It is perhaps no coincidence that two such unusual monks as Satoru and Doji Sotan would find themselves on similar errands within the halls of Toshi Ranbo.

"Ah, Doji Sotan-san," Satoru bows, "what brings you to the prison area?"

He bows politely.

"I have come to look into some things that have been brought to my attention recently." he says calmly, "I fear the honor of the Crane might be at stake."

"Strangely enough," Satoru replies, "the honor of the Crane is also our concern.  Who or what has brought this to your attention?"

"The information I have was given to me by a Kitsuki Fuji." he responds, "My fear is of corruption!"

"Lower your voice," Satoru hisses, then speaks more reasonably--but still barely above a whisper, "Daidoji Sakura also spoke of corruption within the Crane and I saw the proof of it with my own eyes, but there is no need to advertise our internal concerns to our...associates," he says with a significant look at Bayushi Kenshin, "no offense to our honored Scorpion...guests, but this is a family matter...I'm sure you understand the necessary discretion."

"I understand." he says quietly.

He glances at the Scorpion.

"Do you know anything else?" he asks softly.

Kenshin bowed politely to Sotan, but remained quiet as the two Crane went about their business. He remained quiet until the two spoke of corruption.

"I assure you" Kenshin said quietly, "the Scorpion Clan is nothing if not discrete. It is our way to deal with such issues quietly, preferably in a way that benefits both parties involved."

Kenshin smiled before he continued. It was a genuine smile, one without deceit or hidden purpose. Kenshin was, after all, Junshin. Deceit was simply not his way.

"But that is not my concern. My concern is getting you to your meeting, which means getting you both to Daidoji Sakura-Sama. Safely, discretely, and quickly ..."

[For those who wish to know (some sort of Awareness roll, but I forget the rules right off hand), Kenshin's honor is 5.5.]

"I know very little," Satoru replies, frustrated, "but I have many theories but very few facts."

Before anyone can delve any further into these mysteries, Daidoji Sakura, Kedo, Moto Gyatso, Lin Ru-Fang, and Kakita Ichiro emerge deep in conversation.

"Daidoji Sakura-san," the one armed monk bows, "I have other duties which take me away from your investigation, but first I have an update regarding Doji Kusanagi's ersatz servants:  they're dead.  This woman is a relative of the late Shinichi.  If you require more I will be with Bayushi Kenshin-san and Shosuro Shinobu-san discussing our relationship with the Scorpion."
[Private to Bayushi Kenshin; Daidoji Sakura: I think this may, in fact put you in the awkward position of having to talk with yourself ^_^]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:02, Fri 20 Feb 2009.

Kenshin bowed politely to the newcomers, but he said nothing. His superiors were about, and he had learned long ago not to interrupt. So instead he gave a friendly glance to Ichiro.

There would be time enough for training later ... or so he thought.

Sakura looked at the small group with some interest. News of the deaths of the servants came as no surprise to her, though she supposed that it should have. She was also not terribly surprised at seeing the Scorpion, though she supposed that she should have been. It should have even been comforting, knowing that the Clan had also taken an interest in the situation.

But why did they send the Junshin?

"I'm sorry for your loss" she told the old woman, "I'm sure they died honorably and will be compensated in the courts of Emma-O. I will say a prayer for them ..."

She then looked to Satoru.

"Then it is as we feared. Thank you for your assistance, Brother Monk."

Things were not good. The question now was whether Daidoji Ryu had been compromised, or if it was just the Head of the Daidoji in this city and he had been dragged along with it. But there was no question in Sakura's mind that at least one of them had become compromised to the Darkness ...

Which reminded Sakura of something.

Sakura pulled out the picture that she had drawn of the assassins faces. It seemed like years ago, yet it had been less than an hour.

"Do you recognized these people?" she asked the old woman. If anyone would know, it was likely to be her ...

"My apologies, Sama," the old woman bows automatically, "but I do not.  My s-son was familiar with a very many Samurai, but I am n-not..." this appears as far as the woman's willpower can take her as she breaks down into silent tears.

everyone make a Perception/Investigation check, the notice emphasis applies, but is not necessary--FYI this is not an "is she lying" check (which would be awareness/investigation with the interrogation emphasis ^_^)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:35, Tue 24 Feb 2009.

Doji Sotan just stands and listens intently, focusing on the matter at hand. He seems to get visibly distraught at the woman's tears, but he does not voice his emotions.


17:36, Today: Doji Sotan rolled 8 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 1,7. Perception/Invetigation.

[Private to GM: OC - 17 Perception]

Snapped from his own considerations by the woman's sorrow Gyatso remained silent. Where he could offer easy and appropriate comfort in his own lands here he had no idea how to react. Shifting his weight from one foot to another occasionally he gazed at her in concern.

A haggard looking samurai stumbles into the hall.  His normally organized hair has a few loose strands and mud marks his armor.  His face is largely hidden by a half mask of black lacquered wood worked with scorpions but the expression in his eyes is severe.  His hand rests on his hilt.  He quickly approaches the group, specifically moving to Sakura's side and speaks in hushes tones.
"Danger approaches.  Harriers come to kill you," he whispers hurriedly.



[Private to Kaze no Kage: You said post whenever, so I hope I'm not stealing any thunder here.    :D]

 Kedo follows Sakura and the others at a polite distance, maintaining his discrete overwatch upon the safety of the Crane Shugenja even as he patiently awaits the opportunity to hand that safety over to her own clan. Remaining impassive through the very slightly shameful (but entirely justified) show of emotion on the part of the woman he is therefore alert and aware when Bayushi Kenji storms in, hand on hilt and radiating purpose.

 Needless to say, without really having seemed to need to move, the Ronin is considerably closer to Kenji's sword-arm by the time the Scorpion arrives than he would have been had he not drifted forwards.

 One might almost think he was paranoid or something.

 ---

13:48, Today: Kedo rolled 28 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+2)12,2,8,8,7,8. Perception & Investigation.

"Kedo-Kun!" Sakura said, "Stand Alert!" It was not Kedo she was talking to really, though it would serve to alert him to present danger.

Not that he didn't know that already.

"As I told the governor" she continued to the rest of the group, "it was only a matter of time before the enemy came to kill me."

"Now, they are on the way ..."

Sakura thought hard for a moment. Battle was not her forte', and she had "wasted" most of her abilities on the earlier battle. Had she known they were Shadow Hunters, she would have done her best to reign Kedo in ... and not to aide him.

'The question is' she thought to herself, 'how much do they know?'

[ 19, plus a free raise. Not that she can do much in any event ...
09:09, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 19 using 7d10+5, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,7,3,6,7,7,6. Per/Inv (Notice).]
[Private to Kaze no Kage: I did tell you earlier that I was spending those 5 points on another rank of Investigation, ne?]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Wed 25 Feb 2009.

Hearing Sakura's warning, Kenshin took a protective stance in front of Satoru. He had been given a job to do, after all, and he would do it.

Or die trying.

"Ichiro-Kun" he said looking around, a hint of happiness in his voice, "it looks like the sparring will have to wait a bit. Today we fight together."

Apparently the two were friends ...

[09:10, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 14 using 4d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 2,6,4,4. Perception/Investigation.]

[Private to Kaze no Kage: He has a rank of Know the School vs. Harriers if it applies ...]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Wed 25 Feb 2009.

A moment later, Sakura did think of something.

"Kedo-Kun" she said in a directing manner, "choose the battle-field! There is no point in facing them on their terms ..."

Assuming, of course, that it wasn't already too late ...