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  1. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2. @here
  3. Shinjo Kurosawa
  4. ding
  5. Tolta
  6. ( yo )
  7. Jirozame Shinkai
  8. ((Heyo.))
  9. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  10. (Get ready for spam, since I planned to kick stuff off right when I got back. We'll do intros when indicated. Feel free to ask questions and remember that this is almost-first-real-scene, so while 'death' is a possibility, I'm going to make you a legend if you die during this scene.)
  11. Tolta
  12. ( We are Samurai. We ARE legends. )
  13. Shinjo Kurosawa
  14. ((Do you want our skills n sheet or anything like that or what))
  15. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  16. (Yeah. Getting that form up and going.)
  17. Ikoma Chiaki
  18. ((I'm unsure this is the smartest place for Chiaki, but w/e. If anyone can die here, she can.))
  19. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  20. (Everyone must be given use!)
  21. Shinjo Kurosawa
  22. ((like, i can take a picture of my l5rcm))
  23. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  24. https://i1.wp.com/www.strangeassembly.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/pl3318_map_mantis-clan.png?w=700&ssl=1 for location.
  25. Tolta
  26. ( the ikoma is the most important person here. )
  27. Shiba Nichie
  28. (i may be a little distracted at times but will join if there is room)
  29. Tolta
  30. ( we can fight, get you there, and get you home... but we need someone to take notes and get the battle info XD )
  31. Shiba Nichie
  32. (what he said!)
  33. Tolta
  34. ( killing gobos is great, good times all around, ut still need someone to note the terrain and etc i mean )
  35. ( shiba fighter or shiba shugenja? )
  36. ( horses or no? )
  37. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  38. (Trying this silly form, because other people like 'continuity' and 'do your goddamn job tracking stuff, Defcon')
  39.  
  40. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AjgO9TuEQB8USjdorFFTMfRqfXobRxzlT7zEKrMwdEQ/edit#gid=1563742442
  41. Google Docs
  42. Copy of FRO X: BTLV (Responses)
  43. Form Responses 1
  44.  
  45. Timestamp,What is your character's name?,In one sentence what are you as a player hoping for in this scene?,What are your character's strengths?,What are your character's weaknesses?,What is/are your character's signature skill(s)?,School,Insight Rank,Initia...
  46. Tolta
  47. ( demanding. )
  48. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  49. (Horses are approved, but must be restrained and you need to walk them until an approved time.)
  50. (I won't derp you and make you not be on a horse if combat occurs
  51. )
  52. Tolta
  53. ( it does not matter to my tech... shinjo? )
  54. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  55. (Yay.)
  56. @here
  57. (Nobody else is joining now.)
  58. (FLAVOR TEXT. IN YOUR FACE.)
  59. Shinjo Kurosawa
  60. ((i have to check if it matters but I can do that in a couple seconds))
  61. ((nope dont matter to my school either))
  62. Tolta
  63. ( foot? mounted? )
  64. ( foot with them, or the 'get out of jail free, and leave them hanging' card.... i mean safety net or something)
  65. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  66. The small mass of samurai teeming at the southern gate of the Castle of the Wasp was a thing of electric excitement, at least for those who were new to leaving the safety and walls of Kyuden Ashinagabachi for a return to the unknown lands outside the serene castle walls. Each group, comprised of roughly the same size, was a volunteer force of those who had requested to be given opportunity to prove their capabilities in aiding the Resistance through one of the only means the loyal Rokugani were able to do so: these small patrols into the dangerous surrounding world in order to facilitate trade, gather knowledge, or strike out against the forces of the Dark Kami.
  67.  
  68. Each group had two guides - those who were designated as 'scouts' and specifically made these treks on a frequent enough basis to be considered skilled in the art of keeping the true whereabouts of the Resistance under-wraps. This particular group was led by Hiruma Masabi, a Hiruma that had left Crab lands within the past year and who obviously had the exact skillset necessary for this type of work. He was short - at most a head below the typical Rokugani's height, but he was quite a bit stockier than the typical Hiruma if any had met one prior to this. Overall, not a familiar face around the castle.
  69.  
  70. The secondary was Hanako, a waveman who had been part of the Resistance for some time. She had a Yumi and a katana without accompanying wakizashi - she also wore a travel cloak and wide-brimmed straw hat to shield her features and, without her weaponry, would seem to fit in well with either the peasantry or as a monk based off of her austere choice of attire. She spoke much more often than Masabi as the group was being corralled together. >
  71. In addition, there were three other samurai traveling with you, all recent additions to the castle and clearly young and inexperienced in this particular set of skills. Akodo Tsunari, Shiba Todachi, and Ichiro Kyo. Your guides indicated that your path would bring you out of the castle under cover of dusk waning to night and that you would practice some basic skills on your long, slow trek down the mountains from the Castle of the Wasp so as to both ensure you could work on any lacking skillset, or you could be at least entrusted not to lead an enemy back to the castle because of the complex passage through the mountains you traversed.
  72.  
  73. There were a few moments before departure where this group could acclimate themselves to their fellow scouting party. Equipment was stated, simply, to be light. You would be changing into peasant attire before entering the village, so it was expected that there would be a location to dispense with most of your gear prior to entering the village - one of the many dropsites necessary for the Resistance to move equipment and supplies.
  74.  
  75. (INTRODUCE YOURSELVES!)
  76. Tolta
  77. The unicorn ready to head out. He had only been in the city for 6 months, and 'the itch' had set in weeks ago. He was glad for the chance to get back out of the walls for a while. He had his polearm across his shoulders and waited for the rest to finish their preparations. He stood a little off from them, and watched as they did, his face blank, his thoughts elsewhere.
  78. Fu
  79. an odd and very disconcerting monk joins the group on the way out of the city, he is wearing a very light grey almost white but low quality robe. he is currently using a walking staff that is surrounded by prayer beads, they rattle less then one might think for some reason
  80. Jirozame Shinkai
  81. Ha, changing into peasant attire. Jokes on you, Shinkai already has some. The Shark scout was dressed fairly plainly in his travelling clothes, though he's dispensed with the head wrapping tonight. A yumi at his side and a few knives in various locations on his person complete his look. He could pass for a ronin, a bandit, or maybe even a particularly well-armed peasant. He doesn't seem to pay much mind to the others, engaging in casual conversation where required but beyond that, he tries to keep focused to the task at hand.
  82. Shinjo Kurosawa
  83. The Shinjo was practically beaming as he stepped outside of the castle's walls, for what felt like the first time in ages. Was the sun shining? Man even if it wasn't, it was beautiful just to be outdoors. He stretched his arms behind his head, letting his muscles pull and relax. He was lightly equipped, as they had requested. His travelling faded purple travelling kimono was plain, and he had his han-kyu bow over his shoulders along with his daisho around his waist. Behind him, his horse followed obediently, trained to not stray too far away from it's rider, shaking it's mane as if to shake off the dust accumulated from being locked up in the walled city.
  84. Jirozame Shinkai
  85. ((His outfit, minus the katana and headwear, is on his wiki.))
  86. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪 pinned a message to this channel. See all the pins.
  87. Tolta
  88. He mounted his steed, patting the neck. The animal made no noise, instead it seemed as ready as the rest. His mind returning to the present, he noted the monk and greeted him "Hello little teacher." his half grin showing from the jest at his old friend
  89. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  90. The small group of samurai and ronin opposite you all mill about, with only Hanako seeming to make any effort to talk with your group - it is idle chatter, but she is available for any questions prior to departure.
  91. Ikoma Chiaki
  92. This was perhaps not the place for the Young Ikoma Chiaki, still she had volunteered to be a beacon for the group and to alleviate the hearts of those who supported them while digging out the deceitful ones. She was dress in a rather plan brown kimono and wearing a jingasa and was notably without her fan.
  93. Shiba Nichie
  94. A small, quiet shugenja joins the group. Totally unremarkable exept for her lack of height
  95. She's as usual tagging after the ikoma.
  96. Tolta
  97. catches the glance of the ikoma and nods to her, remembering her from the other day
  98. Jirozame Shinkai
  99. Shinkai would do the polite thing and address Hanako, considering she seemed to be one of the commanding officers. "Anything of note that we should be aware of beyond what briefing we've received?"
  100. Shinjo Kurosawa
  101. Kurosawa is practically chomping at the bit to go, but he scooted towards Hanako, as she seemed like she might know a thing or two. He approached, and gave a short bow. "Greetings," he murmured to the hatted woman. "Do you know what is the plan today?" No doubt he still had the big smile on his face, although he tried to keep the excitement out of his voice, only failing slightly.
  102. Ikoma Chiaki
  103. Chiaki, too would give a very polite bow to everyone
  104. Fu
  105. hello uma-kun, I see hasn't been walking you often sasayaki-san, and hello sasayak-san the monk nods to the horse and unicorn
  106. Tolta
  107. "Always stuck in a castle, no room to run. Hard life." The horse, seeming to understand scoffed at them
  108. Ikoma Chiaki
  109. ((I suppose I should ask if we get can take any non school gear, like a bow and amour))
  110. Shiba Nichie
  111. (or a knife?)
  112. Shinjo Kurosawa
  113. ((I assumed we would take school gear))
  114. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  115. The ronin looked between the pair and she, similarly, smiled. Most of her expression was masked by her wide-brimmed straw hat, as it commanded quite a bit of space in every direction and seemed to stop below her eyes - likely just the angle of how she stood. "Mina-san: part of you remaining on the mainland is having skills necessary to keep the only home we all have now safe. You are being tested in how you perform today, but one of the reasons that this is being put together is 'cause we think there might be an issue at Quiet Water Village down south. It's awful close, so we need to deal with it. But, you all need to keep skills sharp: no time to test better than under pressure, right?!"
  116. (If you do not have a yumi in your starting outfit, one will be provided for this scene.)
  117. (Or a Han-kyu for you weirdo horse-people if that's your preference.)
  118. Shiba Nichie
  119. (weee.)
  120. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  121. (Or a tactical nuclear strike via Ohio-class submarine if warranted.)
  122. Tolta
  123. ( that's not til i get rank 4 )
  124. Shiba Nichie
  125. She sticks close to the ikoma, as close as her own shadow. "do you know how to fire a bow? I'm.. Rather uncertain."
  126. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  127. (Final questions to Hanako, then we're kickin' off.)
  128. Tolta
  129. ( good here )
  130. Jirozame Shinkai
  131. "If we should need to engage enemies, are we to disable or eliminate?" The Shark would ask Hanako, wanting to get that little tidbit out of the way. He would take a moment to nod and offer the minimum polite bows to the others present.
  132. Tolta
  133. ( go out, kill bad things, make sure the squishies make it home. check. )
  134. Ikoma Chiaki
  135. "Hai, this one has had some experience with them. I would help Chichi with his Yumi"
  136. Tolta
  137. doesn't comment on the ronin's 'shoot first' mentality
  138. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  139. Hanako seems to think for a moment. "We expect to only encounter the peasants of the village, who used to support the Rebellion. It'll need to be decided in the moment, unless the worst case possible and we come across Legionnaires. Then, the intent is to eliminate enemies that might put us at risk." The Hiruma, a bit off to the side, scoffed a little. He spoke, his voice somewhat raspy: "We'll never be noticed by the Legion."
  140. Shinjo Kurosawa
  141. The younger Unicorn bit his lip and tried to think. He did not seem to recall the Quiet Water Village, and must have missed it while being lost trying to get to the castle. He nodded in thanks at their stylishly hatted guide, and began a final check. No more questions from him, now it was time to follow orders and mentally prepare oneself. Except he was pretty excited, despite how dangerous this whole shebang could be. Maybe he shouldn't have left his ashigaru armor at home. Too late now. He patted his horse's neck, staring into it's large eyes to make sure it wasn't gonna lose it's shit on him. "If any of you need, I can offer you a ride on my horse until we arrive to help conserve your energy," the Shinjo called out. He didn't know how far it was, after all. And maybe some were not nearly as prepared for the journey as he was. Plus walking s u c k s.
  142. Tolta
  143. hears the shinjo, but is not quick to offer the same
  144. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  145. Akodo Tsunari puffed his chest up at that: "If it comes to pass, then a head for each of us is more than adequate!"
  146. Hiruma Masabi began to wander towards the gate. "Our move. On me: we leave. Keep attention and do not speak unless my voice is first."
  147. Tolta
  148. trails along, riding along the edge of the formation in case he needs to peel off, and not run someone over to do so
  149. Shiba Nichie
  150. "ah. Shinjo sama?" a little embarrased she indicates her short legs
  151. Ikoma Chiaki
  152. Chiaki nods and follows the Hiruma
  153. Fu
  154. the unarmored monks follow slightly behind and to the side of the horiuchi as the group starts to move out, the monk humming a warding prayer as they move out
  155. Shinjo Kurosawa
  156. The Unicorn gave a low whistle, to the horse, and knelt for the smaller Shiba to climb aboard.
  157. ((Obviously the horse knelt, not the samurai, to climb aboard it's back
  158. ))
  159. Tolta
  160. ( i am under the assumption we can just put 'idle chatter' and let def move the scene along? )
  161. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  162. The main road leading to the castle often fell out of view as you navigated the mountain pass for nearly the full hour, winding through the aformentioned pathways. It seemed you would loop back periodically as rays of light from the heavens above cast wide shadows and the world was absorbed in the soft red of dusk. A pause, and you would all see the Hiruma before you stop for a moment. He leaned over to speak to Hanako for a moment and the hatted ronin nodded. The Hiruma turned back to face you all and spoke. “We practice now moving as a unit under cover. Who does not have experience moving unobserved?”
  163.  
  164. (This section of the tutorial is about stealth, contested rolls, and cooperative skill roll mechanics. If you’re comfortable with these, we can move on right to testing/a dice roll. Please indicate you would like to work on these skills/try without concern for failure by :drum: ; or if you want to skip, :no_mouth: )
  165. Tolta
  166. ( just cover coop for me when it comes up )
  167. Shiba Nichie
  168. (id like the brush up)
  169. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  170. (We're doing rolls no matter what; it's just whether we jump right to the roll, or we walk our way through it. =3)
  171. Tolta
  172. ( ....uh, don't plan on stealthing much... hides Stealth 0 )
  173. waits for the others to speak up, 'stealth' was never his thing.
  174. Shinjo Kurosawa
  175. The Unicorn was a bit hesitant. Hopefully his horse and it's small cargo was nearby on this hour long trip. He had learnt stealth in his school under a most paranoid sensei, but he hadn't opportunity to use it in such a situation like this. A combat exercise. He stepped forward. "I do not have much experience in the field, but I have been taught."
  176. Ikoma Chiaki
  177. "Ano... this ones stealth experience is limited."
  178. Jirozame Shinkai
  179. As Shinkai walked, it was fairly apparent that he was trained in how to be stealthy, given that his footfalls made significantly less sound than those who might have been walking more noisily. "Field and dojo instruction," he'll offer quietly.
  180. Shiba Nichie
  181. "im not totally unskilled" she admits as she looks down "but i should likely walk now, eh? You have been most generous shinjo sama. C
  182. "
  183. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  184. The Hiruma looks across the group. "Whichever of you is best, instruct the rest. Try to spend the next short while getting into a position where you can ambush Hanako and me. If you do not have the skill now, become good at it, or stay in the castle." An easy option for most - it is not the goal of every samurai to sneak about and ambush, but it at least makes some sense for the purposes of leaving the castle.
  185.  
  186. (Cooperative Skill Roll - we're doing option 1: Everyone list your Stealth (Ambush) skill rank. Highest ranked will roll a skill roll and add everyone's rank, including 6 from your 3 NPC buddies.)
  187. Tolta
  188. ( Stealth 0 )
  189. Shinjo Kurosawa
  190. ((Stealth 1 but no ambush emphasis))
  191. Shiba Nichie
  192. (1+silent)
  193. Jirozame Shinkai
  194. ((Stealth 2, Sneaking Emphasis.))
  195. Fu
  196. (stealth 1)
  197. Ikoma Chiaki
  198. (0)
  199. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  200. (Sneaking will work, too.)
  201. Tolta
  202. ( the ronin has the highest stealth.... figures XD )
  203. Shiba Nichie
  204. "ikoma sama, come with me. Walk only where i step, and move slowly. Slow is quieter"
  205. Shinjo Kurosawa
  206. ((So shinkai rolls and then our ranks will be added to his roll, ye?))
  207. Tolta
  208. ( 3 ranks from us total )
  209. ( if silent affects anything? )
  210. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  211. (So, looks like Shinkai is rolling with a +10; giving +1 for silent and +6 from your NPC buddies.)
  212. (One moment. Someone is conspiring)
  213. Tolta
  214. ( eyes the ronin )
  215. Ikoma Chiaki
  216. Chiaki nods and follows the Shiba's instruction
  217. Shiba Nichie
  218. Nichie takes out a scroll, and moves her hands towards the ronin. Speaking softly to its water.. And as the orayer takes effect.. She seems to nearly stumble
  219. Jirozame Shinkai
  220. ((Just waiting on the Defcon go ahead.))
  221. Shiba Nichie
  222. Very slowly she sits down. Only her natural silence keeping her from drawing attention now.. As more than half her fire has been loaned out
  223. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  224. (Go with the +1 for Agi I assume)
  225. Shiba Nichie
  226. (nope. +3. Im at agility 1 now and sitting very still)
  227. (probably falling over sitting)
  228. Shinjo Kurosawa
  229. ((daaamn))
  230. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  231. (Reduce by an amount equal to your School Rank?)
  232. Shiba Nichie
  233. (whops. 2 then)
  234. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  235. (=3)
  236. Tolta
  237. ( you are on the horse, you are fine XD )
  238. ( you don't need Agi )
  239. Jirozame Shinkai
  240. As the others look to his leadership in this endeavor, the Shark gives a small nod and takes a look over the area, moving to strategically place the samurai under this miniature command in places where they'd be able to more easily 'ambush' their commanding officers. "Stealth is just about as much keeping quiet as it is keeping oneself out of sight. You've all seen animals hide, they can teach something." ((Result of 42.))
  241. Shiba Nichie
  242. (i still have 2 as im not cool enough to give 3)
  243. Jirozame Shinkai
  244. ((Also, not a ronin you uncultured swine. :wink: ))
  245. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  246. It would be nearly half of a Rokugani hour as the group prowled through the mountain paths, Shinkai giving light instruction. Eventually, a whistle would sound somewhere behind them - not but a dozen steps from the group came the whistle. Eventually, the Shiba would perk his head up and see the Hiruma and ronin guide. "Come back in," the Hiruma would say. The Ronin smiled under her wide-brimmed hat. "He couldn't find you until someone stumbled on a boulder - then he spent the nex' half of the time tryin' to catch the trail," she said. The Hiruma scowled for a moment. "Very well, you are able to move as a unit without being observed. Well done, I will inform the scout captains," he said, eyes on Shinkai.
  247. Shortly after finishing a bit more instruction on the nature of stealth - a lesson where Masabi was not particularly instructive but more critical, the two bring you to a split in the path - southward would bring you down into the valley, upwards seemed a near-sheer climb. You travel north up the steep incline, however it seemed you would not be able to easily climb it without a group effort. The Hiruma bounded up the steep incline and threw a rope back down below. "All of you - climb."
  248.  
  249. (Cooperative Skill Roll Option 2: Everyone needs to roll Athletics (Climbing)/Strength. Please list your Athletics Skills rank here, and everyone will add that to your roll. You will get +7 from your NPC buddies, including Hanako.)
  250. Fu
  251. 1
  252. Shinjo Kurosawa
  253. ((Athletics Rank 3))
  254. Ikoma Chiaki
  255. (1)
  256. Jirozame Shinkai
  257. ((Athletics 1, Strength 3 for what it matters.))
  258. Shinjo Kurosawa
  259. ((To clarify, I have athletics rank 3, but only str 2 =[ ))
  260. Tolta
  261. ( athletics 1 )
  262. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  263. Hanako looks back "Leave the horses here - we'll be back down in a moment."
  264.  
  265.  
  266. +
  267.  
  268.  
  269. Shinjo Kurosawa
  270. ((noooooooo))
  271. Tolta
  272. ( how... dare.... ) dismounts and shoots the horse a glance "I mean it, don't do it." the horse neighs and waits
  273. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  274. (=D THE TUTORIAL!)
  275. Shiba Nichie
  276. (0. but has daredevil)
  277. Ikoma Chiaki
  278. Chiaki nods. This we something she could really do.
  279. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  280. (Unless you want to hoist the horses up the mountainside. >=3)
  281. Shinjo Kurosawa
  282. ((I also have daredevil, what's the TN for bringing the horse?))
  283. Tolta
  284. ( the horse probably climbs better )
  285. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  286. (Which kind of horse do you have? Standard Gaijin Riding?)
  287. Tolta
  288. ( HOW DARE )
  289. Shinjo Kurosawa
  290. ((yes, although I was mostly kidding about the horse, I just am unsure if I should roll or not))
  291. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  292. (=D )
  293. Tolta
  294. ( that is a magestic unicorn clan steed )
  295. Jirozame Shinkai
  296. ((Go for it. Shinkai doesn't need all the glory.))
  297. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  298. (Never ask me what the TN for something is unless you want me to give you a roll, because I totally have a roll available.)
  299. Tolta
  300. ( do it )
  301. Shinjo Kurosawa
  302. (( I am now curious tho ))
  303. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  304. (Everyone roll Athletics (Climbing)/Strength with a +13; TN 25. If you fail, you can burn a void to reroll; those with Daredevil can use it as normal, but the TN isn't so tough.)
  305.  
  306. (TN for hoisting the horse will be a cumulative 3 round Athletics/Strength roll of TN 144 for two or three people.)
  307. Tolta
  308. ( yikes. mine can wait down here )
  309. Shinjo Kurosawa
  310. The unicorn ties his horse to a nearby rock, sorry boy.
  311. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  312. (Statistically it's just 3 TN ~17s for 3 people. =D But, now we've covered Cumulative Skill Rolls - unless anyone has a question what that TN actually means.)
  313. Tolta
  314. ( failed by 1 ) makes it a few feet and slides back down. "I'm not a friggin dragon clan samu..." mutters to himself as he waits with the horses at the bottom, to catch the next person if needed
  315. Shiba Nichie
  316. (plenty over 25 with daredevil:) )
  317. The tiny shugenja scales the wall straight up, pretty much as if she's spent every day of her childhood climbing.Or as if the earth itself aids her
  318. Jirozame Shinkai
  319. Shinkai slings his bow over his back and takes to the climbing with gusto, making it up the rock surface relatively easily.
  320. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  321. (Since it's cooperative, and people have Daredevil, you can pop Void after failing and I will let you reroll. Even add the +1k1 to the roll!)
  322. (Then, you will do some daredevilley-stuff.)
  323. Shinjo Kurosawa
  324. The lean unicorn dried his hands on his kimono, and clambered up the sheer rock face, muscles easily pulling his frame upwards towards the Hiruma.
  325. Fu
  326. (if the tn is 25 then failed by 2?) the monk tries to climb the mountain but he is no goat and slides down after a while
  327. Shinjo Kurosawa
  328. ((rolled TN 12 (25 - the 13 bonus) and got 18 for uh, posting it here I guess))
  329. Shiba Nichie
  330. Nichie tries to reach the monk, leaning rather precariously forward "Let me help"
  331. Tolta
  332. ( i'll just look dumb and be at the bottom )
  333. Shiba Nichie
  334. "and grab the Shinjo please, he needs a hand"
  335. Shinjo Kurosawa
  336. ((wot))
  337. Fu
  338. there are many paths to enlightenment shiba-sama.... perhaps ours is on a differant path looks to the horiuchi
  339. Tolta
  340. shrugs "Not many mountains in the provinces."
  341. Ikoma Chiaki
  342. Chiaki starts out well enough but stumbles and nearly falls, saved only by a risky chance swing at the last minute. Perhaps inspired by the efforts of some of her companions. (22, 33)
  343. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  344. The Akodo makes the attempted climb, everyone pushing upwards together, however eventually he finds himself sliding back down quicker than he is progressing upwards and he drops down next to Sasayaki. The Shiba Bushi climbs easily, and the Ichiro practically punches his fists into the earth to bypass the rope during his upward scramble. Hanako pranced her way up the sheer rock face as well and then leaned over, offering a hand each to Sasayaki and Fu. "Come."
  345. Shinjo Kurosawa
  346. ((was gonna say if you leave the monk I can try to pull him up))
  347. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  348. (=D Can also let you be nice PCs and help each other out.)
  349. Shiba Nichie
  350. (whoops.. wrong unicorn) "Err. Unicorn sama ?"
  351. She looks verry embarrased to have mixed up their families.
  352. Shinjo Kurosawa
  353. The white haired unicorn merely peers down at the monk and the larger Unicorn as they hopefully are making their way up. "Yes?" He had figured the Shugenja might have mixed up him and their Vindicator friend. Unicorn were pretty weird and foreign after all.
  354. Tolta
  355. ( i just realized that was to me ) takes whatever offered hand and goes up with them
  356. Fu
  357. the monk is known to be weird and seems not to care about touching other people and grabs the offered hand to proceed up
  358. Shiba Nichie
  359. She's strong for her size, and steps out as far as she dares to help the unicorn up
  360. Shinjo Kurosawa
  361. (( w h o a OMG guys they're holding hands))
  362. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  363. (My fanfiction has finally come to pass.)
  364.  
  365. +
  366.  
  367.  
  368.  
  369. Shiba Nichie
  370. (climb now, disinfect later)
  371. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  372. (Monk X Horse)
  373. Tolta
  374. ( guess we are dating now. wear something nice, pick you up at 8 for dinner and the theater )
  375. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  376. The ronin surely didn't seem to care, either, as her clothed and rough hands hoisted the monk upwards. Pretty confident at some point the Horiuchi was lifted by someone as well.
  377.  
  378. You scale the steep pathway and see a small winding dirt path, surely underused, to a small copse of bushes and minimal plateau in the mountains. Hanako raises her hand to indicate the party halt and she speaks under-breath. “Shh - Rabbit family there at the edge of the bushes. Tell me what color the largest one is,” she says back to the group. A difficult task, considering dusk has given way to twinkling night. (Roll Investigation/Perception (Notice) TN 20).
  379.  
  380. --
  381. Hanako looks back at the party. “Family's lean – hasn’t eaten much this spring yet, but will feed at least four families on light rations for a day and a half. You’ll need to bring it down in one shot to preserve it for the trip.” (This section of the tutorial is about initiative, combat, and calling raises for effects/called shots. IF you’re comfortable with this, we can move along from here as well to pewpew some poor fauna.)
  382. Shinjo Kurosawa
  383. ((alright who's gonna shoot the bunny))
  384. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  385. (You think there's only one? It's harvest time!)
  386. Tolta
  387. ( 22 on the roll )
  388. ( it's the legendary white rabbit! )
  389. Shinjo Kurosawa
  390. ((what dice am i rolling if I dont have investigation?))
  391. Fu
  392. (12 to spot that is duck season)
  393. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  394. (Raw Perception.)
  395. Tolta
  396. mutters "It is brown with a blonde tuft on the shoulders."
  397. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  398. (Add unskilled, so like 3k3 unskilled show_dice)
  399. Shinjo Kurosawa
  400. ((2k2 for perception 2 right?))
  401. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  402. (Correct.)
  403. Shiba Nichie
  404. (24.)
  405. Jirozame Shinkai
  406. ((33.))
  407. Shinjo Kurosawa
  408. The Unicorn squints at where the rabbits are, but shakes his head since he can't figure out which one is the biggest. ((12 roll, failing the 20))
  409. Jirozame Shinkai
  410. "Brown, blonde tuft. Hindquarters have white stippling."
  411. Shiba Nichie
  412. "jirozame san has very good eyes" she agrees
  413. Tolta
  414. notes
  415. Ikoma Chiaki
  416. Chiaki looks between the ronin and the Shiba and simply nods (15)
  417. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  418. (Anyone need to go over init and combat stuff? It will help speed up things a little later if you need practice/ are unsure how the rolls or the flow of combat goes, 'cause Defcon likes to make combat pretty chaotic.)
  419. Shinjo Kurosawa
  420. ((Are you asking if we want to kill the wabbit?))
  421. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  422. (You're killing the rabbit family here. I just want to know if we do it with initiative and combat rounds added in to help strengthen people's skills with combat.)
  423. Shinjo Kurosawa
  424. ((I have never fought so I'd like to give it a try))
  425. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  426. (Press :thumbsup: for yes, you want to do all aspects of combat, or :thumbsdown: if you want to skip all that extra craziness)
  427. (Sounds like a good reason to do combat!)
  428. Shinjo Kurosawa
  429. ((Forgive me, I'll try to be fast))
  430. Tolta
  431. ( don't matter to me, so if one wants i say do it )
  432. Shiba Nichie
  433. (please. Im rusty)
  434. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  435. (Everyone roll Initiative: The roll is (Insight Rank + Reflexes/Reflexes), so a Rank 1 Bushi with Reflexes 3 will roll 4k3 - you may or may not have any way to adjust initiative; if you have Leadership, please let me know.)
  436. Tolta
  437. ( 23 init )
  438. Fu
  439. (21)
  440. Shinjo Kurosawa
  441. ((19))
  442. Shiba Nichie
  443. (22)
  444. Ikoma Chiaki
  445. (28)
  446. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  447. [Initiative Order: Shiba Todachi (38), Chiaki (28), Sasayaki (23), Nichie (22), Fu (21) , Kurosawa (19), Akodo (13), Ichiro (12) - Shinkai is sitting out maybe?, Fu can sit out if you want)]
  448. Fu
  449. (is afronted)
  450. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  451. (Step 2: Declare Stances - tech before initiative, but whatevs. If you intend to shoot your bow, you will need to be in Attack Stance. Otherwise, you can declare whatever you want. The first go-around, our stances are determined before anyone starts acting, and in subsequent rounds you change your stance on your initiative. I will default assume Attack stance unless you are a shugenja who wants to go Defense against evil bunnies.)
  452. Tolta
  453. ( pew pew fingerguns )
  454. Jirozame Shinkai
  455. ((Sorry, cat distracted me.))
  456. Shinjo Kurosawa
  457. ((Attack stance..!))
  458. Shiba Nichie
  459. (attack)
  460. Fu
  461. (attack)
  462. Ikoma Chiaki
  463. ((Attack))
  464. Jirozame Shinkai
  465. ((Attack stance, no cheese necessary.))
  466. Tolta
  467. ( all shooting! whooo! )
  468. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  469. (Going down the initiative line. You do not need to ready your bows. There are a good dozen rabbits, so everyone will have a target, and you have standard Willow Leaf arrows (2k2) unless you have something different in your starting kit. The Shiba will pew a rabbit, rolling 4k2 against a TN of 15 because they are weak and tired, with 1 called raise to try and make a snazzy shot.)
  470.  
  471. The Shiba looses an arrow and it sails - apparently he did not actually see the rabbits earlier, as the shot flies into the bush. (Missed.)
  472. (Chiaki's action, Sasayaki on deck, Nichie on standby. Please have your posts as ready as possible - the TN to beat with your attack is 15 base.)
  473. Ikoma Chiaki
  474. (Delaying until after Kuro)
  475. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  476. (Please ask questions or PM me if you have combat questions, including what to roll if you are not sure.)
  477. Shinjo Kurosawa
  478. (What's the maneuver to hit multiple targets?))
  479. ((and what would the TN be))
  480. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  481. (You are currently at a distance that, unless you have Water 4, you cannot move and attack this turn. There is not a maneuver to hit multiple targets that you'll have, currently. It's typically your school rank tech of 3.)
  482. Shinjo Kurosawa
  483. ((fug))
  484. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  485. (We all gotta start somewhere. =D)
  486. Tolta
  487. He loosed the arrow. It was an ugly shot, but it found its mark. The arrow sunk into one of the rabbits, stopping the thing cold. (15 to hit, 15 dmg)
  488. Fu
  489. (there is a multiattack move but requires 5 raises which most people can't do because of void)
  490. Ikoma Chiaki
  491. (There is extra attack? But that's 5 raises)
  492. Shinjo Kurosawa
  493. ((For some reason I thought there was a maneuver to hit multiple targets, I'm crayz))
  494. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  495. (That's why I wasn't explaining it, 'cause nobody here can do the maneuver.)
  496. Ikoma Chiaki
  497. (Fair)
  498. Tolta
  499. ( nichie's go )
  500. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  501. The rabbit is struck by an arrow and collapses with a brief squeal.
  502. (Nichie, Fu, Kurosawa/Chiaki)
  503. Shiba Nichie
  504. Nichie simply moves closer to the rabbits. (moving. Water 2)
  505. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  506. (Fu's action, Kuro/Chiaki, then NPCs - Shinkai can roll init to figure otu where you are at so we can slip you in with the NPCs this round)
  507. Fu
  508. the monk looks around and ponders for a moment, then walks over to the shinjo, leans in very close to the unicorn, and simply breathes onto him, and for some reason this breath fills the unicorn with fire, and life, joys and thrills, love and happyiness (you get a free VP this round to use complex action to activate to the last breath kiho 33 vs tn 15)
  509. Shinjo Kurosawa
  510. The arrow hummed as it flew cleanly from Kurosawa's bow, before it's flight was cut short by a deep impact with a cute, fluffy bunny. ((Rolled 16, TN15))
  511. ((oh shit I had mine pretyped))
  512. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  513. (You hit with even more ZEST.)
  514. Shinjo Kurosawa
  515. ((That is a pretty cool move, I didnt know we could get buffs like that))
  516. ((Do I reroll and rewrite))
  517. Fu
  518. (there are many paths to enlightenment)
  519. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  520. (You can just roll an additional 1k1 and add the highest unkept dice, currently, to your roll. I'll explain that when you roll the 1k1. You can rewrite if you'd like to.)
  521. (So you keep the 5 and rolled a 21)
  522. Shinjo Kurosawa
  523. ((rolled a 5, ah, ok, I can quickly write up a nicer post))
  524. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  525. (K! While flavoring your post, Chiaki's action.)
  526. Ikoma Chiaki
  527. Waiting for most of her companions to pick targets, Chiaki finally sees one of her own and shoots at it with all the grace she can and missing (15 2 raises)
  528. Shinjo Kurosawa
  529. The shinjo closed his eyes for a moment as the monk's breath fills his body and soul with fire. His eyes reopened and he felt his emotions flooding through him, the joy of being outdoors and hunting returning with a great vigor. This was his element, out here, and while his author is unsure what kind of complex action to take, the Unicorn raised the bow, nocked the arrow back, and let the shaft of wood find it's soft, fuzzy target with ease.
  530. ((I will need to look at the complex actions section of the book for future ref))
  531. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  532. (Easiest thing to think of is you get one free action, usually a move + a complex action, usually an attack. Can have a lot of different free actions, but if you are in combat, it becomes a bit easier until you increase in school rank.)
  533. Shinjo Kurosawa
  534. ((Oh, so I could have moved and shot it?))
  535. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  536. (It's more like a short-distance walk.)
  537. Shinjo Kurosawa
  538. ((I think we could be good friends Fu once I figure this out))
  539. Tolta
  540. ( i have to go for a bit. i will be back, but time to cook dinner for these wee heathens)
  541. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  542. The Akodo's arrow misses - his left shoulder going slack as he looses the arrow in an atypical way. The Ichiro seemed inclined to throw the bow versus firing it as he jumped forward while firing his arrow to 'increase it's speed' - it didn't work.
  543.  
  544. (End of combat round; Reactions Phase - assuming nobody has Reactions actions (you'd know if you did, likely), we are now at the top of combat since I haven't gotten a response from the Shark.)
  545.  
  546. Initially surprised, the rabbits began to scatter - quite a few still left standing. They began to bound about, some running at an angle bringing them slightly closer to you, some running back the other direction towards the edge of the cliff.
  547.  
  548. (You are now within Water 2 + Free Move if you would like to strike a rabbit with your blade, or something else. We'll just do one more round of this.)
  549. Jirozame Shinkai
  550. ((Did you want me to take my shot or no?))
  551. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  552. (Yeah. I didn't see you post init or anything so thought you zoned. We can redact and you can make a shot. There's still 10 rabbits of varying size.)
  553. Shiba Nichie
  554. (full atack on a grapple ok?)
  555.  
  556. +
  557.  
  558.  
  559.  
  560.  
  561. Jirozame Shinkai
  562. As the rabbits began to get shot, Shinkai nocks an arrow, draws it back, and sends it streaking out at the rabbit, catching it cleanly in the body and hopefully putting it down smoothly and relatively painlessly. ((20 to hit, 23 damage.))
  563. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  564. (Murder.)
  565. (Top of the round - Initiative Order: Shiba Todachi (38), Chiaki (28), Sasayaki (23), Nichie (22), Fu (21) , Kurosawa (19), Akodo (13), Shinkai (13), Ichiro (12)])
  566. (Yes, you can FA/Grapple)
  567. Another arrow - another cascading miss by the Shiba. His resolute expression does not falter even if surely his ancestors are frowning at him in a very spiritual manner.
  568. (Chiaki's action, Sasayaki is AFK, so will go to Nichie, then Fu. Sasayaki can act whenever available.)
  569. Shinjo Kurosawa
  570. ((oh god is she gonna powerbomb a rabbit))
  571. Ikoma Chiaki
  572. ((Isn't Chiaki after Kuro now?))
  573. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  574. (Your initiative doesn't actually change, you just elected to delay to Kuro)
  575. Ikoma Chiaki
  576. ((Thought places changed...))
  577. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  578. (If you always want to wait until after Kuro, I'll move you in the initiative order. =3)
  579. (Delaying your action has no impact on your actual initiative score, so you can always choose to go on your initiative order, or you can choose to always delay your turn until X time.)
  580. (Pg. 81-82 =3)
  581. Shiba Nichie
  582. (im rusty on grapple. Agility/grapple yes? Tn? And then opposed strenght to hold it? Or is that on its initiative? And.. What does fa give me?)
  583. Fu
  584. (you spend a vp to swap init with someone chiaki)
  585. Shinjo Kurosawa
  586. ((oh shit you do??))
  587. Fu
  588. (
  589. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  590. (You can spend a void point to swap initiative with another player, yes.)
  591. Shinjo Kurosawa
  592. ((did we spend void points then))
  593. Ikoma Chiaki
  594. With all the chaos around her the Ikoma made a tactical decision to not make any movements. (Full defence)
  595. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  596. (Nah. No reason when there's no enemies between your two initiative actions.)
  597. (Grapple is Jiujutsu+Agility/Agility for the first action - then, on the opponent's initiative (end of the round), you roll contetsed Jiujutsu+Strength/Strength to control)
  598. Ikoma Chiaki
  599. ((What's the FD roll? That the part I've forgotten))
  600. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  601. (Full Defense is Defense + Reflexes/Reflexes - add half to your TNtbH. )
  602. Shinjo Kurosawa
  603. ((TNtbH?))
  604. Fu
  605. (you target number to be hit, your AC basically)
  606. Ikoma Chiaki
  607. (10. +5)
  608. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  609. (TN to be Hit. Your (Reflexes X 3) +5 + Armor bonus)
  610. (Usually.)
  611. Shinjo Kurosawa
  612. ((Oh, like our own personal TN? Okay, I gotcha))
  613. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  614. (Full Defense is boosting to make it harder to hit.)
  615. (Nichie's action, Fu on deck, Kuro on standby)
  616. Shiba Nichie
  617. Nichie runs all out towards a startled little rabbit and grabs for it, closing her hands around a suddenly struggeling bunny (27)
  618. Fu
  619. fu stands back from the unicorn and goes to the ikoma and simply stares through the basket on his head (i don't do anything else)
  620. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  621. Nichie grabs the bunny - but who would win the inevitable control of the grapple as the bunny flared about wildly?!
  622.  
  623. (Kuro's action, then Shinkai/Akodo and Ichiro NPC, then Grapple resolution w/ Nichie)
  624. Shinjo Kurosawa
  625. The Shinjo doesn't feel as wonderful as before, but being in the outdoors, away from the castle, is still almost as magical. Another arrow is pulled back to his cheek, let loose, and lets the arrow fly forth into another fuzzy bunny (roll 20, tn15))
  626. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  627. (Another bunny goes squeak. 4 down. Shinkai's action. Sasayaki whenever available.)
  628. Fu
  629. (sasa is family time cooking so ignore)
  630. Jirozame Shinkai
  631. Shinkai nocks another arrow and fires, taking down another rabbit cleanly. He's apparently rather good at this. ((25 to hit, 31 damage.))
  632. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  633. The Akodo releases another arrow - it flies off and strikes one of the retreating rabbits in the shoulder, piercing through to the other side. A fine shot. The Ichiro looks at Nichie and gets inspired as he throws his bow down and charges one of the rabbits. A terrible sight - but he isn't able to keep up with the speedy little creature.
  634. (Roll Jiujutsu+Strength/Strength and pleasegod do not lose a grapple against this rabbit, Nichie.)
  635. Shiba Nichie
  636. (27. If i lose... The rabbit deserve freedom)
  637. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  638. (10. Would've exploded if he had skills! You can knock the rabbit out by doing damage, or you can throw it, or something)
  639. Shinjo Kurosawa
  640. ((so the rabbit also rolls when being grappled?))
  641. Mushorai
  642. (( Eat it's head, eat it's head, eat it's head. ))
  643. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  644. (Hitting is the first part of a grapple. You then roll contested Jiujutsu/Strength to determine who actually controls the grapple.)
  645. Shinjo Kurosawa
  646. ((so theoretically, the rabbit could've grappled the Shiba?))
  647. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  648. (Yes, but by default, it would just break the grapple because otherwise it's stupid.)
  649. (Nichie's action?)
  650. Shinjo Kurosawa
  651. (Uh.)
  652. Shiba Nichie
  653. Nichie keeps hold of the rabbit as she realise she didn't think far. "um. Anyone have a bag?"
  654. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  655. The last few rabbits scatter (because they have Swift 3 and run like 60ft and have Athletics 5 so they straight run down the mountainside >=|)
  656.  
  657. There is a scoffing laugh from the Hiruma - the first indication that he has a sense of humor, even if it's not the most pleasant. Hanako, however, seems absolutely thrilled. "Well, not exactly food for days for entire families, but ... there will be at least some who are happy," she says, trying to put a positive spin. She looked at Nichie - "We did not bring bags for you, but I can ... retain it," she said.
  658. Shinjo Kurosawa
  659. ((Can I offer my travelling pack to put it in?))
  660. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  661. (If you have it with you, sure. You were to travel light, but horse-people do have horses to carry things.)
  662. Shinjo Kurosawa
  663. ((It's empty so it'll be perfect))
  664. The Shinjo offers his travel pack to the Shiba samurai-ko. "This should... keep it, until it's needed."
  665. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  666. (Heroes, one and all!)
  667. Shinjo Kurosawa
  668. ((We will find a use for this rabbit))
  669. Shiba Nichie
  670. She puts the rabbit in the basket and bows. "im ever so greatfull for your aid." a bow to hanako too "and your offer, of course, thank you"
  671. Tolta
  672. ( who ded )
  673. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  674. (Tutorial complete! Now, we move on!)
  675.  
  676. +
  677.  
  678.  
  679.  
  680. Shiba Nichie
  681. (breeding!)
  682. Tolta
  683. ( perfect timing )
  684. Shinjo Kurosawa
  685. ((Oh shit the safe part is over))
  686. Tolta
  687. ( garlic/rosemary tortalinni, rose wine vinegrette salad, herb toast. you guys should have swung by )
  688. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  689. The long trek down to the base of the mountain was finally at an end sometime in the middle of the night. Clouds obscured what little light seemed to rise from the face of Lord Moon, ensuring that your movements were well-sheltered. Masabi paused your squad and looked back at you: “From this point, capture means death, choose how it happens, but if you are taken, I will ensure you do not have the chance to reveal any information.” A bit dark, but it seemed that it was understood that nobody allow themselves to be captured by the forces of the Great Enemy. Still, for many who had spent years on the run, it was a sobering bit of knowledge if it wasn’t already at the forefront of each member’s mind. Akodo Tsunari spoke low under-breath: “There is but one option to pay the scales against the price of failure.” What a spaz.
  690.  
  691. Your party traveled south and you would see the large opening path that cut through the mountains leading back to the sanctity of the Rebellion’s one true safe zone on mainland Rokugan. Your progress was agonizingly slow, and worse of all there was no conversation to pass the time as there was an oppressive weight of uncertainty that choked words, even idle conversation.
  692. Other groups had left at approximately the same time as you, however none were seen – your little party felt well and truly abandoned on the rolling plains that joined the Spine of the World Mountains as you saw the blinking lights of Quiet Stream Village. Your Hiruma guide seemed to be moving out further and further ahead of you, while your ronin guide moved the group further apart, but she moved between you all as you continued your approach.
  693.  
  694. As you approached a small hut well outside of the village’s boundaries, Hanako would pause and lightly tap on the hut. The damaged paper door slightly slid open, and standing there was Mushorai. The two ronin spoke for a moment: "Everything secure?" she asked the other ronin. She ushered the group within quickly, as they were now within the eyes of the village itself.
  695.  
  696. Within the hut were scattered piles of detritus. Turning over debris, there were small piles of heimin attire wrapped haphazardly – meant to appear abandoned. “Change quickly. Use the dividing wall as cover.” Changing to peasant attire – for those that were more fashionably attired than the ronin among you, you are able to use bundled sticks and rice stalks to conceal your weaponry. It is an unnatural feeling for some who had grown up without ever missing a blade at their side, but it was once again a requisite part of your task this evening.
  697. Once you were collected and the group had formed at the foyer of the small hut, the Hiruma would come back to the group, having scouted ahead. He spoke with Hanako, who looked to you all to speak: “We need ta ‘pproach the village now – we can come in from the east and follow the road into the village, making it obvious we are arrivin’, or we can come in from the south and follow the rise of a hill so that we will come out right by the storage warehouse. Both are secure right now – whichever we take, other parties will approach from another direction.” Hanako looks at the group to let them discuss.
  698. (Decision time! Talk among yourself - also so Mushorai can get an actual introduction. You can either move from the south or the east, and whatever you do, the other group will be forced into the other path.)
  699. Tolta
  700. "Why sneak when you can strut?" his only opinion on the matter
  701. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  702. (Also, you still have horses, because why not.)
  703. Shinjo Kurosawa
  704. ((fuck ye))
  705. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  706. (But they are now disguised as two peasants standing next to each other.)
  707. Shiba Nichie
  708. She looks to the Ikoma.
  709. Ikoma Chiaki
  710. "The direct approach would be this one's preference too"
  711. Fu
  712. there is but one path we can take, let those who would wither from the light of piousness be cast aside by our approach the monk says with utmost confidence
  713. Shiba Nichie
  714. Horses do better when not seen "
  715. Tolta
  716. does not understand the shiba, with the implications, does not want to understand the shiba
  717. Mushorai
  718. Mushorai had nodded to Hanako, both in greeting and affirmation. Tall and lanky, the ronin has severe features bracketed by a black mustache and a weedy goatee. Strapped to the obi of his outfit is a battered and worn full-face mask made from metal, it's features that of a grimacing demon. As part of the peasant outfit, he tucks it away beneath folds of cloth. He scratches at his beard, does his best to execute a polite bow," Name's Mushorai. Glad to see you folks. And well, I figure it sounds like we're taking the direct route. Means the other squad gets the safer, more circumspect route, too boot." He casts an eye at the horses, " Those coming with? "
  719. Tolta
  720. glances at the ronin's weapons of station "Those coming with?"
  721. Jirozame Shinkai
  722. ((Unfortunately, I need to go. Small emergency. I think you could just as easily say Shinkai scouts about outside.))
  723. Shinjo Kurosawa
  724. The Shinjo stowed the pack containing the bunny on his back; it was unhappy, but safe. The rolling plains were vast, and empty, but here he felt almost at home. If anything, he was more comfortable out here than even inside the Castle, minus the whole risk of dying and death out here. He didn't let that escape his mind. When the time and place was appropriate, he cast off his kimono and slipped into ragged dark brown peasant garb, the rough fabric scratching his skin. A scowl formed on his face, and he idly scratched himself before stopping. Now, he was with the group, listening to their discussion. They could sneak, but that'd look suspicious, peasants sneaking around. A stick, supposed to conceal his weapons, stabbed his arm as he shifted positions, before speaking. "Peasants do not sneak unless they are up to no good. And peasants do not have well groomed and handsome horses. We should leave them behind." MAN IT SUCKED TELLING THE TRUTH.
  725. Fu
  726. takes the direct approach
  727. Shinjo Kurosawa
  728. ((forgive me brother))
  729. Tolta
  730. ( throws shade )
  731. Mushorai
  732. Mushorai tilts his head in the direction of Kurosawa. " Flexibility is a hard lesson, Shinjo-san."
  733. Shiba Nichie
  734. She bows to the shinjo. "your wisdom is as great as your kindness"
  735. Shinjo Kurosawa
  736. ((I'm taking the damn rabbit though))
  737. ((Aw shit I know what I need to do))
  738. Tolta
  739. ( stares gaijin daggers at the shinjo )
  740. ( you do realize my horse could kick all our asses )
  741. Shinjo Kurosawa
  742. The smaller Unicorn made a pained face and did not look the larger Unicorn in the eyes. "Shiba-san, do you have any water?"
  743. Tolta
  744. muttering obscinities in several gaijin launguages Sasa dismounts. He checks to make sure he had the whistle and made sure Uma was safe and comfortable, all the while spouting
  745. Shinjo Kurosawa
  746. ((Yeah but can it kick all of the bad guys' asses- wait you have a Utaku horse?))
  747. Tolta
  748. ( booyah )
  749. Shinjo Kurosawa
  750. ((yo gimme the hook up bro))
  751. Tolta
  752. "You'll be fine, just hang here while i make sure these guys are ok." he reassured the animal, a quick glance to Fu was all the monk needed to read his mind
  753. Shiba Nichie
  754. She hands over a drinkingbottle
  755. Shinjo Kurosawa
  756. The Unicorn sighed and hoped it did not come from their drinking water supply. He excused himself, stepped outside, and poured the water into a small patch of dusty dirt. Once it was sufficiently muddy, he knelt down and planted his head in it, mixing it deeply into his hair to hide it's white, gorgeous color.
  757. Shiba Nichie
  758. "will this do, or do you wish for more?"
  759. Shinjo Kurosawa
  760. ((SIGH))
  761. Mushorai
  762. " Smart. Real smart. "
  763. Shiba Nichie
  764. She blinks. "ah. Does shinjo san have some mud to spare, perhaps?" she seems definitely hopeful that the answer will be no
  765. Tolta
  766. watches the others dirty themselves with some amusement, oh the stories later
  767. Shinjo Kurosawa
  768. "It's been too long since I've seen a clean, white haired peasant." He daubed his cheeks with a narrow streak of mud, and made sure his hair was unrecognizable. "I have plenty, Shiba-san." He bowed in thanks at Mushorai. Didn't he drink with this guy? He looked kinda familiar.
  769. ((get in there unicorn-sama unless you're already dirty :wink: ))
  770. Shiba Nichie
  771. She takes a bit of mud and dirties her face and hands.
  772. Tolta
  773. ( dare you to tell the vindicator to dirty himself like a peasant )
  774. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  775. (Preparing to move on!)
  776. Shinjo Kurosawa
  777. ((maybe if my character had compulsion: suicide))
  778. ((go for it))
  779. Tolta
  780. ( already wearing their garb, that is humilating enough )
  781. Mushorai
  782. Mushorai picks up a bundle of long sticks, slings it over his back onto both shoulders as is correct for a peasant. He's ready.
  783. Fu
  784. the monk simply watch what samurai think peasants look like as he himself is not of the buke
  785. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  786. "Good instincts," the Hiruma said. The little party of peasants would congregate, horses stowed in the hut for an easy, if necessary, escape. The party was led by the now bedecked Hiruma in peasant attire as they wandered into town. Almost instantly, they angled and the path they were taking was clearly leading them to the headman's hut. The party would look a -little- suspicious, but because of the late hour, it was easy enough for the large group to move as if coming in from an excessively late work shift. The Hiruma walked up to the headman's hut and rapped on the wooden frame of the door lightly. Tap - taptap - taptap - tap - taptaptap
  787. A light went on inside the hut and the door slid open partially - standing there was an aged man in what was clearly his twilight years. A candle illminated his wrinkled visage as he looked at the large group and then stepped back to let you all inside.
  788. When inside, the Hiruma looked at the headman. "Well?" he asked, as if that was all that was required. The old man bowed profusely. "Samurai-sama - We need to talk. It's important, the Tax Collector came before the harvest this year to figure what would be owed in advance. We were not prepared. There were members of the resistance in the town at the time and someone in the village showed the Magistrate a hidden food supply. Several ..." The old man stopped, not wanting to reveal everything as the Hiruma silently stared at him. Hanako was preparing to intercede, though she looked to the party for a moment. A brief bit of hesitation.
  789.  
  790.  
  791. +
  792.  
  793. Tolta
  794. just watches the proceedings, hanging out by the door in case of interlopers
  795. Shinjo Kurosawa
  796. ((oh thank god the courtier is here to carry the talk))
  797. ((hi chiaki))
  798. Fu
  799. (you think the monk can't talk, offended)
  800. Tolta
  801. ( the investigator can't either, splash damage)
  802. Shinjo Kurosawa
  803. The Unicorn stews underneath his rapidly drying mud disguise, but also doesn't know what to say. Was he supposed to apologize for the terrible surprise? This was his weak point, luckily it wasn't real bad guys they were talking to yet.
  804. Ikoma Chiaki
  805. Chiaki nods as the headsman started the tale. "Several? Please do go on. It's important you tell us."
  806. Shiba Nichie
  807. tries to quietly fade into the background
  808. Mushorai
  809. Mushorai has leaned the bundle of sticks next to the door. " We can help better the more we know, uncle," the ronin says, using a polite term for an older man, age being something that should be respected.
  810. Ikoma Chiaki
  811. Chiaki gives a nod at the Ronin's words
  812. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  813. The headman rocked slightly, his hands wrapping over one another as he rubbed his palms together, then squeezed his fists. A clear sign he was nervous.
  814.  
  815. "A member of the Legion came with the Magistrate. They took your members. I fear ... I fear that they did not wish to be captured, but we did not see them leave the town. They must all still ... they are here somewhere in the town," the headman said, pushing through his clear concern.
  816. Tolta
  817. ( just cause i'm dumb... he means a fu leng tax collector right? and hidden foods being for the resistence? i'm sure it was covered.... )
  818. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  819. (Correcto.)
  820. Tolta
  821. "Have any messengers been dispatched from them, or this place about them?"
  822. he spoke up, but only loud enough to be heard
  823. Shinjo Kurosawa
  824. Kurosawa observes, watching the Ronin and the Lion talk to the headman. The other Unicorn, the Shiba and the Monk seemed to have held back as he had. More importantly, he paid particular attention to how the headman spoke, and as the rest of the group began to speak to the headman, he would make sure to note how he talked.
  825. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  826. (Investigation(Notice)/Perception, TN 25, anyone who wishes to roll. Contested w Deceit if you have advantages/traits)
  827. Fu
  828. the monk is there to watch the samurai and how they trud through the path to inner peace and observes
  829. Tolta
  830. ( 19. the DR is not my friend today. )
  831. Shiba Nichie
  832. (20) She glances at the headman then towards the door/windows. Not quite managing to pay attention to the heimin right now
  833. Ikoma Chiaki
  834. "It's alright. Can you describe what you saw." (Chiaki would also like to get a general feeling of the peasant's feeling towards her, if she can.))
  835. Mushorai
  836. " There can't be many places for them to hide. If they took our comrades alive, there will be... noises."
  837. Ikoma Chiaki
  838. "In any more detail"
  839. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  840. (Can I get you to roll for me, Chiaki? Will play into your intent of gauging his feeling.)
  841. Ikoma Chiaki
  842. ((Investigation? And if so do I get Inner Gift bonus?))
  843. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  844. (Let's switch to Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness with the +1k1)
  845. Tolta
  846. checks his.... peasant pockets, and upon finding his pipe, glances at the monk and gestures with his head 'outside?'
  847. Ikoma Chiaki
  848. (29)
  849. Fu
  850. the monk moves with the unicorn outside, and proceeds to be on "lookout duty"
  851. Shinjo Kurosawa
  852. ((I must make some dinner, but I'll be on my phone paying attention ))
  853. Tolta
  854. ( sasa is just going to sit across the street and watch the building with the monk. relevant info will be passed by the others, so we will just watch the place being all 'idle peasant' )
  855. idle conversation with a monk while smoking, looks legit
  856. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  857. The headman begins to perspire more. He seems - averse to looking at Chiaki - his eyes seem to default to Mushorai. "It was terrible. They came into the village - my hut - they swore they knew we were assisting some force and that if they didn't learn which peasants recently came to town, then they would take everything from all of us. I - it wasn't that I revealed anyone, samurai-sama. It was just who was new to the village. The dark samurai - taller than my hut - he had violence in his eyes and would have .... he would have."
  858.  
  859. A sudden little glimpse of desperation as the group began to move outside. The headman had started to move back into the corner of his hut.
  860. Shiba Nichie
  861. Nichie tries to be quite unobtrusive as she slips towards that corner too. leaving the talking to the Ikoma, but well. she too likes dark corners.
  862. Ikoma Chiaki
  863. "Calm, calm. There are many that won't stand up to such a force." Chiaki chimes, trying to soothe the peasant.
  864. Tolta
  865. "Violence is the only thing many understand, the only thing that can spur someone to act. Sometimes violence is warranted." a hard look at the peasant as he is exiting "And the weak would do well to remember it." emphasis on weak, and he heads out with the monk
  866. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  867. The Hiruma slips free of the tent. This is clearly not his scene, either. He looked at the nearest huts and the small group that had filed out of the headman's hut. "They are here somewhere. We will need to search if the headman won't reveal them," Masabi said.
  868. Mushorai
  869. The ronin looks into the middle distance briefly, and then swats at the air as if he were shooing a fly. " You protected your village with what you had at hand, and all you had was compliance. They shouldn't have been taken. That isn't your fault. Nothing they have learned will have gained them anything, uncle, and they will threaten no one, ever again. If you know where they're hidden, we can finish this tonight. The traitors are those who serve the Corpse King. You are a good man, uncle," Mushorai has changed the way he stands, his posture. It's... defiant?
  870. Tolta
  871. outside he mutters as he fills and lights the pipe "And violence is owed to traitors." he spit on the ground at the thought of members of the resistance being captured because of a scared peasant
  872. Ikoma Chiaki
  873. Chiaki nods. "Mushorai-san here is right. We can do all this in a night and begone with your village safer for our trip."
  874. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  875. The headman still seemed committed to knowledge that his time was soon. He looked at Chiaki with terribly aged eyes - droopy lower lids with wrinkles that were caked in the earth and the weight of his position. "I don't .... they were in the western storage room when they were walking your allies away - but they didn't leave. No, they are still here," he repeated. His mantra, of sorts. "The supplies - they are looking for the large cache. There aren't any ways into that but the one entry. They have numbers - doshin under the dark magistrate. I don't..."
  876.  
  877. Hanako seemed to look off towards the door - her large hat moving the only indication her head had turned. "We need to move. We wish good will on this village, but one time may show a trait that puts us all in danger. Make a decision on what we do with the man and then we need to go."
  878. Shiba Nichie
  879. Softly "what did they do to you?" she asks the headman
  880. Mushorai
  881. " He suffers his punishment already; look at him. A good man who had to make an impossible choice. Let's go," is what Mushorai says, and again, he makes a gesture like waving away an annoying gnat.
  882. Ikoma Chiaki
  883. Chiaki nods. "Tell the others where there are and what they against." She says to the room in general
  884. Shinjo Kurosawa
  885. Kuro stews, and checks his daisho, and bow so that they remain concealed while his author makes dinner.
  886. Tolta
  887. "Hey Fu?" while the kept a watch out "Which is greater, Compassion or Duty?"
  888. Fu
  889. depends, does this concern a samurai or one of the thousand other people that live in the empire?
  890. Tolta
  891. "Let's say a hemin that, through fear, can't keep his trap shut and causes undue duress to others."
  892. Shinjo Kurosawa
  893. ((oooooooooh))
  894. Fu
  895. well only samurai are bound to the virues of bushido so one can't hold up a hemin to the same standard, life is what matters most then
  896. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  897. Hanako slips between the awning of the door, as if trying to be the middleperson to share info between the two groups. "We need to get them out of that hut. It isn't good to charge in there if they have equal numbers. Bad stuff there, you're not ready for that. But, if they are drawn out, and we are prepared like in the mountains, we can catch them by surprise. One of the other patrols could make a distraction to draw them out..."
  898. Tolta
  899. "So the sin is to be forgiven because there is no soul to cleanse? does that not mean the person therefore is only as valuable as their actions, there being no higher or deeper meaning to their existance?"
  900. Shiba Nichie
  901. "if we are prepared I can offer some smal blessing and part of my fire to another."
  902. Tolta
  903. ( me and the shinjo just get mounted up and ride into town -> distraction complete. )
  904. Mushorai
  905. " A lure, and then we fall on them. Works. And if any of them try to break through and escape, the Unicorn can mount up and run them down before they can reach anywhere of note."
  906. Fu
  907. hemin has souls, but only partly so, they provide life to the empire by providing food, clothes, fuel for the fires that keep us warm in the winter, and some do try to follow bushido and they take up the mantle of ashigaru after all
  908. Shinjo Kurosawa
  909. ((aw shit))
  910. Tolta
  911. "So where is the line between worth and cost?"
  912. Ikoma Chiaki
  913. "Agreed." Chiaki nods. "Would you be willing to risk your life again to help us?" She asks the headman
  914. Shiba Nichie
  915. She looks to Chiaki "Who would you recommend? one of the unicorns would be easier.. If they permit it"
  916. Fu
  917. is it compassionate to reward an elderly man comfort during his last days of life after years and years of service or is it your duty to keep him from long agonizing life because he's crippled himself from years working the rice fields?
  918. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  919. The headman looked at Chiaki. It was clear he got this far in life because he was the least risk-taking of his peer group. However, he had that fatalistic look in his eye. "I would .... rather assist the true Rokugani than these ... violent dark servants. Since you have shown regard to protect this village, I would like to protect this village as well and my family. Any way I can do this, samurai-sama, I wish to."
  920. Mushorai
  921. " One of the other patrols. Could make a distraction. To draw them out," Mushorai enunciates and repeats while dismantling the bundle of wooden sticks he'd carried earlier near the door where it leans, and pulls his worn and battered bisento from within the concealment of the bundle.
  922.  
  923.  
  924. +
  925.  
  926. Tolta
  927. "While we care for the elderly, there does come a time for us all, and we should each be willing to set ourselves aside for the empire at large."
  928. Shinjo Kurosawa
  929. (if I'm following this correctly, are they wanting a unicorn to distract?))
  930. Mushorai
  931. (( I'm pretty sure that one of the other patrols could make a distraction to draw them out. ))
  932. Ikoma Chiaki
  933. Chiaki nods. "Such resolve would surely be favoured by the kami and worthy of celebration, would it not Shiba-sama? You are the Shugenja amoung us."
  934. Fu
  935. but which empire, the empire of old, or the empire of cruelty? does the wheel of rebirth still happen which the heavens closed off from man?
  936. Tolta
  937. (think it was us chasing down runners )
  938. Shinjo Kurosawa
  939. ((oh shit I love chasing down runners))
  940. Tolta
  941. ( and dragging the bodies a few towns over to belay suspicions )
  942. ( >.> )
  943. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  944. (There are a few groups out here around the village - you don't need to handle everything. To create the illusion of a bunch of simultaneous scenes, the easiest way to accomplish it is for you all to do your part, the other groups to do their parts, and then a final resolution to occur!)
  945. Mushorai
  946. (( Don't ruin the stage magic. ))
  947. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  948. (Think bigger, like an organized group. A rebellion, if you will. The NPCs are testing you, so it's important to be proactive.)
  949. Shiba Nichie
  950. "of course it will . with such courage on our side we will surely be blessed"
  951. Tolta
  952. ( other group sets a fire as a distraction then ambushes the few who go see. we seal team 6 the remaining guys and commence operation 'save resistance ass' )
  953. Mushorai
  954. " Do we have a runner to send to another group, to let them know we need something big and loud?," Mushorai asks Hanako.
  955. Tolta
  956. (after we throw the bodies in the, already burning, building. dusts hands )
  957. ( can one of you mages summon marshmellows? )
  958. Shiba Nichie
  959. "if I know someone in the group you wish to send the message to, we do not need a runner, I will send a bird"
  960. (So, Defcon, do I know someone by name/well enough in another group to send a message via Kaze no Kami?)
  961. Shinjo Kurosawa
  962. is totally faster than a bird
  963. Ikoma Chiaki
  964. Chiaki nods. "Then we need you to help with the distraction. Carry messages to our other groups to make the distraction and then inform the enemy of the presence of the distraction. Will you do this?" She asks. Hoping to find resolve in the peasant's eyes
  965. Shiba Nichie
  966. thinking for a moment "I believe I saw Hida sama, when we were getting ready. I can send him a bird" "what exactly should I say?
  967. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  968. The other few samurai who were collected seemed to mill about outside. The Akodo was becoming restless. "Battle waits before us; the legacy of Akodo-no-Kami is one of decisive action and commanding the battlefield."
  969. Tolta
  970. "You are talking above my paygrade." to Fu as he taps out ash and after taking a long look at the lack of people leaving the hut, refills it
  971. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  972. The headman looks at Chiaki. Nothing about him suggests he isn't physically capable of the job - and him moving about the village would not be -too- odd, though it is in the middle of the night. But, the question, despite being a question by the Ikoma, was certainly not taken to be a question by the aged man. "I will fulfill this task you have trusted me with, samurai-sama," the headman says with a bow - a few creaks in the joints accompanying.
  973. Tolta
  974. "Patience is also taught Akodo-san. We simply wait for the right time to strike."
  975. Shiba Nichie
  976. Softly. "So the plan is that headman san here carry some messages, I send a message to hida sama and we ambush them when they come out. ?" then to the heimin "would you show us where the place is, and advice on where we could be hiden for a few moments you know the village best?"
  977. "and again. what messge do I give hida sama?"
  978. Mushorai
  979. " That we need a distraction. Big and loud. Something to draw the traitors out of [the location that they're in]."
  980. Shinjo Kurosawa
  981. is just standing... on the eeeeeedge, observing the group work and plot together, and hopefully he'll hop onto an active role soon.
  982. Shiba Nichie
  983. Waits for Chiaki's confirmation
  984. Ikoma Chiaki
  985. Chiaki nods, turning to Nichie. "And we must choose the place, but as Shiba-sama said. Few will help us more with that choice the the village headman"
  986. Shiba Nichie
  987. "how long do I ask them to wait to let us get into place? 5 minutes? 15?" She takes out her spellscrolls and chose one tied in light blue ribbons.
  988. Mushorai
  989. " It's not a complicated ambush. They're coming outside the hut. We wait in nearby huts. Hit them from both sides as they go past. The main thing is making sure the distraction draws them along the right path, so we can pinch them. "
  990. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  991. Hanako looked at Mushorai for a moment. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere for the time being. "We need to be unseen. Runners tend to ruin that. The plan they have offered'll be fine. If it all falls apart, we retreat, as we always do."
  992. Ikoma Chiaki
  993. "Hai. It should only take a few minutes to get set."
  994. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  995. (People coming up with battle plans: Roll Battle (Skirmish)/Perception. OH YEAH THAT EMPHASIS DOES EXIST.)
  996. Ikoma Chiaki
  997. ((...))
  998. Shiba Nichie
  999. (voiding)
  1000. (the dice love me. No skill.. and 27)
  1001. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1002. (Battulmage.)
  1003. Ikoma Chiaki
  1004. ((13?))
  1005. Mushorai
  1006. (( Garbage. Two ranks, voided, 14. ))
  1007. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1008. (Any Bushi getting in on this?)
  1009. Fu
  1010. (no)
  1011. Shiba Nichie
  1012. (I'm quite positive that the Ikoma's plan, as rechecked with the Shiba, was totally a 27. nods it's HER plan. I just fleshed it out. and corrected a few things)
  1013. Tolta
  1014. ( outside )
  1015. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1016. ((I'm the muscle and speed, not the brains))
  1017. Tolta
  1018. ( that's the same thing your wife said when i asked why she liked you Kurosawa-san! XD )
  1019. Shiba Nichie
  1020. "the hut he's been talking about is separate from the two nearest row-houses. But it would make a real good ambush spot to occupy either row house as whoever we are fighting travels down the main road towards the headman's hut. A real pincer maneuver. I think this is a brilliant plan you two came up with." Quietly shuffeling the credit over on the two lions.
  1021. then she casts the air spell and asks the air kami to bring the message to hida sama. Explaining the situation briefly, where they will be in position and what they need from his team. and in how many minutes.
  1022. Ikoma Chiaki
  1023. Chiaki nods. "Hai, I recalled seeing them."
  1024. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1025. (You'll all love this. I need a cooperative stealth roll from Shork-guy. +14 to the roll.)
  1026. Tolta
  1027. ( i will be getting the horses )
  1028. ( putting them behind the next house over should suffice )
  1029. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1030. ((shark had a minor emergency that's why he gone))
  1031. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1032. (I recall this, now.)
  1033. Shiba Nichie
  1034. (eeep)
  1035. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1036. (I'll have one of you roll instead. One moment.)
  1037. Tolta
  1038. ( we should figure out who is where. are we all in one of the side houses, assuming another group is in the one across the way? )
  1039. Mushorai
  1040. (( The other groups are other places doing other things. ))
  1041. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1042. is following Sasayaki-sama uwu
  1043. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1044. (You are the ambush. Another group is the lure.)
  1045. Tolta
  1046. ( so we need to split between the 2 adjacent houses? )
  1047. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1048. ( :thumbsup: )
  1049. Tolta
  1050. ( Rule 1. )
  1051. ( refuses )
  1052. ( Rule 1: Don't split the party. )
  1053. ( Rule 2: DON'T SPLIT THE PARTY )
  1054. Fu
  1055. (rule 3: always split the party)
  1056.  
  1057.  
  1058. +
  1059.  
  1060. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1061. (You've got 5 NPCs. :thinker: ) Don't help the players.
  1062. Tolta
  1063. ( Rule 3 is: don't give the GM ideas on how to F the characters )
  1064. Shiba Nichie
  1065. "Shinjo sama, may I return the kindness you have shown me with a few blessings from the kami?" "also should you, I and mushorai sama be on the one side, and the others in the other side, OR would it be better to have both mounted people on the same side and the rest opposite?
  1066. (we could do a PC/NPC split! )
  1067. Tolta
  1068. ( excellent )
  1069. Mushorai
  1070. “ Masabi in one house, Hanako in the other. With Masabi, the Akodo Tsunari, Shiba Todachi and Ichro Kyo. With Hanako, the rest of us. So ka? “
  1071. Tolta
  1072. ( then when they screw it up we are clear XD )
  1073. Fu
  1074. we shall be the light against the dark, the flame that can not be blown out by the winds of destruction the monk says to the group
  1075. Shiba Nichie
  1076. "A very good plan" Starts getting into place. Preparing the two prayers she will use to ask for aid for the kind Unicorn that may not leave her WALKING on the way home.
  1077. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1078. ((alright so quick rundown is; the PCs are in one house, the NPCs are in the other, preparing to ambush a group?))
  1079. Mushorai
  1080. (( PCs plus one NPC in one house; the other house is all NPCs, yes. ))
  1081. Shiba Nichie
  1082. (yepp and you getting scrolls waved at you )
  1083. Fu
  1084. (lets BE the distraction, nothing could go wrong)
  1085. Tolta
  1086. Waits, happy to be in the saddle once more. The ambush was coming, and even Uma was eager, fighting against the reigns slightly. He soothed her quietly "Shhh. soon enough you can stomp fire from something."
  1087. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1088. The Unicorn bows his head. "I humbly and honorably," was he doing that right?, "Accept your blessings, Shiba-san." The rest of the plan has been confirmed.
  1089. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1090. (Just FYI, since the other group hasn't done their portion yet, we are not doing another combat this evening - the scene has run its length and will naturally cut off right ...) Under the instructive words of Hanako, your group begins to move to the northern row house. The Unicorn were sent back to retrieve their mounts and wait behind the house for when they could run down, or pepper, whatever comes out of the building. The samurai otherwise crouch just inside - some peasant families are within the house, but they did not stir from being awake, quiet as your party is. Like you were part of the shadow, your group crouches in place. Now, the only thing to wait for was the distraction.
  1091. It came suddenly - the distraction that would hopefully pull your enemy before you into your perfectly organized and planned ambush. And that distraction was .... (/Scene)
  1092. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1093. ((AAAAAAA))
  1094. Tolta
  1095. ( ty def )
  1096. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1097. ( <3 . You will find out the resolution tomorrow evening and, if available, might get thrown into a combat.)
  1098. Tolta
  1099. ( will be around )
  1100. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1101. ((thanks Defcon <3))
  1102. Mushorai
  1103. (( Missing out on the combat. Darn. ))
  1104. Shiba Nichie
  1105. *awesome.(
  1106. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1107. (Sorry we had to end before exciting stuff. Lots of tutorial to get through. Same will happen for the other group.)
  1108. Shiba Nichie
  1109. (thank you very much for the tutorials!
  1110. you are and awesome GM)
  1111. Ikoma Chiaki
  1112. (( Thanks for the scene!))
  1113. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1114. (Jesus this form is way long.
  1115.  
  1116. Do it anyways, even though things ended in the middle!)
  1117.  
  1118. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJfX1OdjUlTQB-5s5cCTqIQCEm8CvkWUd7uZzGFJvMBW5J9w/viewform
  1119. Google Docs
  1120. FRO X: Post Scene Template
  1121. This form is an exit ticket for the scene stated above. Please take some time to fill out this form so the staff of FRO 10 can know how we are doing and what we can improve.
  1122. (Oh, and Defcon doesn't do scene locks if I can't help it. Just don't refer to stuff you did tonight in other scenes until you get the go-ahead.)
  1123. (We operate by Time Cop rules, here.)
  1124. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1125. (danke)
  1126. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1127. ( @here - posting the last post from the previous group for continuity/flow)
  1128. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1129. Oh shit
  1130. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1131. Under the instructive words of Hanako, your group (the ambushing party) begins to move to the northern row house. The Unicorn were sent back to retrieve their mounts and wait behind the house for when they could run down, or pepper, whatever comes out of the building. The samurai otherwise crouch just inside - some peasant families are within the house, but they did not stir from being awake, quiet as your party is. Like you were part of the shadow, your group crouches in place. Now, the only thing to wait for was the distraction.
  1132.  
  1133. It came suddenly - the distraction that would hopefully pull your enemy before you into your perfectly organized and planned ambush. And that distraction was ....
  1134. (TOGHRUL I UNLEASH YOU!)
  1135. Lionheart
  1136. Toghrul charges straight into the village center on horseback. A furious sprint that destroys a large pile of baskets underfoot just as he reaches his destination. All eyes on this crazy (seemingly heimin) man atop the largest horse these villagers have ever seen. “Heimin of rokugan please heed my call! This magistrate is nothing more than a thug robbing you of your collective toil! A cursed fool who eats away at the soul of the empire and corrupts the very earth under his feet! You’ve all heard the rumors. You’ve all felt the fortune’s distain! This bandit is the source of your woes! A blight on the heaven’s that you must be rid of. Rise up people of rokugan! Destroy this pretender! Break the dark lord’s chains! Take back what is ours! Death to the magistrate!!!” (30 courtier)
  1137. Iori
  1138. Iori is nearby, trying to at least seem somewhat subtle despite being forced into the uncomfortable position of 'not comfortably stealthy.'
  1139. Ikoma Chiaki
  1140. Sitting where she is, Chiaki frowns slightly to herself. Still, they made sure they would come out she mused
  1141. Shiba Nichie
  1142. Clutching her scroll, she tries to judge who is within range of her prayer, and who will benefit.
  1143. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1144. The formerly white haired Shinjo is in position, blessed with the Courage of the 7 Thunders from the Shiba Shugenja, now perched upon his horse and hidden in the lee of a peasants hut, awaiting the signal to be unleashed upon their (hopefully) unsuspecting targets.
  1145. (I still have the rabbit in my pack)
  1146. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1147. Bellowing laughter - laughter that seemed to shake the walls of the village - resounded through the square as a small group of peasant-appearing surely-samurai grew into a small formation. The laughter resounded from a Unicorn samurai with wild black beard and a scimitar in each bear-like hand, both held aloft. The Moto was a short distance behind the Ide and his blades began to sing as they cut through air.
  1148.  
  1149. "THIS VILLAGE KNOWS NO MASTER WHO HAS TASTED DARKNESS!" the wild-looking totally-not-a-samurai peasant-with-swords shouted his short distance behind the Ide.
  1150.  
  1151. Eight total appeared to be visible from the ambusher's location, though one in particular seemed more inclined to hug the wall of nearby buildings (Iori), while others drew blades and stood, waiting at the edge of the short distance to the shelter that housed the magistrate.
  1152.  
  1153. It was not long before the door of the shelter slid open - slightly at first. The keening whine of arrows flew - one just after the other - but snapped past the Ide without finding any value. The door then was thrown open and yari-armed peasants in ruddy brown clothes, a dark emblem or mark of fealty pinned to their simple attire, burst forth. Five. Eight. Ten. Ten of them surged out of the hut, quickly made an attempt to form into two lines of five, yari leveled at the Ide, and then they began to move forward towards the square.
  1154.  
  1155. Behind the two rows was a tall samurai with ebony light armor partially put together - several pieces missing, such as the sode, which left him to cut a less-than-impressive figure. He had a katana drawn, blade cutting through the dirt as he progressed behind the small formation.
  1156.  
  1157. "IIE! TAKE THEM!" came a shout from the hut itself - at least one or more still residing within.
  1158.  
  1159. (ROLL THAT INITIATIVE YO.)
  1160. (To help Defcon remain sane - everyone in the ambushing parties please add +20 to your roll for initiative.)
  1161. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1162. ((rolled 18 + 20 is 38 initiative))
  1163. Mushorai
  1164. (( 36 Initiative ))
  1165. Ikoma Chiaki
  1166. (34)
  1167. Iori
  1168. (18)
  1169. Shiba Nichie
  1170. (44. I swear I dont know why the roller love me so slips it more chocolate chip cookies. and adds it's name to the prayer lists)
  1171.  
  1172.  
  1173. +
  1174.  
  1175.  
  1176. Lionheart
  1177. (35. Moving into defense stance as I gotta waste a simple drawing waki. ATN24)
  1178. Jirozame Shinkai
  1179. ((40.))
  1180. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1181. (Initiative is: HanakoNPC (64), HirumaNPC (48), Shiba Nichie (44), MotoNPC (41), Shinkai (40), Kurosawa (38), Mushorai (36), Toghrul (35), Chiaki (34), BunchofYoriki (24), Iori (18), YoritomoNPC (18), ???NPC (17), OtherNpcsParty2 (10)
  1182. (Please please have your actions at the ready. If you are in doubt what the layout is or what you can do, please say [Map] and I'll try to create images in your brainspace on what you are seeing.)
  1183. Lionheart
  1184. (Your doing all the NPCs you madman you)
  1185. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1186. (Declare stances. I will assume by default all ambushers are in Attack, so only declare if you are not in attack.)
  1187. (>=3)
  1188. Mushorai
  1189. (( This isn't even his final form. ))
  1190. Shiba Nichie
  1191. (Defence!)
  1192. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1193. (WITNESS ME.)
  1194. Lionheart
  1195. (Defense)
  1196. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1197. ((attack))
  1198. Shiba Nichie
  1199. (I've seen him run 3 6 pc combats at the same time. without being slow)
  1200. Iori
  1201. (attack)
  1202. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1203. The ronin Hanako moved first as the yoriki approached the kill-zone. Two arrows flew free from the short bow that she had drawn in wait. The kill shot was sudden as both arrows struck the collarbone of one of the yoriki on the far end of the formation. The yoriki gurgled and collapsed to the ground. Shortly after her came another arrow. It struck one of the Yoriki in the chest - not enough to fell him, but the yoriki cried out and dropped his yari in a moment's hesitation from the terror of being hit by an unseen foe. The Hiruma calmly knocked another arrow in preparation. (9 yoriki left, 1 at +5) (Nichie's action, MotoNPC next, Shinkai on standby, Kurosawa in the pen)
  1204. Shiba Nichie
  1205. Nichie speaks the prayer quietly, sticking to her plan of blessing the Shinjo where he's hidden just at the edge of her range.
  1206. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1207. The Moto continues to swing his blades - he elects not to charge just yet. His blades stop and he slams them together before him into the earth. (Center stance) (Shinkai's action, Kurosawa on deck, Mushorai on standby)
  1208. Shiba Nichie
  1209. (+2 agility for Shinjo sama for the next 4 turns)
  1210. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1211. (You are in a very effective ambush. Enjoy absolutely hilariously low TNs for the Yoriki of (6))
  1212. (Sub-Boss has a hidden TN, but is wearing the equivalent of [Ashigaru armor] since he didn't get all of his armor on.)
  1213. Jirozame Shinkai
  1214. ((I will fire at sub-boss.))
  1215. Shinkai was left posted outside the village just in case, as his stealth and sharp eyes would have been useful for any potential enemy approach. Thankfully in this instance, they'd work just as well for a distance shot into the samurai leading this group. He took careful aim and loosed the arrow from the cover of his location.
  1216. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1217. ((sub boss was the yoritomo right))
  1218. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1219. (Sub-boss is some dude in black armor)
  1220. (All the people listed with clan names are your ally NPCs)
  1221. Lionheart
  1222. ((Don't friendly fire now)
  1223. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1224. (E.g.: you have a shitload of NPCs with you.)
  1225. Jirozame Shinkai
  1226. ((An unfortunate 18 to hit. Hopefully his TN isn't much better.))
  1227. ((If it did, 14 damage.))
  1228.  
  1229.  
  1230. +
  1231.  
  1232.  
  1233. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1234. (18 is gonna nab him for the surprise bonus. He takes the hit.)
  1235. (Since I didn't make ranges clear - you are ambushing them within arrow range right now. Water 4 will get you into the mix with people who were hiding out in the huts, the mounted people Complex horse move of Water 6 (your Unicorn horses would get you there) will bring you up to combat range next turn.
  1236.  
  1237. Toghrul is within Water 5, so he could charge in theory, but that'd derp up the plan a bit.)
  1238. Lionheart
  1239. (Yeah I'll pass on taking all the hits kthx)
  1240. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1241. (Your enemy is going to attempt to take a defensive position if you just straight up rush them, is what I am getting at. They aren't far enough from the hut to not simply move back to the door.)
  1242. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1243. ((ah ok))
  1244. The Unicorn grips his readied katana, but remains in position next to the other Unicorn while the speed flows through him, trying to coax him to charge down all the enemies solo. But--- he does not move at them, they're out of his reach and the doubt in his swordsmanship (lol) stays his hand.
  1245. ((STANDING-------------------- ON THE EDGE))
  1246. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1247. (Mushorai's action, TOghrul on deck, Chiaki on standby, Yorikis 'bout to roll.)
  1248. Mushorai
  1249. " Pincher attacks work once they're in the claw," Mushorai hisses at Hanako, and does nothing else since they aren't actually in the ambush zone yet.
  1250. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1251. (A person could theoretically hold their action at this point to wait for the enemy to move, FYI for those unfamiliar with combat mechanics/initiative wackiness)
  1252. Mushorai
  1253. (( Okay. Holding action then. ))
  1254. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1255. (Same goes for horsie-dude.)
  1256. (Toghrul's action; Chiaki on deck, and then a bunch of doshin be rollin')
  1257. Lionheart
  1258. Toghrul tosses his bundle of sticks into the wind, revealing a sheathed wakizashi. The blade is drawn in a flash of silver as slowly trails backward away from this mysterious foe. “Coward hides in the shadow. Step into the light so the heavens may joyfully witness your demise.” (Defense stance. Simple action to ready Wakizashi. Free move backwards to be 5 feet beside moto. Simple move Guard on the moto. Raise Moto ATN by 10. Final ATN for Toghrul being 19.)
  1259. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1260. (Chiaki's action, Doshin move, followed by Iori and the Yoritomo)
  1261. Ikoma Chiaki
  1262. With the big reveal complete and the battle started Chiaki breaks her cover to send an arrow in the direction of the Samurai. Nocking, drawing and firing in one smooth arc. (19 to hit, 17 damage)
  1263. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1264. The ashigaru formation crumbles quickly, but not for the reason one might suspect. The middle of the formation - two or three of the ashigaru - continue to progress forward into the town square towards Toghrul, while those on the flanks seem to recognize the danger they are in and begin to angle outwards or pause completely. The formation is more or less broken at this point, five of the 9 still moving forward without awareness of their mortal peril, while the other small group who seems to realize what is happening start to cautiously move in a wider fanning motion, searching for the source of the arrows. They move towards the hut that houses the ambushers, not quite making it there in time. The injured doshin turns about and makes a quick retreat back towards the hut, shouting "The village is uprising against us!"
  1265.  
  1266. (Also, lol, retcon every instance of the word 'yoriki' and replace with 'doshin'. Rusty, I tell you what.)
  1267. (Iori's action/YoritomoNPC, then ???)
  1268. Iori
  1269. Iori slipped her bow out from her cloak, flesh cutter set on her string quickly. She only took a moment to consider where her enemy was. The arrow knew the way. And it left the bow and tagged him hard. (24 to hit on injured doshin. 27 damage.) With the shot taken, she began to move back, moving to the outskirts as much as she could to more easily chase down fleeing enemies. (done).
  1270. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1271. The injured doshin's words were punctuated by the arrow piercing through the back of his neck and lodging itself in his jaw. A pitiful gurgle and he collapsed to the earth before making it through the awning of the storage hut.
  1272.  
  1273. The Yoritomo bade his time with narrow eyes and seemed focused on the armored samurai across the way - he ignored the doshin in their entirety, but drew a kama - or, rather, a kusarigama as the weighted chain appeared in his opposite hand. The sinister samurai, struck by an arrow, gazed around for a moment. His stance changed and he seemed to settle into a more defensive posture. His progress slowed, stopped, and then he began to walk his way slowly back towards the safety of the shelter - his progress slowed significantly by being more cautious, now. [Full Defense on the armored guy].
  1274.  
  1275. The remainder of the ambushing party lie in wait - either electing not to fire arrows, or simply preparing for the ashigaru to encroach (Center on all allied NPCs who have not acted so they can make some hasty moves.)
  1276. (Those who held actions can now act. There are three ashigaru near the 'ambush hut' that are within charge distance, either on horse or on foot, as long as you have Water 2 (don't be lame.))
  1277. Mushorai
  1278. (( What's doshin TNtbH now? ))
  1279. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1280. ((is this the beginning of a new round or near the end of the first))
  1281.  
  1282.  
  1283. +
  1284.  
  1285.  
  1286. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1287. (End of the first round on some initiative after 24)
  1288. (Doshin's TNtbH is 15.)
  1289. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1290. ((may I charge at one of the ashigaru))
  1291. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1292. (There are -8- uninjured doshin, currently, 3 near the ambush hut, 4 progressing to Toghrul, 1 progressing south towards the other hut.) (You may.)
  1293. (There's more on the field, but that's for NPC-theater stuff at the southern hut.)
  1294. Mushorai
  1295. Mushorai rises from where he was hidden, and steps forward towards the doshin that have foolishly come closer. He brings the great blade of his battered bisento up and around in a semi-circle swing, and back down hard at the unlucky servant of darkness he has selected. He isn’t really even looking at the man he lashed out at; he’s looking at the traitorous servant of the Corpse King ahead, and he calls to the sinister samurai, “ Drop your sword and you’ll be given a quick death.“ (( Hits the doshin with 20, damage of 35 ))
  1296. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1297. The doshin crumbles from Mushorai's attack - not a moment to even realize how close he was to his enemy, it seemed
  1298. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1299. The muddy haired Shinjo reared on his horse, katana held high and pointed towards the sky. The blazing white steed landed and like a bolt of lightning, he was off. His soul was on fire, and he let out a roar as he charged at one of the nearby Ashigaru, sword lowered to the soldier down. ((44 to hit, -5 cuz of doubt, 50 damage))
  1300. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1301. The doshin brought his yari down in an attempt to brace - only it was too slow, and his head was no longer controlling his limbs since it was over there somewhere.
  1302. (Reactions Phase!)
  1303. (Count is now 6 uninjured doshin, 1 near ambush hut, 4 progressing to Toghrul, 1 sort of flailing southward, 1 NPC guy moving cautiously back towards the shelter.)
  1304. (If no reactions, will move on!)
  1305. [(Initiative is: HanakoNPC (64), HirumaNPC (48), Iori(44), MotoNPC (41), Shinkai (40), Kurosawa (38), Mushorai (36), Toghrul (35), Chiaki (34), BunchofDoshin (24), Shiba Nichie (18), YoritomoNPC (18), ???NPC (17), OtherNpcsParty2 (20*/10 Center).]
  1306. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1307. ((apologies, I used the to hit for damage as well))
  1308. ((what is supposed to happen during the reactions stage))
  1309. Jirozame Shinkai
  1310. ((You can change stances or do a few other things specifically that call it out. It's mostly for recovery.))
  1311. ((And said stance changes.))
  1312. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1313. Hanako's wide-brimmed hat angled slightly towards Mushorai for a moment. She was wordless as she shouldered her bow and moved out of the hut. She was moving, but in a different direction than the shelter of the storage hut - instead moving northward at a brisk run. Something odd about that, but she was positively booking it somewhere.
  1314.  
  1315. The Hiruma leveled his bow at the samurai that was slowly retreating away and fired a shot. The [Obsidian samurai?] struck the arrow away with the back of his gloved fist in a quick, dodging motion, though the head of the arrow remained lodged in the glove of the enemy. The Hiruma made a soft 'Hm' sound in the hut. The denizens of the hut, the peasants, were waking up quite quickly with all of the shouting and combat, and several were screaming behind those still occupying the northern ambush site. Others had begun to peak out of barely-opened windows. Some would see the village headman approaching Ide Toghrul and company from the east - and with him were several peasants armed with farming implements raised high. The headman was moving south towards another one of your groups, but it appeared that at least some in this village were willing to join the fight!
  1316. (Iori's action, per side-convo. Moto-duder is on standby, Shinkai on deck, Kurosawa next thereafter)
  1317. (The Obsidian Samurai is in FD, again, just as a reminder.)
  1318. Iori
  1319. Iori aimed a shot the southward flailing peasant. "No escape," she muttered to herself as she, for the time being, kept sidling in his direction.
  1320. (27 hits with a raise, 23 damage. Done)
  1321. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1322. The strike tore into the peasant's thigh. The doshin remained standing, though it was clear that significant damage was inflicted by the shot.
  1323. The Moto practically screamed as he tore forward suddenly - blazing off from Toghrul's side as his scimitars raise high and come down to bite into the shoulder of a peasant with one blade. The other swung sideways, cleaving the peasant's yari in half. The doshi had not a moment to scream before his world was ended. (/action)
  1324. (Shinkai, Kurosawa, Mushorai, Toghrul, Chiaki. 5 peasants remain, 1 wounded by Iori.)
  1325. Jirozame Shinkai
  1326. Shinkai readies another arrow into his bow and spotting the retreating black clad samurai easily knock an arrow away, he frowns. Too defensible a target for the moment. He nocks an arrow and lets fly into the doshin moving towards the southern hut. ((32 to hit, 18 damage to said doshin.))
  1327. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1328. The injured doshin collapses to the earth as a second finds purchase in his collarbone. (5 peasants total. 1 near the northern hut, 4 up with Toghrul and co)
  1329. (Kurosawa's action, Mushorai on deck, Toghrul standing by)
  1330. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1331. ((are the ones by Toghrul within horse move range?))
  1332. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1333. (They would be, yes. You have one directly next to you at this point in time as well.)
  1334. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1335. The Unicorn and his steed did not pause to even look back at the ashigaru they struck. He stuck his blade out once more as rider and horse bared down on another target, nearer to the Ide now. Couldn't have him get outnumbered now. ((56 Kenjutsu to hit -5 =51, 16 DMG if hit))
  1336. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1337. (That's quite a hit, yes.) The ashigaru is raked with the Shinjo's blade, though he remains standing for the time.
  1338. (Mushorai's action, Toghrul on deck, Chiaki on standby)
  1339. (Try to be ready to drop a post if there's no way something won't influence you as well. =3)
  1340. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1341. ((I believe I have two more rounds with the agility blessing that the Shiba gave me))
  1342. Mushorai
  1343. Mushorai lifts his bisento up once more, and brings it down on the doshin that the Shinjo had started. Shaking the blood from it’s blade, he lifts it and points at the sinister samurai as he advances towards him. “ A quick death, or keep cowering,” he calls. ((27 to hit doshin, 31 damage to him ))
  1344. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1345. The Doshin was struck by the bisento and gurgles blood as it explodes from his lips, collapsing to the earth. (3 remain. 1 still near the northern hut makes 4 total- Toghrul's action, Chiaki on deck, then some NPC-theater.)
  1346. Lionheart
  1347. Toghrul gives a stern look of distaste towards all this bloodshed. He stays back behind the two engaged unicorn and maintains his defensive stance. “Hear me doshin! With bared fangs you stand no chance of seeing tomorrow’s dawn. Lay down your arms and we may show compassion. Justice demands not your soul… but the soul of another.” He finishes his command with blade extended out pointing towards the magistrate. (Maintain defense stance ATN24. Complex action to use skill courtier to speak to the doshin. Courtier roll 17)
  1348. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1349. (Chiaki!)
  1350. Ikoma Chiaki
  1351. Breathe, rinse and repeat. Chiaki sent another arrow at the Obsidian(?) Samurai. It seems she had calculated them to be her biggest threat. (32 to hit. Possibly 31 if it does)
  1352. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1353. The samurai sidestepped the arrow as it flew by him. It may have been a hit, but his movement was almost preternatural in its speed now that he was actively defending himself and staying in motion.
  1354. It appeared, for the time, the din of battle was a greater motivator than the Ide's words, for while they certainly were not fighting as if they had any chance of survival, the doshin seemed far mroe motivated to keep their current allegiance.
  1355.  
  1356. One of the doshin turned and leaped forward, his Yari piercing into Kurosawa's calf (23 to hit; 19 damage); another turned towards the wild Moto and drove his spear through the Moto's beard and into his paunch-like stomach. Blood burst from the wound as the doshin retracted the weapon and prepared for the onslaught now that his guard was completely down.
  1357.  
  1358. One doshin had climbed into the northern hut and his yari attempted to strike Chiaki (17 to hit), while the final Doshin had started to circle around Mushorai - he struck out at the ronin, but his movement was in the reverse and so had little 'oomph' to it (18 to hit)
  1359. Shiba Nichie
  1360. (how far is it from me to the moto or shinjo?)
  1361. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1362. The Ikoma and Ronin both seemed to have the same target - they rushed past the doshin and began to charge at the armor-clad samurai, while the Suzume seemed duty-bound to clean up the mess of the doshin remaining nearby. The Suzume shoulder-blocked his way into the ashigaru that had struck the Moto and drew his blade down across the Doshin's chest (20 wounds)
  1363.  
  1364. (From you to the Moto/Shinjo will equally be about 1 standard Water 2, a free Water 4 move action)
  1365. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1366. ((so if I'm understanding right, unicorn riding horse to hit is rolling 4k3 and damage is 5k2?))
  1367. ((I'm looking at page 322 of core for horse))
  1368.  
  1369.  
  1370. +
  1371.  
  1372.  
  1373. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1374. (That is correct.)
  1375. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1376. ((I didn't want a repeat of to hit and damage being the same again, thank u))
  1377. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1378. (As long as you didn't move the horse that turn, or you trot it a short distance with a free action, you can have the horse roll 4k3 to hit, and 5k2 to damage.)
  1379. Shiba Nichie
  1380. Short legs can move rather fast it seems, as the little shugenja swaps her scroll for another and sprints towards the moto
  1381. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1382. ((whos uh next))
  1383. ((oh NVM))
  1384. Shiba Nichie
  1385. (im done. Casting next turn)
  1386. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1387. ((if I may, I'd like to use a void point to reduce the amount of wounds I took after you post, DC))
  1388. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1389. As the pair of samurai - the ronin and the Ikoma - move to approach the warrior, it seems that his defenses falter for a moment. The black-clad warrior suddenly surges forward as the Ikoma brings his blade up. There was a brief moment where the Ikoma adopted a stance, and then without hardly any pause the Obsidian warrior brought his blade forward. The Ikoma could be heard shouting, "DARE YOU NOT SHOW THAT STANC-" but he was cut off. The samurai's blade tore through the bridge of the Ikoma's nose and a good portion of his face - the Ikoma collapsed, rendered slain in a single strike. The Obsidian warrior continued on as the ronin faltered for a moment - his blade cut deep into the ronin's side (Ikoma is /ded, Ronin takes some wounds but keeps trucking - ??? has adopted Attack stance.)
  1390. (That is fine, Kuro)
  1391. (Reactions phase, which means we are now at the top of Round 3!) The peasants that had been forming up behind Toghrul were prepared for any action now, but they seemed somewhat aimless. They held their peasant weapons - a kama, a parangu, a kumade - and they looked as much of a 'B' team as a group could look.
  1392.  
  1393. Luckily, they had not seen the carnage taking place a little further away towards the shelter, or their resolution may have faltered.
  1394.  
  1395. (Initiative - Hanako is [elsewhere]. HirumaNPC (48), Iori (44), Shinkai (40), Kurosawa (38), Mushorai (36), Toghrul (35), Chiaki (34), MotoNPC (31), LessDoshin (24), Shiba Nichie (18), YoritomoNPC (18), ???NPC (17), OtherNpcsParty2 (10))
  1396. Mushorai
  1397. (( Raise your hand if you think I should go Full Attack. ))
  1398. Jirozame Shinkai
  1399. ((Adopting Center stance for my Reaction.))
  1400. Mushorai
  1401. (( Full Attack it is. ))
  1402. Jirozame Shinkai
  1403. ((Cowabunga it is.))
  1404. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1405. ((keeping attack stance, spending a void to null 10 points of wounds damage from getting shishkebabed))
  1406. ((so 9 wounds total I believe from scrolling up))
  1407. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1408. The Hiruma immediately throws his bow aside and charges forward towards the other samurai. He draws his blade as he moves to intercede between the ronin and the warrior. His movements are quick as he darts back and forth, kicking dust, shouting, and then moving in a backpedal to attempt to lure the Obsidian samurai further north. Presumably where the plan had organized mounted samurai to be lying in wait. (Hiruma is /Guard;ing Danjuro and has adopted Defense stance and pumped void for +10TN)
  1409. (Iori's action)
  1410. Iori
  1411. Well. That was no fucking good. Iori took quick aim and shot the obsidian warrior. Hopefully bringing him appreciably closer to dead. (31 to hit for 17 damage. Sleep starting to take me. Done)
  1412. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1413. The arrow strikes exactly where a sode should protect - in the samurai's shoulder. A pained grunt.
  1414. (Shinaki's action, Kuro on deck, Musho on standby)
  1415. Jirozame Shinkai
  1416. Shinkai takes a deep breath and focuses. He needed to make this next shot count and needed the perfect moment. ((I Center'd, so my turn passes.))
  1417. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1418. (Kuro's action, Musho on deck, Toghrul on standby)
  1419. (2 Doshin remain in front of Toghrul, 1 is in the northern hut, for 3 total.)
  1420.  
  1421. There is a swirling melee now as the samurai from the southern hut engage their own half-dozen doshin, though the numbers have been notably thinned down to a small handful. Cuts and wounds accumulate everywhere among the young samurai.
  1422. Lionheart
  1423. (Instructing peasants calling for battle or courtier. Simple or complex)
  1424. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1425. (Simple, Free if it's super concise like: "Go do this - now" =D )
  1426. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1427. (i am within trot distance of the remaining two ashigaru near Toghrul , right? I have my post copypastad but I can alter it)
  1428. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1429. (Yes.)
  1430. (They are legit one that struck you and one that attacked the Moto, so you are free-action able to move up to them and get the horse a swing in, too.)
  1431. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1432. The Unicorn gasped as the wicked steel of his enemies bit greedily into the flesh of his leg. Oh, so that's what it felt like. Not that he imagined it feeling wonderful or anything, but this was a bit above his expectations. He should just stay and take vengeance on the one that hit him, but he kicked the horse' flanks and aimed to charge at the Obsidian Warrior. Maybe he should just stick to a target and finish them, that'd be pretty smart. ((am I within horse ride to OW, and if so I'd like to buy 10 atn with my voido))
  1433. (sorry phone died mid post so I ran to laptop AAAAA))
  1434. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1435. (You can make it there with a complex horse move, yes.)
  1436. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1437. ((I am 90% sure I'm in healthy range, so no wound tn increase))
  1438. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1439. (When you popped Void, you are in 0 penalty range.)
  1440. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1441. ((34 to hit, 14 damage))
  1442. ((oh neato))
  1443. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1444. (Done damage'd him.)
  1445. (He's bleeding, not so bad, see?!)
  1446. (Mushorai, Toghrul on deck, Chiaki on standby)
  1447. Mushorai
  1448. “ Tch. “ Mushorai’s eyes go wide as the Ikoma dies, badly, in the span of seconds and this ambush starts to slide sideways. The traitor had been so so fast. Introspection is not something that Mu is cursed with, however. You either go through something, or you run away, and running wasn’t in the cards. Not here. Not now. The bisento goes up over his hand, and he gets a bit of momentum up as he closes the last few paces to the sinister samurai, bringing the pole arm down with both hands with a hearty,“ ORA! “ (( 55 to hit, and 19 damage ))
  1449. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1450. (Absolutely hits. He's sagging in his movements at this point. Times are not good for him, but he is standing.)
  1451. He was struck, but at the last moment, it felt as if the strike should have been more ... telling. The samurai's blood is pooling below him as he was more-or-less surrounded on all sides, 4 by samurai, and a horse-mounted Shinjo behind. Not so many places to maneuver, now.
  1452. (Toghrul and Chiaki, both take your actions)
  1453. (Gotta start hustlin')
  1454. Ikoma Chiaki
  1455. Great, now a doshin is on top of her. Who else is with her? Doesn't matter. She takes few steps back before releasing another arrow, this time into the Doshin. Meanwhile , somewhere in the back of her mind she makes a note of the other Ikoma's cry. (24 to hit, 12 Damage)
  1456. Lionheart
  1457. Toghrul aims his blade towards the doshin at the northern hut. "Capture the enemy! He will answer for his crimes!" Toghrul orders to the peasants to overwhelm the single doshin. Supporting his wounded moto comrade, Toshio rushes to his side to protect him from further harm. A fury of swings of his short sword rain below while the horse reins back to crush one underfoot. (Attack stance. ATN20. Waki attack 28 to hit 15 damage. Horse attack 22 to hit 13 damage)
  1458. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1459. Crunch went the doshin assaulted by Toghrul and his mighty murdersteed. He was still very much alive, but crippled and out of the fight to any usable degree, now.
  1460.  
  1461. The doshin next to Chiaki was definitely one that was putting her and all of the peasants in the hut in danger. Perhaps a bit of motivation - like seeing his yari leveled at them, or words from Chiaki, might provoke a violent self-defense response. (Free action, Chiaki, to galvanize the peasants with you to fight the Doshin!)
  1462.  
  1463.  
  1464.  
  1465. +
  1466.  
  1467.  
  1468. Ikoma Chiaki
  1469. "Fight for your village!" She adds to her attack. Yeah, she's winging the Courtier stuff (20)
  1470. Fu
  1471. (is around)
  1472. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1473. "IIE!!" shouted the wounded Moto. Pushing through his wounds, he brought his knee into the doshin that Toghrul had left unmolested and his scimitar came down onto the doshin's neck. A strike weakened by the gaping wound in his stomach, but a hit nonetheless, the doshin collapsed to the ground with a deep gash on the back of his neck. (Moto barely hits with 15, wounds doshin to death. There is now 1 wounded doshin with Chiaki.
  1474.  
  1475. The peasant band rushed towards the hut with Chiaki, not having the good sense to move at a defensive pace, and so beat feet - they moved into the door of the hut, unable to quite take advantage of the charge just yet (2x simple moves for peasants, Full Attack for extra moves).
  1476.  
  1477. Peasants in the hut, seeing their armed villagers they had known for some time, descended on the doshin with violent screams - women tearing at the doshin's face, men raining punches down, elderly smartly going to try and break an ankle with kicks.
  1478. (Nichie's action, Yoritomo on standby, ??? coming in hot.)
  1479. (Think Nichie dropped maybe. NPCs going, Nichie can intercede if needed)
  1480. Ikoma Chiaki
  1481. ((Nichie may have sleeped it out. Though she had planned to heal the Moto))
  1482. Shiba Nichie
  1483. (im still here!)
  1484. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1485. The Yoritomo had been moving at quite the clip at this point - his kusarigama swirling. However, there was simply no room for him to get a strike at the Obsidian warrior. Instead, his moves carried him rapidly towards the shelter door. He burst through the closed door without a moment's pause and there was shouting within the building and the sounds of some sort of struggle.
  1486.  
  1487. (Yes, her plan was heals.)
  1488. Ikoma Chiaki
  1489. ((Still here!))
  1490. Shiba Nichie
  1491. Nichie waves her scroll a bit as she's entreating the kami to heal the moto, briefly touching him.
  1492. Tolta
  1493. ( and i am now around as well)
  1494. Shiba Nichie
  1495. (sorry. Got to pass out now)
  1496. Ikoma Chiaki
  1497. ((Sleep well!))
  1498. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1499. ((one tags in, the other tags out))
  1500. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1501. The Obsidian Samurai's fate was sealed. Even in the chaos of being surrounded, however, there was not a moment that it appeared the warrior considered retreat. The blade came out suddenly, clipping the Hiruma's knee and sending the Bushi cascading to the earth, nearly shearing the limb with the move. This brought the samurai's blade skyward and into the direct path of the owner of the bisento - the samurai's blade should not have struck with such force, wounded as he was, but indeed it did. It ate deep into Musohrai's side (43 wounds), causing a small arterial spray of blood - enough to appear on the surface far greater in damage than it truly was.
  1502. Mushorai
  1503. (( Voiding that to 33. ))
  1504. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1505. (Reactions? Your NPC buddies are basically accomplishing nothing because I'll be damned if NPCs get to steal the glory.)
  1506. Mushorai
  1507. (( Remaining in Full Attack. ))
  1508. Jirozame Shinkai
  1509. ((Dropping back to Attack stance.))
  1510. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1511. (Initiative - Hanako is [elsewhere]. HirumaNPC (OUT), Shinkai (50*/40), Iori (44), Kurosawa (38), Mushorai (36), Toghrul (35), Chiaki (34), MotoNPC (31), Shiba Nichie (18), YoritomoNPC (18), ???NPC (17))
  1512. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1513. ((keeping attack stance))
  1514. Lionheart
  1515. (Keeping attack cause not horseman 3 x_x )
  1516. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1517. (Shinkai's action. Time to Enemy at the Gates someone's ass.)
  1518. Jirozame Shinkai
  1519. The Ikoma had fallen, the Hiruma had fallen. The chaos of the battle raged in the village with the ebon armored clad samurai at it's center, reaping his due of Resistance blood as his blade flashed out. The ronin might go now as well. It was now or never. First breath. The arrow is nocked. Second breath. The arrow is drawn. Third breath. The arrow knows the way. Fourth breath...death. ((31 to hit, 22 damage.))
  1520. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1521. The arrow pierces through the Obsidian Legionnaire's chest - a furtive attempt at motion, and then he collapses to the earth. With the Obsidian samurai, who's name seemed like it would not be known, collapsing to the earth in a most-definitively dead heap, there seemed to be a lull in the din of combat. The doshin that remained, such as that which was in the northern hut with Chiaki, was soundly beaten into submission by peasants joining the fray as an armed band, and those to the south were eventually put down by the Akodo, Ichiro, and Shiba.
  1522. For a simple mission, things seemed to have taken quite a severe turn at this point as you all take stock of the penalty for engaging the enemy. Shouting within the hut itself eventually would reach a lull and the Yoritomo would kick a rotund aged man out of the storage hut, the assured Magistrate you were all attempting to follow now wrapped in the chain of the Yoritomo's Kusarigama.
  1523. Hanako would be seen later standing north of the storage hut and examining towards your party. The wide-brimmed straw hat still masked her features, particularly her face, but her lips were a tight grimace. Explanations were certainly in order as the events today resulted in the unexpected death of one, the maiming of several, and at least light wounds spread pretty evenly across the various patrols. All for the sake of a few dozen doshin and two Obsidian samurai. A high price to pay. Was it worth it? Answers would come, but for now, all the Yoritomo samurai Kazusho could say as the Moto, Ghazan hoisted your Hiruma guide, Masabi against his shoulder, was a simple: "Let's go home."
  1524. (/Scene! There is no more timewarp and you may talk about these events. What comes of the Obsidian Magistrate, Hanako, and other questions will be answered in the coming days - or right now if you intend to go IC again!)
  1525. Mushorai
  1526. “ That’s all you’ve got?,” is Mushorai’s riposte to the Obsidian Samurai’s blow, the taste of his own blood rising in the back of his throat. The ronin grips his bisento’s haft, readies a blow to take this fiend’s head from his neck… and then an arrow flashes in and ends the stand off.
  1527.  
  1528. “ … hey!,” Mushorai calls, reflexively, and then turns around to look back along it’s trajectory to where Shinkai is before allowing,“ … good shot.”
  1529. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1530. (And, of course, you can post your reactions to the end of the scene. =D)
  1531. Ikoma Chiaki
  1532. With the Samurai dead and Magistrate taken. Chiaki let's the peasants finish the Doshin, giving them some credit and congratulations for protecting their village.
  1533. Jirozame Shinkai
  1534. As his shot puts down the Obsidian Legionnaire, the Shark begins moving towards the village as he sees the combat lulling and eventually coming to a stop. As Mushorai shouts at him, the Jirozame simply gives a grim nod. "It would seem a moment too late, however." The yumi is carefully put over his back and Shinkai gives everyone a quick look over to make sure they're not leaking guts before he moves to Hanako, choosing to say something quietly to the ronin woman before looking at the fat Obsidian Magistrate.
  1535. Lionheart
  1536. Toghrul immediately takes to his duty before taking respite. He congratulates the heimin for their valor and sincerely thanks for them for their assistance. Directions are given to ready the prisoner for transport for interrogation back at the castle. Lastly instructions given that should they be questioned about these events that they are to explain how dreadful samurai of the old clans raided the village and murdered ruthlessly. To paint the false narrative to authorities.
  1537.  
  1538. Stepping away he stands over the fallen ikoma's corpse. Takes a knee and offers prayer. Soon he'll request the eta and a wagon to escort the fallen back home to burial rights but now is the time to thank these departing souls as they head to the afterlife.
  1539. "Ikoma-sama." Toghrul calls for her attention. Should she arrive, Toghrul offers her the Ikoma's daisho. "These are to only be transported in the trusted hands of his cousin. Could you take these to his family?" He politely requests.
  1540. Mushorai
  1541. " Bandits. Blame it on bandits. They're always hungry," is Mushorai's advice, before fading into the background and helping as he can with the wounded.
  1542.  
  1543. (( I just might get four eyes of shut eye before work, so I'm out. Be well folks. ))
  1544. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1545. The Shinjo brought his steed around, looking around for more people to maim and run away from. In Unicorn this was hit and run, no dishonor here. Blood pumped steadily from his leg, staining his dirty peasant garb. But it seemed that the chaos of battle was finished, along with the obsidian armored head honcho, as the only ones left standing was the members of the resistance and the peasants who rose up to join in. He whipped the katana downwards, letting the blood from it fly into the dirt in a quick motion, before sheathing it. Maybe he wouldn't have gotten stabbed if he fought better. There was that doubt, clouding his mind, and replaying the fight in his mind. Instead of helping and being useful he remained on his horse, distracted.
  1546.  
  1547.  
  1548. +
  1549.  
  1550.  
  1551. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1552. @here
  1553. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1554. ding
  1555. Tolta
  1556. ( yo )
  1557. Jirozame Shinkai
  1558. ((Heyo.))
  1559. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1560. (Get ready for spam, since I planned to kick stuff off right when I got back. We'll do intros when indicated. Feel free to ask questions and remember that this is almost-first-real-scene, so while 'death' is a possibility, I'm going to make you a legend if you die during this scene.)
  1561. Tolta
  1562. ( We are Samurai. We ARE legends. )
  1563. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1564. ((Do you want our skills n sheet or anything like that or what))
  1565. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1566. (Yeah. Getting that form up and going.)
  1567. Ikoma Chiaki
  1568. ((I'm unsure this is the smartest place for Chiaki, but w/e. If anyone can die here, she can.))
  1569. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1570. (Everyone must be given use!)
  1571. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1572. ((like, i can take a picture of my l5rcm))
  1573. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1574. https://i1.wp.com/www.strangeassembly.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/pl3318_map_mantis-clan.png?w=700&ssl=1 for location.
  1575. Tolta
  1576. ( the ikoma is the most important person here. )
  1577. Shiba Nichie
  1578. (i may be a little distracted at times but will join if there is room)
  1579. Tolta
  1580. ( we can fight, get you there, and get you home... but we need someone to take notes and get the battle info XD )
  1581. Shiba Nichie
  1582. (what he said!)
  1583. Tolta
  1584. ( killing gobos is great, good times all around, ut still need someone to note the terrain and etc i mean )
  1585. ( shiba fighter or shiba shugenja? )
  1586. ( horses or no? )
  1587. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1588. (Trying this silly form, because other people like 'continuity' and 'do your goddamn job tracking stuff, Defcon')
  1589.  
  1590. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AjgO9TuEQB8USjdorFFTMfRqfXobRxzlT7zEKrMwdEQ/edit#gid=1563742442
  1591. Google Docs
  1592. Copy of FRO X: BTLV (Responses)
  1593. Form Responses 1
  1594.  
  1595. Timestamp,What is your character's name?,In one sentence what are you as a player hoping for in this scene?,What are your character's strengths?,What are your character's weaknesses?,What is/are your character's signature skill(s)?,School,Insight Rank,Initia...
  1596. Tolta
  1597. ( demanding. )
  1598. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1599. (Horses are approved, but must be restrained and you need to walk them until an approved time.)
  1600. (I won't derp you and make you not be on a horse if combat occurs
  1601. )
  1602. Tolta
  1603. ( it does not matter to my tech... shinjo? )
  1604. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1605. (Yay.)
  1606. @here
  1607. (Nobody else is joining now.)
  1608. (FLAVOR TEXT. IN YOUR FACE.)
  1609. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1610. ((i have to check if it matters but I can do that in a couple seconds))
  1611. ((nope dont matter to my school either))
  1612. Tolta
  1613. ( foot? mounted? )
  1614. ( foot with them, or the 'get out of jail free, and leave them hanging' card.... i mean safety net or something)
  1615. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1616. The small mass of samurai teeming at the southern gate of the Castle of the Wasp was a thing of electric excitement, at least for those who were new to leaving the safety and walls of Kyuden Ashinagabachi for a return to the unknown lands outside the serene castle walls. Each group, comprised of roughly the same size, was a volunteer force of those who had requested to be given opportunity to prove their capabilities in aiding the Resistance through one of the only means the loyal Rokugani were able to do so: these small patrols into the dangerous surrounding world in order to facilitate trade, gather knowledge, or strike out against the forces of the Dark Kami.
  1617.  
  1618. Each group had two guides - those who were designated as 'scouts' and specifically made these treks on a frequent enough basis to be considered skilled in the art of keeping the true whereabouts of the Resistance under-wraps. This particular group was led by Hiruma Masabi, a Hiruma that had left Crab lands within the past year and who obviously had the exact skillset necessary for this type of work. He was short - at most a head below the typical Rokugani's height, but he was quite a bit stockier than the typical Hiruma if any had met one prior to this. Overall, not a familiar face around the castle.
  1619.  
  1620. The secondary was Hanako, a waveman who had been part of the Resistance for some time. She had a Yumi and a katana without accompanying wakizashi - she also wore a travel cloak and wide-brimmed straw hat to shield her features and, without her weaponry, would seem to fit in well with either the peasantry or as a monk based off of her austere choice of attire. She spoke much more often than Masabi as the group was being corralled together. >
  1621. In addition, there were three other samurai traveling with you, all recent additions to the castle and clearly young and inexperienced in this particular set of skills. Akodo Tsunari, Shiba Todachi, and Ichiro Kyo. Your guides indicated that your path would bring you out of the castle under cover of dusk waning to night and that you would practice some basic skills on your long, slow trek down the mountains from the Castle of the Wasp so as to both ensure you could work on any lacking skillset, or you could be at least entrusted not to lead an enemy back to the castle because of the complex passage through the mountains you traversed.
  1622.  
  1623. There were a few moments before departure where this group could acclimate themselves to their fellow scouting party. Equipment was stated, simply, to be light. You would be changing into peasant attire before entering the village, so it was expected that there would be a location to dispense with most of your gear prior to entering the village - one of the many dropsites necessary for the Resistance to move equipment and supplies.
  1624.  
  1625. (INTRODUCE YOURSELVES!)
  1626. Tolta
  1627. The unicorn ready to head out. He had only been in the city for 6 months, and 'the itch' had set in weeks ago. He was glad for the chance to get back out of the walls for a while. He had his polearm across his shoulders and waited for the rest to finish their preparations. He stood a little off from them, and watched as they did, his face blank, his thoughts elsewhere.
  1628. Fu
  1629. an odd and very disconcerting monk joins the group on the way out of the city, he is wearing a very light grey almost white but low quality robe. he is currently using a walking staff that is surrounded by prayer beads, they rattle less then one might think for some reason
  1630. Jirozame Shinkai
  1631. Ha, changing into peasant attire. Jokes on you, Shinkai already has some. The Shark scout was dressed fairly plainly in his travelling clothes, though he's dispensed with the head wrapping tonight. A yumi at his side and a few knives in various locations on his person complete his look. He could pass for a ronin, a bandit, or maybe even a particularly well-armed peasant. He doesn't seem to pay much mind to the others, engaging in casual conversation where required but beyond that, he tries to keep focused to the task at hand.
  1632. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1633. The Shinjo was practically beaming as he stepped outside of the castle's walls, for what felt like the first time in ages. Was the sun shining? Man even if it wasn't, it was beautiful just to be outdoors. He stretched his arms behind his head, letting his muscles pull and relax. He was lightly equipped, as they had requested. His travelling faded purple travelling kimono was plain, and he had his han-kyu bow over his shoulders along with his daisho around his waist. Behind him, his horse followed obediently, trained to not stray too far away from it's rider, shaking it's mane as if to shake off the dust accumulated from being locked up in the walled city.
  1634. Jirozame Shinkai
  1635. ((His outfit, minus the katana and headwear, is on his wiki.))
  1636. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪 pinned a message to this channel. See all the pins.
  1637. Tolta
  1638. He mounted his steed, patting the neck. The animal made no noise, instead it seemed as ready as the rest. His mind returning to the present, he noted the monk and greeted him "Hello little teacher." his half grin showing from the jest at his old friend
  1639. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1640. The small group of samurai and ronin opposite you all mill about, with only Hanako seeming to make any effort to talk with your group - it is idle chatter, but she is available for any questions prior to departure.
  1641. Ikoma Chiaki
  1642. This was perhaps not the place for the Young Ikoma Chiaki, still she had volunteered to be a beacon for the group and to alleviate the hearts of those who supported them while digging out the deceitful ones. She was dress in a rather plan brown kimono and wearing a jingasa and was notably without her fan.
  1643. Shiba Nichie
  1644. A small, quiet shugenja joins the group. Totally unremarkable exept for her lack of height
  1645. She's as usual tagging after the ikoma.
  1646. Tolta
  1647. catches the glance of the ikoma and nods to her, remembering her from the other day
  1648. Jirozame Shinkai
  1649. Shinkai would do the polite thing and address Hanako, considering she seemed to be one of the commanding officers. "Anything of note that we should be aware of beyond what briefing we've received?"
  1650. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1651. Kurosawa is practically chomping at the bit to go, but he scooted towards Hanako, as she seemed like she might know a thing or two. He approached, and gave a short bow. "Greetings," he murmured to the hatted woman. "Do you know what is the plan today?" No doubt he still had the big smile on his face, although he tried to keep the excitement out of his voice, only failing slightly.
  1652. Ikoma Chiaki
  1653. Chiaki, too would give a very polite bow to everyone
  1654. Fu
  1655. hello uma-kun, I see hasn't been walking you often sasayaki-san, and hello sasayak-san the monk nods to the horse and unicorn
  1656. Tolta
  1657. "Always stuck in a castle, no room to run. Hard life." The horse, seeming to understand scoffed at them
  1658. Ikoma Chiaki
  1659. ((I suppose I should ask if we get can take any non school gear, like a bow and amour))
  1660. Shiba Nichie
  1661. (or a knife?)
  1662. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1663. ((I assumed we would take school gear))
  1664. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1665. The ronin looked between the pair and she, similarly, smiled. Most of her expression was masked by her wide-brimmed straw hat, as it commanded quite a bit of space in every direction and seemed to stop below her eyes - likely just the angle of how she stood. "Mina-san: part of you remaining on the mainland is having skills necessary to keep the only home we all have now safe. You are being tested in how you perform today, but one of the reasons that this is being put together is 'cause we think there might be an issue at Quiet Water Village down south. It's awful close, so we need to deal with it. But, you all need to keep skills sharp: no time to test better than under pressure, right?!"
  1666. (If you do not have a yumi in your starting outfit, one will be provided for this scene.)
  1667. (Or a Han-kyu for you weirdo horse-people if that's your preference.)
  1668. Shiba Nichie
  1669. (weee.)
  1670. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1671. (Or a tactical nuclear strike via Ohio-class submarine if warranted.)
  1672. Tolta
  1673. ( that's not til i get rank 4 )
  1674. Shiba Nichie
  1675. She sticks close to the ikoma, as close as her own shadow. "do you know how to fire a bow? I'm.. Rather uncertain."
  1676. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1677. (Final questions to Hanako, then we're kickin' off.)
  1678. Tolta
  1679. ( good here )
  1680. Jirozame Shinkai
  1681. "If we should need to engage enemies, are we to disable or eliminate?" The Shark would ask Hanako, wanting to get that little tidbit out of the way. He would take a moment to nod and offer the minimum polite bows to the others present.
  1682. Tolta
  1683. ( go out, kill bad things, make sure the squishies make it home. check. )
  1684. Ikoma Chiaki
  1685. "Hai, this one has had some experience with them. I would help Chichi with his Yumi"
  1686. Tolta
  1687. doesn't comment on the ronin's 'shoot first' mentality
  1688. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1689. Hanako seems to think for a moment. "We expect to only encounter the peasants of the village, who used to support the Rebellion. It'll need to be decided in the moment, unless the worst case possible and we come across Legionnaires. Then, the intent is to eliminate enemies that might put us at risk." The Hiruma, a bit off to the side, scoffed a little. He spoke, his voice somewhat raspy: "We'll never be noticed by the Legion."
  1690. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1691. The younger Unicorn bit his lip and tried to think. He did not seem to recall the Quiet Water Village, and must have missed it while being lost trying to get to the castle. He nodded in thanks at their stylishly hatted guide, and began a final check. No more questions from him, now it was time to follow orders and mentally prepare oneself. Except he was pretty excited, despite how dangerous this whole shebang could be. Maybe he shouldn't have left his ashigaru armor at home. Too late now. He patted his horse's neck, staring into it's large eyes to make sure it wasn't gonna lose it's shit on him. "If any of you need, I can offer you a ride on my horse until we arrive to help conserve your energy," the Shinjo called out. He didn't know how far it was, after all. And maybe some were not nearly as prepared for the journey as he was. Plus walking s u c k s.
  1692. Tolta
  1693. hears the shinjo, but is not quick to offer the same
  1694. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1695. Akodo Tsunari puffed his chest up at that: "If it comes to pass, then a head for each of us is more than adequate!"
  1696. Hiruma Masabi began to wander towards the gate. "Our move. On me: we leave. Keep attention and do not speak unless my voice is first."
  1697. Tolta
  1698. trails along, riding along the edge of the formation in case he needs to peel off, and not run someone over to do so
  1699. Shiba Nichie
  1700. "ah. Shinjo sama?" a little embarrased she indicates her short legs
  1701. Ikoma Chiaki
  1702. Chiaki nods and follows the Hiruma
  1703. Fu
  1704. the unarmored monks follow slightly behind and to the side of the horiuchi as the group starts to move out, the monk humming a warding prayer as they move out
  1705. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1706. The Unicorn gave a low whistle, to the horse, and knelt for the smaller Shiba to climb aboard.
  1707. ((Obviously the horse knelt, not the samurai, to climb aboard it's back
  1708. ))
  1709. Tolta
  1710. ( i am under the assumption we can just put 'idle chatter' and let def move the scene along? )
  1711. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1712. The main road leading to the castle often fell out of view as you navigated the mountain pass for nearly the full hour, winding through the aformentioned pathways. It seemed you would loop back periodically as rays of light from the heavens above cast wide shadows and the world was absorbed in the soft red of dusk. A pause, and you would all see the Hiruma before you stop for a moment. He leaned over to speak to Hanako for a moment and the hatted ronin nodded. The Hiruma turned back to face you all and spoke. “We practice now moving as a unit under cover. Who does not have experience moving unobserved?”
  1713.  
  1714. (This section of the tutorial is about stealth, contested rolls, and cooperative skill roll mechanics. If you’re comfortable with these, we can move on right to testing/a dice roll. Please indicate you would like to work on these skills/try without concern for failure by :drum: ; or if you want to skip, :no_mouth: )
  1715. Tolta
  1716. ( just cover coop for me when it comes up )
  1717. Shiba Nichie
  1718. (id like the brush up)
  1719. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1720. (We're doing rolls no matter what; it's just whether we jump right to the roll, or we walk our way through it. =3)
  1721. Tolta
  1722. ( ....uh, don't plan on stealthing much... hides Stealth 0 )
  1723. waits for the others to speak up, 'stealth' was never his thing.
  1724. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1725. The Unicorn was a bit hesitant. Hopefully his horse and it's small cargo was nearby on this hour long trip. He had learnt stealth in his school under a most paranoid sensei, but he hadn't opportunity to use it in such a situation like this. A combat exercise. He stepped forward. "I do not have much experience in the field, but I have been taught."
  1726. Ikoma Chiaki
  1727. "Ano... this ones stealth experience is limited."
  1728. Jirozame Shinkai
  1729. As Shinkai walked, it was fairly apparent that he was trained in how to be stealthy, given that his footfalls made significantly less sound than those who might have been walking more noisily. "Field and dojo instruction," he'll offer quietly.
  1730. Shiba Nichie
  1731. "im not totally unskilled" she admits as she looks down "but i should likely walk now, eh? You have been most generous shinjo sama. C
  1732. "
  1733. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1734. The Hiruma looks across the group. "Whichever of you is best, instruct the rest. Try to spend the next short while getting into a position where you can ambush Hanako and me. If you do not have the skill now, become good at it, or stay in the castle." An easy option for most - it is not the goal of every samurai to sneak about and ambush, but it at least makes some sense for the purposes of leaving the castle.
  1735.  
  1736. (Cooperative Skill Roll - we're doing option 1: Everyone list your Stealth (Ambush) skill rank. Highest ranked will roll a skill roll and add everyone's rank, including 6 from your 3 NPC buddies.)
  1737. Tolta
  1738. ( Stealth 0 )
  1739. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1740. ((Stealth 1 but no ambush emphasis))
  1741. Shiba Nichie
  1742. (1+silent)
  1743. Jirozame Shinkai
  1744. ((Stealth 2, Sneaking Emphasis.))
  1745. Fu
  1746. (stealth 1)
  1747. Ikoma Chiaki
  1748. (0)
  1749. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1750. (Sneaking will work, too.)
  1751. Tolta
  1752. ( the ronin has the highest stealth.... figures XD )
  1753. Shiba Nichie
  1754. "ikoma sama, come with me. Walk only where i step, and move slowly. Slow is quieter"
  1755. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1756. ((So shinkai rolls and then our ranks will be added to his roll, ye?))
  1757. Tolta
  1758. ( 3 ranks from us total )
  1759. ( if silent affects anything? )
  1760. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1761. (So, looks like Shinkai is rolling with a +10; giving +1 for silent and +6 from your NPC buddies.)
  1762. (One moment. Someone is conspiring)
  1763. Tolta
  1764. ( eyes the ronin )
  1765. Ikoma Chiaki
  1766. Chiaki nods and follows the Shiba's instruction
  1767. Shiba Nichie
  1768. Nichie takes out a scroll, and moves her hands towards the ronin. Speaking softly to its water.. And as the orayer takes effect.. She seems to nearly stumble
  1769. Jirozame Shinkai
  1770. ((Just waiting on the Defcon go ahead.))
  1771. Shiba Nichie
  1772. Very slowly she sits down. Only her natural silence keeping her from drawing attention now.. As more than half her fire has been loaned out
  1773. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1774. (Go with the +1 for Agi I assume)
  1775. Shiba Nichie
  1776. (nope. +3. Im at agility 1 now and sitting very still)
  1777. (probably falling over sitting)
  1778. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1779. ((daaamn))
  1780. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1781. (Reduce by an amount equal to your School Rank?)
  1782. Shiba Nichie
  1783. (whops. 2 then)
  1784. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1785. (=3)
  1786. Tolta
  1787. ( you are on the horse, you are fine XD )
  1788. ( you don't need Agi )
  1789. Jirozame Shinkai
  1790. As the others look to his leadership in this endeavor, the Shark gives a small nod and takes a look over the area, moving to strategically place the samurai under this miniature command in places where they'd be able to more easily 'ambush' their commanding officers. "Stealth is just about as much keeping quiet as it is keeping oneself out of sight. You've all seen animals hide, they can teach something." ((Result of 42.))
  1791. Shiba Nichie
  1792. (i still have 2 as im not cool enough to give 3)
  1793. Jirozame Shinkai
  1794. ((Also, not a ronin you uncultured swine. :wink: ))
  1795. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1796. It would be nearly half of a Rokugani hour as the group prowled through the mountain paths, Shinkai giving light instruction. Eventually, a whistle would sound somewhere behind them - not but a dozen steps from the group came the whistle. Eventually, the Shiba would perk his head up and see the Hiruma and ronin guide. "Come back in," the Hiruma would say. The Ronin smiled under her wide-brimmed hat. "He couldn't find you until someone stumbled on a boulder - then he spent the nex' half of the time tryin' to catch the trail," she said. The Hiruma scowled for a moment. "Very well, you are able to move as a unit without being observed. Well done, I will inform the scout captains," he said, eyes on Shinkai.
  1797. Shortly after finishing a bit more instruction on the nature of stealth - a lesson where Masabi was not particularly instructive but more critical, the two bring you to a split in the path - southward would bring you down into the valley, upwards seemed a near-sheer climb. You travel north up the steep incline, however it seemed you would not be able to easily climb it without a group effort. The Hiruma bounded up the steep incline and threw a rope back down below. "All of you - climb."
  1798.  
  1799. (Cooperative Skill Roll Option 2: Everyone needs to roll Athletics (Climbing)/Strength. Please list your Athletics Skills rank here, and everyone will add that to your roll. You will get +7 from your NPC buddies, including Hanako.)
  1800. Fu
  1801. 1
  1802. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1803. ((Athletics Rank 3))
  1804. Ikoma Chiaki
  1805. (1)
  1806. Jirozame Shinkai
  1807. ((Athletics 1, Strength 3 for what it matters.))
  1808. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1809. ((To clarify, I have athletics rank 3, but only str 2 =[ ))
  1810. Tolta
  1811. ( athletics 1 )
  1812. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1813. Hanako looks back "Leave the horses here - we'll be back down in a moment."
  1814.  
  1815.  
  1816. +
  1817.  
  1818.  
  1819. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1820. ((noooooooo))
  1821. Tolta
  1822. ( how... dare.... ) dismounts and shoots the horse a glance "I mean it, don't do it." the horse neighs and waits
  1823. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1824. (=D THE TUTORIAL!)
  1825. Shiba Nichie
  1826. (0. but has daredevil)
  1827. Ikoma Chiaki
  1828. Chiaki nods. This we something she could really do.
  1829. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1830. (Unless you want to hoist the horses up the mountainside. >=3)
  1831. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1832. ((I also have daredevil, what's the TN for bringing the horse?))
  1833. Tolta
  1834. ( the horse probably climbs better )
  1835. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1836. (Which kind of horse do you have? Standard Gaijin Riding?)
  1837. Tolta
  1838. ( HOW DARE )
  1839. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1840. ((yes, although I was mostly kidding about the horse, I just am unsure if I should roll or not))
  1841. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1842. (=D )
  1843. Tolta
  1844. ( that is a magestic unicorn clan steed )
  1845. Jirozame Shinkai
  1846. ((Go for it. Shinkai doesn't need all the glory.))
  1847. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1848. (Never ask me what the TN for something is unless you want me to give you a roll, because I totally have a roll available.)
  1849. Tolta
  1850. ( do it )
  1851. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1852. (( I am now curious tho ))
  1853. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1854. (Everyone roll Athletics (Climbing)/Strength with a +13; TN 25. If you fail, you can burn a void to reroll; those with Daredevil can use it as normal, but the TN isn't so tough.)
  1855.  
  1856. (TN for hoisting the horse will be a cumulative 3 round Athletics/Strength roll of TN 144 for two or three people.)
  1857. Tolta
  1858. ( yikes. mine can wait down here )
  1859. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1860. The unicorn ties his horse to a nearby rock, sorry boy.
  1861. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1862. (Statistically it's just 3 TN ~17s for 3 people. =D But, now we've covered Cumulative Skill Rolls - unless anyone has a question what that TN actually means.)
  1863. Tolta
  1864. ( failed by 1 ) makes it a few feet and slides back down. "I'm not a friggin dragon clan samu..." mutters to himself as he waits with the horses at the bottom, to catch the next person if needed
  1865. Shiba Nichie
  1866. (plenty over 25 with daredevil:) )
  1867. The tiny shugenja scales the wall straight up, pretty much as if she's spent every day of her childhood climbing.Or as if the earth itself aids her
  1868. Jirozame Shinkai
  1869. Shinkai slings his bow over his back and takes to the climbing with gusto, making it up the rock surface relatively easily.
  1870. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1871. (Since it's cooperative, and people have Daredevil, you can pop Void after failing and I will let you reroll. Even add the +1k1 to the roll!)
  1872. (Then, you will do some daredevilley-stuff.)
  1873. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1874. The lean unicorn dried his hands on his kimono, and clambered up the sheer rock face, muscles easily pulling his frame upwards towards the Hiruma.
  1875. Fu
  1876. (if the tn is 25 then failed by 2?) the monk tries to climb the mountain but he is no goat and slides down after a while
  1877. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1878. ((rolled TN 12 (25 - the 13 bonus) and got 18 for uh, posting it here I guess))
  1879. Shiba Nichie
  1880. Nichie tries to reach the monk, leaning rather precariously forward "Let me help"
  1881. Tolta
  1882. ( i'll just look dumb and be at the bottom )
  1883. Shiba Nichie
  1884. "and grab the Shinjo please, he needs a hand"
  1885. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1886. ((wot))
  1887. Fu
  1888. there are many paths to enlightenment shiba-sama.... perhaps ours is on a differant path looks to the horiuchi
  1889. Tolta
  1890. shrugs "Not many mountains in the provinces."
  1891. Ikoma Chiaki
  1892. Chiaki starts out well enough but stumbles and nearly falls, saved only by a risky chance swing at the last minute. Perhaps inspired by the efforts of some of her companions. (22, 33)
  1893. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1894. The Akodo makes the attempted climb, everyone pushing upwards together, however eventually he finds himself sliding back down quicker than he is progressing upwards and he drops down next to Sasayaki. The Shiba Bushi climbs easily, and the Ichiro practically punches his fists into the earth to bypass the rope during his upward scramble. Hanako pranced her way up the sheer rock face as well and then leaned over, offering a hand each to Sasayaki and Fu. "Come."
  1895. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1896. ((was gonna say if you leave the monk I can try to pull him up))
  1897. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1898. (=D Can also let you be nice PCs and help each other out.)
  1899. Shiba Nichie
  1900. (whoops.. wrong unicorn) "Err. Unicorn sama ?"
  1901. She looks verry embarrased to have mixed up their families.
  1902. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1903. The white haired unicorn merely peers down at the monk and the larger Unicorn as they hopefully are making their way up. "Yes?" He had figured the Shugenja might have mixed up him and their Vindicator friend. Unicorn were pretty weird and foreign after all.
  1904. Tolta
  1905. ( i just realized that was to me ) takes whatever offered hand and goes up with them
  1906. Fu
  1907. the monk is known to be weird and seems not to care about touching other people and grabs the offered hand to proceed up
  1908. Shiba Nichie
  1909. She's strong for her size, and steps out as far as she dares to help the unicorn up
  1910. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1911. (( w h o a OMG guys they're holding hands))
  1912. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1913. (My fanfiction has finally come to pass.)
  1914.  
  1915. +
  1916.  
  1917.  
  1918.  
  1919. Shiba Nichie
  1920. (climb now, disinfect later)
  1921. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1922. (Monk X Horse)
  1923. Tolta
  1924. ( guess we are dating now. wear something nice, pick you up at 8 for dinner and the theater )
  1925. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1926. The ronin surely didn't seem to care, either, as her clothed and rough hands hoisted the monk upwards. Pretty confident at some point the Horiuchi was lifted by someone as well.
  1927.  
  1928. You scale the steep pathway and see a small winding dirt path, surely underused, to a small copse of bushes and minimal plateau in the mountains. Hanako raises her hand to indicate the party halt and she speaks under-breath. “Shh - Rabbit family there at the edge of the bushes. Tell me what color the largest one is,” she says back to the group. A difficult task, considering dusk has given way to twinkling night. (Roll Investigation/Perception (Notice) TN 20).
  1929.  
  1930. --
  1931. Hanako looks back at the party. “Family's lean – hasn’t eaten much this spring yet, but will feed at least four families on light rations for a day and a half. You’ll need to bring it down in one shot to preserve it for the trip.” (This section of the tutorial is about initiative, combat, and calling raises for effects/called shots. IF you’re comfortable with this, we can move along from here as well to pewpew some poor fauna.)
  1932. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1933. ((alright who's gonna shoot the bunny))
  1934. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1935. (You think there's only one? It's harvest time!)
  1936. Tolta
  1937. ( 22 on the roll )
  1938. ( it's the legendary white rabbit! )
  1939. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1940. ((what dice am i rolling if I dont have investigation?))
  1941. Fu
  1942. (12 to spot that is duck season)
  1943. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1944. (Raw Perception.)
  1945. Tolta
  1946. mutters "It is brown with a blonde tuft on the shoulders."
  1947. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1948. (Add unskilled, so like 3k3 unskilled show_dice)
  1949. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1950. ((2k2 for perception 2 right?))
  1951. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1952. (Correct.)
  1953. Shiba Nichie
  1954. (24.)
  1955. Jirozame Shinkai
  1956. ((33.))
  1957. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1958. The Unicorn squints at where the rabbits are, but shakes his head since he can't figure out which one is the biggest. ((12 roll, failing the 20))
  1959. Jirozame Shinkai
  1960. "Brown, blonde tuft. Hindquarters have white stippling."
  1961. Shiba Nichie
  1962. "jirozame san has very good eyes" she agrees
  1963. Tolta
  1964. notes
  1965. Ikoma Chiaki
  1966. Chiaki looks between the ronin and the Shiba and simply nods (15)
  1967. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1968. (Anyone need to go over init and combat stuff? It will help speed up things a little later if you need practice/ are unsure how the rolls or the flow of combat goes, 'cause Defcon likes to make combat pretty chaotic.)
  1969. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1970. ((Are you asking if we want to kill the wabbit?))
  1971. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1972. (You're killing the rabbit family here. I just want to know if we do it with initiative and combat rounds added in to help strengthen people's skills with combat.)
  1973. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1974. ((I have never fought so I'd like to give it a try))
  1975. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1976. (Press :thumbsup: for yes, you want to do all aspects of combat, or :thumbsdown: if you want to skip all that extra craziness)
  1977. (Sounds like a good reason to do combat!)
  1978. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1979. ((Forgive me, I'll try to be fast))
  1980. Tolta
  1981. ( don't matter to me, so if one wants i say do it )
  1982. Shiba Nichie
  1983. (please. Im rusty)
  1984. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1985. (Everyone roll Initiative: The roll is (Insight Rank + Reflexes/Reflexes), so a Rank 1 Bushi with Reflexes 3 will roll 4k3 - you may or may not have any way to adjust initiative; if you have Leadership, please let me know.)
  1986. Tolta
  1987. ( 23 init )
  1988. Fu
  1989. (21)
  1990. Shinjo Kurosawa
  1991. ((19))
  1992. Shiba Nichie
  1993. (22)
  1994. Ikoma Chiaki
  1995. (28)
  1996. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  1997. [Initiative Order: Shiba Todachi (38), Chiaki (28), Sasayaki (23), Nichie (22), Fu (21) , Kurosawa (19), Akodo (13), Ichiro (12) - Shinkai is sitting out maybe?, Fu can sit out if you want)]
  1998. Fu
  1999. (is afronted)
  2000. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2001. (Step 2: Declare Stances - tech before initiative, but whatevs. If you intend to shoot your bow, you will need to be in Attack Stance. Otherwise, you can declare whatever you want. The first go-around, our stances are determined before anyone starts acting, and in subsequent rounds you change your stance on your initiative. I will default assume Attack stance unless you are a shugenja who wants to go Defense against evil bunnies.)
  2002. Tolta
  2003. ( pew pew fingerguns )
  2004. Jirozame Shinkai
  2005. ((Sorry, cat distracted me.))
  2006. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2007. ((Attack stance..!))
  2008. Shiba Nichie
  2009. (attack)
  2010. Fu
  2011. (attack)
  2012. Ikoma Chiaki
  2013. ((Attack))
  2014. Jirozame Shinkai
  2015. ((Attack stance, no cheese necessary.))
  2016. Tolta
  2017. ( all shooting! whooo! )
  2018. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2019. (Going down the initiative line. You do not need to ready your bows. There are a good dozen rabbits, so everyone will have a target, and you have standard Willow Leaf arrows (2k2) unless you have something different in your starting kit. The Shiba will pew a rabbit, rolling 4k2 against a TN of 15 because they are weak and tired, with 1 called raise to try and make a snazzy shot.)
  2020.  
  2021. The Shiba looses an arrow and it sails - apparently he did not actually see the rabbits earlier, as the shot flies into the bush. (Missed.)
  2022. (Chiaki's action, Sasayaki on deck, Nichie on standby. Please have your posts as ready as possible - the TN to beat with your attack is 15 base.)
  2023. Ikoma Chiaki
  2024. (Delaying until after Kuro)
  2025. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2026. (Please ask questions or PM me if you have combat questions, including what to roll if you are not sure.)
  2027. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2028. (What's the maneuver to hit multiple targets?))
  2029. ((and what would the TN be))
  2030. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2031. (You are currently at a distance that, unless you have Water 4, you cannot move and attack this turn. There is not a maneuver to hit multiple targets that you'll have, currently. It's typically your school rank tech of 3.)
  2032. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2033. ((fug))
  2034. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2035. (We all gotta start somewhere. =D)
  2036. Tolta
  2037. He loosed the arrow. It was an ugly shot, but it found its mark. The arrow sunk into one of the rabbits, stopping the thing cold. (15 to hit, 15 dmg)
  2038. Fu
  2039. (there is a multiattack move but requires 5 raises which most people can't do because of void)
  2040. Ikoma Chiaki
  2041. (There is extra attack? But that's 5 raises)
  2042. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2043. ((For some reason I thought there was a maneuver to hit multiple targets, I'm crayz))
  2044. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2045. (That's why I wasn't explaining it, 'cause nobody here can do the maneuver.)
  2046. Ikoma Chiaki
  2047. (Fair)
  2048. Tolta
  2049. ( nichie's go )
  2050. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2051. The rabbit is struck by an arrow and collapses with a brief squeal.
  2052. (Nichie, Fu, Kurosawa/Chiaki)
  2053. Shiba Nichie
  2054. Nichie simply moves closer to the rabbits. (moving. Water 2)
  2055. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2056. (Fu's action, Kuro/Chiaki, then NPCs - Shinkai can roll init to figure otu where you are at so we can slip you in with the NPCs this round)
  2057. Fu
  2058. the monk looks around and ponders for a moment, then walks over to the shinjo, leans in very close to the unicorn, and simply breathes onto him, and for some reason this breath fills the unicorn with fire, and life, joys and thrills, love and happyiness (you get a free VP this round to use complex action to activate to the last breath kiho 33 vs tn 15)
  2059. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2060. The arrow hummed as it flew cleanly from Kurosawa's bow, before it's flight was cut short by a deep impact with a cute, fluffy bunny. ((Rolled 16, TN15))
  2061. ((oh shit I had mine pretyped))
  2062. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2063. (You hit with even more ZEST.)
  2064. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2065. ((That is a pretty cool move, I didnt know we could get buffs like that))
  2066. ((Do I reroll and rewrite))
  2067. Fu
  2068. (there are many paths to enlightenment)
  2069. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2070. (You can just roll an additional 1k1 and add the highest unkept dice, currently, to your roll. I'll explain that when you roll the 1k1. You can rewrite if you'd like to.)
  2071. (So you keep the 5 and rolled a 21)
  2072. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2073. ((rolled a 5, ah, ok, I can quickly write up a nicer post))
  2074. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2075. (K! While flavoring your post, Chiaki's action.)
  2076. Ikoma Chiaki
  2077. Waiting for most of her companions to pick targets, Chiaki finally sees one of her own and shoots at it with all the grace she can and missing (15 2 raises)
  2078. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2079. The shinjo closed his eyes for a moment as the monk's breath fills his body and soul with fire. His eyes reopened and he felt his emotions flooding through him, the joy of being outdoors and hunting returning with a great vigor. This was his element, out here, and while his author is unsure what kind of complex action to take, the Unicorn raised the bow, nocked the arrow back, and let the shaft of wood find it's soft, fuzzy target with ease.
  2080. ((I will need to look at the complex actions section of the book for future ref))
  2081. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2082. (Easiest thing to think of is you get one free action, usually a move + a complex action, usually an attack. Can have a lot of different free actions, but if you are in combat, it becomes a bit easier until you increase in school rank.)
  2083. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2084. ((Oh, so I could have moved and shot it?))
  2085. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2086. (It's more like a short-distance walk.)
  2087. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2088. ((I think we could be good friends Fu once I figure this out))
  2089. Tolta
  2090. ( i have to go for a bit. i will be back, but time to cook dinner for these wee heathens)
  2091. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2092. The Akodo's arrow misses - his left shoulder going slack as he looses the arrow in an atypical way. The Ichiro seemed inclined to throw the bow versus firing it as he jumped forward while firing his arrow to 'increase it's speed' - it didn't work.
  2093.  
  2094. (End of combat round; Reactions Phase - assuming nobody has Reactions actions (you'd know if you did, likely), we are now at the top of combat since I haven't gotten a response from the Shark.)
  2095.  
  2096. Initially surprised, the rabbits began to scatter - quite a few still left standing. They began to bound about, some running at an angle bringing them slightly closer to you, some running back the other direction towards the edge of the cliff.
  2097.  
  2098. (You are now within Water 2 + Free Move if you would like to strike a rabbit with your blade, or something else. We'll just do one more round of this.)
  2099. Jirozame Shinkai
  2100. ((Did you want me to take my shot or no?))
  2101. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2102. (Yeah. I didn't see you post init or anything so thought you zoned. We can redact and you can make a shot. There's still 10 rabbits of varying size.)
  2103. Shiba Nichie
  2104. (full atack on a grapple ok?)
  2105.  
  2106. +
  2107.  
  2108.  
  2109.  
  2110.  
  2111. Jirozame Shinkai
  2112. As the rabbits began to get shot, Shinkai nocks an arrow, draws it back, and sends it streaking out at the rabbit, catching it cleanly in the body and hopefully putting it down smoothly and relatively painlessly. ((20 to hit, 23 damage.))
  2113. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2114. (Murder.)
  2115. (Top of the round - Initiative Order: Shiba Todachi (38), Chiaki (28), Sasayaki (23), Nichie (22), Fu (21) , Kurosawa (19), Akodo (13), Shinkai (13), Ichiro (12)])
  2116. (Yes, you can FA/Grapple)
  2117. Another arrow - another cascading miss by the Shiba. His resolute expression does not falter even if surely his ancestors are frowning at him in a very spiritual manner.
  2118. (Chiaki's action, Sasayaki is AFK, so will go to Nichie, then Fu. Sasayaki can act whenever available.)
  2119. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2120. ((oh god is she gonna powerbomb a rabbit))
  2121. Ikoma Chiaki
  2122. ((Isn't Chiaki after Kuro now?))
  2123. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2124. (Your initiative doesn't actually change, you just elected to delay to Kuro)
  2125. Ikoma Chiaki
  2126. ((Thought places changed...))
  2127. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2128. (If you always want to wait until after Kuro, I'll move you in the initiative order. =3)
  2129. (Delaying your action has no impact on your actual initiative score, so you can always choose to go on your initiative order, or you can choose to always delay your turn until X time.)
  2130. (Pg. 81-82 =3)
  2131. Shiba Nichie
  2132. (im rusty on grapple. Agility/grapple yes? Tn? And then opposed strenght to hold it? Or is that on its initiative? And.. What does fa give me?)
  2133. Fu
  2134. (you spend a vp to swap init with someone chiaki)
  2135. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2136. ((oh shit you do??))
  2137. Fu
  2138. (
  2139. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2140. (You can spend a void point to swap initiative with another player, yes.)
  2141. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2142. ((did we spend void points then))
  2143. Ikoma Chiaki
  2144. With all the chaos around her the Ikoma made a tactical decision to not make any movements. (Full defence)
  2145. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2146. (Nah. No reason when there's no enemies between your two initiative actions.)
  2147. (Grapple is Jiujutsu+Agility/Agility for the first action - then, on the opponent's initiative (end of the round), you roll contetsed Jiujutsu+Strength/Strength to control)
  2148. Ikoma Chiaki
  2149. ((What's the FD roll? That the part I've forgotten))
  2150. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2151. (Full Defense is Defense + Reflexes/Reflexes - add half to your TNtbH. )
  2152. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2153. ((TNtbH?))
  2154. Fu
  2155. (you target number to be hit, your AC basically)
  2156. Ikoma Chiaki
  2157. (10. +5)
  2158. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2159. (TN to be Hit. Your (Reflexes X 3) +5 + Armor bonus)
  2160. (Usually.)
  2161. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2162. ((Oh, like our own personal TN? Okay, I gotcha))
  2163. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2164. (Full Defense is boosting to make it harder to hit.)
  2165. (Nichie's action, Fu on deck, Kuro on standby)
  2166. Shiba Nichie
  2167. Nichie runs all out towards a startled little rabbit and grabs for it, closing her hands around a suddenly struggeling bunny (27)
  2168. Fu
  2169. fu stands back from the unicorn and goes to the ikoma and simply stares through the basket on his head (i don't do anything else)
  2170. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2171. Nichie grabs the bunny - but who would win the inevitable control of the grapple as the bunny flared about wildly?!
  2172.  
  2173. (Kuro's action, then Shinkai/Akodo and Ichiro NPC, then Grapple resolution w/ Nichie)
  2174. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2175. The Shinjo doesn't feel as wonderful as before, but being in the outdoors, away from the castle, is still almost as magical. Another arrow is pulled back to his cheek, let loose, and lets the arrow fly forth into another fuzzy bunny (roll 20, tn15))
  2176. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2177. (Another bunny goes squeak. 4 down. Shinkai's action. Sasayaki whenever available.)
  2178. Fu
  2179. (sasa is family time cooking so ignore)
  2180. Jirozame Shinkai
  2181. Shinkai nocks another arrow and fires, taking down another rabbit cleanly. He's apparently rather good at this. ((25 to hit, 31 damage.))
  2182. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2183. The Akodo releases another arrow - it flies off and strikes one of the retreating rabbits in the shoulder, piercing through to the other side. A fine shot. The Ichiro looks at Nichie and gets inspired as he throws his bow down and charges one of the rabbits. A terrible sight - but he isn't able to keep up with the speedy little creature.
  2184. (Roll Jiujutsu+Strength/Strength and pleasegod do not lose a grapple against this rabbit, Nichie.)
  2185. Shiba Nichie
  2186. (27. If i lose... The rabbit deserve freedom)
  2187. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2188. (10. Would've exploded if he had skills! You can knock the rabbit out by doing damage, or you can throw it, or something)
  2189. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2190. ((so the rabbit also rolls when being grappled?))
  2191. Mushorai
  2192. (( Eat it's head, eat it's head, eat it's head. ))
  2193. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2194. (Hitting is the first part of a grapple. You then roll contested Jiujutsu/Strength to determine who actually controls the grapple.)
  2195. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2196. ((so theoretically, the rabbit could've grappled the Shiba?))
  2197. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2198. (Yes, but by default, it would just break the grapple because otherwise it's stupid.)
  2199. (Nichie's action?)
  2200. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2201. (Uh.)
  2202. Shiba Nichie
  2203. Nichie keeps hold of the rabbit as she realise she didn't think far. "um. Anyone have a bag?"
  2204. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2205. The last few rabbits scatter (because they have Swift 3 and run like 60ft and have Athletics 5 so they straight run down the mountainside >=|)
  2206.  
  2207. There is a scoffing laugh from the Hiruma - the first indication that he has a sense of humor, even if it's not the most pleasant. Hanako, however, seems absolutely thrilled. "Well, not exactly food for days for entire families, but ... there will be at least some who are happy," she says, trying to put a positive spin. She looked at Nichie - "We did not bring bags for you, but I can ... retain it," she said.
  2208. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2209. ((Can I offer my travelling pack to put it in?))
  2210. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2211. (If you have it with you, sure. You were to travel light, but horse-people do have horses to carry things.)
  2212. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2213. ((It's empty so it'll be perfect))
  2214. The Shinjo offers his travel pack to the Shiba samurai-ko. "This should... keep it, until it's needed."
  2215. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2216. (Heroes, one and all!)
  2217. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2218. ((We will find a use for this rabbit))
  2219. Shiba Nichie
  2220. She puts the rabbit in the basket and bows. "im ever so greatfull for your aid." a bow to hanako too "and your offer, of course, thank you"
  2221. Tolta
  2222. ( who ded )
  2223. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2224. (Tutorial complete! Now, we move on!)
  2225.  
  2226. +
  2227.  
  2228.  
  2229.  
  2230. Shiba Nichie
  2231. (breeding!)
  2232. Tolta
  2233. ( perfect timing )
  2234. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2235. ((Oh shit the safe part is over))
  2236. Tolta
  2237. ( garlic/rosemary tortalinni, rose wine vinegrette salad, herb toast. you guys should have swung by )
  2238. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2239. The long trek down to the base of the mountain was finally at an end sometime in the middle of the night. Clouds obscured what little light seemed to rise from the face of Lord Moon, ensuring that your movements were well-sheltered. Masabi paused your squad and looked back at you: “From this point, capture means death, choose how it happens, but if you are taken, I will ensure you do not have the chance to reveal any information.” A bit dark, but it seemed that it was understood that nobody allow themselves to be captured by the forces of the Great Enemy. Still, for many who had spent years on the run, it was a sobering bit of knowledge if it wasn’t already at the forefront of each member’s mind. Akodo Tsunari spoke low under-breath: “There is but one option to pay the scales against the price of failure.” What a spaz.
  2240.  
  2241. Your party traveled south and you would see the large opening path that cut through the mountains leading back to the sanctity of the Rebellion’s one true safe zone on mainland Rokugan. Your progress was agonizingly slow, and worse of all there was no conversation to pass the time as there was an oppressive weight of uncertainty that choked words, even idle conversation.
  2242. Other groups had left at approximately the same time as you, however none were seen – your little party felt well and truly abandoned on the rolling plains that joined the Spine of the World Mountains as you saw the blinking lights of Quiet Stream Village. Your Hiruma guide seemed to be moving out further and further ahead of you, while your ronin guide moved the group further apart, but she moved between you all as you continued your approach.
  2243.  
  2244. As you approached a small hut well outside of the village’s boundaries, Hanako would pause and lightly tap on the hut. The damaged paper door slightly slid open, and standing there was Mushorai. The two ronin spoke for a moment: "Everything secure?" she asked the other ronin. She ushered the group within quickly, as they were now within the eyes of the village itself.
  2245.  
  2246. Within the hut were scattered piles of detritus. Turning over debris, there were small piles of heimin attire wrapped haphazardly – meant to appear abandoned. “Change quickly. Use the dividing wall as cover.” Changing to peasant attire – for those that were more fashionably attired than the ronin among you, you are able to use bundled sticks and rice stalks to conceal your weaponry. It is an unnatural feeling for some who had grown up without ever missing a blade at their side, but it was once again a requisite part of your task this evening.
  2247. Once you were collected and the group had formed at the foyer of the small hut, the Hiruma would come back to the group, having scouted ahead. He spoke with Hanako, who looked to you all to speak: “We need ta ‘pproach the village now – we can come in from the east and follow the road into the village, making it obvious we are arrivin’, or we can come in from the south and follow the rise of a hill so that we will come out right by the storage warehouse. Both are secure right now – whichever we take, other parties will approach from another direction.” Hanako looks at the group to let them discuss.
  2248. (Decision time! Talk among yourself - also so Mushorai can get an actual introduction. You can either move from the south or the east, and whatever you do, the other group will be forced into the other path.)
  2249. Tolta
  2250. "Why sneak when you can strut?" his only opinion on the matter
  2251. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2252. (Also, you still have horses, because why not.)
  2253. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2254. ((fuck ye))
  2255. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2256. (But they are now disguised as two peasants standing next to each other.)
  2257. Shiba Nichie
  2258. She looks to the Ikoma.
  2259. Ikoma Chiaki
  2260. "The direct approach would be this one's preference too"
  2261. Fu
  2262. there is but one path we can take, let those who would wither from the light of piousness be cast aside by our approach the monk says with utmost confidence
  2263. Shiba Nichie
  2264. Horses do better when not seen "
  2265. Tolta
  2266. does not understand the shiba, with the implications, does not want to understand the shiba
  2267. Mushorai
  2268. Mushorai had nodded to Hanako, both in greeting and affirmation. Tall and lanky, the ronin has severe features bracketed by a black mustache and a weedy goatee. Strapped to the obi of his outfit is a battered and worn full-face mask made from metal, it's features that of a grimacing demon. As part of the peasant outfit, he tucks it away beneath folds of cloth. He scratches at his beard, does his best to execute a polite bow," Name's Mushorai. Glad to see you folks. And well, I figure it sounds like we're taking the direct route. Means the other squad gets the safer, more circumspect route, too boot." He casts an eye at the horses, " Those coming with? "
  2269. Tolta
  2270. glances at the ronin's weapons of station "Those coming with?"
  2271. Jirozame Shinkai
  2272. ((Unfortunately, I need to go. Small emergency. I think you could just as easily say Shinkai scouts about outside.))
  2273. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2274. The Shinjo stowed the pack containing the bunny on his back; it was unhappy, but safe. The rolling plains were vast, and empty, but here he felt almost at home. If anything, he was more comfortable out here than even inside the Castle, minus the whole risk of dying and death out here. He didn't let that escape his mind. When the time and place was appropriate, he cast off his kimono and slipped into ragged dark brown peasant garb, the rough fabric scratching his skin. A scowl formed on his face, and he idly scratched himself before stopping. Now, he was with the group, listening to their discussion. They could sneak, but that'd look suspicious, peasants sneaking around. A stick, supposed to conceal his weapons, stabbed his arm as he shifted positions, before speaking. "Peasants do not sneak unless they are up to no good. And peasants do not have well groomed and handsome horses. We should leave them behind." MAN IT SUCKED TELLING THE TRUTH.
  2275. Fu
  2276. takes the direct approach
  2277. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2278. ((forgive me brother))
  2279. Tolta
  2280. ( throws shade )
  2281. Mushorai
  2282. Mushorai tilts his head in the direction of Kurosawa. " Flexibility is a hard lesson, Shinjo-san."
  2283. Shiba Nichie
  2284. She bows to the shinjo. "your wisdom is as great as your kindness"
  2285. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2286. ((I'm taking the damn rabbit though))
  2287. ((Aw shit I know what I need to do))
  2288. Tolta
  2289. ( stares gaijin daggers at the shinjo )
  2290. ( you do realize my horse could kick all our asses )
  2291. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2292. The smaller Unicorn made a pained face and did not look the larger Unicorn in the eyes. "Shiba-san, do you have any water?"
  2293. Tolta
  2294. muttering obscinities in several gaijin launguages Sasa dismounts. He checks to make sure he had the whistle and made sure Uma was safe and comfortable, all the while spouting
  2295. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2296. ((Yeah but can it kick all of the bad guys' asses- wait you have a Utaku horse?))
  2297. Tolta
  2298. ( booyah )
  2299. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2300. ((yo gimme the hook up bro))
  2301. Tolta
  2302. "You'll be fine, just hang here while i make sure these guys are ok." he reassured the animal, a quick glance to Fu was all the monk needed to read his mind
  2303. Shiba Nichie
  2304. She hands over a drinkingbottle
  2305. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2306. The Unicorn sighed and hoped it did not come from their drinking water supply. He excused himself, stepped outside, and poured the water into a small patch of dusty dirt. Once it was sufficiently muddy, he knelt down and planted his head in it, mixing it deeply into his hair to hide it's white, gorgeous color.
  2307. Shiba Nichie
  2308. "will this do, or do you wish for more?"
  2309. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2310. ((SIGH))
  2311. Mushorai
  2312. " Smart. Real smart. "
  2313. Shiba Nichie
  2314. She blinks. "ah. Does shinjo san have some mud to spare, perhaps?" she seems definitely hopeful that the answer will be no
  2315. Tolta
  2316. watches the others dirty themselves with some amusement, oh the stories later
  2317. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2318. "It's been too long since I've seen a clean, white haired peasant." He daubed his cheeks with a narrow streak of mud, and made sure his hair was unrecognizable. "I have plenty, Shiba-san." He bowed in thanks at Mushorai. Didn't he drink with this guy? He looked kinda familiar.
  2319. ((get in there unicorn-sama unless you're already dirty :wink: ))
  2320. Shiba Nichie
  2321. She takes a bit of mud and dirties her face and hands.
  2322. Tolta
  2323. ( dare you to tell the vindicator to dirty himself like a peasant )
  2324. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2325. (Preparing to move on!)
  2326. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2327. ((maybe if my character had compulsion: suicide))
  2328. ((go for it))
  2329. Tolta
  2330. ( already wearing their garb, that is humilating enough )
  2331. Mushorai
  2332. Mushorai picks up a bundle of long sticks, slings it over his back onto both shoulders as is correct for a peasant. He's ready.
  2333. Fu
  2334. the monk simply watch what samurai think peasants look like as he himself is not of the buke
  2335. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2336. "Good instincts," the Hiruma said. The little party of peasants would congregate, horses stowed in the hut for an easy, if necessary, escape. The party was led by the now bedecked Hiruma in peasant attire as they wandered into town. Almost instantly, they angled and the path they were taking was clearly leading them to the headman's hut. The party would look a -little- suspicious, but because of the late hour, it was easy enough for the large group to move as if coming in from an excessively late work shift. The Hiruma walked up to the headman's hut and rapped on the wooden frame of the door lightly. Tap - taptap - taptap - tap - taptaptap
  2337. A light went on inside the hut and the door slid open partially - standing there was an aged man in what was clearly his twilight years. A candle illminated his wrinkled visage as he looked at the large group and then stepped back to let you all inside.
  2338. When inside, the Hiruma looked at the headman. "Well?" he asked, as if that was all that was required. The old man bowed profusely. "Samurai-sama - We need to talk. It's important, the Tax Collector came before the harvest this year to figure what would be owed in advance. We were not prepared. There were members of the resistance in the town at the time and someone in the village showed the Magistrate a hidden food supply. Several ..." The old man stopped, not wanting to reveal everything as the Hiruma silently stared at him. Hanako was preparing to intercede, though she looked to the party for a moment. A brief bit of hesitation.
  2339.  
  2340.  
  2341. +
  2342.  
  2343. Tolta
  2344. just watches the proceedings, hanging out by the door in case of interlopers
  2345. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2346. ((oh thank god the courtier is here to carry the talk))
  2347. ((hi chiaki))
  2348. Fu
  2349. (you think the monk can't talk, offended)
  2350. Tolta
  2351. ( the investigator can't either, splash damage)
  2352. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2353. The Unicorn stews underneath his rapidly drying mud disguise, but also doesn't know what to say. Was he supposed to apologize for the terrible surprise? This was his weak point, luckily it wasn't real bad guys they were talking to yet.
  2354. Ikoma Chiaki
  2355. Chiaki nods as the headsman started the tale. "Several? Please do go on. It's important you tell us."
  2356. Shiba Nichie
  2357. tries to quietly fade into the background
  2358. Mushorai
  2359. Mushorai has leaned the bundle of sticks next to the door. " We can help better the more we know, uncle," the ronin says, using a polite term for an older man, age being something that should be respected.
  2360. Ikoma Chiaki
  2361. Chiaki gives a nod at the Ronin's words
  2362. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2363. The headman rocked slightly, his hands wrapping over one another as he rubbed his palms together, then squeezed his fists. A clear sign he was nervous.
  2364.  
  2365. "A member of the Legion came with the Magistrate. They took your members. I fear ... I fear that they did not wish to be captured, but we did not see them leave the town. They must all still ... they are here somewhere in the town," the headman said, pushing through his clear concern.
  2366. Tolta
  2367. ( just cause i'm dumb... he means a fu leng tax collector right? and hidden foods being for the resistence? i'm sure it was covered.... )
  2368. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2369. (Correcto.)
  2370. Tolta
  2371. "Have any messengers been dispatched from them, or this place about them?"
  2372. he spoke up, but only loud enough to be heard
  2373. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2374. Kurosawa observes, watching the Ronin and the Lion talk to the headman. The other Unicorn, the Shiba and the Monk seemed to have held back as he had. More importantly, he paid particular attention to how the headman spoke, and as the rest of the group began to speak to the headman, he would make sure to note how he talked.
  2375. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2376. (Investigation(Notice)/Perception, TN 25, anyone who wishes to roll. Contested w Deceit if you have advantages/traits)
  2377. Fu
  2378. the monk is there to watch the samurai and how they trud through the path to inner peace and observes
  2379. Tolta
  2380. ( 19. the DR is not my friend today. )
  2381. Shiba Nichie
  2382. (20) She glances at the headman then towards the door/windows. Not quite managing to pay attention to the heimin right now
  2383. Ikoma Chiaki
  2384. "It's alright. Can you describe what you saw." (Chiaki would also like to get a general feeling of the peasant's feeling towards her, if she can.))
  2385. Mushorai
  2386. " There can't be many places for them to hide. If they took our comrades alive, there will be... noises."
  2387. Ikoma Chiaki
  2388. "In any more detail"
  2389. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2390. (Can I get you to roll for me, Chiaki? Will play into your intent of gauging his feeling.)
  2391. Ikoma Chiaki
  2392. ((Investigation? And if so do I get Inner Gift bonus?))
  2393. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2394. (Let's switch to Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness with the +1k1)
  2395. Tolta
  2396. checks his.... peasant pockets, and upon finding his pipe, glances at the monk and gestures with his head 'outside?'
  2397. Ikoma Chiaki
  2398. (29)
  2399. Fu
  2400. the monk moves with the unicorn outside, and proceeds to be on "lookout duty"
  2401. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2402. ((I must make some dinner, but I'll be on my phone paying attention ))
  2403. Tolta
  2404. ( sasa is just going to sit across the street and watch the building with the monk. relevant info will be passed by the others, so we will just watch the place being all 'idle peasant' )
  2405. idle conversation with a monk while smoking, looks legit
  2406. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2407. The headman begins to perspire more. He seems - averse to looking at Chiaki - his eyes seem to default to Mushorai. "It was terrible. They came into the village - my hut - they swore they knew we were assisting some force and that if they didn't learn which peasants recently came to town, then they would take everything from all of us. I - it wasn't that I revealed anyone, samurai-sama. It was just who was new to the village. The dark samurai - taller than my hut - he had violence in his eyes and would have .... he would have."
  2408.  
  2409. A sudden little glimpse of desperation as the group began to move outside. The headman had started to move back into the corner of his hut.
  2410. Shiba Nichie
  2411. Nichie tries to be quite unobtrusive as she slips towards that corner too. leaving the talking to the Ikoma, but well. she too likes dark corners.
  2412. Ikoma Chiaki
  2413. "Calm, calm. There are many that won't stand up to such a force." Chiaki chimes, trying to soothe the peasant.
  2414. Tolta
  2415. "Violence is the only thing many understand, the only thing that can spur someone to act. Sometimes violence is warranted." a hard look at the peasant as he is exiting "And the weak would do well to remember it." emphasis on weak, and he heads out with the monk
  2416. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2417. The Hiruma slips free of the tent. This is clearly not his scene, either. He looked at the nearest huts and the small group that had filed out of the headman's hut. "They are here somewhere. We will need to search if the headman won't reveal them," Masabi said.
  2418. Mushorai
  2419. The ronin looks into the middle distance briefly, and then swats at the air as if he were shooing a fly. " You protected your village with what you had at hand, and all you had was compliance. They shouldn't have been taken. That isn't your fault. Nothing they have learned will have gained them anything, uncle, and they will threaten no one, ever again. If you know where they're hidden, we can finish this tonight. The traitors are those who serve the Corpse King. You are a good man, uncle," Mushorai has changed the way he stands, his posture. It's... defiant?
  2420. Tolta
  2421. outside he mutters as he fills and lights the pipe "And violence is owed to traitors." he spit on the ground at the thought of members of the resistance being captured because of a scared peasant
  2422. Ikoma Chiaki
  2423. Chiaki nods. "Mushorai-san here is right. We can do all this in a night and begone with your village safer for our trip."
  2424. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2425. The headman still seemed committed to knowledge that his time was soon. He looked at Chiaki with terribly aged eyes - droopy lower lids with wrinkles that were caked in the earth and the weight of his position. "I don't .... they were in the western storage room when they were walking your allies away - but they didn't leave. No, they are still here," he repeated. His mantra, of sorts. "The supplies - they are looking for the large cache. There aren't any ways into that but the one entry. They have numbers - doshin under the dark magistrate. I don't..."
  2426.  
  2427. Hanako seemed to look off towards the door - her large hat moving the only indication her head had turned. "We need to move. We wish good will on this village, but one time may show a trait that puts us all in danger. Make a decision on what we do with the man and then we need to go."
  2428. Shiba Nichie
  2429. Softly "what did they do to you?" she asks the headman
  2430. Mushorai
  2431. " He suffers his punishment already; look at him. A good man who had to make an impossible choice. Let's go," is what Mushorai says, and again, he makes a gesture like waving away an annoying gnat.
  2432. Ikoma Chiaki
  2433. Chiaki nods. "Tell the others where there are and what they against." She says to the room in general
  2434. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2435. Kuro stews, and checks his daisho, and bow so that they remain concealed while his author makes dinner.
  2436. Tolta
  2437. "Hey Fu?" while the kept a watch out "Which is greater, Compassion or Duty?"
  2438. Fu
  2439. depends, does this concern a samurai or one of the thousand other people that live in the empire?
  2440. Tolta
  2441. "Let's say a hemin that, through fear, can't keep his trap shut and causes undue duress to others."
  2442. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2443. ((oooooooooh))
  2444. Fu
  2445. well only samurai are bound to the virues of bushido so one can't hold up a hemin to the same standard, life is what matters most then
  2446. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2447. Hanako slips between the awning of the door, as if trying to be the middleperson to share info between the two groups. "We need to get them out of that hut. It isn't good to charge in there if they have equal numbers. Bad stuff there, you're not ready for that. But, if they are drawn out, and we are prepared like in the mountains, we can catch them by surprise. One of the other patrols could make a distraction to draw them out..."
  2448. Tolta
  2449. "So the sin is to be forgiven because there is no soul to cleanse? does that not mean the person therefore is only as valuable as their actions, there being no higher or deeper meaning to their existance?"
  2450. Shiba Nichie
  2451. "if we are prepared I can offer some smal blessing and part of my fire to another."
  2452. Tolta
  2453. ( me and the shinjo just get mounted up and ride into town -> distraction complete. )
  2454. Mushorai
  2455. " A lure, and then we fall on them. Works. And if any of them try to break through and escape, the Unicorn can mount up and run them down before they can reach anywhere of note."
  2456. Fu
  2457. hemin has souls, but only partly so, they provide life to the empire by providing food, clothes, fuel for the fires that keep us warm in the winter, and some do try to follow bushido and they take up the mantle of ashigaru after all
  2458. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2459. ((aw shit))
  2460. Tolta
  2461. "So where is the line between worth and cost?"
  2462. Ikoma Chiaki
  2463. "Agreed." Chiaki nods. "Would you be willing to risk your life again to help us?" She asks the headman
  2464. Shiba Nichie
  2465. She looks to Chiaki "Who would you recommend? one of the unicorns would be easier.. If they permit it"
  2466. Fu
  2467. is it compassionate to reward an elderly man comfort during his last days of life after years and years of service or is it your duty to keep him from long agonizing life because he's crippled himself from years working the rice fields?
  2468. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2469. The headman looked at Chiaki. It was clear he got this far in life because he was the least risk-taking of his peer group. However, he had that fatalistic look in his eye. "I would .... rather assist the true Rokugani than these ... violent dark servants. Since you have shown regard to protect this village, I would like to protect this village as well and my family. Any way I can do this, samurai-sama, I wish to."
  2470. Mushorai
  2471. " One of the other patrols. Could make a distraction. To draw them out," Mushorai enunciates and repeats while dismantling the bundle of wooden sticks he'd carried earlier near the door where it leans, and pulls his worn and battered bisento from within the concealment of the bundle.
  2472.  
  2473.  
  2474. +
  2475.  
  2476. Tolta
  2477. "While we care for the elderly, there does come a time for us all, and we should each be willing to set ourselves aside for the empire at large."
  2478. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2479. (if I'm following this correctly, are they wanting a unicorn to distract?))
  2480. Mushorai
  2481. (( I'm pretty sure that one of the other patrols could make a distraction to draw them out. ))
  2482. Ikoma Chiaki
  2483. Chiaki nods. "Such resolve would surely be favoured by the kami and worthy of celebration, would it not Shiba-sama? You are the Shugenja amoung us."
  2484. Fu
  2485. but which empire, the empire of old, or the empire of cruelty? does the wheel of rebirth still happen which the heavens closed off from man?
  2486. Tolta
  2487. (think it was us chasing down runners )
  2488. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2489. ((oh shit I love chasing down runners))
  2490. Tolta
  2491. ( and dragging the bodies a few towns over to belay suspicions )
  2492. ( >.> )
  2493. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2494. (There are a few groups out here around the village - you don't need to handle everything. To create the illusion of a bunch of simultaneous scenes, the easiest way to accomplish it is for you all to do your part, the other groups to do their parts, and then a final resolution to occur!)
  2495. Mushorai
  2496. (( Don't ruin the stage magic. ))
  2497. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2498. (Think bigger, like an organized group. A rebellion, if you will. The NPCs are testing you, so it's important to be proactive.)
  2499. Shiba Nichie
  2500. "of course it will . with such courage on our side we will surely be blessed"
  2501. Tolta
  2502. ( other group sets a fire as a distraction then ambushes the few who go see. we seal team 6 the remaining guys and commence operation 'save resistance ass' )
  2503. Mushorai
  2504. " Do we have a runner to send to another group, to let them know we need something big and loud?," Mushorai asks Hanako.
  2505. Tolta
  2506. (after we throw the bodies in the, already burning, building. dusts hands )
  2507. ( can one of you mages summon marshmellows? )
  2508. Shiba Nichie
  2509. "if I know someone in the group you wish to send the message to, we do not need a runner, I will send a bird"
  2510. (So, Defcon, do I know someone by name/well enough in another group to send a message via Kaze no Kami?)
  2511. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2512. is totally faster than a bird
  2513. Ikoma Chiaki
  2514. Chiaki nods. "Then we need you to help with the distraction. Carry messages to our other groups to make the distraction and then inform the enemy of the presence of the distraction. Will you do this?" She asks. Hoping to find resolve in the peasant's eyes
  2515. Shiba Nichie
  2516. thinking for a moment "I believe I saw Hida sama, when we were getting ready. I can send him a bird" "what exactly should I say?
  2517. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2518. The other few samurai who were collected seemed to mill about outside. The Akodo was becoming restless. "Battle waits before us; the legacy of Akodo-no-Kami is one of decisive action and commanding the battlefield."
  2519. Tolta
  2520. "You are talking above my paygrade." to Fu as he taps out ash and after taking a long look at the lack of people leaving the hut, refills it
  2521. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2522. The headman looks at Chiaki. Nothing about him suggests he isn't physically capable of the job - and him moving about the village would not be -too- odd, though it is in the middle of the night. But, the question, despite being a question by the Ikoma, was certainly not taken to be a question by the aged man. "I will fulfill this task you have trusted me with, samurai-sama," the headman says with a bow - a few creaks in the joints accompanying.
  2523. Tolta
  2524. "Patience is also taught Akodo-san. We simply wait for the right time to strike."
  2525. Shiba Nichie
  2526. Softly. "So the plan is that headman san here carry some messages, I send a message to hida sama and we ambush them when they come out. ?" then to the heimin "would you show us where the place is, and advice on where we could be hiden for a few moments you know the village best?"
  2527. "and again. what messge do I give hida sama?"
  2528. Mushorai
  2529. " That we need a distraction. Big and loud. Something to draw the traitors out of [the location that they're in]."
  2530. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2531. is just standing... on the eeeeeedge, observing the group work and plot together, and hopefully he'll hop onto an active role soon.
  2532. Shiba Nichie
  2533. Waits for Chiaki's confirmation
  2534. Ikoma Chiaki
  2535. Chiaki nods, turning to Nichie. "And we must choose the place, but as Shiba-sama said. Few will help us more with that choice the the village headman"
  2536. Shiba Nichie
  2537. "how long do I ask them to wait to let us get into place? 5 minutes? 15?" She takes out her spellscrolls and chose one tied in light blue ribbons.
  2538. Mushorai
  2539. " It's not a complicated ambush. They're coming outside the hut. We wait in nearby huts. Hit them from both sides as they go past. The main thing is making sure the distraction draws them along the right path, so we can pinch them. "
  2540. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2541. Hanako looked at Mushorai for a moment. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere for the time being. "We need to be unseen. Runners tend to ruin that. The plan they have offered'll be fine. If it all falls apart, we retreat, as we always do."
  2542. Ikoma Chiaki
  2543. "Hai. It should only take a few minutes to get set."
  2544. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2545. (People coming up with battle plans: Roll Battle (Skirmish)/Perception. OH YEAH THAT EMPHASIS DOES EXIST.)
  2546. Ikoma Chiaki
  2547. ((...))
  2548. Shiba Nichie
  2549. (voiding)
  2550. (the dice love me. No skill.. and 27)
  2551. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2552. (Battulmage.)
  2553. Ikoma Chiaki
  2554. ((13?))
  2555. Mushorai
  2556. (( Garbage. Two ranks, voided, 14. ))
  2557. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2558. (Any Bushi getting in on this?)
  2559. Fu
  2560. (no)
  2561. Shiba Nichie
  2562. (I'm quite positive that the Ikoma's plan, as rechecked with the Shiba, was totally a 27. nods it's HER plan. I just fleshed it out. and corrected a few things)
  2563. Tolta
  2564. ( outside )
  2565. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2566. ((I'm the muscle and speed, not the brains))
  2567. Tolta
  2568. ( that's the same thing your wife said when i asked why she liked you Kurosawa-san! XD )
  2569. Shiba Nichie
  2570. "the hut he's been talking about is separate from the two nearest row-houses. But it would make a real good ambush spot to occupy either row house as whoever we are fighting travels down the main road towards the headman's hut. A real pincer maneuver. I think this is a brilliant plan you two came up with." Quietly shuffeling the credit over on the two lions.
  2571. then she casts the air spell and asks the air kami to bring the message to hida sama. Explaining the situation briefly, where they will be in position and what they need from his team. and in how many minutes.
  2572. Ikoma Chiaki
  2573. Chiaki nods. "Hai, I recalled seeing them."
  2574. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2575. (You'll all love this. I need a cooperative stealth roll from Shork-guy. +14 to the roll.)
  2576. Tolta
  2577. ( i will be getting the horses )
  2578. ( putting them behind the next house over should suffice )
  2579. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2580. ((shark had a minor emergency that's why he gone))
  2581. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2582. (I recall this, now.)
  2583. Shiba Nichie
  2584. (eeep)
  2585. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2586. (I'll have one of you roll instead. One moment.)
  2587. Tolta
  2588. ( we should figure out who is where. are we all in one of the side houses, assuming another group is in the one across the way? )
  2589. Mushorai
  2590. (( The other groups are other places doing other things. ))
  2591. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2592. is following Sasayaki-sama uwu
  2593. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2594. (You are the ambush. Another group is the lure.)
  2595. Tolta
  2596. ( so we need to split between the 2 adjacent houses? )
  2597. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2598. ( :thumbsup: )
  2599. Tolta
  2600. ( Rule 1. )
  2601. ( refuses )
  2602. ( Rule 1: Don't split the party. )
  2603. ( Rule 2: DON'T SPLIT THE PARTY )
  2604. Fu
  2605. (rule 3: always split the party)
  2606.  
  2607.  
  2608. +
  2609.  
  2610. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2611. (You've got 5 NPCs. :thinker: ) Don't help the players.
  2612. Tolta
  2613. ( Rule 3 is: don't give the GM ideas on how to F the characters )
  2614. Shiba Nichie
  2615. "Shinjo sama, may I return the kindness you have shown me with a few blessings from the kami?" "also should you, I and mushorai sama be on the one side, and the others in the other side, OR would it be better to have both mounted people on the same side and the rest opposite?
  2616. (we could do a PC/NPC split! )
  2617. Tolta
  2618. ( excellent )
  2619. Mushorai
  2620. “ Masabi in one house, Hanako in the other. With Masabi, the Akodo Tsunari, Shiba Todachi and Ichro Kyo. With Hanako, the rest of us. So ka? “
  2621. Tolta
  2622. ( then when they screw it up we are clear XD )
  2623. Fu
  2624. we shall be the light against the dark, the flame that can not be blown out by the winds of destruction the monk says to the group
  2625. Shiba Nichie
  2626. "A very good plan" Starts getting into place. Preparing the two prayers she will use to ask for aid for the kind Unicorn that may not leave her WALKING on the way home.
  2627. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2628. ((alright so quick rundown is; the PCs are in one house, the NPCs are in the other, preparing to ambush a group?))
  2629. Mushorai
  2630. (( PCs plus one NPC in one house; the other house is all NPCs, yes. ))
  2631. Shiba Nichie
  2632. (yepp and you getting scrolls waved at you )
  2633. Fu
  2634. (lets BE the distraction, nothing could go wrong)
  2635. Tolta
  2636. Waits, happy to be in the saddle once more. The ambush was coming, and even Uma was eager, fighting against the reigns slightly. He soothed her quietly "Shhh. soon enough you can stomp fire from something."
  2637. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2638. The Unicorn bows his head. "I humbly and honorably," was he doing that right?, "Accept your blessings, Shiba-san." The rest of the plan has been confirmed.
  2639. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2640. (Just FYI, since the other group hasn't done their portion yet, we are not doing another combat this evening - the scene has run its length and will naturally cut off right ...) Under the instructive words of Hanako, your group begins to move to the northern row house. The Unicorn were sent back to retrieve their mounts and wait behind the house for when they could run down, or pepper, whatever comes out of the building. The samurai otherwise crouch just inside - some peasant families are within the house, but they did not stir from being awake, quiet as your party is. Like you were part of the shadow, your group crouches in place. Now, the only thing to wait for was the distraction.
  2641. It came suddenly - the distraction that would hopefully pull your enemy before you into your perfectly organized and planned ambush. And that distraction was .... (/Scene)
  2642. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2643. ((AAAAAAA))
  2644. Tolta
  2645. ( ty def )
  2646. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2647. ( <3 . You will find out the resolution tomorrow evening and, if available, might get thrown into a combat.)
  2648. Tolta
  2649. ( will be around )
  2650. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2651. ((thanks Defcon <3))
  2652. Mushorai
  2653. (( Missing out on the combat. Darn. ))
  2654. Shiba Nichie
  2655. *awesome.(
  2656. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2657. (Sorry we had to end before exciting stuff. Lots of tutorial to get through. Same will happen for the other group.)
  2658. Shiba Nichie
  2659. (thank you very much for the tutorials!
  2660. you are and awesome GM)
  2661. Ikoma Chiaki
  2662. (( Thanks for the scene!))
  2663. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2664. (Jesus this form is way long.
  2665.  
  2666. Do it anyways, even though things ended in the middle!)
  2667.  
  2668. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJfX1OdjUlTQB-5s5cCTqIQCEm8CvkWUd7uZzGFJvMBW5J9w/viewform
  2669. Google Docs
  2670. FRO X: Post Scene Template
  2671. This form is an exit ticket for the scene stated above. Please take some time to fill out this form so the staff of FRO 10 can know how we are doing and what we can improve.
  2672. (Oh, and Defcon doesn't do scene locks if I can't help it. Just don't refer to stuff you did tonight in other scenes until you get the go-ahead.)
  2673. (We operate by Time Cop rules, here.)
  2674. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2675. (danke)
  2676. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2677. ( @here - posting the last post from the previous group for continuity/flow)
  2678. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2679. Oh shit
  2680. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2681. Under the instructive words of Hanako, your group (the ambushing party) begins to move to the northern row house. The Unicorn were sent back to retrieve their mounts and wait behind the house for when they could run down, or pepper, whatever comes out of the building. The samurai otherwise crouch just inside - some peasant families are within the house, but they did not stir from being awake, quiet as your party is. Like you were part of the shadow, your group crouches in place. Now, the only thing to wait for was the distraction.
  2682.  
  2683. It came suddenly - the distraction that would hopefully pull your enemy before you into your perfectly organized and planned ambush. And that distraction was ....
  2684. (TOGHRUL I UNLEASH YOU!)
  2685. Lionheart
  2686. Toghrul charges straight into the village center on horseback. A furious sprint that destroys a large pile of baskets underfoot just as he reaches his destination. All eyes on this crazy (seemingly heimin) man atop the largest horse these villagers have ever seen. “Heimin of rokugan please heed my call! This magistrate is nothing more than a thug robbing you of your collective toil! A cursed fool who eats away at the soul of the empire and corrupts the very earth under his feet! You’ve all heard the rumors. You’ve all felt the fortune’s distain! This bandit is the source of your woes! A blight on the heaven’s that you must be rid of. Rise up people of rokugan! Destroy this pretender! Break the dark lord’s chains! Take back what is ours! Death to the magistrate!!!” (30 courtier)
  2687. Iori
  2688. Iori is nearby, trying to at least seem somewhat subtle despite being forced into the uncomfortable position of 'not comfortably stealthy.'
  2689. Ikoma Chiaki
  2690. Sitting where she is, Chiaki frowns slightly to herself. Still, they made sure they would come out she mused
  2691. Shiba Nichie
  2692. Clutching her scroll, she tries to judge who is within range of her prayer, and who will benefit.
  2693. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2694. The formerly white haired Shinjo is in position, blessed with the Courage of the 7 Thunders from the Shiba Shugenja, now perched upon his horse and hidden in the lee of a peasants hut, awaiting the signal to be unleashed upon their (hopefully) unsuspecting targets.
  2695. (I still have the rabbit in my pack)
  2696. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2697. Bellowing laughter - laughter that seemed to shake the walls of the village - resounded through the square as a small group of peasant-appearing surely-samurai grew into a small formation. The laughter resounded from a Unicorn samurai with wild black beard and a scimitar in each bear-like hand, both held aloft. The Moto was a short distance behind the Ide and his blades began to sing as they cut through air.
  2698.  
  2699. "THIS VILLAGE KNOWS NO MASTER WHO HAS TASTED DARKNESS!" the wild-looking totally-not-a-samurai peasant-with-swords shouted his short distance behind the Ide.
  2700.  
  2701. Eight total appeared to be visible from the ambusher's location, though one in particular seemed more inclined to hug the wall of nearby buildings (Iori), while others drew blades and stood, waiting at the edge of the short distance to the shelter that housed the magistrate.
  2702.  
  2703. It was not long before the door of the shelter slid open - slightly at first. The keening whine of arrows flew - one just after the other - but snapped past the Ide without finding any value. The door then was thrown open and yari-armed peasants in ruddy brown clothes, a dark emblem or mark of fealty pinned to their simple attire, burst forth. Five. Eight. Ten. Ten of them surged out of the hut, quickly made an attempt to form into two lines of five, yari leveled at the Ide, and then they began to move forward towards the square.
  2704.  
  2705. Behind the two rows was a tall samurai with ebony light armor partially put together - several pieces missing, such as the sode, which left him to cut a less-than-impressive figure. He had a katana drawn, blade cutting through the dirt as he progressed behind the small formation.
  2706.  
  2707. "IIE! TAKE THEM!" came a shout from the hut itself - at least one or more still residing within.
  2708.  
  2709. (ROLL THAT INITIATIVE YO.)
  2710. (To help Defcon remain sane - everyone in the ambushing parties please add +20 to your roll for initiative.)
  2711. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2712. ((rolled 18 + 20 is 38 initiative))
  2713. Mushorai
  2714. (( 36 Initiative ))
  2715. Ikoma Chiaki
  2716. (34)
  2717. Iori
  2718. (18)
  2719. Shiba Nichie
  2720. (44. I swear I dont know why the roller love me so slips it more chocolate chip cookies. and adds it's name to the prayer lists)
  2721.  
  2722.  
  2723. +
  2724.  
  2725.  
  2726. Lionheart
  2727. (35. Moving into defense stance as I gotta waste a simple drawing waki. ATN24)
  2728. Jirozame Shinkai
  2729. ((40.))
  2730. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2731. (Initiative is: HanakoNPC (64), HirumaNPC (48), Shiba Nichie (44), MotoNPC (41), Shinkai (40), Kurosawa (38), Mushorai (36), Toghrul (35), Chiaki (34), BunchofYoriki (24), Iori (18), YoritomoNPC (18), ???NPC (17), OtherNpcsParty2 (10)
  2732. (Please please have your actions at the ready. If you are in doubt what the layout is or what you can do, please say [Map] and I'll try to create images in your brainspace on what you are seeing.)
  2733. Lionheart
  2734. (Your doing all the NPCs you madman you)
  2735. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2736. (Declare stances. I will assume by default all ambushers are in Attack, so only declare if you are not in attack.)
  2737. (>=3)
  2738. Mushorai
  2739. (( This isn't even his final form. ))
  2740. Shiba Nichie
  2741. (Defence!)
  2742. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2743. (WITNESS ME.)
  2744. Lionheart
  2745. (Defense)
  2746. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2747. ((attack))
  2748. Shiba Nichie
  2749. (I've seen him run 3 6 pc combats at the same time. without being slow)
  2750. Iori
  2751. (attack)
  2752. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2753. The ronin Hanako moved first as the yoriki approached the kill-zone. Two arrows flew free from the short bow that she had drawn in wait. The kill shot was sudden as both arrows struck the collarbone of one of the yoriki on the far end of the formation. The yoriki gurgled and collapsed to the ground. Shortly after her came another arrow. It struck one of the Yoriki in the chest - not enough to fell him, but the yoriki cried out and dropped his yari in a moment's hesitation from the terror of being hit by an unseen foe. The Hiruma calmly knocked another arrow in preparation. (9 yoriki left, 1 at +5) (Nichie's action, MotoNPC next, Shinkai on standby, Kurosawa in the pen)
  2754. Shiba Nichie
  2755. Nichie speaks the prayer quietly, sticking to her plan of blessing the Shinjo where he's hidden just at the edge of her range.
  2756. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2757. The Moto continues to swing his blades - he elects not to charge just yet. His blades stop and he slams them together before him into the earth. (Center stance) (Shinkai's action, Kurosawa on deck, Mushorai on standby)
  2758. Shiba Nichie
  2759. (+2 agility for Shinjo sama for the next 4 turns)
  2760. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2761. (You are in a very effective ambush. Enjoy absolutely hilariously low TNs for the Yoriki of (6))
  2762. (Sub-Boss has a hidden TN, but is wearing the equivalent of [Ashigaru armor] since he didn't get all of his armor on.)
  2763. Jirozame Shinkai
  2764. ((I will fire at sub-boss.))
  2765. Shinkai was left posted outside the village just in case, as his stealth and sharp eyes would have been useful for any potential enemy approach. Thankfully in this instance, they'd work just as well for a distance shot into the samurai leading this group. He took careful aim and loosed the arrow from the cover of his location.
  2766. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2767. ((sub boss was the yoritomo right))
  2768. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2769. (Sub-boss is some dude in black armor)
  2770. (All the people listed with clan names are your ally NPCs)
  2771. Lionheart
  2772. ((Don't friendly fire now)
  2773. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2774. (E.g.: you have a shitload of NPCs with you.)
  2775. Jirozame Shinkai
  2776. ((An unfortunate 18 to hit. Hopefully his TN isn't much better.))
  2777. ((If it did, 14 damage.))
  2778.  
  2779.  
  2780. +
  2781.  
  2782.  
  2783. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2784. (18 is gonna nab him for the surprise bonus. He takes the hit.)
  2785. (Since I didn't make ranges clear - you are ambushing them within arrow range right now. Water 4 will get you into the mix with people who were hiding out in the huts, the mounted people Complex horse move of Water 6 (your Unicorn horses would get you there) will bring you up to combat range next turn.
  2786.  
  2787. Toghrul is within Water 5, so he could charge in theory, but that'd derp up the plan a bit.)
  2788. Lionheart
  2789. (Yeah I'll pass on taking all the hits kthx)
  2790. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2791. (Your enemy is going to attempt to take a defensive position if you just straight up rush them, is what I am getting at. They aren't far enough from the hut to not simply move back to the door.)
  2792. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2793. ((ah ok))
  2794. The Unicorn grips his readied katana, but remains in position next to the other Unicorn while the speed flows through him, trying to coax him to charge down all the enemies solo. But--- he does not move at them, they're out of his reach and the doubt in his swordsmanship (lol) stays his hand.
  2795. ((STANDING-------------------- ON THE EDGE))
  2796. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2797. (Mushorai's action, TOghrul on deck, Chiaki on standby, Yorikis 'bout to roll.)
  2798. Mushorai
  2799. " Pincher attacks work once they're in the claw," Mushorai hisses at Hanako, and does nothing else since they aren't actually in the ambush zone yet.
  2800. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2801. (A person could theoretically hold their action at this point to wait for the enemy to move, FYI for those unfamiliar with combat mechanics/initiative wackiness)
  2802. Mushorai
  2803. (( Okay. Holding action then. ))
  2804. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2805. (Same goes for horsie-dude.)
  2806. (Toghrul's action; Chiaki on deck, and then a bunch of doshin be rollin')
  2807. Lionheart
  2808. Toghrul tosses his bundle of sticks into the wind, revealing a sheathed wakizashi. The blade is drawn in a flash of silver as slowly trails backward away from this mysterious foe. “Coward hides in the shadow. Step into the light so the heavens may joyfully witness your demise.” (Defense stance. Simple action to ready Wakizashi. Free move backwards to be 5 feet beside moto. Simple move Guard on the moto. Raise Moto ATN by 10. Final ATN for Toghrul being 19.)
  2809. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2810. (Chiaki's action, Doshin move, followed by Iori and the Yoritomo)
  2811. Ikoma Chiaki
  2812. With the big reveal complete and the battle started Chiaki breaks her cover to send an arrow in the direction of the Samurai. Nocking, drawing and firing in one smooth arc. (19 to hit, 17 damage)
  2813. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2814. The ashigaru formation crumbles quickly, but not for the reason one might suspect. The middle of the formation - two or three of the ashigaru - continue to progress forward into the town square towards Toghrul, while those on the flanks seem to recognize the danger they are in and begin to angle outwards or pause completely. The formation is more or less broken at this point, five of the 9 still moving forward without awareness of their mortal peril, while the other small group who seems to realize what is happening start to cautiously move in a wider fanning motion, searching for the source of the arrows. They move towards the hut that houses the ambushers, not quite making it there in time. The injured doshin turns about and makes a quick retreat back towards the hut, shouting "The village is uprising against us!"
  2815.  
  2816. (Also, lol, retcon every instance of the word 'yoriki' and replace with 'doshin'. Rusty, I tell you what.)
  2817. (Iori's action/YoritomoNPC, then ???)
  2818. Iori
  2819. Iori slipped her bow out from her cloak, flesh cutter set on her string quickly. She only took a moment to consider where her enemy was. The arrow knew the way. And it left the bow and tagged him hard. (24 to hit on injured doshin. 27 damage.) With the shot taken, she began to move back, moving to the outskirts as much as she could to more easily chase down fleeing enemies. (done).
  2820. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2821. The injured doshin's words were punctuated by the arrow piercing through the back of his neck and lodging itself in his jaw. A pitiful gurgle and he collapsed to the earth before making it through the awning of the storage hut.
  2822.  
  2823. The Yoritomo bade his time with narrow eyes and seemed focused on the armored samurai across the way - he ignored the doshin in their entirety, but drew a kama - or, rather, a kusarigama as the weighted chain appeared in his opposite hand. The sinister samurai, struck by an arrow, gazed around for a moment. His stance changed and he seemed to settle into a more defensive posture. His progress slowed, stopped, and then he began to walk his way slowly back towards the safety of the shelter - his progress slowed significantly by being more cautious, now. [Full Defense on the armored guy].
  2824.  
  2825. The remainder of the ambushing party lie in wait - either electing not to fire arrows, or simply preparing for the ashigaru to encroach (Center on all allied NPCs who have not acted so they can make some hasty moves.)
  2826. (Those who held actions can now act. There are three ashigaru near the 'ambush hut' that are within charge distance, either on horse or on foot, as long as you have Water 2 (don't be lame.))
  2827. Mushorai
  2828. (( What's doshin TNtbH now? ))
  2829. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2830. ((is this the beginning of a new round or near the end of the first))
  2831.  
  2832.  
  2833. +
  2834.  
  2835.  
  2836. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2837. (End of the first round on some initiative after 24)
  2838. (Doshin's TNtbH is 15.)
  2839. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2840. ((may I charge at one of the ashigaru))
  2841. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2842. (There are -8- uninjured doshin, currently, 3 near the ambush hut, 4 progressing to Toghrul, 1 progressing south towards the other hut.) (You may.)
  2843. (There's more on the field, but that's for NPC-theater stuff at the southern hut.)
  2844. Mushorai
  2845. Mushorai rises from where he was hidden, and steps forward towards the doshin that have foolishly come closer. He brings the great blade of his battered bisento up and around in a semi-circle swing, and back down hard at the unlucky servant of darkness he has selected. He isn’t really even looking at the man he lashed out at; he’s looking at the traitorous servant of the Corpse King ahead, and he calls to the sinister samurai, “ Drop your sword and you’ll be given a quick death.“ (( Hits the doshin with 20, damage of 35 ))
  2846. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2847. The doshin crumbles from Mushorai's attack - not a moment to even realize how close he was to his enemy, it seemed
  2848. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2849. The muddy haired Shinjo reared on his horse, katana held high and pointed towards the sky. The blazing white steed landed and like a bolt of lightning, he was off. His soul was on fire, and he let out a roar as he charged at one of the nearby Ashigaru, sword lowered to the soldier down. ((44 to hit, -5 cuz of doubt, 50 damage))
  2850. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2851. The doshin brought his yari down in an attempt to brace - only it was too slow, and his head was no longer controlling his limbs since it was over there somewhere.
  2852. (Reactions Phase!)
  2853. (Count is now 6 uninjured doshin, 1 near ambush hut, 4 progressing to Toghrul, 1 sort of flailing southward, 1 NPC guy moving cautiously back towards the shelter.)
  2854. (If no reactions, will move on!)
  2855. [(Initiative is: HanakoNPC (64), HirumaNPC (48), Iori(44), MotoNPC (41), Shinkai (40), Kurosawa (38), Mushorai (36), Toghrul (35), Chiaki (34), BunchofDoshin (24), Shiba Nichie (18), YoritomoNPC (18), ???NPC (17), OtherNpcsParty2 (20*/10 Center).]
  2856. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2857. ((apologies, I used the to hit for damage as well))
  2858. ((what is supposed to happen during the reactions stage))
  2859. Jirozame Shinkai
  2860. ((You can change stances or do a few other things specifically that call it out. It's mostly for recovery.))
  2861. ((And said stance changes.))
  2862. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2863. Hanako's wide-brimmed hat angled slightly towards Mushorai for a moment. She was wordless as she shouldered her bow and moved out of the hut. She was moving, but in a different direction than the shelter of the storage hut - instead moving northward at a brisk run. Something odd about that, but she was positively booking it somewhere.
  2864.  
  2865. The Hiruma leveled his bow at the samurai that was slowly retreating away and fired a shot. The [Obsidian samurai?] struck the arrow away with the back of his gloved fist in a quick, dodging motion, though the head of the arrow remained lodged in the glove of the enemy. The Hiruma made a soft 'Hm' sound in the hut. The denizens of the hut, the peasants, were waking up quite quickly with all of the shouting and combat, and several were screaming behind those still occupying the northern ambush site. Others had begun to peak out of barely-opened windows. Some would see the village headman approaching Ide Toghrul and company from the east - and with him were several peasants armed with farming implements raised high. The headman was moving south towards another one of your groups, but it appeared that at least some in this village were willing to join the fight!
  2866. (Iori's action, per side-convo. Moto-duder is on standby, Shinkai on deck, Kurosawa next thereafter)
  2867. (The Obsidian Samurai is in FD, again, just as a reminder.)
  2868. Iori
  2869. Iori aimed a shot the southward flailing peasant. "No escape," she muttered to herself as she, for the time being, kept sidling in his direction.
  2870. (27 hits with a raise, 23 damage. Done)
  2871. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2872. The strike tore into the peasant's thigh. The doshin remained standing, though it was clear that significant damage was inflicted by the shot.
  2873. The Moto practically screamed as he tore forward suddenly - blazing off from Toghrul's side as his scimitars raise high and come down to bite into the shoulder of a peasant with one blade. The other swung sideways, cleaving the peasant's yari in half. The doshi had not a moment to scream before his world was ended. (/action)
  2874. (Shinkai, Kurosawa, Mushorai, Toghrul, Chiaki. 5 peasants remain, 1 wounded by Iori.)
  2875. Jirozame Shinkai
  2876. Shinkai readies another arrow into his bow and spotting the retreating black clad samurai easily knock an arrow away, he frowns. Too defensible a target for the moment. He nocks an arrow and lets fly into the doshin moving towards the southern hut. ((32 to hit, 18 damage to said doshin.))
  2877. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2878. The injured doshin collapses to the earth as a second finds purchase in his collarbone. (5 peasants total. 1 near the northern hut, 4 up with Toghrul and co)
  2879. (Kurosawa's action, Mushorai on deck, Toghrul standing by)
  2880. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2881. ((are the ones by Toghrul within horse move range?))
  2882. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2883. (They would be, yes. You have one directly next to you at this point in time as well.)
  2884. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2885. The Unicorn and his steed did not pause to even look back at the ashigaru they struck. He stuck his blade out once more as rider and horse bared down on another target, nearer to the Ide now. Couldn't have him get outnumbered now. ((56 Kenjutsu to hit -5 =51, 16 DMG if hit))
  2886. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2887. (That's quite a hit, yes.) The ashigaru is raked with the Shinjo's blade, though he remains standing for the time.
  2888. (Mushorai's action, Toghrul on deck, Chiaki on standby)
  2889. (Try to be ready to drop a post if there's no way something won't influence you as well. =3)
  2890. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2891. ((I believe I have two more rounds with the agility blessing that the Shiba gave me))
  2892. Mushorai
  2893. Mushorai lifts his bisento up once more, and brings it down on the doshin that the Shinjo had started. Shaking the blood from it’s blade, he lifts it and points at the sinister samurai as he advances towards him. “ A quick death, or keep cowering,” he calls. ((27 to hit doshin, 31 damage to him ))
  2894. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2895. The Doshin was struck by the bisento and gurgles blood as it explodes from his lips, collapsing to the earth. (3 remain. 1 still near the northern hut makes 4 total- Toghrul's action, Chiaki on deck, then some NPC-theater.)
  2896. Lionheart
  2897. Toghrul gives a stern look of distaste towards all this bloodshed. He stays back behind the two engaged unicorn and maintains his defensive stance. “Hear me doshin! With bared fangs you stand no chance of seeing tomorrow’s dawn. Lay down your arms and we may show compassion. Justice demands not your soul… but the soul of another.” He finishes his command with blade extended out pointing towards the magistrate. (Maintain defense stance ATN24. Complex action to use skill courtier to speak to the doshin. Courtier roll 17)
  2898. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2899. (Chiaki!)
  2900. Ikoma Chiaki
  2901. Breathe, rinse and repeat. Chiaki sent another arrow at the Obsidian(?) Samurai. It seems she had calculated them to be her biggest threat. (32 to hit. Possibly 31 if it does)
  2902. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2903. The samurai sidestepped the arrow as it flew by him. It may have been a hit, but his movement was almost preternatural in its speed now that he was actively defending himself and staying in motion.
  2904. It appeared, for the time, the din of battle was a greater motivator than the Ide's words, for while they certainly were not fighting as if they had any chance of survival, the doshin seemed far mroe motivated to keep their current allegiance.
  2905.  
  2906. One of the doshin turned and leaped forward, his Yari piercing into Kurosawa's calf (23 to hit; 19 damage); another turned towards the wild Moto and drove his spear through the Moto's beard and into his paunch-like stomach. Blood burst from the wound as the doshin retracted the weapon and prepared for the onslaught now that his guard was completely down.
  2907.  
  2908. One doshin had climbed into the northern hut and his yari attempted to strike Chiaki (17 to hit), while the final Doshin had started to circle around Mushorai - he struck out at the ronin, but his movement was in the reverse and so had little 'oomph' to it (18 to hit)
  2909. Shiba Nichie
  2910. (how far is it from me to the moto or shinjo?)
  2911. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2912. The Ikoma and Ronin both seemed to have the same target - they rushed past the doshin and began to charge at the armor-clad samurai, while the Suzume seemed duty-bound to clean up the mess of the doshin remaining nearby. The Suzume shoulder-blocked his way into the ashigaru that had struck the Moto and drew his blade down across the Doshin's chest (20 wounds)
  2913.  
  2914. (From you to the Moto/Shinjo will equally be about 1 standard Water 2, a free Water 4 move action)
  2915. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2916. ((so if I'm understanding right, unicorn riding horse to hit is rolling 4k3 and damage is 5k2?))
  2917. ((I'm looking at page 322 of core for horse))
  2918.  
  2919.  
  2920. +
  2921.  
  2922.  
  2923. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2924. (That is correct.)
  2925. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2926. ((I didn't want a repeat of to hit and damage being the same again, thank u))
  2927. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2928. (As long as you didn't move the horse that turn, or you trot it a short distance with a free action, you can have the horse roll 4k3 to hit, and 5k2 to damage.)
  2929. Shiba Nichie
  2930. Short legs can move rather fast it seems, as the little shugenja swaps her scroll for another and sprints towards the moto
  2931. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2932. ((whos uh next))
  2933. ((oh NVM))
  2934. Shiba Nichie
  2935. (im done. Casting next turn)
  2936. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2937. ((if I may, I'd like to use a void point to reduce the amount of wounds I took after you post, DC))
  2938. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2939. As the pair of samurai - the ronin and the Ikoma - move to approach the warrior, it seems that his defenses falter for a moment. The black-clad warrior suddenly surges forward as the Ikoma brings his blade up. There was a brief moment where the Ikoma adopted a stance, and then without hardly any pause the Obsidian warrior brought his blade forward. The Ikoma could be heard shouting, "DARE YOU NOT SHOW THAT STANC-" but he was cut off. The samurai's blade tore through the bridge of the Ikoma's nose and a good portion of his face - the Ikoma collapsed, rendered slain in a single strike. The Obsidian warrior continued on as the ronin faltered for a moment - his blade cut deep into the ronin's side (Ikoma is /ded, Ronin takes some wounds but keeps trucking - ??? has adopted Attack stance.)
  2940. (That is fine, Kuro)
  2941. (Reactions phase, which means we are now at the top of Round 3!) The peasants that had been forming up behind Toghrul were prepared for any action now, but they seemed somewhat aimless. They held their peasant weapons - a kama, a parangu, a kumade - and they looked as much of a 'B' team as a group could look.
  2942.  
  2943. Luckily, they had not seen the carnage taking place a little further away towards the shelter, or their resolution may have faltered.
  2944.  
  2945. (Initiative - Hanako is [elsewhere]. HirumaNPC (48), Iori (44), Shinkai (40), Kurosawa (38), Mushorai (36), Toghrul (35), Chiaki (34), MotoNPC (31), LessDoshin (24), Shiba Nichie (18), YoritomoNPC (18), ???NPC (17), OtherNpcsParty2 (10))
  2946. Mushorai
  2947. (( Raise your hand if you think I should go Full Attack. ))
  2948. Jirozame Shinkai
  2949. ((Adopting Center stance for my Reaction.))
  2950. Mushorai
  2951. (( Full Attack it is. ))
  2952. Jirozame Shinkai
  2953. ((Cowabunga it is.))
  2954. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2955. ((keeping attack stance, spending a void to null 10 points of wounds damage from getting shishkebabed))
  2956. ((so 9 wounds total I believe from scrolling up))
  2957. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2958. The Hiruma immediately throws his bow aside and charges forward towards the other samurai. He draws his blade as he moves to intercede between the ronin and the warrior. His movements are quick as he darts back and forth, kicking dust, shouting, and then moving in a backpedal to attempt to lure the Obsidian samurai further north. Presumably where the plan had organized mounted samurai to be lying in wait. (Hiruma is /Guard;ing Danjuro and has adopted Defense stance and pumped void for +10TN)
  2959. (Iori's action)
  2960. Iori
  2961. Well. That was no fucking good. Iori took quick aim and shot the obsidian warrior. Hopefully bringing him appreciably closer to dead. (31 to hit for 17 damage. Sleep starting to take me. Done)
  2962. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2963. The arrow strikes exactly where a sode should protect - in the samurai's shoulder. A pained grunt.
  2964. (Shinaki's action, Kuro on deck, Musho on standby)
  2965. Jirozame Shinkai
  2966. Shinkai takes a deep breath and focuses. He needed to make this next shot count and needed the perfect moment. ((I Center'd, so my turn passes.))
  2967. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2968. (Kuro's action, Musho on deck, Toghrul on standby)
  2969. (2 Doshin remain in front of Toghrul, 1 is in the northern hut, for 3 total.)
  2970.  
  2971. There is a swirling melee now as the samurai from the southern hut engage their own half-dozen doshin, though the numbers have been notably thinned down to a small handful. Cuts and wounds accumulate everywhere among the young samurai.
  2972. Lionheart
  2973. (Instructing peasants calling for battle or courtier. Simple or complex)
  2974. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2975. (Simple, Free if it's super concise like: "Go do this - now" =D )
  2976. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2977. (i am within trot distance of the remaining two ashigaru near Toghrul , right? I have my post copypastad but I can alter it)
  2978. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2979. (Yes.)
  2980. (They are legit one that struck you and one that attacked the Moto, so you are free-action able to move up to them and get the horse a swing in, too.)
  2981. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2982. The Unicorn gasped as the wicked steel of his enemies bit greedily into the flesh of his leg. Oh, so that's what it felt like. Not that he imagined it feeling wonderful or anything, but this was a bit above his expectations. He should just stay and take vengeance on the one that hit him, but he kicked the horse' flanks and aimed to charge at the Obsidian Warrior. Maybe he should just stick to a target and finish them, that'd be pretty smart. ((am I within horse ride to OW, and if so I'd like to buy 10 atn with my voido))
  2983. (sorry phone died mid post so I ran to laptop AAAAA))
  2984. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2985. (You can make it there with a complex horse move, yes.)
  2986. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2987. ((I am 90% sure I'm in healthy range, so no wound tn increase))
  2988. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2989. (When you popped Void, you are in 0 penalty range.)
  2990. Shinjo Kurosawa
  2991. ((34 to hit, 14 damage))
  2992. ((oh neato))
  2993. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  2994. (Done damage'd him.)
  2995. (He's bleeding, not so bad, see?!)
  2996. (Mushorai, Toghrul on deck, Chiaki on standby)
  2997. Mushorai
  2998. “ Tch. “ Mushorai’s eyes go wide as the Ikoma dies, badly, in the span of seconds and this ambush starts to slide sideways. The traitor had been so so fast. Introspection is not something that Mu is cursed with, however. You either go through something, or you run away, and running wasn’t in the cards. Not here. Not now. The bisento goes up over his hand, and he gets a bit of momentum up as he closes the last few paces to the sinister samurai, bringing the pole arm down with both hands with a hearty,“ ORA! “ (( 55 to hit, and 19 damage ))
  2999. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3000. (Absolutely hits. He's sagging in his movements at this point. Times are not good for him, but he is standing.)
  3001. He was struck, but at the last moment, it felt as if the strike should have been more ... telling. The samurai's blood is pooling below him as he was more-or-less surrounded on all sides, 4 by samurai, and a horse-mounted Shinjo behind. Not so many places to maneuver, now.
  3002. (Toghrul and Chiaki, both take your actions)
  3003. (Gotta start hustlin')
  3004. Ikoma Chiaki
  3005. Great, now a doshin is on top of her. Who else is with her? Doesn't matter. She takes few steps back before releasing another arrow, this time into the Doshin. Meanwhile , somewhere in the back of her mind she makes a note of the other Ikoma's cry. (24 to hit, 12 Damage)
  3006. Lionheart
  3007. Toghrul aims his blade towards the doshin at the northern hut. "Capture the enemy! He will answer for his crimes!" Toghrul orders to the peasants to overwhelm the single doshin. Supporting his wounded moto comrade, Toshio rushes to his side to protect him from further harm. A fury of swings of his short sword rain below while the horse reins back to crush one underfoot. (Attack stance. ATN20. Waki attack 28 to hit 15 damage. Horse attack 22 to hit 13 damage)
  3008. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3009. Crunch went the doshin assaulted by Toghrul and his mighty murdersteed. He was still very much alive, but crippled and out of the fight to any usable degree, now.
  3010.  
  3011. The doshin next to Chiaki was definitely one that was putting her and all of the peasants in the hut in danger. Perhaps a bit of motivation - like seeing his yari leveled at them, or words from Chiaki, might provoke a violent self-defense response. (Free action, Chiaki, to galvanize the peasants with you to fight the Doshin!)
  3012.  
  3013.  
  3014.  
  3015. +
  3016.  
  3017.  
  3018. Ikoma Chiaki
  3019. "Fight for your village!" She adds to her attack. Yeah, she's winging the Courtier stuff (20)
  3020. Fu
  3021. (is around)
  3022. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3023. "IIE!!" shouted the wounded Moto. Pushing through his wounds, he brought his knee into the doshin that Toghrul had left unmolested and his scimitar came down onto the doshin's neck. A strike weakened by the gaping wound in his stomach, but a hit nonetheless, the doshin collapsed to the ground with a deep gash on the back of his neck. (Moto barely hits with 15, wounds doshin to death. There is now 1 wounded doshin with Chiaki.
  3024.  
  3025. The peasant band rushed towards the hut with Chiaki, not having the good sense to move at a defensive pace, and so beat feet - they moved into the door of the hut, unable to quite take advantage of the charge just yet (2x simple moves for peasants, Full Attack for extra moves).
  3026.  
  3027. Peasants in the hut, seeing their armed villagers they had known for some time, descended on the doshin with violent screams - women tearing at the doshin's face, men raining punches down, elderly smartly going to try and break an ankle with kicks.
  3028. (Nichie's action, Yoritomo on standby, ??? coming in hot.)
  3029. (Think Nichie dropped maybe. NPCs going, Nichie can intercede if needed)
  3030. Ikoma Chiaki
  3031. ((Nichie may have sleeped it out. Though she had planned to heal the Moto))
  3032. Shiba Nichie
  3033. (im still here!)
  3034. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3035. The Yoritomo had been moving at quite the clip at this point - his kusarigama swirling. However, there was simply no room for him to get a strike at the Obsidian warrior. Instead, his moves carried him rapidly towards the shelter door. He burst through the closed door without a moment's pause and there was shouting within the building and the sounds of some sort of struggle.
  3036.  
  3037. (Yes, her plan was heals.)
  3038. Ikoma Chiaki
  3039. ((Still here!))
  3040. Shiba Nichie
  3041. Nichie waves her scroll a bit as she's entreating the kami to heal the moto, briefly touching him.
  3042. Tolta
  3043. ( and i am now around as well)
  3044. Shiba Nichie
  3045. (sorry. Got to pass out now)
  3046. Ikoma Chiaki
  3047. ((Sleep well!))
  3048. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3049. ((one tags in, the other tags out))
  3050. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3051. The Obsidian Samurai's fate was sealed. Even in the chaos of being surrounded, however, there was not a moment that it appeared the warrior considered retreat. The blade came out suddenly, clipping the Hiruma's knee and sending the Bushi cascading to the earth, nearly shearing the limb with the move. This brought the samurai's blade skyward and into the direct path of the owner of the bisento - the samurai's blade should not have struck with such force, wounded as he was, but indeed it did. It ate deep into Musohrai's side (43 wounds), causing a small arterial spray of blood - enough to appear on the surface far greater in damage than it truly was.
  3052. Mushorai
  3053. (( Voiding that to 33. ))
  3054. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3055. (Reactions? Your NPC buddies are basically accomplishing nothing because I'll be damned if NPCs get to steal the glory.)
  3056. Mushorai
  3057. (( Remaining in Full Attack. ))
  3058. Jirozame Shinkai
  3059. ((Dropping back to Attack stance.))
  3060. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3061. (Initiative - Hanako is [elsewhere]. HirumaNPC (OUT), Shinkai (50*/40), Iori (44), Kurosawa (38), Mushorai (36), Toghrul (35), Chiaki (34), MotoNPC (31), Shiba Nichie (18), YoritomoNPC (18), ???NPC (17))
  3062. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3063. ((keeping attack stance))
  3064. Lionheart
  3065. (Keeping attack cause not horseman 3 x_x )
  3066. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3067. (Shinkai's action. Time to Enemy at the Gates someone's ass.)
  3068. Jirozame Shinkai
  3069. The Ikoma had fallen, the Hiruma had fallen. The chaos of the battle raged in the village with the ebon armored clad samurai at it's center, reaping his due of Resistance blood as his blade flashed out. The ronin might go now as well. It was now or never. First breath. The arrow is nocked. Second breath. The arrow is drawn. Third breath. The arrow knows the way. Fourth breath...death. ((31 to hit, 22 damage.))
  3070. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3071. The arrow pierces through the Obsidian Legionnaire's chest - a furtive attempt at motion, and then he collapses to the earth. With the Obsidian samurai, who's name seemed like it would not be known, collapsing to the earth in a most-definitively dead heap, there seemed to be a lull in the din of combat. The doshin that remained, such as that which was in the northern hut with Chiaki, was soundly beaten into submission by peasants joining the fray as an armed band, and those to the south were eventually put down by the Akodo, Ichiro, and Shiba.
  3072. For a simple mission, things seemed to have taken quite a severe turn at this point as you all take stock of the penalty for engaging the enemy. Shouting within the hut itself eventually would reach a lull and the Yoritomo would kick a rotund aged man out of the storage hut, the assured Magistrate you were all attempting to follow now wrapped in the chain of the Yoritomo's Kusarigama.
  3073. Hanako would be seen later standing north of the storage hut and examining towards your party. The wide-brimmed straw hat still masked her features, particularly her face, but her lips were a tight grimace. Explanations were certainly in order as the events today resulted in the unexpected death of one, the maiming of several, and at least light wounds spread pretty evenly across the various patrols. All for the sake of a few dozen doshin and two Obsidian samurai. A high price to pay. Was it worth it? Answers would come, but for now, all the Yoritomo samurai Kazusho could say as the Moto, Ghazan hoisted your Hiruma guide, Masabi against his shoulder, was a simple: "Let's go home."
  3074. (/Scene! There is no more timewarp and you may talk about these events. What comes of the Obsidian Magistrate, Hanako, and other questions will be answered in the coming days - or right now if you intend to go IC again!)
  3075. Mushorai
  3076. “ That’s all you’ve got?,” is Mushorai’s riposte to the Obsidian Samurai’s blow, the taste of his own blood rising in the back of his throat. The ronin grips his bisento’s haft, readies a blow to take this fiend’s head from his neck… and then an arrow flashes in and ends the stand off.
  3077.  
  3078. “ … hey!,” Mushorai calls, reflexively, and then turns around to look back along it’s trajectory to where Shinkai is before allowing,“ … good shot.”
  3079. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3080. (And, of course, you can post your reactions to the end of the scene. =D)
  3081. Ikoma Chiaki
  3082. With the Samurai dead and Magistrate taken. Chiaki let's the peasants finish the Doshin, giving them some credit and congratulations for protecting their village.
  3083. Jirozame Shinkai
  3084. As his shot puts down the Obsidian Legionnaire, the Shark begins moving towards the village as he sees the combat lulling and eventually coming to a stop. As Mushorai shouts at him, the Jirozame simply gives a grim nod. "It would seem a moment too late, however." The yumi is carefully put over his back and Shinkai gives everyone a quick look over to make sure they're not leaking guts before he moves to Hanako, choosing to say something quietly to the ronin woman before looking at the fat Obsidian Magistrate.
  3085. Lionheart
  3086. Toghrul immediately takes to his duty before taking respite. He congratulates the heimin for their valor and sincerely thanks for them for their assistance. Directions are given to ready the prisoner for transport for interrogation back at the castle. Lastly instructions given that should they be questioned about these events that they are to explain how dreadful samurai of the old clans raided the village and murdered ruthlessly. To paint the false narrative to authorities.
  3087.  
  3088. Stepping away he stands over the fallen ikoma's corpse. Takes a knee and offers prayer. Soon he'll request the eta and a wagon to escort the fallen back home to burial rights but now is the time to thank these departing souls as they head to the afterlife.
  3089. "Ikoma-sama." Toghrul calls for her attention. Should she arrive, Toghrul offers her the Ikoma's daisho. "These are to only be transported in the trusted hands of his cousin. Could you take these to his family?" He politely requests.
  3090. Mushorai
  3091. " Bandits. Blame it on bandits. They're always hungry," is Mushorai's advice, before fading into the background and helping as he can with the wounded.
  3092.  
  3093. (( I just might get four eyes of shut eye before work, so I'm out. Be well folks. ))
  3094. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3095. The Shinjo brought his steed around, looking around for more people to maim and run away from. In Unicorn this was hit and run, no dishonor here. Blood pumped steadily from his leg, staining his dirty peasant garb. But it seemed that the chaos of battle was finished, along with the obsidian armored head honcho, as the only ones left standing was the members of the resistance and the peasants who rose up to join in. He whipped the katana downwards, letting the blood from it fly into the dirt in a quick motion, before sheathing it. Maybe he wouldn't have gotten stabbed if he fought better. There was that doubt, clouding his mind, and replaying the fight in his mind. Instead of helping and being useful he remained on his horse, distracted.
  3096.  
  3097.  
  3098. +
  3099.  
  3100.  
  3101. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3102. The ronin's large straw hat turns towards Shinkai. The hat angles slighly, perhaps showing a sign of confusion, or if nothing else, she remains stoicly quiet. She looked down at the Obsidian Legionnaire and, rather unceremoniously, reached down to take hold of the Legionnaire's blade. She reached down to take his saya and, for some time, seemed to also inspect his armor for damage. Was she robbing his corpse? A peculiar scene, to be certain, and one that would not be easily ignored by those nearby - however, when the rest of the party departs, so too does she.
  3103.  
  3104. "Perhaps I'll take ya up on it," she said to Shinkai. "Tho' right now, the peasants need to get the body back up to the castle to see if this one had the darkness in-;'im or what."
  3105. Ikoma Chiaki
  3106. With her conversation with the peasant's finished, Chiaki would respond to the Ide's call approaching him and bowing. "Thank you." She says, accepting the Daisho.
  3107. Jirozame Shinkai
  3108. As the belongings from the Obsidian Legionnaire are collected, Shinkai says nothing. After all, arms and armor were arms and armor. They might also be useful for future scouting missions if one needed to disguise as the enemy. "Hai. I'll keep up the rear, just in case we're followed." And he'll do just that on the way back, hanging back as a rearguard should anyone or anything get funny ideas.
  3109. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3110. The Unicorn realizes now they're on the move, and rides back to the rear, next to the guy who went full Wanted and shot their great enemy to death. He reached into his pack and pulled out a small, living bunny by the ears, wagging it at the Shark. "Tonight, care to celebrate our victory with a small dinner? Fresh caught."
  3111. Ikoma Chiaki
  3112. ((...))
  3113. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3114. ((I sense disapproval))
  3115. Ikoma Chiaki
  3116. ((That was supposed to be for breeding))
  3117. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3118. ((He's just teasing, that rabbit belongs to the Shiba, but they did catch a bunch))
  3119. ((Plus I didn't get to throw the rabbit at the bad guy =[ ))
  3120. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3121. (You caught one. You murdered a bunch of other ones. =D)
  3122. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3123. ((WE LEFT THEM?))
  3124. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3125. (You said living bunny.)
  3126. (There's just the 1.)
  3127. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3128. ((Yeah I have the living one, we left all the dead ones? aw shit))
  3129. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3130. ('course not. That's why everyone's travel packs smell awfully 'Iuchiban-y')
  3131. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3132. ((oh thank god I was about to post 'brb gonna go get them before they rot on the mountain'))
  3133. Jirozame Shinkai
  3134. As the Shinjo trots up alongside him, the Shark takes a look at the rabbit and manages a smirk. "When we return to the castle, we can make arrangements for something I'm sure. I think I still have some herbs. I'll find you when we return, but for now, make sure the carts don't end up careening down the mountain, eh?"
  3135. Lionheart
  3136. "Go on ahead. I'll catch up before dusk." Toghrul remains behind and asks one of the NPC samurai to stay with. Toghrul has a long chat with the village Chonin (Elder leader) about the true state of the empire and the resistance. He tells them nothing of strategic information such as their numbers, base of operations, or any other information. Instead he cooperates to establish a resistance network in hopes that the chonin will reach out to surrounding villages and pull in their support. To continue life as normal and someday soon a representative will arrive with the next step. Possibly for ashigaru recruits or a trade of supplies.
  3137. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3138. Kurosawa placed the bun back into his inventory, and began to tear off the sticks he'd used to disguise himself. "Sounds most delicious." Man he could almost taste dinner already. His steel eyes lasered onto the cart in front of them as it bumpity bumped along, but it seemed stable enough. Was he gonna let there be silence? That would be awkward, yet fitting. "You shoot well," he said. Yeah compliments livened up any situation. "You may have saved us from that warrior."
  3139. 🌪Defcon FRO🌪
  3140. This would be a bit of a hard sell at current - the village was, of course, in support of the rebellion, but was it a fair-weather relationship? It was hard to get an exact answer from the elder/headman due to the fact that, of course, the samurai were absolutely right there and the Obsidian Servants were most definitely not anymore. And, in truth, the loss of several samurai in the village was a hard-sell at this point. What of the lost samurai - the entire reason that one traveled out to this village in the first place? The elder would look at these questions with regret, naturally, as that was the appropriate response.
  3141.  
  3142. He could only happily confirm that his village would absolutely support the resistance and keep those actions that brought one through the village to a minimum. But for now, it was certainly a start to have at least one more village seemingly slightly more ... positively angled towards your force's efforts.
  3143. (Dropping out, won't have a response to any more shenanigans until tomorrow.)
  3144. Jirozame Shinkai
  3145. "Wouldn't carry the bow if I wasn't passable at using it. Also helps that I've been using it since before you've been born." The Shark keeps his gaze going this way and that, keeping vigilant watch as they go. "You drew attention well. Likely saved the life of a peasant or two. Leg will heal, harder to bring dead people back."
  3146. Shinjo Kurosawa
  3147. The Unicorn bowed his head and took the remark in stride. The OLD MAN was pretty good with a bow, he had front row seats and VIP access to that show. "Next time, I won't get hit. My actions were hasty. But," he straightened up. "Many thanks." Aaaaaaaaaaand then ride along home while author goes to take dogs out to potty.
  3148. Iori
  3149. Iori's eyes caught Hanako. She was... more contemplative then angry, but questions could wait til they were safely back in the castle. While others talked to the head man, she did just as she did the last time arrows were loosed. She recovered any arrows that were still intact, and the arrowheads of any that were not. Any broken arrows were broken down to look closer to common detritus.
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