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Visitor :  Dice Roller| Game Info| The Cast |
| Volume 2, Chapter 1 - Day 1, Speaking with the Dragon. Posted by Kaze no Kage. | Group: 0 |
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| Author | Message | Page: 4 3 2 1 [all][bottom] |
Embracing his silence as well as his smile, Daichi bowed deeply as Byako made introductions, showing no sign of injury remaining from his earlier matches with Bayushi Kenshin and the ronin Yuudai. He gestured back the short distance to where his brother stood, doing his best to pantomime that he had a message to deliver. | |||||
"What an excellent idea, Kedo-san," Kitsuki Fuji agrees enthusiastically, "if that is amenable to you, Ikoma-san, we will go arrange this event." "That would be most gracious, Kitsuki-san," Ikoma Hitori bows, "I would be in your debt." "Well then, if you will excuse us, we have gathering to plan," Kitsuki Fuji bows to the assembled samurai, "though, naturally, we will see all of you soon." "Did you plan..." Ikoma Hitori trails off, glancing warily at Kedo, "if this is some attempt to distract me from collecting more of your history, you realize that I am now more intrigued rather than less." | |||||
"Such strategy is hardly to be expected of an unlettered Ronin, Ikoma-san." Kedo answers blithely, for once actually seeming to be smiling a little in the fashion of someone who has navigated a rather awkward set of compulsions and directives in order to arrive at something resembling a resolution (at least from a certain point of view). He's no courtier, not even a little bit but usually his calm honesty makes him harder to understand than most - something that isn't the case just at the moment. In any event, this accomplished he offers bows to those who have addressed him and steps back from the conversation in order to see who - or what is likely to press upon his time and attention next. --- OOC: Sorry, I've been trying to work out what's going on for a week now, and have settled on 'poke me with what I need to know' for whomever wants to! ^_^ | |||||
Kitsune Daichi is trying to get Kedo's attention, but he's mute, so he's not great at it. And things are moving slower than they ought because I'm terrible about posting. Sorry!
"I have heard the Kuni and their Witch Hunters may know of some means, though, considering how the Crab marched alongside the Shadowlands in at Beiden, that may be counter productive. Perhaps the Asako and their Inquisitors know of lore that the Crab do not," Yuudai shook his head, "I have no answers, but if Daichi chooses to take the gray, or even if he does not, I would be happy to walk beside him on his path." | |||||
A gasp escapes the lips of the hulking Kitsune. The man, trained to look for opportunities in battle, was less skilled in inserting himself in social situations. In a further attempt to get noticed, he raise himself on the balls of his heels. The effect either to catch the eye of the ronin with movement, or (more likely but unintended) simple make the over-sized Fox more imposing. | |||||
"That is a generous offer, Yuudai-san," Shoji answered, overtaken by the generosity. "If you choose to walk beside him, I would be indebted. He's lacked... balance since the battle, and much as I'd like to help him on my journey I don't think its my place. It was war, but he still blames himself. I've tried to keep him close as my yojimbo, but I'm beginning to doubt the wisdom of that. Maybe after the tournament?" He didn't dwell on the thought long, "You're right. He would need help, and this wouldn't be a bad time to ask for it," hands wide, indicating the tournament. "Perhaps tomorrow should be about making friends with an Asako." | |||||
The effort to draw attention does not go unnoticed - although let's be strictly fair here, Daichi isn't the sort to go unnoticed anywhere outside the lands of the Crab - and Kedo turns from his bow in order to dip his head respectfully to the member of the Minor Clan, low enough to make it plain that very thinly disguised Dragon or not, he considers the good Kitsune of higher station than him and inquires "Is it the case that there is some small service I may perform for you, Kitsune-san?" | |||||
The Kitsune's countenance brightens with the recognition, and he delivers a bow in return - deeper perhaps than it should be for a ronin, but recognition for the man who has been told of in many stories - the Hero of Toshi Ranbo. Daichi's face stays lit until he remembers his charge - not 'bring them back to be invited', but "You should go invite them." Unwilling to fail in the task, he embraced it using the best Kabuki movements he could muster. Opening his arms, he locked eyes with each of the assembled surrounding the ronin - Kedo (and of course Ikoma Hitori) and Asahina Byako. Even though he didn't know the others, he suspected that they also were included in the 'them': Agasha Masuyo, Kitsuki Fuji, and Kitsuki Ryoma. All... His arm drifted up toward Lord Sun, and pointing, he lowered it toward the horizon. ...at sundown... Arms opened again welcomingly. ...are invited... Hand to mouth, as if stuffing rice into his mouth. ...to eat... And another gesture back toward his brother and charge. ...with Kitsune Shoji. He glanced about, wondering if anyone caught his intention. Awareness: 6 16:03, Today: Kitsune Daichi rolled 6 using 2d10, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5. Awareness/gesturing - Charades! | |||||
Byako put her hand on Daichi's arm and said "I would be happy to have evening meal with you and your brother." she then looked around to the others, and added with a smile, just in case; "I believe we're all invited, wouldn't you all like to attend as well?" | |||||
"I accept, humbly, your invitation. Mountain Tuna Curry will have to wait." | |||||
Kedo bows in response to the request - puzzling through it with reasonable ease since he's travelled rather widely in the Empire by this point and communicating with those who, for one reason or another have difficulties doing so isn't something new to him. "I accept, and with gratitude Kitsune-san. I ought but to speak to our hosts here before I may make myself available to you and your companion.", naturally enough discerning that the two are together without actually being able to read family ties in the moment given to do so. --- OOC: I'm sorry, I have been so rubbish at replying here. | |||||
OOC: please make an awareness/courtier (gossip) or awareness/investigation (notice) roll (or both) Coming towards you, through the crowd, is Togashi Michiko, once a courtier of some renown among the Sparrow, now a nun of the Dragon with a penchant for organizing small tournaments. She is the head of the Dragon contingent here in Sparrow lands--though with the Dragon still reeling from the death of their Champion and subsequent reorganization under Hitomi it was rumored that they would not be attending at all. ”Ah, Kedo-san, Yuudai-san, Kitsune-san, Agasha-san, Ikoma-san, Kitsune-san, Asahina-san,” she bows, ”to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” | |||||
Awr/Inv: Notice - 12. 16:52, Today: Kitsune Daichi rolled 12 using 3d10+1, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5,6. Awareness/Inv (Notice). Its only at the last moment that Daichi notices the arrival of the Togashi nun, stepping back and out of her way as she approaches. His eyes remain low as he chooses to patiently watch and wait, his mind drifts to the evening festivities - and to finding the food to fulfil the Fox's obligation. | |||||
Michiko question complicates things for young (normal sized) Fox. A direct answer would suggest another invitation. A dinner for a handful of select competitors? That was something the Fox could handle. Politely inviting the head of the Dragon contingent? That could make the dinner that much more complicated. Confidently he answers, "My brother was just extending an invitation, Togashi-sama. We're planning a small gathering this evening." A pause as he considered the nun, gaze lingering on the accomplished courtier. He'd heard of the accomplishments of the woman as a Sparrow, but never had met her. "The Fox would be honored if you would attend as well," he offered, extending the invitation. That was the point of the tournament, was it not? he justified his spur of the moment invitation, though perhaps he wanted more to satisfy his personal curiosity than to affect the influence of his family. Awr/Inv (Notice): 45 16:50, Today: Kitsune Shoji rolled 45 using 7d10+3, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,6,1,9,7,(10+8)18,4. Awareness/Inv (Notice). Awr/Courtier (Gossip):40 16:50, Today: Kitsune Shoji rolled 40 using 7d10+3, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,(10+8)18,3,5,1,1,6. Awareness/Courtier (Gossip). | |||||
Kedo, naturally enough moves with complete comfort through the camp in which everything is as one would expect of a Rokugani Clan, only twisted through a brightly mirrored ninety degrees to seem ever so slightly exotic at second glance - from the heavily armed and armoured swordsmen discussing philosophy to the cheerful monks who debate the best way to kick someones... preconceptions... up between their ears to the Shugenja who show every sign of knowing their way around forge and workshop as well as they do pen and paper. By now, this should be no surprise to anyone. The approach of Togashi Michiko is (of course) greeted by a deep and respectful bow but since he's merely a wave-man and he's in the company of those with rather greater claims to honour than he, he remains politely silent at first - waiting until Shoji has spoken to add, helpfully "It was a fortuitous meeting. For my part, I had sought Insight amongst the people of the Mountain and in the process, had happened upon an opportunity to introduce Ikoma Hitori-san to the honoured Kitsuki Morimoto-san, by way of Kitsuki Fuji-san." Indeed, just pure random chance at play here... No machinations or anything, no-sir. --- 01:51, Today: Kedo rolled 28 using 4d10, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(10+4)14,7,3. Awareness/Courtier. 01:52, Today: Kedo rolled 23 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2,9,3,6,8. Awareness/Investigation. | |||||
Byako bows at the Togashi's approach. "I came to learn the ways of philosophy, at least enough that I could provide some sort of competition for my opponents in the upcoming contest." OOC: 08:50, Today: Asahina Byako rolled 63 using 7d10, keeping the 4 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+7)27,(10+9)19,8,5,5,9,3. Aware + Investigation. 08:49, Today: Asahina Byako rolled 25 using 7d10, keeping the 4 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,7,5,7,6,1. Aware + Courtier (Gossip). Hah, guess you win some and lose some.. 63 and 25 on the same dice. :D | |||||
"Welcome to you all," Togashi Michiko bows, "you are certainly free to sample of all of the wisdom that the Mountain has to offer, humble though it may be. I, myself, will be sorry to miss your gathering, Kitsune-san, please accept my deepest apologies. Matters here require my attention, but perhaps another day the Dragon would be honored by your presence." Togashi Michiko looks shrewdly at Kedo, an expression conveying both amusement and the sure knowledge that he really isn't fooling anyone. Well, not anyone who happens to know Kitsuki Morimoto anyway. "Well, Ikoma-san, as I am certain Kitsuki Fuji-san told you, Kitsuki Morimoto-san is occupied with our cousins among the Dragonfly, though I am certain he will be most pleased to meet with you. I take it there is a history you are compiling that requires his input?" "Why yes! There is, though, not about Kitsuki Morimoto-san himself, though I am certain he has many grand tales to tell," Ikoma Hitori replied, "no, in fact, I am looking for tales of his yojimbo, Mirumoto Ijima-san who simply disappears from the historical record. I have some suspicion that he chose the gray for reasons unknown--certainly not any dishonorable action, there's not even any rumor or gossip hinting about that--but I believe he resurfaced in Toshi Ranbo and made a name for himself there." "Well, then you're in luck, Ikoma-san, I have in my tent a copy of Morimoto's case narratives by Kitsuki Goren that detail some of that magistrate's adventures with his redoubtable yojimbo. They're a bit dramatized for a historical narrative, but they are entertaining and Goren-san wrote them from Morimoto's own case notes." This message was last edited by the GM at 03:59, Thu 01 Feb 2018. | |||||
Then there was the matter of the expectant stares from the assembled Dragon and the discussion between Togashi and Ikoma. Even for one who spent more time with forest animals than in the courts Shoji could sense that there was business about that the Dragon and the ronin might appreciate fewer curious eyes. With a deep bow Shoji spun and tugging on Daichi's sleeve, "Come, brother. We have much to prepare." | |||||
"A pleasure Togashi-san. I do not believe we have met, it is a pleasure for me to be in the camp of my own clan, rather than with the phoenix for a change. Not that their presence is unwelcome, but that those of my own kin long missing." She rises to meet her gaze, though respectfully. "Mayhap we can meet over tea soon, instead? I am afraid I have been out of touch." Posting here instead of PM then. Sorry! 22:29, Today: Agasha Masuyo rolled 18 using 5d10, keeping the 3 highest rolls, rerolling max, unique dice with rolls of 4,6,1,8,2. awareness/courtier (gossip). 13:39, Today: Agasha Masuyo rolled 36 using 5d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,7,(10+5)15,(10+4)14,5. Awareness/investigation. | |||||
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link to a message in this game | |||||
The Dragon were a Clan of many facets. Of course they were most known for their isolation and the obscure pronouncements of their monks. But equally were they known for their bushi and the eccentric use of both blades of the daisho--a practice not adopted by any other recognized school in the Empire, despite the obvious success of the Mirumoto School. Here, in the heart of the Dragon camp, dozens of bushi, courtiers, monks, and shugenja trained in preparation for the various tests--particularly for the Tests of the Mantis, Sparrow, and Monkey. Some trained in the traditional niten style, katana and wakazashi flashing in complex patterns. Others kept to the single blade prevalent in the rest of Rokugan, though even without two swords, the flavor of the mountain remained. And still others trained with non-traditional weapons, the bo, jo, and one or two, completely unarmed. | |||||
It is an established fact that the Ronin, Kedo makes use of both swords in battle - from the reports of those who saw him surmount the barricades on the streets of Toshi Ranbo, shattered arrows pinwheeling away from his never-still steel to the testimony of the observant sorts who take note of the wear patterns on his blades, it's as much something that is known about him as the fact that he is a modest student of the tactical arts and perhaps, at times has been shown to know something of steel. But it is amongst the Dragon you must come if you would seek to test yourself and so Kedo moves with casual delight amongst those displays of skill that it is permitted for one not clad in green to see, and in due course seeks out the students amongst them - those still mastering the art, rather than those in whom it has reached a fuller flowering - to watch and - perhaps more importantly - to be seen to watch, drinking in every motion and stance. | |||||
Among the students of the Dragon, Kedo is not an oddity. Many are the ronin who seek to learn the secrets of niten--though most fail to see its deceptive simplicity. The Dragon welcome such ronin, and any who wish to study their path. It is not the way of the Dragon to keep secrets, but to offer lessons. It does not hurt that here, in the Tournament of the Emperor's Favored, the Dragon will face all of these ronin and others of unpredictable skill and style in one test or another, and such training will help them to triumph. | |||||
And like a few of the men and women in Grey - and almost all of them in Green - Kedo is as delighted to teach as he is to learn... He delights in the chance to speak with a young wave-man born of wave-men who clumsily bears his fathers cheap katana, demonstrating something of the simplest stances and the manner of the cut, moves with eagerness to be soundly beaten by a young dragon student with a stave, laughing unabashedly at his awkwardness and complimenting his opponent before moving on, showing competence with the open hand and surprising efficacy with a pair of butterfly knives - not skill exactly, but a level of balance and grace that leads naturally into his engaging one of the more accomplished niten students with wooden staves, the opening clack-clack-clack of strike and deflection accelerating smoothly over the course of long moments into staccato whirls of clash and disengage, attack and feint that leave welts and bruises rather than rending cuts but which serve to exhilarate rather than dissuade the hopeful ronin student when the two opponents at last separate to exchange bows. From there, still smiling more easily than at any time in months he takes a short time to talk with those practising more open-field techniques and speaks of yadomejutsu with a grizzled old one-eyed Bushi, the conversation ending in mutual laughter once more as the Bushi gestures at his eyepatch and waves the ronin away from the butts. But always, he circles back to the students of Niten, watching with the open honest eyes of one who aches in his heart to touch the sleeve of steel. |
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