Ohh. *seal noises* fish belly!

New sushi place in town, so I had to try it. It's the conveyor belt kind, which is way cheaper, and the quality is good. better than the other conveyor belt one on the 171. Oh fish belly. Was going to see Kill Bill tonight, but I think later. Rented Rio Bravo instead. "Dance, rummy!"

So where was I? Koya-san. Resting place of the founder of um, is it the pure land sect of zen? I forget. If I was writing for reals I'd look it up, but are you really interested? Yeah. Anyway, this guy, also credited with bringing kanji to Japan (curse him) is buried there, and around his tomb have risen many graves of the faithful who desire to be close to his undying presence. For it is said that he dies not, but sleeps only until such time as the next Buddha (maitrea?) will come to wake him. And then he will rise and wreak his vengance on those who murdered him and lay waste to the unbelievers! Just kiddin' about that part. Anyway, his tomb lies at the back of an ancient graveyard. Here, I'll be the DM* for you and describe it:

"You walk along a narrow path that crosses a stone bridge. The path is paved by ancient stones and wanders though a forest both grim and beautiful. Gravestones rise like cities in stone miniature from the the cold ground. Too numerous to count, the many towers march away from you in all directions, disapearing in the trees and morning mist. As you continue on you see many stones in various states of decay. They stand in silence, waiting it seems. But for what? Paths lead in many directions through the dense trees, but this main one meanders east for awhile. You pass no-one save a lone gravekeeper (AC5, 8HD, Cleric L6) who smiles gently at his chores, seeming not to even notice you. Now, however, up ahead you see a clearing. Unnaturally bright it seems as if the clouds have parted for just this spot, and in the clearing you see, or think you see a party all in white. And you hear, or think you hear, the jingle of bells. What do you do?"

The party ahead is a group of 20 PILGRIMS on a trek to the tomb of that one famous guy. If attacked they will fight as 2nd-4th level clerics. Each carries a PILGRIM'S STAFF, the bells of which make the noise the party hears. The staffs are enchanted items (cure light wounds, cure medium wounds).

"I cast magic missile!"

Anyway. Some of the highlights of the immense graveyard:

1.A row of large bronze buddhas by a creek. Believers throw water on them as prayers to the dead.

2. Eerie wood markers in the creek, blair witch-y kinda. Prayers for children aborted or who have died at childbirth.

3. Corporate graves for employees, including an aerospace company and a coffee company (see photos). Even an insecticide company, whose grave memorializes the many insects killed by their products. Really.

4. The hall of lanterns, some of which remain lit from hundreds of years ago.

In all, a very quiet, elder place. I guess as you would expect. I loved it, but then, I've got a thing for graveyards. Alas, poor Yorik. I knew him, Horatio. A fellow of infinite jest, he hath borne me on his shoulders many times. Or something like that.


*That's Dungeon Master for those who don't speak Geek.