IC- Betrayal at the White Temple

[Bennosuke]

Those who studied history would tell you that the White Temple had been built on the bones and sacrifice of a hundred Kuni Shugenja who gave their lives to purify the tainted ground. The callous observer may say their sacrifices must have been in vain, for the land was dark and twisted. Gnarled and falling oaks shot out bare limbs like spider legs clawing at the sky. The air was thick and heavy, and despite the strong perfume of incense there was still the smell of something wrong.

Now those who had come for Munisia's funeral poured out of the Temple into the terrace. The main hall of the Temple seemed to float above the scenery like a white and purple cloud, a mirage of an oasis in the desert. The white pine wood used to paint the temple had been painted purple and red. Oni faces leered down at the guests with gargoyle faces from the lacquered tile roofs while robed monks lined the raised porch wood of the Temple, chanting and purifying the air with salts.

It seemed like hundreds of men and women, mostly Samurai, had made the pilgrimage, first to Shiro Hiruma, then this morning to the White Temple. The Hero of the People, Hida Munisai was dead. He was the son of Hida Koun, the clan Champion, and one of the champions of the treaty that ended the Third Yasuki war. It was rumored that Munisai-San had been one of the few Crab who pushed for the Decree of Peace, and that he had graciously allowed the Crane to take credit for the Decree, for the better of all of Rokugan. Munisai had made many friends, traveling far across the land, and his generosity and warm nature were as well known as his prows as a warrior. Strange though, the Crab had not made public how Munisai had passes, and at such a young age. It was not even clear when exactly he had died. Rumors were rampant; he had been assassinated by a Scorpion, he had swallowed poison over the spite of a cold and undeserving lover, he had died valiantly in battle defending the Carpenter Wall. But no one dared ask the question. All were too busy mourning the lost hero.

The ceremony had been somber, and evening ritual led by the head of the White Temple, Chono. Koun had been chosen as "Voice of the Dead", and he met individually with those who had been close to Munisia in a small room in the heart of the temple. Now the guests milled about, sticking mostly to cliques determined by Clan. There were booths serving bowls of soup or Yaki Soba, or Onigiri. Friends commiserated over the loss of another great man. Only the Crab were comfortable enough to tell jokes and laugh, while servants brought around cups of heated sake.The Crab samurai stood closest to the Temple, and were easily the loudest and most jovial, though no one dared speak ill or make light of the now deceased. The Crane stood farthest away from the temple, and were most quiet. Most of the Phoenix were gathered by a secondary shrine, devoted to one of the Fortunes. There were few Lion or Mantis present, and they were mostly scattered throughout the Temple grounds, all frowns and growls. Many of the Scorpion who had arrived were gathered by the food booths, though none were eating, or even talking truly. The Unicorn who had traveled the farthest also stood on the outskirts, nearest the Spider Clan. Diagotsu had arrived with a veritable battalion of Bushi and Ashigaru, many carrying pole arms. The crowd parted in a sea of stares and whispers as Daigotsu had led his retinue to the Temple. When the Spider had first arrived, it appeared that a fight may break out, but Koun had stopped his guard before they could draw their weapons. There would be no violence before his son's funeral.

Please take this opportunity to describe where your character is and what he or she is doing now that the ceremony is over. In the OOC thread there is a description of which Clan champions are in attendance and who instead sent a representative. Also, please have your character make an investigation(notice) roll

[Maugan Ra]

Clad in red and black, the lower half of his face hidden by a smiling mask, one Scorpion stands slightly apart from the rest of his kin. Still distinctly with them, yet undeniably on the outskirts. A canny observer might conclude that he stands in ill-repute with his lord, and one familiar with the Scorpion clan in general might mark the severity of that presumed disgrace, if it is left exposed (if subtly) before so many other Clans.

There are many reasons to approach such an individual. A cunning manipulator might think the outcast the obvious first step in weakening the bonds of allies between the Scorpion delegation as a whole. A curious investigator could suspect that a Scorpion's disfavor is earned through being loose with secrets, and seek to capitalize. The vicious or foolhardy might even shape a sly insult, by speaking to the lowest member of the delegation before approaching the Clan Champion himself.

And all of them would be played for fools.

Bayushi Tenzin is not in disgrace. Indeed, by Scorpion standards he is being honoured, for his positioning is a key role in one of the Champion's beloved gambits. To set out the bait, and see who takes the silent invitation, leaving a way open for fellow Scorpions to intervene at the most auspicious time without raising suspicions through complete isolation... it is how the Clan thinks, and how they best play their part in the game of masks and words.

This is not to say that Tenzin is an entirely passive agent, either. His dark eyes scan the crowds of samurai all around them with careful intensity, never lingering long enough to give cause for offense but drinking in the details all the same. How the other clans stand, how they act, how they speak... all of these could be important in the hours and days to come.


All right then, some rolls, and that's a silent invitation for anyone who wants to come speak with Tenzin, PC or NPC. I love playing Scorpions.

Base Perception roll, as requested: [roll0]

Awareness + Courtier, to see if I can pick up anything interesting in the social scene playing out in front of me: [roll1]

Perception + Investigation, for a more general 'notice things' roll: [roll2]

[Dragonus45]

Dressed in simple clothes of gold with green threading Kitsuki Hideki would not stand out in the crowd alongside the rather large entourage of Mirumoto Kei, if he were mingling with them. Instead he stands out for the fact that he spend a decent amount of time among several Crab delegates, accompanying his wife as they pay respect to and chat with a few of her family members. He says little, he knows at times his tongue can run away from him and not in the presence of his champion is not the time to get caught up in an argument with a Crab. Instead he chose to brave a trip to the food booths so near the Scorpion and has since mad it a point to keep his mouth full while instead he watches the crowd to practice his eye, paying particular attention to the Spider.

[Deadline]

The Phoenix delegation is filled with serious and dour looks. As they talk among themselves, one stands out. Not because he stands apart, but because a small and pleasant smile rests on his face. The smile often reaches his eyes as he talks with the others of his clan. His long dark hair hangs neatly over the back of his orange and red kimono, partially obscuring the large phoenix mon emblazoned on his back. He has a small, neatly trimmed beard, and shining, attentive eyes. He clearly carries a scroll satchel, marking him as a shugenja, but then again, most of the Phoenix delegation are.

He can clearly be seen casting the occasional glance around the room, his gaze taking in every detail. His smile fades from his face only during the brief moments when he looks at the interior of the temple itself and the leering oni faces. An expression of concern mixed with a possible hint of fear darkens his features, but it quickly fades when he looks back to the people in the room, even the much maligned spider clan.

He is currently engaged in conversation with other members of the Phoenix delegation, and seems to be favoring the higher ranking Isawa in the group.

Investigation(notice) roll: (6k3) - [roll0]

Total: 16

[roll1]

[Mordar]

Togashi Ishi and his fellow Ise Zumi initiates stood at the periphery of the Temple, clearly not participating in the social dance of politics and clan relations. Ishi wore simple robes belted at the waist as a concession to decorum (and at the suggestion of his brethren), but the thin garment was loose and allowed but wind and sun to reach his large chest. Though not so large as the average Hida warrior, he was stout and strong. Scars were evident on his arms, chest and back...but so too were the tattoos of his order. More than one Crab had glanced curiously at the barely visible claws of his inked version of their namesake. He faced primarily outward, cognizant of the impact his unpleasant appearance might have among such a gathering...particularly one with so many Crab bushi, trained to strike instinctively at those who exhibited strange or monstrous features. Fortunately most of the attendees were busy with one another to pay close attention to the Dragon monk.

As was his wont, Ishi took in the environment and tried to learn from the place, not the people. The scarred Earth was clearly far from healed, and even the Air felt injured. Still, and as always, the elements are present and able to be heard by the attentive student. Ishi opened his perception to the Temple grounds, and by extension those Rokugani therein, and asked himself what he might learn.

Rolled in OCC, result 22

[Bennosuke]

Bayushi Tenzin

Bayushi stands apart from his Scorpion companions, wandering with slight aimlessness as he slowly peruses the crowd. Most of the people he passes are unrecognizable and appear insignificant. There is much sadness amongst the people he passes, but this is to be expected. As he walks, Tenzin recognizes a familiar figure, another Scorpion standing apart, appearing to do exactly what he was doing. The man was tall, and around five years older than Tenzin, with long dark hair and a ceramic Noh mask. The relatively expressionless face made Tenzin shiver. At the man's waist, opposite his Daisho was a sickle sheathed in deer skin leather, attached to a long rope of chain that was held in a pouch at the man's Obi. Strangely, the man had not come with the rest of Tenzin's entourage, though there was something strikingly familliar... There it was. The hairs were prickling on the back of Tenzin's neck, and there was that smell of over ripe cherry blossoms. It was the same every time Bayushi Ubane, his long dead ancestor came to him. The smell was so overpowering, it made his eyes water and his vision haze. But then the sensation was gone. There was no apparition, and in fact, Tenzin could no longer see this mysterious Scorpion either.

Kitsuki Hideki

Hideki roamed the crowd, moving towards the food booths with his wife. He had just spent some time talking with a number of Hida and Hiruma warriors who told bawdy and wonderful tales of Munisai. Of the Crab he had spoken to, he had most noticed Hiruma Rikiya, a tall and muscular man with long dark hair a severe face. Rikiya had seemed on edge, laughing only halfheartedly at his companions' stories. It was most likely nothing, but Hideki could not help but wonder what had troubled the famed Crab warrior so. Nearing the food booths, Hideki and his wife order some small yaki onigiri to share, but the entire time, Hideki is observing the crowd. He thinks to himself, how strange the ceremony had been. There were an awful lot of Crab sentries posted around the Temple, and interspersed amongst the temple monks, hidden in their garb, were a number of Kuni witch hunters, unmistakable in their face paint and and clutching fetishes made of Jade. He and Ochiba did not talk while Hideki thought this over, then he spied a tall Scorpion moving purposefully through the crowd. The man seemed to be searching for something, or someone. His face was hidden by a ceramic Noh mask and at his belt was a Kasurigama. More interestingly was that there was a younger Scorpion, staring transfixed at him. The man had a queer look on his face, like he were about to have a fit, or had just seen a ghost. By the time Hideki looked back for the Noh masked Scorpion, the man was gone.

Isawa Kuzume

Kuzume trades pleasant conversation with his fellow Phoenix. The ceremony over, and having never met Munisai, Kuzume feels comfortable smiling and allowing himself to enjoy the funeral festivities. As he talks, Kuzume recognizes Agasha Tsukemon, an up and coming hero amongst the Phoenix. Trained originally as a Bushi, Tsukemon had been recognized for his cunning and insight and had been inducted into the brotherhood of the Inquisitors. More so than anyone else Agasha Tsukemon seemed to be enjoying the festivities. He traded tales with the other Phoenix and on occasions would even strike up conversations with near by Crab and Dragon warriors, many of whom he surprisingly knew.

Togashi Ishi

Standing in the periphery of the terrace, Togashi Ishi was lost in observation. It had already struck him as strange how many Crab sentries there were standing guard around the temple. It further made him uneasy that Munisai's body had never been regarded in any fashion, whether that was cremation, or burial. He had to admit that he was unfamiliar with Crab customs, but the thought weighed heavily on his mind. Trying to free himself, Togashi turned inward, hoping to find peace in meditation. Closing his eyes, Togashi tried to touch the Void. But when he did, there was suddenly an overwhelming sensation of rot. His nostrils were filled with the stench of over ripe fruit... perhaps cherry, and Ishi almost retched as he opened his eyes. There was an instantaneous sensation that something, or things were crawling over his feet. Looking down, Ishi saw that his feet were being swarmed by many legged creatures. But the illusion was gone the instant he had seen it, and Ishi was not able to decide whether it had been Spiders, or Scorpions, or even Crabs that he had seen.

[Maugan Ra]

Tenzin pauses for a long moment at the sight - and subsequent disappearance - of the other Scorpion. Then he shakes his head slightly and continues moving, conducting a slow circuit through the hall.

No surprise there are ghosts, in a time and place such as this. Unsettling, but not surprising...

The feeling that sweeps across him a moment later is far more mundane, if just as familiar. He is being watched. But who by?

...ah, there, the Dragon with his wife. Silently, Tenzin looks at him and raises one eyebrow - want to say something?

[Mordar]

Ishi is confused by what he has experienced, but not yet shaken. Remaining still, he attempts to sort through the feelings and impressions. The small creatures swarming under foot could mean most anything, and they did not appear threatening...yet. The difficulty with attaining harmony was a bit more disconcerting.

Cherry, he thought. I do not recall seeing cherry trees here.

It seems fitting that the Crab would have so many soldiers on guard here, he thought, given the occasion and the prestige of the visitors.

But what are they most closely guarding?

Ishi pays closer attention to the armed and armored guards, and attempts to determine their focus. Additionally, Ishi looks to his brothers to see if they have reacted to the sense of corruption here.

[Dragonus45]

Noticing the Scorpion's raised eyebrow, Hideki quickly glances back to the position the Noh masked samurai occupied then gives the lone Scorpion a nod indicating a wish to engage in conversation.

As he awaits the samurai's reply he ponders the Noh faced visitor. Perhaps he is a member of the clan banned from attending, or perhaps a member of the entourage told not to attend after earning his lords disfavor. Or even this could be a two man trap to engage Hideki and try and pry any information he might have learned from his Crab in laws about the strange nature of the funeral and it's odd guards. Well no matter the situation there was no way to discover more without braving conversation with a Scorpion.

[Maugan Ra]

Smile hidden by the mask, Tenzin makes his way over to the Dragon and bows politely - one samurai to another.

"My name is Bayushi Tenzin." He opens with an introduction, as is polite. "I would say it was a pleasure to meet you, but the circumstances do not lend themselves to such attitudes."

[Bennosuke]

To Ishi it appears that there are guards surrounding the temple, as well as guards near every entrance and outlet to the temple grounds

[Mordar]

To Ishi it appears that there are guards surrounding the temple, as well as guards near every entrance and outlet to the temple grounds

My larger concern/question was this: Do they appear focused on guarding the grounds/attendees from an external threat, or are they more concerned with the people already inside the temple?

[Deadline]

Kuzume makes his way over to Agasha Tsukemon and waits for an appropriate time to introduce himself. "Tsukemon-san, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Isawa Kuzume." He gives a polite bow and a friendly smile. "I have heard some tales of your deeds, and even a rumor that you have recently joined the ranks of the Inquisitors. That is a great honor indeed." He looks around the room at the various delegations, and leans closer to Tsukemon, "It would seem that you know many of the delegates here today. I'd be quite interested to hear your thoughts on Munisai-sama, and perhaps meet some of the more interesting Crab delegates. If it wouldn't be of any trouble to you, of course."

[Bennosuke]

As Togashi Ishi continues to observe the guards he is able to discern that the Bushi guarding the temple seem to be focused on watching the crowd. Conversely, the guards at the perimeter of the temple seemed to be involved in letting people into and out of the the Temple grounds.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agasha Tsukemon gave a curt bow of his head to Isawa, smiling generously. "A pleasure to meet you Isawa san, and thank you for the congratulations. It is a great honor indeed", the Phoenix Inquisitor agrees. "I had the pleasure of working with Hida Munisai on several occasions. I believe he was a revolutionary thinker, more than many people realize. He will be greatly missed. Maybe later I will have the opportunity to introduce you to a the meager number of Crab delegates that I know." Agasha san gives Isawa another quick bow, before turning to another Phoenix Samurai and starting a warm conversation.

[Dragonus45]

Smile hidden by the mask, Tenzin makes his way over to the Dragon and bows politely - one samurai to another.

"My name is Bayushi Tenzin." He opens with an introduction, as is polite. "I would say it was a pleasure to meet you, but the circumstances do not lend themselves to such attitudes."

"I am Kitsuki Hideki", he responds bowing. "Perhaps in this case the Crab have the correct way of things, the best way to mourn the passing of such a great figure is to forge new relations and friendships. I must say though, I was quite concerned by your visible distress a moment ago. Is all well?"

[Maugan Ra]

"I am Kitsuki Hideki", he responds bowing. "Perhaps in this case the Crab have the correct way of things, the best way to mourn the passing of such a great figure is to forge new relations and friendships. I must say though, I was quite concerned by your visible distress a moment ago. Is all well?"

"I do not recall feeling distressed." Tenzin says calmly. "Surprised, perhaps, at a face I had not expected to see. Still, your concern is appreciated, if misplaced."

He looks around the rest of the hall. "I would guess at a different rationale for the behavior exhibited by our honourable cousins in the Crab. It is their way to present all of the world with naught but their shell, to face horror and grief with courage and defiance. If they sought new alliances, one would expect more... mingling."

[Mordar]

Recognizing that the Crab were simply being diligent in their security of the delegations and the temple, Ishi turned his thoughts to the sense of corruption. While he certainly understood the interplay of the elements and how they could be tainted, he was by no means an expert. Perhaps a shugenja or elder brother could shed some light on the matter. Unfortunately, he did not know any of those that had accompanied the Dragon delegation, and was certainly not inclined to broach the subject with a stranger from another Clan.

Perhaps one of the other initiates might have a better understanding of what is happening, he thinks, and decides to approach them.

Ishi moves directly, but not hastily, around the perimeter of the temple grounds, attempting to gather the other four Ise Zumi initiates.

"Brothers, I fear something is amiss here," he opens. "I sense corruption of the elements and a wrongness that should not be in such a temple. Have any of you felt the same?"

[Deadline]

After his brief conversation with Agasha Tsukemon, Kuzume politely excuses himself from the others of his clan and walks over to a nearby servant, taking one of the offered cups of heated sake. He holds the small porcelain cup in his hands, enjoying the heat of the beverage, but does not immediately drink it. Instead, he scans the crowd for anything interesting as he takes a small sip.

One of the Dragon has decided to engage the lone Scorpion, I see. That is a duel of wits that I would much like to witness, but perhaps another time, he thought to himself. He continued meandering through the room and mentally noted others. The Spider have come in force, hopefully as a defensive measure and nothing more. He was halfway through his circuit of the room before he took notice of several Ise Zumi gathering on the edge of the crowd. Ah! The wise monks of the dragon! Satoshi would be delighted to have the opportunity to speak with one of them again. Perhaps I can invite one for a visit.

Isawa Kuzume approaches the Tattooed men and bows politely, "I am Isawa Kuzume. Pardon the interruption, but I was hoping to speak with you a moment. You see, a friend of mine has told me that your order holds unique insights into the way of things. I'm sure he ..." Kuzume pauses for a moment, "Is something wrong?"

[Bennosuke]

Togashi Ishi tries to gather the other Ise Zumi to warn them of his realization. The other four stand impertinently and with little interest as Ishi explains himself. When he finishes, Fumokani San the delegate of Fire, the eldest of the the five pulls Ishi aside and without changing his expression says, "Of course something is wrong. Do not draw such attention to yourself. We've all felt it, but this is a funeral and such a careless attitude lacks subtlety! Don't be such a brute." For an instant his expression changes to fury, his bald head wrinkling with flames of anger. But then the attitude is extinguished and replaced by a mask of calm. Fumokani walks away slowly, leaving Ishi standing by himself.

Isawa Kuzume watches much of this exchange as he navigates the crowd over to where the Dragon Monks were talking. By the time he makes it over to Togashi, the other monks have left him standing there. Togashi is interrupted from his moment of confusion and shame by the appearance of the Phoenix Shugenja, who introduces himself with a surprising amount of warmth for a stranger.

[Mordar]

Isawa Kuzume approaches the Tattooed men and bows politely, "I am Isawa Kuzume. Pardon the interruption, but I was hoping to speak with you a moment. You see, a friend of mine has told me that your order holds unique insights into the way of things. I'm sure he ..." Kuzume pauses for a moment, "Is something wrong?"

Ishi turns and looks at the samurai clad in the colors and trappings of a Phoenix shugenja, certain that his own unpleasant appearance was the cause of the other man's hesitation. Neglecting to return the bow, not out of rudeness but simply a failure to recognize the need, Ishi takes a moment to process Kuzume's words.

"One's insight is based on one's experiences, so each must be unique. My experience is thus far insufficient to tell me if that is the case," he said in a slow, low voice. It did not occur to him that the two clauses might be thought to be linked to one another when, in fact, they were responses to the separate comments made by the shugenja.

"I do not understand the interaction."

[Dragonus45]

"If the Crab sought alliances in the way that we would perhaps, but they instead present the shell to the world and demand any who would befriend them take the step to journey too them." Hideki looks out into the crowd again before speaking, "Still it is good you are well. I hope that the shock of an unexpected face has not disturbed you to much."

[Deadline]

The Dragon monk's response catches Kuzume by surprise, and he frowns slightly in confusion. He opens his mouth to say something, then stops and shakes his head. "I apologize, I did not mean to be so forward. It's just that a dear friend of mine spoke highly of the Tattooed Men of the Dragon mountains, and I ... am doing it again, aren't I?"

Kuzume clears his throat politely and says, "Perhaps we should start with introductions, as I said before, I am Isawa Kuzume." At this, he again gives a polite nod of his head. The Phoenix shugenja does not appear to be shaken by Ishi's appearance, and seems earnest in his desire to speak with the monk.

[Mordar]

The Dragon monk's response catches Kuzume by surprise, and he frowns slightly in confusion. He opens his mouth to say something, then stops and shakes his head. "I apologize, I did not mean to be so forward. It's just that a dear friend of mine spoke highly of the Tattooed Men of the Dragon mountains, and I ... am doing it again, aren't I?"

Kuzume clears his throat politely and says, "Perhaps we should start with introductions, as I said before, I am Isawa Kuzume." At this, he again gives a polite nod of his head. The Phoenix shugenja does not appear to be shaken by Ishi's appearance, and seems earnest in his desire to speak with the monk.

"I am Togashi Ishi, initiate of the Ise Zumi," Ishi responds, remembering to bow this time as well. After a pause, he adds "I know of nothing you have done to require an apology. To ask is to seek to learn, and that is a path to knowledge."

"There is much, I think, to learn about this place."

[Maugan Ra]

"If the Crab sought alliances in the way that we would perhaps, but they instead present the shell to the world and demand any who would befriend them take the step to journey too them." Hideki looks out into the crowd again before speaking, "Still it is good you are well. I hope that the shock of an unexpected face has not disturbed you to much."

"Who do you refer to when you speak of 'we', Kitsuki Hideki?" Tenzin asks, smile hidden by his mask. "I assure you, the Scorpion do not make allies in the same fashion as the Dragon. It is no great burden to us to leave our lands and participate in the affairs of wider Rokugan."

The barb is understated, but such is the way of the Scorpion. Tenzin shrugs with a carefully intended casualness. "Perhaps that is why my Clan currently enjoys stronger relations with the Crab that we have in quite some time. We have a gift for... understanding that which often escapes the attention of others."

[Deadline]

"I am Togashi Ishi, initiate of the Ise Zumi," Ishi responds, remembering to bow this time as well. After a pause, he adds "I know of nothing you have done to require an apology. To ask is to seek to learn, and that is a path to knowledge."

"There is much, I think, to learn about this place."

A look of obvious relief shows on the Phoenix shugenja's face at Ishi's words, and Kuzume smiles. "I am pleased to meet you Togashi Ishi. The path to knowledge is one that all can benefit from, as is the path to peace. Hida Munisai's efforts have shown us that much. He was a good man." A flicker of sorrow plays across his eyes before he continues, "In the interest of knowledge, what about the temple do you wish to learn? I must admit that I find it somewhat ... unsettling." At this, he takes another small sip from the cup of warm sake as if to steel his nerves.

[Mordar]

A look of obvious relief shows on the Phoenix shugenja's face at Ishi's words, and Kuzume smiles. "I am pleased to meet you Togashi Ishi. The path to knowledge is one that all can benefit from, as is the path to peace. Hida Munisai's efforts have shown us that much. He was a good man." A flicker of sorrow plays across his eyes before he continues, "In the interest of knowledge, what about the temple do you wish to learn? I must admit that I find it somewhat ... unsettling." At this, he takes another small sip from the cup of warm sake as if to steel his nerves.

"I understood this to be a place reclaimed from the blighted land yet it does not seem so," Ishi replied, unusually direct. "I would know more of the Temple's story. I suspect one of the great many guardians could speak on the issue, but I do not know if their words would provide clarity."

Ishi studiously examines both his own feet and those of Kuzume, well aware that it was only in a vision he witnessed the swarm. Perhaps there will be more messages nearer the Earth...

[Deadline]

"I understood this to be a place reclaimed from the blighted land yet it does not seem so," Ishi replied, unusually direct. "I would know more of the Temple's story. I suspect one of the great many guardians could speak on the issue, but I do not know if their words would provide clarity."

Ishi studiously examines both his own feet and those of Kuzume, well aware that it was only in a vision he witnessed the swarm. Perhaps there will be more messages nearer the Earth...

"That is a reasonable goal, though I do not know if the Crab would be forthcoming with such information given the occasion. Perhaps I can speak with the Kami nearby, and see what they know? I would have to summon them outside, of course, it would be rude to our hosts otherwise." Kuzume hazards a glance at his feet, but doesn't see what the monk seems to see. After a slightly awkward silence, he adds, "Perhaps it would be helpful to speak with some of the others in your entourage? I noticed a keen eyed Dragon courtier speaking with a member of the Scorpion delegation." With that, Kuzume subtly directs Ishi's gaze towards the Bayushi and Kitsuki engaged in conversation. Before moving their way he asks, "Why don't we go speak with them?"

[Mordar]

"That is a reasonable goal, though I do not know if the Crab would be forthcoming with such information given the occasion. Perhaps I can speak with the Kami nearby, and see what they know? I would have to summon them outside, of course, it would be rude to our hosts otherwise." Kuzume hazards a glance at his feet, but doesn't see what the monk seems to see. After a slightly awkward silence, he adds, "Perhaps it would be helpful to speak with some of the others in your entourage? I noticed a keen eyed Dragon courtier speaking with a member of the Scorpion delegation." With that, Kuzume subtly directs Ishi's gaze towards the Bayushi and Kitsuki engaged in conversation. Before moving their way he asks, "Why don't we go speak with them?"

"That is outside my experience. A change in focus often reveals other truths, but is it a truth that we should find?" Ishi's response is noncommittal, other than to suggest that he is open to the possibility. The brevity of his answers and the uncertainty of to which query they belong could be construed many ways, particularly given how measured his tone and responses have been.

[Bennosuke]

As the Samurai introduce themselves there is suddenly a rumbling amongst the crowds. Somewhere a guard shouts "Bandits!", another one shouts out "Damn Ronin!". There is panic amongst the crowd. Many of the attendants are no more than Bonge, unequipped to fight or defend themselves. People are fleeing this way and that before the first signs of an enemy appears.

The clopping of hooves on dirt is heard long before the vigilantes come riding through the crowds, slashing their way past the guards at the entrance. Everything is chaos. Their leader (if there really was a leader to such an unorganized attack), by a powerful giant of a man with long shaggy gray hair. His face was hard and scarred, and a patch covered his right eye. He wore a rusted suit of Crab Great Armor, though he wore no helmet. Clutched high above his head was a sinisterly curved Nodachi, and he beheaded the first guard as he rode into the festival, howling like a maniac, "Bonzai!!!!!". A small militia of violent and dirty looking bandits followed his charge, slaying several more as they made their way into the festival.

Samurai from various clans began rallying to oppose these new enemies, and many of the Crab guards of the Temple jumped down to join the fray.


The Sake cart over by where Bayushi, and Hideki and Yasuki stood was knocked over by humongous woman. Her hair was shaved except for in the back which was braided into a long rat tail, and in her fists was a heavy Tetsubo. She was followed by a man with a long rat like nose who clutched a rusted Wakizashi with a maniac's grin, a severe looking bandit who held a bamboo yari, and a queer looking Gaijin with a Scimitar. The four moved hastily towards the Samurai laughing as if the entire scenario was hilarious. Bayushi could see that their movements were unorganized and they held their weapons without any true form or sign of formal training.


On the other side of the fair grounds, Isawa and Togashi found themselves separated from the group of Phoenix who Kuzume had com with. They moved swiftly through the crowd, only to come face to face with three Ronin. Two of them held Katanas, one was a very short and fat man, the other tall and thin. The third bandit wore a poorly fitting suit of Ashigaru armor and held a short hafted Nagamaki. The armored Ronin leered confidently at the pair, "Where do you think you are going?", he asks, raising the heavy polearm above his head.

[Deadline]

Isawa Kuzume looks at the chaos with wide eyes, and shakes his head in disappointment. "No! Why do you commit such a heinous act at the funeral of a great man?" He then adopts a defensive posture, pulls a scroll from his satchel, and calls upon the earth kami to aid him.

Stance: Defense
TN to be hit: 20
Complex Action: Cast Armor of Earth (TN 10) - (5k3) [roll0]
[roll1]
Total: 23 vs. TN 10, success!
Result: Isawa Kuzume gains Reduction equal to his Earth + School Rank (5 Reduction) for 10 rounds. His Water ring is considered to be 2 for the purposes of movement until this spell ends.

(2/3) Earth spell slots remaining.

[Maugan Ra]

Beneath his mask, Tenzin is no longer smiling. Indeed, his lips are set in a thin line and his eyes are narrowed as he studies the incoming... what, bandits? Ronin? Something else?

The lack of certain knowledge irks him, as does the utter lack of respect or good sense implied by an attack on a funeral... and one with numerous Clan Champions in attendance at that. The consequences of such stupidity are somewhat inevitable.

"I apologise, Kitsuki-san." He says calmly, placing one hand on the hilt of his sword. A quick assessment identifies the woman with the Tetsubo as the greatest threat - none of their foes look to have formal training, but even a clumsy strike delivered from such a thing would be remarkably painful. "It appears we shall have to continue our conversation at another time."

With that, he takes three steps forwards, his katana sliding free of it's sheathe without so much as a whisper. The sword bears an unusual rippling pattern along the metal blade, but what significance such a design might have is rendered largely irrelevant by the speed with which it slices around and into the body of Tenzin's target.


So, you can move up to your Water ring x5 feet as a free action, which is ten feet in Tenzin's case, and medium weapons can be used to attack a foe two spaces away. Since Tenzin can draw a katana as a free action, he will adopt the Attack stance, move forewards and strike at the woman with the Tetsubo.

No raises for now - let's see what their defenses are like first. I roll seven dice to attack (Agility 3 + Kenjutsu 3 + Ancestor 1), and keep three of them.

[roll0]

Explosions: [roll1]

And Tenzin's effective defense against these guys is 20, since he's a scorpion and they are acting after him in the initiative order.

[Mordar]

On the other side of the fair grounds, Isawa and Togashi found themselves separated from the group of Phoenix who Kuzume had com with. They moved swiftly through the crowd, only to come face to face with three Ronin. Two of them held Katanas, one was a very short and fat man, the other tall and thin. The third bandit wore a poorly fitting suit of Ashigaru armor and held a short hafted Nagamaki. The armored Ronin leered confidently at the pair, "Where do you think you are going?", he asks, raising the heavy polearm above his head.

Sliding in front of the smaller Phoenix, Ishi assesses the warriors before him. Though his knowledge of weapons is somewhat limited, he does recognize that in the hands of less capable wielders, the nagamaki is likely the more dangerous weapon. Coupled with the fact that it is the weapon wielded by the armored speaker suggests he is the most important target.

"The mountain does not move for a babbling wind," he says without malice or anger. "You have come to the end of your path."

Assuming his preferred Earth-based posture, he calls on the potency of his tattoo and engages the armored foe. A ghostly image of chitin and claws appears around the Ise Zumi and as it fades, he strikes.

As a free action, Ishi activates his Crab tattoo (fittingly), gaining Reduction (4) for 4 rounds

Jiujutsu strike (7k3) = 21
[roll0] and potential exploding dice [roll1]

Damage if successful (5k3) - Considered raises for damage, but not yet sure about such things = 22
[roll2] and potential exploding dice [roll3]

[Dragonus45]

Drawing his blade Hideki nods to Bayushi says "Agreed now seems more the time for action." before following the Scorpion warrior into the fray, aiming his assault at the gaijin with the scimitar. Realizing his lack of armor should surely mean that at best he should have little hope of defending himself he chooses to enter into the stance of fire hoping to make up for his lack of skill in general combat and overwhelm his foe first.

Moving to the Scimitar Guy and making one attack in full attack stance.
[rollv]6d10k3[rollv] keeping three
[rollv]6d10k3[rollv] explosions

[Bennosuke]

"It's Shishidou!", Yasuki says under her breath. She has already drawn her Katana, though Kitsuki knows she would be more comfortable if she had her Yumi with her.

"I apologise, Kitsuki-san. It appears we shall have to continue our conversation at another time.", Bayushi says as he begins to move towards the Ronin. He draws his sword in a smooth an practiced motion, the Hammon shimmering with a curious glimmer.

Drawing his blade Hideki nods to Bayushi says "Agreed now seems more the time for action." before following the Scorpion warrior.

Tenzin rushes forward, charging the leader of the small Ronin group before she can meet him. His sword cuts across the top of her forearm without severing the limb. The woman Ronin growls in pain as she drops the sword, but before she can react, Yasuki's blade has plunged through her chest and into her heart. The leader stumbles backwards, a gush of crimson exploding from her chest as she frees herself from The Crab woman's blade, and collapses to the ground dead.

Seeing the Ronin woman felled gives Kitsuki confidence, and he raises his sword above his head, into an aggressive Jodan Kamae. Seeing the bandit with the Scimitar moving in on his companion's, Hideki charges towards him. The bandit turns to meet Kitsuki, raising his sword up to defend. But as the Ronin's blade come's up, Hideki swing's his sword down and around in a motion he's seen Ochiba practice on nearly a daily basis. The Dragon's Katana rips across the belly of the bandit, leaving him clutching his belly in pain, his weapon barely staying clutched in his hand. He offers a weak return slash, which Hideki dashes away.

The bandit with the spear circles around Yasuki and thrusts at her chest. But the woman's Hiruma training has taught her a swiftness rivaled by very few and the spear finds only air. The ronin with the Wakizashi turns his attention to Bayushi, but his cut is blocked. There is a loud clack as Tenzin redirects the Wakizashi away with a simple flick of his sword.

Tenzin does 14 damage, Yasuki does 20 for a total of 34 killing the ronin. Kitsuki's all out attack does 24 damage leaving his enemy crippled. His all out attack drops his defense to 10, but with crippled it becomes 30 to hit so his enemy fails. Both the spear and wakizashi ronin miss due to the extra TN bonus provided by the Crab and Scorpion's school techniques.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Where do you think you are going?", the bandit asks.

Togashi steps in front of the Phoenix Shugenja, his muscles flexing in preparation for battle. "The mountain does not move for a babbling wind," he says without malice or anger. "You have come to the end of your path." His skin begins to glow as the blue and purple crab tattoo on his chest begins to shimmer and move. He charges the armored Ronin with his bare fists, and lands a powerful straight punch to the man's bare face. There is a crack of bone and teeth, and the man with the Nagamaki stumbles backwards.

Behind them Isawa Kuzume whipsers incomprehensible words under his breath. As he prays to the Kami, he can feel his very skin change and harden. His body becomes tougher, more substantial.

The man with the Nagamaki struggles to regain his composure, and spits out a broken tooth. His swing is slow and unpracticed and Togashi avoids it with little difficulty. The tall and thin Ronin charges Togashi, making a downward cut that seems to barely pierce the Monk's hardened body, drawing a long red streak down his chest. The third Ronin rushes past Togashi towards the supposedly vulnerable Shugenja. His slash tears across Isawa's shoulder but fails to do little more than open up a deep gash.

Togashi deals 21 damage, making the armored ronin Crippled. Thus the crippled ronin misses. Both the second and the third ronin do hit each doing 12 damage following each character's reduction (that worked out well). Both Isawa and Togashi are still healthy.

[Maugan Ra]

Tenzin barely seems to even try as he smacks the incoming strike aside, turning his attention to the bandit with the maniac's grin.

"That weapon." He says curtly, nodding at the rusted Wakizashi in his opponent's hand. "As poorly maintained as it is, such blades belong to Samurai, and Samurai alone. There is a price to pay, for such desecration."

With that, he raises his katana high, his intention obvious in every movement of his body. It is something of a surprise, therefore, when the Scorpion suddenly changes grip and brings the blade slicing around in a sideways trajectory, aimed at taking the bandit's head clean off.

All right, let's try and make this fairly quick. Shifting into a Full Attack stance, and spending a Void point as I make a Kenjutsu attack against the Bandit with the Wakizashi. Also making a Feint maneuver, which thanks to my Rank 2 ability only costs one raise. And why not, two more raises to increase damage as well.

All in all, I roll the following dice: Fire 3 + Kenjutsu 3 + Ancestor 1 + Full attack 2 + Void 2 = 11. Since no roll can ever include more than ten dice, I get to keep one more of them rather than rolling eleven.

I would normally keep 3, which is my Fire rank. However Void means I keep an extra two, full attack an extra 1, and the above excess another one on top of that. Thus, my total roll for this attack is 10k7.

[roll0]

Exploding: [roll1]

If I hit, I would normally roll 6k2, as mentioned last time. In this case, I roll 8k2 thanks to the increase in damage raises, and my total damage is also increased by half the amount by which I beat the target number, to a maximum of 10.

[roll2]

Exploding: [roll3]

[Dragonus45]

Kitsuki will repeat his attack, aiming to remove the gaijin from the fight entirely and trusting in the others to handle themselves.

Maintaining full attack stance.
[roll0] keeping three
[roll1] explosions

So thats a 31 to hit for

and it it hits the damage will be

[roll2] Keeping two
[roll3]

31 damage as well

[Deadline]

Kuzume grits his teeth at the pain of the strike, but is immensely grateful to the earth kami who blunted the injury from life threatening to merely painful. He scowls at the bandit and says simply, "So be it." He takes a few steps back as he retrieves a different scroll from his satchel and continues to call upon the spirits of the earth to aid him. As he finishes his hurried prayer, several small boulders rip themselves free of the ground and fly at the bandit, pummeling him.

Stance: Defense
TN to be hit: 20
Move a short distance away from the bandit. (you can move up to your Water x5 while doing other actions, right? If so, that's 10 feet, due to his decreased movement from Armor of Earth).
Complex Action: Cast "Earth Becomes Sky"
Casting Roll (TN 15 + 5 for 1 raise to decrease casting time = 20): (5k3) [roll0]
[roll1]
Total: 21 vs TN 20. Success!

Result: Bandit is hit for 3k3 damage: [roll2]
[roll3]

(1/3) Earth spell slots remaining.

[Mordar]

Seeing that the Phoenix shugenja is relatively unhurt and has matters temporarily in hand, Ishi turns to face the tall swordsmen who struck him. Recognizing that he should end the engagement quickly and assist the priest, Ishi aims a devastating palm strike at the bandit's sternum. "Reconsider your course."

Maintaining attack stance (Armor TN20), Ishi initiatives a juijutsu attack, seeking one raise for increased damage.

Attack (7k3) = 25 without the explosion...I will assume it is not necessary to redo the explosions. If I am wrong, please let me know!
Explosions [rollv]7k10

Damage (5k3 now 6k3) [roll1] = 13 Good thing I took increased damage...ugh
Explosions [roll2]

[Bennosuke]

The bandit with the Wakizashi takes an uneasy step backwards, seeming to intuit that he is in outclassed. Tenzin shifts his weight forward, and transitions into Jodan no Kamae, with his sword raised above his head. "That weapon." He says curtly, nodding at the rusted Wakizashi in his opponent's hand. "As poorly maintained as it is, such blades belong to Samurai, and Samurai alone. There is a price to pay, for such desecration." The bandit scrambles back a few more steps, the grin completely wiped from his face. Bayushi covers the distance in one quick lunge, bringing his Katana around in a kaeshi strike at his opponent's neck. Like a Scorpion's tail, interrupting the wretch just as he starts to beg. Tenzin's sword cut's home before his opponent has a chance to react. The blade severs the major vessels in the neck, stopping only at the bone's of his vertebra. There is a squirt of arterial blood and a large gush of venous blood as Bayushi withdraws his weapon. He brings the sword above his head in preparation for another strike, but it is clearly unnecessary. The bandit collapses to the ground clutching his neck, choking on his own blood in an attempt to scream.

Yasuki spins to so that she is square with the spear wielding Ronin. Her sword is raised to her chin, tip pointing towards the bandit, crouched in a low stance. The tip of her Katana dives low, swiping the long spear sideways as she rushes forward. Once inside, Yasuki stays low, turning her blade around and cutting the inside of the bandit's lead leg. The blow nearly knocks the man over, and he screams in pain as the blade cuts deep. She removes the blade in a sawing motion, which serves to only deepen her cut and causes the Ronin to stumble backwards on wobbly legs. He swings the spear in a long striking motion, but the blow is slow and deflected with ease as The Crab warrior shifts back into her low stance.

Having moved out of striking range, Hideki turns to face his opponent. With his sword over his left shoulder, Kitsuki takes an aggressive Hasso no Kamae. His opponent is still clutching his belly, his scimitar clutched in one hand in an attempt to ward of the Dragon. Hideki brings his Katana down on the scimitar as he steps in, nearly knocking the weapon out of his enemy's hand as he performs a finishing thrust through the Gaijin's windpipe. Hideki's sword hit's bone, and he must literally use his leg to free his Katana from the dead man's body.

Surrounded by three opponents, his comrades all dead or dying, the wounded spearman turns and begins to flee. Blood pours from the gash in his leg, and he moves with a heavy limp. He swings his spear behind him, knowing he is too slow to get away with his damaged leg.

The spearman is crippled and would be easy to chase down should the players wish to do so. Please everyone make another Investigation (notice) roll.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Togashi Ishi turns to face the tall swordsman, now juggling two armed opponents. Recognizing that he should end the engagement quickly and assist the Shugenja, Ishi plans a devastating palm strike at the bandit's sternum. "Reconsider your course", he growls as he rushes forward before either of the Ronin can act. He catches the swordsman at the end of raising his weapon above his head for a downward cut, and uses his off hand to stop the swing. As he does so, Togashi unleashes his palm strike. But the Ronin back-peddles and the Monk's blow does not land clean. Togashi gives him a hard shove to clear the space between them again.

The armored vagabond recovers his bearings, and again rushes in at Togashi, as his companion stumbles backwards. He swings his heavy polearm in a downward cut "Yah!", forcing Togashi to sidestep to the right and away. Preoccupied with his enemy's Nagemaki, Ishi barely sees the swordsman out of the corner of his eye. Leaning to the side, Togashi just barely dodges the sword that whizzes past his ear.

His body feels heavy as Isawa moves backwards, never taking his eyes off of the bandit. Again he whispers to the Kami feeling his body tingle with energy. There is a sudden clap of thunder, as if something is being wrenched out of the heavens, before a large rock, the size of a human skull hurtles down onto the heavy set swordsman. The projectile strike's the man's shoulder, and he yelp's in pain. But the squat man is relentless and chases after the slow Shugenja. The man's face turns red as he makes a horizontal cut, meant to cleave Isawa in two at the belly. The Phoenix samurai takes a large step back, nearly rolling his ankle, but manages to avoid the bandit's attack
The armored samurai is still critically injured with 21 damage, thus his attack misses by a long shot. The tall samurai is Injured with 13 damage so his TN to hit becomes 30. He rolls 28 and just barely misses. The short samurai takes 14 damage and is also injured. He also needs 30, but rolls 24.

[Maugan Ra]

A practiced motion flicks the band it's blood away from the Scorpion's blade, and after a moment's consideration he disregards the last surviving enemy as being worth his attention. Besides, those injuries will likely kill him in due time regardless of what else happens now.

No, the important thing is to focus on what is going on around him right now. How is the battle progressing? Where else can he intervene to bring it to a swift end? And where is the Clan Champion - Tenzin needs to stand with his fellow Scorpion once more, or at least bear witness to their deeds...

So, rolling Perception + Investigation, which comes to 4k2.
[roll0]
Explosions: [roll1]

Total is 26.

[Mordar]

Recognizing that his opponents are reeling, but still capable of causing great harm, Ishi elects to press his aggressive position even further, and eschews defense in an all-or-nothing twin strike to the head and chest of the tall, sword wielding bandit. The only sound issuing from the Dragon this time is a heated hiss of breath, simulating his Clan's namesake.

Ishi shifts into a Full Attack stance, trusting his stamina and the injuries to his opponents to see him through without serious harm. Armor TN = 10.

Taking two raises for increased damage
Jiujutsu Full Attack (9k4) [roll0] = 29
Explosions [roll1]

Damage (5k3 + 2k0 for Full Attack) [roll2] = 25
Explosions [roll3]

Again, not the most impressive result.

[Dragonus45]

Allowing the last bandit to flee and bleed out not wishing to distract himself from a possible attack from a fresher foe. Hideki instead chooses to step back towards his wife and Tenzin while entering a center position. While scanning the battlefield for more threats he turns his head to the scorpion. "I wonder who could be such a fool to attack a gathering with so many Clan Champions."


[roll0] I keep three and also get a free raise. =21
[roll1]

[Maugan Ra]

Allowing the last bandit to flee and bleed out not wishing to distract himself from a possible attack from a fresher foe. Hideki instead chooses to step back towards his wife and Tenzin while entering a center position. While scanning the battlefield for more threats he turns his head to the scorpion. "I wonder who could be such a fool to attack a gathering with so many Clan Champions."


[roll0] I keep three and also get a free raise. =21
[roll1]

"It's a diversion." Tenzin says with quiet confidence, still scanning the area. "A loud, uncoordinated attack draws all kinds of attention, keeping eyes away from subtler threats. The attackers are expendable pawns - even if some dark miracle left their initial attack a complete victory, the response from the rest of Rokugan would be overwhelming."

[Deadline]

Curious, Kuzume thought to himself when the rock he sent hurtling at the bandit didn't strike with enough force to put the bandit down, The earth kami must have been weakened by something in the area. Very well, let us try the spirits of air!

Kuzume backs away from his opponent again, this time circling around him as he goes in order to line up his opponent with one of the bandits currently facing the Dragon monk. Once he reaches that point, he calls out to the air kami to send his foes tumbling like leaves.

Stance: Defense
TN to be hit: 20
Complex Action: Cast Tempest of Air (TN 10) - (4k2) [roll0]
[roll1]

Total: 29 vs. TN 10, success!

Result: All targets within the area of effect (a cone 75' long and 15' wide at its end) suffer 1k1 wounds ([roll2]) and must make a Contested Roll using their Earth against Kuzume's Air - 2k2 ([roll3]). Every target that fails suffers Knockdown.
Tempest of Air damage [roll4], Contested Air roll [roll5]

Ongoing Effects
Isawa Kuzume has Reduction equal to his Earth + School Rank (5 Reduction) for 8 rounds. His Water ring is considered to be 2 for the purposes of movement until this spell ends.

(1/3) Earth spell slots remaining
(1/2) Air spell slots remaining

[Bennosuke]

Tenzin performs a quick, though ceremonial Chiburi that leaves a trail of speckled blood on the ground. He surveys the surrounding battle, looking for his fellow Scorpions. The bandit forces, though large in number are clearly being outclassed by the Crab guards and many Bushi guests; this is no surprise. However, his attention is caught by the Bandit leader, the tall and wild haired man with the long Nodachi. The villain laughs wildly as he makes long, heavy slashes from atop his horse. The man is covered in gore, and makes quick work of a group of Crab guards who had tried to surround him.

Kitsuki, having made his way back to his companions still clutches his sword. "I wonder who could be such a fool to attack a gathering with so many Clan Champions."

"That is Shishidou", grimaces Yasuki, and she says the name like it were poison, "He was removed from his position as a General for the Hida when I was just a girl. Supposedly, he disgraced his family by gambling away his daughter's virginity to a Gaijin from the West. When he was exiled he became a bandit, and now he has the gall to sully the funeral of Munisai!". The Crab woman's knuckles were turning white and her hands were shaking as she clutched her weapon.

But neither of her companions seem to be listening. As the Crab woman talks, Tenzin watches as Shishidou is thrown from his horse, his body seeming to suddenly stop in mid air, while the horse continues on. He crashes to the ground and is suddenly dragged. It is clear that there is some sort of tether that has snared the giant. Tenzin surveys the area, catching sight of the tall Scorpion Bushi from before. The man appears to be using a Kasurigama and has caught Shishidou by the neck with the weighted end of the weapon.

Kitsuki is instead distracted by a far more concerning site. Marching towards them is a tall man in dark robes. His face is hidden behind a skull like Oni's mask, and his long white hair is streaked with dots of blood. He is surrounded by an entourage of Ashigaru, all wielding Yari with practiced movements. As Daigotsu marches towards the group, he casually dispatches of the fleeing bandit, removing his head with a lightning fast cut. The entourage eclipse Tenzin's view of his fellow Scorpion, and the battle that is about to ensue. The former Dark Lord of the Shadowlands regards the three warriors with quiet bemusement. "Are you three okay?" His voice like rain, but without tone, contrasting in the most unsettling way with the concern implied by his question.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Togashi's legs strain with power as he shifts his weight back from his dodge to making an attack. Before his foe can ready a return swing, the monk lunges forward. He strikes first with a hooking punch, which lands with his forearm across the brow of the tall Samurai. Following the motion, Togashi drops low and pivots, unleashing a powerful straight punch with his rear hand, cracking the man's sternum and launching him several feet, before collapsing in a broken pile on the ground.

The bandit with the Nagemaki gives chase, again attacking with a downward slash. In such a crouched position, Togashi is too far forward to make a clean evasion, so instead the Monk rolls to the side, coming up in a cloud of dirt.

Kuzume continues to rabbit the bandit. He tracks laterally, forcing the swordsman to chase him. However, the Shugenja intends more than just to flee his opponent and as he moves, he prays to the Air Kami. When unable to align his attacker with the man with the Nagemaki, Isawa throws back his hands and unleashes a powerful wind spell. The gust of wind picks up the Ronin, and drops him hard on his back.

Togashi deals 26 damage (9+7) which takes the sword ronin to 40 damage and out of the fight. The Nagemaki samurai misses. Kuzume deals 6 damage, moving his opponent to 20. I only had you attack this guy, because Togashi was standing next to his opponent, if you tried to pick of both Ronin you would hit Togashi and I figured you didn't want to do that.

[Mordar]

Vaguely displeased with his execution of the final stance in the previous sequence, Ishi rises to his full height and faces the nagimaki-wielding bandit. Timing his strike with the ronin's graceless movements, Ishi pivoted his hips and crashed his elbow into the bandit's stubbly chin.

Maintaining the Full Attack stance, TN 10, Ishi strikes.

Taking two raises for increased damage
Jiujutsu Full Attack (9k4) [roll0] = 34
Explosions [roll1]

Damage (5k3 + 2k0 for Full Attack) [roll2] = 22
Explosions [roll3]


Confident in the potency of the attack, Ishi then looks towards the Phoenix shugenja and his prone adversary.

[Dragonus45]

Hideki bows turns and bows quickly, as deeply as he feels he safely can without leaving his stance or leaving himself open to surprise attack from more bandits. "Yes, as far as I know none of us are injured. I thank you for your concern though." as he speaks Hideki looks about trying to find the fasted or easiest way to the Dragon entourage. "I thank you for your assistance, but I must find some way to my clan with all available haste."

[Maugan Ra]

"We are untouched." Tenzin says curtly, holding himself ready in case another foe should reveal themselves. "Though I question your sense of priorities, Daigotsu-San, enquiring after the health of those outside your clan when battle rages all around."

He takes a step or two sideways, attempting to identify how the fight goes between his kinsman and the bandit leader. Surely, any disrespect carried in his words or actions - especially compared to the dignified Kitsuki - can be excused by the rush of battle.

[Deadline]

Looking down at the bandit before him, Kuzume whispers a quiet prayer to the spirits of anger and fire in the area. A katana of flame blazes into being in his hands, the hiss and crackle of the sudden fire causing a shriek of protest from the air itself. His eyes glow like embers and he raises the blade above his head. As the flames crackle and heat washes over the bandit, Kuzume says in a slow, even tone, "You have failed. Surrender and face justice, or be purified by fire."

Stance: Defense
TN to be hit: 20
Complex Action: Cast Katana of Fire (TN 10) - 5k3 [roll0]
[roll1]

Total: 21 vs. TN 10, success!

Result: Kuzume is now armed with a Katana of Fire. The katana has a DR of 2k2, and Kuzume can add his Honor Rank to his damage rolls. (so 5k2+4 damage).The spell lasts 5 minutes.

Ongoing Effects

Isawa Kuzume has Reduction equal to his Earth + School Rank (5 Reduction) for 7 rounds. His Water ring is considered to be 2 for the purposes of movement until this spell ends.
Kuzume is now armed with a Katana of Fire. The katana has a DR of 2k2, and Kuzume can add his Honor Rank to his damage rolls. (so 5k2+4 damage).The spell lasts 5 minutes.


(1/3) Earth spell slots remaining
(1/2) Air spell slots remaining
(2/3) Fire spell slots remaining

[Bennosuke]

Kitsuki Hideki bows at the waist, but only so low that he can still see The Spider Champion's weapon. As he comes back up he speaks curtly, trying his best to hide his discomfort, "Yes, as far as I know none of us are injured. I thank you for your concern though." His gaze flits around, searching for nearby Dragon allies, or a way out, "I thank you for your assistance, but I must find some way to my clan with all available haste.".

Bayushi Tenzin is slightly less polite, shifting his sword to a Gedan no Kamae, his kisaki pointed warily at the entourage of Spider Bushi. "We are untouched. Though I question your sense of priorities, Daigotsu-San, inquiring after the health of those outside your clan when battle rages all around."

The Scorpion sidesteps, trying to see around Daigotsu's warriors, but one of the Bushi breaks rank. He is emaciated and unkempt, and a puckered scar is drawn tight as he grimaces at Tenzin, pointing his spear threateningly. "That is Daigotsu Sama to you, and you will speak to the Lord with the respect he deserves. How dare you question The Lord's wisdom, when offers you aid no less!" Tenzin's brings his sword around towards this Bushi, but makes no move to attack. Yasuki steps forward, preparing for violence should the Spider make any sudden move.

"Enough Henzou!" Daigotsu says, his voice terribly audible though it seems like he barely whispered, "they do not need our help, and so we shall go." The man named Henzou gives one more threatening look to Tenzin, and then joins his rank, as the Spider march past the group of Samurai.

Finally, with the Spider gone, Tenzin spies Shishidou's body, one arm wrapped in the Kusuri chain, it's sickle lodged in the dead bandit's throat. The forsaken Crab lies stiff in a pool of crimson his eyes lifelessly staring up into the sky in mock surprise. Standing over Shishidou is the Scorpion Bushi, his Kataginu torn at the left shoulder. Far off someone yells, "To the Temple, protect Kisada-Sama!" The Scorpion ***** his head, and then, drawing his Katana, rushes off for the Temple, disappearing in the fray of combat and fleeing guests.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Togashi Ishi moves with his opponent, slowly circling each other. The bandit makes a small feint with his polearm, causing the Monk to back peddle. But as the Ronin begins to raise his Nagamaki, Ishi lunges forward, grabbing the shaft and wrenching his enemy forward and off balance. As the bandit stumbles within reach, Togashi crushes his skull with a diagonal elbow, crumpling the man's legs out from under him. Wit the bandit on the ground, Ishi is left holding the Nagamaki. He turns to his companion to see if the Shugenja needs aid.

To his surprise, Isawa Kuzume is standing above his enemy, the squat swordsman. The Shugenja has somehow summoned a Katana made of flame, and holds it in a clumsy Gasumi no Kamae. The downed swordsman is not out, and on his back, is trying to crawl away from Kuzume. ""You have failed," the Shugenja says, "Surrender and face justice, or be purified by fire."

The Ronin continues to scramble backwards. "Please, agh, don't hurt me. I surrender, I surrender!"

[Maugan Ra]

Tenzin's lips twitch into a smile at the reaction from the Spider, but fortunately the expression is hidden by the mask. He watches them depart, then turns his attention back to the rest of the combat.

The death of the enemy leader comes as something of a surprise, but at least confirms that whoever the strange Scorpion is, he's probably not a ghost. Nodding to himself, Tenzin likewise makes for the Temple - it will serve as a good place to regroup, and he cannot locate his Champion outside, so there is little lost by following his cousin's example.

[Mordar]

Togashi Ishi moves with his opponent, slowly circling each other. The bandit makes a small feint with his polearm, causing the Monk to back peddle. But as the Ronin begins to raise his Nagamaki, Ishi lunges forward, grabbing the shaft and wrenching his enemy forward and off balance. As the bandit stumbles within reach, Togashi crushes his skull with a diagonal elbow, crumpling the man's legs out from under him. Wit the bandit on the ground, Ishi is left holding the Nagamaki. He turns to his companion to see if the Shugenja needs aid.

To his surprise, Isawa Kuzume is standing above his enemy, the squat swordsman. The Shugenja has somehow summoned a Katana made of flame, and holds it in a clumsy Gasumi no Kamae. The downed swordsman is not out, and on his back, is trying to crawl away from Kuzume. ""You have failed," the Shugenja says, "Surrender and face justice, or be purified by fire."

The Ronin continues to scramble backwards. "Please, agh, don't hurt me. I surrender, I surrender!"

Tossing aside the weapon, Ishi moves towards the prone bandit. After a moment's pause, the Ize Zumi places a foot on the wrist holding the sword and waits for the raider to release his grasp on the blade. Still, he is wary and yet disquieted by the taint of the place and so remains vigilant against attack.

[Deadline]

Assuming the bandit releases his grip on the blade, Kuzume looks to the Dragon monk, "Togashi Ishi, would you please bind his hands? I will be taking him into custody for now." At that, Kuzume tosses Ishi a spare obi belt to bind the bandit with. Once the task is complete, Kuzume allows the bandit to stand, and he motions with his flaming sword in the direction of the temple. "I believe there was a call to defend the temple, you will walk ahead of me and behave yourself. If you do not, I will be forced to carry out judgement here and now. If you try to run, the kami will catch you before you can take more than a single step." He nods his thanks to the Dragon monk, and then proceeds to the temple with his prisoner in the lead.

[Dragonus45]

Hearing the call to protect the temple Hideki rushes forward alongside the others, hoping that they will not be to late.

[Bennosuke]

Once the Spider Samurai have gone, Tenzin bolts, heading for the main Temple. Nodding to Yasuki, Hideki and his wife follow. It appears that many of the bandits have been routed, as many Bushi are also making way towards the large wooden structure, which is now beginning to billow smoke from it's top floor. The remaining Ronin appear to be trying to fight their way into the Temple, or fighting off the incoming Bushi and as the companions near the Temple porch, five rough looking bandits step forward. The first, Tenzin almost collides with, is bare chested, a long and hideous scar running from his collarbone to his belly. He swings threateningly at Tenzin with a double headed Ono that is already matted with blood and hair. "Harharhar," he laughs low and long, an evil glint in his eye

Standing next to him is a woman with long dark hair, and a face that could almost be pretty. She holds a Katana in her right hand and a Wakizashi in her left.

About 5 feet from the woman is a young looking scoundrel. He looks scared, clutching a Katana so hard his knuckles turn white. There is an older gentleman next to him, whose hair is already turning gray. He is dressed in a full set of Heavy armor and holds long wooden Yari. The armored warrior steps forward, "In the name of Shishidou The Greatest Bandit Under the Heavens, you shall go no further".

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Togashi throws the spear aside and begins striding towards the fallen Ronin. The pleading bandit is still shrimping away from Kuzume, and backs up into the hulking Monk. He steps down on the wrist of the bandit, feeling it crunch as the man shrieks and releases his sword.

The Shugenja frees an extra belt from his waist and tosses the Obi to his companion, "Togashi Ishi, would you please bind his hands? I will be taking him into custody for now". Togashi shrugs before locking the bandit's arm behind his back in a merciless Gyaku ude-garami and tying it to his neck. He repeats the motion with the struggling man's opposite arm, but finds he does not have enough rope to bind the man's legs. Kuzume allows the bandit to stand, and he motions with his flaming sword in the direction of the temple. "I believe there was a call to defend the temple, you will walk ahead of me and behave yourself. If you do not, I will be forced to carry out judgement here and now. If you try to run, the kami will catch you before you can take more than a single step." He nods his thanks to the Dragon monk, and then proceeds to the temple with his prisoner in the lead.

Togashi and Kuzume make slow progress with the bandit whimpering and struggling against his captors. When the two finally near the Temple, they come across a group of three Samurai, one Scorpion with a porcelian smiling mask covering his face, a poised Crab bushi and Dragon Samurai who looks a little unsteady with the Katana in his hand. They are clearly outnumbered by a group of five rough looking bandits who are blocking their entrance to the Temple.

Initiative will be the same for the sake of simplicity. Characters should assume Tenzin is already within striking distance (5ft) of the Ono bandit and 15ft from the duel wielder. All other characters are both 15 ft from either comabatant as they began running after Tenzin.

[Maugan Ra]

"Shishidou?" Tenzin asks dryly. "Would that be the fool lying back there with a Kusuri lodged in his throat?"

Before they can answer, he exploits the moment of doubt created and swings for the laughing bandit with the Ono. It is a textbook Scorpion move - to strike quickly, then retreat, drawing your enemy out of position and denying them easy coordination.


Adopting the Attack stance, so no bonuses or penalties - my defense is once again 20. Then using a complex action to attack the bandit with the Ono. Regardless of how my attack turns out, then using my free action to move back a little bit, mostly to make it difficult if not impossible for the other bandits to close to attack me.

Anyway, the attack, and no raises for now: [roll0], keeping three.

Exploding: [roll1]

If I hit damage is 6k2: [roll2]
Exploding: [roll3]

[Mordar]

Ishi pushes the captive bandit to the ground and moves forward a few step. Focusing his attention on the interplay of elements around himself, the Ise Zumi again calls on the power of his Crab tattoo and a ghostly protective chitin appears and quickly fades from sight. Recognizing that these bandits appear, for the most part, more capable than the three Ishi and Kuzume defeated, the Dragon prepares for a more protracted engagement. His eyes close for a moment as he concentrates on a single breath...in, then slowly out. He knows now the Way of the Earth on the temple grounds, and it will be his ally in the coming skirmish.

Ishi maintains an attack stance and spends a free action moving to 15' from the Yari-wielding and well armored man (assuming 15' of movement from a free action reaches that distance). A second free action reactivates the Crab tattoo, providing damage reduction 4 for 4 additional rounds. Finally, Ishi attempts a meditation + void roll to activate the Way of the Earth Kiho in anticipation of close personal combat.

Defense TN = 20

Meditation + Void (6k3) Target = 15 (to activate Kiho as a complex action).
[roll0] = 15 on the button. Ugh, far too close for my liking!
Explosions [roll1]

[Deadline]

When Ishi pushes the captured bandit to the ground, Kuzume moves to stand over him, his flaming blade positioned to both keep the prisoner in place, and be ready to defend against attack should it come. He once again calls out to his friends in the earth, calling upon them to smite the bandits who are defiling the temple.

Stance: Defense
TN to be hit: 20
Complex Action: Cast Earth Becomes Sky, with a raise to effect 1 additional target (Total TN 20). (5k3) [roll0]
[roll1]
Adding a Void Point to the roll which gets a 3 (see OOC Post (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=17886653&postcount=73))

Total: 21 vs TN 20, success!

Result: Kuzume summons up two huge boulders from the earth and hurls them (up to 100 feet) unerringly at the Ono bandit, and the older armored bandit with a Yari. Each boulder does 2k2 damage.

(2k2 on Ono Bandit) - [roll2]
[roll3]

Damage to Ono Bandit: 11

(2k2 on older armored bandit with Yari) - [roll4]
[roll5]

Damage to Older Armored Bandit with Yari: 14

Ongoing Effects

Kuzume is now armed with a Katana of Fire. The katana has a DR of 2k2, and Kuzume can add his Honor Rank to his damage rolls. (so 5k2+4 damage).The spell lasts 5 minutes.


(0/3) Earth spell slots remaining
(1/2) Air spell slots remaining
(2/3) Fire spell slots remaining

[Dragonus45]

Realizing none his opponents are in range of a strike, Hideki quickly dashes next to the Scorpion bushi hoping to be able to assist him from the enemy onslaught. He gives a nod to Tenzin to let him know he has his back as he enters into his center stance hoping to use this moment of reprieve.

[Bennosuke]

"Shishidou?" Tenzin asks dryly of the armored warrior, "Would that be the fool lying back there with a Kama lodged in his throat?". Out of the corner of his eye, he watches as the axe wielding bandit reverses his swing, and raises his sword. Bayushi acts to strike at the man's head, causing him to bring his axe up to defend. Deceptive like the tail of a Scorpion, Tenzin's sword changes direction, striking the man's opposite forearm, from further away. The blade grazes bone, but draws a deep gash into the meat of his forearm. Shifting his weight, Tenzin then kicks off laterally, putting the bandit with the axe in the way of the rest of his companions.

As Tenzin is moving out of the way, Yasuki charges in, acting before the bandit or his companion can stop her. The Hiruma trained Bushi strikes from Wakigamae, dropping low and taking the bandit's leg off at the knee. He howls in pain as he falls backwards, dropping his Ono to clutch at his stump.

Hideki watches with hesitance. Switching into a defensive stance he rushes to Tenzin's side, nodding to the Scorpion warrior.

Stepping past his Shugenja companion, Togashi begins reaching out with his mind towards the void, preparing for battle. The dark blue crab tattoo over his right chest begins glowing and his eyes light with a green fire. The Monk, throws his captive to the ground in preparation for combat. Speaking a low prayer, Ishi can feel his hands harden into weapons again, the flesh and bone becoming hard as iron.

Nearby, Kuzume points his Katana of fire at the downed hostage. Again reaching out to the spirits, the Shugenja conjures Stone out of Air. Two large boulders begin hovering around the Phoenix's head. He makes two flicks of his free hand, sending the projectiles off at their targets. The first stone sails through the air, and pegs the woman with her two swords square in the gut. She grunts in shock, having not noticed the arrival of the Shugenja. The second stone strikes the Armored warrior in the helmet. He takes a moment to re-align his helmet, but does not seem too fazed.

The female bandit recovers her wits and charges Yasuki, the nearest samurai. Jumping over her downed companion, the bandit makes a strike with both weapons simultaneously. While the bandit clearly lacks training or control, she makes up for her deficit with brutal aggression. The woman's Wakizashi swipes aside Yasuki's sword, while her Katana cuts down at the Crab's shoulder. Oichiba twists sideways as the blade comes down upon her collarbone, bouncing off at an odd angle rather than biting into her torso.

The whelp with the Katana rushes at Togashi. The boy is surprisingly fast, and Togashi is unable to step out of the way of his horizontal cut. The bandit's Katana actually bowes against the Monk's rock like skin, but still draws blood from the side of Ishi's ribcage.

The Armored Ronin surprisingly does not chase after his companion, instead rushing towards Yasuki. His spear tip slips forward, covering an incredible distance before finding home in the soft of the young warrior's right thigh. He frees the Yari, forcing Yasuki to stumble backwards on unsteady leg. She grimaces in pain, but refuses to cry out, and defiantly she returns to her Kamae.

The Ono bandit is Down, taking 17 damage from Tenzin and 19 from Yasuki. Kuzume does 9 damage after armor reduction to the armored bandit (making him nicked). He does 11 to the duel wielding warrior she is also nicked. Togashi takes 15 damage after reduction, taking him to 39/76 making him Grazed. Yasuki takes 17 from the duel weilder and 15 from the yari. This leaves her hurt with 35/57

[Dragonus45]

Upon seeing Yasuki injured Hideki looses all semblance of composure. His face twisting in rage he leaves his center stance and charges looking to place himself between the attacking ronin and his wife. He swings upon the dual wielding Ronin holding his sword above his head in an all out assault sword held high above his head.

Calling in the Kharmic Tie for the session along with the full attack stance makes the attack roll 9k6. I'll be calling 1 raise for increased damage.

[roll0]
[roll1]

And the damage if the attack succeeds.
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Maugan Ra]

Tenzin frowns at the sight of the Crab being so injured - that was not in the plan, and he needs the fellow Bushi alive in order to have the best chance of coming through this fight in one piece.

Moving swiftly, he closes with the group again, aiming a viciously fast slash at the bandit in the armour. A suit like that may well be able to turn aside glancing blows, so he dare not make the attack a glancing one, instead placing all his power behind a single mighty strike at the weakest spot on the bandit's armoured frame. That does not mean he has to be obvious about it, though - the Scorpion are ever masters of misdirection and striking at their foe's flanks.

Switching to full attack, moving up and making an attack on the armoured bandit. With two raises for bonus damage, one for a Feint, and spending a Void point to add two dice to my attack roll.

Attack is 10k7: [roll0]
Explosions: [roll1]

If I hit, damage is 8k2, plus half of whatever I exceeded his defense by: [roll2]
Explosions: [roll3]

[Mordar]

The whelp with the Katana rushes at Togashi. The boy is surprisingly fast, and Togashi is unable to step out of the way of his horizontal cut. The bandit's Katana actually bowes against the Monk's rock like skin, but still draws blood from the side of Ishi's ribcage.

Ishi looks down at the smaller, younger Rokugani. Though he would prefer to overwhelm the youth with an Earth-bound grapple, the Dragon monk is concerned that the other, more experienced bandit may take wreak great havoc in the time it would take to grind the boy into submission. Ishi grasps at the back of the bandit's neck, aiming a lifted knee at the point of his chin.


Attack Stance, TN =20
Jiujutsu attack, no raises

Attack (7k3) [roll0] = 15 Sad roll again! Glad no raises were elected!
Explosions [roll1]

Damage (5k3) [roll2] = 23
Explosions [roll3]

[Deadline]

Kuzume glances briefly down at the bound bandit, and then rushes forward towards the injured Yasuki. Remembering the words of the Oracle of Water, he touches briefly upon that power as he calls out to the water kami within the injured woman and reaches out to gently touch her shoulder. As soon as he does so, a rush of healing energy flows between the two, as the spirits of the water do what they were called upon to do.

Stance: Defense
TN to be hit: 20
Complex Action: Cast Path to Inner Peace on Yasuki. Target # 10, and Kuzume gets a free raise (+5 to his roll) as well as an additional 1k1 as the spellcasting roll is a Water ring roll. 6k4+5 - [roll0] + 5
[roll1]

Total: 35

Result: Yasuki heals a number of points of damage equal to the number rolled minus the TN of the spell. So she heals 25 points of damage.

Ongoing Effects

Kuzume is now armed with a Katana of Fire. The katana has a DR of 2k2, and Kuzume can add his Honor Rank to his damage rolls. (so 5k2+4 damage).The spell lasts 5 minutes.


(0/3) Earth spell slots remaining
(1/2) Air spell slots remaining
(2/3) Fire spell slots remaining
(2/3) Water spell slots remaining

[Bennosuke]

Tenzin watches the armored bandit gang up on his companion Bushi. Recognizing a problem, the Scorpion realizes he needs to take care of the Yari wielding Ronin. Jumping out from behind Yasuki, Tenzin tries to surprise the elder warrior, charging forward with his Katana raised above his head. Bayushi puts all of his ability and strength behind his cut, looking to end the man's life with one blow. But as he begins to swing his sword, the armored Ronin flicks his spear tip, causing the wooden shaft to bow and twirl. The metal blade almost seems to wrap around Tenzin's sword, deftly flinging it out of the way and nearly removing the weapon from the Scorpion's hand. Bayushi's swing still comes within inches of the bandit's face but fails to make contact with it's intended target.

Yasuki stumbles backwards, away from Tenzin and the two bandit enemies. She stops to balance herself, changing into a completely defensive Gedan no Kamae, with her sword tip pointing straight out in front of her as a barrier. She then back pedals away from her two enemies, knowing she is in little shape to continue fighting. She is followed by the two sword Ronon. Using her Wakizashi, the bandit badger's Yasuki's sword, knocking it aside repeatedly as she gives chase.

Kitsuki Hideki screams with rage, cords of muscle and vein bulging from his reddening neck. He rushes to Yasuki's side, his weapon dropped behind him in an unpracticed Wakigamae. He raises his weapon to shoulder height, causing the bandit to raise both swords above her head for a high block. Repeating the action he a had used in his last combat, Kitsuki uses the strength in his Left pinky finger to whip the sword back down, slicing across the woman's exposed belly. Where such skill and speed came from, Kitsuki would never be able to explain. There is a small waterfall of blood, which quickly is replaced by a yellowish fluid, then a rope of intestine uncoils itself out of the woman's abdomen. The woman drops both of her swords, staring in shock at Kitsuki. She takes a step forward, hands still above her head, as more grayish intestine free themselves . She suddenly collapses on the ground, dying in a pile of her own bowl.

On the other side of the melee, Togashi Ishi grabs hold of the young bandit's head as the man is still trying to pull the his Katana across the Monk's hardened torso. The sorry gangster tries to pull away, but Ishi steps forward, using his momentum against him, pivoting, he whips the bandit around and nearly off his feet. As the young man tries to recover, Togashi pulls the man's head down into a vicious knee strike. The bandit drops to the ground, instantly trying to right himself on shaky legs.

Isawa Kuzume watches the young Crab Bushi stumble backwards. He does not know her name, but knows she is a companion in this fight, and his heart aches for her. The young Shugenja had for a long time been blessed by the Oracle of Water. Touching that affinity now, Kuzume calls on the nearby Water Spirits, and he can almost see bead like drops of phantom rain rushing from his fingertips towards the battered warrior. Yasuki looks up in shock as she begins to feel her wounds knitting closed, making eye contact with the Phoenix Samurai. She looks down at the closing hole in her thigh, as if to make sure she is not dreaming. She then nods to Kuzume, bowing slightly in thanks for his gift.

The armored bandit rushes past Tenzin, hoping to strike at the injured, and apparently distracted warrior. He thrusts the spear tip at Yasuki's face. The Crab warrior raises her Katana and just barely slaps aside the Ronin's attack. The Yari whips past her ear.

The younger bandit stumbles away from Togashi as he tries to regain his senses. He looks up and there is a huge swelling of his lower lip, where the Monk's knee had landed. He rights himself, before charging forward with an overhead cut. Ishi merely sidesteps this attack, allowing the man's momentum to nearly throw him over again as he misses.

The duel wielding bandit is out. The young ronin takes 23 damage and is thus injured. This attack hits as Ishis rolls 15, but is grazed making the enemy's TN 15 exactly. The armored bandit rolls attack 37, but is nicked and thus just barely misses Yasuki who has a TN of 36. The young ronin rolls 27 but is injured and thus misses Togashi.

[Maugan Ra]

For a brief moment, Tenzin feels a hot flash of rage at the way the armoured bandit is ignoring him to focus on the Crab. Control is retained a second later, as cold logic and ruthless pragmatism drowns out the anger and sense returns.

He is good... very good, more so than I would have expected a bandit to be. In a fair fight he might even be able to best me. The obvious solution, then, is to not fight fairly.

With that, he steps away from the armoured foe and towards the young bandit currently clashing with the tattooed monk.

"Assist your kinsman, Dragon." He says calmly, jerking his head in the direction of the fight between the armoured bandit, the Kitsuki magistrate and his wife. "I will deal with this one, and join you shortly."

With that same calm deliberation controlling his movements he flows into an elegant series of attacks, aimed at exploiting the young bandit's injuries to end the fight promptly.

Yeah, the Scorpion is stabbing the scared and injured child so we can all gang up on the most capable opponent. What else did you expect? :smalltongue:

Anyway, going into the normal Attack stance and launching an attack against the bandit with my katana, no raises for now.

Attack is 7k3: [roll0]
Explosions: [roll1]

If I hit, damage is 6k2: [roll2]
Explosions: [roll3]

[Deadline]

Seeing all but the armored bandit fall to blades of the samurai fighting beside him, Kuzume steps to the side of the Yasuki woman and thrusts his fiery blade between the two. He does his best to place his blade in front of the bandit's yari at every movement. As he does so, he implores the bandit, "Your fight is lost, and there is no purpose to continuing it. Drop your spear and surrender, the lord of this land may yet have mercy on you."

Assuming that the bandit is still alive when Kuzume's initiative count ticks by:

Stance: Defense
TN to be hit: 20 (-5 for Guarding) = 15
Simple Action: Guard Yasuki. As long as Kuzume is within 5 feet of her, she gains +10 to her TN to be hit, and Kuzume's TN to be hit is reduced by 5.

Ongoing Effects

Kuzume is now armed with a Katana of Fire. The katana has a DR of 2k2, and Kuzume can add his Honor Rank to his damage rolls. (so 5k2+4 damage).The spell lasts 5 minutes.


(0/3) Earth spell slots remaining
(1/2) Air spell slots remaining
(2/3) Fire spell slots remaining
(2/3) Water spell slots remaining

Otherwise, if the armored bandit is killed by the two dragon and Yasuki, then Kuzume will retrieve his prisoner and continue with them into the temple.

[Mordar]

Moving more quickly than his significant mass might suggest, Ishi attempts to slip inside the effective range of the yari. Abandoning attention to the defensive, he slaps at the haft of the weapon to push it wide and then closes the final few feet to the bandit and seeks to immobilize him with a simple, yet strong, grab.

Moving towards the yari-wielding bandit as a free action, Ishi attempts to initiate a grapple.
Stance: Full Attack (TN:10)

Jiujustu (7k3 + 2k1 = 9k4) [roll0] = 26
Explosions [roll1]

I am assuming that even if successful no damage beyond the 3 for Way of the Earth will be applied this turn.

If he remains capable at the start of his turn, we'll both have to make Jiujutsu/Strength rolls. I further assume that the Body of Stone school benefit does not apply (since it says ...a bonus of +1k1 to the total of all unarmed attack and damage rolls" and the control roll is not called an attack.

In any event, that'll be 7k3 anyway (since it is Strength instead of Agility).
[roll2]
Explosions [roll3]

[Dragonus45]

Realizing his armored opponent is far to well defended to overwhelm Hideki instead enters a more balanced stance as he closes in and attempts to find a gap in his armor.



Moving to the normal attack stance and attacking.

Keeping Three
[roll0] =37
[roll1]

Keeping Two
[roll2] =21
[roll3]

[Bennosuke]

Tenzin fells the hot sting of embarrassment as his attack is swept aside and the armored figure moves past him to attack Yasuki.

He is good... very good, more so than I would have expected a bandit to be. In a fair fight he might even be able to best me, he thinks to himself, and knows exactly what to do. Gathering all his courage to look away, Tenzin spies the wounded kid. He shifts his wait and bolts away from the Yari wielding enemy. The Bayushi samurai catches the stumbling bandit in his back with a low and wide sweeping cut. The masterfully crafted blade slices through the bandit's right kidney, locking itself between two of his lumbar vertebra. The young warrior dies near instantly, and his legs give out from under him. Tenzin begins to free his weapon from his enemy's torso. Turning to the monk he says, "Assist your kinsman, Dragon. I will join you shortly."

Togashi Ishi nods to the strange Scorpion warrior. The man is clearly a Scorpion by his red Kimono and black Hakama, but his face is hidden by a smiling wooden mask painted white and red. The immobile grin is quiet unsettling, and Ishi follows, unsure if it is out of trust or a desire to get away. Moving more agilely than his frame would suggest possible, he makes his way towards the armored bandit.

He watches as the female Bushi in Crab colors makes an upward sweeping cut at the armored man's torso. Yasuki's swing is brushed aside by another flicking motion of the bandit's Yari. Togashi continues to charge in, but as he does, another Samurai, one in Phoenix gets to him first. Kitsuki Hideki shifts into a neutral Chudan no Kamae as he moves towards the last standing bandit. He moves in just as he is knocking his wife's attack aside, getting inside on the man's spear. The man is heavily armored, but Hideki pushes forward with a long thrust that passes over the man's face mask and into his left eye socket. There is a surprisingly small gush of blood, but as the bandit falls backwards, the socket is nothing but mush. The older bandit screams with rage and pain. Ishi closes the distance as the man steps back, but the armored man swings his spear in a wide arc, stopping the Monk before he can grab a hold or strike him.

Then Isawa Kuzume has joined the others, standing between Yasuki Oichiba and the armored warrior. He holds his curved sword of magic fire, still in a defensive Gasumi no Kamae. "Your fight is lost," he says, his eyes lit with a yellow flame, "and there is no purpose to continuing it. Drop your spear and surrender, the lord of this land may yet have mercy on you."

The armored bandit growls, still clutching his left eye with one hand, his spear tip dipping towards the ground. "Curse you, you pretentious swine". He releases his face and takes hold of his spear with both hands. There is blood and yellow fluid staining his face and the growling human mask of his helmet. "I would rot before bowing to any of you." He lunges forward, this time targeting Hideki, the man who wounded his face. Time seems to slow down for Hideki as the metal blade of the Yari comes closer and closer. It quivers through the air towards his neck. Maybe Hideki had learned the block from watching his wife, or maybe his body simply knew what to do, but without thinking, the Dragon Courtier raises his blade. There is a dull thwak, as Kitsuki's sword connects with the haft, right behind where the blade attaches to the rest of the spear. The Yari bends slightly and it's blade passes harmlessly past Hideki's right ear.

[Maugan Ra]

The armored bandit growls, still clutching his left eye with one hand, his spear tip dipping towards the ground. "Curse you, you pretentious swine". He releases his face and takes hold of his spear with both hands. There is blood and yellow fluid staining his face and the growling human mask of his helmet. "I would rot before bowing to any of you."

"A wish worth granting."

Tenzin takes full advantage of the bandit's injuries, approaching with quiet speed from inside his new blind spot and slashing out towards his target's exposed back. A dishonourable way to kill, perhaps, but a bandit does not deserve the honour of a fair fight before his death, and time is being wasted with every second he manages to delay them.

OK, entering the Full Attack stance, moving up behind the bandit and attacking. No raises this time.

Attack roll is 9k4: [roll0]
Explosions: [roll1]

If hit, damage is 6k2: [roll2]
Explosions: [roll3]

[Bennosuke]

Tenzin frees his blade from the still twitching carcass of the young bandit, and turns back towards the spearman who is now cursing his companions. Seeing the man is blinded by rage and a new face wound, the young Scorpion circles quickly so that he is well out of the man's field of view. Again he charges his opponent from behind, while he is still distracted with the Dragon Monk. The back of the man's head is well protected by armor, as is his torso. Sneaking up to the man, Tenzin grabs hold of his helmet and wrenches it sideways, plunging his steel into the man's now exposed neck. Ribbons of blood spurt across the white lacquer of the Scorpion's mask, and into his hair. The older bandit screams for only an instant, before his windpipe is severed, then falls to the ground drowning in his own blood. "A wish worth granting", Tenzin says coldly as the man fumbles on the ground. He steps over the bandit's body to join his companions.

Combat is over. I will give the group a couple of posts to introduce each other and decide what you want to do, before moving the story along myself.

[Maugan Ra]

At the last second, Tenzin's head snaps aside, avoiding the spray of arterial blood with the ease of what looks disturbingly like long practice. As the bandit drops to the floor, he flicks the rest of the blood off of his sword with a simple gesture, returning it to the sheathe.

"Bayushi Tenzin." He says, introducing himself to the others and inclining his head politely. "A pleasure to meet you all, though unfortunately the full formal introductions will have to wait."

He pauses, and then looks at the Phoenix Shujenja that has just joined them. "You took a prisoner? Commendable initiative in a poor situation, though I would recommend crippling him rather than dragging the fool around. Much less chance of escape that way."

[Dragonus45]

"It looks to me as if the bandit is not even a lowly Ronin, perhaps we should simply execute him now, it would be a mercy in the end considering its the only way he will find death with a blade, Hideki says," looking to the others. "Or death any time in the next month if the Scorpion gets a hold of him."

[Maugan Ra]

"Oh, I doubt we'd need a month to wring everything useful out of him." Tenzin says with quiet confidence. "And once we have, there would be little point in keeping him alive."

He looks down at the prisoner in a considering fashion. "Then again, he hardly seems the sort to know a great deal about his leader's plans. Perhaps you are correct, Dragon - a swift end by the blade may be the more merciful and efficient course of action."

[Deadline]

Kuzume shakes his head sadly as the final bandit goes down. He takes a moment to utter a quiet prayer for the spirits of the departed as the Bayushi and Kitsuki begin discussing his prisoner. He finishes his prayer and turns to both of them, "Yes, I took a prisoner, and no, I do not intend to be needlessly cruel to him. Such an action, while practical, is not in keeping with the virtue of compassion." He glances at the Scorpion as he says, "I would not ask any samurai to sully their honor by violating Bushido in such a manner, especially in the name of convenience." He pauses before giving a slight nod of his head, "The local lord may deal with him as he sees fit, after questioning him. It is my hope that he will show him some manner of mercy, despite the circumstances of this raid. After all, samurai hold the soul of Bushido, and fight to uphold their lords will." Kuzume looks sadly at the gaunt, tied up bandit and says quietly, "And some men fight simply to feed themselves."

He moves over to pull the bound bandit to his feet, and nods respectfully to Bayushi, Kistuki, and Yasuki, "I am Isawa Kuzume, a simple friend of the elements." He glances at Togashi Ishi for a moment, then adds, "And my companion in battle here is Togashi Ishi."

[Dragonus45]

"I commend you on your compassion, but this man faces nothing less than dishonorable hanging and possibly much more if the local lord wishes it. The kindest thing to do for him is to behead him here and save him the suffering." Hideki replies, looking glancing at Isawa and Togashi. "Ah, forgive me for not introducing myself immediately my name is Kitsuki Hideki.

[Maugan Ra]

"Compassion is for those weaker than us, that duty demands we protect. Not for foes that take up weapons against us, and offer mortal insult to all the clans at once." Tenzin responds, though if he caught any barb in the Phoenix's words he does not acknowledge it. "Still, now is not the time for discussing philosophical differences. My kinsman has slain their leader, so we should move to assist in dealing with the remainder, as well as the ones responsible for this."

[Mordar]

Togashi Ishi cocked his head slightly to the left as he absorbed the interchange among the other Samurai. Looking at the Scorpion, he contemplated his words.

"The time it would take to properly break the leg and the added difficulty in moving the captive afterwards would seem to exceed that required to bind and threaten him into submission," Ishi whispered, more to himself than to the others. "One need not break a cart wheel to stop the cart from rolling down a hill," he added in a much more audible fashion.

"Isn't it strange that so many bandits were able to arrive here undetected...and that they were willing to attack such a clearly superior force?" he mused, aloud. "They must have been very foolish. Or dedicated to something they believed worth such a lopsided end. I wonder if the corruption surrounding the Temple has sickened their thoughts."

Picking up the prisoner, Ishi proceeds towards the temple entry.

Stopping beside the Kitsuki magistrate, Ishi looks to him and spoke. "Hello brother. Not nearly so pleasant here as it is in our mountains," he said conversationally.

"Mind the bugs," he finished after a moment's hesitation and a glance down at his clanmate's feet.

[Deadline]

Kuzume shakes his head slightly and looks like he wants to argue with Hideki and Tenzin, but stills his tongue. "You are right, now is not the time to discuss it. Let us head into the temple and aid who we can." Kuzume moves to follow Ishi into the temple.

[Bennosuke]

As Bayushi returns his Katana to it's Saya, he speaks, "You took a prisoner? Commendable initiative in a poor situation, though I would recommend crippling him rather than dragging the fool around. Much less chance of escape that way."

The captive gives a low whine when he hears this. The man is short and very ugly. Some sort of pox has left his cheeks scarred and his fat nose is too large for his face. He tries to scoot away from the Scorpion samurai, bound and stuck on his back. His scalp is shaved in a poor attempt at a top knot. Strands of hair stick to the side of his face, having freed themselves from the poorly constructed knot.

The Samurai argue over the poor man's fate but the large Dragon Monk interrupts them. Picking up the hostage with one muscular arm, Togashi says, "Isn't it strange that so many bandits were able to arrive here undetected...and that they were willing to attack such a clearly superior force?" he mused, aloud. "They must have been very foolish. Or dedicated to something they believed worth such a lopsided end. I wonder if the corruption surrounding the Temple has sickened their thoughts." He begins marching towards the Temple. He passes by Hideki, and says something quickly to his Clansman.

Before the young Magistrate can reply there is a thunderous cracking of wood. Suddenly, Hida Koun Champion of the Crab Clan, bursts through the Shoji wall of the temple. Much of his Kimono has been torn from his body, and he clutches his mighty Dai Tsuchi, which is covered in clots of blood and hair. The man seems to be giant, indestructible. He appears twice the size of Togashi Ishi. From inside the temple someone yells "They are attacking Koun-Sama!"

Then two men, clad in black shoot from the temple at The Crab Champion. Maybe they are not men, they move too fast, their bodies blurring such that it is impossible to asses their features. Koun's hammer stops the first, with a crack of bones, moving with impossible speed for such a massive weapon. The man slumps to the ground. Now it is clear that he is dressed in the black robes of a Ninja, though his skull is little more than a pulp of bone and tissue.

The second man manages to get past Hida-Sama's weapon, plunging a crude straight blade into the meat of Koun's shoulder. He growls with rage, letting go of his hammer with the other arm, and grabbing the masked villian by the face. Koun's hand fits around the man's entire head! He picks the man up off the floor and tosses him into a nearby wooden pillar. The man hits the beam with a thud. As the Ninja struggles to get up, Koun's Dai Tsuchi finds home in the man's chest, seeming to fold it in half. Hida Koun frees his weapon with a sickening pop. By this time, Crab guard are pouring out of the Temple and several Samurai from the courtyard, mostly Crab, are rushing to the Champion's aid.

The sword still sticking out of his shoulder, Koun drops his weapon and wipes his long hair from his brow. "Is that the last of them?" His voice seems to carry across the entire Temple grounds. One of the guards says something in affirmation, but it is not nearly as audible. "Good. Now round up every last one of those damnable Scorpion!" Koun speaks with thundering finality. Guardsmen already out on the Temple porch begin rushing down the stairs into the Courtyard. Several other Guard are walking from outside, carrying the slain bodies of several other Ninja.


Tenzin can smell the same overwhelming stench of rotten flowers again. His eyes mist over for a second, but then they clear. An all too familiar voice, though he could never describe it's quality thunders in his head. Bayushi Ubane speaks, "Do not flee little one. Do not flee!"

This is a chance for the entire group to act before the guard arrive. Do you try to protect Bayushi Tenzin? Do you try to capture him to gain favor with The Crab, or because you believe he is to blame? Also Maugun Ra, obviously Tenzin does not have to allow himself to be captured.

[Maugan Ra]

For a long moment, Tenzin is completely and perfectly still, his mind racing through the possibilities and assessing every aspect of the rather unexpected scenario. He looks at the ridiculously mighty form of the Crab champion, glances at the impressive number of gathering Samurai, listens to a voice that only he can hear... and makes his decision.

A few paces notably separates him from the small group of other samurai that he had found himself with, so as to remove them from any chance of being implicated in whatever was happening here. It also draws the eye of many of the other guests, and given the colours of his kimono and the ornate mask on his face, there is little chance of mistaking his Clan affiliations.

Moving carefully, Tenzin withdraws a small cloth from within his robes and carefully runs it along the blade of his katana, cleaning the last of the gore from the metal with a single smooth motion. That done, he reverses the blade with practiced ease and slides it back into the sheathe.

Courtly grace seems unlikely to impress the Crab much, and for many reasons much is resting on their likely reactions. So instead, Tenzin simply folds his hands behind his back and watches the Crab soldiers, paying particular attention to the actions of their Champion.

"Well, this is unfortunate." He says dryly, his voice clearly audible to most of the Samurai in the courtyard. "For the record, Hida-sama, I would like to protest the innocence of myself and my Clan, on the grounds that we are not actually idiots."

I wrote this post on the assumption that Tenzin was the only visible Scorpion in the area, since he couldn't find anyone from his Clan earlier. If there are others, I will probably change the dialogue at the very least.

[Dragonus45]

In a state of not so minor shock, Hideki looks to Tenzin and back to the advancing Crab. He leans in towards Togashi and whispers, "Well cousin, I must agree the mountains seem very pleasant right now." before stepping forward and turning towards Tenzin. "I would just like to say that I personally do not believe you had any involvement in this attack, and while I will gladly speak in your defense if I am given the opportunity I would like to say that if this is how the Scorpion make friends I have to wonder why they bother leaving their lands at all."

[Deadline]

Kuzume raises his eyebrows in surprise as Hida Koun calls for the Scorpion samurai to be rounded up. When he sees that the Crab now have the situation well in hand, he extinguishes the fiery blade in his hand and it fades to nothingness. He motions to Togashi Ishi to bring the prisoner and follow him. As they walk past Tenzin, he nods approvingly at the bushi's restraint in sheathing his blade and awaiting the guards, but says nothing. He approaches the temple and Hida Koun before calling out loud enough for the Crab Clan Champion to hear, "Honored Hida-sama, I have some skill as a healer, and can help tend to the wounded. I also humbly request to speak with you for a few moments, if you will allow it."

[Mordar]

Ishi, like the other young samurai, is taken aback by the sudden appearance of the Crab Clan champion and the black-clad attackers. His contemplative nature hopefully masking his confusion, he looks at the mammoth Hida warrior, the broken bodies of the ninja and the masked samurai standing nearby. "Understanding escapes me. There are still too many ripples to allow clear vision," he whispers.

Having heard both Kuzume and Hideki address Koun-sama, Ishi recognizes there is little he could add to the discussion. Wincing a bit at his wounds, he shifts the weight of the prisoner more evenly and moves to follow the Phoenix shugenja inside.

At least he didn't mistake me for an ogre of the Shadowlands... Ishi thinks, grateful for that, at least.

[Bennosuke]

Tenzin steps away from his his compatriot Samurai, for a brief second looking desperately for any nearby Scorpion Allies. Finding none, and seeing the oncoming guards, the scarlet clad warrior tucks his hands behind his back in mock supplication. "Well, this is unfortunate." He says dryly, his voice clearly audible to most of the Samurai in the courtyard. "For the record, Hida-sama, I would like to protest the innocence of myself and my Clan, on the grounds that we are not actually idiots."

He is quickly surrounded by a troupe of three armored Hida Guardsmen, wielding Yari. Even at the far distance of the spear tips, Tenzin can smell the overwhelming musk of their bodies. They growl at him, but make no moves to come nearer or attack him, simply surrounding him with the threat of their polearms.

On the other side of the guards, Hideki turns Ishi, who had stopped en route to the Temple during the melee with the Crab Champion. "Well cousin, I must agree the mountains seem very pleasant right now.", he says with a wry grin. Putting on a brave and confident face, the Dragon Courtier takes a step towards Tenzin and his entourage of guards. Forcing his way between their Yari poles, Kitsuki speaks to The Scorpion. "I would just like to say that I personally do not believe you had any involvement in this attack, and while I will gladly speak in your defense if I am given the opportunity I would like to say that if this is how the Scorpion make friends I have..."

A large hand grabs Kitsuki Hideki from behind and wrenches him off his feet. The smaller samurai is hoisted through the air and placed outside of the perimeter by a rather large and impatient looking Crab guard. "Step away from the convict", the guard says, "if you know what's best for you."

Isawa Kuzume extinguishes his conjured weapon. The flaming sword disappears with a pop and the acrid smell of burnt coal. He motions to Togashi to follow and begins walking up towards the Temple steps. The two make it to the base of the stairs before their path is blocked by a wall of Crab Guard. "Honored Hida-sama," Kuzume calls out, "I have some skill as a healer, and can help tend to the wounded. I also humbly request to speak with you for a few moments, if you will allow it." But it seems the Phoenix's offer falls on deaf ears, as the Crab Champion begins to walk, with heavy strides, back into the Temple.

"Hold your tongue.", scowls one of the nearby guards.

A second, standing next to the first cackles, "Do you really think we need your help?"

A third and more senior guard interrupts the two, "Silence! Show some common sense"he says to his companions. "Forgive us, but Hida-Sama was just attacked. For now only our most trusted will be allowed near our Champion. But our Clan appreciates your offer to help." Again he turns to his younger associates, "Go, gather the prisoner, you two!"

The two younger guards shuffle over to where the Dragon Monk stands holding the leash of his captive. They nod curtly to the giant, before collecting the prisoner and dragging him to the feet of the Temple stairs.

[Maugan Ra]

Inside, Tenzin is most assuredly terrified and confused, but he knows better than to let such emotions show on his face. Cowering will not save him here, and may indeed make the situation worse, so he elects instead to rely on artificial confidence and his ability to improvise.

"Really, three of you?" He says dryly, looking at the trio of Crab holding him at spear point. "I'm not planning to run, or attack anybody. That would be stupid. And whatever else you may think of me or my Clan, please accept that we have more brains than that."

[Deadline]

"Hold your tongue.", scowls one of the nearby guards.

A second, standing next to the first cackles, "Do you really think we need your help?"

A third and more senior guard interrupts the two, "Silence! Show some common sense"he says to his companions. "Forgive us, but Hida-Sama was just attacked. For now only our most trusted will be allowed near our Champion. But our Clan appreciates your offer to help." Again he turns to his younger associates, "Go, gather the prisoner, you two!"

Kuzume pointedly ignores the first two guards, but turns to the third guard, "My offer was not for Hida-sama alone. If you have any other wounded, I would gladly help. I offer no insult, only practical assistance." He nods to Ishi when the guards come to collect the prisoner, and waits calmly by the side of the Dragon monk.

[Mordar]

Ishi releases the captive without prodding or concern, then looks at Kuzume then down to the still-seeping wounds on his own arm and chest. "It seems even the earth can weep when sufficiently compelled," he spoke.

Directing his attention to his Kitsuki clanmate, the Ise Zumi tilted his head. "Travelers often leave footprints showing where they have been, and sometimes where they have been leaves footprints on them," he speaks slowing, punctuating the comment with a lingering glance at the slain bandits near the temple entrance.

[Dragonus45]

"Indeed, I dread to consider what desperation or zealotry could compel one into such a futile act as we have witnessed today. Still we have met at a crossroads and their road has ended where ours continues on, perhaps you should have those looked at cousin." Hideki motions towards Ishi's wounds,nodding as he he moves to end the conversation. Hideki goes to check on his wife and ensure she is receiving the proper care from the healers.

[Bennosuke]

Tenzin stood stark still, his emotions hidden by the frozen smiling mask. He could feel his neck prickling with fear, and maybe the excitement of possible battle, but he did not move. "Really, three of you?" He says dryly, looking at the trio of Crab holding him at spear point. "I'm not planning to run, or attack anybody. That would be stupid. And whatever else you may think of me or my Clan, please accept that we have more brains than that."

The soldier to his right spat at Bayushi's feet. The one nearest him thrust his spear at Tenzin's face so that the blade tip was just inches from The Scorpian's eye. "Quiet!", he commands, "Now no trickery. Very slowly take your swords from your Obi and place them on the ground. Remove any other weapons you may have as well." Over the guard's shoulder, Tenzin can see Yasuki Oichiba walking towards them holding her Daisho between her two hands.

The wiser guard responds to Kuzume's offer, "That is very generous of you Phoenix, but for now it is best if the Crab deal with this terrible desecration of the Great Lord's funeral." His grip softens on his weapon and he smiles timidly, "Now I must kindly ask you to step away, before I get in trouble for not doing my job." The older man shrugs his shoulders, before hafting his spear back into a guard's position. The two other sentries look at their senior with shock and embarrassment, but he seems not to notice.

Two guards pass Isawa on their way of to the stairs, towing the captured bandit. He walks with his head slumped, sniveling under his breath, and gives Kuzume as rueful glance as he passes by. The Sentries allow the other guards through before forming rank again at the base of the Temple stairs. The large Temple looms over Isawa like a haunted mansion from a long ago fairy tale, both terribly empty yet filled with malevolence.

Isawa turns to see Togashi Ishi standing near by. The monk looks down at his wounded body, and sighs. He can feel the spell starting to fade as his body changes, becoming heavier and yet softer. Blood slowly oozes out of the wound on his chest. "It seems even the earth can weep when sufficiently compelled," Ishi spoke. He felt so tired, despite the pain that was not beginning to intensify as it coursed through his body.

Kitsuki Hideki lands in an explosion of dust nearby the Phoenix and other Dragon Samurai. He stands up and immediately begins dusting off his fine robes. To the Courtier, Ishi says "Travelers often leave footprints showing where they have been, and sometimes where they have been leaves footprints on them."

It is a rather cryptic message, but Hideki seems to understand, "Indeed, I dread to consider what desperation or zealotry could compel one into such a futile act as we have witnessed today. Still we have met at a crossroads and their road has ended where ours continues on". He removes a fan and points at Togashi's deep wounds, "Perhaps you should have those looked at cousin."

Togashi Ishi looks down at his chest, "Perhaps". A wry grin spreads across his humongous face, and the two Dragon burst out into laughter.

Then Tenzin is dragged by, having been bound and stripped of his weapons. Several other bandits and a surprisingly small number of Scorpion are also being led towards the Temple. Tenzin walks proudly, making eye contact with each of his temporary companions as he passes. The ever smiling mask seems to laugh at the entire situation, though it was probably the exact opposite of what Tenzin was feeling.

Yasuki joins her husband, placing a timid hand on his arm, "We must do something for the Justice of that man.". She nods to Hideki, who nods back soberly.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


This ends the first Scene of Betrayal at the White Temple. Each character gains 3 xp points which can be spent now, but must be spent in an appropriate manner relative to what has happened. The next scene will begin the following day with the Trial of Bayushi Tenzin. Before I make the next IC post, I'd like each player to post in the IC what their character does overnight. Please assume all the characters have board at the same Inn in the town nearby The White Temple... and that Tenzin is in Jail. The post does not have to be very long at all, though a character could try to accomplish something and you could roll for something if you wanted your character to try to accomplish something in the interim before the next days trial. Also feel free to discuss in the OOC thread if you want a group of players to work together. I had originally planned for this to be a separate scene, if there were no Scorpion characters, but since I don't want to ice Tenzin who is stuck in Jail, I figure I will limit this to one post per player.

[Maugan Ra]

Calmly, Tenzin removes his Daisho as requested, though he does not place them on the ground. The katana and wakizashi are a Samurai's soul and honour, and to simply drop them in the dust... instead, he hands them to one of the Crab, his dark eyes serious.

"Look after these. I will be wanting them back." He says levelly. He studied what was known of the Crab and their beliefs before coming here, and as such is reasonably assured that this is a workable course of action. Regardless of whatever else might have happened, his personal actions mean that he spilled blood alongside Crab warriors today, and even the weapons of a hated ally are to be respected when one stands upon the Wall.

He does not resist when the Crab bind him and lead him away, though something about his attitude gives the impression that he is simply humouring them.

The Jail Cell

The night is not the most comfortable one that Bayushi Tenzin has ever spent in the course of his life, but it is tolerable enough. The temple does not have specific cells as such, but there are enough small rooms that can be easily emptied and used to hold prisoners in.

The Scorpion sits cross-legged in the middle of the room, eyes closed and breathing steady. It is not quite slumber, but there is peace and rest enough here to replenish his flagging spirit, and focus his mind for the trials ahead. It is also in this state that he most frequently receives visits from the honoured dead, and if one should happen to grace him with wisdom now, he should certainly not complain.

Let us hope your advice was good, revered ancestors, for if not I shall likely be joining you soon...

OK, I'm going to save that xp for the moment, and Tenzin will largely spend the night meditating and otherwise resting. Void + Meditation roll to regain void points, get two back on a TN of 20:

6k3: [roll0]
Explosions: [roll1]

[Deadline]

Isawa Kuzume nods politely to the guard and moves back to the two Dragon. He smiles at Ishi and says, "I realize that you are wounded, but my immediate concern was for those who may not survive their wounds." He looks to Kitsuki Hideki and the Yasuki woman, "Come, I will treat your injuries and we can discuss what paths still lie before us."

Back at the Inn

Kuzume binds the wounds of the others. His hands are skillful and deft, but there seems to be a hesitancy to them. As he works on binding what few scratches the Yasuki woman has left, his hands begin shaking uncontrollably. He holds them at his sides for a moment and breathes slowly until the shaking is under control. "I am sorry, Yasuki-san, the weariness of battle seems to have taken its toll."

After he has done what he can, he addresses the group, "This savage attack on the funeral of such a great man is troubling. What are your thoughts on the matter?".

Medicine check on Togashi Ishi (TN 20 because of doubt) (6k3) [roll0]
[roll1]

Total: 22

Success: Target heals (1k1) wounds. [roll2]
[roll3]
Total: 2

Medicine check on Kitsuki Hideki (TN 20 because of doubt) (6k3) [roll4]
[roll5]

Total: 34

Success: Target heals (1k1) wounds. [roll6]
[roll7]
Total: 8

Medicine check on Yasuki (TN 20 because of doubt) (6k3) [roll8]
[roll9]

Total: 16

Success: Target heals (1k1) wounds. [roll10]
[roll11]
Total: 2

If Togashi Ishi is still badly wounded, Kuzume will cast Path to Inner Peace on him:
(6k4 vs. TN 10) [roll12]
[roll13]

Total: 31

Success: Ishi is healed a number of points of damage equal to the spellcasting roll -10 (21)

Also, unless there are issues preventing a good night's rest, everyone will naturally recover a number of damage points equal to 2*Stamina + Insight Rank. So Kuzume will heal 8 damage points this evening.

[Mordar]

Ishi looks at Kuzume for a moment, pondering his statement. "I am in no dire straits, and was simply commenting on my condition. It is a new sensation for me," he says. "I've never been struck by a blade before." There is little evidence of pain in his voice, just a strange sort of curiosity.

Why didn't the magistrate look at the bodies of the slain? he thought. Who knows what clues they may hold?

I'd like to make an investigation roll if it is allowable, focusing on any clues or indications of the bandit's origins (clan, physical location, time spent in various areas.

Investigation + Perception (4k3) [roll0]
Explosions? [rollv]4d10[/roll


Later, Ishi shares what he discovered with his new companions.

"Clearly the young Scorpion was active in opposing the bandits, but one must ask..." he starts, "was he the claw or the tail?"

[Bennosuke]

Tenzin sat alone in a dark cell. He had been bound and marched at spear deep into the Temple. There had been no more than four or five other Scorpions caught. Where his entourage of Clansmen had gone, Tenzin was not sure. He was taken up onto the top floor and locked alone in a dark unfurnished room.

Shadows shifted and the far off conversation of guards passed distorted into his room. Alone, the darkness seemed to take on a shape and life of its own. Trying to calm himself and ease his mind, Tenzin began to run himself through a quick exercise of meditation. Seated with his legs crossed and comfortable, the Bayushi Samurai began chanting to himself verses of an old poem backwards. As the long ago memorized verses filled the space of his cell with a protective serenity, Tenzin began to find peace. He sank deeper and deeper into his trance. But then the smell of rotten fruit began to fill his nostrils and he could feel one of his visions coming on again. His chanting was drowned out by the near maniacal laughter of Bayushi Ubane. The laughter filled his mind till he could no longer concentrate, no longer recite his Mantra. With his focus broken, the hallucination (if you could call it that) ended. Tenzin was left with his Juban stuck to his back with cold sweat. Sleep came poorly to Tenzin that night and he would be awoken rather early.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in town, Isawa Kuzume tended to the wounds of his new found friends. The four had found rooms in the overcrowded Hitori Inn. Talk on the way back from the Temple had been about how there would be a Trial for the captured Scorpions. It would be held at The White Temple; a chance to confess their plot against Hida Koun. Everyone seemed to be in agreement about the probable innocence of the strange and violent Bayushi Tenzin. The group was despondent and weak with fatigue as Isawa tried to bind their injuries. Yasuki's wounds were too deep and Isawa too drained from the day's excursion, and by the time he tried to bind her wounds, it seemed little could be done. There was no risk of her bleeding out or dying, but there was little chance the salves Kuzume applied would do any good. Togashi Ishi's wounds were also hard to bind, but the tall Monk seemed to pay little mind to the flap of skin that seemed to hang loosely over his flayed chest.

While the others were preparing their cots, the Dragon Monk went downstairs to where a small eating area had been set up. Several rough looking Bushi from the Lion and Crane clans huddled in isolated cliques, drinking sake or tea. Togashi had hoped to do a little bit of investigation into the origins of the bandits, but the others seemed uninterested in sharing their thoughts with him. Giving up after about an hour or so of ham handedly trying to involve himself in the conversations of others, Ishi gave up and returned to the room upstairs where Isawa, Kitsuki and he shared the floor. Yasuki Oichiba was asleep on the room next door.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the morning, the four arose early and made their way back to the White Temple. The wind was biting cold, the sign of Fall giving up to the brutal strength of Winter. A small stage had been erected upon which sat the mighty Hida Koun. On his left was the head of the Temple the white haired monk Chono. On his right was a Crab Bushi with long black hair, holding a long and wicked Ono. The man, Hiruma Rikiya seemed to be grinning with a sort of self satisfaction.

The five Scorpion captives, including Tenzin were bound and forced into kneeling in front of the dais. As is Rokugani custom the trial was not so much a chance for the Scorpion to defend their innocence, but more a chance to save face by confessing, before enough evidence was lobbied against them that they be punished for their crime. Speaking for his Champion, Hiruma Rikiya stepped forward, listing the crimes the Scorpion had committed against the Crab by defiling the funeral with their attempted assassination of Koun.

A guard prodded Tenzin forward first, and the masked Bushi was asked to profess his guilt.


Tenzin will get a chance to speak and roll for Sincerity/Awareness with bonuses for a convincing speech and a TN of 40. Following this, Kitsuki Hideki will have a chance to chime in... as the group Courtier, he will have the chance to rescue Tenzin. A Courtier or Sincerity roll will do with a TN 30. Failure by both players will not kill Tenzin, but will make things harder for the group in their ensuing quest.

[Maugan Ra]

In the morning, the four arose early and made their way back to the White Temple. The wind was biting cold, the sign of Fall giving up to the brutal strength of Winter. A small stage had been erected upon which sat the mighty Hida Koun. On his left was the head of the Temple the white haired monk Chono. On his right was a Crab Bushi with long black hair, holding a long and wicked Ono. The man, Hiruma Rikiya seemed to be grinning with a sort of self satisfaction.

The five Scorpion captives, including Tenzin were bound and forced into kneeling in front of the dais. As is Rokugani custom the trial was not so much a chance for the Scorpion to defend their innocence, but more a chance to save face by confessing, before enough evidence was lobbied against them that they be punished for their crime. Speaking for his Champion, Hiruma Rikiya stepped forward, listing the crimes the Scorpion had committed against the Crab by defiling the funeral with their attempted assassination of Koun.

A guard prodded Tenzin forward first, and the masked Bushi was asked to profess his guilt.


"I will do not such thing." Tenzin responds evenly, keeping his attention on Hida Koun rather than the man who spoke for him. "This was not my work. It was not the work of my Clan."

His eyes are calm and steady, as though he was merely discussing a point of philosophy over evening tea, rather than kneeling bound before his potential executioner. "For my person, when the funeral was attacked I draw steel in it's defense. Three bandits died by my hand, and I drew blood from two more before they were slain by Yasuki Ochiba. Believe my deeds if not my words, and know that I stood as ally to you in this fight, not enemy."

He pauses for a moment to let that sink in. "As for my Clan... this was not us. You do not trust us, and this is sensible, but do not insult us. An attack by Ninja in the light of day, in the presence of Samurai from every Clan in the Empire? To attempt assassination by such methods would require such utter stupidity I struggle to comprehend it." He says dryly. "Did they perhaps stitch our Mon into their robes and scream 'Bayushi' as they died? For that is perhaps the one way to implicate us further, and we are not so incompetent. Someone seeks to manipulate this scenario to their own ends, and I would expect the Crab to have minds enough to see that, rather than allowing themselves to be wielded by another."

So, time for a roll. So glad I invested in Sincerity... spending a Void Point as well, to add +2k2 to this due to the patronage of Bayushi.

Roll is 8k4: [roll0]
Explosions: [roll1]

[Dragonus45]

As Tenzin returns to his seat Hideki stands and respectfully bows to the stage."If I may speak on behalf of the accused man Bayushi Tenzin" Stepping forward he turns and motions to Tenzin, "I was personally at his side when the attack began and he reacted in total surprise and fought valiantly, I have no doubt that without his assistance my wife, myself, and my kinsman Togashi Ishi, alongside Isawa Kuzume could very well have perished. While I have no knowledge of the ultimate guilt or innocence of the Scorpion as a whole I honestly believe that it would fit them best to not inform many of the Samurai attending of such a plot even if they were the guilty party. Also I must Echo the concerns of Bayushi Tenzin. I do fear that there is an overal lack of evidence of the involvement of the Scorpion here. He is correct that anyone could dress in black clothing and claim to be a ninja. Perhaps it would suit both Honor and Justice to delay things and give more time to investigate before ending the life of a honorable samurai."


[roll0] keeping 4 +....29 FUUUUUUUU
[roll1] Explosions