The adventurers spent a few days resting and discussing their next move. Gino and Gunjar decided that if they made a trip to Pasar to recuperate or find supplies, some of their companions might not want to return to the caves. There were at least two more dens of bakemono.
So, the next morning, they made another assault, investigating one of the highest caves on the south side of the canyon. The bakemono here had a strange aspect, being generally lean, almost skeletal, with faces like canny dogs or mangy cats. They were powerful, but lackadaisical warriors. The heroes surprised a group at their dinner and, thanks to Gunjar's call for divine assistance, swiftly incapacitated them, binding them and depriving them off their long, wickedly-barbed spears..
The heroes crept past a cave filled with sleeping bakemono and then burst into the room occupied by the chief of this group of bakemono. After a difficult battle punctuated by the bakemonos' whooping and maniacal laughter, the chief was killed and the others had surrendered. The heroes bound the surviving bakemono. In the meantime, they heard noise outside, and a few bakemono knocked on the door. Gunjar wanted to meditate and heal his wounded companions, but they kept returning. They were supplicant, but loud. Ginjo and Gunjar decided they would turn them away once more, then wait for silence and make a break for it.
They followed this plan, but on their way up the hallway, then a group of bakemono with bows and crossbows jumped out and started firing arrows at the party. A larger group of bakemono, armed with spears came at them from a side room. Ginjo and Gunjar realized all of their companions were in grave danger. Ginjo charged at the bowman while Gunjar tried to hold the spearmen in the sideroom. Both were largely success full, but enough bakemono slipped through to attack the rest of the party.
Just when all seemed lost, Sentra and Sukh arrived and surprised the bow-wielding bakemono from behind. They killed one and distracted the others long enough for Ginjo to direct his companions to the safety of the outside world.
Sid was the last of the monks and he was gored by a spear and fell to the ground. Gunjar drove away the attacking bakemono with his staff and then knelt to revive his dying friend. He succeeded, pulled Sid to his feet and pushed up the hallway toward safety. But, three bakemono took this opportunity to attack Gunjar with axes and spears. They knocked him to the floor and stabbed him over and over. Ginjo fought past the bakemono at the top of the hallway and led the others out of the cavern.
Down on the cavern floor, they regrouped. Gunjar, Ginjo had received several minor wounds and some of the others were hurt quite badly. The mysterious Sentra had disappeared into the wilderness, but Sukh stepped up to a role of leadership, muttering an apology for his long-time resentment of Gunjar. "I just thought he was odd, but he never hurt anyone. Now he's gone, Anyway, let's get back to camp."
This was easier said than done. Gunjar knew the way best. Sukh thought he knew the way, but ended up in a swamp. They retraced their way and found themselves in a thick forest, just as the sun was setting. The part stumbled on, using their swords and parangs to cut through the vines that hung thickly from every branch. Arif, one of the monks, got his sword caught in what looked like a thick shiny vine, but proved to be strangley elastic and sticky. He caught his other arm trying to break his sword free, and then two strange, hairy creatures dropped on him-- spiders, about the size of cats. Arif's friends from the monastery rushed to his aid, killing one spider and and driving the other away. But it was too late for Arif. He died of the spiders poison.
Rather than find "home camp," the party decided to just find an open place, far from the trees and wait out the night. Those who were exhausted slept. Those who couldn't sleep kept watch. The next day the group returned to Pasar via the Rowche Valley. Howzaa, the last of the farmers, announced that he was ready for a quiet life. He would defend his village from Bakemono attacks, but he would not go looking for death in the Caves of Discord. The party's courage would be remembred anf they were welcome in his home any time.
Back in Pasar, the monks Bagus and Cahya were less apologetic. They did not have confidence in Ginjo's ability to lead and saw that he was more motivated by a hunt for personal glory than any deeper calling.
Sid, another monk, formed a friendship with Sukh, mourning Gunjar. He could not explain how fighting bakmono served the goals of the Two-Fold Path, but he trusted that Gunjar had seen some purpose in it and if Sukh wanted to return, so would we.
Likewise, Irak admitted to Ginjo that she believed in him even if her fellow monks did not. There was a deeper evil, a darker threat to Pasar. The Two-Fold Path had taught her to look for allies in all places.
Sheng and Shek, the mercenary guards whom the party had rescued were thoroughly committed to Ginjo, plus they were getting paid by the Silk Guild. Attacking bakemono was ten times more profitable than escorting caravan and waiting to get ambushed.
Sukh and Ginjo felt confident felt confident I their ability to lead the other four, but still felt the lack of Gunjar's wisdom and knowledge of the healing arts. They needed a holy man, and not anouther warrior monk, but a true mystic. They met Pana, a foreigner from the lands to the west. He was not an adherent of One Law, but promised that he and his two silent acolytes had access to secret wisdom. And he was enthusiastic about killing bakemono.
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