to bring the Monk down to size. Figuratively or otherwise.

[The_Vizir]

Grey cocked an eyebrow as the hobgoblin dismissed the affliction of Connall's compatriot as "Just mummy rot." Yeah, and lycanthropy was just a 'little nuisance.' Really, he hoped those monks had access to some decent healers, or at least some knowledgeable alchemists, as from his readings mummy rot was not a pleasant way to go in the slightest.

Then the towering bard announced he was going to stay behind. For what? What could he have reason to purchase here that he couldn't with the rest of his party present. And he wasn't even trying to be subtle about it... either the bard thought them all fools or he wanted them to be suspicious of him for some reason... Max glared suspiciously at the human giant for a few moments before Quell spoke up and mentioned that he would be staying behind as well, causing him to sigh slightly. Well, at least he wasn't alone in his suspicions. "Right, right." Max smirked slightly at Quell, "You two have fun shopping here, while we bravely face the inevitable evil ninja assassin attacks out there. Don't break the bank, alright?" then, saluting slightly, he hopped out the door, following the priestess, monk, and hobgoblin.

Max flipped open the massive tome hanging at his side and dug out some charcoal to start scribbling his updated inventory down in it, but his progress was soon interrupted by the curious mutterings from Connall. Now, Max had been mildly curious at the contents of the scroll, but figured it's contents would have likely been beyond his grasp. However, the more Connall mused aloud, the more Max found himself wanting to know what the human monk was talking about. Finally, he slipped his charcoal back into a belt pocket, let his tome fall to his side, and stepped up close to Connall, attempting to catch a glipse of what he was reading - not an easy task for the small syth. Particularly when trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. But matching step with the taller humanoid wasn't proving to be very fruitful. He managed to get the corner of some diagram when he'd bend over to discuss something with Gen, and caught a few phrases when he rotated the scroll to get a better view of a diagram, but it wasn't much... only wetting his curiosity.

So Max dropped back a few steps, shuffled his robe around his wings slightly, spread them, and jumped up. With the boost granted by his wings, Max was able to top Connall's shoulder easy, and was able to read a line or so before he dropped back down. Now, Connall was blazing through the scroll, but Max was a master speed-reader, so he figured he wouldn't miss much. Other than a whole load of deeper meanings. But he could research that later. Hopefully... he could scroll down questions in his book once they'd reached their destination.

Unfortunately, that was far closer than he expected, as when Connall abruptly stopped in front of their destination, Max was just starting another leap, and ended up smashing right into the monk's back.

"Ooph!" muttered Max as he fell back and rubbed his sore muzzle. "That wasn't supposed to happen..."