Ring Tail Woe: Queen Pearl

[Nira]

Event

Do you want to be rich? Then come help the Dazzling City of Nodra! If you assist in capturing the Mountain of Blessing for the honored Queen Pearl, then the Eastern side of the mountain will grow glorious pillars of priceless gemstones. We will reward you handsomely, much more than those worthless nature hogs to the West.

The City of Nodra was bright and gleaming. The buildings were constructed out of white marble. Crystals and gemstones literally decorated anything that would be fitting.

The people were celebrating the return of the great mountain's power. They seem assured of their victory, and the power of raw wealth.

Queen Pearl sat on the balcony of her castle, waiting for her hirelings to arrive in the designated area in the courtyard below. She wore a grand dress of white, which sparkled with silver, gold, and colored gemstones. She was basically a walking jewelry store.

[Draven]

(Disregard post x.x Forgot I need to travel)

(Ok all good)

Godric would be standing in the shadow of some large building or wall. Hopefully within the sight of the queen. Making a gesture or perhaps a wave and letting his hand catch the sun's rays, his hand would catch fire. Though the damage was not enough to breach his hardness, there were complications that still had to be overcome. But hopefully the Queen could see this and have an understanding for his handicap.

As the hand was withdrawn, the fire on Godric's hand only took six seconds to die away... Now the complication was his light clothing can easily catch fire under this condition, and thus going through this mission as either a giant fireball or mostly naked was going to be interesting. That is if he is pushed in that direction. Taking a look up at the sky Godric had definitely been trying to track any clouds in the sky, for they cast long shadows for the most part and were of vital use due to his condition...

The light clothing that Godric wore was white socks under his black dress shoes, black dress pants, and a white frilly dress long sleeve shirt of the Victorian style and era. The clothing that wasn't apt to being destroyed but still capable of being singed was his equipment carrying articles such as his cloak. This of course was buttoned up so that he could hide most of his gear. One of which was his utility belt and headband which hung upon the belt. In this utility belt was 1 slot of Bo Shurikents, 1 slot of darts, 1 slot of Good pouches, 1 slot of Flash pouches, 50 holder enhancements, and 8 doses of hawkweed.

There was still more equipment upon Godric though. Still underneath that cloak was a chest rig with 5 slots of Kunai, and tucked away within a pocket of the cloak itself was a pair of goggles. This pair of goggles had Lie detection, Thermal, X-ray, Night vision, and 5x zoom. But the most notable piece of equipment was the cloth wrapped cross on his back. It was a roughly 6 foot tall which was two feet shorter than Godric himself. The cloth was lashed to the cross with strips of leather and buckles. Should one of these buckles be unlatched then the whole works would easily be undone to reveal what was underneath. It was in reality a cross shaped multi weapon holster with 20 katanas in it. But it wasn't an ordinary one because the holster and all 20 katanas inside of it had a size increment increase of a factor of 2. So each katana would have a length of 6 feet. As a final note there was a normal size katana in a sheath hanging from Godrics left hip.

SPOILER: Click to show

For GMs use:
My stats can be found in my bio in an organized section so please refer to that. Includes hardness, armour points, and Gen resistance.

But keep in mind my drawbacks:

SPOILER: Click to show

Blood Hunger
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target craves the taste of blood. Moreover, the Target needs to drink blood to survive.
Special: To perform: 3 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 1 Augmentation Point. The Target must drain a pint of blood from a living creature once every 24 hours. Doing so is a movement, and the Target can only drain blood from a willing, helpless, or dying (but not dead) creature. The bitten creature takes normal damage from a bite attack plus an extra 10 points of Armour Points of damage from the blood loss. If the Target goes 24 hours without consuming blood, the Target loses 1d4 Movements. Drinking a pint of blood cures the ability damage caused by blood deprivation in 1d6 rounds. Ability damage caused by blood deprivation cannot be restored through natural healing. Target must have a Natural Bite attack to take this Augmentation.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Ultraviolet Allergy
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Ultraviolet light burns the user's flesh and causes it to ignite.
Special: To perform: 12 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 3 Augmentation Points. Ultraviolet light (including direct sunlight) burns the user for 12 Armour Points of Fire damage per round and causes any light, flammable clothing they are wearing to ignite.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Nightmares
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User's mind is wracked by horrible nightmares, making it impossible for them to sleep without confronting the demons of their own Augmentation.
Special: To perform: 3 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 4 Augmentation Points. Each day the user must make a GenJutsu Save (Not a GenJutsu) of 15 or suffer the effects of horrible nightmares caused by their Augmentation. On any day that the user fails this Save, they suffer a -1 moral to Saves and -5 to Checks due to their inability to get a good night's sleep. User cannot choose Sleepless if they have Nightmares.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Splintered Mind
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User's brain has separated into a series of smaller brains connected by crude ganglia.
Special: To perform: 3 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 5 Augmentation Points. Any time the user makes a skill check, ability check, or perform an attack, the user must make a GenJutsu Save (Not a GenJutsu) of 15. Failure indicates the user's action is forfeit and the user cannot act that round.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Uncontrollable Rage
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User's body produces far too much testosterone and adrenaline, making it impossible to keep their anger from getting the better of them.
Special: To perform: 3 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 4 Augmentation Points. Whenever the user encounters a character who's attitude toward them that is not Helpful, the user must make a GenJutsu Save (Not a GenJutsu) or attack that character. The Save of the save is based on the character's attitude. Friendly is 5, Indifferent is 10, Unfriendly is 15, and Hostile is 20.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

["The Titan" Bartholomeus]

Ishi strolled through Nodra, shielding his eyes from the gleaming city. Indulgence bred from the walls here. Ishi never seen a large city. Where he came from everyone knew each other, which had its ups and downs. Deep in the vestiges of his innocent mind, he believed the men searched for them after their abduction, instead of swooping in upon his young mother. Ishi still remembered the drunk men he throttled.

He trod into the courtyard of Queen Pearl. His Dotanuki katana, a greatsword, lay strapped upon his back. He shuffled through the pack he carried, finding five stun grenades, ten kunai, forty-five shuriken and four bolas, as if he'd capture anyone today. Maybe, he would; it was early...

The Queen awaited them upon a balcony high on a tower. Her dress was jeweled, over-jeweled, if you asked Ishi. As if glue, rolling, and a jewelry store were involved in its making. Ishi drooled ... a little. Jewels were of interest to him to he ticked off this place, Nodra, in his wild stealing spree hot spots. He spied a lanky man. A foot and change taller with skin like white ceramic. He was a stick, compared to Ishi. A lack of musculature was an red light in his mind. It frightened Ishi. Since he's here, before the Queen, we must be on the same side. Good to know, unless, this whole thing went south.

[Nira]

One teenage girl, who looked nervous in the presence of Nodra, walked into the courtyard. She made her way to the briefing area, standing by another teammate, Ishi.

The young girl was named Felia E. Gal. She was a recent graduate of a shinobi academy, who traveled to Nodra as a supporting member of Queen Pearl's mountain claiming team.

The only items she had on hard were three soldier pills and a sack containing a slot of mine-style explosive tags.

Felia E. Gal
D Class Shinobi
All Academy Techniques
All Academic Skills up to 25 sp
All Task Skills up to 25 sp

---

Seeing that everyone was here, Queen Pearl stepped over to the railings of her balcony. As she shifted in position, her gown sparkled. Thankfully, the light didn't reach the shadows where Godric hid.

"Thank you for coming," said Queen Pearl. "Your aid in acquiring the key points of the mountain will be handsomely rewarded."

Queen Pearl raised her right hand and gestured towards the mountain's silhouette. "The first two key points will open soon," she said. "They are both near the bottom of the mountain. One at the North, and one at the South. They are located in huge caves, which will glow green as the key point reveals himself.

Since the challenge of the mountain changes every time, I have no concrete information. The first key point, at the North, will likely require the touch of the skillful and experienced. The second key point on the opposite end is more for quick thinkers, who have good reflexes and strategic mindsets.

I urge you to head out now. The key points will likely open by the time you arrive. Go, and win the riches of Nodra!"

[Draven]

Exiting the same way he entered Godric would hug the wall. Keeping to whatever shadow he had found from the architecture. The descriptions were vague and he could fit either skill set...Though he had already decided to head north, truth be told it didn't matter which direction he took, he had a good sense of confidence that he could overcome whatever is thrown at him. "I am heading North, I recommend you other two head in the opposite direction." Godric would say to the other two whom appeared to be apart of this.

Before leaving Godric activated a few innate abilities. It was first a few hints to his charm perceptions that gave them enhancements. And then he spun a few handseals, perhaps making friends with the enemy could yield beneficial. This Aura extends to 25 meters away from him and effects anyone who is in, or steps into this area. Those whom are affect perhaps would feel a feeling that Godric was a friend to be trusted. This aura will last until Godric dismisses it along with the charm that gets applied to whom ever falls prey to such a tactic. Godric the manipulator, make love not war. Thus he exited toward the North.

SPOILER: Click to show

Chaotic Hint
Rank: "B"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User is able to send out signals of a Chaotic nature to those of chaotic alignment making them feel more secure and liking the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects any creature within the distance 10 meters radius spread of the user. The duration of this technique lasts until they perform a Charm Jutsu. This technique may be negated once interacted with. This Jutsu can be turned on and off at will and doing so doesn't take a movement. Chaotic Hint gives a +2 to their Jutsu against saves when dealing with targets of Chaotic Alignment.
Limit: Must know the Charm Perception. Must have mastered Charm

Lawful Hint
Rank: "B"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User is able to send out signals of a Lawful nature to those of chaotic alignment making them feel more secure and liking the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects any creature within the distance 10 meters radius spread of the user. The duration of this technique lasts until they perform a Charm Jutsu. This technique may be negated once interacted with. This Jutsu can be turned on and off at will and doing so doesn't take a movement. Lawful Hint gives a +2 to their Jutsu against saves when dealing with targets of Lawful Alignment.
Limit: Must know the Charm Perception. Must have mastered Charm Perceptions.


Aura Charm [25 meter radius] (DC; Lawful:27 Chaotic:27 Neutral:25)
Rank: "A"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: This Jutsu actively charms all creatures within range as a Charm Monster Jutsu.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects anyone within 5 meters per Class level of the user. The user is able to perform this technique on themselves. The duration of this technique lasts for 5 hours per class level. This technique may be negated. Any creature who makes their is immune to this performing of the Jutsu as long as they remains within the area of the Jutsu. If the creature leaves the Jutsu area and returns, he must make another save again. Affected creatures will not stop what they are doing or go out of their way to talk to the user. Afterwards, they may be unaware that they have been charmed, unless the user interacted directly with them.
Limit: Must know the Charm Perception. Must know Charm Monster.
For Reference:

SPOILER: Click to show

Empath: Permanent Charm (Permanent duration for the Aura and the Charm)
Rank: "A"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User's Charm Justus last until the target breaks free of them.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The duration of Charm Jutsus performed with this Jutsu becomes permanent until escaped. This does not include Compulsions. Most Charm Jutsus have both a maximum duration and a means by which the target can escape the Jutsu, i.e. a save made when asked to do something they oppose doing. This Jutsu eliminates the duration. Performing a Charm Jutsu with Permanent Charm increases the Handseals by 1 rank than normal. A Jutsu like Charm Person could create a permanent friend if the user never asks the target to do anything they would not do. However, a Jutsu like Enthrall will end when the user stops speaking or singing or if an audience member is attacked. The duration of most Charm Jutsus lasts for hours or days. This Jutsu cannot be applied to a Jutsu whose duration is less than 1 hour.
Limit: Must know the Charm Perception. Automatically gained once Mastered Charm Perception.

Charm Monster
Rank: "B"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User is able to charm monsters.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 monster. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique lasts for 5 hours per class level. This technique may be negated. This Jutsu functions like Charm Person, except that the effect is not restricted by creature type or size.
Limit: Must know the Charm Perception.

[Exit to North]

["The Titan" Bartholomeus]

Ishi shrugged as the giant took of North leaving him and a teenage girl to decipher the other point to the south. Ishi had no reason to argue, in a way, he could manage a strategy. But he'd have to cover for the greenhorn here.

Ishi would trudge off to the South.

[exit]

SPOILER: Click to show

Kowai Shiryoku (Frightening Eyesight)
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to have naturally enhanced eyesight in both the day and the night.
Special: Passive ability that is always active.
Drawback: As with all forms of enhanced senses, they are also more susceptible to their perspective weaknesses.
Description: Sharks have amazing eyesight. Since they often swim the depths of the ocean, where it is dark and what little light that comes through the water is distorted, their ability to perceive minor changes is particularly excellent. Members of the clan learn to mimic these enhanced perceptions, able to peer through the darkest of night as if it were noon and the ability to notice subtle changes like the fluttering of a specific leaf in the wind.
Limit: Must have Same no Gishiki.

Same no Seirei (Spirit of the Shark)
Rank: “C” Rank
Skill: Passive
Effect: Dramatically increases the user’s chakra pool.
Special: A passive ability that is always active. Must have had the Same no Gishiki put upon the body.
Drawback: The user must start with this technique if taking the ritual upon birth. Chakra control remains unaffected.
Description: One of the two Same no Isei, or Powers of the Shark, the Same no Seirei (Spirit of the Shark) allows the user to obtain a dramatically larger chakra pool than they would normally have. The amount that the chakra pool increases is dependent upon the user’s specialties and their Difficulty Class.
Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist
At “D” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “D” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.
At “C” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “C” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.
At “B” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “B” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.
At “A” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to an “A” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.
At “S” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “S” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.


Taijutsu Master

At “D” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “D” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.
At “C” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “C” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.
At “B” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “B” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.
At “A” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to an “A” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.
At “S” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “S” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.

Limit: Must have Same no Gishiki.

["The Titan" Bartholomeus]

"Ugh... What a trip."

Ishi had a hard time rationalizing the odd dimension he found himself in. He wondered if it was all a dream. Or a shot of sulfur or cave gas that induced such a vision. He returned to the courtyard of Queen Pearl. Hopefully, his partner would be right behind him and that other guy would be on his way back also.

[Nira]

The city was celebrating. Ishi was welcomed back with joyful crowds gathered in the street.

Two of the mountain's keypoints had been claimed for the East, in Queen Pearl's name. It was enough good news for the community to throw an early parade, as it was almost a guarantee that they would win, now.

[Draven]

Godric returned to one of the shadows near the Queens stoop. Godric had with him his cloak, and now singed clothing. The sun was surely being an annoyance this day. Within his cloak he had fifty holder enhancements, a world map, compass, a pair of goggles with thermal, x-ray, lie detection, night vision, and five times zoom.

Godric had his headband hanging around his belt. This belt being a utility belt. Within the utility belt he had one slot of bo shurikens, one slot of darts, one slot of goo pouches, and one slot of flash pouches. On his chest peaking through his frilled white singed shirt was a chest rig with five slots of kunai. Finally on his hip was a normal sized katana within its sheath hanging on the left.

That wasn't all Godric also had a multi weapon holster with twenty katanas holstered inside. This holster and the katanas inside each were increased in side by a factor of two increments, giving the holster about the size of a bit over eight feet and the katanas blades were that of six foot. The large sized holster itself was slung upon Godrics back and wrapped in cloth. Also within some pockets Godric would have eight doses of hawkweed.

Godric was smiling up at the Queen with a knowing smile. He had captured one of the key points, and from what looked like all around, it seems even better news could be heard as well...

[Nira]

Queen Pearl stepped to the side of her shining balcony again, her smile wide enough to be seen from far off. There was indeed joy in the air, and her pleasure rivaled that from the festivity brewing in her city. "Congratulations on your success, mercenaries! The news of two captured points is magnificent indeed. We are almost assured victory, so I offer you each a weapon from our armory!"

A few knights and guards pulled a rack of metallic items out from one of the palace doors.

There were Fullblades, Tower Shields, Katanas (Longsword), Rapiers (Fencing), Medium Umbrellas and a Great Hammer. Each team member was invited to take one.

Thankfully for Godric, was rack was laid against the palace walls, and well within the shade.

All the metal was made from bleached steel, which shined with a multitude of colors thanks to forging treatments. The effect made the metals literally pearl-colored. All the fabrics, such as the leather for hilts or cloth for the umbrellas, had gleamed gold.

["The Titan" Bartholomeus]

Though the air mirthful, Ishi held a grimace that would strip paint. He arrived to an empty courtyard before the lanky giant returned. He had seen better days where his clothes weren't toasted. Ishi wondered if his unchanged condition would strike an interest, well, a good one. it'd be a dry day when Ishi would reveal he did practically nothing outside of swinging from a chain.

His items lay where he left them. Dotanuki on his back. Stun Grenade, Shuriken, Kunai and Bolas gathering dust in his butt bag.

Queen Pearl spoke, congratulating Godric for securing two of the points. If anyone asked, then tortured Ishi, he'd tell that he lost. Only the last sentences piqued Ishi.

"We are almost assured victory, so I offer you each a weapon from our armory!"

He hadn't noticed the arsenal under the shade. Could swords feel jealous? A full blade winked at Ishi.

"I want it! That one! The big one!" The child in Ishi sung out.

He hefted it over his head in one hand. The moment caught up with him. Ishi rested the sheathed full blade on his shoulder.

"I'll take it." He tied it to his body next to his Dotanuki. "Sentimental value."

[Draven]

Godric smiled a big toothy grin at Ishi. Giving his teaming a knowing look. He approached the weapon rack with Ishi. While a fullblade was being oogled at, Godric was looking at the slightly heavier hammer. Watching his teammate grab the giant sword with one hand gave Godric a slight respect for Ishi. But if anything Godric was very prideful, very arrogant, and grinned as he did the same with the great hammer.

While it looked as if Ishi was a bit slower to wield such a weighty weapon, Godric was of course showing off. As if to one up, Godric would take the great hammer as if it was a short blade. One handed and with no movement penalties he twirled the business end of the hammer above him, the wind would suck in behind it making a deep whooshing sound... "If there is a fight I shall handle it..." he said in his chillingly whispy voice.

[Taking Great Hammer]

SPOILER: Click to show

Enlarged Form
Rank: "S"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User grows, becoming a freakishly large specimen of their kind.
Special: To perform: 12 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 6 Augmentation Points. User becomes as large as the user's size category allows (8 feet for Medium-size characters, 4 feet tall for Small Characters). However, the user functions in many ways as if they were 1 size category larger. Whenever the user Roleplays they are treated as Large if that's advantageous to the user. Movements, and Damage Reduction is equal to that of a Large Creature while maintaining the Medium Size. The user is also considered to be Large when determining whether a creature's special attacks based on size (such as Swallow Whole) affect the user.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 48,000 Ryo Performing Price: 36,000 Ryo

Wield Oversized Weapon (10)
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: The user can use larger than normal weapons with ease.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user can treat any weapon as if it were 1 size category smaller than normal and one category "lighter" for the purpose of determining the amount of effort it takes to wield. For instance, a user with this technique could wield a Great Sword as a 1-handed weapon, or they could wield a large great sword as a 2-handed weapon. The weapon still deals its normal amount of damage.
Limit: Must take from Universal TaiJutsu.

[Nira]

ooc: Timeskipping

---

Several days after the initial celebration, Queen Pearl was once again addressing the shinobi from her balcony.

"It is time to end this, mercenaries!" she said, "A gigantic beast crawls upon the northern side of the mountain, begging to be slain. At the south, some kind of building has appeared, which we are unsure of. Take whatever point you wish, we only need one more to claim victory!"

Proceed to either Gazebo or Cider

["The Titan" Bartholomeus]

Thje last few days were... interesting. Ishi and the others were celebrities. The small town boy smiled and waved at each cheering inhabitant. Ishi felt odd not being feared. Here, everyone wanted him to do what he did best for their gain. Ishi maintained his barrier.

"Their so deep in this. If I believed Whirlpool lore i'd be searching for mermaid."

He kept such thoughts to himself as he stood before Queen Pearl. She stood on her balcony once more. It spoke for her to look down on them. They needed one point.

"The other side might get desperate," He thought.

"I'm not doubting you, beanstalk." Ishi spoke above a whisper to the other participant. "Let's assure the win here and bulldoze one of those points. Easy win, chief. What d'ya say?"

[Draven]

Godric's experience for the several days were spent in a rather particular way. Well for starters he was a night person for obvious reasons, but as of late he had to shift his sleep scheduled. But for these few days he took the luxury of sleeping during the day hours. So suffice it to say he was awake while the celebration continued during the eve.

So to tackle the challenges that Godric faces on the day to day was to first find an inconspicuous "hole in the wall" inn or even brothel. A place were Ryo is king and he who has plenty can make demands. His first demand was for his room to be darkened even to the point where the windows were boarded up. Another was for no disturbance, else they fall under his wrath. And finally he paid for a prostitue to come to his room every night, one who can serve his needs and as Godric put it of "having a blood fetish". Whatever he needed to pay for these demands he would.

(Please deduct from my account what you think is appropriate if you'd like)

Finally came the day of the announcement and Godric found a nice shady place to stand as the information for the next two key points. He listened to his partner and nodded to this insight. "Your words speak to your nature. I agree to this and I hope you are up for the challenge of that beast, for that is where I am heading..." Godric said as he started to head to the north, toward the Cider key point.

[exit]

["The Titan" Bartholomeus]

Ishi took a moment, taking in what he said. It felt inflammatory. But he had agreed. In his own way the ball was in his court and they decided to go after the monster. Ishi shrugged and followed after him to head up the mountain.

~exit