The drums of the Lion army can be heard well before they are sighted on the horizon.  Rank upon rank of yellow clad bushi march in coordinated step across the plain towards Toshi Ranbo.  Chants praising the history of the Lion echo across the fields until the armies pause outside the walls of the city.

"Children of Doji!" the Lion commander shouts, "the Lion come to claim what is rightfully theirs, taken by treachery!  Either surrender honorably or prepare to meet your ancestors!"

"The Crane have held Toshi Ranbo for generations against the Lion!" Doji Kasarugi replies, his voice enhanced by Asahina magic, "we have held it in battle and in court, if you want it, come and claim it in battle!"

Expecting no less from their old enemies, the Lion begin their inexorable advance upon Toshi Ranbo.  The Crane lining the walls put up a token resistance, firing several volleys of arrows into the Lion ranks, but the out pouring of Crane the the Lion had been expecting to flood out of the city never materializes.  Never one to be cautious the Matsu general orders his warriors into the apparently defenseless city...and the battle for Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho begins.

The chaos of the battle lines is great, but the chaos within the city, as Crane bushi and shugenja struggle to get into position, is greater.  At your station, which was meant to erect a barricade preventing the first onrushing of Lion from retreating, many of those who were supposed to be there did not arrive.  It now falls to you to barricade the street before the next wave of Lion approach or the current group attempts to retreat.  Fortunately all of the material that you need is present.

OOC:  make a Strength/Athletics roll to move the barricade into place, you must have a total of 150 on your combined rolls over the next few rounds in order to do so.

Other options are possible if you think of them.

Observing the marching horde from a safe distance is Kagehisa, who just finished supervising his ambush squads inside and outside the city. His orders were to do hit and run skirmishes to harry the Lion troops enough to let the Crane counterattack wipe them with minimum casualties, but of course, that was his best case scenerio, and only the Kami could tell if it might become a reality.

"Well, well, this is going to be a problem, isn't it? *Sigh* If someone sliced that braggart Kasuragi's throat maybe we wouldn't even have to prepare to this siege. Only a few coins to the right courtesan and he'd be bleeding like a pig."

Sumi was still grumpy over being what she considered grossly misplaced, however she kept most of her griping to herself. There was no call for it and if the wrong person heard then word could eventually get to whoever was actually responsible and things would not go well.

Today: Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 23 using 4d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+4)14,5,9,6. Strength/Athletics for barricade work.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Tue 07 Dec 2010.

Tactical Combat wasn't really Kenshin's forte'. Oh, he was a pretty good swordsman one-on-one, but he was not trained for the "thrill" of the battlefield. Still, the Bushi must perform their duty to the best of their ability. How did that go?

"There is no failure -- only success or death."

Of course it didn't help that he was being "kept out of the loop" by both sides. To the Crane he was just another Scorpion; to the Scorpion he was Junshin -- "not of the Blood". He had no idea that there was gunpowder in some of the walls, and even less of an idea that there might be Tactical Weaknesses for the Lion to exploit.

Nor did he really care.

Kenshin never really thought about dying of old age. For a duelist -- and a Scorpion one at that -- death would almost certainly be by the sword. But he would never complain. So long as it was an Honorable death -- an Honorable death that would serve their Lady and their Clan he would be happy to do so. Still, something needed doing so he pitched in how feebly he could.

Death could wait.

[ Athletics: 9; Battle: 13.
20:58, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 9 using 2d10 with rolls of 2,7. Str/Athletics (unskilled).
20:58, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 13 using 3d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3,9. Per/Battle.]

Sakura was thinking about death as well, but it was not her own death that was on her mind. She had been thinking for some time about what she could do ... what she could do and what she should do. Her skills as an assassin could come in handy, but she shouldn't risk exposure. There was some question of how her Yojimbo would react and, frankly, the troops that had arrived would probably be better at it anyway.

What of escape?

There was probably no need. Shugenja were traditionally captured rather than killed since they were too valuable to simply execute without a very good cause -- even the most arrogant Lion Bushi would do so as a matter of honor. The only thing left, then was Morale.

For the moment, at any rate.

"Come now!" she said, doing her best to rally the troops stationed where she was, "To the task! Let's give the Lion something to recall to their Ancestors when they meet them!"

Then Sakura began to sing. It was a rousing melody, a battle him actually. Glory in victory. Glory in survival. Glory in death. Glory in battle. Let them all remember what they fought for ... and why they were here.

[Athletics (unskilled): 11. Did not roll Battle as it's impossible (unskilled) for her to make the TN. Storytelling: Not sure which bonuses/advantages apply, or what it will do, so I didn't roll Storytelling (Oratory) yet.

21:06, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 11 using 2d10 with rolls of 2,9. Strength/Athletics (unskilled).]

Daidoji Sakura, Tsuruchi Sumi, and Bayushi Kenshin put their backs into putting the barricade into place and manage to complete a significant portion of it.

Daidoji Sakura's call to action does not go unanswered, as several unskilled laborers rise to the task.  [Private to Daidoji Sakura: roll Awareness/Storytelling (oratory), TN 10, for every raise you you get one more person to help with the barricade (1k1 die to the str/athletics roll)]

Unfortunately, a few Lion ashigaru have discovered the weakness in the Crane defense and are rapidly approaching.

OOC:
Barracade: 43/150
if you don't have athletics, you can just roll it as a strength feat (dice explode), didn't make a difference on this round, just letting you know

you have 1 more round before you'll have to roll initiative
you can still continue working on the barracade during combat
standing on the barracade gives you Higher Ground

PM[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: As you watch, the Lion cavalry separates itself from the main body of the army, and begins to dismount and rearm--presumably because cavalry will be less useful within the confines of the city.  The separated cavalry is within reach of the Scorpion forces.

OOC:  btw, Doji Kasuragi is the governor of Toshi Ranbo]

Sumi hurried on with the work of getting the barricade up while also getting her bow ready for use.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 18 using 4d10 on Strength/Athletics for barricade.

PM[Private to GM:

Kagehisa grins as he sees the unmounting cavalry. Such an opportunity would not go to waste, he thinks. He gives a silent wave to his troops as they silently approach the Lion cavalry.

"Why why, seems like our friends are lost. Mayhaps we should direct them to their deaths?"

OOC: You rolled 36 using 7d10+3, rerolling max ((3,7,7,5,1,4,6)).]

Sakura kept up her speech, making sure that the laborers knew who they were laboring for, that the Crane Ancestors were watching everything. Her clear voice echoed, finding resonance with a few laborers.

[Private to GM: With her Voice advantage she makes it, though barely. Added three laborers to the STR roll. Dice roller isn't liking me.

13:28, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 28 using 5d10, rerolling max with rolls of 1,7,8,3,9. Str/Athletics.
13:25, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 23 using 5d10, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3,2,8,7. Awareness/Storytelling (three raises).]

"Please continue" Kenshin said to the assembled, "I'll take care of the Ashigaru."

Ashigaru. They were not Samurai, so they could not be challenged to an honorable duel. That mean that he would have to take care of this the old-fashioned way -- or die trying.

"There is no Failure, only Success or Death."

Kenshin climbed to the top of the barricade and assumed his stance. He was quite aware of the spectacle that he made of himself -- a lone Scorpion Samurai standing on the Barricade, his mask Gleaming with the word "Honor". If they did not know him then they would most likely assume it was a trap.

"Where are your Samurai?" he shouted to the approaching Ashigaru. Let the Ashigaru imply the reason for the question. Let them stop and engage in conversation, or charge with rage and engage in battle; it mattered not.

[Hoping I can stall them a round or two; if not, I hope to at least alter their tactics a bit.]

Kenshin's words serve only as a goad to the Lion ashigaru who hope to prove their worth to their ancestors.  With a wordless shout they charge the lone samurai standing upon the rapidly rising barricade.

89/150 Barracade
Roll initiative and post actions

Lion Initiative:  10
Lion TNtbH:  15 (13 if you are standing on the barricade)

[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: The Lion cavalry is taken completely by surprise by the sudden descent of Scorpion forces upon their undefended flanks.

Roll initiative, and, if you wish to attack from concealment, roll Reflexes/Stealth]

Private text!

[Private to GM: Kagehisa points both his Wakizashi and his Ninja-to to the Lion cavalry, a devilish smile rising on his face.

"Leave no survivors."

OOC:
18:11, Today: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 46 using 6d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9,(10+3)13,4,8,9,3. Initiative.
18:04, Today: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 44 using 6d10, rerolling max with rolls of 6,9,6,9,5,9. Ref+Stealth.]

Bayushi Kenshin waited until the last possible moment, unsheathing his blades as the two approached the barrier, looking for the perfect strike. The strike was not picture-perfect, but it was probably sufficient biting into both of his opponents at the same time.

It would probably not kill either of them, but it would be sufficient.

[Init 69. Hit both; 1 uncalled raise on the first and 3 on the second. 17 Damage to the first; 23 on the second.]

[Private to Kaze no Kage:
11:05, Today: Secret Roll: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 23 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4,6,3,6,8,2. Damage 2 (3 raises, non-called).
11:04, Today: Secret Roll: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 17 using 6d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,9,8,4,4,3. Damage 1 (1 raise, non-called).
11:03, Today: Secret Roll: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 65 using 10d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,9,2,(10+3)13,(10+3)13,5,9,(10+6)16,3,4. First Strikex 2(use free raise;call 3).
11:02, Today: Secret Roll: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 43 using 10d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4,4,6,8,9,2,7,6,7. First Strikex 2(use free raise;call 3).
10:59, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 69 using 8d10+20, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2,(10+3)13,1,(10+4)14,(10+5)15,4,3. Initiative.]

PM
[Private to Kaze no Kage: better; 50 on the first & 42 on the second. That should do some damage.

18:20, Today: Secret Roll: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 42 using 9d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2,9,6,8,4,4,8,5. Reroll 2, 8 total raises.
18:19, Today: Secret Roll: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 50 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+5)25,(10+2)12,4,4,1,3,4,5. Reroll damage 1 (6 raises, one nocalled). ]

Sakura continued shouting encouragement while working on the barricade. The Jun Shin would be able to take care of the Lion.

[09:50, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 23 using 5d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4,3,4,3. Building Barricade. ]

The sudden explosion of movement from Bayushi Kenshin takes everyone by surprise.  While the cut appears less than perfect from the point of view of the honorable Scorpion Bushi, from the point of view of the watching samurai nothing could be more so.  From the point of view of the ashigaru, nothing.

125/150 Barracade
Both ashigaru out
[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: you are completely undetected and act before your target; post actions and roll attack and damage]

Secret.

[Private to GM: Like a tiger leaping upon its prey, Kagehisa quickly jumps on the Lion cavalryman with the best-looking armor. Killing their leader would make this ambush a greater success than expected.

04:25, Today: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 14 using 5d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,6,6,8. Damage Wakizashi.
04:24, Today: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 22 using 5d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+6)16,4,6,6,3. Damage Ninja-to. 04:17, Today: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 29 using 7d10, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1,4,4,4,3,9. Wakizashi.
04:17, Today: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 34 using 7d10, rerolling max with rolls of 5,7,6,8,1,1,6. Ninja-to. ]

Kenshin flicked the blood off his Katana before he resheated it. Staring down at the Ashigaru for only a moment, Kenshin returned to his place on top of the barricade.

"More will be coming soon" he said by way of explanation, "Lion never travel in pairs ... only Prides."

Once again he became aware of the contrast as the Scorpion Mask of Honor glittered in the sun.

Sakura continued to encourage the laborers. They only had a little left to go ...

[22:01, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 37 using 5d10, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,8,(10+8)18,4. Building Barricade.]

Seeing that Bayushi Kenshin finished off the immediate threat to them, Sumi quickly got back to work on the barricade, although she left her bow strung and kept it handy in case it was needed.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 25 using 4d10 with rolls of 9,3,9,4 for Strength/Athletics on barricade work.

OOC:  Barricade Done!  Objective Complete!

each skirmish/objective is worth a certain number of Victory Points, you just earned 3 VP.  1 VP for successfully defending your position, 1 VP for each wave of enemies defeated, 1 VP for defeating them in 3 rounds or less.

at this point, your options include:
Pushing back against the Lion:  2 VP Challenge (more VP will be awarded based on how well you do), +1 bonus Glory (in addition to any other Glory awards you earn)
+1d10 healing

Hold position:  1 VP Challenge, +2d10 healing

Fall back:  0 VP Challenge, +3d10 healing, -1 Glory

[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: Taking the Lion completely by surprise, Kagehisa brutally injures the unit commander.  Cursing, the doomed Lion takes a defensive stance in the hopes of holding Kagehisa off long enough for help to come.

Full Defense
TNtbH:  57]

OOC: Orders are orders. Kenshin won't abandon his charges -- he knows where his Duty lies.

OOC: Sumi is an assassin. Unless she's got direct orders that prevent her from doing so, most likely she would sneak off in an attempt to spot the enemy commanders and get them within bow range.

*chuckles*

Sakura is a spy/assassin Shugenja, so naturally she will try to figure out what she can get away with behave herself.

OOC:  it's really up to you guys ^_^ I'll provide a challenge commensurate with your skills; sneaking through the lines to get a shot at the commanders will involve pushing back against the Lion through a couple of objectives before you get to them

Secret

[Private to GM: "You should not try to resist. Make your peace with the Kami." says Kagehisa as he tries to finish the wounded Lion commander while signaling his men to prepare for a quick retreat should him not be felled on this attack.

23:17, Today: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 13 using 5d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,2,1,5. Damage Ninja-to.
23:17, Today: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 10 using 5d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3,7,1,2.
23:17, Today: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 37 using 7d10, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1,6,8,5,6,8. Ninja-to.
23:16, Today: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 30 using 7d10, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5,1,9,7,2,2. Wakizashi. ]

OOC: Alright. I'll try it. So, however you want to handle it then.

[Just re-read the mission; we weren't required to man the barricade, just erect it, ne? In that case, we attack!]

OOC: Well, who do we have that hasn't voted yet? If we're waiting on someone to be first, Sakura will head toward the battle. If things get really bad, she can always retreat ... ;p

OOC:  nope, we're just waiting on me ^_^;;; sorry, work's been a bit loopy

With the barricade up, Sakura, Kenshin, and Sumi are free to dive deeper into the heart of the battle.  It does not take them very long to encounter a challenge to their stated goal of finding (and eliminating) the leaders of the Lion army.

Along a side street, they can see five courageous Crane Ashigaru slowly falling back from nine Lion.  It would take stealth to make it past the charging Lion ashigaru without being noticed...but not much.

OOC:  make an Agility/Stealth roll TN 15 (no untrained penalty)

[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: "Your pathetic ambush may kill me," the Lion commander replies, deftly deflecting Kagehisa's attacks, "but it will not stop the resolve of the Lion!"

Full Defense
TNtbH 57]

Sumi thought briefly about helping the Crane by shooting at the Lion ashigaru, but then she noticed an opening she could use to get past them and so took it.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 20 using 7d10+4, keeping the 3 highest rolls of 6, 5 & 5.

Unfortunately, Stealth was not Kenshin's strong suit. He could do it, of course -- he was Scorpion -- but his honor would not allow him to do so without direct orders. Even then, they would have to come from someone ... "important".

But, then again, these were just Ashigaru, were they not?

On the other hand, this would make a great training exercise. How fast could they eliminate the Lion Ashigaru? Could they make them run, dishonoring themselves and their army?

"Call this a 'distraction'" Kenshin said by way of explanation.

The Honorable Scorpion took a direct route, making himself conspicuous to the Lion while not giving away the rest of his party. If all went well, they would be focused only on him and his blades ...

[Five Crane Ashigaru & one Scorpion Samurai vs. Nine Lion Ashigaru. I pity the Lion ... ;D

Let me know when to roll Initiative.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Tue 22 Feb 2011.

Stealth. Sneaking. Sabotage. These were things that the erstwhile Daidoji were very good at in either of her identities.

"What is he ..." she muttered aloud "oh, yeah. Dishonorable to sneak past ones foes. I mean, you expect that kind of behavior from a Kakita ..."

No matter, the Junshin might prove to be excellent Metsubishi*. Sakura slipped calmly into the background.

[Stealth 40 with ... what, three raises? Not that it matters.
Metsubishi -- literally the "blinding powder" that Ninja use, in this case it's being used tactically/metaphorically as a reference to blinding ones enemies.

17:20, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 40 using 10d10, dropping the 7 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,6,7,6,7,7,(10+10+5)25,7,8,6. Stealth.]

PM

[Private to GM: "I don't need to do it, your wounds will do it for me. Pull back everyone. And resolve? It cannot win battles without leadership." Kagehisa retreats back to the barricades while gesturing for his comrades to do the same.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:03, Wed 23 Feb 2011.

The Lion ashigaru turn to see their doom--in the form of Bayushi Kenshin--upon them.  Realizing that the Lion are no longer pursuing them, the Crane--obedient to the battle plan--charge forward in order to reengage the Lion's attention.  Caught at an intersection, with the Crane approaching from the front and a Scorpion samurai approaching from the side, the Lion can only prepare themselves for battle.

OOC: roll initiative
ashigaru initiative 10
TNtbH 13
[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: +1 Glory; +1 Honor]
[Private to Daidoji Sakura; Tsuruchi Sumi: are you two going to move ahead, or wait for Kenshin to finish these guys off?]
[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: Your forces retreat in good order with only a few losses to the Lion's dozens.
2 Victory Points
+1 Glory
roll Perception/Battle to find another possible attack point--unless you're falling back to the City]

Kenshin had declared his action a distraction, Sumi waits until she is well past the fight before finding a good place to fire from. When she had, Sumi readied an arrow, drew it back, and shot at one of the Lion Ashigaru.

Should I roll to hit yet?

PM

[Private to GM: "Now now, for our next quarry." Kagehisa climbs to a tall rooftop nearby and scans the area for more unsuspecting Lions.]

Kenshin's strike was perhaps a bit too formal, but it connected solidly anyway slicing nicely at two Lion Ashigaru. No matter.

There is no failure ...

[Initiative: 48, granting 3 free raises. TNtbH: 28. Attacked twice (used four free raises for extra attack), called two raises (TN: 23). Hit with three extra raises for a total of 5 raises on each attack. Damage: 36, 31.

21:33, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 31 using 8d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,8,2,9,4,1,5,9. Damage 2.
21:33, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 36 using 8d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,9,9,2,6,9,9,2. Damage 1.
21:29, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 56 using 10d10+10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,6,(10+7)17,6,(10+4)14,2,3,1,3,5. Attack 2 (calling two raises).
21:29, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 57 using 10d10+10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,6,8,5,9,9,9,2,(10+6)16,(10+3)13. Attack 1 (calling two raises).
21:24, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 48 using 8d10+20, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,7,7,3,1,9,2. Initiative.]

Sakura didn't want to get too far ahead, so she waited in the sidelines. Of course if Kumi wanted to engage the Lion, she would give her an excuse but it didn't seem like Kumi was overly anxious right at the moment.

That would likely change soon enough.

[Just hold for now.]

Kenshin's 'too formal' strike formally decapitates two of the Lion ashigaru much to the chagrin of the survivors.  Their consternation, however, is short lived as they prepare to receive the charge from the Crane.

[Private to Tsuruchi Sumi: make an attack roll and an Agility/Stealth (ambush) roll to avoid being seen]

Sumi's arrow flew...

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 21 using 7k3 with rolls of 7,6,4,8,3,6,6 for Agility/Stealth (ambush).
Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 26 using 6k3 with rolls of 2,4,8,9,9,4 for Kyujutsu bow attack, and 6 using 4k1 with rolls of 4,3,6,5 for Damage.

One of the ashigaru screams as Sumi's arrow slams into his leg, shattering his femur but not taking him out of the battle entirely.  Meanwhile, four of the remaining ashigaru futilely attempt to stop Kenshin and his unstoppable blade.  One lucky ashigaru manages to pierce the Scorpion Samurai's defenses.

OOC:  22:34, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 12 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 3,9. damage.
22:33, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 30 using 4d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1,(10+9)19,(10+1)11. attack on Bayushi Kenshin 4.
22:31, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 20 using 4d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,7,(10+2)12. attack on Bayushi Kenshin 3.
22:31, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 16 using 4d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,8,8,4. attack on Bayushi Kenshin 2.
22:31, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 11 using 3d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+1)11,4,5. attack on Bayushi Kenshin 1.

TNtbH:  13
[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: You catch sight of an oncoming Lion troop marching towards the walls--clearly meant to reinforce the soldiers already inside the city.  Attacking them will mean an easier time for the Crane forces inside the city.  Letting them pass by will make them more desperate, but possibly more grateful for Scorpion intervention when it arrives.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:12, Tue 08 Mar 2011.

PM

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Kagehisa turns away from the Lion reinforcements. To weaken them this much would probably be troublesome on the long run. "Playing on both fields is truly vexing. Now we return!" he says as he scurries back to behind the barricades.]

Kenshin felt the blow, but continued his thrust into the Lion's Ashigaru line. He expected the Crane Ashigaru to do much better now -- now that the odds would be more even.

[ Hit both with two raises; +1 free raise on first; +2 free raises on second. Damage: 33 on first, 20 on second.
21:14, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 20 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,1,4,1,6,6. Damage 2.
21:14, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 33 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2,8,7,3,(10+6)16,9. Damage 1.
21:11, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 45 using 10d10+10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(10+5)15,5,2,6,4,3,7,5,7. Attack 2 (calling two raises).
21:11, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 42 using 10d10+10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,3,7,8,6,3,2,9,4. Attack 1 (calling two raises).]

[Sakura holds.]

Wasting no time in readying another arrow, Sumi drew and fired again at the ashigaru that had refused to go down from a shot in the leg. However, if he was otherwise occupied by someone she fired at a different one.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled:
19 using 6k3 with rolls of 1,5,6,1,2,8 for bow shot.
21 using 6k3 with rolls of 8,6,7,4,2,1 for damage.
20 using 7k3 with rolls of 1,8,7,2,3,4,5 for Agility/Stealth (ambush). If needed again.

While Kenshin's rapid and accurate cuts and Sumi's devastating bow do not kill their targets outright, they are enough to put those ashigaru firmly out of the battle.  The remaining three peasants, faced with five fresh Crane spearmen, Kenshin's unrelenting blade, and arrows which seem to appear from nowhere, drop their weapons and hurriedly attempt to help their still living, if injured companions off the field.

OOC:  due to unforeseen circumstances in the battle, the Lion have a +1k0 morale bonus to all rolls and there will be one extra enemy in each combat ^_^

-1 VP
[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: OOC:  -1 honor; see what you did ^_^

roll battle/perception to see what options are available to you]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:31, Mon 21 Mar 2011.

Kenshin took a step back and flicked the blood from his blade. He wasn't sure what just happened, but it was not like the Lion to abandon the battle.

"I am Bayushi Kenshin" he said, returning his now clean blade to its saya.

Kenshin took two steps back and then turned to go towards his destination.

PM

[Private to GM: 12:03, Yesterday: Secret Roll: Shosuro Kagehisa rolled 24 using 3d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9,8,7. Perception/Battle.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:24, Sat 26 Mar 2011.

The Crane ashigaru bow respectfully to Kenshin before they proceed in pursuit of the fleeing Lion, and you are free

OOC:  Roll Agility/Stealth TN 20 no untrained penalty

PM
[Private to Kaze no Kage: Sakura Made it (no surprise there)

 19:36, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 42 using 10d10, dropping the 7 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+7)27,1,5,2,6,1,2,6,5,9. Agility/Stealth.]

Failed.
[Private to Kaze no Kage: 19:35, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 10 using 4d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,5,3. Agility/Stealth.]

OOC: Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 31 using 7k3+3, with rolls of 1,2,7,7,7,(10+4)14,3 for Agility/Stealth (sneaking).

Passing through the site of a recent barricade rush, you see the scattered corpses of Crane and Lion warriors and a barricade mostly dismantled by the waves of Lion passing through.  As you proceed, Kenshin, scrambling over the makeshift wall, dislodges a table with a loud clatter.  A Lion squad, having just passed through this area, turns and catches sight of him.  With a shout, they charge.

OOC:  roll initiative and post actions
If you beat their initiative, you have a free round to use a ranged attack, cast a spell, or repair the barricade (which will give you a +2 higher ground bonus; strength/athletics TN 10); you can, of course, do these things in combat as well

Lion Initiative 23
TNtbH 18

Seeing the Lion rush toward him, Kenshin tried to repair the breech to give himself the tactical advantage of higher ground. Unfortunately this would pose to be too difficult when perched on top of a shifting table.

No matter, time was up -- the Lion were here.

[ Are these Ashigaru or Samurai?

Initiative: 51. Str (Unskilled Athletics): 7

21:05, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 7 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 1,6. Str/Athletics (unskilled).
21:02, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 51 using 8d10+20, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4,8,5,8,9,1,6. Initiative.]

Sakura threw herself into building the barrier before the lion arrived. This was war, after all, and they would need all the advantages they could get.

Especially against the Shadow.

But now was not the time for spells ... that would come later.

[Init: 36  Str/Athletics: 12
21:07, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 12 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 6,6.
21:06, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 36 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,3,1,5,7,(10+6)16. Init.]

PM[Private to Shosuro Kagehisa: You see a squad of Lion scouts heading into the City, apparently there seems to be some sort of communication difficulty within the walls]

When they caught the Lion's attention, Sumi had an initial thought of trying to fix the barricade as well. She saw that the Daidoji had it handled though, so she quickly readied her bow with a nocked arrow and fired it into the lead Lion coming at them with hopes of maybe dropping him in the way of fellows to trip them up a little. If extremely lucky it would possibly buy her and her companions an extra second or two. And if not? Well, at least it would wound or kill one. Either was good for her side.

Tsuruchi Sumi
rolled 33 using 6k3 for Initiative with rolls of (10+10+2)22,4,1,7,4,1.
rolled 24 using 6k3 for Bow shot with rolls of 1,2,4,(10+5)15,4,5
rolled 24 using 6k3 for Damage with rolls of 6,6,8,8,8,7.

OOC:  they're ashigaru, but fully trained ashigaru

Daidoji Sakura manages to patch the barricade well enough to give Bayushi Kenshin a place to stand, and Tsuruchi Sumi injures the lead well enough to break their charge--but not enough to stop them.  Then they are at the wall, bringing their spears to bear.

Lion TNtbH:  18
Initiative: 23
all of you act before they do, however, they are in melee range
unless you retreat back from the barracade

The Lion ashigaru were getting a little too close for Sumi's liking. Of course s face-to-face melee was not her favored method of battle either. It was tactically inferior to ranged warfare, even though many would claim it not as honorable. These thoughts blurred through Sumi's mind as she gave ground and ran a short distance backward so that she could turn and quickly fire another arrow into one of the enemy ashigaru.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 21 using 6k3 with rolls of 3,3,4,6,6,9 for bow shot.
Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 23 using 6k3 with rolls of 6,9,7,7,4,4 for damage.

Kenshin faced the onslaught with a stoic face beneath the Mask of Honor. There were taunts he could use, of course -- every Courtier knew them. And that meant that every Crane and every Scorpion knew them. But now was not the time. These were tougher Ashigaru, but they were mere Ashigaru none-the-less.

Let them use their spears. It would make no difference.

He waited for the perfect time, knowing that the Fortunes smiled upon him. It was only a heartbeat, but the time was there. His sword flew from his saya, slicing into two of the oncoming Ashigaru.

[Using Tides of Battle to boost Init, now 56. Using his four free raises to attack two at once. Called two raises toward damage, got one extra for overkill. Damage: 25 & 28. Any extra raises he might get for Drama/Acrobatics will go toward damage.

19:50, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 28 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,(10+1)11,5,9,8. Damage 2.
19:50, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 25 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,9,9,7,6,2. Damage 1.
19:47, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 41 using 10d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,8,5,4,5,3,6,6,9,7. Second Attack (2 raises; TN 28).
19:47, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 45 using 10d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,7,9,3,5,7,7,5,5,6. First Attack (2 raises; TN 28).
19:42, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 5 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Tides of Battle (+init).]

Sakura took a step back from the barrier, knowing that it would soon be covered with blood. Tales from the Clan War aside, she was not well suited for battle. Her specialty was before and after, not during.

Sakura waited.

[Hold for now.]

Another ashigaru goes down screaming as Tsuruchi Sumi's arrow shatters his kneecap--neatly amputating his lower leg in an explosion of gore.

At the top of the barricade, Bayushi Kenshin ignores their threatening spears, cutting through them...and the arms of those wielding them--with two whirling strikes.

Two more ashigaru step up to take their place, but stumble over their companions writhing bodies.  Meanwhile four more soldiers choose to ignore the unstoppable force that is the Bayushi samurai and clamber atop the barricade attempting to reach the others behind it.

Lion TNtbH:  18 (the climbing ones have TNtbH 9)
Initiative: 23

Kenshin's sense of Honor struck a cord as the two Ashigaru climbed, attempting to bypass the temporary Yojimbo. He allowed his blade to speak for him before he spoke for himself.

"Is this what your Samurai teach?!?" he asked firmly, the anger showing clearly in his voice, "To ignore the Honorable Samurai Bushi standing in front of you?!?"

"Whatever Samurai has been given the misfortune of leading these honorless dogs will apologize to me -- in this life, or in the next!"

He was not a happy Scorpion.


[Init now 63; Strikes at the two climbers; hits both for 29 & 57 damage respectively.

Did I mention how much I want the Scorpion Rank 5 Technique right now? ;p

22:36, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 57 using 9d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,8,1,1,(10+7)17,9,7,7,2. Damage(total 8 raises toward damage).
22:35, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 29 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,1,3,7,6,2,5. Damage(total 6 raises toward damage).
22:33, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 77 using 10d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+7)17,(10+5)15,1,8,(10+10+1)21,9,7,7,3,2. Second Attack, ibid.
22:33, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 54 using 10d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,1,2,5,(10+6)16,7,9,7,6,7. First Attack (call 4 raises; TN 29).
22:31, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 7 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 7. Tides of Battle.
]

Sumi drew a bead on the lead one that clambered atop the barricade and fired again. The tactic was pretty simple, but it was working well enough so far, and needed to stop them from reaching her and the others.

Tsuruchi Sumi:
rolled 8 using 1d10 for Tides of battle.
rolled 26 using 6k3 with rolls of 6,9,8,1,6,9 for Bow attack.
rolled 28 using 6k3 with rolls of 4,2,2,(10+5)15,8,5 for Arrow damage.

Sakura took a step back, making it easier for Kumi to intercept any Lion that was unfortunate enough to make it past Kenshin. She was beginning to see why the Mistress of Secrets had chosen to keep him in the Clan of Secrets.

The first of the climbers dies as Kenshin's perfect strike removes his head from his shoulders.  The second is more fortunate, losing only the left arm as he flings it up in a futile attempt to protect himself.  But even that small felicity is lost as Tsuruchi Sumi's arrow takes him in the throat as he begins his inadvertent descent from the barricade.  As the two climbers fall, the remaining ashigaru take a step back out of striking range--though it is clear that the maneuver is not out of cowardice, but out of respect for the approaching Lion samurai.

"We teach them to accept that there are some challenges that cannot be overcome by mere Ashigaru, Scorpion," booms the voice of an Lion samurai in Great Armor, wearing the mon of the Matsu, "we teach them to take on the challenges to which they may aspire, not to waste their lives in a futile attempt to reach the pinnacle of Bushido.

"I am Matsu Minako," she declares, raising her nodachi, "the Red Lion of Shizo Sano Ken Hayai and Defender of Renza Muzai!  I bested Bayushi Rei in honorable combat and Shosuro Chiba when he refused to abide by the will of the Fortunes!  My blade has tasted the blood of dozens of Scorpions, I doubt one more will slake her thirst!"

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: +1 Drama Raise, for your speech on the barricade ^_^]

"Maybe we should teach her to starve!" Sumi had already tired of the Matsu's bragging. Being a more pragmatic sort than one who would stand in the open and shout their achievements, Sumi drew another arrow from her position under cover and fired in at the bragging samurai.

Tsuruchi Sumi
rolled 7 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 7. Tides of battle.
rolled 35 using 6k3 with rolls of 1,4,8,8,3,(10+9)19. Bow attack.
rolled 23 using 6k3 with rolls of 1,3,5,7,8,8. Arrow damage.

Kenshin flicked the blood from his blade and sheathed his sword. The challenge was about to begin -- one way or another. The Lion were nothing if not predictable, and the Matsu even more so.

"I am Bayushi Kenshin" the Scorpion replied in kind, "the Mask of Honor. I am he who beheaded Matsu Hajimeko in the Unseen Draw after she had impugned Imperial Honor. I am he who is called Defender of Seppun Honor."

"Today you die by Scorpion hands. Will it be with Honor, as ordained by our Founding Kami?"

Kenshin left the implications hanging in the air, for anything other than an Iaijutsu duel would be "without honor". The Matsu would sense these implications of course -- and that was the plan. She would be infuriated (as Matsu knew no other emotion) and -- one way or another -- she would die on his blade.

Bayushi Kenshin may have been Honorable, but he was still Scorpion.

"HA!" Matsu Minako laughs, as her nodachi flashes in the sunlight deflecting Tsuruchi Sumi's arrow just enough so that it lodges harmlessly in the shoulder of her great armor

"It is you who will die to day, Scorpion," she sneers, sheathing her blade and placing her hand on the hilt of her katana, "though I have no doubt you will face your demise with as little honor as Shosuro Chiba faced his."

OOC:  Bayushi Kenshin:  roll Awareness/Iaijutsu
Tsuruchi Sumi:  post actions
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:53, Fri 15 July 2011.

Sumi swore softly, but it was Kenshin's fight. He could handle the Matsu. If not, then she would get to test her skill. Ignoring the Matsu for the time being, Sumi looked around for another target.

Tsuruchi Sumi (if an enemy is spotted):
rolled 9 using 3k3 with rolls of 5,3,1. Awareness / (no Iaijutsu).
rolled 20 using 6k3 with rolls of 5,1,9,4,2,6. Bow attack.
rolled 35 using 6k3 with rolls of 7,3,6,(10+1)11,(10+7)17,4. Possible arrow damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Fri 15 July 2011.

"I cannot lose" Kenshin replied calmly, "you cannot win."

This was no casual bluff, for Kenshin knew his place. Live or die, he was Scorpion -- and this duel would serve his clan either way. Though he could die, he could not loose and that brought with it a certain amount of calmness. It was a Calm that Minako would not have serving her -- live or die, she was facing a Scorpion. Kenshin held Minako's eyes in his, allowing her spirit to tell him everything he needed to know.

The pincers hold ...

[Awareness/Iai -- total of 54 (including the exploding 9s, which I've been ignoring until now ...

18:45, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 5 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Exploding 9.
18:44, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 9 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9. Exploding 9.
18:43, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 40 using 10d10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,8,8,9,8,7,7,2,(10+1)11,(10+2)12. Awr/Iai (9's &10's explode; free raise).]

"Spoken like a Crane," Minako growls, settling into her stance.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin:
Matsu Minako
Agility 4
Awareness 3
Iaijutsu 7
Reflexes 4
Void 4/4
No Wounds

Minako chooses Agility
Focus or Strike?]

As Minako and Kenshin face off, Sumi catches sight of several Lion ashigaru approaching from a side street.  Letting off an arrow, Sumi manages to bring one down, though the others continue to approach, albeit with more caution.

[Private to Tsuruchi Sumi; Daidoji Sakura: Ashigaru TNtbH 25
6 remaining, 4 rounds until they arrive]

Kenshin settled into his stance, his face forming a mask beneath his mask. The time for talk was over -- now there was only "what was".

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Choosing Reflexes for her. Focus. (TN starts at what? Not that it really matters -- assuming 15 for now. Rolled 52 + Free raise.

(As I recall, raises don't really do anything during the Focus part of the duel, except add to the total.)


00:07, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 12 using 3d10, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,8. Exploding Nines.
00:07, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 40 using 10d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,9,1,5,4,2,4,4,8,9. Focus (+ Free Raise).]

Sumi fires off a shot at the ashigaru but misses her target.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 21 using 6d10, keeping the 3 highest rolls, with rolls of 2,1,1,1,(10+6)16,3. Bow attack.

OOC: Should I go ahead amd roll my shots for the next few rounds?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:17, Fri 26 Aug 2011.

Sakura went over her options in her mind. So long as the more Honorable were about she would need to stay back, acting as healer and distraction.

For now ...

The intensity of Minako's gaze matches Kenshin's as the focus of her world narrows.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: New Focus TN 25]

Wary of Sumi's arrows, two of the ashigaru shoulder their spears and draw their bows as the others continue to advance.

[Private to Tsuruchi Sumi: no, since Sakura might decide to take a hand in stopping them, and the two bowmen are going to start causing problems ^_^]
[Private to Daidoji Sakura; Tsuruchi Sumi: Ashigaru TNtbH 25
6 remaining, 3 rounds until they arrive]

[Focus]

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Barely. And when I say barely, I mean I rolled a 20 -- which gets bumped to 25 when the free raise is applied.

Talk about your sucky rolls.]

Sakura observed the scene carefully. For the moment, at any rate, she would do nothing.

But then, Nothing was her specialty.

Taking note of the two ashigaru archers, Sumi fired a rather ill-targeted arrow at one.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 16 using 6d10, keeping the 3 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5,7,3,2,1. Bow attack @ archer.

Minako meets Kenshin's intense focus with her own.

[Focus]
new Focus TN 35

Undeterred by Sumi's barrage of arrows, the ashigaru continue their forward advance.  Behind them, the two archers fire their own arrows at Sumi and Sakura, with mixed results.


10:20, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 19 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,1,9,6,4. bow attack Sakura.
10:19, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 25 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(10+1)11,4,1,7,7. bow attack Sumi.

Ashigaru TNtbH 25
6 remaining, 2 rounds until they arrive

Sumi grunted loudly as the ashigaru's arro stuck in her. Only by biting her lip did she keep from screaming. Angry, she immediately drew an arrow of her own and fired it. Her shot got closer to the mark than her last few shots, yet still missed.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 24 using 6k3 with rolls of 7,5,3,8,1,9. Bow attack @ archer.

Sensei was right.

Focusing in a nice, quiet Dojo was not the same as maintaining one's focus on the field of battle. Still, Kenshin's training was deep -- and it was that training that was saving him now.

Kenshin waited for the perfect time.

[Focus]


[Private to Kaze no Kage: Once again, he barely beat the TN. Total is 38 including using the free raise.

23:00, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 33 using 10d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+4)14,2,4,5,2,6,4,4,3,3. Focus (+free raise).]

The Ashigaru arrow pierced Sakura's robes, but failed to pierce her skin. The young Shugenja's gaze was intense, though not intense enough to kill.

That would come later.

She was equipped with neither armor nor any weapons save her Wakizashi. But that did not mean that she was helpless -- far from it. Still, with so many Honorable about, she could not unleash her true terror.

Not yet.

Sakura waited ...

Showing remarkable patience for a Matsu, Kenshin's adversary intensifies her will.

[focus]
new focus TN 45
OOC:  seriously?  I expected Minako to fail last round...

The two archers continue their devastating barrage upon Sakura and Sumi as their compatriots approach ever closer.

Damage to Sumi (from last round) 14
Damage to Sakura 13
Ashigaru TNtbH 25
6 remaining, 1 round until they arrive

18:58, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 13 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 7,6. damage Sakura.
18:58, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 14 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 4, 10. damage Sumi (last round).
18:54, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 42 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,9,(10+8)18,4,(10+5)15,1. bow attack Sakura.
18:54, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 18 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,6,2,7,2. bow attack Sumi.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:53, Thu 15 Sept 2011.

Sumi looked for somewhere nearby where she could move to and hide, get some cover and begin sniping people again. The fortunes were favoring that other archer, she thought. She had to give them time to change their minds and favor her once again.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 21 using 7k3, with rolls of 1,7,6,7,4,7,5. Agility/Stealth if it applies.

[And I didn't expect to have to spend Void this quickly either ... :D]

Kenshin's awareness shifted subtly, becoming aware of all the ebbs and flows that surrounded him. The breeze, the smell of blood, even the wind flowing through his opponents hair. This was new to him, an experience he had never had before. He had heard about such things by those that taught him, but he had never expected to experience them -- not like this.

But then, his Sensei had always taught him that a real battle was better than a thousand practices.

Kenichi waited.

[Made it, but only by spending a Void on his new technique and the free raise. Dang that Matsu's tough!

23:33, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 31 using 10d10, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3,2,4,1,7,4,6,6,8. Focus (plus free raise).]

[Hey, where's Kumi? :O]

Sakura slid behind the pile of debris, picking a place where she could see her attackers but they could not see her. Attacking a Shugenja as these did was strictly off limits, and very soon this sub-human filth would find out why.

Very soon ...

[Stealth: 25

23:47, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 25 using 10d10, dropping the 7 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3,7,7,9,6,6,5,9,4. Stealth.]

Deep as Matsu Minako's focus was, Bayushi Kenshin's focus was nevertheless deeper.  As the ashigaru approached their position only to find Tsuruchi Sumi and Daidoji Sakura nowhere to be found, Minako's eyes flickered for a fraction of a second from Kenshin's...

Finally!
[Strike]

last I recall, Kumi got reassigned as one of Doji Kasarugi's yojimbo, did something happen after that?  That particular exchange saved Kakita Tsutomu from a heroic but tragic death sometime during the Lion March ^_^

A fraction of a second was all that Kenshin needed-- with her focus off ever so slightly it was the right time to strike. His blade flew effortlessly from its saya in a motion practiced and well honed over his years with the Crane, biting into Minako with a Perfect Strike.

The tail strikes ...

[Rolled a 71 to hit (the exploding nines finally paid off!); 53 damage if I calculated it right. 10k7 = 3k2 base + 2k0 Str + 5k5 from raises (9 free, one from a void point).

9 free raises = 6 raises from focusing + 1 free raise from skill + 2 free raises for exceeding the TN by more than 20.

Now for the odd question: if a die explodes three or more times, you get a void point back?

22:42, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 53 using 10d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,8,1,6,4,(10+9)19,6,1,3,2. Damage (spend 1 void).
22:35, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 4 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 4. Yet Another Exploding 9.
22:33, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 26 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9,(10+7)17. Exploding 9's.
22:33, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 41 using 10d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3,8,4,4,9,2,6,9,5. Strike! (10k6 + Freee Raise).]

OOC:  So where did Sumi and Sakura duck under cover to?  The approaching ashigaru don't see you, for now.

OOC: That's hard to say with no idea of where things are. Preferably some place I can continue sniping them.

In reply to Tsuruchi Sumi (msg #94):

OOC:  you could have ducked into a building, behind a pile of crates, down a perpendicular street or alley, or (if you want to take a second round) climb to a rooftop.  I'm willing to entertain other reasonable options ^_^

OOC: Rooftop sounds good, just get around to a side of the building that I won't be fired upon while climbing. A rooftop would give me a good advantage, so do that.

[Sakura is heading for the roof as well.]

The ashigaru pursuing Sakura and Sumi stop and watch in awe as Bayushi Kenshin's perfect strike cuts down the mighty Matsu Minako with all of the artistry that Kakita's technique can achieve.

"At last," Minako coughs, blood flecking her mouth, "a worthy foe."

With a crash of lacquered armor, the Lion bushi falls.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: +1 Drama Raise to be used on a later roll]

Meanwhile, Daidoji Sakura and Tsuruchi Sumi continue to climb stealthily to the rooftops...

[Private to Daidoji Sakura; Tsuruchi Sumi: make an Agility/Stealth check]

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 28 using 7k3 with rolls of 1,3,(10+3)13,8,6,7,2. Agility/Stealth.

Once in a good position, Sumi readies her bow again.

Sakura climbed quietly behind the somewhat more agile (and much more recently trained) Wasp. She was well versed in stealth techniques, though her chances to practice them were few. Still, this was Ashigaru that she was going up against, not Kitsuki Magistrates.

It would be good enough.

[Agility/Stealth: 34

18:16, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 34 using 10d10, dropping the 7 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2,1,(10+8)18,1,3,4,7,9,7. Agility/Stealth.]

Kenshin flicked the blood off his blade and returned it to its saya.

"She has died with honor" he said to nobody in particular.

"Your Bushi has fallen" he said calmly to the assembled Ashigaru, "you may withdraw with honor. Should you choose not to do so, you will all die."

It was not bravado or pretense that made Kenshin say such a thing, but rather Duty. When a Samurai died in such a fashion, it was the Duty of their followers to maintain her honor. Should these Ashigaru fail to do so on their own, he and his small party would ensure that they did so in spite of their dishonor.

Two of the ashigaru lift the still form of Matsu Minako and carry her back to their lines.  The four remaining ashigaru hold their weapons respectfully, if warily.

"We have our orders, Samurai-sama," one bows without lowering his guard, "as your duty is to defend this position, ours is to take it from you.  While we appreciate your compassion in allowing us to withdraw, we cannot do so without betraying our oaths.  We too are prepared to die."

So saying, the four Ashigaru ready themselves for combat.

[Private to Daidoji Sakura; Tsuruchi Sumi: having found a safe place on the rooftops to prepare, Sumi and Sakura are close enough to see and hear the exchange between the ashigaru and Kenshin.]

OOC:  roll initiative and post actions

Sumi was prepared to fire, even pulling her bow back, but didn't release just yet. Instead she called to them. "Surely you realize that you cannot win this. Why throw your lives away needlessly? Just four of you? You cannot hope to succeed. Go back to your clan's army and admit that you came close but could not take it."

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 18 using 6d10 keeping the 3 highest rolls, with rolls of 8,4,5,2,5,3. Initiative.

Honor. He understood it's nuances well, but also why his clan chose Duty over everything else. By standing as they did, their own deaths were assured. Brave? Yes. Honorable? Certainly. Foolish?

Yes.

Now they could not serve their clan any further -- they would simply die. The Lion were not good at turning the death of any Lion into an advantage, not like his Clan.

"Very well" Kenshin replied, standing firm. "then come and die with honor."

Sakura stayed hidden and kept her eyes on the Ashigaru that had attacked her earlier. If only the four stayed, and they fought with honor, then the Junshin would take care of them soon enough. If not ...

"This is Seppuku" she whispered to her companion, "nothing less."

"I agree," Sumi answered Sakura in a whisper, "but I feel like giving them a chance to change their minds."

"Perhaps," the Lion Ashigaru replies, lowering his spear as his fellows do the same.  As the sharp points drop arrows arc over their heads to strike out at Bayushi Kenshin and Tsuruchi Sumi.

"And perhaps not!" he cries, lunging with his spear.

OOC:
Enemy Initiative:  17
Enemy TNtbH: 18

Bow attack on Kenshin 22
Bow attack on Sumi 20
Spear 1 attack 18
Spear 2 attack 23
Spear 3 attack 19
Spear 4 attack 22

20:37, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 17 using 4d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4,4,3. Initiative.
20:35, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 22 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,7,1,1,5,8. spear attack Kenshin 4.
20:35, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 19 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1,6,4,2,6. spear attack Kenshin 3.
20:35, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 23 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,6,4,3,3,(10+3)13. spear attack Kenshin 2.
20:35, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 18 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5,1,8,2,3. spear attack Kenshin 1.
20:35, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 22 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,7,2,7,8,2. bow attack Kenshin.
20:35, Today: Kaze no Kage rolled 20 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,7,2,2,9,4. bow attack Sumi.

"Chikushō! Baka." Sumi swore, cursing her own attempt at talking the ashigaru down. After the ashigaru arrow missed her, sumi returned fire with her own bow.

Tsuruchi Sumi
rolled 34 using 6k3, with rolls of 5,9,2,(10+7)17,5,8. Bow attack @ archer.
rolled 36 using 5k3, with rolls of 8,(10+9)19,2,4,9. Bow damage.

Kenshin was not going to waste any more time discussing the issue with these Ashigaru. Honor was one thing, but foolishness and false bravado ... they could discuss these things with their ancestors.

Kenshin struck.

[Init: 52. Will use Tides of Battles to add 1d10 to his init next turn.

Trying to strike 2 Ashigaru at once (3 called raises; using 1 free raise; 3 free raises towards damage). Modified TN: 33

Hit 1(39) & 2(47; gains another free raise).
Damage is (7k3 = 3k2 + 2k0 + 2k1; 7k4 = 3k2 + 2k0 + 2k2): 31, 24.


Boring Details:
15:13, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 24 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4,3,1,3,6,5. Damage 2 (reroll).
15:12, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 31 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1,(10+8)18,6,4,7,1. Damage 1 (reroll miscounted raises).
15:10, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 23 using 6d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,5,2,5,(10+5)15,1. Damage 1 (reroll).
15:08, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 32 using 8d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,9,3,4,4,9,1,9. Init (+20).
15:05, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 7 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 7. Exploding 9 (2).
15:05, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 5 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Exploding 9 (1).
15:04, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 22 using 5d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(10+3)13,9,1,5. Damage 2.
15:04, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 16 using 5d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,8,8,7,7. Damage 1.
15:02, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 30 using 10d10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1,4,6,8,3,6,7,9,2. Strike two Ashigaru at once (call 3).
15:00, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 24 using 10d10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,9,6,1,1,3,4,4,2,5. Strike two Ashigaru at once (call 3).]

Sakura observed the events quietly, choosing to do nothing for now -- for now. These were, after all, Ashigaru and Ashigaru didn't deserve the effort it would have taken for her to use her true abilities. Especially those that acted as these did.

She would remember, however, to obtain a bow -- preferably a Hankyu -- or to learn a spell that could be used more effectively at range.

[Hold. These two seem to have everything well in hand.]

A figure emerges from the rubble behind the two ashigaru archers.  The sun flashes as the newcomer's katana slashes at the peasants.  Those who know can immediately identify the man as a trained Daidoji Harrier by the style of armor he wears, but the facing scorpions comprising his battle mask attest to his Clan.


OOC:
Init:49

Full Attack Posture

Attack 2 ashigaru archers from cover
Stealth (Ambush)- 22
Attack Rolls (2 Free Raises, 2 Called Raises)- 32 & 45
Damage- 23 & 12

One of the archers screams as Sumi's arrow shatters his femur, but it is quickly cut off as Kenji's surprise strike punctures a lung.  The other archer is still turning when the dual trained bushi's strike takes him in the arm, causing him to drop his bow.  The ashigaru staggers back from the Scorpion samurai groping for his spear.

None of the ashigaru facing Kenshin manage to pierce his formidable defenses, and two of them attempt to fall back after his responding strikes cut into their bodies.  They are, however, soldiers of the Lion, and they rally themselves, continuing their doomed path.

OOC:  seriously, I need to come up with tougher enemies
Enemy Initiative 17
Enemy TNtbH 18

All attacks miss

As the one ashigaru fell, Sumi sighted another and launched an arrow at him.

Tsuruchi Sumi:
rolled 30 using 5k3, with rolls of 9,3,9,3,(10+2)12. Initiative.
rolled 28 using 8k3, with rolls of 6,2,4,(10+3)13,8,5,7,1. Bow attack.
rolled 19 using 6k3, with rolls of 5,2,3,3,5,9. Bow damage.

Rarely would a Scorpion have the Force of Honor on his side, but this was one of those times. As far as Bayushi Kenshin was concerned, these worthless vermin had defiled their Samurai's memory and wasted the Emperor's precious resource -- their lives. Honor -- and his ancestors -- guided Bayushi Kenshin's blade, leaving very little left before him.

In fact, there was nothing left in Kenshin's mind at this point. He had entered one of those rare, meditative times. Now, there was only what was. There was only sword and honor.

The Pincher Crushed.

[Tougher enemies at this point would be anti-climactic. Matsu-San was quite tough, thank you very much.

Init: 57 (with Tides of Battle). Four free raises will go to attacking twice, leaves one free raise left. Calling three for damage (total of four).

TN: 33. Hit both with two uncalled raises (total six). Damage is:
  8k5 = 3k2 + 2k0 (STR) + 3k3 (six total raises)

Damge: 31, 54

23:41, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 54 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,9,6,8,2,9,(10+10+2)22.
23:40, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 31 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4,2,1,3,3,9,9.
23:37, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 57 using 10d10+10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,6,7,4,9,6,7,(10+5)15,2,(10+6)16.
23:37, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 55 using 10d10+10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5,1,5,(10+10+3)23,8,4,2,9,4.]

Sakura was preparing to take out one of the archers when Kenji appeared. It was probably for the best that the two Samurai were destroying the few remaining Ashigaru.

It was for the best that her abilities remain hidden ... for now.

Kenji's blades flashes again, striking the wounded ashigaru again.  Kenji emotionless eyes flash around the immediate field of battle, taking note of the Lion casualties near Kenshin as well as the angle of fire of the hidden archer.  His katana snaps outward, Lion lifeblood flung to the earth, before returning to its rest.


OOC:
Attack Posture
Attack (2 Raises for damage)- 34
Damage- 19
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Mon 28 Nov 2011.

The ashigaru fight bravely, but against the combined forces of three trained samurai, even outnumbering them two to one, the ashigaru fall.

OOC:
Continuing against the Lion:  2 VP Challenge, +1 bonus Glory

Hold position:  1 VP Challenge, +1d10 healing

Fall back:  0 VP Challenge, +2d10 healing, -1 Glory

+3 VP (2 VP challenge +1 VP for defeating challenge in less than three rounds), +1 Glory[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: +2 Glory, +1 xp for duel]

Kenji approaches the rubble filled breach.  "It is an honor, Bayushi-sama. Your skill is renowned and I feel the Fortunes have blessed me with the opportunity to stand with you on this field," he says, bowing in greeting to Kenshin.

Once the immediate ashigaru threat was over, Sumi climbed down from her perch and began recovering her arrows.

Kenshin flicked the blood of his blade, wiping what little remained on the fine steel of clothing of the fallen Ashigaru before returning it to the sheath.

"The honor is mine, Cousin" he replied a bow, "or, perhaps both of ours that the Fortunes would trust us with this Duty, in this time and at this place."

He looked around and thought for a moment.

"We have been delayed, though thankfully not by much. We should hasten to our next position."

Sakura silently climbed down and approached the Ashigaru bowmen. She was not trying to hide herself from her own party, but there was no sense in making herself a nuisance either.

She looked over the archers, trying to decide if she should "borrow" a bow from the dead. They did not need them, after all, and the Lion could hardly complain.

And they did shoot her.

[Looking to see if the bows are nice enough for a Samurai to use. What kind are they? Are they "Lion" or "generic"? Same question(s) for the arrows.]

OOC:  generic for both bow and arrows

Seeing Sakura searching the slain archers, Kenji offers his own hankyu and quiver.  "Daidoji-sama, please do not sully yourself with the slain.  Please accept this, if you must engage the Lion."

Sakura stopped and smiled a bit at the Scorpion Samurai.

"Your offer is too kind" she replied, "I cannot take your weapon from you. In truth, I should not even need a bow; but these ... creatures ignored standing practice, a rule that existed since Akodo no Kami walked the earth, and attacked a non-combatant Shugenja."

"And they paid the price for their treason. Their Samurai has fallen, the issue is no more."

There was no accusation to Kenshin's tone, nor sympathy. It was as if he were describing the color of the sky, or the waves of the sea shore.

[Where is our next position, anyway?]

"We should make out way to the next position," Kenji says, hitching his bow back over his shoulder.

Sumi kept her own bow in hand and ready. "Lead the way." She was ready to go.

ooc:  are you guys sneaking forward or taking on everyone you see?

OOC: I'll be sneaking.

OOC:  on the assumption that you're all proceeding sneaky-like...

You proceed further towards the Lion held portions of Toshi Ranbo, hiding in the chaos of the battle rather than engaging in direct combat.  As you advance, you see an injured ashigaru dressed in the colors of the Mantis staggering towards the central camp of the Crane.

Upon seeing the Mantic ashigaru, Sumi ceasessneaking and approaches the person. She remained a bit cautious however and kept an arrow ready to fire. "You, Mantis. Who are you?"

"Akutsu of the Mantis in service to the Yoritomo, Samurai-sama," the ashigaru bows, "member of the service guard to Yoritomo Yukiko-sama, the ranking samurai with my squad.  Yoritomo Yukiko-sama sent me to report to the Crane command that her position in the artisan district has lost four fifths of its defenders and the district will soon be lost to the Lion."

[Private to Tsuruchi Sumi: Yukiko is one of the Mantis bushi/diplomats in the city, she's a PC]

"Where exactly is Yoritomo Yukiko-sama in the artisan district?" Sumi asked. "We have successfully defended the barricade now we can help elsewhere."

"Our skills may be useful there, Tsuruchi-sama," Kenji says, "but we may be able to have a greater impact on this battle than by simply holding a district.  The Crane have soldiers in plenty.  We, however, may have a chance to strike a decisive blow and end this waste of the Empire's resources."


[Private to GM: Did I manage to glean any info as to the Lion general's whereabouts?]

Kenshin looked for a long moment at the bleeding Shugenja. Honor. Duty. To many these were words, but to Kenshin they were more important than life itself. Honor would always be important to him, but Duty ... he was Scorpion, after all.

Duty came first.

Besides, wasn't it Akodo-no-Kami that said that these sorts of things were expected in battle?

If the Lion Ashigaru would not respect the position of the Shugenja in this battle, then the Crane would be dead before dawn. Now ... now there was only one question:

What would Yojiro do?

In the end, there was only one choice. It came as something of an unpleasant irony that it was a Scorpion holding the group back because of his foibles of honor. So, this time, Duty would win out.

For his Clan.

------------------

"Are you thinking that we go after the Lion Commander in the Artisan district, Kenji-San? If so, I have an idea ..."

It was what Yojiro would do.

[I'm working under the assumption that the Tsuruchi has more authority over a Mantis Ashigaru than any of the rest of us; he should probably be sent on his way to deliver his message.

Basic premise of Kenshin's plan is simple: issue a challenge. When, err, "if" the Lion Commander disregards it we trash him like good little Scorpion devastating both his/her life and Honor. Die with Honor or Die with Dishonor -- their choice.

Cue evil laughter ...]

Sakura simply followed, keeping her council to herself. She did pay close attention to what was going on, however. She was not a battle shugenja, that was not her forte' -- stealth was. And with the Junshin present, that was not likely to come into play.

Still, something was changing about that one. Perhaps he was remembering that he was Scorpion?

Sumi looked between the two Beyushi, a little confused. "So, what you both are suggesting is attacking the Lion's commander? I agree with it of course, it is a better plan of action than mine."

"Yoritomo Yukiko-sama's position is four intersections in that direction, Samurai-sama," the Mantis ashigaru responds, answering Tsuruchi Sumi's original question, "if you have no further questions, Samurai-sama, I will go now to report to the central command."

[OOC: assuming the plan is to sneak through the Lion lines and challenge the Lion commander to a duel, there are three problems that are immediately obvious:

1) if you approach him fighting (or sneaking), the commander has no obligation to listen to you or even give you the opportunity to speak your challenge--you're bushi during war time, killing you in combat (with or without a duel) is as honorable as it gets.

2) if you manage to challenge the commander (by whatever means, including, say a truce flag), the commander has no obligation to accept your challenge (you have no proof of authority to negotiate on behalf of the Crane--which would be the only inducement you could offer to get him to accept your challenge immediately) or accept you challenge during the siege (if you make him angry enough).  The commander is a Lion, but that doesn't make him/her stupid.  He may very well accept your challenge, but demand a later date.  (this is a similar problem to what Miya Momoko ran into in the Chapter 7 - Mission Impossible thread)

3) this is a big battle, you don't know where the commander is.

If the plan is just to find the commander and kill him, then disregard 1) and 2) but 3 still applies.]

"We only need to get behind the enemy's front line," Kenji says.  "Perhaps we may be able to glean the Lion plan, in the process.  We must move swiftly and cautiously, for this to work."
Kenji moves to scale a building that will afford him as good a view as he can get of the battle as it stands.  He keeps a low profile, attracting as little attention as possible in is reconnaissance.


OOC:
Scale a building- 44
Stealth- 45
Per/Battle- 35
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Sat 07 Jan 2012.

OOC:  Perception/Battle check, with a secret TN, you'll get more or less information on the location of the commander based on your roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:37, Sun 08 Jan 2012.

OOC: Sumi knows little about the subject.

Tsuruchi Sumi rolled 5 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Perception/Battle.

Bayushi Kenji scrambles to the rooftops--and quickly realizes that traveling over them will be swiftest and least likely to attract attention from Lion attackers.  From the rooftops, Kenji can see several Lion command posts--clearly meant to improve communication in the comprimised urban environment--but it is unclear which one houses the Lion general.

OOC:  to travel along the rooftops will take an agility/athletics check
To travel through the city without being seen will take an agility/stealth check
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:10, Sun 15 Jan 2012.

Either Daidoji Sakura was not used to all this climbing and jumping or she was one of the worlds greatest actresses. Her natural agility helped her out, but it was clearly talent that was at work. Sneaking, on the other hand, was a different story. She stuck to the shadows like they were her best friends, and the shadows in turn cloaked her as they would one of their own.

Still, it seemed like the most she could do was try not to get anyone killed.

[Per/Battle (unskilled): 12
         Agility/Athletics (unskilled): 20
         Agility/Stealth: 33

19:25, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 33 using 9d10, dropping the 6 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5,1,1,4,8,9,(10+6)16,7. Agility/Stealth (no crafty).
19:24, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 20 using 3d10 with rolls of 8,3,9. Agility/Athletics (Unskilled).
19:24, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 12 using 2d10 with rolls of 6,6. Perception/Battle (unskilled).]

It was quite clear that Kenshin was not used to all this sneaking about. He had learned how to be quiet, mostly as a matter of avoiding needless confrontation and keeping quiet during sentry duty. He was no scout; quite the contrary, he was used to making something of a spectacle of himself. Bragging. Standing in plain sight, challenging the opponent to an honorable duel.

Still, this was what Yojiro would do.


[Per/Battle: 40 (this is what's technically known as a "Kedo-Style-Lucky Roll". LOL.)
         Agility/Athletics (untrained): 16 (30 if Unskilled athletics rolls explode).
         Agility/Stealth: 18.

19:34, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 18 using 4d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 5,8,1,5. Agility/Stealth.
19:34, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 30 using 3d10, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(10+9)19,6. Agility/Athletics (Unskilled).
19:32, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 40 using 5d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,7,(10+6)16,(10+5)15,5. Per/Battle.]

Sumi, seeing that they were heading for the rooftops again, slipped her bow over her shoulder and began climbing. Once she hit the shadows, Sumi virtually disappeared, there was no sign of her.

Tsuruchi Sumi:
rolled 5 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Perception/Battle
rolled 29 using 6d10 keep 3 with rolls of (10+3)13,5,9,2,7,3. Agility/Athletics.
rolled 51 using 7d10+4 keep 3 with rolls of (10+7)17,6,6,5,8,1,(10+10+2)22. Agility/Stealth.

Kemji waited until the others had ascended to the rooftops before leading the way to the nearest Lion command post.  Even among his companions he was a ghost, ducking and weaving to minimize exposure to any eyes watching from below.  Any eyes that might raise an alarm make themselves fair game for the arrow-notched hankyu he carried in his hand.

OOC:
Agility/Athletics- 44
Agility/Stealth- 63
Perception/Battle- 44
Just keeping an eye on the ever-shifting tides of battle to make sure I don't lose sight of the command posts.

OOC:  okay, so now is where things get tricky ^_^
From the rooftops you can see ten command posts roughy arranged in a triangular pattern, the furthest vertex being at the outer wall of toshi ranbo--that's the one most likely to house the general.  To continue you'll need to keep making athletics and stealth checks.

From your elevated vantage point you can see the whole of the battle.  While the Crane line is fluid, it is clear that the course of the conflict is to the Crane's advantage.  At one of the Lion positions you can see a sudden explosion of motion, and two figures--one clad in ronin grey, the other in Crane blue--ascend to the top of one of the Lion held barricades.  Also moving along the rooftops is another group of bushi, also wearing the colors of the Crane.

[Stealth I can manage, but I'm pretty much guaranteed to fail an athletics check soon ... Unless we can make them all in an hour ...]

Sakura looked down to the fighting and for the first time in what felt like forever, she smiled.

"Good job, Kedo-Kun."

OOC: I don't know what to tell ya ... I'm lucky to have made it this far.

Sumi continued along the rooftops, staying to the shadows as much as possible. Luck was still with her so far. Shadows were plentiful and climbing was fairly easy.

Tsuruchi Sumi:
rolled 43 using 7k3+4, with rolls of (10+8)18,5,4,(10+6)16,5,9,7. Agility/Stealth.
rolled 22 using 6k3, with rolls of 9,4,8,2,2,5. Agility/Athletics.

Kenji moved nearly effortlessly over the rooftops, breaking every now and then to take in the ever-changing tides of battle.  Seeing that some were having trouble, he falls back to the others.
"It may suit to return to the streets and continue the fight, Bayushi-sama," he whispers, not wishing to be heard by any wary Lion.  "I will scout ahead, find the command post, and send word back.  This is to my strengths, whereas I believe yours are best used in pushing the Crane advantage on the streets.  Tsuruchi-sama, Daidoji-sama, I would not presume to tell either of you what to do."

OC:
Agility/Athletics- 42
Agility/Stealth- 50
Perception/Battle- 40

Hearing Kenji speak, Daidoji Sakura stared into the distance. There were things she could do. Things that, with a bit of luck, would completely turn the tide of this little war. The Lion Shugenja would be powerless (unless that happened to have a Phoenix Ishi handy), and there were two here who could take full advantage of it. It would cause a bit of chaos in the courts, but so be it -- that would simply mean that the Courtiers would need to earn their keep. There was only one little problem.

Tsuruchi Sumi.

A Shosuro trained Wasp may have been exposed to her techniques, even if only through rumor. Indeed, the Rumors would have been quite strong at the academy ... as a cover if nothing else.

It was, after all, where she herself was trained.

The irony was not lost on the young Shugenja. She could trust the two Scorpion if she had to -- for them to reveal her true identity would certainly mean a trip to Traitor's Grove. But, the Wasp ... the Wasp was a Dojo mate*. That meant that only Sumi and Kenji had the skills to take advantage of Sakura's spell.

And that made all the difference.

Had she not been Shosuro trained, it would have been easy enough to misdirect her, even on the off chance that she figured something out. It was the one family that would cause her trouble.

If Sumi were to recognize Sakura's magic, it could cause all sorts of trouble. Probably would. Still, this little war was very important. Murder, chaos ... the impending visit of the Emperor.

Yes the Son of Heaven was certainly worth enough to risk this. But would it work? That, indeed, was the question.

"There is one thing that I may ... may be able to do" she finally whispered, "It would require quit a bit of luck, to be honest, but if it works ... if it works, the General would be out of the battle for good."

"Possibly for ever."

She stared a long moment, staring at Kedo. A soft tune emerged from her lips, so soft that only her companions and the Kami would be able to hear it.

"Ganbate yo, Kedo-Kun!" she whispered encouragingly.

[Butei, Ninja, and Shosuro Deceivers all attend the same Dojo. Ironic in the extreme ... LOL!]
[Private to Kaze no Kage: For obvious reasons, I'll need the GM to post her encouragement in Kedo's thread. She used Whispering Wind to make her voice appear right next to him. A lesser warrior would probably miss it in the heat of battle; Kedo won't.]

Sumi stopped in one of the nearby dark shadows to listen to Kenji speak. "Bayushi-sama, please tell me what you need me to do and I will treat it as a serious suggestion. Do not worry about whether or not you should tell me what to do. I can remain unseen on the streets just a well as I can on the rooftops, but when it comes time to fight it is to my strengths to remain in a high place."

"Very well, Tsuruchi-sama, you are with me on the rooftops," Kenji whispers.  "Bayushi-sama, Daidoji-sama, I will send Tsuruchi-sama to you when I have the location we need."  His free hand seems to twitch for a moment against his thigh before clenching in a fist and resting again.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin; Daidoji Sakura: Kenji signs, "Non-Scorpion trustworthy?"]

Sakura brought her hands up to her face, deeply pondering something. Finally she brought her hands down and nodded her understanding.

"Of course" she whispered softly, "I am a fast learner, but obviously I cannot keep up to the two of you."

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin;Bayushi Kenji: Sakura signed, "Scorpion Magic; Scorpion preferred."]

Kenshin looked at Kenji behind his mask.

"I too would hold you back, cousin" he whispered, "I will keep her safe until Tsuruchi-san returns."

"Very well.  Tsuruchi-sama, stay close, from here our every move brings naught but danger," Kenji whispers.  He nods to Kenshin and Sakura before he disappears whisper-soft across the rooftops once more.

OOC:
Agi/Athletics- 29
Agi/Stealth- 40
Per/Battle- 33
Moving toward the Lion command post toward the middle of their lines in this sector.  Avoiding contact as much as possible.

Sumi nodded visibly signaling that she understood. within just a few moments she was on the rooftops and then she was gone into the shadows.

Tsuruchi Sumi
rolled 30 using 6keep3 with rolls of 6,8,(10+1)11,3,7,(10+1)11. Agility/Athletics.
rolled 37 using 7keep3+4 with rolls of (10+6)16,4,7,9,7,7,8. Agility/Stealth.
rolled 8 using 2keep2 with rolls of 6,2. Perception/Battle.

Kenshin did his best to hide in the rooftops, keeping close to the Daidoji Shugenja. This was a bit much for him ... but, so be it. He had his duty.

Kenshin kept quiet, waiting ...

Sakura sat down close to Kenshin and faded into the shadows. She waited for a long moment, well long enough for the other pair to disappear -- and be out of earshot. Finally she whispered something to him. It was a soft whisper, one that wouldn't carry any further than the two of them.

"Tsuruchi-San was undoubtedly part of the 'public' Dojo" she began, keeping her eyes on her surroundings, "but there is still a small chance that she could recognize my magic."

"And you know the trouble that will be caused if anyone ever finds out my true identity ..."

OOC:  okay, I'm moving Kenji and Sumi over to a new thread for group 9

Sakura and Kenshin, what's your plan?  Stay at your current position, try to join up with another unit, or go find trouble on your own?

Kenshin nodded his understanding and assumed a Fudo-za seated posture. The posture would allow quick reaction if such was needed and still provide room for his meditations.

Kenshin smiled to himself. If anyone had told him coming into this that he would be sitting on a rooftop meditating, he would have told them they were crazy. But the fortunes had an odd way of working in a Samurai's life.

Kenshin's meditations focused outwardly, on each and every sound being made while simultaneously releasing thoughts and judgements about them.

[They said to wait here, so we wait here. Ne?]

Seemingly content, Sakura settled down and began silent prayers. She prayed to the Fortunes for guidance -- and the Void Dragon for something special.

Something very long term.

[We wait.]

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Basically, she knows that her soul can be forfeit if she screws up too badly, and that would be a betrayal to the Clan. So, she's basically looking to have the Void Dragon take custody of it.

I haven't got the faintest clue what that would mean long term. LOL!]

Bayushi Kenshin's meditations bring to his attention something...odd.  As he sinks deeper into his center, as his focus becomes sharper, he can see the shadows darkening.  Just the shadows.  And a raspy whisper, unintelligible, incomprehensible reaches his ears.

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: You don't really want to do that, Kasumi-chan, a pleasant voice whispers, you and I, we understand each other.  Why would you want to change that?

OOC:  well, this could get...interesting ^_^]

[Private to Kaze no Kage: LOL! I suppose now's a good time to tell you I was planning on raising her Void to 5 ...]
Silently, ever so silently, Sakura drew a scroll from her satchel and gently clutched it in her hand. Then, ever so reverently, she drew the hidden Crystal Wakizashi from its place and put it upon her lap. That the Hidden Darkness would act so openly, and in the full sight of Lady Sun, told Sakura much. This city was that important to it? Was she that important to it?

It made no difference.

"There is no failure" she whispered as she began casting her spell, "only success or death."

[Casting Commune, Void Dragon. One free raise from using the scroll; spending a void (free raise). Let's shoot for three called raises (TN 30).

Made the roll, and to spare ... I hope (LOL!): Commune made with more than 10 extra giving her 6 raises total.

Subtle Casting was 43 plus a free raise (Dojo bonus).]

[Private to Kaze no Kage: I'm guessing it's a Void based roll.

Question -- Do you use the optional rule for "Heroic Casting"? That is, by giving up their lives in the casting of a spell, a Shugenja can perform miraculous deeds (essentially, they can have virtually unlimited raises, but it has to be "dramatically correct")? Of course, that's only important if her commune fails ... LOL!

14:49, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 44 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+1)11,1,6,(10+2)12,1,7,7,7. Commune with Void Dragon (Void based?).
14:49, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 43 using 10d10+4, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,8,6,1,(10+1)11,9,1,3,5. Subtle Casting (Stealth).]

The Honorable Kenshin had no idea what was going on. He focused entirely on the situation, unsure what was going on but assuming that the Shugenja had everything under control.

Kenshin Focused his mind.

The whispers grow louder and more sinister as Sakura's prayer begins, shadows darkening, coalescing into vague, shapes...

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: Oh Kasumi-chan, the voice laughs, becoming, as you listen, voices.  Plural.  there are so many other choices.  You mistake us if you think we seek to corrupt you.  That would not serve our purposes at all

Sakura senses her prayer reaching towards the heavens, tendrils of her spirit reaching out towards salvation.   In her state of heightened awareness she can see touches of Shadow reaching in the same direction--though whether to stop her or join her, she cannot say.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:35, Thu 01 Mar 2012.

PM[Private to Kaze no Kage: I take it her first spell failed? Or is that "not clear"?]

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: OOC:  Whoops, no it succeeded--I meant to add a bit more to that post and forgot.  I've edited it a bit.  You can use Banish to try to dismiss the Shadow or you can let it ride along.  If you wish to continue instead of banishing, make another commune roll--you're reaching out to the Void Dragon, I can't make that too easy ^_^  For the purposes of this encounter you can disregard the spells per day limit]

OOC:  this is a pretty epic undertaking, so Sakura will be in prayer for a while.  But during that time Kenshin has to keep her body safe from the Shadow.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Well, since she doesn't have banish that's a pretty easy call! LOL!]
Sakura continued her prayers, buoyed up by the knowledge that the what she was doing had gotten its attention. She paused only for a moment, to address her fellow samurai with two critical pieces of information.

"Use the Crystal sword" she whispered, "it's immune to everything else. If the time ever comes that you can no longer see me through that sword -- or if I fade to far from sight -- then kill me immediately, and make sure Our Lady knows what happened here as soon as possible."

With that one, small concern off her mind her prayers got significantly more intense -- and seemingly more effective.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Called 3 raises, made 20 over for a total of 5 raises.

20:06, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 51 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,8,(10+5)15,4,4,6,9,(10+3)13. Void/Commune (call 3 raises; TN 30).]

Kenshin was no ordinary Scorpion.

For most Scorpion Yojimbo, being ordered to kill their charge would have been odd unquestioned Duty. For him, however, being ordered to kill his charge was ... not very Honorable. It was a quandary, but in the end Duty would win out.

If it was required.

Kenshin moved silently, so as not to disturb the Shugenja's prayers. Her orders were explicit and, considering her seeming importance*, of critical importance. He took the Wakizashi -- the Palace of the Soul -- into his hands and kept his attention on his surroundings and his charge, all the while trying to make sure that no one below him knew that there was anything of import happening on the roof tops overlooking the battle. His prayer to Lady Sun was silent, and far less practiced than the pretty Shugenja's.

'Please help me carry out the Duty given me through your son.'

Crystal Palace of the Soul in hand, Kenshin stood guard.


[For the Scorpion, Ninja / Shinobi matters are reserved only for "important" people -- even if they have no formal status -- so they are typically regarded as if they were "high status" ... or, at least, higher status than they appear to "outsiders".

This is especially true for someone like Kenshin who is trusted with ... well, practically nothing.]

Tendrils of darkness seep up the sides of the building, slowly pooling along the edges of the roof.  Three, in particular, begin to take shape, rising into vaguely human shapes.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: The shadows are still taking shape, you can strike at them before they do so, or wait until their forms are complete.]

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: Do you really think your Dragons can protect you, Kasumi-chan, the voices laugh, they cannot even protect you against the vulgar depredations of the Shadowlands...

You really don't know, do you, Sakura-san? one voice whispers, barely audible but somehow familiar, this plan of yours could be disastrous or miraculous...make your actions swift and certain.

In the metaphysical distance, you can hear a low rumble...the voices of gods, beyond human comprehension...]

So this is what a Scorpion felt like.

This was the kind of Duty that Crane training was completely unprepared for. No Katana at hand -- none that would damage this creature at any rate, Kenshin was reduced to pure sword work. True, he had speed ... but these things had speed as well, did they not?

As dangerous as this situation was, Bayushi Kenshin felt alive.

[Kenshin will not leave Sakura's side, but if he can strike at one or more of these creatures without doing so he will. If rolls are required, they are below.

21:06, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 41 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,6,(10+6)16,1,(10+6)16,9,9. Attack shadow creature (wakizashi).
21:05, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 53 using 8d10+20, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,9,6,9,2,4,3,9. Initiative.]

As Sakura's spirit flew higher, she was distracted somewhat by the events surrounding her. Who -- or what -- was the second voice that she heard? And why did it call her Sakura?

Could it be the Empress?

No, all this was nothing a but a distraction. Even with this momentary setback, or perhaps because of it, the young Shugenja was determined. Live or die, she would continue this course of action until the end. Her school was specifically designed to bypass the Living Darkness; to ensure that they never needed to draw on that terrible pact again. That it knew of her, much less was interested in her ... that was dangerous in the extreme.

Shosuro Kasumi focused her resolve and continued upward.

[Used a void to gain a free raise; but the roll was 3 points shy of her called raises. Next! LOL!

First: failed. (Or succeeded 3 raises if the void can "bail out" and count towards called raises.)
Second: Succeeded, but barely. 4 raises.
Void points left: 2

21:19, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 32 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3,5,3,7,7,7,3. Void/Commune (TN 30; void for free rs).
21:11, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 27 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,7,1,1,5,2,5,6. Void/Commune (TN 30; void for free rs).]

There is a flash of light, just barely too bright to be Lady Sun's rays glinting off the blade, and the faintest resistance, like cutting through a single sheet of rice paper, as Kenshin's borrowed blade cuts effortlessly through the first of the approaching shadows.  Their shape is that of a man, but their movements are like that of a doll made out of cloth--too smooth, with joints in in places that did not quite match human anatomy.  Two more make their approach into Kenshin's reach as more rise from the alleys.

[Private to Bayushi Kenshin: You may add meditation to your attack rolls and add Void keep Void to your damage rolls]

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: The free raise you took can be used to "fill in" for your missed TN, so you still have 3 Void.

And what will you do if we return your Dragons to the Nothing from which they were born? the blended voices laugh, you will bring about the end that you fear and for what?  To save your own pitiful soul?  A fine epitaph for a Scorpion!

You have been a ninja for so long that you have forgotten what it is to be a shugenja, Sakura-san, the other voice, now much more distinct and growing more familiar, replies, you have forgotten that spells are prayers and that the kami have a will of their own.. In her mind's eye, a form takes shape...the shape of Kasumi before her masquerade as Sakura.

What is this? a voice rings like silence, who comes before the celestial counsel?]

Kenshin struck out with the borrowed Wakizashi, looking to strike down both of the approaching shadows with one blow.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Without TNs and, more importantly, comparing Initiative I had to take a wild guess. Assuming TNs are 10 (which is pretty much the only way he would have called the raises needed to strike at both) or the initiative difference is sufficient to give him some free raises, ... etc. he hit both -- the first just barely (the +1 from Mediation puts him over the line). Damage is 38 (first) and 26 (second).

20:31, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 26 using 7d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5,1,3,2,7,9.
20:31, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 38 using 7d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+4)14,3,4,6,5,9,1. Wakizashi Damage (7k5).
20:30, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 33 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,8,3,(10+2)12,8,1,(10+3)13.
20:30, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 29 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1,3,7,3,(10+4)14,8. Attack (four raises for two strikes).]

Shosuro Kasumi was somewhat surprised to be granted an audience so quickly. No, she was entirely surprised to have been granted such an audience. She was aware the spells were prayers, but she never really expected something so ... dramatic.

Mostly she just expected to be ignored.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: In her mind, the place that the Kami would see, she bowed deeply.

"This unworthy Servant of the Kami is Shosuro Kasumi" she responded, softly singing the answer in her mind, "Wearing the Mask of Daidoji Sakura."

She then awaited permission to speak further.]

Two more of the formless shadows shatter like so mich broken glass, but more begin to rise to take their place--four more within Kenshin's reach without leaving his charge.

OOC:  whoops, sorry about that.
TNtbH:  10
Initiative:10
Every round that you don't hit a shadow, the TN goes up by 5, but the shadow can't attack until it's fully formed, so even if you miss or don't have enough attacks to hit it, it's not the end-- but failure will make subsequent rounds tougher.

[Private to Daidoji Sakura:  you serve the Scorpion, not these trumped up imitations, the shadowy voices hiss, what would your mistress say if she knew you were offering your loyalty to another--even on so exalted as the Dragons?  No one may serve two masters...

I am the mask worn by Daidoji Sakura, the shape of Kasumi declares, I am the truth of Shosuro Kasumi.  I am the child of Dragons given shape and form and voice.

It seems that you are of two minds little Shugenja, the voice booms, which one are you?  Daidoji Sakura or Shosuro Kasumi.  Choose wisely little Shugenja, and know what you sacrifice.

OOC: make another commune roll</orange>
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 23:53, Mon 19 Mar 2012.

Shosuro Kasumi was completely unaware of Kenshin's struggles as she continued her prayers. Sweat was beginning to bead on her forehead, her body trying to sustain her spirit for just a little bit longer.

Just a little while longer.

[Private to Kaze no Kage:

With this, Sakura finally believed she understood the choice she was being asked to make. She was both a Shugenja, with all of the duties that entailed, and an undercover operative -- a Ninja.

Both Truth and Lie.

For this Duty, the one she petitioned the Dragons for, one of those roles would have to go. And, given the nature of her duties, there was really only one choice that could be made.

There was only one choice.

"This unworthy one is Shugenja, called by the name Kasumi, child of Shosuro" she finally replied, "she who was tricked by the Lying Darkness. It is true that Our Lady requested I maintain the duties of Ninja for the time being, but the Duty of my School and of my Clan is more important."

"Our Clan knows that the Lying Darkness will one day betray us. My School seeks the Truth of this knowledge. I and those like me know the sad fate of our founder, how she was twisted into Soshi ... how much we truly have sacrificed."

"I am, first and foremost Shugenja -- servant of the Kami, as ordained by the Heavens. If I can become a Crystal Sword, like the ones we have hidden deep in the Earth, Our Lady would be most pleased. Should I find Wisdom that I can teach others, she would be far more pleased."

In her prayers, Kasumi took a deep breath.

"If I must choose which way to Serve my Emperor and my Clan -- if I cannot do both -- then I must choose Shugenja, even if it means abandoning my cover ... and my training. I must choose Truth -- the Truth of Shosuro Kasumi -- who she is and what the Fortunes meant for her."

"No matter what that means."

Shosuro Kasumi would sacrifice anything -- her name, her honor ... even membership in her Clan -- so long as it would serve her True Duty. It was what her Lady wanted.

She was sure of it.

"Our Lady has many servants, many are much better suited to the job of Ninja than I."

OOC:

Not sure what you have in mind, but this is very interesting. :D I have some ideas (naturally!), but I want to hear what you have in mind. :D


Spending void on this roll, down to 2. Barely made it, and only by spending the void.

19:12, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 28 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5,8,2,2,1,4,4. Void/Commune(call 3; void for +1 raise).]

[Tides of Battle: +7 to init. New init: 60. That gives him 5 free raises on his attack. Given his skill level, he can't make too many raises -- only four actually. No point in taking too many raises ... they won't do too much for him. Actually, one extra strike is the max IIRC, so there's really no point in that. Call one raise (damage).

Good call: both hit,but one barely. First got one free raise for the roll. Second got just barely over need. Damage; 27 (1st) and 38 (2nd).


19:51, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 38 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,1,6,1,(10+4)14,6,4. Wakizashi damage (2nd; 8k5).
19:50, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 27 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2,4,5,5,3,2,3. Wakizashi damage (1st; 8k6).

19:48, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 19 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2,5,2,5,1,4. Wakizashi (one raise).
19:48, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 34 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+6)16,9,2,9,5,2,4. Wakizashi (one raise).
]

Two more of the oily shadows are vanquished by Kenshin's elegant technique, but two more take enough shape to strike out at the Scorpion samurai with shadowy blades.  They are unable to penetrate Kenshin's formidable defenses, but he feels the chill of oblivion as the impossibly sharp shards of shadow pass by his flesh.

And even as he forces the shadows back, six more make their approach.

OOC:
Forming shadows TNtbH: 15
Initiative:  15

Unformed Shadows TNtbH:  10
Initiative:  10

[Private to Daidoji Sakura:  One day you will be ours, little Scorpion, the Goju will wield your body like a sword and the Ninube will shape your soul like so much clay.  And when Darkness falls over the Empire, you will know that you were the instrument of its destruction.

And with that the shadowy whispers depart.

You are a true servant of the Empire, little Shugenja.  Go and be well with the blessings of Tengoku.

As you return to ningen-do, you realize that you are not alone...

"Well, that was unexpected," Shosuro Kasumi replies.
<orange>
OOC:  so here's what happened, the singular voice that was speaking was the voice of the kami that you've been using to interact with the Nothing.  The Void Dragon and the Thunder Dragon gave it mortality, so it's now a separate entity--identical in appearance and skills (but of the Shosuro Shinobi school)
Your favored element is now Void, but you no longer have any access to Nothing spells unless Shosuro Kasumi is present--and then I'm going to have to figure out how that works ^_^
You're also in the middle of Kenshin's fight with the shadow things, but your spells now affect them as Crystal until sunset]

PM[Private to Kaze no Kage: Cool!

Now, for the mandatory questions -- Shosuro Kasumi (the now-mortal Kami) is a completely separate entity now, correct? I can't cast a Self spell (e.g. yari of air) and have it affect her any more than, say, Kenshin?

Their skill lists start out identical, but may diverge? Or will they stay the same, except for School? (e.g. the "tightly shared soul" thing?)]

Still focused, Kenshin continued his assault, going for the two that were closest to being formed. They were, after all, the most dangerous of the six. Still, none had hit him -- yet -- and he was in great shape.

So far.

Two more Shadows went down.

[81 Damage on the second! Hit both, "killed" both it looks like.

18:52, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 81 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+7)17,5,9,(10+9)19,8,(10+9)19,4,9. Wakizashi Damage (2; w/ free raise).
18:52, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 34 using 7d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,5,3,7,(10+2)12,6. Wakizashi Damage (1).
18:51, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 26 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,9,4,6,9,6,4.
18:50, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 20 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,7,4,2,7,5,6. Attack formed (1; free raises for dual).
18:49, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 9 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9. Tides of Battle.]

PM[Private to Daidoji Sakura: Yes, totally separate, except that you can cast self spells on her as if she were you (so the yari could be in Sakura's hands or Kasumi's hands but not both a once--unless you cast twice, and something that manifests as a physical object, like the yari can be passed from one to the other). Skills and Traits can diverge, but Rings must stay the same.

Kasumi can also enter into a Shugenja school, but her favored element will be Void, no matter the school emphasis (she is a kami after after all--even if she is mortal) but explaining why she's unnaturally good at spell casting is going to be interesting.  Actually, explaining why there are two of you is also going to be interesting ^_^

Oh, and I've opened up another character for you ^_^]

Daidoji Sakura snapped out of her meditations. There was work to do here, and a boon to use. Sakura was not overly worried about stealth at this point -- if anyone could see them, they undoubtedly have done so by now. She was not going to be flashy -- such was never her style -- but, nonetheless she would not go out of her way to cast subtly either.

Sakura called upon the Kami for a simple, but special favor.

[Yari of air, manifesting in Kasumi's hands. Will act as Chrystal; 4k3 damage rating. Called one raise, but the roll gives her an additional 3. Will use those to make it more difficult to dispel.

19:51, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 50 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+7)17,5,2,(10+9)19,8,6,2. Yari of Air, one raise (TN 20).]

There was a new figure on the roof. One that looked exactly -- down to the finest detail -- like Daidoji Sakura. And as Sakura cast her spell, a Yari appeared in Kasumi's hands. This yari appeared to be made of the Air Kami itself, woven with fine wispy crystal.

It took only moments for the new Samurai to realize what had happened. Then, as if the Kami were her ancient friends, she wielded the Yari striking at the still forming Shadows.

[Hit with the Yari. 42 damage.

20:05, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 42 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(10+7)17,6,(10+9)19,4,3. Damage (4k3 + str).
20:04, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 16 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,3,9,3,3. Attack Shadow (TN 10).]

Kenshin's crystal blade shatters the two shadows with the most shape, but six more rise to take their places.  One reaches out to strike at the bushi's over extended arm... Only to be destroyed by the tip of a yari that had. It been there moments before.  Kenshin looks to see that his charge has joined the fray...and that there are two of her.  But there is no tme to ponder this new development as the five remaining shadows have now taken on enough shape to be a genuine threat.

The unnatural minions of the Lying Darkness attack, but fail to pierce the defenses of the two samurai.

OOC:  TNtbH 15
Initiative 15
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:23, Thu 05 Apr 2012.

Kenshin didn't know which of these two ladies was his charge -- and he didn't care. As far as he was concerned, they were both to be protected from these atrocities. But that was something easier said than done.

There were too many, and they were too close.

Kenshin's blade sliced through two more of the foul creatures.


[New Init: 78. That's six free raises. Four will be used for the extra strike; two for damage. Hit both; damage 47 & 61.

22:30, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 47 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,6,5,5,8,9,6,9. Damage (attack 2).
22:30, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 61 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+8)18,7,9,9,3,2,9,9. Damage (attack 1).
22:26, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 25 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 6,8,9,7,2,8,7. Attack (Wakizashi; 2).
22:26, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 22 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,8,2,3,2,6,6. Attack (Wakizashi; 1).
22:21, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 9 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 9. Tides of Battle.]

Kasumi felt something that was unique for her, a sensation that was ... human. She felt as if the universe were giving her a subtle assist, as the Air Kami -- her friends -- helped her become just a touch more nimble than she would normally be.

Deftly staying her distance, Kasumi stabbed one of the shadow creatures.

[TNtbH: 31. Her natural TNtbH is 26 (20 from Reflexes; +6 from her Rank 2 technique). Spend a void with Blessing of Air to gain +5 for 1 minute. Strike at one shadow. Hit (barely); 43 damage.

22:46, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 43 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(10+9)19,3,(10+1)11,(10+3)13,2. Damage (4k3 +str).
22:45, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 19 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5,5,1,5,7.]

Unlike her twin, Sakura was not a natural at combat. Well, her twin was probably no more natural than she was, however as a Shugenja Sakura knew that she had to be cautious. Kasumi could take care of herself; but for Sakura to engage in battle directly would be foolish and dangerous to say the least.

But that didn't mean that there was "nothing" that she could do.

Drawing a small scroll from her pouch, Sakura called upon the Kami of Fire and brought a small ball of Lava to hover in front, and slightly to the side, of her namesake. Sakura would provide cover -- a small crystalline lava ball that would impose itself between Shosuro Kasumi and the remaining Shadows to keep the shadows at bay for a moment or two.

A precious moment that could make all the difference.

[Casting Summon a ball of Lava (Fire spell, I hope ...); crystal because of the temporary bonus. Succeeded, but barely. Use the free raise to make it a bit more agile (preferred) or hardy. (Actually, I'd prefer bigger, but I don't think that's an option.)

23:01, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 17 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,7,6,4,4. Summon (Crystal Lava; 1 raise, scroll).]

Three of the shadows fall, banished by the sharp crystal blade wielded by the honorable Kenshin and the whirlwind bound in the form a spear held by Kasumi.  A fourth attempts to lunge through the sharp edged ball of fire imposed between Kasumi and the shadows, but is incinerated, dissolved like darkness by the sun.

Only two of the unnatural minions of Darkness remain.  While their forms become more distinct, they shrink back, now aware of their own mortality.  Quickly, they scramble back towards the edge of the roof, attempting to escape.

OOC:  TNtbH 20
Initiative 20

re-roll initiative, if you get better than 20, you can get them before they escape.  Otherwise, they get away.

As the odd creatures turned to run, Kenshin's training merged with his heritage. These ... creatures needed to be destroyed. He would do what needed to be done. There was no thought as he sliced through the two abominations there was only action, melded with the will of the universe.

Kenshin struck the fleeing shadows.

[ Init: 52. That's only 3 free raises, so he spent a void for the fourth free raise.

Hit both, but barely. The second only hit because of the +1 for his meditation skill. (First time that actually made a difference! Damn, I wish that was a Crystal Katana!) Damage: 48 first, 35 second.

19:18, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 35 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,5,5,2,9,5,2.
19:18, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 48 using 8d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+2)12,1,9,9,3,4,(10+1)11,3.
19:16, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 19 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2,3,2,5,5,5. attack 2 (Wakizashi).
19:16, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 21 using 7d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,1,5,8,3,2,3. Attack 1  (Wakizashi).
19:13, Today: Bayushi Kenshin rolled 52 using 8d10+20, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4,6,8,1,9,3,4. Init (Kenshin).]

Kasumi deftly maneuvered around the crystalline lava, and stabbed one of the departing shadows. This was the first thing she did in her new, mortal life and it was very dangerous. And exhilarating. The Junshin could have gone down at any time, and then it would have just been the two of them. It was a testament to his skill that none the Shadows managed to penetrate his defenses, but Kasumi knew how much of this was also pure luck.

So this was what mortals went through.

There was one more thrilling danger to deal with, however.

"So" she asked Sakura, "How exactly do you plan on explaining me?"

[Init: 35. Attack (just in case) hit; 21 damage.

19:29, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 21 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1,5,7,8,6. Damage.
19:28, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 27 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,1,4,(10+4)14,4,5. Attack.
19:27, Today: Shosuro Kasumi rolled 35 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(10+3)13,9,3,5,6,7. Init.]

[I don't think there are any Shadows left after Kenshin, much less after Sakura. But, if there are -- 'I kill them!' LOL]

"Well, we'll have to ... procure you a basket hat. Then ..." A smile came over her face as an idea came to her. Sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight.

"Kenshin-San" Sakura said softly, shifting her attention, "This is ... was one of the Kami that I spoke to. She has been given to us as a gift from the Void and Thunder Dragons to assist our Clan."

"This must not be written down in any form. Make sure Our Lady knows that there are now two of me. This will be our cover story ..."

"Oh, pardon me: Shosuro Kasumi, meet Bayushi Kenshin."




[Init 23. Appropriate.

So, the basic idea is to find Kasumi a basket hat, or similar obscuring device, and go spy on the battle. Naturally, we would like to "accidentally" bump into Kedo. LOLOL!

19:39, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 23 using 7d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,2,4,9,5,4. Init.]

[Private to Kaze no Kage: The plan is simple -- we pretend that she always existed. The cover story is that everyone in her family that knew of her existence is now dead (they died during the Clan War) -- even the Clan Champion doesn't know about her (to maintain plausible deniability).

Since she looks exactly like Sakura, she'll have the Daidoji Tattoo as well. Her "name" will be Daidoji Kasumi.

Sakura is reasonably sure that the Scorpion have found out and will attempt to reveal it at Winter Court. Naturally, the Doji should be able to preempt that embarrassment ...

*evil laugh*]

It doesn't take long to find and "requisition" a basket hat--they're fairly common and the streets are fairly deserted.  Finding the trail of the ronin that was once a yojimbo is only slightly more difficult, as he has left a trail of corpses like bread crumbs in his wake.

The scene that Kenshin, Sakura, and Kasumi come upon is as surprising as it is puzzling.  Kedo and Doji Toyozo surrounded by the dead while a Lion asks their permission to withdraw.

Just another day in Toshi Ranbo.

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