The morning of the first day of tests dawned, and the crowds had gathered around the ring for the Test of the Badger.  It was a wide ring, broad enough for all the competitors to circle around (and give enough of a birth for Daichi's bear).  There were platform seats for an audience (of which there were many) placed around the space for the competitors.

The first rounds eliminated all but the most talented of the competitors...

OOC:  competitors, please roll strength/jujutsu (wrestling) TN 20 to see if you make it past the first rounds

also, everyone (both competitors and non-competitors) please roll perception/investigation (notice)

 By the first day of the tournament, Kedo has found himself a quiet corner in which to curl up and rest of an evening and seems much refreshed thereby, although those who knew him in Toshi Ranbo may well consider him to be a harder, gaunter version of himself than he ever was before a thousand miles or so of the road ate away at his flesh, leaving him a gaunt and harrowing figure whose form is made all the more exotic by the traceries of vivid tattooing which trail back and forth across him interspersed with fine scars - intricate and swirling and seemingly detailed beyond mortal skill they trail over the torso and all four limbs in a snaking expanse of dragons and samurai, coils of the former surrounding lessons from the Tao, the teachings of Shinsei... there, the scorpion and the frog crossing the river, here an armoured figure and a wise old man with the stars in his eyes surrounded by food in a forest whilst the birds and the beasts watch on... One could, were they so inclined use Kedo as quite a respectable teaching aid...

 ...although probably not while he's doing that to a burly Crab gentleman half again his size who made the mistake of trying to go for a quick pin. That'll stunt his growth.

 ---

23:43, Today: Kedo rolled 31 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,9,8,7,3,7.  Strength/Jiujutsu.

23:44, Today: Kedo rolled 22 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,1,4,7,7,2.  Perception/Investigation.

The fortunes shined on Daichi, being offered the chance to wrestle immediately after the bout featuring the ronin Kedo.  Being able to escape from the public mind was a relief to the man, he found himself growing increasingly uncomfortable drawing the gaze of samurai, not due to notoriety but simply due to the man's size.  Though he was undoubtedly strong, his large frame masked the fact.  Without a frame of reference Daichi's body resembled something of a wiry teenager - the expectation that someday he would fill in.

Daichi's ear was caught by the introduction of Kedo, now being able - like the others in attendance - to connect the face to the name that dominated so many stories told during the previous night.  Everyone in the Hida camp seemed to have a version of a story relayed by a certain Ikoma.  Daichi, for his part, had begun to wonder if the man was simply legend.  Watching him demolish the larger Crab bushi did nothing to diminish the man's fame.

Moving quickly, looking to take advantage of the murmuring distraction of the crowd, Daichi took his spot and stared across the ring at his opponent, rushing the ritual of water and rice eager to finish quickly.  For his part, the Unicorn engaged courageously, skill-lessly charging the Hida trained Kitsune.  Daichi barely moved, grabbing his opponent and leveraging his momentum to fling him out of the ring.

After a hasty bow, he took leave to return to sit at his ring side seat.

Investigation: 29 (somehow...)
Jiujutsu/Sumae: 41

07:56, Today: Kitsune Daichi rolled 29 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+2)22,7.  Per/Inv.

07:55, Today: Kitsune Daichi rolled 41 using 10d10+6, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,6,1,9,9,4,9,2,7,2.  Str/Jiujutsu (Sumae).

Shoji watched, pleased, as his brother and yojimbo made quick work of the man picked to face him in the ring.  His pleasure didn't spring from the fact that Daichi was representing Shoji well in the contest, but that for a brief moment, his brother seemed to enjoy himself.

Investigation(notice): 21
07:57, Today: Kitsune Shoji rolled 21 using 4d10+1, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 2,9,9,2.  Per/Inv (notice).

He should have lost.

It was a gigantic Matsu, quite happy to show the Golden Mask of Honor what it meant to go up against a Lion. The bout was tough, going back and forth against a much more skilled opponent. Somehow, whether it be from some mysterious force or just plain willpower, the Scorpion had come out on top. The Matsu was angry (what would one expect?), but honorable and gave his congratulations.

"It was my honor to spar with a skilled opponent."

For Kenshin to find his place in the Emerald Legions, his true goal in all of this, he didn't have to win -- he just had to "do well".

[Per/Inv: Sakura: 32; Kasumi: 27]

Kasumi was a little miffed that big-sis wouldn't let her enter the competition, but that wasn't the reason that she wasn't quite all-there. The Kami were buzzing, and unlike "real" humans, she was having trouble ignoring them.

OOC: 09:51, Today: Asahina Byako rolled 9 using 5d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls, rerolling max of 5 & 4 ((2,5,4,1,4)).

Byako was duly distracted by what she had learned of the poor giant Kitsune's tragic past.

Otomo Hajime bore the minor ignominy of failing to progress beyond the initial round of the Test of the Badger with quiet calm and dignified grace.  Hajime had many skills but clearly barehanded combat was not a particular specialty of the Emerald Magistrate.  Perhaps if Hajime had chosen a more conventional path of a Seppun Miharu, he would have more strongly favored a well rounded approach to martial skills but instead he had taken a different path in pursuit of excellence and worthy service to the Emperor.

Hajime bowed respectfully to his opponent, accepting defeat in this event with stoic resignation knowing that there was a difference between competition and actual combat where one was allowed to devote all of one's finely honed (and lethal) techniques into achieving victory at any cost.  On the positive side, his early exit from the event allowed Hajime a greater opportunity to observe the tournament (both competitors as well as spectators).

There was no shame in losing to a ronin of such size that he might have been a Crab or a Badger. Of the competitors, only Kitsune Daichi's bear was larger.

"I am H... Yuudai," the ronin bowed to Otomo Hajime, "and I have little doubt that I will suffer defeat at your hands later in this competition."



The final rounds were announced, pitting the Ronin Kedo against the Ronin Yuudai and Bayushi Kenshin against Kitsune Daichi.

OOC:  these are contested rolls against your opponent.  If the difference is less than 10, the match is too close to call and another round needs to be rolled. After three inconclusive rounds, the winner is the one who got the highest over all score.

"I have heard many things about the Ronin Kedo," Yuudai bowed as he entered the ring, "among them, an interest in the way of steel."



22:12, Today: Kaze no Kage, for the NPC Yuudai, rolled 42 using 9d10+5, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max of 4, 4, 4, 6 & 7 ((7,4,8,4,(10+1)11,6,9,9,4)).
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:41, Sat 31 Oct 2015.

 Likewise, Kedo's bow is a deep and respectful one and as the fight begins and he moves in to begin experimentally testing his opponent with short, graceful blows he too engages in conversation, patently delighted to have the chance to do so "The majority of these things are likely to be overstated, it has been my fortune - although good or ill cannot quite be assessed - to travel of late with a peerless storyteller much given to her art." he opens with, as his initial strikes are parried or deflected - save of course for the one that's gripped with exquisite technique and used to pitch Kedi over the others shoulder and onto the ground where he breaks the grip and rolls to his feet fluidly.

 "Upon steel." he goes on, turning and venturing a reasonably successful kick that slaps into the others thigh, taking a knife-hand to the knee in the process that causes him to limp as they continue trading blows, "The rumours are more accurate. I have had the honour to learn at the feet of some few fine Crane smiths, to read the words of the Crab and perhaps..." - a lunge, punch, kick combination sees him fall back with a ringing head and a bruised arm but at the cost of Yuudai nursing his ribs - "...have been permitted to touch the sleeve of steel as she passed. It is something you too have sought?"

 The fight is decided a few moments later when an under-committed block by Kedo is turned into an arm lock, generating a delighted laugh and a raised hand in submission that's soon turned into a respectful bow, "Most skillfully won, I fear I have spread my learning too thin to provide you a fair match, Yuundai-san."

 ---

 01:17, Today: Kedo rolled 29 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(10+3)13,3,1,6,7.  Jiujutsu.

Sitting silently near the edge of the ring, Daichi watched intently.  A silent look of relief was cast toward his brother when the matches were announced.  Though twice Kedo's size, Daichi wanted nothing to do with the man.  Whatever he was, Daichi would rather - if he was lucky enough to advance - deal with the the ronin even larger than himself, though apparently far less accomplished.

It was with no minor surprise that Daichi saw Kedo submit.

Daichi stood and awaited the departure of the two competitors before entering the ring.  His hand dipped into a small bag at his side.  After withdrawing a handful of white crystal from the bag, he scattered it about the ring.  Confident in the purifying affect of salt, the Kitsune bowed to his opponent - his brother's sensai?-, stomped his feet, and waited.

It wasn't combat of the life and death, but the lessons of his teachers were just as applicable.  The Mountain Shall Not Move.

---

I don't think we were using anything school related, right?  If we were, Daichi would get the Earth bonus (+4).  Not that I expect it will matter much.
Jiujutsu: 70
23:46, Today: Kitsune Daichi rolled 70 using 10d10+11, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(10+8)18,5,7,1,7,(10+9)19,5,8,5.  Str+Jiujutsu(Sumae)+FR + Void... 'cause why not. 11k5+11=10k5+11.

Like past contests, Kenshin handed his blades to his wife before entering the ring. He bowed to his opponent, and looked thoughtfully. In Iaijutsu, this would be the part where he would honorably concede the contest -- but such was not part of Sumai. The Mask of Honor did his best, but in the end the superior skill of Diachi won the day.

Handily.

No matter. Getting to the Semi-Finals was better than he expected. But, more important to him, he would look good before the Imperial representative just by getting this far. And maybe -- just maybe -- it would get him one step closer to that appointment to the Imperial Legions.

[OOC: 17. ]

Hajime bowed towards the ronin victor (perhaps slightly lower than usually due for a ronin to reflect that Hajime respected the prowess of the victor whether he was ronin or not).  Hajime replied in a polite tone, "You are a formidable opponent Yuudai-san and I have no doubt that many shall suffer defeat at your hands during this competition.  However, win or lose, every match is a potential source for enlightenment if one is willing to learn more about the strengths & weaknesses of not only one's opponent but one's self as well.

And besides, if you go on to win the Test of the Badger Yuudai-san, then who can blame me for my first round loss since it will have been to the Sumae Champion of the Tournament, yes?"

Hajime made not outward sign of noticing Yuudai catching himself before giving a family name... a family name beginning with "H".  Perhaps Yuudai had recently begun a Musha Shugyo and had not quite gotten used to forgoing his family name.  Alternatively, perhaps Yuudai had only recently been made a Ronin and similar had not yet fully accepted the loss of his former family name.  It was an interesting observation in either case, though clearly the former circumstance was far less regrettable compared to the latter possibility.  In either case, Hajime hoped he might have spurred the Ronin on to claim victory as there was certainly no shame in losing to a Champion.

Likely, it wasn't the outcome that the Ichiro Daimyo would have preffered.  Given the option of an Otomo, a Bayushi and others in the competition it had to seem as something of a let down to have the final match be settled between a ronin and a Kitsune.  It wasn't, however, in Daichi's build to be apologetic or diplomatic.

It was, then, with an unexpected gentleness for his size that the Fox giant shoved the last Great Clan participant from the circle.

He offered a bow to both the judge and then his opponent, waiting in the ring for further instruction.

Kenshin bowed to his opponent and left the ring. Once out, he retrieved his blades from his loving wife and watched what was going to be the final match.

Sakura, and therefore Kasumi, decided that now was the perfect time to walk around. They were keeping their eyes on the Mantis, but while polite they weren't particularly keeping it hidden. Their other target of observation, however -- certain Crane -- that they were keeping hidden.

It was a Daidoji duty to spy on the Crane -- but that didn't mean that their targets approved.

Something taught early to Shoji was that one shouldn't attempt to push an animal's limits for no apparent reason.  It was something just short of a miracle that Shoji's bear had lasted this long in the bout.  The last thing that Shoji wanted at the end of the match would be some sort of scene - like the bear deciding that someone's wakizashi needed chewing, or rolling over to get its belly rubbed.

"Come," he commanded and the bear followed willingly, lumbering slowly behind the Fox.  Shoji himself appreciated an excuse to stretch his legs... and see if he could see who was sitting amongst the Crane.

Most skillfully won, I fear I have spread my learning too thin to provide you a fair match, Yuundai-san."

"Then it is most likely you, and not I who will stand on the final podium, Kedo-san," the Ronin Yuudai bowed, "I would have dearly loved to have observed your work for the Test of the Boar. Perhaps someday..."

But time waits for no man, and the space needs must be cleared for the next match.


A hush falls over the crowd as the final bout between the Ronin Yuudai and Kitsune Daichi opens. Yuudai, showing the initiative in this bout as he has in others against similarly sized opponents, lunged first for the Fox.

14:48, Today: Kaze no Kage, for the NPC Yuudai, rolled 42 using 9d10+5, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,4,(10+9)19,1,1,1,3,9.  Jujutsu.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:13, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

 "It is unlikely Yuudai-san, this is a chance after all for the Minor Clans to host the Greater. My purpose here is merely to see, not to be seen." Kedo answers as he works to rotate his arm back into something resembling ease of movement, then brightening as he comments - while clearing the space - "If it is the case that you have an interest in matters of steel I should delighted to speak of it with you later. There is every chance that each of us may gain by doing so... Good fortune in your match!"

 And with that, he retreats to watch with every evidence of genuine delight.

Diachi re-enters the ring, unphased by the status of the crowd - Imperials and Crane seeming to take an interest.  For a Hida, or a Hida trained Fox, the ceremony is simply show, far from the pressures of daily life.  No one in the crowd intends to kill Daichi... at least that he's aware.

He follows the same ritual as he enters - salt, water, and a few purposeful stomps.  Hide who had trained him told him that these were to call the kami of the earth into him, rooting him to the ring.  If the spiritual purpose was real he wasn't sure, but the ritual reminded him of his training.  It was said that Hida was able to wrestle Oni to the ground and rip them apart with his hands and his teeth - something every Hida was taught.  Perhaps it wasn't a story, but a reminder that every warrior should be prepared to do as the Kami did.

The large ronin lunged, looking intent on using his size as a weapon.  Perhaps it was something he was used to getting away with against a smaller opponent.

Juijutsu(Sumai): 69
21:51, Today: Kitsune Daichi rolled 69 using 10d10+11, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5,(10+10+9)29,8,5,2,1,1,8,8.  Str/Jiujutsu(Sumai)+FR+Vd.

Choosing to engage the ronin Yuudai head-on, Daichi counted himself lucky that he had experience with larger foes.  With an agility belying his size, the Kitsune got low and was able to not only halt the charging ronin, but with indefatigable trunk-like legs to drive Yuudai backwards.

Managing to traverse the outskirts of the ring between bouts, Kitsune Shoji finds himself next to Doji Iwao just in time to watch his brother and yojimbo engage the ronin.

"A sight to behold, those two," he comments idly trying to make small talk.  Shoji was well aware of his position with this particular Doji, and it was awkward to say the least.

"I wasn't aware that you were going to be in attendance.  I would have come to greet you earlier."

"Then you should have been more observant," Doji Iwao sneered. Doji Naomi however gave her betrothed the slightest of nods before returning her attention to the match.

It was a match of titans, but the Ronin Yuudai was at a disadvantage. He was large and had clearly trained against opponents his equal in size, but none had faced the ferocity of a bear. Kitsune Daichi met his force, matched it, and surpassed it, as he drove the ronin ever closer to the edge. In the end, it was clear who the superior competitor was.

"Kitsune Daichi!" the judges declared, though the result had been obvious.

Scores!
Kitsune Daichi/Shoji 5 points
Yuudai (NPC) 3 points
Bayushi Kenshin 1 point
Kedo 1 point

OOC: Oops, thought I had posted.

Obvious, perhaps, but the match still needed to be fought, just as etiquette still needs to be followed.

Daichi offered a final bow to the ronin.  It wasn't a show of respect from a Minor Clan member to the ronin, but rather a demur recognition of a competitor after a well fought competition.  That the ronin had barely forced Daichi to break a sweat didn't matter, spirit and will counted.

Match and the round of competition complete, the Kitsune pulled to the side of the ring to gather his things.  It wasn't difficult for him to find his charge and his brother, the presence of the bear made it almost impossible to miss him.  The tall Kitsune shook his head, though.  Shoji found himself surrounded by creatures that could be more challenging than any wild animal - the Doji.

The lack of a warm greeting didn't surprise Kitsune Shoji, though he still sighed with resigned disappointment -- a betrayal of the flash of optimistic hope that he had allowed.  If the Doji had felt like focusing their attention on the Kitsune, they might have noticed him shrink, the confidence in his posture melting.

"Of course, Doji-sama.  I should have been more observant."  His eyes cast briefly to Naomi before turning his attention back to Doji Iwao.  "Quite the match.  I didn't expect so much interest, particularly in a match between a Fox and a ronin."

Shoji didn't want to risk the direct question, but he was hoping for some enlightenment.  He highly doubted that the crowd was gathered for his brother - a fact that only served to increase his interest in the ronin.

Kenshin smiled behind his thick mask as he walked over to Daichi and Shoji.

"Congratulations."

His statement was punctuated by a bow -- one that was neither too shallow nor too deep. Undoubtedly many around would wonder what was up -- and what the Scorpion was up to. But those that truly knew him would know this -- genuine Honor was always to be congratulated.

His brother's teacher approached and offered his congratulations.  Daichi reacted somewhat uncomfortably.  While he enjoyed the competition, the match was duty - he was representing his brother in the martial events of the tournament.  Receiving congratulations for doing one's duty wasn't something the Crab trained bushi was accustomed to or comfortable with.  Even so, a smile punctuated Daichi's lips, and he returned the bow.

If words could form on his lips, he would have added a verbal response.

Shoji's attention was drawn from his betrothed and her father to the Scorpion who came to offer his congratulations.  He expected at that moment that his potential father-in-law would seize on the opportunity to highlight the fact that Shoji wasn't competing for himself.

Rather than face the criticism, Shoji tried to deflect.  "Bayushi Kenshin, allow me to introduce Doji Iwao and Doji Naomi.  Bayushi-sama has been kind enough to provide some instruction for me with the katana," he explained.  He worked to stifle a cringe afterward after realizing that he likely just opened himself up for a different round of critique - that most samauri should already know the basics of iaijutsu.

Kenshin bowed and gave the proper "Pleased to meet you"'s, before going into something less formal.

"Yes. It is unusual for a Shugenja to take an interest in Iai, and even more so for them to have some talent at it. It has been a pleasure."

It was also somewhat unusual, though for a shugenja to carry a no-dachi with some skill.  There were some peculiarities about the Kitsune pair.  Some were easily explained - on occasion when training bears, things could go wrong, no-dachis had their advantages against larger animals.  Others were more difficult to explain - Shoji knew few things about iai, but the general rumor was that it required a balanced practitioner.  His brother was far from that.

"I appreciate the compliment."

He glanced back to his betrothed, and then to Kenshin.  "Would you join us for dinner this evening?  Allow me a chance to thank you for your mentorship?"

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo]

"It seems that neither fortune nor skill favored me in this test, Kedo-San," the Ronin Yuudai sighed, disappointed but not surprised by the outcome, "but there will be other tests."

It did not take very long for Kedo's shadow, the estimable Ikoma Hitori, to appear.

"Congratulations to both of you," the Lion Omoidasu bowed, "I am Ikoma Hitori, Yuudai-San, and I would appreciate a moment of your time. You also, Kedo-San--I value your clear sightedness in this venue."

[Doji Iwao (NPC), Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji, Kitsune Daichi, Bayushi Kenshin]

"This is the Tournament of the Emperor's Favored," Doji Naomi replied politely, before her father could produce another sneering response, "it is the Minor Clans who are on display here, and skilled Ronin often find a place among the Clans, both Minor and Great. It would be remiss of us to disdain the display of skill being put on for our benefit, no matter the status of the participants."

"Us? What is this us? I would-" Doji Iwao spluttered.

"I would be most pleased to join you for dinner with your sensei," Doji Naomi interrupted her father, "I had the opportunity to observe his stance some time ago on a visit to Toshi Ranbo. I would be interested to hear of his insights"

 "Skill most assuredly did, for you are by some margin a better master of the open hand than I Yuudai-san, and as for fortune? This test is a chance for the Minor Clans to host the Great, for skill to be shown and seen. It will impress many that you have demonstrated as well as you have - I do not doubt that if you are stalwart there will be a chance to do more. Should no other destiny present, the Mountain always awaits those who seek a place with an open heart." Kedo answers readily, even cheerfully after greeting the other man - once gain doing his bit to put matters in perspective and to reassure those who might be smarting from a loss, only quieting slightly when Hitori appears and receives her due bow, the grey-clad Bushi promptly making formal introduction and adding "I am at your disposal of course Ikoma-san, with all due trepidation.", something of a smile lighting his eyes.

Almost immediately, Shoji regretted inviting himself to dinner with his Doji soon-to-be in laws. The interjection be Iwao made him flinch, the reaction of a dog getting used to being popped on the nose when he got out of line.

That his betrothed stepped in and accepted the offer brought him some peace.  Though he hoped eventually to win his father-in-law's approval, he also wanted to show value to his betrothed.

"Excellent.  Dinner.  Bayushi-sensai and I will be by around dinner time," Shoji confirmed.

Unless anything else called for his attention, Shoji was content to let this brief meeting with the Doji end counting as a positive, and retreat to his camp to await dinner and practice his forms.

Sakura worked her way toward the Doji, while her twin worked her way toward the Kakita. They both kept unobtrusive, though "unobtrusive" was a little difficult in these circumstances. Still, they both piqued their interest, so for the first time ever they separated.

For a little while, anyway ...

"I hope you don't mind if my wife attends as well" Kenshin interjected with a bow. "I would hate to leave her alone on an evening like this ..."

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo]

”Alas, it is to another mountain that I must return when this Tournament is complete,” Yuudai sighed regretfully, ”though I treasure the thought in the spirit that it was offered.”

“Of course, Ikoma-san, though what insight I could offer is likely to be limited.

”You will be far more help than you realize, Yuudai-san,” Ikoma Hitori grinned, ”I came to Toshi Ranbo on the trail of a ronin by the name Tsutomu with a tale of mystery and betrayal solved by a Kitsuki Investigator and his Mirumoto Yojimbo. Along the way, I met Kedo, here, with his own tale of intrigue and heroism--he inspired me to seek out the stories of other ronin. And here you are, the mysterious unknown ronin who has taken the early lead in the Tournament of the Emperor’s Favored.”

”Is she always like this?”

[Doji Iwao NPC), Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji, Kitsune Daichi, Bayushi Kenshin, Asahina Byako (?), Daidoji Sakura]

”Of course, you may bring your wife, Bayushi-san,” Doji Naomi agreed, ”Shoji-san, may I speak to you, privately?”


[Kakita Nakamura (NPC), Kakita Yaimoko (NPC), Daidoji Kasumi]

"I don't like this," Kakita Yaimoko hissed.

"You don't have to like it," Kakita Nakamura replied, "just do your duty--or do you want a ronin dishonoring the Kakita name."

"He's no more a ronin than I am, and you know it."

[Doji Iwao NPC), Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji, Kitsune Daichi, Bayushi Kenshin, Asahina Byako (?), Daidoji Sakura]

"Of course, Naomi-san.  Would you like to take a walk?" Shoji agreed.  His eyes remained locked on her, unwilling to meet what he knew would likely be a stabbing glare from her father.  Trading a walk with someone who at best seemed to treat him with indifference seemed preferable toward standing around in conversation with a man who seemed to object to his very existence.

OOC: I don't think I am with any of the groups, honestly. Byako didn't see anything of interest beyond the ongoing matches and was preoccupied in thought.

Byako begins looking around for anyone who seems likely to know about several things she still needs to learn more about; she can go a ways with common sense, but having a teacher always made things easier. She thought to herself for a bit about who would be likely to know about such things as divination and theology. Ah, a Dragon, especially a monk, would be likely to be versed in such topics. As for Sadane, she had witnessed it plenty, even if she had no particular taste for it. So, in search of a Dragon it is. Supposedly that Kedo fellow was a Dragon on musha shugyo, not that you were ever allowed to ask such things, but perhaps he could help.

Now with a particular target in mind, Byako begins looking around for either Kedo, Ikoma Hitori, who had attached herself at the hip to him, or anyone wearing the Dragon colors. It does not take long to notice a giant mountain of a ronin talking to a merely large ronin and a tiny Lion. Byako heads their way:

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, now Asahina Byako]
Byako bows as she approaches to conversational distance. "A mighty showing by you both! Very exciting!" Byako smiles a 'asking a favor of you' type of smile. "Kedo-san, I have a question for you. Of a less probing variety than Hitori-san seems to prefer, so, please, don't run away!" Byako titters a short, but merry giggle.

Kasumi stayed silent, hovering around out of reach and out of awareness. It was something that had taken her some getting used to, now that she was "out of the shadows", but it turned out it was something she was good at. Sakura, meanwhile, continued what she was doing ...

Kenshin took a moment to observe, awaiting. Just ... waiting.

[OOC: Taking a moment to "read" the situation. Awr/Courtier 30.]

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo... And now featuring Asahina Byako!]

 Kedo merely inclines his head in a gesture more inclusive than a mere nod, managing to convey both approval and regret in the motion as the rather more... effusive... Lion at his side launches into her own response, although the slender thread of deviltry that has seized him since his weeks-past meeting in a garden with a young woman who has the stars in her hair does rather compel him to answer "Not at all Yuudai-san, upon occasion the honoured Ikoma is given to both enthusiasm and whimsy."

 So, reassuring then.

 Of course, Byako's arrival earns the worthy Asahina a somewhat deeper bow than the one offered (Ronin grey must of course, cede social precedence to Clan blue) but there's no sign of censure or offence as he rises and simply tilts his head a touch to one side, remarking in answer "I have had nothing but hospitality and the chance to touch the sleeve of steel from the Crane in the past, certainly if there is something I might do to redress the balance I can only ask to know what it might be."

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, Asahina Byako]

"I'm sure that the courtiers who keep score of such things would be terribly aggrieved that I am doing anything that would relieve any sort of perceived debt you, or they, feel that you owe the Crane clan. But, I am not of that mind. Oh well, I guess they will assume that I take on any debt they think I've relieved you of.
At any rate, what I wanted to ask is: do you know of anyone who would be willing to teach a complete novice, specifically myself, the basics of theology and divination?"

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, Asahina Byako]

 "I do not imagine that the simple sharing of what poor insight I possess would be counted so highly either by myself or by the Crane." replies Kedo softly, almost as if he hadn't been the  architect of an alarming number of bone-deep shocks to the quiet Crane city - not least of which featured his help in shattering a Lion Siege. The question when addressed to him causes him to pause however, patently it was not what he was expecting although he's ready enough to answer that "I know a little of divination, although it is truly the art of the Shugenja. My knowledge of theology is perhaps slightly greater, and I shall gladly share what I know but it is at the feet of a monk I would recommend that you sit should you wish true insight."

"Ah, yes, this being the tournament of the minor clans, perhaps there is a Dragonfly about that could be convinced the share a modicum of their knowledge about divination with me. As for a monk, have you seen any around? They seem to be a bit on short supply. Since you know a bit, would you be willing to give me a primer? I want to at least understand some of the vocabulary used by my opponents while they teach me the path to enlightenment."

 "It would seem likely, although I do not know how much can be imparted in a few short words of what must generally be demonstrated by experience..." Kedo answers uncertainly - a rare state of events for him to enter although one he's been becoming more familiar with of late, which is probably to the good all things being considered - "...For serious study, it is best to take oneself away from the familiar and the notionally important."

 So far, so thoroughly orthodox although his answer to being 'taught the path to enlightenment' would be considered a thoroughgoing heresy in many places, revolving as it does around the rueful but reverent admission that "Enlightenment is not a destination to be reached or a path that can be taught, it is something that can only be discovered by living it... And even had I the secret in the palm of my hand, it would not help in the debate since theology covers more than the words of Shinsei - you may find yourself debating the proper means by which a field should be blessed or a roadside shrine venerated, depending upon the knowledge and interests of your opponent and the nature of the question asked."

 He seems to think for a moment, addressing the most practical question in the most practical fashion - and without showing too much of the way smile forming in his heart as he comments "As it should happen I do believe that I might have a notion as to where one or more might be found. Have you explored the encampment of the Dragon yet?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Mon 18 Jan 2016.

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, Asahina Byako]

"You tease, Kedo-san," Ikoma Hitori smiled, "but now is the season of the Ronin. Between the Black Lion's military success culminating in the Second Day of Thunder and the Tournament of the Emperor's Favored, Ronin of every stripe are demanding recognition of their merits in the Empire, but their value will remain unrecognized if thereis no one who will tell their stories."

[Doji Iwao (NPC), Kitsune Daichi, Bayushi Kenshin, Daidoji Sakura]

Doji Iwao fumed as his daughter departed with her fiance, but he fumed in silence.


[Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji]


[Kakita Nakamura (NPC), Kakita Yaimoko (NPC), Daidoji Kasumi]

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, Asahina Byako]

"I have not yet explored the Dragon camp. I will wander there next, and see if the Fortunes deign to smile upon me. In the meantime I will consider what you've said and see if my thoughts can sway towards the ideals that you have established as the basis for the matter of theology."

[Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji]
Shoji briefly closed his eyes, long enough to process Naomi's words, but not long enough to run into a surprised stranger.

"My hopes for a peaceful tournament are dashed, aren't they," Shoji mused.  "Whatever happens with us, I would prefer that it be on our terms, not the machinations of others.  Thank you for the warning.  I saw Nakamura-san talking to your father.  Who is he?"

"Doji-San" Kenshin began, "is there anything special that we must know -- say, something that we can bring?"

He could "fish" as well as any Scorpion; he just used what he caught for different ends.

Sakura decided that now was a good time to cease to be "unobtrusive". She slid in next to Iwao, her position being one of a Daidoji "protecting" the Kakita from the dangerous Scorpion. She bowed appropriately to Iwao, but said nothing preferring him to "break the ice."

[OOC: Sorry for the delay, it took me quite some time to figure something out. Hopefully, this is sufficiently sneaky.]

Kasumi had heard enough.

What she wanted to do was execute them both, but that was simply too ... obvious. No, she would need to be subtle. The Honor of the Crane was at stake -- not to mention Kedo's life. She snuck back a bit, looking to this time make it "obvious" where she was coming from.

She slid in next to the two Kakita, pretending that she hadn't heard anything.

"As you may know" she whispered, "My sister and I are Crane Magistrates. Something has recently come up, a matter of Crane Honor, that we need some help with. Kakita Yaimoko -- I apologize, but I need to draft you for a short while, to assist in a ... sensitive matter."

The delivery, of course, was key: let them be scared at first, and then realize that this was completely unrelated. Yes, that would work ... she hoped.

[OOC: no clue what roll will be required, if any; but she will be spending a void point on it.]

After indicating to her husband's charge that she had no insight as to the origin or story of Yuudai, Ikaji whispered to her husband and the two of them began to move toward Kakita Nakamura and her nephew.  Everyone else had a reason to be here, but those two did not, so far as Ikaji knew.  Anomalies beg questions, and every question needs an answer.

As she neared them she bowed politely, and a hair further than circumstances would require.  "Kakita Nakamura-san!  I did not know that you enjoyed the honorable competition of sumai.  Did you come to see a particular competitor, for enjoyment of the event itself, or as part of enjoying the current peace between the clans?"

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, Asahina Byako]

 "The nightingale may demand recognition of the eagle for the beauty of its song, but that does not make doing so wise." Kedo answers as readily as he is called out upon his teasing, but the natural concession that follows is that "And we would be the poorer without their song."

 Of course, almost immediately he takes the suggestion of the Asahina as a worthwhile one and remarks "Perhaps it would do us well to see what the Mountain Clan have to say - it is not for nothing that they are spoken of as possessing great insight.", smoothly insinuating himself into the expedition (and managing a moderately good job of quashing a strong pang of homesickness for the shade of Dragon-green as he does so).

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, Asahina Byako]

"I have heard as much. Ikoma-san, Yuudai-san, would you care to join us in our quest for knowledge? Or is it for enlightenment? I guess we'll find out!"

[Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Yuudai (NPC), Asahina Byako, Kedo]

"My goals are not so lofty as enlightenment, Asahina-san, though there is wisdom to be found on the Mountain," the ronin Yuudai smiled, "as Akodo said, Way is not my Way. I must admit to some low interest in being the hero of an epic tale though, Ikoma-san," the large man winked, "perhaps Kedo-san can be the self-effacing sidekick."

"Somehow, I expect this tale to have more twists and turns than a simple epic could provide, Yuudai-san," Ikoma Hitori laughed, "and you, Kedo-san, nor Yuudai-san, are not nightingales in the face of eagles. You are morning glories among roses, too clever to be pierced with thorns and bright enough to be seen apart from the blossoms."

[Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji]


[Kakita Nakamura (NPC), Kakita Yaimoko (NPC), Daidoji Kasumi]


[Doji Iwao (NPC), Kitsune Daichi, Bayushi Kenshin, Daidoji Sakura]

"Yourselves, Bayushi-san," Doji Iwao replied, "we are, after all, guests of the Sparrow for the duration of the tournament."

[Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji]

"The last thing I need right now is to be associated with a ronin," Shoji sighed.  His head turned to look across the ring to look for the Ronin in question, "especially one with a following of his own."

"Naomi-chan, What have you heard about the ronin and I?  Should I avoid him?"  Despite his issues with her family, Shoji trusted his fiance as much as anyone, except, perhaps his brother.

[Asahina Byako, Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, Yuudai (NPC)]

 "It would be a pleasant reprieve from budding notoriety... Not to mention the risk of being drawn from amidst the roses and placed in a Kakita maidens bowl." Kedo remarks quietly, his particular choice of words driven by forces deeper than he's currently able to appreciate, for all his insight, "But if it is twists and turns we seek, then the mountain clan knows them better than any other. Shall we depart?"

[Asahina Byako, Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, Yuudai (NPC)]

"Perhaps I'm wrong, but I believe enlightenment may be a journey, not a destination. Perhaps, despite Way not being your way, you may find yourself walking the Way anyhow. Who knows? Maybe I will too? At any rate, my goal, and it is a destination, rather than a journey, is simply to gain enough knowledge of theology to avoid embarrassing myself in the test. I think avoiding embarrassment is probably a worthy goal of anyone who unwisely chooses to enter a test of knowledge of which they have little prior experience."

In response to Kedo, Byako turns and begins to walk towards the Dragon encampment, assuming that everyone will as well. Obviously a woman of (way too) many words, she doesn't let walking interfere with her continued conversation: "As for avoiding blooming into a wildflower that will attract the attention of a maiden, there's always the possibility of simply hunting the mouse instead of the rabbit; it will still be enough to eat, but will not attract others who wish to share."

"Ironic that you were discussing family honor" Sakura said, motioning for Yaimoko to follow. "I'm on a mission of Clan honor."

"Tell me, Kakita-San -- how ... accomplished are you in Iaijutsu?"

[Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Yuudai (NPC), Asahina Byako, Kedo]

Link back to this game

[Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji]

"The ronin Kedo? He's on a Musha Shyugo," Naomi answered, referring to a training quest during which a samurai relinquished their past for the duration of the journey. It was considered disrespectful to refer to that samurai's past under their prior identity.

"But most recently he was employed by the Crane as a yojimbo to Daidoji Sakura. By all accounts, they parted on good terms and he acquitted himself with honor, during the Seige of Toshi Ranbo, better, if rumors are to be believed. You will be competing in many of the same events," she smiled wryly, "I can't imagine avoiding him will be possible."

[Kakita Yaimoko (NPC), Daidoji Kasumi]

Kakita Yaimoko was clearly nervous. Of course, that might have had something to do with the fact that he was being interviewed on a matter of Clan honor by a woman (or her twin, the rumors were never quite clear) widely considered by many to be a problem solver. He just hoped that he hadn’t been identified as a problem.

”I have some small skill,” Yaimoko replied modestly, ”though I am certainly not in the same class as Bayushi Kenshin.” That the Scorpion student of the Kakita style had been in Toshi Ranbo and was well acquainted with the twins was no great secret. ”What is this about?”

[Kakita Nakamura (NPC), Shiba Ikaji]


"The event itself, Shiba-san," Kakita Nakamura bowed politely, "it is, after all, a historic event, one that may not be seen again in our lifetime. A new dynasty, a new era for the Empire, how could we miss it?"

[Kakita Nakamura (NPC), Shiba Ikaji]

"The event itself, Shiba-san," Kakita Nakamura bowed politely, "it is, after all, a historic event, one that may not be seen again in our lifetime. A new dynasty, a new era for the Empire, how could we miss it?"
</quote>

"I'm sorry, Kakita-san, I had missed the indication that the new dynasty will be doing away with the tournament."  Ikaji replied, barely keeping her eyebrows from raising in surprise.  Sincerely curious, she asked "Have you heard this, or are you just commenting on the uncertainty of the era?"

---

15:35, Today: Shiba Ikaji rolled 38 using 9d10, keeping the 5 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4,1,9,4,8,5,9,5.  Courtier/Awareness.
16:21, Today: Shiba Ikaji rolled 28 using 9d10, keeping the 5 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,2,5,3,1,8,6,4.  Awareness/Ettiquette - Sincerity.

"Certainly not! I am sorry that you misunderstood," Kakita Nakamura replied condesendingly, "it has never been seen, in the history of the Empire that the very first of any dynasty has attended the Tournament of the Emperor's Favored. No, this era will be one of prosperity, particularly for the Crane."

[Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji]

"Lovely.  So Nakamura-san is cooking up some sort of plan between myself and, ronin or not, a hero of Toshia Ranbo.  Lovely." Being of a Minor Clan was a difficult enough position in this arrangement, but even more so in terms of being somehow tied to a ronin that might overshadow him.  "I just wish I knew more.  Maybe there would be a way to put myself in a better position.  I don't think my Iaijutsu is going to help," he closed the thought with a self-depricating smile, a reference to the recent and quite public instruction session by Bayushi Kenshin.

He paused, content to put the thought behind him for the moment.

"You look nice," he offered, pointing toward his betrothed's kimono.  "Its the perfect cut and color for you."

He regretted the words almost immediately, hoping she didn't take them as an insult.  It was meant as a compliment, but he worried that telling a Doji that she dresses well puts forth the connotation that it was possible for her not to.

Kasumi shifted a stray lock of hair, her Daidoji tatoo peeking out as she did so. "How much do you want to know?"Her eyes refocused to the distance, making sure there were no "prying ears" as she continued.

"Your part is strictly honorable -- in fact, the more honorable the better. It comes in two parts: second, to enter the Iaijutsu tournament and be a suitable challenge the Ronin Kedo."

"Like I said" she emphasized, "strictly honorable -- you must do your absolute best to defeat him. Whether you do is beside the point."

"The first is likewise simple and honorable: teach me the basics of Iai."

This was something that her Sister would not approve of -- nor was the fact that she was going to enter the tournament herself.

[Besides the obvious, she wants to gain enough familiarity with his movement style to recognize him in the dark. Well, that's the Theory anyway ...]

[Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji]

"Thank you," Naomi turned a very pale shade of pink, conscious of the complement Shoji paid her rather than whatever negative implications it might have had. Whatever else anyone might say of her, she was definitely a person who assumed kindness rather than the opposite.

But then, of course, the problems surrounding their particular situation reasserted themselves in her mind.

"Whatever the plan is, it doesn't seem particularly well considered," Naomi frowned, "nothing about the Ronin Kedo would indicate he's the kind of samurai who is easily manipulated. I know it seems outlandish, but perhaps a direct conversation with him would be the best course."

[Kakita Yaimoko (NPC), Daidoji Kasumi]



"As little as possible," Kakita Yaimoko replied, closing his eyes. It wasn't that Yaimoko wasn't curious--he was definitely intrigued, probably more than was strictly healthy. But he also knew the less he knew, the more easily he could honorably and truthfully claim plausible deniability if it ever came to offering testimony. And there were zero cases in which being called to offer testimony would bode ill for the magistrate before him.

He almost pitied Kakita Nakamura and her machinations. Almost.



With competitors such as Bayushi Kenshin competing, I have some doubt that I will even have the opportunity to face, him, but that seems easily done," he replied. Also, Yaimoko was even more certain that he most definitely did not want to know any more. Any time a Daidoji insisted on someone being strictly honorable it meant that someone was going to get the sharp edge of a blade. He definitely did not want to know who it was going to be.



"Oh, that, that I can do. When would you like to begin?"

[Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji]
"I know it seems outlandish, but perhaps a direct conversation with him would be the best course."

Shoji laughed in response to what he took as kind admonishment.  "Your practicality is admirable, Naomi-san.  I'll seek out this ronin Kedo immediately.  Perhaps we can help each other without respective problems."

With out further ado, Shoji moved to heed Naomi's suggestion.  He gave a deep bow to his betrothed before turning to depart.  The shugenja allowed himself a glance over his shoulder, pleased that despite the familial issues that the woman Shoji was promised to held so much of his respect.

The Kitsune made one stop on his search for the Kedo, a side-trip to gather his brother.  If he and this Kedo were to be challenged by Doji Iwao and Kakita Nakamora, Shoji suspected it would be best if they shared what they knew.  It was only then he started his search for the well-glorified hero of Toshi Ranbo.

"The sooner the better -- I can start immediately."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:27, Mon 24 July 2017.

”There is no time like the present, then,” Kitsuki Yaimoko replied, ”I believe the Sparrow have a space open for people to train.”

Yaimoko led the Crane Shugenja to the Sparrow encampment. The open training area was fairly empty, given that the Test of the Badger has just ended and the Test of the Dragonfly was approaching next. Finding a clear space, the Kakita Bushi drew his sword and extended to the apex of his swinging arc.

”Now, extend your blade just like this and hold it there,” he directed, ”your stance, your draw, your strike, all of these are merely preparation for this.”

Kasumi followed, borrowing a blade along the way (most likely a Bokken, given the sacred nature of the steel blade) for the training. She looked, cocking her head as her teacher showed the final stance. Unsure of the point of the exercise, she nonetheless obeyed and dutifully drew her blade and held it in the prescribed manner (or as close as she could manage, at any rate).

She then looked to Yaimoko, saying nothing.

Nodding in approval of her silence, Kakita Yaimoko reached out and adjusted the angle of her weapon slightly and balanced a stone upon it's flat surface.

"This is the completion of the perfect strike," he noted, "all of your practice, all of your technique, all of your skill is meant to bring about this moment where the stone is balanced on the blade. Observe, but do not let the stone fall."

Picking up another rock from the ground, he examined it for a moment, then flicked it into the air. Smoothly, his body shifted as he took his stance and struck, quick as lightning with only a whisper of steel and the sudden ring of steel and stone.

Balanced on the blade was the pebble he had launched into the air.

"Like the stone, every opponent is different, every situation, unique. But none of it matters, if you focus on this, the perfect strike."

Kasumi watched, quite confused. Was the "perfect strike" not a motion, rather than a position? Of what use was the position if the motion did not hit the opponent? And what use was balancing the Kami of Stone on the Kami of Steel? Granted they were surrounded by the Kami of air ... and Steel was more balanced than the Kami of Stone. Still, that was probably not what he was getting at.

Kasumi watched and waited.

Kakita Yaimoko glanced at Daidoji Kasumi and sighed. His instructor had made it look so easy.

"Look, you're a shugenja. This," he gestured to her stance with the extended blade, "is how the kami answer your prayer. All the rest, the stance, the draw, the strike, that's the prayer and ritual you perform so that the kami answer, like this."

Kasumi nodded. Not that she really understood, but ... well, at least it was something. She paid attention to the kami, both in the sword and around it. She paid attention to the Void Kami, which she suspected were actually quite important in this particular activity.

Kasumi focused on the blade for a moment, and realized just how small a fragment of time this represented -- even to humans. For an infinite being, this was quite a revelation. Still .... no, no more questions. Focus.

That's what Kedo-Kun would do.

OOC: make spellcraft/Void roll

you always send me on the most interesting rule tangents ^_^

[Thanks ... I think. *lol*

Void/Spellcraft 42]

OOC: so how do you feel about creating a new Shugenja technique? ^_^

I'm in! :) And, given this character's back story, it makes perfect sense.

Kasumi focused and saw, in the ebb and flow of the elements through Yaimoko's body, as he performed his technique, a pattern something like she felt in the casting of a spell. Sakura would, perhaps, have told her she was looking at it wrong, that duelists didn't have the insight of shugenja in the flow of the elements and the void to perceive what she saw so naturally. But convention had not yet had the opportunity to take hold of Kasumi's understanding and so what she saw she thought of as natural.

And with some effort, could direct the elemental shift of void within her own body in a similar way.

Having seen the elemental shift herself (something that she never would have imagined possible in her previous life), she then tried to duplicate it. It would take some time, of course, but she would be able to do so ... eventually.

[OOC: Not entirely sure how much XP she has left, but adding a few ranks of Spellcraft might be appropriate at this juncture ...]

OOC: I...don't know how much xp she has left either...oops. But yes, you can spend XP now if you'd like ^_^

[OOC: I believe both Sakura and Kenshin are 'in limbo' at this point.]

Something in Kasumi shifted, as the patterns of the Kami became more obvious. Not 'obvious', per se, but more so. But she suddenly went from "total newbie" to one who had a typical skill level. Which is not to say that she didn't need more practice -- she certainly did at that -- but, still ... novices aren't supposed to pick things up quite that fast.

Kasumi held her stance, focusing on the way the various Kami moved in and about the blade ...

[OOC: Improved Spellcraft to 3. Just one XP shy of improving it to 4.]

OOC: oops...looking back on the thread, both Sakura and Kenshin were in the company of Doji Iwao who just had a public, but not very informative confrontation with his daughter Doji Naomi. Naomi is the betrothed of Kitsune Shoji.

[Doji Iwao (NPC), Bayushi Kenshin, Daidoji Sakura]

”My apologies Bayushi-san, Daidoji-san,” Doji Iwao sighed, ”for my rudeness. Family matters, you understand. Was there something you wished to discuss with me?”

[Kakita Yaimoko (NPC), Daidoji Kasumi]

”Are you certain that you have never studied iai before?” Kakita Yaimoko asked suspiciously, ”perhaps as a child?”

"No" Kasumi said shaking her head. "Not a chance of that. It's just that once I understood how you were communing with the Kami, it became easier to duplicate what you were doing."

Ah, wait ... this particular human may not realize that he's been communing with the Kami all of his life.

"Some humans -- Shugenja -- realize that they commune with the Kami. Others do not realize it, but they commune none-the-less."

"Of course, duplication isn't the same thing as understanding ... that will come in due time."

[I honesty haven't got the faintest clue. I thought she was done with this thread.]

"That was it. My wife and I will see you tonight for dinner" Kenshin said with a bow.

[OOC: That was it, wasn't it?]

[Kakita Yaimoko (NPC), Daidoji Kasumi]

"Well, um, alright then," Yaimoko replied a little nervously. He wasn't the most astute student of the Tao and matters of shugenja were far beyond his ken, "I guess...um...that's it for this lesson."

OOC: did you have anything you wanted to do before the dinner?

[OOC: Nope, I'm good.]

"I assure you, I will be practicing what I learned here for a long time to come."

OOC: is Kasumi going with Sakura and Kenshin or is she going to be doing something different?

Going with.

link to a message in this game

here's your thread

This message was deleted by the player at 01:40, Thu 29 Mar 2018.