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Volume 2, Chapter 1 - Day 1, The Test of the Badger.

Posted by Kaze no KageFor group 0
Kaze no Kage
GM, 1382 posts
Wed 7 Oct 2015
at 03:12
  • msg #1

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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)

Kedo
player, 633 posts
Would you stand
upon the mountain?
Wed 7 Oct 2015
at 03:51
  • msg #2

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger


 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.
Kitsune Daichi
player, 8 posts
Wed 7 Oct 2015
at 14:38
  • msg #3

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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).


Kitsune Shoji
player, 51 posts
Wed 7 Oct 2015
at 14:44
  • msg #4

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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).

Bayushi Kenshin
player, 347 posts
Scorpion Junshin
Kakita Bushi Academy
Wed 7 Oct 2015
at 15:37
  • msg #5

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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".
Daidoji Sakura
player, 686 posts
Crane Clan Shugenja
Beautiful and Seductive
Wed 7 Oct 2015
at 15:45
  • msg #6

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

[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.
Asahina Byako
player, 79 posts
Crane diplomat
Wed 7 Oct 2015
at 16:52
  • msg #7

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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
player, 129 posts
Seppun Miharu/Magistrate
Emerald Magistrate
Thu 15 Oct 2015
at 08:45
  • msg #8

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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).
Kaze no Kage
GM, 1385 posts
Thu 22 Oct 2015
at 05:13
  • msg #9

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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.
Kedo
player, 634 posts
Would you stand
upon the mountain?
Thu 22 Oct 2015
at 05:28
  • msg #10

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger


 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.
Kitsune Daichi
player, 9 posts
Duty.
Family.
Thu 22 Oct 2015
at 05:51
  • msg #11

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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.
Bayushi Kenshin
player, 348 posts
Scorpion Junshin
Kakita Bushi Academy
Mon 26 Oct 2015
at 03:06
  • msg #12

Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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. ]
Otomo Hajime
player, 130 posts
Seppun Miharu/Magistrate
Emerald Magistrate
Mon 26 Oct 2015
at 04:29
  • msg #13

Re: Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

Kaze no Kage:
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."

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.
Kitsune Daichi
player, 10 posts
Duty.
Family.
Mon 26 Oct 2015
at 21:14
  • msg #14

Re: Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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.
Bayushi Kenshin
player, 349 posts
Scorpion Junshin
Kakita Bushi Academy
Tue 27 Oct 2015
at 01:52
  • msg #15

Re: Volume 2, Chapter 1 - The Test of the Badger

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.
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