The Stars That Fall | EPIC

[Xango]

---

GAME MASTER

---

In a land where tragedy is common place, you have followed a rumor more peculiar than most. It has brought you back to where it all began, back to your hometown. Back to the Land of Waves.

In one of the many nameless island port-cities that well up like bruised skin around the ancient coasts, men and women speak of the great Starfall. They think a portion of the sky has become dislodged, exchange tales of it's beautiful blue gleam crack through the clouds only to impact in some backwater border village which the major nation's leave ignored. An object landed - that much they are sure of. Identifying what the object is has proven difficult.

Had they the resources, it would have been a simple matter to employ shinobi to research the thing's fall, but this is a poor town. Children run the streets like bandits, stealing from other destitute dregs who dare venture too close. Outsiders are scammed out of their savings daily; worthless trinkets have been sold as if they were valuable treasure to unknowing locals purchasing polished sandstone as if it were diamond. There is little food, few animals, few friendly faces. But chatter abounds. Regardless of class or civility, those others who think this their home speak in hurried tones about the Starfall, about the object at it's core, the blue light that prevents them from approaching too closely.

You are miles from the site of impact, perusing the maritime ecology enfolding the trade city of Redrun. The shopkeeps and vagrants, the wanderers and the criminal caste and even the demihuman slaves overpopulating the market squares on behest of their masters - all speak of the sky, and of the fall, and of the possibilities for the treasure within. They have no hope that anyone can breach the 82 meter area centered around the irradiated mass. Those who have tried have been pushed back, as if some invisible wall seeks to protect the object from sight and touch. It's radius prevents the center from being seen.

This is a place that knows almost nothing of chakra. To them, the ninja arts are only a fairy tale. Only their wildest legends speak of those powerful enough to simply take from the world the knowledge they might seek.

Legends about those who are like you.

quino

[quino]

Home or whatever few remnants she had of this forsaken cesspool. Flashbacks of running around much like the current street urchins stealing what she could to make ends meet it was a cruel world on these isles. All up until she robbed her first ever teacher and friend who promptly put her on her ass. Aranea had her life turned all the way around being introduced to ninjutsu and the likes along with her genjutsu. They had turned the country around and started scrapping up all the money they had earned here. They had made a reputation of becoming some of the greatest mercenary's around all until the Anbu came and ruined it all. It was a long battle that dragged out to the point where they were outclassed however with the last of her chakra she made an opportunity to force Aranea to escape.

It hurt and it stung it was as simple as that. It was deep rooted sadness that weighed in on her heart.But it was also her root to live out in the world learn its mysteries for the both of them. Aranea was wearing her usual black dress and black combat boots. Thrown over her shoulders was a cloak with a plain hood but not any cloak. It was the cloak of Hyuga granting her stealth properties with the hood drawn up. Her platinum blond hair tied up in a massive bun with her antigravity greatsword strapped to her back with a black assault pack over it that she wore.Lastly was the stormium katana that sat on her left hip. A compass and map of the world were tucked away in her assault pack. The rest of her given gifts were simply augmentations. Her direction sense, filtered lungs, along with the ability to cleanse her body.She walked down the city roads in search of a tavern a place where she could get some information.

[Xango]

---

GAME MASTER

---

Your wild search for information will lead to the discovery of only two places that can be considerdled actual taverns. One is near the entrance to the nameless little city, and one is clear on the opposite side of town. Near the entrance, Hiram's Root is a shabby hole in the wall with more rats than paying customers. Most of those who hang out in it's two story wooden hall are their for the prostitutes that live on the upper floor - a collection of fifteen foul smelling rooms arranged in a radial pattern around the bar below. There are a few games of cards being played, a man hitting the keys of a massive music machine and churning out baleful sounds that only the drunk howl in appreciation of. Most of it's windows are broken, so seeing inside takes little effort.

The other tavern, a place called The Outside Inn, is at least six stories in height, and looks suspiciously modern. In fact, it is obviously too rich for this town. Inside this structure nothing can be seen, as it's windows have been covered with tacky handwritten newsprint from a hundred different days, each story marking the town's history like a shizophrenic timeline. Many people mill about it's ornate doors but few go inside. The poorest of the poor stare forlornly at its garish height as they curse or praise the building for being too expensive.

Surrounding both locations are those frantically discussing the Starfall.

[quino]

Spotting the two places for her to move towards Aranea decided to go towards the run down bar despite the horrendous stench. If anything those who were lost to alcohol would have loose lips and therefore give her the info she needed. Hopefully she wouldn't cause too much trouble or be forced to. Greeted by the site of card playing, and a muscian she did the only reasonable thing and make way towards the bar. She looked to the bartender before walking up and resting on the counter in front of them nodding."Something strong and bitter. " She would say flashing a smile. "Anything going on in town as of late? I've been gone awhile."  Aranea sighed scanning the rest of the tavern casually seeing if she could spot anything or anyone of importance.

If not her attention would snap back to the bartender regardless if her request was taken or not. Normally a place like this was always good despite the looks and quality. Information was also generally free as with any word of mouth and reliable to a degree. With all the booze it was at least honest for the most part. She would need to find out all she could about everything going. If not she would change strategy and try her luck in the place across the street. Some mob boss or someone with money would also be a good idea for work itself. But that was a pain all in its self.

[Xango]

---

GAME MASTER

---

k75EW_P51-10

Dice Results: [2 out of 10]

There is a (20%) chance of Random Encounters with additional hostile enemy combatants for each post, for the remainder of the Epic.

You have chosen Hiram's Root. Your chance to explore the interior of the Outside Inn has been lost for the remainder of the Epic.

---

Approaching the bartender, you can feel a collective gaze of scrutiny coming from several places within Hiram's Root. You are in a room approximately 150 meters by 235 meters; it has two floors and is constructed of old yet durable wood. The top floor is actually composed of 16 rooms spread equal distance from one another, though 15 are used for prostitution. The room furthest away from the front entrance to the building serves as it's owners office. The first floor is divided into a small lobby area, two large dining areas, a kitchen, two customer bathrooms, a shared employee bathroom, and an entertainment area containing a music machine and three tables for card and drinking games arranged around the circular bartop I'm the room's center. There is enough space for two people to walk side by side freely between each feature of the room, and an old staircase leading to the second floor, close to the customer bathrooms. The smell of cinnamon, onion, and banana waft out of the kitchen area strongly, though few guests seem to have ordered food.

Most of the clientele are poor, destitute, and regulars of the establishment. They sit in groups of two or three (never alone), and it perhaps because of your confident solitary approach that you are being analyzed so carefully by those within. It is not safe for anyone to travel alone here, especially young women.

Your request for something strong and bitter is handled by a bartender that seems far older than everyone else inside. He has a serious nature but as you are a potential new customer wearing what to his assessment is expensive garb, his attitude toward you is Helpful. He appears to be in his mid 60's, with white hair, a face full of wrinkles, thick eyebrows, several missing teeth, a beer belly, and a solid build. He has on a nametag written in grease on a piece of torn cardboard that reads 'Junior Jr.' He nods in your direction and pours you a drink from an unlabeled container - it is a mixture of black coffee, chili pepper extract, spiced rum, and fermented grains. But he does not let the copper mug it is served in free from his grip immediately.

"The hooch'll cost ya 6 Perrigs and 20 Ged, Miss."

He wipes his nose with his unoccupied hand, briefly flashing a cheap iron ring that indicates having been or being married. He will not release the cup until you pay him.

"All anyone talks about nowadays is the damn Starfall. When I was a young fool we saw that sorta thing from time to time, sure, who cares. Go back to chopping your damn wood, is what I say. Leave the Stars to the gods." His voice carries a note of nostalgia and annoyance. He eyes you up and down, your massive swords drawing his attention in a whistle of appreciation and envy.

"You some sorta...smithy-girl, stranger?" He asks hesistantly, refusing to believe that the impressive weapons could actually be used by you in battle.

1-10

[quino]

Aranea pondered about the currency the old bartender spoke of tilting her head in confusion. Deciding to ignore the gazes she had picked up but not be ignorant of their presence. Regardless she fished around for about 300ryo and slid it towards the bartender. "The world deals in ryo sir. I know not of the currency you speak of." She spat out in confusion hoping that it would be satisfactory enough. She made sure to take note of the names perrig and ged. Perrigs were notably less in value than geds.Next the old bartender hard started talking about the Starfall which was seemed like a hot topic apparently. This would now be the primary thing she pushed for.

After he finished he inquired about her blades asking if she was smithy. Aranea couldn't restrain the small laugh that came out before she brushed out a loose strand of hair. "No no I am a mercenary sir. Need any assistance just ask for the Blackswordsman. However please tell me more of this Starfall. What is it and where is it located?" She would continue wondering in her mind what it could be. She would wait until she had more facts before putting together a strong educated guess. Or maybe she could she find someone who knew the true origins of this thing and go find them. Regardless it was all a step forward.

[Xango]

---

GAME MASTER

---

The bartender stares at the ryo as if you have just placed a vampiric beaver skull onto the counter, his eyes confused. He picks up a single coin, turns it over on it's sides, bites it to see if it gives, then places it back down before pushing the entire amount back towards you.

"Ree-Oh huh? Never seen that before. Fancy mainland money won't get you a pot to piss in out here in the sticks, Miss...eh...". He falters as he realizes he doesn't know your name. "I'm Junior Jr, this is my bar ya see.". He adds, pushing the drink towards you as well, releasing his grip and inviting you to drink up. "First one's on me. Man my age has been penniless before, and I do well enough now, so no charge. Ya may want to head down to the Treasury Building and get them Ree-Oh exchanged for something useful though, at least, if you're staying. Metals high quality enough. Should fetch a least a few hundred perrig."

He listens to your explanation of the swords with ever increasing incredulity. A mercenary? And so young! He had met mercenaries before but they were always so serious. "Miss Blackswordsman. Don't get many mercenaries out here." He looks as if he wants to continue, but then you ask about the Starfall.

"Damned if I know, though its all everyone yaps about. Nothing but trouble I say. There's a group going down tomorrow morning if your interested. Think they can pull whatever fell up from the ground.".

[quino]

Aranea caught the glass and held it up towards the bartender in praise before downing the shot. It had been a minute since she had a nice drink. Sliding her ryo back in to her pocket she listened to the man had to say. She soaked everything up with a small smirk glad she had found out exactly what she needed. This man proved quite useful as of yet. Standing up she shifted her gear to make it more comfortable on her back. "I'll make sure to come back for another drink and with the proper coin. May you point me towards the treasury. Along where this group is meeting up.  ?" She asked waiting for the instruction. It seems that the starfall was an object that people wanted to pull out. But what then was its true origin?

She pondered just how much  money she would convert however. Probably just around 1000 ryo or so would be enough. There would also be the problem of word spreading around town about the mysterious traveler. Although she was never one to shy around attention it would be quite the issue if everyone tried to rob her of her income. And then started to kill one to many it would everything that much more tedious. Although it had been long since she bathed in blood and combat would only excite her.

[Xango]

---

GAME MASTER

---

xrpSx8TO1-1001-1001-1001-1001-1001-100

Processing....Please Hold.....Processing.....Please Hold......

Restart Sequence: Initiated

H E L L O !

Activation Authorization: GM

PROCESSING.....PROCESSING...PROCESSING...

...

---

(Enemy Roll: D Class 1-10, C Class 11-25, B Class 26-50, A Class 51-75, S Class 76-100)
Rank of Enemy Hostiles: S Class (Player Roll: 76)
(45% Chance Player is Sneak Attacked)
Enemy Sneak Attack Success: Yes (Player Roll: 43)
Number of Enemy Hostiles: 8 (Player Roll: 8)
Time Until Ally Forces Arrive: 22 Seconds/4 Rounds (Player Roll: 22)
Secret Factors: A Class (Player Roll: 59)
Loot Level: D Class (Player Roll: 2)

---

WARNING

COMBAT PHASE BEGIN

Before the bartender can answer your question, an eruption of sound occurs from behind you, near the door. A group of 8 tough looking men arrive, rugged, and carrying daggers, swords, and crossbows, bristling weapon covered criminals, ranging in ages from their teens to their forties. They are all larger than you, larger than the bartender, larger than anyone else in the establishment by at least a foot. The noise was caused by the bar's door being flung off of its hinges, into a table of drunks playing cards who were now perfectly sober. They moved slowly, like frightened animals, struggling to both pick up the table and crawl slowly, oozing their bodies away from the men, terrified beyond belief. A stray mug of beer has been sent careening across the bar however, striking you in the head, constituting a successful sneak attack. The mugs poor construction material and rough texture allow it to cause 2 AP of Damage to you.

Near silence has otherwise enveloped the bar. Everyone here knows this gang. All 8 men are staring at you.

They each carry full bags with the crude symbol for Perrigs (φ) painted on them, bursting with the many coins and bills of their remote currency. One of them with large ears whispers to the man in the middle, a bald fat pirate in multicolored armor. The armored man yells, at You, in a voice full of confidence and strength.

"We robbed the treasury, Darling, no need to go there. You could come with me and the boys though. I'll peel that armor off for ya...and share with you lot afterwards!" He exclaims, turning to his seven comrades, cajoling them into raucous laughter. The only one who could be called Skinny steps forwards, across the few meters separating you from the bulk of them. Skinny brandishes a sword, holding it against your throat, having drawn the blade without even taking up a movement. Baldy calls to you again, as the other members of the gang form a near complete circle around the bartop and your position. The bartender slinks down to the floor, mouthing the words "sorry miss" and then lies face down.

"You ready to see the stars, Darling? Or the dirt? Well. Which one will it be? We're rich men now. Know we can afford a gussied up slag like you, eh lads!"

There laughter gets even louder.

---

Technique Prep
Technique Prep
Technique Prep
Technique Prep
Technique Prep
Technique Prep
Technique Prep
Technique Prep

1-100·1-100·1-100·1-100·1-100·1-100

[quino]

A sudden boom as her senses were on heightened alert except for the cup of beer bonking her dome. A grin forcibly grew on her face as she started weaving seals with her back turned she hid her moving hands in front of her body which should have shielded them from view making sounds less to nothing [Stealth Check 125sp].Someone was feeling rowdy today she thought turning around to face the group as the jutsu was finished taking the liberty to step into the seigan no kamae. Right foot forward with her left pointed to the side consdering her katana was on her left hip.She skimmed the group as she released her chakra choosing to ignore everything being spouted at her as a darkness would have enfolded 2m in front of her swirling to conform a portal of shadows.Even she was able to see the bags of money so it seemed her money issue would be solved along with her desire for blood.

Out reached from the portal a skeletal blade rose about 2m in size. A second followed scraping the floorboards with a ghastly creek as a  towering figure revelaed itself and would edge its face close towards the group its bottom half still seeming to be on the otherside of the portal. It was a creature made of nothing but bones and littered with spines. A emptiness was in its eyes nothing but shadows much like the portal it had came out of. "Fo-..oo.OOLS!" The voice of the creature was not of one but many. Devoid of life and unending all in its own as it screeched with the souls of the damned never letting up.

Aranea having already released the jutsu and having been in her sword stance would have drew her stormium katana without wasting a movement as he had done so many times before. With a step forward from within her stance she would timed the screech of the monster to seem as if the they were one in the same. Slashing upwards left to right diagonally  releasing a shockwave of wind for a total distance of 20m. It hurtled forward swiftly sweeping up anything in its path. Any projecticle or onrushing people, or simply anyone in the way of the shockwave would have been hit with a knockback sending them flying back a full 5m. With this Aranea would have attempted to stop everyone approaching regardless whether they could have resisted her jutsu or not all the while keeping her distance to maintain her bearing as she was clearly outnumbered. Immediately after striking she could raise her guard with her blade defensively across her body. The deity gave her no concealment but she would use it to draw attention.

Her heart was thumping she would impale and slaughter the first one she could. The money would come second it had seemed they had a lot of it too much in fact. But first would come the blood. The dismemberment and the feeling of bones being sliced like butter. The sensations were overwhelming and she had not even caused them yet today was to be a good day.

AP: 128-2= 126    Gen: 7+ 6 = 13 base

Techs Used

SPOILER: Click to show

Gosei Ryuu: Ka-ryūsen (Air Dragon Strike)
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: A technique used to impede opponents at a distance.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Another form concept of forcing energy by a single swing. Instead of cutting, the user can swing their blade into more of a force like blow. This technique is shot out in a wave, but expanded into a wall. This wall momentarily slows an opponent down by giving them the push. When the user first learns this technique as a “D” Class ninja the user is able to send a shock wave of sheer force in the distance of 10 meters capable of giving a knock back of 5 meters away from the 10 meter region. For every class level the user may be higher than that of “D” Class the technique increases at a distance of 5 meters giving it a total of 30 meters, with a knock back of 15 meters past the initial shockwave point. This technique is able to counter against thrown and other projectile weapons, as well as running opponents.
Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin, Must know Gosei Ryuu: Ryusen (Dragon Strike)

Manifestation of the Deity
Rank: "C"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: A towering, spectral image of a god appears above the user, turning its wrath upon their foes.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Fear, Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects anyone who sees the user. The user is able to perform this technique on themselves. The duration of this technique lasts for 2 rounds per class level. This technique may be negated. You summon a looming illusion of the deity the user may worship, overlaid on their form. The divine manifestation appears ghostly and fearsome, with its favored weapon drawn, and makes threatening overtures (roaring, spouting scripture, making dreadful threats, and the like). The image is transparent enough that the user receives no concealment. Any enemy who can see the effect becomes shaken for 1 round. A successful save negates the effect, and that creature can no longer be affected by this Jutsu for the remainder of the round. Does not need to know the opponent's Deity.
Limit: Must know the Pattern Perception.

Quick Draw
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: User has learned how to draw their weapon without taking up a movement.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user can draw a weapon without a movement. The user can draw a hidden weapon (With Sleight of Hand) without taking a movement. A user who has this technique may draw a throwing weapon and hurl the weapon within 1 movement. Without this technique, the user may draw a weapon as a movement.
Limit: Universal TaiJutsu Technique.
Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin.

Seigan no Kamae and Chudan no Kamae
Rank: "E"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: Two basic stances used in the art of swordsmanship.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Seigan no Kamae, Chudan no Kamae The Seigan and Chudan no Kamae are similar in every aspect when it comes to looking at the opponent, having their feet placed down upon the floor, as well as the amount of pressure they have between both of their legs. The user keeps their right or left foot forward having their toes pointing forwards. Their opposite foot is shaped in an "L" shaped keeping their legs in equal motion. Their feet are perpendicular from one another as face forward their feet and legs are in shoulder width apart. This is used as a basic formation to where the user can move from either defensive, or defensive movements. For the Seigan no Kamae stance has their hands relaxed, grasped against the handle of the blade in question. The sword is pointing in a forty five degree angle as their arms are relaxed, hands close towards his hips as one would wait and relax. For the Chudan no Kamae the user keeps the same foot work as that of Seigan but their hands is brought up towards chest level as the sword that they hold is slightly more gripped proof. The sword is pointed forward as the blade is pointed down towards the ground. These stances are mostly known for parrying and blocking, as well as making quick attacks upon the opponent.
Limit: Must Learn from a Master of Burēdono Kenseijin.

Illusion Focus x6
Rank: "D" (Special, See Description)
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User has gained mastery over the use of Illusionism.
Special: ---
Drawback: May learn at a maximum of 6 times,
Description: Each time learned the user gains 1 extra point to their Jutsu against the opponent's save for the Illusionary Perceptions (Figment, Glamour, Pattern, Phantasm, and Shadow). When the user learns this technique the 1st 2 times they train it as a regular "D" Rank Jutsu. When the user learns this technique the 2nd 2 times they train it as a "D" Rank Jutsu +10 Training Points. When the user learns this technique the 3rd 2 times they train it as a "D" Rank Jutsu +20 Training Points.
Limit: Universal GenJutsu Technique.

[Xango]

---

GAME MASTER

---

g0BKKmPa1-201-201-201-201-201-201-201-20

Only 3 of the 8 men are able to see your handseals being performed; the Boss (Armored Baldy) has Critically Failed noticing the technique, and is considered Flat Footed to your character's actions for the remainder of the post. He believes you to be so stupefied by the magnitude of his masculinity that you are attempting not to run away in terror - he turns away from facing your direction and chuckles to himself, praising his own manipulative prowess out loud and canceling his previously prepared technique.

The 3 men who have noticed your movements Attack you immediately.

---

The Attack is short lived.

Many years from this current moment, the closest Attacker to your position will never get to tell his grandchildren of the day he met the Black Swordsman.

The 3 men rush your position, moving with uncanny speed, burly physical Shunshin, its advanced applications swerving them in a blur of shifting steps that made tracing their angle of attack more difficult - the 3 were spread around you and moved like a pincer, closing in on you from behind, in front, and to your left with blades ready to be drawn. The first of the attackers, the one the others call Pops, gets within five meters of your location. And then.

_{"A sword. A bloody sword, a ghost thing. Something not of this bloody world, I tell you. But that is not all! Stop and listen, brothers! The Black Swordsman commands a Dark God!" - Pops' Soul, Afterlife}


Something rises from the ground that all of the eight men see. Everyone in the entire Bar sees it. A being rises from the ground. Something that is like bone splintered in a crippled humanoid web, something like soft white lightning curved by ugliness alone into a bent spiked tower. A malefic thing, an Ab-real chakra manifestation the likes of which no one here has ever even heard of.

Screaming fills the air. All 8 men, and each of the 142 assembled patrons enters the Helpless condition, and falls prone moaning in agony and horror, their very sanity seemingly threatened by the demonic deity manifestation before them. But the performance is not done.

Its voice washes in a wave of wailing at the top of lungs, a strained prolonged screech, the repeated abattoir whine of those reduced to the sensibility of suffering meat. A wall of chakra erupts from the edge of your blade as it is swung, and roars across through the bar, causing the entire section, wall, and population to be thrown hundreds of feet away in heaps of energy-charred limbs, the 8 Attacker's eviscerated bodies are thrown so far into the distance that they can no longer be seen. Behind you, a shockwave of residual chakra, not enough to normally even be noticeable, echoes the devastation caused by the released wave in front of you, and in a perfectly symmetrical wave of force, blows everything behind you away as well.

At the edge of the Village, off in the distance, miles away, in the direction you swung - an apple in the path is sliced in half, as is a cat, and a deep stone groove is dug into the town's simple manned gate. The entire top floor of the Bar collapses into the bottom floor.

58 Innocent people have been killed. Among their number were your 8 Attackers.
84 are severely injured, prone, in the Helpless Condition, and in Critical Condition.

1-20·1-20·1-20·1-20·1-20·1-20·1-20·1-20

[quino]

Aranea blinked multiple times astonished at her own strength. She had managed to completely destroy everything around her with relative ease. It had seemed damn near everyone was dead.As a result she released the genjutsu as the ghastly apparition faded from existence. Sheathing her blade on to her hip Aranea gripped on to the straps of her black assault pack. For a moment she threw back on the Cloak of Hyuga before stepping through the rubble from the top and bottom floors together. However as she walked toward the general direction that the bandits had previously been she searched for the bags of money she saw them with. She would also look for anything else noteworthy of picking up.

Her main focus would be that money however as she looked for signs of coins and  paper trail of those bills. Hopefully she would be to spot some bags that were untouched or lightly covered in debris.[Observation Check 125sp]Taking only what she needed and then some as she freely had the opportunity to do so. It had seemed this place had no law enforcement or sense of justice. But who was she kidding they never did anything even when she was a child. Let alone do anything to stop her she chuckled to herself. Fortune always did favor the bold and the curious and she was lucky enough to simply be both.

[Xango]

---

GAME MASTER

---

PART TWO - AFTERMATH.

The bills and coins have been scorched and destroyed far beyond the point of use - your power has left the building as little more than its own broken frame collected in a piecemeal bowl. A cracked egg of detritus. The screams of the dying thicken in the air as your search yields little result. But the time it takes you to so thoroughly gather the belongings of others brings your would-be allies ever closer to your position.  Near a patchwork ash-marking of burnt bags, you find a perfectly unscathed book with a title written across it in strange glossy gold lettering.  Its covering is jet black and smooth, and cold to the touch.  

---

Obtained +1,003 Perrig, +39 Ged, Book of Treasury Account 3226
Proceed.

[quino]

She slipped the money in to her assault pack along with the shiny book she had found. Later, she would check out the contents of the book. She moved towards the entrance by jumping through the ruble safely exiting out back towards the road. Aranea simply would take a knee scanning the shops for another bar or something out of the ordinary. That entire thing was threw her off however. Her swordstrikes at maximum had never reached devastation at that level. Maybe it had something to do with this starfall giving her god like abilities just for having had chakra outside around her or even built up like it was.

Taking a deep breathe she reviewed the situation as a whole and everything she had learned so far. First and foremost there was a group meeting up for the Star Fall which she needed to find. Second this place was still dirt poor resulting them not dealing in ryo as such she the perrigs and other coin with her currently that she had collected. Not many mercanaries either that this place had meaning less realstic competition vying for this thing and or jobs. Her worth had meant a whole lot more especially with no one realizing what jutsu and chakra was.

Lastly would be trying to get a complete lay of the land and secure a map of some sorts. Hopefully it would all just come back to her she always had quirky memory like that. Regardless Aranea needed lodgings as well so much to do so little time. Or maybe she didn't need to force herself to rush. Especially right now as she decided to take a short rest. Casually resting on her knee she took a few more deep breathes to regain her stamina and catch a breathe.

[Coal]

I will be taking over as the GM of your Event. Let's have some fun.

[Coal]

You are approached by a man dressed a lot differently than most of the locals, his outfit on the spectrum of fancy or classy, in a business suit complete with a black and blue diagonally striped tie. His skin is dark brown, much like the people of Kaminari no Kuni, and his hair was cut down to barely any hair on the sides and short on the top. His polished dress shoes crunched on a bit of glass near you from the decimated building you had just left, a look of interest on his moderately handsome face when he eyed the building, and a little more interest when he looked back at you. His voice was a soothing baritone, deep and strong, the kind that can easily persuade the masses.

“Good day to you,” he began, a smile on his face showing white teeth framed by a goatee of neatly trimmed curly black hair, “or perhaps not so good of day depending on your outlook.” He would gesture toward the building with that last bit, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I’ve been looking for someone like you. I happened to be passing by and looking into the windows with, I’ll be honest, a small bit of disgust. I saw Jed and his boys enter and here we are. They’re dead, you’re alive, about a 5th of the village is dead too or seriously injured, so I’d say you might need a little support yourself.” He would place his hands in his pockets casually. “Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. So my proposition is this; I’m putting together an expedition to see what it was that fell from the sky and I want you on it, Shinobi. I can finance you while you’re here and I’ll let you keep some of the find as compensation, along with an explanation of what just occurred in there as well.”

[quino]

Rising to her feet she scoffed and looked the man up and down. She removed her Cloak of Hyuuga.Her left hand drifiting to the hilt of her katana resting it. Listening closely to what the man it piqued her interest. Aranea's eyes never broke staring the man down as she weighed her options. A benefactor would prove useful and maybe help in covering up this incident behind her. Finishing the woman started chuckling manically before taking a sigh. "Sounds like I have no other option here. You offer me solace and knowledge how could I ever resist such a proposition!?"  She opened her arms and spun for dramatic effect walking past the man.What seemed like a ditzy movement was really a chance to scan her surroundings [Observation Check 125sp]. If this was a obvious trap at least the fun would continue. "Now I guess i'm following you then."

On a second take of the information Aranea was pleased. Simply for the idea that whatever was going on was giving her a power boost. Hopefully she would get to spill more blood later those men were weak too weak. She wanted to use her new move she had spent so many months mastering. But one thing at a time collecting her bearings was a must. Not to mention she needed to be wary of company lest she be stabbed in the back.

[Coal]

A scan of your surroundings reveals a number of insignificant detail and one glaring blemish. The city is split into 4 main roads with a town center in the, well, in the center. Within the center of town you find a type of market has sprung upo n the sides, a few stands here and there, hawking fish or fruit or other things you probably don’t need currently. A few houses are scattered about, not quite haphazardly, but lacking any significant order or planning beyond the places of commerce. Clear across town is the other Tavern, the upscale Inn, The Outside, and it is by far the largest building in town. Odd. Children play in the streets, they’re kind of dirty, but so are most of the adults. No assailants nearby or anyone that looks out of the ordinary, as you have neatly handled the only gang in town. You also saw the burnt out husk of Hiram’s Root, destroyed by that odd explosion of power you had released.

The man began to lead you directly toward The Outside, his place of business it would seem, or at least the place he wished to conduct business from. As he walked, it was rather noticeable that people would give the two of you a wide birth, and while they were wary of the man, they were down right frightened of you. [Town Condition: Shaken/Hostile]. Most businesses were not about to sell any items to the likes of you, who would kill so many of the innocent in town just to get rid of Jed and his boys, giving off the look of frightened animals that would fight if cornered. The man before you began whistling a cheerful tune as he walked, ignoring the people of the town, all the way to the front door of The Outside. Reaching down and touching an ornate rod handle to open the door, he paused, looking back at you with a grin.

“Ah. I forgot to introduce myself,” he began, “You can call me Mr. M.” Then he opened the door and held it for you to enter. You could see a bit inside the place. The first floor was polished hardwood and the lights were dim. The windows were shaded so thoroughly that the light of the day could not penetrate, electric lights humming near silently. People spoke and caroused, however it was sophisticated, or at least more so than Hiram’s Root had been. Several burly battle-weathered men could be seen inside, moving through the crowd, eyes always watching and it was clear they were part of the security. A bar in the center that was a perfect circle held several bar tenders dishing out tastefully affordable alcohol and food. A few tables and chairs made their presence known off to the right hand side, but it was obvious there was more.
“Welcome to The Outside. My office is on the top floor. Feel free to get refreshed and mingle for a bit while I prepare. Come up any time after about ten minutes or so have passed.” With that, he would walk to his office up the stairs to the left, after you enter of course. He is a gentleman after all.

[quino]

Sadly no ambush lying in wait. Her bloodlust yet to be quenched she had some understanding of other things. The rest of the layout of the town had now become clear. But what caught her eye was the few glances she received. It made her skin writhe with delight at the taste of fear.It may make things more interesting in the future. It would be wise to not allow herself to be caught lacking if anything happened.

As they approached the next bar it seemed the stranger Mr.M opened the door as she stepped inside giving the place a once over. Better than the last one at least she thought turning back to look in the stranger's eyes. He needed some time so more or less she had 10 minutes to spare. Giving the man a salute Aranea made way straight towards the bar. She would wave her way towards the closest bartender to grab their attention. Maybe now she could properly enjoy herself. Although her giddiness was becoming that much harder to control