Nakahama

"Great idea to ask the spirits and animals. Here, and on the other mountain."

"I am in awe of what you all can do!"

There was a small nod at that.

"If you can find a way to ask and get a clear answer that would help to create a clear picture for the future, or at least the start of the picture. If there are enough species out here that need protecting from the march of human advancement that will go a long way to speed up any sanctuary plans, especially if they've already been disrupted once by the building of the hotel and the walkway."

"Can't plan too far out before seeing the territory." Sorato settles his daypack a little more securely before loping up and over an uneven, stairstep-like chunk of basalt in the path... then pauses to let his shorter companions catch up, or to nonchalantly offer a hand up if any of them needs one.

"Useful to see what attracts animals to the crater lake up here, too. That might indicate things to look for on Mount Nakahama."

Haruhi was grateful for the occasional assistance as they continued the climb towards the lake.

"I'm sure there is lots to learn once we reach the lake. There may be interesting animals to meet. More to understand about the freshwater lake and its sources. Where do the fish come from? The water could have collected from rain, but not fish."

"And it's possible we could catch some fish to bring to the jimen tori. I do think they like fish snacks."

Kiyoshi made his way as best he could. He wasn't as fast as most, but he was accustomed to traveling through wilderness terrain.

As the group travels along, the almost flute-like sound of a bird's call can be heard.

(Investigation or Hunting TN 15 to properly find the bird, everyone can roll separately)

Sorato pauses to look around on hearing the call, shading his eyes with a hand...

D4 MA--Birdspotting, Hunting/probably Perception | 5k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: 15) Bird spotted?

Agasha Sorato wrote: Sat Nov 15, 2025 1:50 pm Sorato pauses to look around on hearing the call, shading his eyes with a hand...

D4 MA--Birdspotting, Hunting/probably Perception | 5k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: 15) Bird spotted?

Look, a bird!



Knowledgeable birdwatchers may recognize it as the Nakahama Shama, specifically a male. It is calling to a female, which can be heard further off.

Haruhi gasped! Oh, what a lovely sound.

"I think that might be a Nakahama Shama!"

She pulled out her recording equipment to start capturing the audio.

"Where is it?" she whispered, looking all around without yet seeing it.

"See that forked tree?" Sorato leans down a bit to get his eye level closer to Haruhi's so that he'll be able to direct her more accurately. "Over there? Follow the left fork up to the second big branch..." He points toward the bird.

"It's a Shama, you said? Does that look right?"

"Oh! I see it. Yes, that's it!"

She set up her slate to get video footage also. And then fumbled to get a sketch pad out of her bag.

She watched, clearly excited. It wasn't moving much but a good time to capture the overall look.

"Do you hear another one? Maybe it will come closer."

For the time, at least, the other bird didn't seem to be coming closer. Perhaps the male wasn't very convincing. Perhaps he needed to try a different tack, like offering her some sticks or something. For now, though, he was just singing.

"Shouta we talk to him?"Kiyoshi asked.

"Worth a try!"

Kiyoshi slowly made his way towards the bird, whispering quietly. But, he didn't get as close as he had with the Jimen Tori. Once the incantation was complete, he called out.

"Hello there!"

- - -
[D4, MA] Expedition to the crater lake (expecting), Casting Natures Touch. Deficiency, Technique FR + 1 CR to extend range 20' | 4k3 ⇒ 23 (TN: 15)

Kitsune Kiyoshi wrote: Sat Nov 15, 2025 7:03 pm Kiyoshi slowly made his way towards the bird, whispering quietly. But, he didn't get as close as he had with the Jimen Tori. Once the incantation was complete, he called out.

"Hello there!"

- - -
[D4, MA] Expedition to the crater lake (expecting), Casting Natures Touch. Deficiency, Technique FR + 1 CR to extend range 20' | 4k3 ⇒ 23 (TN: 15)

The bird stopped its song for a moment, cocking its head to look at Kiyoshi with one eye. When it sang again, it was a lower trill.



"Excuse me. I'm in the middle of something."

It began to sing again...

"Iiiiiiii knowwwwww youuuuuuuu I flew with you oooooonce upooooon a dreeeeeeeam!"

"I know. And, I noticed that she hasn't shown any interest yet. Is there a way we could help you?" He asked.

"Let me do my thing!" The bird whistled back.

Then it cocked its head again. "Or have you got anything blue? Or yellow? Blue and yellow?" It bobbed its head.

"My friends likely do."

He kept his focus on the bird, calling back to the others. "He needs someone blue and/or yellow."

Haruhi had listened closely.

She had been preparing all her life for this moment!

"I have so much blue."

She tore off one blue sleeve - a bright light Crane blue - in an embroidered silk, and offered it up to the bird.