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04:17, 19th March 2024 (GMT+0)

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

Posted by Kaze no KageFor group 0
Daidoji Sakura
player, 688 posts
Crane Clan Shugenja
Beautiful and Seductive
Tue 27 Oct 2015
at 01:59
  • msg #16

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

Sakura, and therefore Kasumi, decided that now was the perfect time to walk around. They were keeping their eyes on the Mantis, but while polite they weren't particularly keeping it hidden. Their other target of observation, however -- certain Crane -- that they were keeping hidden.

It was a Daidoji duty to spy on the Crane -- but that didn't mean that their targets approved.
Kitsune Shoji
player, 53 posts
No animal could ever
be so cruel as man.
Fri 30 Oct 2015
at 03:26
  • msg #17

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

Something taught early to Shoji was that one shouldn't attempt to push an animal's limits for no apparent reason.  It was something just short of a miracle that Shoji's bear had lasted this long in the bout.  The last thing that Shoji wanted at the end of the match would be some sort of scene - like the bear deciding that someone's wakizashi needed chewing, or rolling over to get its belly rubbed.

"Come," he commanded and the bear followed willingly, lumbering slowly behind the Fox.  Shoji himself appreciated an excuse to stretch his legs... and see if he could see who was sitting amongst the Crane.
Kaze no Kage
GM, 1387 posts
Sat 31 Oct 2015
at 21:49
  • msg #18

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

Most skillfully won, I fear I have spread my learning too thin to provide you a fair match, Yuundai-san."

"Then it is most likely you, and not I who will stand on the final podium, Kedo-san," the Ronin Yuudai bowed, "I would have dearly loved to have observed your work for the Test of the Boar. Perhaps someday..."

But time waits for no man, and the space needs must be cleared for the next match.


A hush falls over the crowd as the final bout between the Ronin Yuudai and Kitsune Daichi opens. Yuudai, showing the initiative in this bout as he has in others against similarly sized opponents, lunged first for the Fox.

14:48, Today: Kaze no Kage, for the NPC Yuudai, rolled 42 using 9d10+5, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,4,(10+9)19,1,1,1,3,9.  Jujutsu.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:13, Mon 23 Nov 2015.
Kedo
player, 635 posts
Would you stand
upon the mountain?
Mon 2 Nov 2015
at 01:29
  • msg #19

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


 "It is unlikely Yuudai-san, this is a chance after all for the Minor Clans to host the Greater. My purpose here is merely to see, not to be seen." Kedo answers as he works to rotate his arm back into something resembling ease of movement, then brightening as he comments - while clearing the space - "If it is the case that you have an interest in matters of steel I should delighted to speak of it with you later. There is every chance that each of us may gain by doing so... Good fortune in your match!"

 And with that, he retreats to watch with every evidence of genuine delight.
Kitsune Daichi
player, 11 posts
Duty.
Family.
Mon 2 Nov 2015
at 05:12
  • msg #20

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

Diachi re-enters the ring, unphased by the status of the crowd - Imperials and Crane seeming to take an interest.  For a Hida, or a Hida trained Fox, the ceremony is simply show, far from the pressures of daily life.  No one in the crowd intends to kill Daichi... at least that he's aware.

He follows the same ritual as he enters - salt, water, and a few purposeful stomps.  Hide who had trained him told him that these were to call the kami of the earth into him, rooting him to the ring.  If the spiritual purpose was real he wasn't sure, but the ritual reminded him of his training.  It was said that Hida was able to wrestle Oni to the ground and rip them apart with his hands and his teeth - something every Hida was taught.  Perhaps it wasn't a story, but a reminder that every warrior should be prepared to do as the Kami did.

The large ronin lunged, looking intent on using his size as a weapon.  Perhaps it was something he was used to getting away with against a smaller opponent.

Juijutsu(Sumai): 69
21:51, Today: Kitsune Daichi rolled 69 using 10d10+11, dropping the 5 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5,(10+10+9)29,8,5,2,1,1,8,8.  Str/Jiujutsu(Sumai)+FR+Vd.


Choosing to engage the ronin Yuudai head-on, Daichi counted himself lucky that he had experience with larger foes.  With an agility belying his size, the Kitsune got low and was able to not only halt the charging ronin, but with indefatigable trunk-like legs to drive Yuudai backwards.
Kitsune Shoji
player, 54 posts
No animal could ever
be so cruel as man.
Mon 2 Nov 2015
at 05:19
  • msg #21

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

Managing to traverse the outskirts of the ring between bouts, Kitsune Shoji finds himself next to Doji Iwao just in time to watch his brother and yojimbo engage the ronin.

"A sight to behold, those two," he comments idly trying to make small talk.  Shoji was well aware of his position with this particular Doji, and it was awkward to say the least.

"I wasn't aware that you were going to be in attendance.  I would have come to greet you earlier."
Kaze no Kage
GM, 1389 posts
Tue 10 Nov 2015
at 06:25
  • msg #22

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

"Then you should have been more observant," Doji Iwao sneered. Doji Naomi however gave her betrothed the slightest of nods before returning her attention to the match.

It was a match of titans, but the Ronin Yuudai was at a disadvantage. He was large and had clearly trained against opponents his equal in size, but none had faced the ferocity of a bear. Kitsune Daichi met his force, matched it, and surpassed it, as he drove the ronin ever closer to the edge. In the end, it was clear who the superior competitor was.

"Kitsune Daichi!" the judges declared, though the result had been obvious.

Scores!
Kitsune Daichi/Shoji 5 points
Yuudai (NPC) 3 points
Bayushi Kenshin 1 point
Kedo 1 point

Kitsune Daichi
player, 13 posts
Duty.
Family.
Mon 16 Nov 2015
at 17:10
  • msg #23

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

OOC: Oops, thought I had posted.

Obvious, perhaps, but the match still needed to be fought, just as etiquette still needs to be followed.

Daichi offered a final bow to the ronin.  It wasn't a show of respect from a Minor Clan member to the ronin, but rather a demur recognition of a competitor after a well fought competition.  That the ronin had barely forced Daichi to break a sweat didn't matter, spirit and will counted.

Match and the round of competition complete, the Kitsune pulled to the side of the ring to gather his things.  It wasn't difficult for him to find his charge and his brother, the presence of the bear made it almost impossible to miss him.  The tall Kitsune shook his head, though.  Shoji found himself surrounded by creatures that could be more challenging than any wild animal - the Doji.
Kitsune Shoji
player, 55 posts
No animal could ever
be so cruel as man.
Mon 16 Nov 2015
at 17:39
  • msg #24

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

The lack of a warm greeting didn't surprise Kitsune Shoji, though he still sighed with resigned disappointment -- a betrayal of the flash of optimistic hope that he had allowed.  If the Doji had felt like focusing their attention on the Kitsune, they might have noticed him shrink, the confidence in his posture melting.

"Of course, Doji-sama.  I should have been more observant."
  His eyes cast briefly to Naomi before turning his attention back to Doji Iwao.  "Quite the match.  I didn't expect so much interest, particularly in a match between a Fox and a ronin."

Shoji didn't want to risk the direct question, but he was hoping for some enlightenment.  He highly doubted that the crowd was gathered for his brother - a fact that only served to increase his interest in the ronin.
Bayushi Kenshin
player, 350 posts
Scorpion Junshin
Kakita Bushi Academy
Tue 17 Nov 2015
at 01:13
  • msg #25

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

Kenshin smiled behind his thick mask as he walked over to Daichi and Shoji.

"Congratulations."

His statement was punctuated by a bow -- one that was neither too shallow nor too deep. Undoubtedly many around would wonder what was up -- and what the Scorpion was up to. But those that truly knew him would know this -- genuine Honor was always to be congratulated.
Kitsune Daichi
player, 14 posts
Duty.
Family.
Tue 17 Nov 2015
at 22:28
  • msg #26

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

His brother's teacher approached and offered his congratulations.  Daichi reacted somewhat uncomfortably.  While he enjoyed the competition, the match was duty - he was representing his brother in the martial events of the tournament.  Receiving congratulations for doing one's duty wasn't something the Crab trained bushi was accustomed to or comfortable with.  Even so, a smile punctuated Daichi's lips, and he returned the bow.

If words could form on his lips, he would have added a verbal response.
Kitsune Shoji
player, 56 posts
No animal could ever
be so cruel as man.
Tue 17 Nov 2015
at 22:34
  • msg #27

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

Shoji's attention was drawn from his betrothed and her father to the Scorpion who came to offer his congratulations.  He expected at that moment that his potential father-in-law would seize on the opportunity to highlight the fact that Shoji wasn't competing for himself.

Rather than face the criticism, Shoji tried to deflect.  "Bayushi Kenshin, allow me to introduce Doji Iwao and Doji Naomi.  Bayushi-sama has been kind enough to provide some instruction for me with the katana," he explained.  He worked to stifle a cringe afterward after realizing that he likely just opened himself up for a different round of critique - that most samauri should already know the basics of iaijutsu.
Bayushi Kenshin
player, 351 posts
Scorpion Junshin
Kakita Bushi Academy
Fri 20 Nov 2015
at 02:35
  • msg #28

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

Kenshin bowed and gave the proper "Pleased to meet you"'s, before going into something less formal.

"Yes. It is unusual for a Shugenja to take an interest in Iai, and even more so for them to have some talent at it. It has been a pleasure."
Kitsune Shoji
player, 57 posts
No animal could ever
be so cruel as man.
Fri 20 Nov 2015
at 21:40
  • msg #29

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

It was also somewhat unusual, though for a shugenja to carry a no-dachi with some skill.  There were some peculiarities about the Kitsune pair.  Some were easily explained - on occasion when training bears, things could go wrong, no-dachis had their advantages against larger animals.  Others were more difficult to explain - Shoji knew few things about iai, but the general rumor was that it required a balanced practitioner.  His brother was far from that.

"I appreciate the compliment."

He glanced back to his betrothed, and then to Kenshin.  "Would you join us for dinner this evening?  Allow me a chance to thank you for your mentorship?"
Kaze no Kage
GM, 1391 posts
Mon 23 Nov 2015
at 05:10
  • msg #30

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

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo]

"It seems that neither fortune nor skill favored me in this test, Kedo-San," the Ronin Yuudai sighed, disappointed but not surprised by the outcome, "but there will be other tests."

It did not take very long for Kedo's shadow, the estimable Ikoma Hitori, to appear.

"Congratulations to both of you," the Lion Omoidasu bowed, "I am Ikoma Hitori, Yuudai-San, and I would appreciate a moment of your time. You also, Kedo-San--I value your clear sightedness in this venue."

[Doji Iwao (NPC), Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji, Kitsune Daichi, Bayushi Kenshin]

"This is the Tournament of the Emperor's Favored," Doji Naomi replied politely, before her father could produce another sneering response, "it is the Minor Clans who are on display here, and skilled Ronin often find a place among the Clans, both Minor and Great. It would be remiss of us to disdain the display of skill being put on for our benefit, no matter the status of the participants."

"Us? What is this us? I would-" Doji Iwao spluttered.

"I would be most pleased to join you for dinner with your sensei," Doji Naomi interrupted her father, "I had the opportunity to observe his stance some time ago on a visit to Toshi Ranbo. I would be interested to hear of his insights"
Kedo
player, 636 posts
Would you stand
upon the mountain?
Tue 24 Nov 2015
at 04:44
  • msg #31

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


 "Skill most assuredly did, for you are by some margin a better master of the open hand than I Yuudai-san, and as for fortune? This test is a chance for the Minor Clans to host the Great, for skill to be shown and seen. It will impress many that you have demonstrated as well as you have - I do not doubt that if you are stalwart there will be a chance to do more. Should no other destiny present, the Mountain always awaits those who seek a place with an open heart." Kedo answers readily, even cheerfully after greeting the other man - once gain doing his bit to put matters in perspective and to reassure those who might be smarting from a loss, only quieting slightly when Hitori appears and receives her due bow, the grey-clad Bushi promptly making formal introduction and adding "I am at your disposal of course Ikoma-san, with all due trepidation.", something of a smile lighting his eyes.
Kitsune Shoji
player, 58 posts
No animal could ever
be so cruel as man.
Tue 24 Nov 2015
at 21:06
  • msg #32

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

Almost immediately, Shoji regretted inviting himself to dinner with his Doji soon-to-be in laws. The interjection be Iwao made him flinch, the reaction of a dog getting used to being popped on the nose when he got out of line.

That his betrothed stepped in and accepted the offer brought him some peace.  Though he hoped eventually to win his father-in-law's approval, he also wanted to show value to his betrothed.

"Excellent.  Dinner.  Bayushi-sensai and I will be by around dinner time," Shoji confirmed.

Unless anything else called for his attention, Shoji was content to let this brief meeting with the Doji end counting as a positive, and retreat to his camp to await dinner and practice his forms.
Daidoji Sakura
player, 689 posts
Crane Clan Shugenja
Beautiful and Seductive
Fri 27 Nov 2015
at 04:00
  • msg #33

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

Sakura worked her way toward the Doji, while her twin worked her way toward the Kakita. They both kept unobtrusive, though "unobtrusive" was a little difficult in these circumstances. Still, they both piqued their interest, so for the first time ever they separated.

For a little while, anyway ...
Bayushi Kenshin
player, 352 posts
Scorpion Junshin
Kakita Bushi Academy
Fri 27 Nov 2015
at 04:02
  • msg #34

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

"I hope you don't mind if my wife attends as well" Kenshin interjected with a bow. "I would hate to leave her alone on an evening like this ..."
Kaze no Kage
GM, 1392 posts
Sun 13 Dec 2015
at 05:58
  • msg #35

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

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo]

”Alas, it is to another mountain that I must return when this Tournament is complete,” Yuudai sighed regretfully, ”though I treasure the thought in the spirit that it was offered.”

“Of course, Ikoma-san, though what insight I could offer is likely to be limited.


”You will be far more help than you realize, Yuudai-san,” Ikoma Hitori grinned, ”I came to Toshi Ranbo on the trail of a ronin by the name Tsutomu with a tale of mystery and betrayal solved by a Kitsuki Investigator and his Mirumoto Yojimbo. Along the way, I met Kedo, here, with his own tale of intrigue and heroism--he inspired me to seek out the stories of other ronin. And here you are, the mysterious unknown ronin who has taken the early lead in the Tournament of the Emperor’s Favored.”

”Is she always like this?”

[Doji Iwao NPC), Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji, Kitsune Daichi, Bayushi Kenshin, Asahina Byako (?), Daidoji Sakura]

”Of course, you may bring your wife, Bayushi-san,” Doji Naomi agreed, ”Shoji-san, may I speak to you, privately?”


[Kakita Nakamura (NPC), Kakita Yaimoko (NPC), Daidoji Kasumi]

"I don't like this," Kakita Yaimoko hissed.

"You don't have to like it," Kakita Nakamura replied, "just do your duty--or do you want a ronin dishonoring the Kakita name."

"He's no more a ronin than I am, and you know it."
Kitsune Shoji
player, 59 posts
No animal could ever
be so cruel as man.
Mon 14 Dec 2015
at 23:16
  • msg #36

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

[Doji Iwao NPC), Doji Naomi (NPC), Kitsune Shoji, Kitsune Daichi, Bayushi Kenshin, Asahina Byako (?), Daidoji Sakura]

"Of course, Naomi-san.  Would you like to take a walk?" Shoji agreed.  His eyes remained locked on her, unwilling to meet what he knew would likely be a stabbing glare from her father.  Trading a walk with someone who at best seemed to treat him with indifference seemed preferable toward standing around in conversation with a man who seemed to object to his very existence.
Asahina Byako
player, 80 posts
Crane diplomat
Mon 14 Dec 2015
at 23:36
  • msg #37

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

OOC: I don't think I am with any of the groups, honestly. Byako didn't see anything of interest beyond the ongoing matches and was preoccupied in thought.

Byako begins looking around for anyone who seems likely to know about several things she still needs to learn more about; she can go a ways with common sense, but having a teacher always made things easier. She thought to herself for a bit about who would be likely to know about such things as divination and theology. Ah, a Dragon, especially a monk, would be likely to be versed in such topics. As for Sadane, she had witnessed it plenty, even if she had no particular taste for it. So, in search of a Dragon it is. Supposedly that Kedo fellow was a Dragon on musha shugyo, not that you were ever allowed to ask such things, but perhaps he could help.

Now with a particular target in mind, Byako begins looking around for either Kedo, Ikoma Hitori, who had attached herself at the hip to him, or anyone wearing the Dragon colors. It does not take long to notice a giant mountain of a ronin talking to a merely large ronin and a tiny Lion. Byako heads their way:

[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo, now Asahina Byako]
Byako bows as she approaches to conversational distance. "A mighty showing by you both! Very exciting!" Byako smiles a 'asking a favor of you' type of smile. "Kedo-san, I have a question for you. Of a less probing variety than Hitori-san seems to prefer, so, please, don't run away!" Byako titters a short, but merry giggle.
Daidoji Sakura
player, 690 posts
Crane Clan Shugenja
Beautiful and Seductive
Tue 15 Dec 2015
at 03:58
  • msg #38

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

Kasumi stayed silent, hovering around out of reach and out of awareness. It was something that had taken her some getting used to, now that she was "out of the shadows", but it turned out it was something she was good at. Sakura, meanwhile, continued what she was doing ...
Bayushi Kenshin
player, 353 posts
Scorpion Junshin
Kakita Bushi Academy
Tue 15 Dec 2015
at 04:05
  • msg #39

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

Kenshin took a moment to observe, awaiting. Just ... waiting.

[OOC: Taking a moment to "read" the situation. Awr/Courtier 30.]
Kedo
player, 637 posts
Would you stand
upon the mountain?
Tue 15 Dec 2015
at 05:42
  • msg #40

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


[Yuudai (NPC), Ikoma Hitori (NPC), Kedo... And now featuring Asahina Byako!]

 Kedo merely inclines his head in a gesture more inclusive than a mere nod, managing to convey both approval and regret in the motion as the rather more... effusive... Lion at his side launches into her own response, although the slender thread of deviltry that has seized him since his weeks-past meeting in a garden with a young woman who has the stars in her hair does rather compel him to answer "Not at all Yuudai-san, upon occasion the honoured Ikoma is given to both enthusiasm and whimsy."

 So, reassuring then.

 Of course, Byako's arrival earns the worthy Asahina a somewhat deeper bow than the one offered (Ronin grey must of course, cede social precedence to Clan blue) but there's no sign of censure or offence as he rises and simply tilts his head a touch to one side, remarking in answer "I have had nothing but hospitality and the chance to touch the sleeve of steel from the Crane in the past, certainly if there is something I might do to redress the balance I can only ask to know what it might be."
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