Fight with Shadowlands Creatures

"'We went hunting. We didn't catch anything.'" "-- Kitsuki Daisuke"

Date
Spring 1197

Summary
Hida Benjiro, Tsuruchi Hiroshi, Kitsuki Daisuke, Asako Osamu and Bayushi Ueski were offered the chance to go hunting. Accompanied by two Ashigaru (and some Eta) they rode outside the city to a suitable spot. A temporary camp was set up, and the children went towards a copse of trees. They failed to shoot some rabbits, and came across a hut, seemingly abandoned.

Daisuke in particular was curious, and the group approached, despite a strong smell of rot. From nearby bushes a man in strange robes appeared, carrying a basket. From the basket came a swarm of hideous winged creatures that attacked. They were swift and almost impossible to hit; Benjiro and Daisuke were bitten (Daisuke only avoiding serious injury through good fortune). Benjiro smashed Daisuke's attacker while Daisuke stabbed Benjiro's with his wakizashi. Hiroshi destroyed the rest with an astonishing display of elemental magic.

Osamu and Useki had rushed off to get assistance, and returned with the Ashigaru (and Eta), but the man had fled. There was an investigation of the hut; there was a mutilated body the (presumed) Mahoutsukai seemed to have murdered (and possibly partially eaten), and a symbol written in blood on the wall.

The boys scurried back to Toshi Rambo, and got an audience with Jade Magistrate Unknown Crab. He quizzed the boys and the Eta, checked them for Taint by use of Jade Strike, then told them not to tell anyone anything. The Ashigaru suddenly found themselves seconded to the Kuni lands.