The cornerstone of the Miromoto school is formlessness - where the Lion think and plan endlessly to perfect the tactics of Akodo, the Crane move time and time again through the patterns of Kakitas dance, refining their understanding of the smallest muscle-twitch and how it changes the angle of the cut and the dragon esteem motionlessness, the ability to break any strike upon the rock of their resistance the Dragon merely think when thought is called for, move when motion is needed, remain still when time calls to wait.

 The motion at the corner of Kedo's eye does not pass though his brain exactly - certainly there's no process as crude and directed as 'decision' taking place within him, instead the flight of the chisel-tipped arrows is incorporated into a world in which the 'Ronin' moves body and soul, flowing forwards and left, wakizashi lazily sweeping through an overhead half-circle followed half an arc later by his katana as the pearl-gray clad Bushi pirouettes, graceful as a dancer, both blades completing their arcs and parting to sweep back up on either side of his body...

 ...if all goes as well, the world in which Kedo stands surrounded by splinters, feathers and deadly but spent and shattered arrowheads becomes the one in which he stands. If not... Well... such is fate.

 ---

11:33, Today: Kedo rolled 52 using 9d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,9,1,7,5,(10+10+2)22,8,2,1. Arrow cutting (void point).

 The TN to get all was 48 (highest roll +1 per additional arrow) if they all came at us from the same general direction... 58 if they were shot from multiple points. In which case I believe I get cheesed by between 2 & 6 depending on what the rules are for defence 4. Thank the Fortunes for those Daidoji Assassins or I'd never have raised my Defence and bought the Arrow-cutting emphasis! ^_^

With a sudden explosion of graceful movement, Kedo reduces the barrage of arrows to so much kindling.  The resulting pause of shock and surprise allows both sides to take stock of the situation.

On one side of the street is a well constructed barricade--obviously captured from the Crane defenders as evidenced by the blue clad corpses at its base--reinforced by at least ten Lion defenders, six of which are armed with bows.

On the other are two battle weary samurai, one wearing the battered and barely recognizable mon of the Crane, and the other the lowly gray of the ronin.

There is a sudden panic as the Lion defenders realize that their deaths are rapidly approaching.

OOC:  roll initiatives and post actions; you are at least 4 rounds from the barricade (2 if you sprint with no thought at all to defense).

[Private to Kedo: +1 Glory, +1 Drama Raise]

 Odds of five to one against are not to be lightly engaged, and yet there are times when it is necessary simply to cut, and ignore the hard, cold mathematics of battle in favour of doing what need be done.

 Turning his head slightly, Kedo considers his Crane companion and in a gesture that the Lion will patently be able to read as deference (which opens up for them the horrible question of just how good a swordsman Toyozo is to earn the deference of someone who can survive archery like that) bows his head slightly before suggesting "It would be more convenient for the defence of the city if the barricade were to be in Crane hands, Toyozo-san. In addition to which, I seem to recall leaving instructions that such strongpoints were to include cold meats and a bucket or two in which drinks could be kept cooled, to refresh the defenders."

 A small, sly smile plays over Kedo's lips as he commits to quite probably die for the city of Toshi Ranbo, the honour of the wave-mans gray and a cold meat sandwich... He nods towards a nearby cart in the street that might provide some cover for their approach and suggests "Shall we?"

 ---

 12:02, Today: Kedo rolled 63 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+10+5)35,(10+7)17,(10+1)11,5,9,2,4. Initiative.

 Alright, now that's just getting silly... But I still bless and thank the die roller. ^_^

 Moving defensively into cover with the intention of leapfrogging towards the barricade and hoping like hell reinforcements appear. ^_^

The archers stare in a state of shock as the Doom of the Lion, as the Ronin and the Crane are quickly becoming named--or would be if anyone managed to survive an encounter with them--began their inexorable advance upon the Lion position.  By the time they recover their state of mind, they are already halfway to the barricade.  As they scramble to get arrows into the air, a flight of arrows--fletched in the colors of the Crane falls among them.  Two of the archers cry out in pain as arrows strike their bodies, but not before they were able to launch their volley at Kedo and Toyozo.

OOC:
11:43, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 25 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4,9,8,8,1. Ashigaru attack 6 Toyozo.
11:43, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 26 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,2,5,1,(10+6)16. Ashigaru attack 5 Toyozo.
11:43, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 34 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,1,(10+8)18,7,3,6. Ashigaru attack 4 Toyozo.
11:43, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 15 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4,1,7,1,4. Ashigaru attack 3 Kedo.
11:43, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 16 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5,5,6,3,1. Ashigaru attack 2 Kedo.
11:42, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 25 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,9,2,8,6,4. Ashigaru attack 1 Kedo.

[Private to Daidoji Akimitsu: You have been charging headlong into the fray with the Lion and your original squad of twelve ashigaru has been decimated to two.  This has not deterred you from continuing to push the Lion from the streets of Toshi Ranbo.
As you turn another corner, expecting to see another Lion squad, instead you are greeted with the sight of a Crane samurai and a Ronin charging headlong into the Lion's maw, arrows arching their way to strike them.
Your ashigaru don't hesitate a moment, and their own arrows are in flight striking two of the Lion--injuring them, if not fatally.

roll Initiative, and post actions
you are 4 rounds away from the Lion barricade which the Lion are attacking from.  2 if you give no thought at all to defense.  I'll NPC your squad.]

Honestly, why was this happening? The Lion had to chose this to be the time to stage their attack. Perhaps if Akimitsu had invited some Lion to his poetry party by the stream which cuts through that wonderful grove just outside of the city they would all be sharing in each others company instead of trying to kill each other. He was very disappointed that he now had to risk his life running through the streets, like some messenger or magistrate's assistant, dodging arrows instead of enjoying warm beverages and pleasant company.

Just the idea that his armor was now scuffed and in need of repair was of no small annoyance. His eyes glanced to either side as he noticed how few now joined him in the fray. Already ten had joined their ancestors. Admittedly just ashigaru but they had been someones servants or worked hard to provide food, some of which may have had the priveledge of gracing Akimitsu's plate. It was a sad loss of resources. Admittedly better them then him but that wasn't even a debate he was currently having in his over active thought process.

Spotting the ronin and the other true samurai the Daidoji saw a glimmer of hope. Sadly there were ravening monsters or Lions whatever you wanted to call those Jigoku be damned souls shooting at them. Well, Akimitsu had a bow of his own and a desire to fell some more of these vile men who dared sully the streets of Toshi Ranbo. Then he remembered the voice of his father, chastising him for how he held the bow, his shakiness, the inevitable failure... Akimitsu simply continued forward, readying his katana and preparing to join the battle.

He signaled to the two remaining ashigaru to remain and provide covering fire.

---

14:51, Today: Daidoji Akimitsu rolled 31 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,9,9,5,8,2,4. Initiative.
Action is to continue forward defensively and signal his troops to stay and provide covering fire.

 More than one Lion has fallen back from the onrushing Bushi - from their first encounter two fell back bleeding from three and the ruin of an eight-strong charge and the retainers of the Matsu Bayushi Takashi slew in single combat walked away unharmed. While the half-dozen that came against the two who remained after Takashi fell back to see to his wounds became one, injured but alive as they moved on to drink tea and speak of affairs with their foes.

 Of course, that rather distinctive progression through the battle has yet to make an impression on the archers behind the barricade, and so they're able to gather their resources and strike back, sending yet more arrows the way of the first, these either lashing through empty space or met by chisel-edged steel as Kedo and Toyozo run on under the exchange of arrows, the Ronin trusting to his speed and grace to see him through the volley and lending his efforts to his allies defence.

 ---

 Well, they all miss me so I'm free to try and assist Toyozo.

 00:16, Today: Kedo rolled 36 using 8d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4,8,2,(10+4)14,5,4,9. Arrow cutting (I hope).

 Okay, 34 is my target, +1 per additional arrow. There may be penalties of course, since I'm defending someone else but it's rather sweet to have exactly hit the needed number. ^_^

Toyozo's face was a mask of discontent.  Unlike his Ronin companion he could find no levity in the cowering and creeping that this latest chapter of battle had brought about. But still, to charge the enemy head on was foolhardy. What divides Crane from Lion is that the Crane would never needlessly throw lives away.

He ducked and moved ready himself for combat, his sword still sheathed but as always, ready in a flash.

Seeing the approach of their doom, the Lion manage to get off one more volley of arrows--targeting the ronin cutting them effortlessly from the air--before dropping their bows and drawing their spears.  Akimitsu's archers demonstrate their own worth by striking two of the enemy as Akimitsu himself proceeds just moments behind Kedo and Toyozo.

And then Kedo and Toyozo are at the barricade, among the sharp spear points of the Lion.

OOC:  Ashigaru TNtbH 22 (18 + 4 from higher ground and barricade)
Ashigaru Initiative 17

Damage to Kedo (assuming he doesn't make his defense check) 15

13:10, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 15 using 3d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 9,5,6. Damage Kedo.
13:08, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 40 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(10+10+8)28,2,3,1,8. Ashigaru 6 attack Kedo.
13:08, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 31 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4,(10+6)16,9,6,4. Ashigaru 5 attack Kedo.
13:08, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 19 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1,4,9,5,5. Ashigaru 4 attack Kedo.
13:08, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 30 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(10+2)12,1,(10+2)12,6,5. Ashigaru 3 attack Kedo.
13:07, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 22 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,7,1,6,7,8. Ashigaru 2 attack Kedo.
13:07, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 21 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,8,6,4,3,4. Ashigaru 1 attack Kedo
13:06, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 8 using 3d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5,3. damage Crane 2.
13:06, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 10 using 3d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5,5. damage Crane 1.
12:59, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 21 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2,3,3,(10+3)13,5. Crane Archer 2.
12:58, Sun 20 Nov: Kaze no Kage rolled 30 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,7,(10+5)15,7,6. Crane Archer 1.

 It would be inaccurate to say that what Kedo is doing comes without effort - each circular sweep of his body, each flowing motion of his arms and the blades that seem so much a part of them brings with it a debt to be repayed in the moments to come of speed and endurance... As he moves, there is a struggle within the simply clad Ronin to retain the necessary clarity of mind that will let him achieve the almost impossible task of keeping track of half-a-dozen individual archers and moving so that his blades can deflect or destroy their shots before they are launched (for no merely human set of reactions can hope to reliably intercept a war-arrow in flight without warning, to say nothing of five).

 Again the arrows are loosed, again a rain of splinters, feathers and metal shards rain down from their inconclusive encounter with chisel-edged steel and Kedo reaches the foot of the barricade to leap right (expecting Toyozo to leap left in order to present his right, dominant blade-side to the foe), the young man seeking to hasten towards the top before spears can be brought to bear upon him.

 ---

 03:16, Today: Kedo rolled 56 using 8d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1,2,(10+8)18,9,(10+10+4)24,2,4. This is going to sting..

Toyozo has become accustomed to following the ronin's lead and flowing in his wake, he bears left and squares shoulders as his katana arcs upwards at the nearest ashigaru.  The advantages the peasant has are inmaterial to the well trained Kakita and his sword strikes home.

[Private to GM: OK...
12:54, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 58 using 7d10+10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+4)14,1,8,5,1,(10+7)17,9. Belated initiative
13:08, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 37 using 10d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4,7,4,6,9,8,6,5,7. Attack w 2 free raises for damage.
13:08, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 24 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1,4,3,(10+7)17,2. damage. ]

Still reeling from the shock of Kedo's impressive display, the first of the defenders fails to adequately defend himself from Toyozo's explosive emergence from behind the ronin's wall of steel and he falls, clutching at his spilling innards.  Another ashigaru staggers under fire from Akimitsu's archers, but does not fall.  And then the Lion finally organize their response...but it is insufficent to deter the advancing bushi.

OOC:Ashigaru TNtbH 25 (18 + 4 from higher ground and barricade)
Ashigaru Initiative 17

19:27, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 33 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,5,(10+6)16,4,4,9. Ashigaru attack 8 Kedo.
19:26, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 30 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+2)12,3,9,7,9,6. Ashigaru attack 7 Kedo.
19:18, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 32 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5,(10+6)16,2,7,9. Ashigaru attack 6 Toyozo.
19:18, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 22 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4,7,9,6,5. Ashigaru attack 5 Toyozo.
19:17, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 32 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(10+6)16,7,1,9,6. Ashigaru attack 4 Toyozo.
19:17, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 24 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,8,7,6,3,9. Ashigaru attack 3 Kedo.
19:17, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 14 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3,3,7,3,4. Ashigaru attack 2 Kedo.
19:16, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 20 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2,4,3,3,7. Ashigaru attack 1 Kedo.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:19, Sat 24 Dec 2011.

 Kedo plunges through the expanding cloud of shattered arrows and drifting fletching to storm towards the barricade, pirouetting on his right foot to glide effortlessly between two ill-aimed spears... And coming within a few desperate inches of being skewered by two more as his off-hand sword blurs up in a hasty deflection, making up for in effectiveness what it lacks in grace as he momentarily raises a pair of Ashigaru spears high so that his Katana can glide in to lash twice across extended arms, gashing them severely before plunging over the exposed cover, aimed to slide between light spearmans armour and send his targets tumbling to the ground around clean but vicious wounds.

 The assault leaves a clear space for him to attempt to dive over the barrier and  he steps up them rolls across its top to seek secure footing on the far side, even that fluid motion serving as an attack when his boot snaps out at the jaw of one charging spearman while he's shifting his centre of balance and his sword hisses through the air to cut low at a second as he lands, aiming to send yet another foe spilling in the dirt clutching at his thigh while the first is checked for the moment he needs to find his balance.

 ---

Right, after an initial cock-up where I didn't drop dice and then rolled D3's for damage because I'm a bloody idiot:

41 initiative.

Ashigaru #1 (the one who rolled 33) gets hit twice, arm and torso with 39 & 60 for 14 & 45 damage respectively.

Ashugaru #2 (the one who rolled 30) gets hit twice, arm and torso with 47 & 34, for 34 & 31 respectively

 Those both ought to qualify me for free attacks for dropping someone, which will be a boot to the head (40 for 7 damage) and a slash to the legs (47 for 40 damage).

 The leg-cut might well let me get a free hit on the last Ashigaru. Instead I think Kedo will stand slowly on the far side of the barrier and just look at him.

[Private to GM: 15:00, Today: Kedo rolled 41 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(10+5)15,6,6,(10+7)17,9,5. Oh yes, initiative!


14:56, Today: Kedo rolled 39 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4,8,5,1,9,1,2,3. Ahem... #1, raise for extra attack.
14:57, Today: Kedo rolled 14 using 7d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5,5,2,7,1,6. Damage #1, 1.
14:57, Today: Kedo rolled 60 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,7,8,4,3,9,(10+10+1)21,9. Ahem... #1, raise for extra damage.
14:58, Today: Kedo rolled 45 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+3)23,3,6,4,(10+3)13,2,9. Damage #1, 2.

14:56, Today: Kedo rolled 47 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,9,9,2,4,9,6,7,3. Ahem... #2, raise for extra attack.
14:57, Today: Kedo rolled 34 using 7d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,7,4,6,8,4,(10+10+6)26. Damage #2, 1.
14:57, Today: Kedo rolled 34 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,4,4,4,4,7,5,3. Ahem... #2, raise for extra damage.
14:58, Today: Kedo rolled 31 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,7,(10+7)17,2,7,4,5. Damage #2, 2.

15:07, Today: Kedo rolled 47 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,9,6,8,2,9,7,8,8. Free attack, raise for damage.
15:07, Today: Kedo rolled 40 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+3)13,8,(10+8)18,9,7,2,9. Damage.

15:09, Today: Kedo rolled 40 using 5d10+13, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 2,8,9,3,7. Boot to the head!
15:10, Today: Kedo rolled 7 using 3d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3,1. Whoops, boot to the head damage.
]

"Honor and speed are my strength." Toyozo whispers to himself and the ashigaru that stands in his way.  His sword flashes across the foot soldier's midsection  and in a similar flash the sword is back to it's neutral position waiting for the next opponent.

[Private to GM: 13:10, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 57 using 10d10+8, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2,5,4,6,(10+10+4)24,6,5,8,5. Atk w 4 raise for dam.
13:13, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 40 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,7,7,(10+9)19,2,7,7. Katana damage.]

Kedo and Toyozo burst over the barricade like a force of nature--Kedo like the fire from Sleeping Thunder Mountain, Toyozo like the gentle wind that brings the hurricane.

As he leaps into the fray, Kedo rapidly cuts down two of the defending ashigaru, first removing their limbs and then gutting them like fish.  A third approaches to strike, but is met by Kedo's boot.  As he staggers back, stunned, the ronin takes his legs out from under him.  Literally.  At the knees.

Toyozo's single strike is a study in contrasts.  A graceful leap atop the barricade, followed by a rising cut through one of the ashigaru's desperate attempts to stop him...and the ashigaru himself.  As Toyozo stands, flicking the blood off of his blade, the ashigaru falls, blood raining down upon his surviving comrades.

The sudden death of half of their surviving number shakes your enemies' resolve, but they are Lion trained, and they hold, rather than flee from certain death.  Resolve, however, is not enough to overcome the defenses of the two samurai, and their responses are simply ineffective in the face of superior adversaries.

[Private to Kedo: +1 Drama Raise...I have a bad feeling that you're saving those up for something scary ^_^]
[Private to Doji Toyozo: you know that 4 raises will net you an extra attack, right?  That might be more efficient in terms of damage dealing than raises for damage.]

OOC:  I'm going to have to come up with some rules for attacking barricades--those should be harder to overcome.  Maybe an athletics check that reduces the number of dice you roll...Oh well, next time.

Ashigaru TNtbH 18
Ashigaru Initiative 17

22:54, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 35 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(10+3)13,3,8,1,(10+4)14. Ashigaru attack 4 Toyozo.
22:53, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 21 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5,2,3,(10+3)13,2. Ashigaru attack 3 Toyozo.
22:53, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 25 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2,7,2,5,9. Ashigaru attack 2 Kedo.
22:53, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 21 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5,6,1,9,2. Ashigaru attack 1 Kedo.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Wed 28 Dec 2011.

 There is a dreadful calm settled upon Kedo and mirrored in his expression that is somehow far more unsettling than the war-cries of charging Matsu, a calm centered in and upheld by the wandering Ronin's need to keep some precious and unquenchable part of himself from this ending of mens lives, the unceremonious termination of their journeys through the world and the cutting away of all that they might yet have become.

 Without it he might give way under the weight of his deeds, with it he merely dances at the heart of the storm and deftly glides aside from one spear-thrust, turning smoothly into the gap between the second and the first that he deflects another down low as both weapons, continuing his turn as both swords reverse themselves deftly in his grip and slice up high, aiming to cut cleanly through sword-arms to inflict dreadful, but not life-threatening wounds that will leave neither Ashigaru able to fight but give each the chance to one day show their grandchildren their scars.

 It does not do after all, to risk that calm too greatly.

 ---

 I'm aiming to take these folks out of the fight wounded but not dead since they're not a real threat to two trained Bushi at this point. Means I don't get my 'drop someone free attack' ability but I think that's hardly going to matter.

[Private to GM: 23:55, Today: Kedo rolled 71 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5,(10+4)14,3,8,8,1,(10+7)17,(10+9)19. #1, ? Raises for called shot to arm.
23:55, Today: Kedo rolled 45 using 9d10+13, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1,6,9,8,2,8,7,2. #2, ? Raises for called shot to arm.

 No idea how many raises that'll take, but I didn't roll damage (although I can if you want me to), instead just wanted to gash up their weapon arms so that they can't fight, but won't die or be particularly crippled. Oh, and I get one free one to play with on each strike as a matter of course.]

Toyozo's outward body radiates a calm and form that is as second nature as breathing. However within he finds himself growing impatient, anxious to move past these peasants.  Two breaths and two strikes, two different men taste his wrath.

[Private to GM: 23:05, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 50 using 10d10+3, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(10+7)17,6,5,8,8,5,4,2,8. Atk w intention to raise for xtra atk.
23:05, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 43 using 10d10+3, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,7,6,(10+1)11,6,3,6,5,9,4. Extra atk w raises.
23:20, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 11 using 5d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5,1,6,3. damage 1st atk.
23:20, Today: Doji Toyozo rolled 17 using 5d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,4,9,7,7. damage 2nd atk.]

As the last of the Lion ashigaru lose their weapons--or their lives--avoice rings out from the streets.

"Stand down!  Your spears are of no use here, and your lives are too valuable to waste upon an enemy that is beyond you!" the surviving ashigaru turn and bow, for out of the streets come three samurai displaying the great armor and banners of the Lion.

"I am Matsu Arugake, the crushing hammer of Kyuden Tonbo.  I defeated Mirumoto Masahi in the battle of Kyuden Tonbo and Kakita Hinato fell to my blade in the last battle of Toshi Ranbo!"

"I am Matsu Shigarami, and I served with the Crab on the Kaiu wall for three seasons.  There is no mortal death that you can deliver that is more terrible than the hordes of Jigoku."

"I am Ikoma Kazeguruma, and I have no such record of combat, but I can promise to be more entertaining than the slaughter of poorly trained ashigaru."

 With two Ashigaru spinning away from him bearing neatly matching sword-wounds on their weapon arms, Kedo finishes his turning forward step just in time to hear the announcement from up ahead and stands attentively as the trio announce themselves, only to offer a polite bow (so they don't think he's ignoring them) when the three have done and look about for a moment, using the end of a bale of cloth that's been stuffed into the barricade in order to painstakingly wipe his blades clean - which of course serves to give his social superior, Doji Toyozo, the opportunity to reply before he does.

Toyozo steps forward, his bearing is haughty, proud, Crane. "I am Doji Toyozo, and I wonder which Lion trained these ashigaru so poorly. My accolades matter not, for none of you shall live to tell them." Toyozo looks to Kedo.

"The Ronin his Kedo, he is the death of one of you, whether you wish to be firghtened of it or not.  Arugake-san, his sword will have struck you several times before your hammer even begins to descend upon him."

 After Toyozo's slightly grandiose but suitably impressive introduction, Kedo opens his mouth to do likewise only to be cut short by the fact that his Crane companion is taking care of that little detail for him - for a brief moment his face falls in an almost comical fashion and he takes on a slightly pained expression behind Toyozo's back, giving a slightly apologetic shrug as if to say 'what can you do?' towards Kazeguruma, obviously of the opinion that if he's working with a pair of Matsu he knows exactly how Kedo feels.

 He doesn't however do anything as impolite as disagree or edit the assertations of his social superior, and instead simply bows slightly then assumes a ready, defensive stance in order to see how this will develop.

Ikoma Kazeguruma merely raises an eyebrow at Kedo's shrug and glances at his fellow Lion with a smile as if to say, sometimes you have to let the bull loose in the china shop if you want to bring it home--but what else can you expect from a man named after a child's toy in a Clan full of bushi.  At Kakita Toyozo's well aimed insults, the two Matsu start foreward, fury filling their faces, but Kazeguruma stops them with a raised hand.

"Kakita-san," he says, "while I am not the bushi that the Matsu aspire to be, I believe that I will be more entertaining to you.  And they, in the way of the Matsu, will be more entertaining to the ronin than myself.  If you would oblige me?" he asks, his posture indicating that he is offering to meet Toyozo on his own ground--the ground of iaijutsu.

"I would tell you to prepare to meet your ancestors ronin," Arukage spits, drawing his nodachi, "but I doubt if they care about your survival one way or the other."

Shigarami simply spits at Kedo's feet before the two of them charge the waiting ronin.

OOC:  Kedo, roll initiative and post actions.

Toyozo, you get a choice:  you can roll initiatve to fight Kazeguruma with kenjutsu or you can take an iaijutsu stance and face him in a duel scenario.

[Private to Doji Toyozo: +1 glory]
[Private to Kedo: From somewhere far away you hear Daidoji Sakura's voice whisper "Ganbatte yo Kedo-kun"]

 And that is something Kedo has never truly understood - the greatest achievements in a Bushi's life come when they must face life and death against another of their own kind. Those moments will define and enrich all those that follow them, and to denigrate the ones who give the gift of those moments is... madness at best.

 Instead he simply advances his defensive stance one pace and replies "Whether you stand or fall, know that you will be seen upon the mountain, Matsu-san's." and prepares to receive their charge, moving with his accustomed balance and grace to try and deflect the awesome power of the charging Matsu's blows away from his lightly armoured flesh in order to gain a moment to strike.

 ---

 Full defensive posture while I work out what I'm dealing with

 12:04, Today: Kedo rolled 45 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,9,6,7,8,(10+9)19,(10+7)17. Initiative.

 12:03, Today: Kedo rolled 37 using 8d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+6)16,7,7,4,7,2,1,3. Defensive posture.

 That makes my TNtbH this round a mighty 75, which since the Matsu attacks are coming in with No-Dachi and berserker strength, is none too much for my comfort. ^_^

In reply to Kaze no Kage (msg #113):

Toyozo steps outside of the two Matsu & Kedo's area.  He dips into a squatting stance, legs shoulder width apart, both arms bent at ninety degree angles and his palms up.  His eyes are closed.  He exhales and peculiarly brings his right foot forward and drags it thru the dirt in a line in front of him, sweeps it once to the right and then to the left.  A peculiar habit he picked up while sparring on the Isles of the mantis. Bringing his foot back, he resumes his stance and his eyes flutter open.  "My house is Doji, you deaf fool. If you want entertainment, flee and I can later arange for a Kakita Storyteller to write of your many failures."  With that he takes the familiar Kakita pose of an open palm above his sword hilt.

[Private to GM: Apologies for relishing too much in what was obviously a typo, but I could not resist making Toyozo more of a jackass.]

"A Doji wishes to tell an Ikoma how to handle failure?" the Ikoma replies with a shrug, settling into his own stance--bending at the knees and waist as if bowing, "well, you speak of what you know, I suppose."

roll awareness/iaijutsu

***

The two Matsu approach Kedo with all the wild fury associated with their family name, albeit from different directions.  Matsu Arukage charges at Kedo from the right with a wild scream, his nodachi raised high.  The Lion samurai brings the weapon down in a series of mighty blows heedless of the ronin's defenses, as if by sheer force of will he can shatter them.  But like the storm upon the mountain, all of his his fury that is frustrated by Kedo's technique.  From the left, Matsu Shigarami brings to bear a massive studded tetsubo--a legacy of his time with the crab no doubt--swinging it with abandon in an attemp to batter through the ronin's defenses like the horde against the wall...with about as much success.  Kedo's skill is simply too much for them to batter through by main force.

Initiative 17
TNtbH 35

21:46, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 17 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4,5,5,5,7. Initiative.
20:10, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 59 using 10d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+6)16,1,8,1,2,(10+6)16,3,8,8,(10+1)11. Attak 2 Kedo.
20:10, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 51 using 10d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,5,9,9,7,9,(10+7)17,1,5. Attack 1 Kedo.

 But that skill is only so great when augmented by everything the ronin has of speed and focus, narrowing his world down to the motion of the enemies weapons and the bare inches by which they miss his lightly armoured skin - to give up anything of that defence in order to strike at one foe over the other would be to lay himself open to a crushing blow from the other Matsu, whereas to strike at both in one fluid motion is to almost certainly leave him exposed to a return-stroke from two wounded, but fundamentally unharmed Matsu berserkers.

 That, needless to say would end the fight swiftly.

 Instead he sways out from under the descending Tetsubo and then moves over it before it can be raised to strike once more, turning swiftly as he deflects a sweep of the no-Dachi up and over his descending head to come out behind the pair of Matsu and using the momentum of their charge to buy him a few seconds in which he remarks "Did not Akodo say that on dangerous ground, one should maneuver?" and leaping up and back onto the wooden boards in front of a nearby merchants home, defending himself as he prepares to back through the door, permitting only one of the two Matsu to reach him (unless they want to spend a few moments smashing the wall down with tetsubo blows).

 ---

 12:22, Today: Kedo rolled 34 using 8d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,7,9,8,3,2,8,2. Defending m'self while maneuvering.
 A defence of 72 (which is worryingly within their reach) and next round I want to be somewhere where only one of them can smack me.