After disarming his 'opponent' and otherwise letting the man slumber and rest peacefully, finding no reason to disturb him and no honor nor good to be found in murdering a helpless man, the merchant rises slowly to his feet using the spear as a crutch to get back up.

Taking a few steps from the slumbering soldier and looking to those he had recently met, still engaged in battle and seemingly intent on beheading each and every one of the attackers, he called out as though hoping to end the violence, "Aren't these men from the neutral city?" He hoped that by bringing attention to this that the others might notice the insigia of Toshi Ranbo inscribed upon the armor of the ashigaru.

He couldn't really be sure what it all meant-- he knew that Toshi Ranbo was a tradepost between the Crane the Lion that often found itself in dispute over ruleship. But what would soldiers from there be doing here attacking those the Miya had assigned him to supply?

The deeper the merchant found himself embroiled in Rokugani politics, the more insane and barbaric he was finding himself believing the Rokugani people really were. Yet, he was still making a sizable profit here, as long as he could survive it might all be worth the trouble.

With the left flank now solidly decimated, Kenshin decided that now was the time for the psychological advantage. One good strike -- at the right time and in the right place -- and the assailants might be convinced to withdraw.

With a reckless abandon that would have made a Matsu proud, Kenshin charged the leader with a silent ferocity that would make any Otaku proud.

One quick, pure strike.

The leader would go down -- but Bayushi Kenshin would be open ...

[Bad news is the dice roller hates me now. Good news is I think it worked anyway.

Moving to attack, Full Attack posture. Spending a void and calling two raises. Still at +5TN (net) for wounds. Hit, though barely. 42 damage. I really hope that's enough to drop the guy ...

Kenshin is now TNtbH 5, with two free raises being assigned to anyone who attacks him.

22:06, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 42 using 10d10+10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4,2,7,3,3,5,5,5,2. Damage (10 raises).
22:04, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 52 using 10d10+10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2,7,7,2,6,9,4,8,5. To HIt (using void; two raises).]

[Sakura will stay in full defense and watch Kedo play Ginsu ...]

Bayushi Kenshin's sudden attack on the assassin who injured Moto Gyatso and Kedo's brutal dispatch of the two ambushing attackers in front of him leaves Kakita Ichiro's attacker alone and unable to complete his mission.  Faced with failure and death or simply failure, the lone ambusher attempts to make his escape.

 The edge of Kedo's sword runs up the arm of the second attacker even as the first begins to crumple, the momentary gap that the death creates in the defenses of the second all that's needed for the length of silvered steel to extend, reverse and strike once more - this time with sufficient momentum and speed for the spearman's head to leap from his body.

 Both men hit the ground within a heartbeat of one another as Kedo unconsciously flicks blood from his sword and resumes his defensive stance in front of Sakura, obviously prepared to repeat the terrifying six-tenths-of-a-second-or-so of furious action if another threat materialises.

 Well... at least it's obvious that there's a reason Sakura's been happy to have a Ronin bodyguard so far.

Sayuri began to slowly clap her hands as the fight broke up. "Nicely done. Now can someone tell me just what's going on here?" She kept up her cute little smile, even as her tone of voice drifted a bit higher and much hotter.

Kanisai was curious, much like Sayuri.  This fight seemed strange to him, but he didn't have a clue what was going on.  Confusion.  That seemed to be the order of the day.  As he resheathed his katana, he was almost happy that he had his duty of temporary yojimbo to Sayuri preventing him from bull-rushing into the fray without knowing what was going on.  He stayed quiet, allowing Sayuri to make her inquiry.

Sakura looked around, finally "standing down" from her posture. She had learned to commune with the Kami from an early age, but she had never considered battle as an essential part of that until recently.

Unfortunately she hadn't had a chance to fix that yet.

Sakura looked around, taking in the sights. There was no question in her mind -- these were Harriers that attacked them -- but Sakura would not say so in public. Or, at least, not in so public an area. She looked then looked at Sayuri, an odd look in her eyes. The Daidoji were in grave danger, here and throughout the Empire. Still, one had gotten away. This was, as far as Sakura was concerned, a good thing.

"Yes" she replied, "but not in public."

"And thank you for your assistance."

Sakura considered the sleeping samurai for a long moment.

"Disarm him and bring him with us" she requested of those present. She then turned her attentions to the Monk momentarily before examining the wounded.

"Sotan-San" she said, her voice just a little low, "I believe you had something you wished to tell me?"

[Besides the RP stuff, she'll try to use Path to Inner Peace starting with Gyatso. Only got two though ...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Mon 04 May 2009.

 With the dried blood from his previous life-or-death struggle in the Crane bath-house now augmented by a line of crimson arterial spray across his right side, Kedo presents a rather alarming visage as he flows back into a casual stance alongside Sakura, studiously unthreatening in form and manner.

 Well, if you discount the corpses of two extremely well-trained Bushi lying not far from his feet that is.

 The oncoming group is offered a polite and slightly apologetic nod of the head, as though the obviously Dragon-trained Ronin regrets not being able to abase himself properly before true Clan samurai and is hopeful of their understanding.

 Otherwise, he remains quite silent.

 ---

 Well, Kedo was uninjured in this fight - he just has the 15 untreated wounds he's been wandering around with from the bath house fight earlier today. ^_^

Kenshin flicked the blood off of his Katana then, after wiping it properly, resheathed the sacred blade with all of the formality of a Crane duelist. At the newly arriving Daidoji's question, he bowed to her but kept his silence.

He also had no idea what was going on here, but there were many questions. Why would Daidoji Irregulars be attacking one of their own Shugenja?

Bayushi Kenshin stepped by his charge and waited.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Sun 03 May 2009.

Wiping a notable amount of blood from his mouth Gyatso nodded his gratitude as Sakura appeared beside him. Clearly recognising a prayer he himself had uttered many a time he settled back to the floor in relief, although it was clear that her efforts had done little to recover his wounds.
Then the newcomer started clapping.
Rising from his posture Gyatso just barely stopped himself from actually shouting but the gritted teeth he spoke throughh made his irritation clear to anyone. "You're applauding us. For killing people? What an interesting perspective of death you seem to have. Most other Crane I've met, actually most samurai for that matter, would have viewed this sort of matter as one to be shocked by and avoided. Well, good to hear you enjoyed the performance." Settling back as his wound fountained a fresh surge of blood Gyatso muttered a brief curse and yanked some cloth loose from his belt, binding the wound as best he could.

"Kitsuki Fuji, Kitsuki Ryoma, Mirumoto Yamada, and a servant who they called Akira came to my rooms in some haste and disarray," the tattooed Crane replies to Daidoji Sakura, "they had been injured--presumably by elements of our Clan--and I offered them the hospitality of my rooms.  They came bearing dire news implicating Daidoji Ryu-sama in the death of Doji Kusanagi.  I cannot say whether or not this news is true--but no testimony from a mere servant would stand in the courts of the Crane..."

OOC:  NPCing Doji Sotan to relay important information ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Mon 04 May 2009.

"It is worse than that, Doji-San" Sakura said in a hushed tone, "the testimony of nearly every Crane Samurai in the city must also be dismissed in a court of law."

She pardoned herself for a moment while her song called upon the Kami to aid her Yojimbo. It was not much, but it was the least she could do. Hopefully the other Priests of the Kami would be able to assist as well.

She looked for a moment at her "fellow Daidoji". This was something that would be problematic at best. How much should she say here? How much should she keep for the courts.

And just how much was Daidoji Ryu involved in all of this? That he knew was unquestionable ... but was he tainted, or merely following orders out of loyalty?

"But it is, none-the-less, invaluable information ... just as I have come to expect from the Dragon. It will help me tremendously. Please tell them that they have my gratitude, both for myself and for Lord Kuwanan."

The latter was for the benefit of her "sister Daidoji" more than anything.

"Daidoji-San" Sakura said to the other Shugenja, looking at the sleeping Harrier. "Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I'm afraid, however, that I must request that you accompany us to the Governor's palace where we must make a report. There I hope to be able to tell you what this is all about ..."

Of course, there was still the matter of what to do with the sleeping Harrier ...

[Path to Inner Peace will heal one die of wounds, no less than two wounds. Sorry, it's the best I can do ...

BTW, Bayushi Kenji is an NPC at the moment, ne?]

"If you will excuse me" Kenshin interjected politely, adding a bow, "I am tasked with getting Brother Satoru to a meeting with my Mistress ..."

[He won't leave until he knows that it's okay to do so.]

Sayuri gave a nod and a bright smile, her developing anger vanishing like an air kami. "Indeed I must, for the daimyo has summoned me and I come as he requests. But I am certain I would enjoy all of your company on the way there. Especially yours, Daidoji-san." Her voice was sweet and lilting, and the tone of the last honorific indicated that Sayuri was clearly far more used to addressing people as "chan."

She then smiled over at Kanisai. "Doji-san, could you tie the captive up and carry him for us?"

Ru-Fang seemed to have disappeared into the background, what with no one particularly heeding his words. He took a quick glance back to the sleeping and disarmed man who had tried to keep him at bay earlier before suddenly falling into a strange unnatural slumber with a solemn look on his face.

"Well, maybe my friend here might be able to answer a few questions for us. I really wish we could sit down and talk rather than always resorting to violence..." his tone was clearly distasteful. Whereever he was from, it was clear that he was used to things being dealt with economically-- cutting a deal, making a comprimise and sealing with a handshake. Matters of dispute ought to be handled by what's most fair under the law and best for the society-- not who swings a sword the fastest, "What is it with the people of this land always chopping each other apart at first opportunity?" he grumbles scornfully. Something about the courtyard being covered in blood, the dead bodies litering the ground, the spirits of the men cut down in battle hovering in the air... no doubt invisibly glaring daggers and tossing curses as those who had cut their young lives so short... whether his accompanied party was in the right or wrong, this seemed like a tragic waste of life.

"Then again, perhaps we'd best move in case those archers have not be dissuaded," oh, yes, he hadn't forgotten about the first volley of the attack upon them. He'd hoped that the archers would not be fool-hardy enough to begin launching arrows into such a place-- but those who were not involved in the dispute were quickly clearing out which meant the chance of striking a non-target may have dropped enough for the archers to take a chance.

"Yes" Sakura replied, politely ignoring Lin Ru-Fang's outburst, "it would be ... prudent for us to proceed to the Governor as quickly as possible."

There was but one question on her mind -- was Daidoji Ryu a "loyal lackey", or an "evil mastermind"?

"We have plenty of information now -- "evidence" I believe the Dragon call it -- but no admissible testimony."

She then looked at the sleeping Harrier once again.

"See to it that he is properly shackled*" she finally announced, "then waken him. We will bring him with us to the Governor's court."

She waited only long enough for her commands to be carried out before moving out.

[* - or tied up.]

With that Kenshin bowed to the Crane Magistrate and, assuming that this was a dismissal, turned to leave. He had his duties, after all. But there was one more thing. He bowed to Ichiro.

"Sempai"

[Assuming Satoru is agreeable, they'll head directly to the Scorpion embassy ... or whatever it's called.]

 Well roll the blasted die then Sakura. Oh, and your TN is -5 if you like. ^_^

 ---

 With things taking something of a diplomatic rather than a martial, philosophical, religious, tactical or crafting course Kedo remains quietly impassive, accepting the short prayer from his ward in a stoic but nonetheless grateful fashion as he voluntarily reaches into that place where his connection to the elements is felt most strongly and eases the course of the enchantment, just as he was taught as a young man.

 That done he stoops slightly to respectfully wipe the edge of his swords on the nearest piece of unstained cloth and sheathes them by turns, relaxing as he rises until only the ghastly patterning of fresh and dried gore across his leanly muscular frame gives any evidence of his having killed more men in this one day than in his entire life to this point.

 Later, when there is time he will no doubt be visiting a shrine - but for the moment, there is duty to be performed, until such time as he can hand Sakura back to her family once more.

[*Groans* I rolled a one ... which means you get 2 wounds back. Unless I get a free raise or something from Kedo ...]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Wed 06 May 2009.

Kainisai nodded to Sayuri.  This was now something of interest, escorting a prisoner...  Finding some rope in the area, he tied the Harrier's hands behind his back and then wrapped the rope around his arms.  There was, hopefully, little chance for the prisoner to escape even with escort.   With that, he then roughly shook the man to begin waking him.

moving on to Chapter 6 - the problem with answers... ^_^

The bathhouse is now a bustle of activity.  Water bearers rushing in and out carrying buckets in various states of emptiness and blessings both; bushi methodically examining each and every visitor; shugenja and monks systematically cleansing and blessing every square inch; and over it all, hangs a new bathhouse sign:  'The Ronin's Rescue'

"With all the blessing and cleansing going on here, this place is starting to look like a shrine..." a passerby muses, staring at the mass of people.

"Now that's not a bad idea..."

"What?  A cleaning and a blessing, all in one?"

"Why not?" Kedo hears before they pass out of earshot.

When Kedo approaches the door, one of the guards stops him.

"Come for a bath, eh, Ronin?" he says gruffly, gesturing at a nearly full sword rack, "you'll have to leave your weapons here.  Try not to make as much of a mess as the last one who came in here.  A veritable bloodbath that was," the bushi guffaws at his own joke, "go on, and get a blessing from the shugenja while you're at it, it looks like you could use one."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:48, Mon 27 July 2009.

 The expression upon Kedo's face when he catches sight of the new sign can only be described as pained - not offended or upset, but simply ill at ease with the change in circumstance that the establishment has undergone. On the other hand it seems unlikely he'll be recognised while dressed (it's remarkable how few people can describe the face of a naked tattooed swordsman who lands in the middle of their bath).

 Still he reasons, if any establishment in the city not actively paronised by the Tessen is likely to welcome a humble Ronin it's this one and he smoothly advances upon the guard, offering a respectful bow and a rueful, "These are troubled times (insert mon-appropriate name here)-san, but I shall make an effort to draw nothing but hot water and spill nothing but soap." as he stoops to gracefully unhook both plain-hilted yet exquisitely balanced swords from his hip and lay them on the lowest of the available pegs of the sword rack before rising and making to move inside, hoping with every fibre of his being that there might also be a laundry service available for todays busy wave-man on the go.

The other patrons within give Kedo a wide berth--either recognizing him from his growing reputation or wishing to stay far away from any formidable looking samurai.  But one fussy little Asahina shugenja bars his way.

"No, no, no!" he splutters looking at Kedo's blood stained form, "I will not have this!  I will not have hours of blessing and purification undone by some bleeding ronin!  Come over here, you!" he snarls--really, it comes out as more of a squeak from his high pitched voice--as he reaches up, grabbing Kedo by the ear and dragging him towards a clear area.

Several of his fellows, eying the ronin nervously, tug desperately on his sleeves, trying to get his attention.  "Makuro-sama," they hiss, "this is..."

"I don't care who he is," Asahina Makuro snaps, letting go of Kedo's ear, "he is not going to bleed all over this place...now where did I put that scroll..." he mutters, patting his clothes absently.