L5R: City of Lies

Game Master deusvult

Feedback on additional actions declared for round 2:

Kitsuki Katsurou: Yukari doesn't have the upper body strength to carry Hakiku, leaving the burden to you. You're badly off balance in an unfamiliar way, and given Soshi Konming's advice perhaps he has a point; you could even be exposing Hakiku to risk of further injury if you keep having episodes of stumbly wumblys.

Soshi Konming: Go get the law? You ARE the law. Seriously though.. a disturbance in this part of town? A wandering city watch patrol is bound to stumble across this scene in less time it takes for someone to go find and return with a fully ranked Magistrate.

Shinjo Xiaoxing: To explain what's going on for those observing and trying to figure it out: I forgot to have the Oni roll strength to throw Xiaoxing. Since I forgot to do that, I'm allowing her to stand up as a free action rather than a simple action, this time only, because of my mistake. So that means she's got a complex action available to attack with.
Oni Contested Roll: 4d10 ⇒ (3, 8, 3, 4) = 18

You strike well and true, aiming for the thin legs. Despite being implausibly thin (no thicker than Xiaoxing's own forearms) they're load bearing structures for what's got to be two or three hundred pounds; your blade bounces off as if you struck anchored iron poles wrapped in rubber. And leaves virtually nothing of a mark there for your troubles.

Just waiting on Doji Himeko before wrapping up NPC actions, then beginning round 3 with the Oni's actions

"Ok nevermind that. We'll just have to handle this ourselves."

"Kituski-san, kindly avert thine eyes while I perform a sensitive medical procedure."

Path to Inner Peace; Use Void 4k3 4d10 ⇒ (6, 6, 7, 5) = 24 equals 19.

Last bits of feedback for Round 2:

Soshi Konming, your scroll satchels are in the niche on the far side of the tavern. The tavern is small enough that you can reach the niche with one simple move action. By adding a free move action, you can go around the swirling melee in the main hall, and still have the second simple action available to reclaim your spell scrolls.

I realize I gave Shinjo Xiaoxing honor, but noone else. She deserves something special for not only being the tip of the spear, but also doing so when there was little hope for success. Yet the rest of you risking yourselves deserve an award as well. Chinatsu, Mirumoto Katsuyoshi, and Doji Himeko all are awarded 2 honor points for risking their lives against the Oni on behalf of the Crane samurai.

Kitsuki Katsurou: As for navigating w/o making Agility checks: So long as someone (like Yukari) is with you and spending their actions to guide you carefully, you can do free move actions without risk of falling over. We can talk more upon this house rule in the Discussion thread.

It's been over 24 hours since Round 2 began so I'm just going to bot Doji Himeko to close out this skirmish round.

Doji Himeko declines to catch the grisly prize offered by the Oni. Doji Juzo's head makes a wet, faint bounce as it hits the ground then rolls away somewhere. She'll maintain the defensive stance and move over to guard Doji Usija, who's begun to get his act together.

After Doji Usija finally shakes off his paralyzing fear, his head pivots side to side with an expression that's barely restrained from open panic. He sees that you are coming to his assistance. He assumes the full defense stance, gratefully hiding behind Doji Himeko. Usija's Reflexes/Defense, 6k3: 6d10 ⇒ (3, 6, 8, 2, 3, 1) = 23 8+6+3=17. His TN increases by 8, plus another 10 thanks to Himeko's guarding for a total of +18 to his TN to be hit.

The unnamed Ronin, having heard Katsuyoshi's tactial advice, reverses the grip of his katana to hold it like an enormous stabbing weapon. With a fierce "BANZAI!!!!" he assumes the full attack stance and charges the Oni, trying to thrust his weapon through one of the dorsal wound openings with a powerful overhead, downward strike.
Ronin's Agility/Kenjutsu 8k3, 2 raises for called shot: 8d10 ⇒ (6, 4, 10, 5, 4, 8, 9, 7) = 53 Exploding 10: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 12+9+8=29
He just misses stabbing into the wound, burying the chisel point of the katana firmly into the bony ridges surrounding the vulnerable openings. He attempts to hold on to his lodged katana: The Oni twists and spins with such rage and fury the weapon is nearly pulled from his grasp before becoming dislodged.

The spider-like podlings swarm Mirumoto Katsuyoshi as he ignores them to attack the master Oni. These vicious creatures bite and tear at his vulnerable, unprotected flanks (they both assume full attack stance, and declare a raise for damage) The first podling only hits on its second attack, doing 21 wounds as he tears into Katsuyoshi's hamstring. The second minor oni takes advantage as their target staggers under the assault: it leaps up and sinks its needle-teeth into the meat of the Dragon's right shoulder doing 10 more wounds. The podlings' assault bring Katsuyoshi down to the floor. Apparently satisfied with its success, the 2nd podling bounces around like a jumping spider, confusing the efforts of those continuing to attack its master by spending its second simple action to Guard the big Oni again. The first podling is TN 15 to be hit b/c of full attack stance this turn. The second one, the one doing the guarding, is TN 10 b/c of full attack + guard

The big Oni snorts with vindication at its minions' effort. It showed some mortality in being seriously wounded, and shows still more in revealing a sense of self preservation by adopting a standard attack stance, using its three good arms in wide swipes to make getting close enough to harm it further more difficult its TN goes back to its natural 30, but is also being guarded by the leaping podling so this round it's 40.

Its attention wavers from Doji Usija and turns to deal with the Ronin that nearly stabbed it through the back. It extends its jaw grotesquely, almost to the point that its entire body mass is part of its jaws! It lunges, snapping its mighty mouth at the offending bushi. complex action for a single, deadly bite.. It catches the Ronin's left arm and shoulder and nearly bites them off before he squirms free, spurting blood from the many tooth-wounds and half-covered in the oni's slime. He staggers and loses his balance, toppling down to one knee and struggles to slowly regain his feet..

Mirumoto Katsuyoshi, you've taken 31 wounds. That puts you in the Down wound rank: +40 to the TN of all rolls you make, you're prone, and you may not take any simple or complex actions, and free actions cost a void point to take. The Ronin is a little better off: He's Crippled. +20 to his TNs.

Mirumoto Katsuyoshi: Make TWO earth ring rolls as part of your post: first is TN 21 and second is TN 10. (you do not have +40 to your TNs for these rolls, however)

Heroes: Round 3 is now on the clock. Good luck!

2d10 ⇒ (2, 9) = 11
2d10 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

Katsuyoshi lays on the ground slowly bleeding out.

Chinatsu, unable to find an opening on the larger creature, decides to aim for the little ball of teeth protecting the larger thing of teeth.

Jiujutsu/Agility, 7k3: 7d10 ⇒ (5, 3, 6, 6, 8, 9, 5) = 42 8 + 9 + 6 = 23

Damage 5k2: 5d10 ⇒ (1, 8, 9, 3, 9) = 30 9+9 = 18

Round 3 Feedback for Katsuyoshi & Chinatsu:

Katsuyoshi: As you're barely clinging to consciousness, you're able to still literally maintain your grip on the manifestation of Fire. The blazing torch burns intensely as the kami want to continue to wound and maim at your command... the reflection you see in the puddles of saki on the ground show an image of you standing up to drive the sword into the Oni again...

The water kami are telling you that when you receive healing, I'm going to refund that damage that is "extra" b/c of the dice debacle. They'll apply the difference of the extra 8 wounds to the next heal you get; that's my way of making up to you my error with formatting the roll code.

BTW: I'm waiting to see if you want to make an honor roll in place of one of your failed earth ring rolls before I tell you the result of what exactly happens there.

Chinatsu: You manage to swat the leaping oni right out of the air with a downward chop with the blade of your palm, splatting it on the floor right at your feet. Before it can catch its wits and spring off again, you stomp and grind it with your heel, being rewarded for your efforts with the breakage of two of its spindly, segmented legs and the satisfying feel of something inside is body mass crunching. It woozily bounces off again, obviously badly injured. It accidentally careens into the wall during one of its gravity-defying leaps. The two legs that it shed to escape from under your foot rapidly turn to dissolving black sludge now that they are separated from the podling's body.

The little imps are not invulnerable to mundane weaponry! 18 damage isn't quite enough to take them out of the fight,however..

Thanks for the bot, GM. That's precisely what I was going to do. Side note: I saw Mad Max today. That movie is face-meltingly awesome.

Himeko slides into her mizu-do stance, careful to keep herself between the horrifying creature and Doji Usija. She risks a quick glance around while the beast was distracted with the ronin to look for other samurai approaching the commotion.

Himeko will maintain her Defensive stance while performing the Guard maneuver on Doji Usija.

Xiaoxing's brow furrows as her wakazashi makes no mark upon the creature's rubbery hide. Pushing down any thought of defeat, she throws her self at the creature, trying to keep it away from both the Crane and the fallen Dragon.

kenjutsu 6k3+7 2 raises for knockdown: 6d10 ⇒ (2, 1, 10, 7, 4, 4) = 28 explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 5 15+7+4+7=33

damage: 5d10 ⇒ (6, 4, 8, 7, 6) = 31 8+7=15

contested strength for knockdown: 2d10 ⇒ (10, 8) = 18 explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 2 12+8=20

forgot to say, changing to full attack stance...

addl 2k1 to hit: 2d10 ⇒ (3, 7) = 10

additional 7 to hit for a total of 40

Round 3 Feedback for Himeko & Xiaoxing's actions:

Doji Himeko: Most of the screaming has died down a bit as the terrified merchants are diluted out into the neighborhood. Within the Inn of the Orange Blossom, only Hametsu and Kimiko are still screaming and wailing.

During a brief lull between their screams, you're pretty sure you heard the sharp, distinctive sound of a Thunder Guardsman's whistle, not more than a couple of blocks away. The City Watch are surely coming.

Shinjo Xiaoxing: The Oni is protecting itself with the wide swings of its katana-like claws. No sooner than one hand swishes in front of you, the wakizashi-sized talons on its accompanying elbow keep you at bay until the next arm can swing in your way, sustaining a solid defense against you. Any time you find a flaw in its execution, the damnable Oni podling leaps past and forces you to duck out of the way of its own teeth and claws, making you miss your opportunities on the master Oni.

You're attempting an action with a TN of 50, including your raises. The nature of this PbP game plays havoc with strict initiative orders; but I don't see why that can't work in your favor. If someone can finish off that guardian podling I'll allow Xiaoxing's attack to occur AFTER that. At that point, the Oni's TN is only 30, and the two raises make for 40, which she hits. Konming, Katsurou, neither of you are big bushi types but all you need to hit is TN 10 and it's so wounded almost any damage roll, no matter how bad, should do the trick. Teamwork, guys! And remember: Void points exist to be used!

Edit: Since I'm willing to be flexible on resolving action order in Xiaoxing's case, I'll be similarly willing in Katsuyoshi's. If he's healed up to where he's no longer Down, and he gets an action posted before I close out the round, I'll allow that to stand as well in place of his "I do nothing" post already made.

Now to do the last thing I ever thought I'd do with this character. Katsurou is in Attack Stance.

Very well, Kongming-san. I leave the girl in your care. Please do what you can to help her and anyone else who's wounded.

He stands from where he was crouched and shakes off the protestations of Yukari.

When creatures from the Shadowlands come to threaten people we are all threatened. I refuse to be useless here.

He walks over to where everyone was sitting when the Oni came in, led by a reluctant Yukari. He pulls out his wakizashi and swings at the little monster, guided by the sounds of Chinatsu's bone-crunching kick.

Attack, Wakizashi, Void Point+Blind=+0, so 3k2: 3d10 ⇒ (8, 9, 5) = 22=17
Wakizashi Damage, 5k2: 5d10 ⇒ (1, 2, 9, 1, 6) = 19=15.

Closing out skirmish round 3

Katsurou: The podlings have been bounding around the tavern, amplifying the chaos of the ferocious melee. You hear the curious sound of a crane taking flight, and at that moment in your mind's eye you can imagine the form of the oni landing on the table you recently shared peaceful tea. It hisses and spits at you, confirming its location as it crouches to leap again. By providence you draw your wakizashi quickly enough to stab before the creature is gone... tacking it to the tabletop where it squirms for a moment before going limp, turning to sludge before you wrench your wakizashi back out of the wood.

Technically, it should take you a simple action to ready your weapon and then a complex action to attack with it. However this is too epic a moment to let the rules get in the way of a good story. I'm going to have fun with the in-game reason exactly why you were able to ready your sword as a free action...

Xiaoxing: Once Katsurou puts an end to the necessity for you to continually duck under the podling, you dart in and pull off a masterful strike on the turning and twisting Oni, getting a leg just as it plants.
Contested roll: 4d10 ⇒ (4, 7, 1, 9) = 21 It BARELY succeeds.. by so little I'm going to give you some partial success for your effort

The Oni would have gone down if it hadn't reached up to steady itself with two of its arms, its claws raking deep into the ceiling to steady itself. I'm going to give it -5 to its TN next round for being "off balance" as it steadies itself during skirmish round 4

Konming has gone 24 hours w/o a post for this round so I'll bot him. I'll go ahead and say he went and got his scrolls in round 2, and then in round 3 cast the spell he posted for round 2. I'll change the target from Hakiku to Katsuyoshi.. not only is he closer to where Konming is at that point, Katsuyoshi can probably help you more than the peasant girl could.

Spell result of 19 results in 9 wounds being healed, plus 8 more I said I'd give to Katsuyoshi, for 17 wounds healed. He is now only carrying 14 wounds, which is just barely Nicked and carries only a +3TN penalty to his rolls.

Lasting effects on Katsuyoshi of the funky bites: 2d3 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 Only two points of you-know-what

The Ronin tries to cover Xiaoxing from the Oni's retaliation. He assumes defensive stance, and guards Xiaoxing

Doji Usija shifts to defensive stance, taking advantage of the Oni's distractions to move into a corner of the tavern and fortify himself behind a broken tabletop.

Skirmish Round 4 begins.

The remaining podling squeals with hate at Katsurou, but the bigger Oni bellows at it and it shifts its attention on Xiaoxing. It picks up where its destroyed mate left off, bounding around dangerously at the bushi harrying its master, with a special interest in the Battle Maiden, snapping at her head on numerous passes. However, the Ronin is able to ward it away from her every time despite his injuries. The podling hit TN 21, which would have done the trick in your full attack stance w/o the Ronin's guard! He grins despite his injuries, and remarks to her what a glorious combat they have found themselves in.

The big Oni sinks its claws into the ceiling, walking as much with its hands along the ceiling as it does on its feet along the floor. It proves to still have another weapon: it lashes out with its prehensile tongue! As Konming brings Katsuyoshi back into fighting trim, the Oni's three eyes narrow on the Dragon. It opens its mouth and licks Katsuyoshi, wrapping its tongue around his arm like a tentacle. It proves to be incredibly strong, just like the rest of the Oni.. it twists and twists Katsuyoshi's arm until something *cracks* within and his hand is forced open.. the Katana of Fire winks out of existence as it falls out of his tortured hand. After the tongue snaps back into the Oni's mouth Katsuyoshi's injured, throbbing arm is soaked in Oni spit, which is already causing his skin to blister...

The Oni uses one of its arms to reach over and toss the table Usija is hiding behind aside. It grumbles with annoyance at the Crane, as if to complain "why won't you just make this easy for me?"

it must declare two raises on the Disarm, but it's attacking Katsuyoshi while he's still prone, so the modifiers are a wash. It still hits his base TN of 15. Katsuyoshi suffers 9 more wounds in the Disarm, and has an acid on him that will continue to do some damage until removed or neutralized.

After Katsuyoshi's heal, then being attacked again, he's at 23 wounds. That puts him in the Hurt wound rank, at +10TN to his rolls. He's still prone, and possibly worst of all, the Oni made him drop the dangerous Katana of Fire.

Crunch stuff: The Oni's TN to be hit this turn is 35 (attack stance, but Xiaoxing threw it off balance, 2nd podling is now guarding it) The Podling is 20 while it is guarding the Oni.

Round 4 is on the clock, Samurai!

Chinatsu moves himself toward the other remaining podling, it's moves being too distracting to the rest of the battlefield, and in general lowering the number of teeth pointed at the group.

Jiujutsu/Agility, using a void point, 8k4: 8d10 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 10, 6, 5, 3, 7) = 38 10 + 7 + 6 + 5 = 26. That hits already but can roll exploding dice if desired

Damage 5k2: 5d10 ⇒ (8, 2, 9, 9, 7) = 35 9 + 9 = 18 damage...what I dealt last time >.<

Himeko keeps herself between Usija and the oni. The whistles give her hope that help is coming, but to be sure she begins to shout. "In here! In the Orange Blossom! We need help!"

Defensive stance. Standard Action to Guard and Standard Action to shout more than 5 words.

Xiaoxing can't help but smile at the ronin, his courage despite his wounds, his irrepressible spirit, are inspirational to her.

Tell me your name! she shouts...

If the podling lives...

Realising she has no chance of striking the hulking oni whilst its spawn defends it, Xiaoxing prepares to strike, hopeful that another samurai will be able to capitalise on her action and attack the oni itself.

Xiaoxing relaxes for a brief moment, letting the world turn around her as she stays still, before her wakazashi snakes out in to the path of the podling, its edge already twisting to cause maximum damage to the wretched thing.

Attack stance
kenjutsu 6k3+7: 6d10 ⇒ (5, 8, 2, 7, 7, 7) = 36 8+7+7+7=29

damage 5k2: 5d10 ⇒ (4, 7, 5, 1, 3) = 20 7+5=12

Alternatively if the podling is dead...

Defence stance
Xiaoxing realises her attacks are doing little to stop the oni, so stands by Himeko, between the Crane and the Oni. Guard the crane!

Didn't want me to accidently kill yout precious oni huh. :P

Katsuyoshi forces himself to his feet, battered bruised but never broken. Hard eyes focus on the beast while thoughts race. His mother's blade too far away, even if he could pull it one handed with it off his side. Arm felt broken, burning even now from the gunk the beast had left in its wake. The subtle wrongness that seemed to seep through his being didn't help either, he felt as if he was sick to his stomach.

Action came swiftly to the fore as he realized what he must do. One arm does tend to limit a man so that he only has a few actions to choose from. In the end this is a blessing, it is easier to select from a few choices instead of many.

Katsuyoshi screams out his frustration as he rushes for the beast. "Stupid beast, I shall send you back to the foul realm you have crawled forth from myself. FACE THE TRUE TOUCH OF THE KAMI. TENNO HEIKA BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!" Katsuyoshi positioned himself directly in front of the beast, hand out and the beginnings of a prayer to the kami pouring forth from his lips.

Not a put on job, actually going to recast katana next turn. Attack stance, can't look like I am being cautious as my hand seems to be seeking the creatures face.

Kongming casts Fires of Purity on Katsuyoshi for Round 4.

"Heaven above
Earth below
Kami hold sway
over the elements
Shadowlands must go."

Spellcasting Roll 4k3 4d10 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 8) = 19 for 18 total.

Round 4 feedback thus far:

Chinatsu: You definitely are starting to feel that the tide is turning in the favor of yourself and your companions. This podling partially crunches as a result of your strikes, fairing just as poorly as its predecessor.

Doji Himeko: You anchor a growing phalanx of samurai protecting Doji Usija after his impromptu fort was demolished. Usija now bears a resemblance to Krieger in my mind.

Hametsu catches on to what you're trying to do. Finally doing something more helpful than screaming in this enclosed environment, he grabs a rag and heads to the wrecked doorway, waving the cloth to help flag the Thunder Guard.

Shinjo Xiaoxing: You strike down the wounded podling after it escapes from Chinatsu.. cleaving it right in two midair. By the time the two halves hit the floor, they have already transformed to black blobs of goo that splatter on impact.

The Ronin congratulates you on your fine stroke, pressing a hand to his shoulder to test the extent of his injury. He replies to you:

"I have no name any longer. I just live in a world of fire..." He looks down at his wet, red palm before completing the sentence.
"...and blood."

Mirumoto Katsuyoshi: I forgot to have you make a Stamina roll to see if the Oni's corrosive saliva actually will damage you. I'll roll it on your behalf.
Katsuyoshi's Stamina trait roll, TN15: 2d10 ⇒ (10, 8) = 18 No ongoing acid burn!
The corrosive saliva left from the Oni's tongue burns painfully, but it's only a superficial distraction. You steel yourself for what must be done next round...

Soshi Konming: You offer a prayer to the Fire Kami, and they leap obediently to your desires. Terrible green flames erupt from Katsuyoshi's Chi, wreathing him in a protective aura of fire.

Only waiting on Kitsuki Katsurou to finish out Skirmish round 4

Be ashamed for falling to one as wretched as I, corrupt one.

I must now make myself not be a liability.

Katsurou shifts into a full defensive stance.

Defense/Reflexes: 2k2: 2d1 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2**Sigh**

to hit TN is 9.

Woo, did a whole combat round in about 12 hours. Hopefully that's a sign you guys are having fun...

If you have time to fix your post Katsurou, you rolled 2 d 1's, so no wonder you got a low result ;)

The Ronin assumes the defensive stance and staggers over, shoulder to shoulder with the wall of samurai to defend Doji Usija from the Oni. He spends a simple action to Guard the Crane.

Doji Usija feels bold enough (behind a wall of bodyguards) to draw his wakizashi and holds it in unsteady hands. He assumes full defense stance, adding another 8 to his armor TN

As this skirmish round closes out, the stomping sound of many approaching feet is clearly heard inside the Inn.

The Oni growls in frustration at that, and reaches behind its back to yank off two more growths.. vile tearing sounds precede the growths being tossed to the floor with sticky 'glops'.

While these new podlings open their eyes and sprout legs, the big Oni snorts and makes its way to a window. It takes one last hateful look at you all, and points to the Crane before pushing its way out through the window. Out in the alley, it crouches then springs, proving to be able to leap amazing distances just like its little "children".

The two of them pounce, bounding over and under and around the protective shield of bodyguards with a suicidal lack of self preservation they assume full attack stance.

One of them manages to skitter along the ceiling, quick as a scalded dog, and drops down on Usija, chomping its teeth into the base of his neck, pouncing away again just as fast as anyone can turn to threaten it.

Both new podlings are TN 15 to be hit. The big Oni assumed defensive stance, left the building, then took off with a mighty leap.

Skirmish Round 5 is on the Clock! Congratulations.. you've run off the big Oni.. but will the podlings kill the Crane anyway?

Really enjoying it GM :) your frequent posts are a fantastic feedback tool, really feeling in the thick of the action, quite difficult to evoke in pbp so bravo!

With one large threat removed, Xiaoxing still does not relax, spinning in place and slashing viciously at one of the podlings, abandoning all defence of herself as she realises just how vulnerable the Crane is even with samurai around him.

Full attack stance!
kenjutsu 8k4+7 2 raises for damage: 8d10 ⇒ (1, 3, 2, 1, 9, 8, 10, 1) = 35 explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 1 11+9+8+3+7=38
damage 7k2: 7d10 ⇒ (9, 5, 5, 4, 10, 9, 8) = 50 explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 3 13+9=22

The "unnamed" Ronin spends a void point to move his initiative score up this round. He assumes the full attack stance and goes after the podling Xiaoxing nearly killed.

He jabs upwards as the podling spins away from the Shiotome's deadly strike, pinning the minor oni to the ceiling. It turns back into goo even before it can give a proper death spasm; clinging to the ceiling but dripping black sticky droplets from where it was destroyed.

Only one podling left. It's uninjured and TN 15 to be hit.

Chinatsu doesn't look too surprised at the Oni's jump. He was raised on such stories from his clan. The immediate issue was removing current threat in the final little podling and then they can get to the work on figuring out what it was and why it was here.

Jiujutsu/Agility, 7k3: 7d10 ⇒ (8, 4, 8, 4, 8, 3, 9) = 44 9 + 8 + 8 = 25
Damage 5k2: 5d10 ⇒ (7, 7, 8, 3, 7) = 32 8 + 7 = 15 ...never seems like my damage dice want to explode...

Being unarmed, and suddenly covered in flames, Katsuyoshi attempts to give the remaining podling a hug.

Last void point to pretend like he has jiujitsu4k3: 4d10 ⇒ (2, 4, 10, 9) = 25 sploder1d10 ⇒ 7 so 30

contested strength: 2d10 ⇒ (8, 4) = 12

FOP2d10 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Round 5 Feedback:

Chinatsu: A third podling crunches when you hit it, and for the third time you watch with disappointment as it screeches away from your reach. Perhaps they're so soft and gooey on the outside, that's why your dice won't explode.. they have cushioning!

Mirumoto Katsuyoshi: Grappling is exactly the sort of thing the missing limb penalty should apply to, but even after adding a +10TN you still hit. I'm going to apply that to the contested roll as well, but there's good news! Since you have a significant size advantage, I'm giving you a free raise to keep a hold on it.

The podling hisses and shrieks as you grab a leg and haul it down to your belly, crouching around it and trying to hold it captive while it kicks and spits frantically while the fire kami burn the oni.

The Podling is now only TN 5 to be hit. Unfortunately, it might be a little awkward to get a hit in, with the Flames surrounding Katsuyoshi. If you find something with more reach than a Katana, I'll let you strike at it w/o burning yourself.

Soshi Konming, Kitsuki Katsurou, Doji Himeko: waiting on your actions to close out round 5. As of right now noone is guarding the Crane, but then again the Oni Podling is being grappled by Katsuyoshi...

Katsurou knows when his lucks run out, and since he has no need to fear the big Oni an the guards seem to be on their way, he'll stay in Full Defense.

Full Defense, 2k2: 2d10 ⇒ (7, 10) = 17

TN=18

Botting Soshi Konming and Doji Himeko so we can press on.

Soshi Konming and Doji Himeko, both unwilling to reach into Katsuyoshi's flaming embrace, hang back to guard Doji Usija in the event the Podling escapes from its firey doom.

Doji Usija looks around the tavern, and weighs the option of hiding in the kitchen and barring the door. He looks back at the shugenja and courtier bravely defending him, and apparently decides his honor couldn't suffer running away at this point. He holds his wakizashi defensively, calling encouragement to the unknown samurai wrestling the podling.

"That's it, Dragon-san! Don't let it go!"

The Ronin went earlier in the round. He blurts out, "The yari! Someone grab the spear from the niche..."

Skirmish round 5 is over. Beginning Skirmish round 6.

The Oni podling frantically, and desperately tries to squirm free. Only because of its lack of leverage owing to its small size can Katsuyoshi hang on to the critter. Its sharp claws tear and rend at his kimono as it struggles, leaving superficial scrapes on his flesh below. It would surely escape before long; Katsuyoshi is barely able to keep a handle on it. However the Fires of Purity continue to burn the podling as it did not manage to escape yet. The fires cause the Oni to burst like an overripe melon, splattering the black funk all over Katsuyoshi's ruined kimono.

Your first skirmish is over! Congratulations, Heroes!

The stomping of feet grows louder. Hametsu staggers backwards, back into the Inn as a half dozen bushi of the city watch storm inside.

The Thunder Guard are in their parade best, having expected to be on light detail for the Festival tonight. Their armor is in show condition and their crimson-dyed horsehair helmet plumes are in fine form.

They look around the Inn, and take in the details: Festival streamers and decorations are torn and hanging in disarray. The doorway has been broken, as has a window. Tables are overturned and shattered. Broken pieces of ceramic cups crunch underfoot and pools of sake intermingle on the floor with a sea of blood and a copious amount of viscera and tarry black unidentifiable gloop. There are bodies strewn here and there; the two Crane samurai make particularly ghastly corpses.

The so-called "Red Plumes" can't help but notice the bloody, messy, flaming shugenja at the center of your attention. The nearby presence of an armed and almost-as-bloody Ronin seems to confirm the Guardsmen's suspicion that a bar fight got WAY out of hand, and they threaten the Ronin and Mirumoto Katsuyoshi with their Naginatas.

"What's all this, then? On the authority of the Governor, LOWER YOUR WEAPONS! DROP YOUR SPELL SCROLLS!"

The Thunder Guard are not about to initiate combat.. they're really more concerned at this point about figuring out what is going on. They're suspicious but not unreasonably so. Those of you who are Yoriki will be recognized as such if you introduce yourselves and explain what happened. The grunt soldiers are of lower status than you, but the Gunso in charge is slightly higher at Status rank 2.

Katsurou complies without hesitation.

They say they like logic less than direct evidence and witness accounts. There's the opening.

We will lower our weapons, but will someone please see to the wounded? There is much to talk about and some key witnesses may have little time.

Xiaoxing concentrates on breathing calmly, damping down her own exhilaration at the fight and looking around to take in the scene that the Thunder Guard have stumbled on to. It didn't look good.

She flicks her blade to the side to remove any remnants of ichor, and sheather the wakazashi with a snap, leaving her hands well away from the hilt she slowly moves to the side of the inn towards the Scorpion and addresses them.

Greetings samurai-sans, I am Shinjo Xiaoxing and over there is Soshi Kongming, we are both Yoriki to magistrates in the city. A foul shadowlands beast has just invaded this inn and been chased away. It may well be wise to let your superiors know so they can decide on the correct course of action.

sincerity/awareness 4k3: 4d10 ⇒ (9, 3, 7, 2) = 21 9+7+2=18

"Konnichi-wa, I am Soshi Kongming, yoriki. Under oath, I hereby corroborate my esteemed compatriot's account of the events that have transpired. But you will have to excuse me as I administer medical attention to the wounded. They will die, you know, if left unattended."

Sincerity/Awareness 6k3 6d10 ⇒ (2, 10, 4, 7, 6, 10) = 39

2 exploding dice

2d10 ⇒ (9, 1) = 10 for a total of 37

Himeko sighs in relief with the arrival of the Red Plumes. Seeing that the other samurai were explaining the situation, she turns to Usija.

"Usija-sama, you might not know me, but I am Doji Himeko, yoriki to our Clan's magistrate in Ryoko Owari. Are you injured?"

What is the name of the Crane magistrate?

The Thunder Guard Gunso (sergeant) addresses the Ronin while some of the kaisatsukan (low ranking troops) gossip to one another about him.

"Is that the truth of it then, "Makkasu"? You were saving lives? Surely you can empathize with my incredulity at finding you in the aftermath of yet another.. unfortunate.. scene. What is it they call you now? Oh yes, I recall. "Mad" Makkasu. Apparently the moniker is apt; are you trying to get strung up in Traitor's Grove?"

"Mad" Makkasu calmly stows his katana, not allowing the Gunso to bait him into dishonorable behavior. He chooses his words carefully, finally settling upon:

"Binding in Traitor's Grove is a punishment reserved only for members of the Scorpion Clan. As we both know, I have no Clan."

The Gunso clearly enjoys needling Makkasu, but is forced to relent and acknowledge the unanimous story you give about an Oni being responsible for the carnage, and NOT a drunken bar brawl started by a Ronin. Doji Usija settles the matter with his own testimony.

"Gunso, my lifeless corpse would be laying there next to my cousins' if it were not for the efforts of ALL these heroes." He looks to each of you with seriousness, holding his hand to his bite wound on his neck he's only feeling now that the adrenaline rush is wearing off. "I owe you my life. You have my thanks."

The Thunder Guard press Doji Usija (and yourselves) for statements about the incident. You overhear Usija telling the guard:

"My cousins and I are simple merchants.. we've never done anything to earn the enmity of an Oni! I've never even been to the Shadowlands!

The Gunso continues to ask for testimony about the Crane Lords' prior activities during the day. From what you hear, their day has been routine. They take merchandise to a buyer, they "gift" them with the merchandise, and receive payment in return. Commerce is generally considered a dishonorable activity for Samurai; face saving euphemisms like these are par for the course when talking about commercial matters in detail.
The merchandise bought and sold today was all for the Bon Festival. Nothing interesting, just party favors like costumes, fireworks, masques, streamers, and so on. He provides the Thunder Guard with the names of the merchants he dealt with and his activities sound like he's on the up and up.

Kaisatsukan tasked with interrogating Hametsu and Kimoko are having a rougher time of it. Hametsu cries and wails, vascillating his worries between the sorry state of his tavern, the extent of his daughter's injuries, and whether the angry, vengeful spirits of the dead Cranes will haunt the Inn and doom his business. He frequently offers prayers to all the Fortunes he can think of. Kimoko is simply too distraught to talk to strangers, she's tenderly caring for the unconscious Hakiku.

The Gunso has some of the kaisatsukan head out into the street and begin rounding up some eta to clean up the mess inside the Inn of the Orange Blossom, because touching dead flesh is fit only for the "untouchables" of that caste.

Feel free to add additional testimony about what you saw. The Gunso hasn't arrested you, but neither are you free to leave until he's satisfied he has a grasp on what is going on.

The sole Crane Magistrate in Ryoko Owari is named Doji Oruku. The Scorpion and Unicorn both have several. All are officially answerable to the Governor of the City, but in practice each Magistrate furthers the agendas of their respective Clans.

Soshi Konming: Kimoko tearfully thanks you for saving Hakiku's life. She offers to bring you clean linens for bandages and slings and invites you to the contents of her herbal garden. These assets will serve as a "medicine kit" and allow you to make First Aid checks on the wounded. (Intelligence/Medicine, TN 15. Success heals 1k1 wounds, each raise adds +1k0 to the healing roll) "Mad" Makkasu, Mirumoto Katsuyoshi, Doji Usija, and Hakiku could all benefit from first aid rolls.

Perception 2d10 ⇒ (6, 9) = 15

Kongming raises an eyebrow when he hears the word "junshin" used to describe the ronin and realizes the Scorpion holds the ronin in contempt.

Medicine 6k4 use void point 6d10 ⇒ (4, 1, 7, 3, 2, 6) = 23 total 20

Kongming thanks Komiko for her assistance and proceeds to administer to Hakiku.

After that he then proceeds to help the others.

Medicine for every1 else 5k3

5d10 ⇒ (10, 6, 9, 10, 8) = 43 for the ronin
5d10 ⇒ (7, 8, 5, 1, 4) = 25 Katsuyoshi
5d10 ⇒ (5, 4, 5, 1, 5) = 20 Ujisa

Washing the blood from his hands as best he can, Katsuyoshi thanks Kongming for his ministrations. Finally he is ready to give his view of the story, "I do not know what the Cranes may have done to attract the Oni's attention, but it barely paid attention to our combined efforts as it slaughtered them. If it had not been for the gift if the kami we would all be corpses at your feet."

Katsuyoshi walks over and in full view of everyone begins to place his possessions back in their respective places. Starting with his duty to his clan as signified by his scroll case; moving to his duty to his family as signified by his mother's swords; and finally to his duty to himself as signified by his father's katana. Katsuyoshi's cold gaze rests upon the two crane in the room, silent judgement seems to gleam in those eyes as if blaming the crane for the whole incident.

Perception, 3k3: 3d10 ⇒ (4, 7, 9) = 20

Katsurou finds a means to clean the ichor off his wakizashi and then sits to discuss the events with whomever comes to speak to him.

Well, I don't know what I could tell you. Suddenly there was a large crash and the girl who was serving us tea was impaled on our table. Next thing I know someone says there's an Oni present and we had to join forces to fight it off.

He then has Yukari bring the ronin over to him.

I hope you will recover swiftly, because we may need you tonight. Oni do not simply appear from nowhere, and skilled and honorable men will be needed again.

Makkasu is it? Xiaoxing turns to the ronin and nods at him.

You acquitted yourself well swordsman, I am but a yoriki, but I will speak of your bravery to my superior. If the ancestors smile, perhaps there will be work for you

She turns to Hametsu and smiles comfortingly

You should take your wife and daughter home to care for them, there is little else you can do for now. Is there anyone you can call upon to assist you? Family or friends to help clean up?

Usija-san, I believe we will be walking the same path back to our homes when we leave here, it would please me greatly if you would allow us to walk with you, I have still yet to see much of the city and your insight would be most welcome

Trying to put 'we'll escort you home' as tactfully as possible without offending either him or the Thunder Guard >.<

etiquette/awareness 4k3: 4d10 ⇒ (10, 5, 7, 10) = 32 explosions: 2d10 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 11+13+7=31

Chinatsu tries to console Hametsu as best as he can saying, "Do not worry too much, Hametsu-san. The Temple of Osano-Wo would be more than happy to perform any rites needed to ward off angry spirits that may come. We will hear your prayers to the fortunes and make the proper offerings to console them. See to your family and your repairs. I am sure the Inn of the Orange Blossom will flourish once again in only a few days time."

After talking to calm the man a bit more, Chinatsu overhears Kitsuki-san and moves over saying, "Indeed, it is strange for a single Oni to appear from nowhere, especially one of such power. If there were others, it may herald an invasion," Chinatsu shudders at the though, "But I would think we would be hearing of far more disturbances if that was the case. It seems to me something important is going on this night. It'd be best to end this as swiftly as possible."

Soshi Konming returns from Kimoko's garden having found some herbs that can be mixed into healing ointments. He cleans and dresses the wounds of those present. Mirumoto Katsuyoshi, you got 18 wounds healed! You're now carrying 5 wounds, which leaves you with no penalties to your rolls.

Thunder Guard kaisatsukan return with the four nearest eta they could find outside. The bushi put these peasants to the unpleasant work of cleaning up the foul mess in the Inn.

One of these eta, a very young boy, pauses from the messy work to look around in wonder. To him, the interior of the Inn isn't a mess, it's a place of previously unimagined luxury and wonder. With a child's lack of caution, he even looks directly at some of you, awed by your fantastic (not to mention clean!) clothing. Another eta, apparently his father, notices this and prods the child.. they both press their foreheads to the floor as they bow deeply. The man apologizes profusely and begs forgiveness for the boy's indiscretion.

Any samurai may exact retribution on an eta if they feel their honor is insulted. As such, eta are very careful about avoiding any appearance of impropriety.

The Thunder Guard gunso seems to have come to a point where he doesn't have further questions for you. However, he reminds Shinjo Xiaoxing: "Don't get ahead of yourselves.. I'm the scene commander here. Noone's going anywhere until I say so." He seems to be the worst sort of petty bureaucrat: one that lords his authority whenever he gets the chance.

Doji Usija is the only samurai here of sufficient status to tell the Gunso where to stow that "authority", yet he proves too mild mannered to do so, preferring to wait the officious junior officer out.

The Gunso does "graciously" allow Chinatsu's suggestion, as Hametsu's family lives upstairs. He orders Hametsu to do something useful, like bring out some fresh sake. Without her husband's assistance, Kimiko struggles with moving her daughter, causing the girl's damaged kimono to fall open. The gunso (and a couple of his troops) leer at the exposed girl before Makkasu goes over to cover her up, and carry her upstairs for Kimoko.

After a few more minutes, the Thunder Guard gunso seems to be on the verge of declaring the investigation "closed" as he sips from Hametsu's stock of fine sake. The tension building between you and he is derailed by another sudden crash from the doorway.

Hametsu is there, bowing down after having dropped his tray of sake after being startled by a new figure appearing at the threshhold of his Inn. Hametsu stammers, "I.. I'm so very sorry m'lord. I'm so sorry, dozo, let me assist you..

Over Hametsu's frantic apologies, you hear the stranger reply cheerfully: "No, no, good innkeeper, that's not necessary." The stranger moves into the light and removes his straw jingasa, revealing a mane of pure white hair, pulled back into a samurai's topknot ponytail. He wears an obviously expensive blue kimono and hakama. Together with his fine daisho this figure is the very image to which dapper Crane samurai aspire. Bright eyes match his ready smile that bears a hint of mischief behind its elegance.

The Thunder Guard gunso's tune changes immediately as he recognizes the newcomer. He and his troops bow deeply, recognizing the Crane's high status. The gunso greets him: "My Lord Magistrate Oruku-sama. It is always a pleasure to see you." The Crane still bears that mischevious smile when he replies to the gunso: "You as well Jinjiro-san. You as well." You're pretty sure the Crane just blew the gunso away on a sincerity check.

Shinjo Xiaoxing & Soshi Konming: You recognize the newcomer as the Crane Magistrate in the city, Doji Oruku. He's status 4, blowing the gunso's rank out of the water. He's now the lawman in charge of the scene. Doji Himeko: That all goes for you, but you also can't help but notice his dye-job is perfect. As always.. you've never seen his roots.. how does he do it?

Doji Oruku assumes control of the investigation announcing that the House of the Crane has heard about their dead members. The oafish gunso, Jinjiro, shares what he's learned thus far while the magistrate thoughtfully walks around the room. While listening, Oruku studies damage to the timbers, tables, and walls.

By now the eta have carted the corpses off, and the scrubbing of blood and guts from the floor and other surfaces is underway. Oruku dismisses the Thunder Guard by giving them the menial task of escorting Doji Usija to his quarters at the Crane embassy in the Nobles' Quarter. They take the dead Cranes' weapons with them so that they may find their way to the next of kin.

Once Usija and the obnoxious Thunder Guard are gone, Oruku turns to you.

"First of all, the Crane Clan extends its thanks to each of you for your actions tonight. I assure you this matter will be taken with the utmost of seriousness: both finding justice for my kinsmen as well as honoring our debts to you heroes.

"I know some of you already. Doji Himeko, Shinjo Xiaoxing, and Soshi Konming: To you three I say, I'm not surprised to see how valorous you were. I'm afraid I have a poor way to thank you in the short term. I'm going to call upon you to assist me in this investigation. I apologize that whatever plans you had for the festival are ruined."

He looks to Chinatsu, Kitsuki Katsurou, and Mirumoto Katsuyoshi:

"You heroes were of crucial assistance to Usija-san. Will you be willing to assist me in the pursuit of justice, as well?

Rather than having you repost "what you saw" a second time, Oruku has a few questions he'd like to see your answers/speculation to:

"Where do you think this Oni came from?"

"Why do you think it killed noone but these Crane samurai?"

"Why do you think it ran away before it killed Usija-san?"

Himeko pointedly ignores the eta. She had little time to waste on non-persons. However, she immediately stiffens when Oruku enters the inn. She takes a moment while he is distracted by the Thunder Guard gunso to straighten her kimono. She knew her hair would be a mess, but that could hardly be helped in such a short time and without Teju.

Himeko bows low when she is conscripted by her superior. "Oruku-sama, if I might be so bold, I believe that Usija-san is still in danger. The oni sought only to kill Doji Juzo-san, Usija-san, and Daidoji Anitano-san. When my companions wounded it, the creature retreated into the city. I can only assume that unless it is found, it will bide its time to attack him again."

The courtier kept her face even, maintaining her on despite the carnage surrounding them and the horrific topic. "As for the why of the attack, there was little indication. The oni did not speak except through its actions. I am hardly an expert on the Shadowland, but I doubt that the thing crawled over the Carpenter Wall and walked to Ryoko Owari. It was brought her, summoned by someone, or..." Her exposition trails off as she imagines the worst case scenario: that somebody might have given an oni their name.

Katsuyoshi ignores the constant questions and annoyances of the gunso, preffering to allow the others to answer for him as he composes himself. His gaze searches the room, waiting for the oni to suddenly return to finish its job, when he catches the small boys eyes for a split second. The careful calm of a duelist broken by the nearest flash of annoyance. Katsuyoshi raises slowly and walks over to stand in front of the eta child.

"Stand up boy, tell me your name."

So happy I am not playing a lion right now.

One has few options in the face of the greatest of evils, as it makes itself hard to ignore. Foolish is the one who refuses allies in the face of such things or seeks to hide from them while others do what needs to be done.

After Yukari leans in to whisper something in his ear he continues.

When an arrow lands in the ground, one must follow its feathers to find the archer. Similarly, a bird does not fly to the Wall to get to the fields of the Kakita, but rather it flies the straightest path it can. Thusly it seems the creature came from the direction of the front of the inn. Lastly, as a drop of ink spreads throughout a cup of water, taint makes itself known among the good, so it would not have come from far away.

L5R dialogue is such fun. Basically he's saying the thing is too lazy and too evil-looking to have come from far away, so it must have come from the direction of the front of the inn, and if we start from there we might be able to track it back to where it was summoned.

Xiaoxing watches the Crane as he enters, bowing to show her respect

We are well served by your presence here Oruku-sama, it would be an honor to be of further service to the city and its magistrates

she pauses to consider his questions, regretfully shaking her head

I claim no knowledge of Oni, and can only consider Katsurou-san's suggestion, I believe it has merit. Surely such an abomination would have been noticed if it had entered the city from outside

she frowns

As to why it targeted your clanmates I cannot say, Usija-san spoke to the Thunder Guard Gunso and advised he had done nothing out of the ordinary today, simply another day of 'commerce'

her hand drops to the frayed dueling ribbon on her obi

I can only guess that the Oni fled when the power of the kami was brought to bear against it, I can testify from my own experience that striking it with a blade was like trying to chop wood with an inkbrush...

The eta boy stands up as Mirumoto Katsuyoshi commands, looking fearful. He keeps his gaze down as is socially expected. He tells Katsuyoshi his name is "Fourth". You've heard that the eta have practices similar to the samurai caste. Of course they don't participate in gempukkus, but they commonly only have nicknames until they're grown up a bit and their families are sure they're healthy enough to survive. In many cases, even adults never take formal names.

As the Thunder Guard leave, escorting Doji Usija to the Nobles' Quarter, Doji Oruku nods in acknowledgement to Doji Himeko's concern about Usija's ongoing safety. "You may be right, Himeko-san. Still, if the creature is to come for him again, he'll be well protected. Some of the best yojimbos to graduate from the Kakita and Daidoji dojos are posted here in Ryoko Owari to protect our Embassy and our personnel. I can think of no place in Ryoko Owari that he'll be safer."

Speaking of the Crane Embassy, I realize I forgot to mention something in my previous post. Kitsuki Katsurou, your wife Yukari is extended an invitation to stay there under the same protection.

Oruku-sama considers all your opinions carefully. He loves to scratch his chin while he thinks. He does this gesture often...

After weighing Doji Himeko's input he asks everyone:"Do you think someone set the Oni on these victims, then?"

After hearing from Shinjo Xiaoxing he asks another question Again, open to anyone/everyone to reply: "Do you think it fled because it feared your prowess?"

He nods sagely to Kitsuki Katsurou. "I have heard tales of the so called "Kitsuki Method". A few practitioners have come to Ryoko Owari during my tenure. I've found their investigations to be most... curious. Still, I cannot deny the effectiveness of these methods, however unconventional they may be. Please, if you can, demonstrate where this Oni came from, or where it may have gone."

Anyone who wants to look outside for Oni tracks may do so. A cooperative roll seems like the best way to do this... especially since Oruku is inviting Katsurou to show off the forensic science behind the "Kitsuki Method". If you want to assist Katsurou in his bizarre Dragon techniques, post some roleplay about searching for clues at his direction in the street in front of the door and/or in the alleyway beyond the window. For each player who cooperates with Katsurou, he'll gain +1k0 for each skill rank the helping character has in Investigation or Hunting (whichever is higher.. not both added together)

I'm not going to allow you to "roll your own" searching for tracks. For one, it's supposed to be a team game. Be a team player ;) For two, Investigation doesn't cover tracking and Hunting only covers tracking in rural environments. I'm only even letting the check happen because of fiat. Seems like "Kitsuki Method" should make the attempt possible, doesn't it?

Of course I forgot to include a TN for you, Katsurou. I'm calling finding the tracks "difficult", so TN 25. You have a TN; so don't forget to declare your raises.

Oh any everyone roleplaying help on the task: feel free to invent your own "clues" you discover. If I can tie your "suspicious piece of tattered cloth" or what-have-you to what actually happaned, I will. Assuming of course, Katsurou's roll is successful...

Katsuyoshi looks down at the young one. "fourth, do you know the Tao of Shinsei? No, don't answer, it is not important for you to answer. All you need to know is this, each man must make his way in this world. You must do your best to carry out the job that you are handed in life. The samurai must work to protect the people, the farmer must work to feed the people, the artisans must work to bring beauty to the people... the eta must work to protect the people too. You protect us from touching the dead flesh. But every samurai knows that he has his place, a bushi knows his place is on the field of battle, a courtier in the political fight, a shugenja fights for the very soul of his people. Your place is with your eyes down and your mind on your work. It is very important this. Not every samurai sees all people as their charge. Some only see pretty people, preening and self important, as their charge. Some only see those of value with a sword in hand. Some look for those of cunning, low creatures who sully their Meiyo. Some see only knowledge as important. Some see no one person as important, just the number of seconds that person's life can buy. Only two types of samurai see value where it lies, those who carried the sands in their step and those who understand. Fate favors the mortal man, he only needs to grasp greatness. So eyes on your work, not on your surroundings. Do not lose your head because you looked in the direction of a man who could not see your value past his honor." With that the young samurai places the bundle of rice cakes he had been pulling from his pack down before the eta. weeks worth of rations for him that could probably feed their mouths for a month if rationed. He them walks back to his seat and waits to see what the others plan.

"I would think that the Oni did not come here to spread chaos. It is not unheard of for people to sell pieces of themselves to these creatures for revenge...or maybe getting ahead of the competition?" Chinatsu says to Doji Oruku's first question. "I would say anyone with grudges against these men, and maybe Crane's in general may be the culprit...though the second one makes little sense as he ignored the other Cranes in this establishment." He says the last while indicating with a nod to Doji Himeko.

"I am torn on the subject as to why it fled. It is true that Mirumoto-san dealt a great blow to the creature but it seemed to treat him as more of an annoyance than a threat. If it was hunting merchants, maybe it determined the Crane's were no longer worth the trouble?" Chinatsu says, lost for a moment in thought.

Chinatsu shakes his head a bit saying, "I think it best to try to find this creature as soon as possible regardless of it's intentions, though that could help us find it...I will serve as Kitsuki-san's eyes for a time and investigate the area under his wise tutelage."

Chinatsu goes out, helping Kitsuki-san looking around. He thinks maybe if the creature "jump" to get away, maybe it did the same thing to get here? He looks for the creature's clawed tracks and sees if he can find the "arrival" prints.