As Alex entered the office, it was no surprise that Rose was already there.  She waved happily as Alex approached.

Hey, boss!  Good timing.  Detective Beauchamp is in the back, cooking again.  Says he's got a new dish for you to try, too.  Terry something or other, I think.
___________________________________________________________

I'm going to continue the tradition of our previous game.  Un-augmented talking will be done in blue, thoughts typically italic, others as needed.

OOC will be in red below a line if needed.

As you hopefully have noticed, there is an OOC thread for this case, too, for discussing things like Dramatic Editing and use of Lore to declare Facts.

Alex sighed and put his hat on the rack. If Beauchamp was cooking, that mean there was something nasty going on and he wanted Alex to stick his nose in it.

"Depending on what he wants, this terry-something had better be good." Alex grumbled half heartedly.

---

Gonna go with masculine terms for Alex when she's presenting as male

Rose laughed lightly at Alex's grumbling.

Well, it's got shrimp in it, so there's that, plus he's doing some crazy stuff with rice and veggies... Oh, he also brought his new partner along this time.

Rose paused thoughtfully for second.

He's actually kind of handsome - for a Yankee.

That shrimp had better be damned good. Alex grumbled. Beauchamp was one thing. He could deal with Beauchamp. Other cops not so much.  Any clues what this is about?

Rose shrugged in response.

Nothing specific.  Though Detective Beauchamp was grumbling about tourists.

If it were just the looky-loos, he wouldn't be here. With some of the rumors I've been hearing at the Gator, if he has time for tourists, these tourists are going to be a problem

Alex sat in his chair and pulled out some cold case files. True he had no leads to go ion in them, but he didn't want Beauchamp to think he had nothing to do but wait for him to bring cases to him.

A short while later, the noises in the kitchen (which included the Detective's off-key humming) came to an end.  A few minutes later, Detective Beauchamp and his partner left the kitchen, each carrying some plates, which were loaded with shrimp, rice (mixed with some vegetables and eggs), and assorted other vegetables, all coated in assorted sauces.

Detective Beauchamp, an older Frenchman with graying hair and a nice, if somewhat cheap, suit, handed a plate to Rose, then one to Alex.  He then waved his partner to return to the kitchen as soon as he set his own plate down.

Don't forget the salads, Harry.  What kind of officer of the law would you be if you forgot the salads?

His partner, a younger man with a tanned complexion and a muscular build, with short cut hair and an even cheaper suit, grumbled, his Midwestern twang very noticeable in this environment.

Fine.  Though I'm not going to dignify that question with an answer, partner.

As Harry headed back to the kitchen, Detective Beauchamp grinned and turned to Alex.

Nice to see you again, young man.  Try the food.  It's a new dish I learned about recently.  The salad will be good, too.

And dare I asked what newfound horror you're dropping in my lap to try and sweeten me up with this new recipe? Alex took a bite and it was good, very good in fact. Hopefully something he would get to try when the threat of a nasty case wasn't souring it.

You never show up just to cook.

Detective Beauchamp paused a moment, then sighed.

You might be right about that.  Still, never a good idea to pass up good food.

Harry returned, handing out salads covered in an odd sort of dressing.  As he sat down, he nudged the detective.

You gonna tell him why we're here yet?

Detective Beauchamp smiled.

Of course not.  Food first.  We can discuss the grisly details after, like civilized people.

With that, he dug into his meal with gusto, and moved to small talk for the duration of the meal.  Rose followed suit.  Harry, on the other hand, glared at his partner with barely contained annoyance while everyone ate, and kept his contributions to the conversation to a minimum.

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

Once the meal was finished, Detective Beauchamp waited a little while - and for Rose to leave and close the door - before bringing up the case.

This is a bad one, my friend.  I've got the photos with me if you need to see them, and we can drop by the scene later as well.  Long story short, a couple of the Chinese mafia types ended up dead.  Killed with... enthusiasm, and great force.  Plus, one of them was torn apart.  Possibly worse, but I'm not sure.  Based on one of the pieces of broken blade that was there, I had reason to talk to one of the Japanese tourists, which is where I picked up the recipe, but not much else.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Wed 31 July 2019.

Torn apart, but not eaten? Alex confirmed, though he knew  Beauchamp would have mentioned if that was the case.  It was a very solid indication that the culprit was supernatural.

I'll give the scene my normal look over later. Anyone local who these 'tourists' might have pissed  off?

Off to the side, Harry shook his head at the mention of cannibalism.  Detective Beauchamp glanced over at him, then returned his gaze to Alex.

Actually, we're not sure about that first part.  That particular body was rather messy, and the examination has so far proven... inconclusive.  I personally think that at least some of that poor soul was consumed.

Harry shook his head once again, and muttered under his breath.

This city must be very messed up if this is a normal line of questioning...

Detective Beauchamp smiled ruefully at Alex, and then reached into his coat to pull out some photos.  As he tossed the photos onto Alex's desk, he continued.

As to your second question... well, I understand that these tourists - yak-oo-sah or something like that - are moving in on both the Chinese and the Italians, and possibly the voudoun, too.  Though there is one bit of news which might prove useful.  The Chief indicated that we do have someone inside the yak-su-hah, which should help some.  The contact man is named... Harry, what was his name?

Harry sighed again, not bothering to hide his annoyance at having to discuss this matter with a P.I., especially with undercover officers involved.

Myojin.  Yahiko Myojin.  You'd think with a name like that, even you'd be able to remember it.
_____________________________

If you want to examine the photos, it's an Int + Investigation roll, at a -2 die penalty due to being poor quality and not showing a complete view of the scene.

Diff 3 shows that superhuman force was used to cut and rend through the Triad soldiers.

Diff 4 shows that it is very likely that the culprit has a sword of rather substantial size.

Diff 5 shows that the man who was dismembered and broken was attacked with bare hands, and was partially eaten as well.

Alec frowned at the photos, not able to get much off them at all. Most places are if you stick around long enough and look deep enough. And sounds like these tourists are going to get wiped out if they're not careful.

He put down the pictures, deciding he wasn't getting anything out of them. I can be at the Gator tonight if you want me to talk to this Myojin guy.

Detective Beauchamp shrugged.

Up to you.  I've left orders at the scene to let you in if you show up, and the bodies are at the station morgue.  Again, the coroner knows to let you look.  As for Myojin.  I'm not sure where he's located, but since he's an older man carrying around a sword, he shouldn't be that hard to find.  I'd not be surprised if someone at the Gator knows something.

"I'll check the scene first to see if it's the usual. We'll go from there."

After he finished his food.

Detective Beauchamp nodded, and then wrote down an address for Alex, which was located on the outer edge of the Triad territory, not too far from the naval base.

They'll be expecting you.  And let me know if you need anything else.

---------

It wasn't long after that the meeting wrapped up, leaving Alex free to investigate.

His first stop, as he said, was the crime scene. It was interesting the new group was so close to the naval base. Usually criminal would do their best to steer clear of a place close to so much scrutiny. Either they  to be unpredictable, of they thought the were selling something the G.I.s would want

As Alex arrived at the crime scene, the warehouse was already most empty of police officers.  A few remained, on guard, while a single junior detective was going over the scene.  Recognizing Alex from previous cases, they waved him inside.

-----

Inside the warehouse was the remains of a scene of carnage.  There were broken boxes, places on the floor, and even one wall had a sizeable hole in it.  Also obvious were a few places where it looked like long blades had been used, also to leave marks in assorted places.  And all that was before taking into account all the now mostly-dried blood, spread around in copious amounts.

Most of the boxes around the area were opened and mostly emptied, except a few that had broken Tommy guns.

The junior detective looked up at Alex as he entered, and then sighed.

Hello, Thorne.  Beauchamp thinks he's got an odd one again?
_________________________________

Here's some fun stuff for you:

1) Per + Socialize, Diff 1 to realize that the officers outside have just a little bit of dread now that Alex is involved.

2) Int + Investigation, Diff 2 to notice that superhuman force was used, and Diff 3 to recognize that one of the blades was oversized.

3) Per + Socialize, Diff 2 to notice that the detective doesn't seem all that surprised that Alex is getting involved.

I'll leave the amulet up to you, but it will definitely be glowing here.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:32, Tue 06 Aug 2019.

Alex ignored the reactions of the officers outside. Yeah, and seeing this I don't think I blame him.

From his breast pocket Alex pulled out what looked like a sphere of Alexandrite on a thin silver chain. He held it out, allowing the gem to twist and dangle in the air. It caught the light then began to glow an angry red. Malice was here in abundance. The gem don't lie, sorry. Not too surprised. I don't think any thing with human strength could have done this.

He put the jewel back in his pocket. Any witnesses? Who called it in?

The detective nodded at Alex's conclusion.

No witnesses, unfortunately.  At least none that are talking.  It was called in by the warehouse's morning shift manager, who is currently at the station enjoying our hospitality.  We also found a broken Japanese blade, too.  It'll be in evidence.

Do we think the blade belonged to the victim or the killer? He almost hoped it was the killer. If it was the victim, it could mean those were standard issue for the new gang in New Orleans. Guns were lethal, but quick. Blades, well, blades could be used by some sick people who wanted to take their time.

The one that attracted Beauchamp's eye was a Japanese blade.  Long one, too.  Kind of odd, since most of them carry the shorter or knife-sized version of those swords.  Not that they seem shy about guns, mind you.

He paused, then shrugged.

Of course, the Triads use all sorts of crazy stuff, in addition to guns, too.

Define Crazy Alex asked, stiffling a groan. If crazy meant random ninja weapons, that was fine.  If Crazy meant curses and voodoo that was a whole other kettle of fish.

Let's see...  I've heard that some of them use claws, some use some sort of crazy sword with a hook and too many extra blades, and I've heard that at least one uses a fan with blades in it.

The detective shook his head.

Honestly, I think those chinamen do nothing but spend time thinking of stupid things to use to try to kill each other with, then they call 'em something fancy, and add foo to it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:58, Tue 13 Aug 2019.

Not good, but there's worse flavors of crazy. Alex acknowledged. He'd check in with Tiny, see if there were any new people raring for a fight. It wasn't outside the Realms of possibility if they were carrying that much melee hardware.

Still, coroner first. Whether or not the body was partially eaten could be telling in terms of what did this.

The detective nodded in agreement.  Without much more to go on, Alex was free to head to the police station and the coroner.

---------

At the 1st Precinct in New Orleans, Alex was let into the station without any issues, though obviously some noticeable trepidation on some of the officer's parts.  The officer at the front desk groaned as Alex approached.

Oh, great.  What's it this time, Thorne?  Cannibal albinos in the bayou?  Cursed wolves again?  Some sort o' demonic possession?  Oh, I know... the rarest thing of all... a normal man who just killed someone, right?

Can't say anything on the first three, but sadly not that last one Alex said wryly. But I probably wouldn't have been brought in if it were.

The desk officer rolled his eyes and sighed, and then pointed in the general direction of the morgue.

Whatever.  I'm sure you've got important things to do with the corpses...

The man paused, then grinned nastily.

Hey... perhaps you're one of those so-called monsters yourself!  That'd explain a lot, actually.

Alex gave him a grin. It wasn't a nice one. If I was, you'd have more trouble than you could possibly handle. Giving the desk officer no more mind he headed back to the morgue.

The desk officer sputtered an indignant reply as Alex left.

-----

In the morgue, Dr. Lambert, the coroner - a wiry older man wearing a bloody smock - smiled as Alex entered.

Hello young man.  Beauchamp sent for you?  I can't say I'm surprised.  The bodies definitely suggested it'd end up as one of yours.

Tell me what you've got?  If Lambert already knew he'd been called it what he found must have been a doozy.

The doctor nodded, and then moved to the coolers.  He opened two of them.  The first was messy, to say the least, and it appeared that the doctor had been spending more time putting him together rather than the reverse.  The other was mostly in one piece, but he had been nearly bisected by something heavy and sharp, going down from his shoulder to his hip.  As the bodies were pulled out, Alex's gem lit up.

Doctor Lambert calmly gestured to the first corpse, and calmly began.

This one... well, the cause of death was fairly obvious.  Multiple contusions, lacerations, and a decided lack of certain limbs, found nearby.  Also, he appears to be missing some pieces, most notably in the right forearm, neck, and in the chest cavity.  Of note - we do have at least some of his heart.

He gestured towards the second body.

And this poor fellow... well, sufficed to say, it took a bit of doing to make that cut, and from what I can tell, it was done with a single strike.  Thus, I felt I had reason to expect you.

As he finished, he turned towards Alex, a conspiratorial glint in his eye, which belied his calm recitation of his findings.

The heart wasn't taken, that was fairly unusual. Hearts had a bit of significance magically and in various beliefs.

Any idea why one body would be torn up and the other sliced clean? They were two very distinctive styles after all. Anything like bite marks on the mutilated one?

Dr. Lambert nodded.

It appears so.  Most of the missing pieces bear marks that show either claw marks or sharp teeth.  Not wolf-like, though.  Mostly human, more or less, but larger.  And the heart definitely had a chunk torn out of it, too.

He paused a moment in thought.

I think the mutilated one might have been ran through with a large blade as well, before he died, but that's mostly a gut feeling.

Why would something that could tear a man apart like that need a blade in the first place? Alex wondered out loud. Carry a blade would make some sense, camouflage if nothing else (which pointed to the 'tourists' and their tendency of carrying swords. No amount of monstrous strength could make  could make a bowie knife carve cleanly through a human)

The second victim could be a case of being interrupted mid meal. But it was still off.

Dr. Lambert shrugged.

Sport, maybe?  Maybe there's things out there that even monsters would prefer to fight armed?  Psychology of such things is a little out of my area of expertise.

What about the mutilation? Was that done after death or was it the cause?

As near as I can tell, both.  The likely first wounds, being stabbed through the gut and then having his forearm broken, were not fatal, though the gut wound obviously would have been in time.  It appears that he was... disarmed... and then ripped apart and masticated not long after.  This definitely began while he was still alive.

Dr. Lambert thought a moment.

I think the one who died by being bisected actually died first.  There was a third individual there, too, but his wounds are normal.  At least as normal as sword wounds can be.

That...made even less sense.  He'd been assuming the one killed quickly had interrupted the perp's meal. But if he was killed first why wasn't he eatten? Wait...Are you telling me there was a survivor? Dammit that should have been the first thing he heard about!

Dr. Lambert looked shocked a moment, before he recovered his wits.

Oh... you misunderstand.  Here.

He walked over and opened a third fridge.  The body inside was intact, except for two clean slashes, one across the neck, and one across the belly.  The amulet flared up as the body was revealed.

Nothing about this fellow struck me as being something you'd be worried about.  He was killed cleanly with a normal slashing blade.  The only oddity was the lack of defensive wounds, but he died with a weapon in hand.

Ah, that explained it. If he was there was probably involved in whatever happened, so yeah, of interest.

Dr. Lambert nodded.

I apologize.  Most of these kinds of things tend to be self-contained.  I suppose it does seem likely that multiple people were involved as well.

And most of them with ties to the new gang in town Alex mused out loud That's my next stop If they weren't responsible, odd are they had an idea what was.

Dr. Lambert nodded.

Better you than me.  While I often enjoy the company of the dead, I have no wish to join them any time soon.
__________

OOC: I'll leave it for you when you want to wrap up the scene and move on.

Alex tipped his hat.  Sadly death doesn't often wait till we wish for it, these three found that out the hard way.

He thanked Dr. Lambert for his time and left, not even acknowledging the man at the door. He had work to do.

As Alex left the station, the sun had already started its slow descent into darkness.  The intrigues and dangers of the approaching night beckoned, despite, or perhaps even because of, the typical liveliness of the New Orleans life.

Alex pulled his hat down, covering his eyes in shadow.. He was all to aware of the true dangers in that lurked in New Orleans at night. He just hoped most of them would keep their heads down while they figured out who the new player in town was.

He hoped one of the 'tourists' showed up at the Gator.  Even if they weren't directly responsible, the timing was too neat. Someone there had answers, and Alex was going to get them.

The Gator's Teeth was as rambunctious as ever, the noise of its patrons able to be heard out on the street.  A few people were hanging around outside the bar, both regulars and a few newcomers, easily noticed by there oriental looks.  As usual, there was no real supernatural manifestations noticeable in the area.
__________

OOC: Perception + Awareness Diff 2 to notice the yakuza members are all carrying tanto knives (and the cutlery the locals are carrying, too)

The knives looked a little different than he was used to, but the way they were carried was all to familiar. Lowlives were the same anywhere it seemed.

For now though, he was keeping a low profile. He planned to order a drink and see if her heard the name Myojin pop up so he'd have a name to go with the face. If not, he'd have to be more direct.

Provided the tourists didn't start something first.

As he headed inside, Alex could see that Tiny was already getting acquainted with one of the tourists, too.  In the back, as usual, a ring of people both local and not was formed around a makeshift arena of chairs and tables.  Bets and off-color comments flew wildly.

Tiny, moving surprisingly fast for all his bulk, seemed to be clearly mismatched.  His opponent was a Japanese man, probably in his early to mid thirties, wearing the same kind of suit all of the others wore, though without the jacket (or knife).  His black hair was tied back, and he was built more like a western brawler than the more stereotypical look.  As Tiny struck at him, the newcomer easily responded, with a well-executed spinning parry and backhand strike combination, followed by him taking the offense against Tiny.  During a few of the moves the newcomer uses, Alex's gem occasionally flared softly, then dimmed again.  The fight would probably be over in short order.

Coldmoon waited at the bar, as usual for a night like this, and nodded at Alex as he approached.  For a moment, Alex saw a great human-wolf hybrid superimposed over Coldmoon's features, snarling and dangerous.

As Alex reached the bar, Coldmooon walked over.

So, what'll it be, friend?  The usual?

"For now at least," Alex said amicably, watching the bout. "Incidentally who's the guy fighting Tiny? Seems like a real gem." Alex gave him a look, hoping Coldmoon picked up on his double meaning.

Of course.

Coldmoon barely reacted to Alex's comment, his eyes widening slightly before returning to his normal, bored gaze.  He nodded slightly to Alex as he started to mix Alex's drink.  As he was about to answer, a shout (one of many, supporting either side) rang out.

Kick his ass, Himura!  If you can't beat this guy, what makes you think you can actually win against that Myojin bastard!

Himura, who was fighting off Tiny's attempts to grab and break him, managed to fight free just a second, and, in a brutal burst of speed, drove his fist into Tiny's solar plexus as he lunged in again.  Instead of pressing his advantage, he turned to his associate.

Go to hell!

This nearly cost him, as Tiny recovered quickly and moved back in to attack.

Coldmoon chuckled a bit and answered quietly, enough so that no one would really overhear.

There's at least part of your answer.  His name is either Himura Kenji or Kenji Himura.  I'm still trying to figure out which way they prefer their names to go.  Anyways, from what little I picked up, he's an accomplished fighter, and his father was involved in some sort of revolution in Japan fifty, sixty years ago or so.

Coldmoon paused and smiled slightly.

Bit of a temper, though.
__________

OOC:  I figure it's a Intelligence + Lore roll, Difficulty 3 to know roughly what happened in the Meiji Revolution, primarily who the main players were, including things like the Shinsengumi and the various assassins.

Difficulty 4 to know that many of the same people were involved in a post-revolution battle in Kyoto roughly 10 years later.

I figure Alex will, at best, have a general idea.  I don't think he's been in a position to learn any of the specifics about what happened in either event.

Himura? He'd heard bits and scraps of the name from the news stories on Japans revolution some years back (and the almost second one less years back). Himura B-something. Bat's Eye?  Something like that. Maybe he was good at blind fighting?

Of course that was assuming that Bat's Eye was the kids father. It would hardly be the first time an unaging being posed as his own offspring. Too Early to make a call now. He needed more information.

If Tiny loses, think I could get in next fight?

You'd have to ask Himura.  Though I doubt it'd be hard to arrange.  You think Tiny's going to lose?  This appears pretty evenly matched to me.

As Coldmoon spoke, Tiny managed to land a few hits, even knocking Himura down.  After hitting the ground, Himura stood up, spitting blood.  Tiny, who had been celebrating a bit with the crowd, turned back to face Himura, and then stopped cold a moment.  In addition the blazing anger in Himura's stance and posture, something in Himura's gaze caused Tiny to slow a moment.

Tiny's slight hesitation cost him, as Himura charged in, laying in hit after hit with a viciousness Alex had seldom seen in a mortal opponent.  Yet, for all the ferocity of the attack, Himura did not lose his technique, easily bypassing Tiny's guard multiple times, making precise strikes that almost would seem more at home in the street fight this actually was as compared to the near-dance of Himura's movements.  As before, during some of the fight, the amulet would continue to glow.

In a droll conversational tone, Coldmoon grinned a little as he continued.

Never mind.  Perhaps it just took a little blood to get him serious.
__________

OOC: Perception + Awareness, Diff 2 to notice that Kenji's eyes changed color from a dark blue to a cold (and familiar) yellow.

In reply to Coldmoon (msg # 53):

I'm the last person to say Tiny's a slouch. But there are leagues. Alex's eyes narrowed as Himura's eyes changed color. And right now Tiny's way out of his. Honestly I'm probably gonna be out of mine too. But I'd rather figure out how much in a more controlled environment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:13, Tue 01 Oct 2019.

Coldmoon nodded.

Though from what I've seen, you tend to do your best in uncontrolled environments... and now it's over.  Looks like you'll get your chance soon.

Himura kept the offense up, only to break just a moment to give Tiny a chance to commit to a counter attack.  As Tiny lunged in, Himura slapped him in the neck and then leaped nearly to the ceiling.  As he came crashing down, Himura arced his foot out, dropping his heel onto Tiny's back and shoulder.  Tiny hit the ground like a sack of potatoes.

Himura landed on his feet, then spit some blood to the side and wiped his mouth.  He gave a slight bow to Tiny, then turned to the bar.  Various cheers and jeers went on, and money changed hands.

This might get a little more uncontrolled than I'm comfortable with Alex admitted, before he straightened his hat.

He walked up to Himura. That was a good bout. Would you be interested in a second?

Himura leveled somewhat drunken measuring stare at Alex for a long moment then smiled.  He turned to Coldmoon.

Give me some of that swill you've been serving, and send one to the big guy once he wakes up.

As Coldmoon complied, Tiny already began stirring, even as some of his friends assisted him to a nearby seat.  Himura turned back to Alex as his beer arrived.

Sure.  Give me a moment to celebrate this fight, then I'll be happy to fight again.  You want one, too?

Himura motioned to the beer.

Alex lifted his own drink. I'm set for now, but I'll buy you a round after win or lose

Himura grinned.

Sounds like a plan.

-----

A few minutes later, both Alex and his opponent stood at the center of an impromptu arena in the back recesses of the Gator's Teeth.  Himura faced Alex, and brought his hands together and gave Alex a short bow, only a little deeper than a nod.

Before we fight, it is only honorable that I introduce myself. I am Kenji Himura, son of Battousai the Manslayer and true heir of the Hiten Mitsurugi style.

With that said, Himura settled into a fighting stance, light on his feet, and on guard, and waited for Alex.  To Alex's eyes, Himura seems to flicker and fade into a cloud darkness momentarily, before returning to normal.
_____

OOC:  16:54, Today: Kenji rolled 5 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,9,1,6,7,7,5,9.  Join Battle inc. Penalties.

This gives Kenji an Initiative of 8.  Kenji is also in Ebon Shadow Form (granting +1 Defense).  Kenji is also at a -2 Penalty due to alcohol (-1) and wound penalties (-1).

Parry 4, Evasion 3, Soak 4
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Tue 15 Oct 2019.

So he was the heir of that Bat's Eye guy. The flicker of darkness made sense in that respect, perfect for bats. Maybe the fighting style focused on the moved being hard to see?

I am Alex Thorne. I have no ancestral accolades and am heir to nothing I don't build myself.

He lifted his arms up into a more defensive position, wary of giving a skilled opponent any chances.

Shall we?

---

Today: Alex Thorne rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7.  Initiative.

This gives an initiative of 7

Parry: 3   Evasion: 3  Soak: 4
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:30, Tue 22 Oct 2019.

With a quick nod, Himura charged, striking rapidly with both fists and more esoteric attacks coming from a myriad of odd angles, all angling for vulnerable spots ranging from the simple (the throat and eyes) to the more subtle, such as various pressure points.
__________

OOC: 16:58, Today: Kenji rolled 3 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7.  Unarmed Attack. (normal is 12 dice, but drunkenness and wound bonuses (due to Berserker) somewhat cancel out.

This would be a hit with either of your defenses, unless you stunt or spend Essence/Inspiration.  I'll hold off on rolling damage until Alex gets a chance to respond.

Alex put his arms in front of him, palms out. A lot of the strikes seemed aimed randomly, but a few were going for soft spots and that's what he wanted to protect.  The stance looked haphazard, but sure enough gave him a chance to grab one of Himura's hands that came too close to his eyes.

Kenji growled in frustration as Alex blocked his attacks with such haphazard technique.
_____

Just leaving this here to give you something to work with.  Relevant status of people are in the OOC thread.  Plus, it's Alex's turn.

Alex saw he frustration. Good, a frustrated opponent was one who made mistakes. With the arm he'd caught going for his throat, Alex yanked him forward, attempting to strike his elbow into Himura's head to disorient him

---

Alex is attempting to make a withering unarmed strike. Judging by the fact that he only got two successes, I'm guessing he failed.

As Alex sent his elbow at Kenji's face, Kenji brought his other hand up, blocking the strike with this forearm, hand opened.  As Alex struck, Kenji let himself get driven back on his heels, stepping back slightly to maintain his balance.  As he did that, he brought his blocking hand down in a hard chop on Alex's forearm, intending to make him loosen his grip on Kenji's hand.  Kenji then immediately surged forward, aiming a fast open-hand palm strike at Alex's face.
__________

Yep.  That attack missed.  Don't forget about the die adder thing you can do (both with Inspiration a la Adventure! or motes as we discussed prior).

11:26, Today: Kenji rolled 4 successes (4,1,9,2,9,10,5,3,5,1) using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7.  Returning the favor.

Without a defensive stunt, Kenji will land the attack.  Over to Alex, stats as posted have not changed.

Alex released the forearms with the hit, minimizing the damage he took and letting himself get knocked down, thus having Himura's hand sail over his head, rather than into it. On the way down he grabbed his opponents knee, hoping to pull him off balance.

---

Rolled 2 successes on a withering attack to trip Kenji, so failed again

Kenji managed to slip back, as Alex made the grab for his knee.  As soon as his back foot hit the ground, he launched himself forward in a rapid spin, frustration evident on his face, whipping his back leg up, and then bringing it down hard while aiming for Alex's collarbone.  To Alex's enhanced vision, a swirl of energy seemed to both propel the attack.
_________

Did you include Accuracy in that attack?  An unarmed attack should have a +4 accuracy bonus.

Kenji is using both Whirling Dragon Blade (4m) while making this (withering) attack.  This will add +5 pre-soak damage.

And I think it's going to hit.

18:26, Today: Kenji rolled 7 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((10,2,4,2,8,1,10,8,4,8)).  Continuing the to attack Alex.

I'll wait to figure out final damage from this until you handle your defense, but I think this will hit either way.

Alex knew he wouldn't have time to dodge it completely. He put up his off hand to block, knowing that the arm would be injured, but it would be less debilitating than his collarbone or primary arm.

Still, the amount of magic, even magic that was invisible to most people, for a simple none life threatening bout seemed incredibly excessive.

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Yeah, no way I can block that, so his defense is just to limit the damage as much as possible

Kenji smiled as Alex was driven down and back, sensing his growing advantage.
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As I put in the OOC thread, Alex lost 3 Initiative, and Kenji gained 4 (3+1 for hitting).  Kenji's at 12 Init, Alex is at 4, and it is Alex's turn.

Himura thought he'd won, that much was clear. But Alex wasn't out of the game yet. He shifted, adn then samshed Himura's extended knee with his undamaged arm.

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Alex got 5 successes on a withering attack

Kenji's knee momentarily collapsed as connected with his strike.  Dropping down to one knee and facing the wrong way, Kenji tried to twist himself back up into a position where he could guard himself.
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Just keeping things moving.  It's Alex's turn, with 10 Initiative.  Kenji is at 7.

While Alex could have targeted the same knee again, he didn't. This wasn't a life or death fight and certainly wasn't worth possibly crippling a man for. Figuring Himura would focus his guard on his face and torso, Alex hooked his foot around the ankle on the only foot supporting Himura's weight in an attempt to make him completely lose his footing.

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8 Successes on a withering attack

Kenji hit the ground hard, and then tried rolling back to his feet and away from Alex.  Frustration was evident in his eyes as Kenji almost seemed to ricochet off the ground, launching himself into a forward flip, extending his leg to axe down at Alex.  Even as his foot hit the ground, he moved to press his attack again.
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Kenji's turn.  He's going to attack again with Whirling Dragon Blade (which will add 5 to his withering damage if he hits).

11:17, Today: Kenji rolled 7 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((8,5,10,8,10,4,4,6,7,3)).