Play@YSDC

"He was in an accident at sea and went overboard," says Liz. "We found him later washed up on an island, but he wasn't the same afterwards. He's been badly traumatised."

"Language shouldn't be a problem," she explains. "Living this close to the USSR, it's helpful to know Russian."

The hypnotist darkens the room, then waves a small flashlight back and forth before the man's eyes, while speaking softly in Russian.

to see if the subject resists the spell, with his average WIS of 9d20

After quite some time, it becomes clear that the procedure is not producing any useful effect.

"The traumatic event appears to be blocking out the fellow's susceptibility to hypnosis," she explains. "It's almost as if his subconscious refuses to acknowledge what happened to him. I'm afraid I can't be of much help."

"That is most unfortunate," sighs P, scrutinising the Russian like a lab sample. "Perhaps we should proceed to stage two: find a member of the Ainu community and discuss the matter further."

He looks quizzically at the hypnotist. "Know you of such a person, hm?"

"Perhaps the right medicine could render him less resistant to hypnotism," suggests Liz. "Sodium pentathol might do the trick. I could also try prayer, to free him from any evil influence that may be over him."

Using Exorcism.

jp1885 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 20, 2022 8:11 pm
"That is most unfortunate," sighs P, scrutinising the Russian like a lab sample. "Perhaps we should proceed to stage two: find a member of the Ainu community and discuss the matter further."

He looks quizzically at the hypnotist. "Know you of such a person, hm?"

"Yes, I can direct you to a community of Ainu who continue the traditions of their people, although they have also, of necessity, adapted to many modern ways."

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 5:11 am

"Perhaps the right medicine could render him less resistant to hypnotism," suggests Liz. "Sodium pentathol might do the trick. I could also try prayer, to free him from any evil influence that may be over him."

Using Exorcism.

Once Liz completes the ritual, it becomes clear that there is no evidence that the Russian sailor is under the influence of any sinister force. Whatever may have happened to him, it apparently didn't involve any supernatural evil.

"Sodium pentothal may aid in inducing the hypnotic state," the hypnotist explains, "but it also carries the risk of side effects. Do you want to take the chance?"

“Tread carefully Doctor North,” warns P.

“We don’t want to damage the subject; think of the diplomatic repercussions. Let’s take him to the Ainu; perhaps they can tease something out of him.”

"Agreed," says Liz. "In any case, I haven't the right. He's in no condition to consent, and I wouldn't try this if he doesn't. Maybe the Ainu will be able to help him."

Following the directions of the hypnotist, the investigators soon reach a community populated primarily by Ainu, although there are also some ethnic Japanese and a few others in residence. It is not much different from any other town of modest size on Hokkaido, aside from a certain flavor given to it by the indigenous people. Expressing an interest in traditional ways, they meet with a man of advanced years, but in vigorous health. He seems friendly enough, if a little distant, to those inquiring about the ways of his ancestors.

"In this world of heart transplants and jet aircraft, some think we are an ignorant and superstitious folk," he explains. "What do you seek to learn from us?"

"This sailor went overboard in an accident at sea," says Liz. "We later found him washed up on shore, but he hasn't been the same. We can't really communicate with him, but he mentioned the name of Repun Kamuy, the Ainu god of the sea."

The elderly man nods.

"Repun Kamuy is a generous spirit, who has saved many a drowning person. And yet this man seems to have been touched by Pauchi Kamuy, who brings madness. I sense no trace of that wicked spirit here now, but the damage has already been done. It would be best to perform a sending-back ritual, in order that Kamuy-huci may deliver our prayers to the other spirits.

"The iomante would take far too long to prepare, and there are few bear cubs left to capture and raise. Is there some animal associated with this man whose spirit might be sent back to its fellow kamuy?"

“This all seems rather unscientific, but when in Rome… hm?” says P.

“The fellow is a sailor and therefore, I postulate, sports a number of tattoos. Could there be a particular animal that features prominently or frequently among them I wonder?”

"Perhaps the bear," suggests Liz. "He is Russian, and the bear has long been Russia's symbol."

This discussion elicits a note of enthusiasm from the Ainu man.

"That is most fitting. The iomante -- the sending-back of the bear spirit -- is the greatest of all rituals. In former times, we captured a bear cub, raised it as if it were one of our own children, then sacrificed it when it reached adulthood. It is no longer legal to kill a bear in this way, but perhaps there are some who do not respect the laws the Japanese have imposed on us. If one were to find a bear that had recently died of natural causes, it might be possible to perform the ceremony properly. It would mean a journey into the wilderness, and pose some hazard."

“Such a journey would be most instructive,” says P. “Would our sailor friend have to travel with us, or can he be looked after hereabouts?”

"Quite," says Liz. "We shall need to prepare and equip ourselves before we leave."

"We can care for your friend while you are away. When you return with the dead bear, we will perform the ritual for him. I presume you may be away for several days, so we will aid you in your preparations."

As a matter of fact, the Russian sailor seems quite at ease among the Ainu. He remains in a passive, co-operative state. Meanwhile, provisions for the journey into the wilderness are supplied, as well as maps and everything else needed for the trip. After some discussion, it seems that Shiretoko National Park, opened a few years ago on an isolated peninsula on the extreme northeastern tip of the island, would be the best place to locate brown bears in the wild. Noted for Mount Rausu, an inactive volcano, and Kamuiwakka Falls, a natural hot springs, the park's headquarters are located in the town of Shari. Much of the peninsula, however, can only be reached by boat or on foot.

"From Shari, you may proceed into the wilderness as you wish. In the mean time, is there any other special equipment you require?"

“Maybe a letter of introduction?” asks P. “Or some kind of token of recognition? Just in case we encounter some of your fellow Ainu and need to enlist their aid.”

"Thank you, a sledge could be useful, to transport the bear," says Liz. "A team of animals to pull it could help too. Also, perhaps an amulet or charm to protect us."