[x] Sirrocco
Stealth Roll: 3d10=8
"How long ago did the ogre come through?" you ask. "From what the villagers said, it was fairly recent."
"Barely three weeks ago," the smith replies. She sets the finished axe head aside and pulls off her gloves. "A little while after the disappearances began."
"Do you know which way it went after it completed the sword?"
"To the forests amongst the hills," she answers, pointing to the west. "That's where it came from, too, when it approached the village."
"Very well," you say with a nod. You give her a shallow bow, more a slight bend of your hips. "My thanks for the information you have provided. It should prove useful."
"I can only hope that it aids you, honored Samurai," the blacksmith says back, bowing deeply. "And that you can bring an end this calamity that has befallen my home."
"We shall not fail," you respond. "Farewell."
You turn and leave, heading back toward the inn. Your companions fall into step beside you, Shirou looking at ease and Shasa frowning. That gives you a moment's pause. Personally, you believe that conversation went rather well. You learned a fair bit about the ogre, and you got the impressions of one who actually conversed with it. That is vital information that will surely help in the times ahead.
So why, then, does Shasa seem out of sorts? You wrack your brain for an answer, but all you can come up with is the fact that the blacksmith was quite casual with you. The woman showed proper deference, yes, but has not ceased her work while the conversation continued. To some, that might be considered a sign of disrespect.
You don't feel that way, personally. You had a goal in speaking with the blacksmith, and it was achieved. Propriety was upheld as much as was needed, and there was very little fuss. As far as you can tell, things proceeded without issue.
Shasa obviously does not think so. Her scowl deepens, and you remember the implied threat she gave the blacksmith. It strikes you as unnecessary, but you really don't know what to do about the matter. Shasa was within her rights to act in that fashion, and it didn't get in the way.
I suppose there's nothing for it, at least right now, you think to yourself as the inn comes into sight. Maybe I can speak with Shasa about this later?
That seems best. Right now you must focus on the mission. You can't afford any distractions, especially over what really amounts to a minor issue.
The crowd has dispersed by now, with people returning to their homes. No one wants to be out in the open while you go out and confront this evil. They fear what may befall them in response to your actions. That earns a frown from you. It is cowardly… But then again, is it not the duty of the Samurai to stand firm when all others would quail? What matters the fear of peasants, so long as you do not falter?
Hikaru and the other parents are still there, waiting for you. They bow to you, and you nod in response to them.
"I will need a guide," you say. "The ogre is in the forests to the west, among the hills. But I do not know the land well enough to make my way."
"I will take you," the man says. "My name is Ganbu, and I am one of the best hunters in the village."
You nod. "Very well. Lead on, Ganbu, and take us as far as you can."
The man heads out immediately, and you follow close behind. The peasant hunter takes you into the hills outside Tangan-Mura, and soon enough into the foliage amongst them. The sun is beginning to set by now, but there is still enough light for you to see. Besides, the moon should be almost full. That is more than enough illumination to do battle if you need to.
Amongst all of you, Ganbu is the stealthiest. The man walks with a practiced ease amongst the undergrowth, disturbing as little as possible. Which only makes sense considering the hunter is likely intimately familiar with the lands around his home. Shirou is a close second, for he wears no armor to give himself away. The monk moves with all the grace you've come to expect from a man with his training.
You and Shasa, however, are having a harder time of it. Your heavy armor doesn't make a huge clangor, but it's constant. You try your best to mitigate the issue, but overall the most you can manage is keep your armor from shifting about so much that the noise could be heard to Tengoku. Shasa appears to be having an easier time of it, but she's still making a fair bit of racket.
Well, it's not like you were all that inclined for stealth anyway. Better to just fight head on if you can. That's the proper Samurai method, and even more it's the proper Crab method. Stand firm and beat your enemy to death with a big club.
As the sun fades and the moon comes up, you see the glow of a fire in the distance. There are also tracks on the ground, large indentions that even you manage to notice. Ganbu halts, turns around and bows to your group.
"This is as far as I can go," he whispers. "I am no use against an ogre, but I wish you all the blessings of Heaven." He rises. "May your victory be glorious."
"If fate is willing," you answer. "My thanks for leading us, but you are right. It is time for you to go."
Ganbu nods and heads off, fading into the shadows. He hardly stirs even one leaf as he goes, and you have to admit you admire the man's skill. Sneaking is not something for a proper warrior outside of scouting and foraging, but that doesn't mean you can't appreciate talent when you see it.
You advance slowly, weapon drawn. You've just got to get into the best position in order to see what you're dealing with. You remember your fight with an ogre during your Gempukku. That had been… interesting. Rather, it had been extremely frantic and painful. Your ribs wince in a phantom pain where the beast had slammed a tree into your stomach, and you remember how Jarit'ya had nearly perished thanks to the monster's terrifying strength.
And that ogre had just been as smart as a crazed animal. What fresh horror could an intelligent one wreak? You've heard some vague stories, of course, but you've never encountered one. They're so rare that the Crab don't have good records of their capabilities outside of that single time a group of them aided Daigotsu in capturing a number of watchtowers along the Wall during the era of the Four Winds.
I'll just have to find out the hard way, then, you think to yourself, tightening your grip on your tetsubo. But if we're careful, we can probably-
"You can come out," a deep, rumbling voice calls from the direction of the fire, cutting off your thoughts. "I heard you almost a mile off. Armor doesn't help much for skulking about."
[] Attack!
[] Stay silent.
[] Answer it. (Write in)
[] Write in.
