Adventure!: In Search of Inspiration - In Search of Inspiration

[tooho]

Butler chuckles, reaching into his own pocket where he usually keeps a set of knuckle-dusters, made from cast iron, which he claims hit harder than brass. "Trouble finds you, miss, it definately finds you."

Mina smiles slightly at that as she slides the gleaming automatic revolver out of her bag and down to her side.

As Mina watches, three of the Chinese men pile out of the back door of the train, and shout back to their comrades in Cantonese. (roughly translated ) "Some asshole's blocked the train! Come on, let's teach them not to mess with the Triads!" All dozen of them clamber out the door and onto the smooth area next to the track, but they only make it about halfway up the train before they catch sight of Li. They all slow, almost unconsciously, a few of them slowly putting their hands back into their coats or under their shirts.

Sliding down a little in her seat for a bit of cover, she reassesses the number in the train. Keeping down in the seat she listens carefully to the chatter that she can hear, and waits for a direct attack before attempting to shoot anyone.

OOC: (Holding my position until the Triad in the train have made an aggressive move towards anyone on the train, or she better understands whats happening outside.)

[phoenix]

Joshua, trying to keep out of sight, positions himself to where he can jump from the ground to the motionless train's platform, right in the center of the Dragons.

From up in the rocks, it looked like it's twelve of them against the six of us. But to counter that, three of us are tigers, and one of us is me. That makes them solidly outnumbered, but then no one here was promised a fair fight.

[SkyLion]

Catching sight of the Triad enforcers as they mob out of the train, Li-Shen smiles grimly behind the now-life-like mask. Its features mimic his movements, yet somehow its monstrous features fail to convey any mirth.

Only Death.

While the mask emmanates supernatural fear, Li-Shen focuses his own mind inward. Reflecting into himself like the moon into a placid pool, Li finds the calm within the raging storm of Shiva's might that drives him on his vengeful quest. The searing light of The Eye of God still blinds him, the memory of Pain.

Fire.

It is immaculate. Cleansing him of all thought, and burning away the tattered cloth of his ego. Making him a suitable vessel for the Power. And the Memory.

*My Ancient Enemy...*

...

...The present moment returning to crystaline focus, Li bridges his connection to that sea of infinite force, summoning the very strength of his indomitable Will. Menacing and Slow, he strides towards the enemy amidst the clinging fog and flickering baleful lights, a silent wraith...

[BlueNinja]

Jackson moves all at once, second after the great beast. Using Li-Shens beast as a distraction (( and what a distraction it was )) Dr. Bryce will move under cover of fog or dark and stealth, to within whip range of a few Triad members. If they go for weapons, his actions will be to disarm if possible.

If possible he will remain undetected until he strikes.

Some of the Triad members start looking around, off to the sides of the tracks. Jackson can't be sure if they actually see him, but it's obvious they know someone's around. ((Dude, you got 1 success on 5 dice. Of the four Triad members I rolled for, one of them got 3 successes on 3 dice.))

Sliding down a little in her seat for a bit of cover, she reassesses the number in the train. Keeping down in the seat she listens carefully to the chatter that she can hear, and waits for a direct attack before attempting to shoot anyone.

OOC: (Holding my position until the Triad in the train have made an aggressive move towards anyone on the train, or she better understands whats happening outside.)

There are three other people in your car, but all of the Triad members went outside. There's three "sleeping" cars behind the dining car (which is the front-most 'public' car in the train). All of the dozen Triad members you know about just went outside.

[BlueNinja]

...The present moment returning to crystaline focus, Li bridges his connection to that sea of infinite force, summoning the very strength of his indomitable Will. Menacing and Slow, he strides towards the enemy amidst the clinging fog and flickering baleful lights, a silent wraith...

One of the Triad members steps forward, possibly with a shove from those behind him, and points a shaking finger at you. ((Li-Shen gets an OMFG XP point, for getting 10 successes on Intimidation out of 13 dice!)) "You don't know who you're messing with, m-m-man!" His voice starts to shake on the last word, as the armor remains implacable and menacing. "B-b-back off, gwailo!" One of the other Triad members, trying to look impressive, twirls his knife and drops it, nearly removing the toe of his shoe.

Azura and the tigers move out of the concealment of the brush behind the Triad members, completely unseen or unheard. The king tiger seems almost bored as he sneaks up behind them, less than five feet away, waiting for a cue. Joshua is on the platform, even with the tigers, and within easy reach of several Triad members with only a quick step back down to the gravel. Mina is looking out the window, Li's demonic armor only a few feet away outside her window.

((Next action, folks? It'll almost certainly be your last one before a combat round begins.))

[phoenix]

"B-b-back off, gwailo!" One of the other Triad members, trying to look impressive, twirls his knife and drops it, nearly removing the toe of his shoe.

Joshua grins a savage grin in the darkness. With a sidelong glance at Azura, he holds up a single index finger and counts. One.

Two.

Three. Uncoiling like a mighty spring, Joshua launches himself upwards to land [hopefully] on the platform with the Dragons, and unsheathes each of his short swords with an audible SCHING, holding them on the dark men.

"On your knees, bandits!" ::angry

[OOC: Joshua doesn't have much of an Intimidate total. He just enjoys yelling at miscreants. ::cool When combat begins, he will attempt to split his dice pool into five attempted Disarms on whoever draws their weapons first, including his extra action from One Man Army, relying on Untouchable to keep from getting hit. Aand if I'm doing this totally wrong, don't let me be the last to know.]

[Shade Sentinel]

Some of the Triad members start looking around, off to the sides of the tracks. Jackson can't be sure if they actually see him, but it's obvious they know someone's around. ((Dude, you got 1 success on 5 dice. Of the four Triad members I rolled for, one of them got 3 successes on 3 dice.))

Jacksons boots scrape a bit too loudly on the local rocks and gravel, and he knows he'll be discovered soon. He chooses action. He takes a quick few steps forward and his brains instantly turn to brawn. His muscles taught he feels the hard hands of stitched leather. He snaps his whip out across the night towards the triad members.

(( Take a shot with whip at weapons, if drawn, or around neck or feet if not. WIll spend Will point ))

[tooho]

Nodding to Butler, Mina rises from her seat and moves down the car. Stepping out of the car to keep site of the Triad members as much as the others, takes position between the men outside the train and the entrance to the sleeper car. She opens her mind to the inner light of the men before her. (turning on Aetheric Vision)

[BlueNinja]

Nodding to Butler, Mina rises from her seat and moves down the car. Stepping out of the car to keep site of the Triad members as much as the others, takes position between the men outside the train and the entrance to the sleeper car. She opens her mind to the inner light of the men before her. (turning on Aetheric Vision)

You can just about see the alcohol fumes coming off the Triad members, along with almost-visible waves of fear. They're scared of the man in the armor, and frankly so are you. Not enough that you couldn't shoot him, but ... maybe it wouldn't be the best idea.

Especially since you didn't notice the tattooed warrior standing on the platform, and if he hadn't just stepped off of it, you would have run into him. You hear Butler behind you say, "What the ... "

"On your knees, bandits!" ::angry

Two of the Triad members actually scream. One faints, and one of them spins around, firing his gun completely at random, shattering a window somewhere further down the train.

[OOC: Joshua doesn't have much of an Intimidate total. He just enjoys yelling at miscreants. ::cool When combat begins, he will attempt to split his dice pool into five attempted Disarms on whoever draws their weapons first, including his extra action from One Man Army, relying on Untouchable to keep from getting hit. Aand if I'm doing this totally wrong, don't let me be the last to know.]

((So, since there are a dozen Triad members, you'll have +4 dice, and one additional action. You want to split your first action four ways, and then use the last one as-is?))

Jacksons boots scrape a bit too loudly on the local rocks and gravel, and he knows he'll be discovered soon. He chooses action. He takes a quick few steps forward and his brains instantly turn to brawn. His muscles taught he feels the hard hands of stitched leather. He snaps his whip out across the night towards the triad members.

(( Take a shot with whip at weapons, if drawn, or around neck or feet if not. WIll spend Will point ))

A moment after the gun goes off, the whip comes out of the darkness, wraps itself around the Triad member's hand, and snaps taut. The gun goes flying off into the darkness as the gang guy stumbles.

Initiatives:

Li: 20!

Mina: 17

Triad members: 15

Joshua: 14

Triad members: 14

Azura: 12

Butler: 12

Triad members: 11

Jackson: 8

Triad members: 8

Give me your combat actions!

[Shade Sentinel]

Jackson will charge headlong into the remaining Triad member who still has a weapon and try to tackle him / disarm him in the process. Followed of course by a thumping smacking beat down.

[SkyLion]

Seeing the other's initiate melee, Li-Shen follows suit. A hollow and disturbing belly-laugh emantes from within the creature, the motion of which Li exagerates so that it can be read through the armor. Li will use one of his phantom hands to pick up whomever seems to be the apparent leader of the enemy into the air by their head. To take credit for the invisible assault, Li uses his head to aim the attack, Raising the man up into the air by tracking upwards with his gaze whie continuing to laugh in an infernal manner. He will lift the man, kicking, flailing and screaming as high as the range for his power allows.

[phoenix]

((So, since there are a dozen Triad members, you'll have +4 dice, and one additional action. You want to split your first action four ways, and then use the last one as-is?))

[OOC: Yep!]

From his position in the midst of the Dragons, Joshua strikes out at the weapon hands of those Triad members who have their weapons out, especially if anyone looks like they might be about to shoot him or Bryce.

the remaining Triad member who still has a weapon

[OOC: Where did he say there's only one left with a weapon? ::huh Well, if that's still so by the time Joshua's actions come, he'll turn any un-needed Disarms into Strikes, if that's okay...]

[BlueNinja]

[OOC: Where did he say there's only one left with a weapon? ::huh Well, if that's still so by the time Joshua's actions come, he'll turn any un-needed Disarms into Strikes, if that's okay...]

((There are twelve Triad members. Three of them have been disarmed, though two could fairly easily retrieve their weapons. The other nine have not all drawn weapons, but it's a certainty that they have something on them. For Initiative, though, they are split into four groups.))

[tooho]

Definitely willing to leave the 'Demon' alone till later, happy to even, Mina looks to the armed Triad. Pissed by the shot that went into the train, she shoots to disarm the Triad members with guns, specifically aiming for their guns to disarm without harm (starting far away from the 'Demon!') ::blink

((Will hold action to shoot down at the Triad members as they arm themselves to keep the gun play down. Split pool, three shots.))

[BlueNinja]

Seeing the other's initiate melee, Li-Shen follows suit. A hollow and disturbing belly-laugh emantes from within the creature, the motion of which Li exagerates so that it can be read through the armor. Li will use one of his phantom hands to pick up whomever seems to be the apparent leader of the enemy into the air by their head. To take credit for the invisible assault, Li uses his head to aim the attack, Raising the man up into the air by tracking upwards with his gaze whie continuing to laugh in an infernal manner. He will lift the man, kicking, flailing and screaming as high as the range for his power allows.

The Triad member who spoke shrieks in fear as a black mist envelops him, jerking him suddenly thirty feet above the ground, with Li's mocking laughter ringing around him.

Definitely willing to leave the 'Demon' alone till later, happy to even, Mina looks to the armed Triad. Pissed by the shot that went into the train, she shoots to disarm the Triad members with guns, specifically aiming for their guns to disarm without harm (starting far away from the 'Demon!') ::blink

((Will hold action to shoot down at the Triad members as they arm themselves to keep the gun play down. Split pool, three shots.))

Three shots ring out from the back of the train car, and two of the Triad members shout in dismay as their guns are shot right out of their hands. The third moves at just the wrong moment, and a bullet grazes his wrist, causing him to drop the weapon and clutch at the blood-spurting injury.

The Triad speaker, hovering above the tracks, swears in Cantonese. At that point, one of the Triad members drops to his knees, scrambling for his gun before Joshua can get past his buddies. Another grins at Jackson, and pulls off his belt - which proves to be a length of steel chain! He swings it, connecting heavily with Jackson's side as he prepares to charge, dealing the intrepid archeologist 3 levels of Bashing.

From his position in the midst of the Dragons, Joshua strikes out at the weapon hands of those Triad members who have their weapons out, especially if anyone looks like they might be about to shoot him or Bryce.,,

[OOC: Where did he say there's only one left with a weapon? ::huh Well, if that's still so by the time Joshua's actions come, he'll turn any un-needed Disarms into Strikes, if that's okay...]

Within moments, Joshua goes through the gangsters like a whirlwind. Two of them, in the process of drawing their knives, have them knocked away by the blue steel. The one dropped to the ground with his pistol has it knocked under the train. And the one with the chain has a sudden surprise when one of the long knives separates his chain a mere two links from his hand. He doesn't have long to dwell on his surprise, though, as a half second later, the other knife is buried in his throat, and he falls helplessly to the ground.

The other Triad member retrieves his gun from where it dropped, and turns to fire at the back of the train, but his shot smacks into the railing inches away from Mina. The two now missing their knives both shout and start swinging at Joshua, but both of them miss by mere hairs as the agile warrior dodges out of the way.

Butler leaps over the railing, using his momemtum to slam a kick into the Triad member who fired at Mina. Sadly, the kick does little but drive him backwards a step, leaving the unfortunate bodyguard now out in the open.

The two Triad members disarmed by Mina's shooting both step forward, swinging at Butler with their open fists. The first one barely clips him in the shoulder, driving him right into the other gang member's swinging fist - which somehow, miraculously, only skips off his cheek with barely a mark. ((Fer crying out loud - Butler botched his dodge roll on his last action of the round - and neither of the Triad guys rolled a single success on damage! The second technically botched on six damage dice!))

Jackson, by this point, has charged towards the injured Triad member, slamming heavily into him with a shoulder and driving him to the ground in a tackle that would be banned from any Ivy League college. Though shaken, the Triad member doesn't actually appear to be wounded. ((Congrats, you 'botched' your damage roll too.))

The wounded man tries a kick at Jackson, but misses by a mile, or at least a foot. The last two Triad members draw their own knives, rushing for Joshua, but like the would-be pugilists, their thrusts miss the able warrior by inches.

Next Round Initiative:

Li: 20! (Two 10's in a row for your Initiative!)

Butler: 14

Mina: 13

Joshua: 12

Azura: 12

Triad Group 1: 12

Triad Group 2: 12

Jackson: 11

Triad Group 3: 7

Triad Group 4: 6

[phoenix]

The last two Triad members draw their own knives, rushing for Joshua, but like the would-be pugilists, their thrusts miss the able warrior by inches.

Joshua responds with a fluid double thrust, a knife aimed at each of the Triad members' throats. He then spins on his heel and directs a high kick to the jaw of the Triad member who last attacked Bryce, trying to maneuver himself into a back-to-back position with his teammate.

[SkyLion]

The deep cackle turns into a low growl. Li-Shen throws the held triad towards the ground, then raises his hand and, gesturing towards one of the enemy who has just drawn a blade. Closing his fist, he grabs the unfortunate Triads hand, crushing its bones into the pommel of the knife and holding the stump closed with a massive invisible fist. Hurtling the man though the air, Li times the strike to slam the knife/stump into the fallen man, slamming both into the iron side of the automotive. Raising both his arms now he steps into the center of the fray, chanting an evil spell from behind the serrated maw of his Menpo.

,,

((Spilt actions 1st is to throw the one man into the ground as per the maneuver, though in this case the man is already "grabbed" (TK Str+5 damage from the height IIRC)). Li- will spend a WP point on the 2nd action to connect the knife and its owner adding their latteral momnetum so that both hit the train, possible incurring even further damage. The chanting isn't an action, but a "soliloquay" which is Asura's cue to enter the scene on his initiative. In this case Li is indicating intimidation and capture for interrogation. If any of that black mist is possible to create for Asura to "Come out of" that would be cool as well...))

[Shade Sentinel]

Shaking off the effects of his now bruised ribs, Dr. Bryce stands before his assailant. Stepping forward and moving in a deceptively quick fashion, he "grabs Africa" and drives a powerful overhands right into his opponents jaw.

[tooho]

Mina's green eyes flare as the bullet ricochets off the rail but her hand is steady. Careful of Butler, Mina ups the ante as the two Triad attack her bodyguard. Siting the man dumb enough to shoot at her, she concentrates and shoots to disable him, ((aiming for the shoulder)) before siting the man who is at Butler's back ((shoulder as well)).

((Two shots, burn Willpower on the second shot))

[BlueNinja]

The deep cackle turns into a low growl. Li-Shen throws the held triad towards the ground, then raises his hand and, gesturing towards one of the enemy who has just drawn a blade. Closing his fist, he grabs the unfortunate Triads hand, crushing its bones into the pommel of the knife and holding the stump closed with a massive invisible fist. Hurtling the man though the air, Li times the strike to slam the knife/stump into the fallen man, slamming both into the iron side of the automotive. Raising both his arms now he steps into the center of the fray, chanting an evil spell from behind the serrated maw of his Menpo. ,,

((Spilt actions 1st is to throw the one man into the ground as per the maneuver, though in this case the man is already "grabbed" (TK Str+5 damage from the height IIRC)). Li- will spend a WP point on the 2nd action to connect the knife and its owner adding their latteral momnetum so that both hit the train, possible incurring even further damage. The chanting isn't an action, but a "soliloquay" which is Asura's cue to enter the scene on his initiative. In this case Li is indicating intimidation and capture for interrogation. If any of that black mist is possible to create for Asura to "Come out of" that would be cool as well...))

The first Triad member screams as he slams into the ground, and his voice cuts off suddenly as he hits the ground. The other Triad member sees the black mist moving towards him, deceptively fast, and despite his bet efforts, he is unable to avoid the misty hand, holding him still. ((Grabbing him is one action, throwing him into the train would be a third, so that's being held for next round. But you KO'd the first guy. ::biggrin Two down!))

Butler, seeing he's outnumbered, throws a punch at one of the Triad members engaging him in fisticuffs. The Triad goon dodges just the wrong way, and the punch connects with his nose, sending the goon reeling backwards, clutching at the gushing blood from the shattered remnants of his face before slipping into merciful unconsciousness.

Mina's green eyes flare as the bullet ricochets off the rail but her hand is steady. Careful of Butler, Mina ups the ante as the two Triad attack her bodyguard. Siting the man dumb enough to shoot at her, she concentrates and shoots to disable him, ((aiming for the shoulder)) before siting the man who is at Butler's back ((shoulder as well)).

((Two shots, burn Willpower on the second shot))

Mina's pistol fires again, taking the Triad member in the shoulder and sending him spinning towards the ground, unconscious or possibly dead. Her hand barely twitching to the side, she puts a bullet across the only one of the unarmed men ready to beat up Butler, grazing the Triad man's side.

Joshua responds with a fluid double thrust, a knife aimed at each of the Triad members' throats. He then spins on his heel and directs a high kick to the jaw of the Triad member who last attacked Bryce, trying to maneuver himself into a back-to-back position with his teammate.

With a fluid ease that would put any Chinese master to shame, Joshua nearly beheads both of his two opponents, before cracking the third man's jaw with an audible snap. He's not out of the running - yet - but it won't take long.

At that point, three massive feline roars echo across the scrub, as Azura and the other two tigers come leaping out of the darkness, posing for the fear of the crowds. The Triad man with the broken jaw faints dead away, and the other five, all disarmed, fall into various states of incontinence and blubbering fear. Screams from passengers further down the train can be heard as well, mostly from the open windows where they all retreated at the sound of the tigers. Azura calmly walks over to Li, stepping on one of the men, and flicks his ears as if to say, "Next time call me for something hard."

((Ok, combat is over. But I wasn't expecting Azura to get 7 successes on Intimidation. To back up that you guys took down over half the Triad members, and disarmed the rest, in under two rounds. I think I need to start hiring tougher mooks. ::tongue ))

[Shade Sentinel]

Jackson begins rerolling his whip and attatches it to his belt when as he stands beside Joshua. He rubbs his wounded ribs.

"I guess I'm a little more rusty then I thought. Its good to have you around Joshua."

Jackson eyes the scene and adjusts his worn hat. Glancing across the field he makes eye contact with Mina. He tips his hat and smiles his charming smile at the woman. Turning back to regard Joshua he adds

"It would appear the scenery just got a bit more charming eh Joshua. Not that you and Li-Shen aren't pleasant company...speaking of which, what is with that outfit. Its about the most awful thing I've ever seen in person!"

He says as he nods in Li-Shen's direction.

[phoenix]

Joshua bends over one of his victims, and runs each blade through the cloth of the unfortunate's shirt, before re-sheathing them.

"I guess I'm a little more rusty then I thought. Its good to have you around Joshua."

Joshua claps Jackson's shoulder in a brotherly way.

"Fighting a big mob of men is one of the most difficult tasks for a warrior. You did well, Doctor Jackson Bryce, and I think the ability will come to you with time."

Joshua stands up straight, to address Butler and Mina. "Both of you joined the battle against our enemies. My group has no fight with you; will you let us go on our way?"

[Shade Sentinel]

Joshua stands up straight, to address Butler and Mina. "Both of you joined the battle against our enemies. My group has no fight with you; will you let us go on our way?"

Jackson adds to Mina...

"Or will you be going our way?"

Again the smile comes out.

[SkyLion]

Meanwhile...

,,

The other Triad member sees the black mist moving towards him, deceptively fast, and despite his bet efforts, he is unable to avoid the misty hand, holding him still.

,,

Azura calmly walks over to Li, stepping on one of the men, and flicks his ears as if to say, "Next time call me for something hard."

Li-Shen curls his fingers into an armored fist, in doing so communicating to the demon-cat that these men are their hated enemy and if he would be so kind as to quit his bitching, they can get back to playing the hell-spawn role for their unfortunate captive.

Holding out his arms, the black mist tendrils over to him and seeps into his palm, bringing the Triad member to him. As the last of the mist disappears, Li grabs the man by his collar, holding him high in the air with seeming supernatural strength (He is actually still holding the man telekinetically, only the visual element has dissappered.) over Asura's demon form. Pulling the man close to his horrible face, Li watches... with some detachment...the reflection of his fearsome visage and burning eyes in the man's fully dialted and quivering pupils. Asura roars again, joined a split second later by his two generals to create an unatural sounding cacophony. At the peak of intensity he throws the man with butal force into the side of the train, hard enough to dent it (using enough force to crack the man's ribs and bones but leave him alive.)

Clearly speaking to Joshua, Li-Shen intones,

"When they wake up, interrogate them, painfully if possible, but let *that* one live, to tell the tale to his master..."

,,

Suddenly, right before their very eyes, the black mist starts to flow from out of the thin air around Mina and Butler. It snakes in serpentine coils around them, appearing at their head level and winding down around the ankles. With startling speed, Li-Shen is there in front of Mina, while Asuratizaya and two great Burmese tigers advance on her manservant with low growls.

Speaking to he others still, "They have seen too much, and musn't be allowed to live...unless of course they would join with us..." The creatures eyes are bright burning lights within hollow sockets, and they seem to be waiting for Mina to make a choice...

[phoenix]

Speaking to he others still, "They have seen too much, and musn't be allowed to live...unless of course they would join with us..." The creatures eyes are bright burning lights within hollow sockets, and they seem to be waiting for Mina to make a choice...

Annoyed, Joshua circles around the armored man and tigers, and faces them, with his back to Mina and Butler. "My friend, I offered them peace. I'm not letting you hurt them. The same goes for all of the Dragons who survived."

The tattooed warrior stands lightly on the balls of his feet, yet gives the distinct impression that he would not be easy to move...

[OOC: Joshua will spend a Willpower, if necessary, to stand his ground.]

[Shade Sentinel]

Jackson eyes the sudden change of events with a strange sense of hopelessness. Two warriors are flexing their respective muscles. Which in this case could be understood, especially in front of a woman!

Dr. Bryce realizes that he has no interest in mixing up with either men. Li-Shen's visage is terrifying and he knows Joshua well enough to know that his skill may be limitless.

Bryce also stares in wonderment as the large catlike beast...which he has never seen!

[BlueNinja]

Li-Shen curls his fingers into an armored fist, in doing so communicating to the demon-cat that these men are their hated enemy and if he would be so kind as to quit his bitching, they can get back to playing the hell-spawn role for their unfortunate captive.

Azura gives a flick of his head, as if to say that Li is being just a tad silly about all of this, as the Triad members are likely to end up dead at their master's hands for failure anyway. He steps on one of the quivering, fearful men, clearly getting across that he's still going to torment them, for fun if nothing else.

Suddenly, right before their very eyes, the black mist starts to flow from out of the thin air around Mina and Butler. It snakes in serpentine coils around them, appearing at their head level and winding down around the ankles. With startling speed, Li-Shen is there in front of Mina, while Asuratizaya and two great Burmese tigers advance on her manservant with low growls.

Speaking to he others still, "They have seen too much, and musn't be allowed to live...unless of course they would join with us..." The creatures eyes are bright burning lights within hollow sockets, and they seem to be waiting for Mina to make a choice...

Azura makes a small points to walk between Jackson and Li as he starts circling around behind Mina, paying more attention to the rest of the train, in case there were any Triad members who didn't join the fight.

Dr. Bryce realizes that he has no interest in mixing up with either men. Li-Shen's visage is terrifying and he knows Joshua well enough to know that his skill may be limitless.

Bryce also stares in wonderment as the large catlike beast...which he has never seen!

The giant cat, taller even than Jackson, turns back to regard him for a moment, and Jackson could swear the beast winked at him!

[Shade Sentinel]

Dr. Bryce begins to light a cigarette in hopes to shake off the strange sense of dread coming from Li-Shen in his strange but arguably effective costume.

The giant cat, taller even than Jackson, turns back to regard him for a moment, and Jackson could swear the beast winked at him!

The partially lit cigarette hangs from his bottom lip as his jaw open in wonderment.

"Did he...did it just?..." He babbles to himself and to anyone who may or may not be around.

That finnished, he goes to light a cigarette, finding a lit one in his mouth. He shakes his head.

"Jackson...you're losing it hoss!"

[SkyLion]

Li-Shen considers for a moment cowing the Jericho warrior in a staredown contest. He decides against it however, as it would not only be brutally unfair to the young warrior, but also counterproductive to their burgeoning partnership.

,,

"Very Well." he intones. "However if they should prove a threat to our vendetta, I shall hold you responsible."

,,

He holds both palms forward, absorbing the black mist and then turns, walking toward the vault of his locomotive...

[phoenix]

"Very Well." he intones. "However if they should prove a threat to our vendetta, I shall hold you responsible."

Joshua bows from the waist as Li-Shen turns from him.

He then selects an unconscious, but unwounded, Triad member and hoists him bodily over his shoulder, carrying him after Li to the Silk Road.

[Shade Sentinel]

The terrifying Li-Shen gone, and his noble friend Joshua headed towards the train, Jackson moves in to speak with the woman and her assistant.

"Excuse me Miss...?"

He lets the question hang in the air for several seconds hoping for a response.

"You and you partner here handled yourselves very well. I appologize for my associates and their minor altercation, battle seems to make them much more intense and understandably so. My name is Jackson Bryce, its a pleasure to meet you both."

[tooho]

As the demon turns away, Mina takes an audible breath. Shaking her head a little dazedly, Mina smiles slightly at the professor. "Handling ourselves well is what we do. I'm 'Buckshot' Trenton, but you can call me Mina. And this is my guard, Butler. I knew those men were going to be trouble on the train, but I wasn't expecting a demon to attack us. Truthfully, at first I only meant to protect the passengers from harm. There are many things that go bump in the night, and they needn't face it when we can. "

Mina looks closely at Jackson. "You.. you travel with a demon? I've seen some things.. " Stopping herself, Mina eyes the cat thing. Her hand seems to tighten on her gun, but she doesn't raise it.

"Who are you, that you travel with such... beings?" Still a little shaken, Mina siddles a bit closer to Butler.

"We are heading to investigate some strange.. " Coughing into her hand a little she cuts herself off. "Where would you be heading? I don't think traveling in on our train will be such a good idea now. I believe I may have stepped into a war when I meant to divert a battle."

[Shade Sentinel]

Dr. Bryce weighs his next statements to put these two strangers at most ease.

"Well, to answer that, again I am Dr. Jackson Bryce. I'm an achaeologist and historian, among other things. (said with a wink to the lady). I don't quite travel with a demon, that is a manifistation that has been aiding our current mission as it were. The tattooed warrior, Joshua, is a noble and estranged man from a place that is...let us say different than the western world we both hail from."

Jackson finnishes his cigarette and stomps it out with his worn boot. Adjusting his hat to aid to his "dashing" persona.

"We are part of a, newly formed gentlemens club, the Eon Society. Working with Maxwell Mercer, we are investigating strange things involving various evil organizations including these Triads here."

Jackson begins to walk along the train tracks and gestures for the others to walk with him.

"Myself, Joshua and another of our team Li-Shen, are currently in pursuit of these strange things. It would appear that you have come to the right place, as it seems you are seeking the same. Not to be too forward, but given the situation, perhaps you would be my gest on the Silk Road. The most magnificent mobile lodging one could hope to witness. I understand your reluctance not to board another train just yet, but think of it more as a resort. Li-Shen, its owner, is a most gracious host and would be very interested to hear about what you fine people are doing. Perhaps we can help eachother. If nothing else, having a beautiful woman to dinner is something we road warriors seldom get to enjoy."

Again a tip of his hat to the woman.

"As for that giant monstrocity of a beast...I'm not quite sure what that was. If you've seen what I've seen, you just try to move on as best you can. So, what do you say lady Mina?"

[BlueNinja]

"As for that giant monstrocity of a beast...I'm not quite sure what that was. If you've seen what I've seen, you just try to move on as best you can. So, what do you say lady Mina?"

Azura gives a growl at the other two tigers, who promptly move at a quick trot for the Silk Road. Azura himself moves up behind Mina and Jackson, and quickly but gently removes Jackson's hat, flipping it into the air and catching it on one of the head spikes on his armor, before moving towards the train himself.

[tooho]

Dr. Bryce weighs his next statements to put these two strangers at most ease.

"Well, to answer that, again I am Dr. Jackson Bryce. I'm an achaeologist and historian, among other things. (said with a wink to the lady). I don't quite travel with a demon, that is a manifistation that has been aiding our current mission as it were. The tattooed warrior, Joshua, is a noble and estranged man from a place that is...let us say different than the western world we both hail from."

Mina Trenton's green eyes twinkle with relief. Her smile lightens up her face. "I'm glad. I had hoped I hadn't jumped from the fryin' pan to the fire." Her accent twangs a little more loosing some of its polish and she seems to relax throughout her frame.

Jackson finnishes his cigarette and stomps it out with his worn boot. Adjusting his hat to aid to his "dashing" persona.

"We are part of a, newly formed gentlemens club, the Eon Society. Working with Maxwell Mercer, we are investigating strange things involving various evil organizations including these Triads here."

Mina nods her head as she listens. She smiles at Butler at the mention of "strange things" but keeps her peace.

Jackson begins to walk along the train tracks and gestures for the others to walk with him.

"Myself, Joshua and another of our team Li-Shen, are currently in pursuit of these strange things. It would appear that you have come to the right place, as it seems you are seeking the same. Not to be too forward, but given the situation, perhaps you would be my gest on the Silk Road. The most magnificent mobile lodging one could hope to witness. I understand your reluctance not to board another train just yet, but think of it more as a resort. Li-Shen, its owner, is a most gracious host and would be very interested to hear about what you fine people are doing. Perhaps we can help eachother. If nothing else, having a beautiful woman to dinner is something we road warriors seldom get to enjoy."

Again a tip of his hat to the woman.

"As for that giant monstrocity of a beast...I'm not quite sure what that was. If you've seen what I've seen, you just try to move on as best you can. So, what do you say lady Mina?"

Mina's steps are slow but she follows Bryce. Reaching up to remover her hat she lightly hits against her side while she thinks. "If nothing else, these Triad members will report back that I aided you. But truthfully you are one of the first to have some inkling of the things I see, and I believe working with you all would be a privilege for me as well. There is still so many things I'm learning. So, yes, I'd be delighted to join you."

Curtsying, Mina laughs as she starts to turn toward the passenger train. "Butler and I have some things to collect first. If you'll give us a moment?"

Azura gives a growl at the other two tigers, who promptly move at a quick trot for the Silk Road. Azura himself moves up behind Mina and Jackson, and quickly but gently removes Jackson's hat, flipping it into the air and catching it on one of the head spikes on his armor, before moving towards the train himself.

::jaw Watching the beast amble off, the beautiful blonde stares in wonder for a little before turning back to Bryce. "You're sure you don't know it? I'd swear the thing just teased you!"

After collecting their things, Mina "Buckshot" Trenton cautiously boards the Silk Road.

[Shade Sentinel]

Jackson turns from Mina back to Azura.

"To be honest, tonight is the first time I've seen anything like that!"

Jackson manages to keep a pleasant tone, while in his head he begins to panic. This creature was with Li-Shen he hoped...

When the two new members have gathered their belongings, Jackson escorts them abaord the "silk Road" Looking for Li-Shen to introduce them all.

[phoenix]

Joshua will be waiting aboard the Silk Road after loading two of the Triad on board as captives.

[SkyLion]

((So i got a little into it, okay? ::blush I can't help if I'm Inspired! ::wink . Feel free to dissect and interject greetings and questions etc. greetings and such can occur in the observation deck, questions and reactions can happen along the tour. That is all. Enjoy! ::happy ))

The Tour

Once all are aboard the Silk Road, it starts moving immediately, heading back to Vegas and the local Dragon's Roost. The Silk Road has continued to steam out an obscuring cloud and, once Li has hit the switch, the lights and fog machines concealed in the bushes all detonate with green and orange fire, a final spectacle for the "captive" audiende still aboard the passenger train.While Joshua halls in a few prisoners, the dashing Doctor Bryce has led Mina and her bodyguard Butler aboard the towering train. It is made of black iron and steel, 3 strories high and 40 cars long. Many of the cars have their roofs in Chinese Stlye, with curving pointed corners and solid brass tiles.

Entering through a hydralic hatch in the side of the train's armored hide, the pair find themselves in oppulence beyond imagining. Every surface is covered in rich, black and red laquerd hardwoods with intricate moldings in brass and gold. On the walls are priceless asian works of art and relief senes in gold. Terra Cotta soldiers form an honor guard in the main entryway leading tho the lpublic areas of the train, with no apparent entrance to Li-Shen's private vaults.

Bryce leads the newcomers into a decandent dining hall, with two story vaulted cielings and rich oriental carpeting and extravagent wall tapestries in the form of Asian Mandalas. Their are twelve large circular tables currently set with silver, gold, crystal and porcelain. Bryce can point out that the Dining car sits on revolutionaryy new shock absorbers, providing the smoothest locomotive dining experinece in the world.

A broad marble staircase leads them up to the second story balcony and and then higher still to the third level observation deck and smoking lounge. Spacious, its brass fitted curving windowed cieling seems to be covered from the outside by some sort of armored cowling. The walls and floors are deep polished mahogany, and richly upholstered chaise lounges and leather chairs and mahogany tables adorn the

room. A fully stocked bar occupies the other end of the car.

In the middle of the room, standing in front of a baby grand piano, is an impecablly dressed asian man of striking countenance. He is dressed in a black suit coat of chinese cut, buttoned down the center with the chest and collar of a red silk shirt showing through. O)ne hand pulls the aromatic turkish cigar away from his lips, while the other scratches behind the ear of the worlds largest and only melanistic tiger.

Ringe of smoke dance through the air in impossible patterns and then he speaks, bowing slightly.

"Welcome to my home. My name is Li-Shen Long in your western grammar. This magnificent creature with me is Asuratizaya, a King of Kings among Tiger-kind and my closest friend and ally. All four of us," indicating Bryce and Joshua, back from securing the prisoners, "represent the newly formed Aeon Society for gentleman, though I tell you now, some of our finest members are women..."

"We are currently in pursuit of the many mysteries of our age. One of our leads has pointed us towards an underworld kingpin of the Orient, one who's control of the Eastern Underworld is nigh Ubiquitous. It seems he is making inroads into the U.S. and has already begun to affect dealings in the Midwest. After interrogating our captives and cleaning out their Las Vegas nest we are continuing to the City of Angels to continue our investigations."

"As you may have surmised, I am responsible for the manifestation of the Demon you witnessed earlier. I amm, you might say, a modern day Count of Monte Cristo. I owe a great deal of vengeance to The Ubiquitous Dragon, though he is only only now coming to suspect that a singular force is conspiring to end him. To the rest of the world, I am Li-Shen Long, master magician and practitionar of the Ars Occultus!"

"Now that i have revealed my identity and welcomed you into my home, I must ask that you be sworn to secrecy. I sincerely welcome you as friends and would not wish enmity between us. In return for your eternal discretion, I offer you all the luxuries and ammenities I can provide and a warm welcome into the Aeon Society, if you so choose..."

"Now, if you will accompany me, I shall show you to private quarters, as well as the bath house where you may refresh yourself..."

Li leads the way thorough a tunnel that bypasses the galley car and leads to the gaming car. Bryce may care to mention that the lower level is the invitation-only card lounge. The middle caters to the billiard tables they are passing now, while upstairs is a second glass domed luxury casino wreathed in silver.

After this its a long walk through 6 cars, holding 15 richly appointed staterooms, which Li-Shen says he has made available to you.

Next is a lounge car appointed for larger meetings, with a central Conference Hall and outlying private chambers, as wll as storage for visiting dignitaries.

Finally, he brings you to the bathouse. A marvel of modern engineering, it uses piped in steam from one of the Trains 4 German Steam Enignes to heat the upper Cistern, which when combined with hydrostatic pressure build up allow for its astonishing decadence. It is one vast room, with an amazing series of baths and waterfalls seemingly carved out of rock, with wooden curving bridges and terraced walkways betwwen the various levels of pools. One area of to the side has showers with Brass pipings, while saunas steamrooms, private baths and toilets occupy a second and third story overlook. These buildings-within the building seem to be made out of bamboo with rice paper laquered doors.

"And this, my friends, is where I shall leave you.. Please! Make yourselves at home and enjoy use of all the public areas we have just seen. Should you need anything this evening, my small yet skilled staff will see to it. Doctor Bryce, will you see to their comfort and orientation? I must attend to the interrogation

of our prisoners. I would be most pleased if you would join me for breakfast in the wondrous arboretum I have yet to show you. In the meantime, I bid you adieu and goodnight."

Li Shen bows, then arches an eyebrow at Joshua with a look that asks "Are you coming?"

[phoenix]

::blink [OOC: Nice, SkyLion.]

I must attend to the interrogation of our prisoners. I would be most pleased if you would join me for breakfast in the wondrous arboretum I have yet to show you. In the meantime, I bid you adieu and goodnight."

Li Shen bows, then arches an eyebrow at Joshua with a look that asks "Are you coming?"

Joshua nods quietly, and follows Li-Shen out of the room.

[Shade Sentinel]

Dr. Bryce escorts the two towards the small but fully equipped changing rooms.

"Your things will be taken to your rooms. Shall we take a soak and relax a bit?"

Jackson realizes that perhaps these two newcomers may not be of the mind to just get into a bath with total strangers, especially the female. He speaks to amend the situation.

"Right, forgive me please. I'm used to the members of my team being fully without humilty. You see I work in excavation and restoration digs and such. My crew traditionally eats, sleeps, and bathes together as resources are usually limited. My apologies if my actions have put you off ease."

Jackson moves on in an instant, his embarrassment (( if any )) washed away and his charming smile reappears as he adjusts his worn leather hat.

"Very well, you two feel at home, you have been shown the way to your rooms so hopefully you can find them again. If not, ask a member of the staff. I should head out and let you two have some privacy."

Jackson shakes Butlers hand again with warm smile

"Welcome aboard sir."

He moves to take Mina's hand and kisses it gently his other hand coming over the top shortly after.

"Welcome aboard Ms. Mina. I trust this will work out fantastic for everyone involved. "

The last statement followed by a sly but definitely noticeable wink. Jackson turns and moves out of the room.

He heads to the medical quarters to see the trains physician. He has a couple of bruised, possibly broken, ribs that need to be looked at and bandaged.