Chapter 3: Hounding the Fox
General Summary
Part 1:
Luanshi finally managed to get a moment of Master Xi's time to discuss the recent rumors, though the answer he received wasn't expected. Master Xi plans to surrender to the Wolf's forces, as to not put the city itself at risk. A coup must be planned later, when the element of surprise is at their side, or so Master Xi claims. Without the aid of the Fox Spirit, Luanshi would be conquered. Yet when war came last time around, the Fox Spirit did nothing. For all the stories about it protecting the town and only the worthy being allowed to meet with it, it all seemed a bit too suspicious to Master Xi. Luanshi was granted permission to venture into the woods and seek out the Fox Spirit, for what good that may do. All the tales of worthiness cast aside in favor of searching for a viable solution to the impending conquest. Luanshi would seek out Hana, daughter of the Fox Spirit's Caretaker, for more information.Part 2:
Taking to the streets, Luanshi spotted an increase in traffic for all merchants, apparently owing to an upcoming Culinarian Competition. As expected, Hana was skeptical of Luanshi's 'approval' to venture into the woods and visit the Fox Spirit. And against better judgement, she decided to help in this venture. None would be more familiar with the proceedings as her, yet none more devoted either. Hana came prepared with nine candles, the traditional offering to the Fox Spirit. Together they ventured into the woods to the east of Teichi. The ritual proceedings seemed rather simple, light a candle within a lantern and the wind will guide you to the next. Continue until all nine lanterns are lit, and access to the shrine would be revealed. Yet when the protocols were completed, they simply found a home, hidden away in the forest by some manner of illusion. Though having all the trademarks of a fox, oddly enough with nine tails, the Fox Spirit turned out to be more human than spirit. She remained reluctant to aid in a war, to bring bloodshed for a political game waged by nations and men. Yet Hana intended to use debt to persuade her into rendering assistance, her father having acted as Caretaker until his last days providing some leverage, even to 'spirits'. The Fox Spirit would present the visitors with their impending doom and provide them with options. To make Teichi disappear by removing it from the material plane, to let Master Xi surrender the city to the invaders or to forego strategy and face this threat head on no matter the cost. Hana was reunited with her father's weapon, the Shidare Arashi, a parasol of legend, capable of disarming entire armies, though that bit may just be hyperbole. Yet the group chose to hide Teichi in another realm, to ensure it is never conquered. But to ensure its return, they would have to stay behind in the material plane, to signal the town's return when the war has reached its end. Both Luanshi and Hana would stay behind, now armed with weaponry and clothing fit for travel. While Teichi was moved to another realm, they would instead have to figure out how to escape the forest.Rewards Granted
Shidare Arashi (Claimed by Hana)
Traveler's Attire (Claimed by Luanshi)
Character(s) interacted with
Master Xi of the Temple
Shey Hana the Botanist
Faerus the Fox Spirit
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