Mists of War - DM Downrightamazed

Game Master downrightamazed

Three groups of gaijin approach the Son of the Heavens, ruler of the Empire of Mists, in his palace in far Lanzhu. A great war is underway in the west, this is known, but what could these strangers want?


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Tokine heard them talking as if in a haze. cut down..lady in white...Chief Undercurator..unhelpful...Izumi?

"The lady in white! Where is she?"


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Before he leaves, Imuri pauses, and then whispers I know the young woman's dress appears to define her form quite well. If you value your princess, you should be more concerned with what it doesn't reveal. With this, Imuri reaches into his kimono - still appearing as a plain white shirt - and sets down a torn mon from the ninja he defeated earlier. With his other hand, he produces a simple iron shuriken, with no specific mon or design.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Before you allow your Princess to be taken beyond your site, you should know that some in the city can kill with anything, and can smuggle any weapon on their person. The young girl should be seized and searched. When you find her weapons, you'll understand you should risk nothing. The insult to her person will send a clear message to the entire city: we are your guests, and not to be trifled with.

Fear not. You are gaijin. We do not expect the same courtesy from you that we show one another, and when you count her weapons, you will be justified in your actions. The pretenders who seek you to fill their own needs will be wary, and your eventual allies will be stronger for it.


K(Local) master Dàocaorén? 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26


San Pen wrote:
K(Local) master Dàocaorén? 1d20 + 15

Heh. Sorry, that's what the K(Local) check you already rolled was for. I will, however, apply this roll to something else...

Though the name Dàocaorén doesn't mean anything to you off the top of your head, you remember a contact who may be able to help. A friend of yours in the police force, Inspector Cho, works in this precinct. You could see if he is available. You have taken tea with the inspector numerous times and you and he have grown fond of each others' company. He is an older fellow with a keen mind and a quick eye, and is a devastating Go player.


Female Human Magus/6 [Samurai]

DRA:
*sigh* My real life has exploded in a very nice way. I can't find a way to Private Message you here, alas. So I'm... well... I'm afraid this is the only way I know how to do this. I'm going to have to drop this campaign. (Truth be told, I'm dropping all campaigns everywhere I am in.) I'm sorry to do this to you, and the others. I was looking forward to this opprotunity and it has been immensely entertaining to this point. I do hope you can forgive me.

Thank you,
chibiamy


Shan Chongde wrote:
** spoiler omitted **

Chongde:
That is indeed a bummer. You will be missed. I liked your character build a lot and the color in your posts was excellent.

More importantly, I hope you'll be able to sort out RL issues and things will be okay, that's a drag when things go pear-shaped. Sending positive vibrations your way. ~(-_-)~

Take care!


Tokine Nagano wrote:

Tokine heard them talking as if in a haze. cut down..lady in white...Chief Undercurator..unhelpful...Izumi?

"The lady in white! Where is she?"

Naradil jerks his thumb towards the door. "Back in there; two other ladies dressed the same are with her. Here, I'll come with." The muscular half-elf locks his bow into a carrier on his back and draws his greatsword. The eldritch blade gleams silver and crimson, abyssal characters alight along its length. Though perfectly clean and supernaturally sharp, the blade emanates the scent of blood and stone and carrion. "Ready when you are."


@Imuri: Rhon's eyes widen at your words, and he looks as if he had been slapped. Earanthil raises an eyebrow but looks thoughtful. Only the dwarf finds his tongue. "We thank ye for yur werds, ser, but who might you be, who are sew knowledgeable aboot this city? Ye're no different-lookin' than any of us!" He eyes the teacup you placed in front of him significantly.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Imuri locks eyes with the dwarven gaijin, pushing the cup towards him to disctract their vision. When the cup edges over the table and the paper falls into the dwarve's lap, he smiles, once more in the guise of the scarred, gray samurai. Exactly my point, my friends. Things are not as they appear, and you are in danger. Ask the Madame Curator about me. But not before you find and search the assassin detaining your mistress.

Imuri walks away. Once in the darkening alleys of the city, he returns to his normal form, and thoughtfully walks to the Shoto city-house.

There is a state dinner prepare for, and two more gaijin camps to study.


Tokine looked at the weapon nervously. She hesitated a moment to choose her words carefully, as these gaijin had helped her Order. Thinking back on their earlier questions.

"Art. They are after art. This is not the only assault they have made on our Order today. I do not fully understand it and would hope to get some answers."

"And, I thank you for your offer to help and hope that you may still extend the offer when I ask that no drawn weapons be brought into the Temple."

She can see his eyes flick to her naginata, the golden blade flecked with blood. She nods in understanding the unspoken question.

"I carry the living representation of Shelyn's compassion. The once soul-thirsty weapon of destruction turned to a work of beauty through her love for her brother. It will not be used to draw blood inside these walls. I seek to subdue the invaders and have them confess their crimes to the Emperor and provide a reason for this assault and..."

"..and You and your companions being such powerful warriors, armored as you are, can I ask you to bring these young fools to justice. A justice that is not meted out on the edge of a sword. I mean to take them alive. I have Sheyln's blessings to aid you should they put up a fight." She rolls up the sleeves on her kimono, the one torn and bloody. She then unties the belt allowing the length to flow flee giving her more mobility and fully revealing her fine blue chain armor.

Diplomacy to gain their help and quell their bloodlust->1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges

Round 6 Status::
AC=20
HP=33 (? I think this is currently it?)
Moving to H10
Vital strike, no Vigor

Azami steps through dead bodies to move up to the devil, using the momentum of the step to shift her weight into the strike.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 284d10 + 5 ⇒ (4, 6, 8, 6) + 5 = 29


@Azami: Your crushing blow proves to be the devil's undoing; it falls dead to the ground and slowly disappears in a smoldering pile of brimstone and ash, leaving a terrible stain on the ground.

Removing the other devil from play since Chongde has dropped out of the game. We are now out of combat, so feel free to act as you will.

Kyras? Daveth? You guys still out there?


@Imuri: You are welcome in the palace, and free to visit the other gaijin at your leisure.


@Tokine: Naradil looks at you kind of glumly, then puts his greatsword away. "Okay, fine." He takes out his flail instead, the crude nubs on the weapon's head have many terrible stains. "A knockout it is. Let's go, then."

Stepping into the temple, you hear the sounds of sobbing coming from the main gallery room. You take a couple steps over until you can see through the archway, and there on the floor is Izumi, lying in a huge puddle of blood. At this distance you cannot tell if she is alive or dead. Jinn and Rai, two apprentices, are both on their knees by her side, and are crying. Jinn is holding Izumi's hand, and Izumi's head is in Rai's lap, and the girl is smoothing Izumi's hair as she cries. You can tell she sees you out of the corner of her eye. She begins to shake her head back and forth in a "No" gesture and brings her hand to her face as if wiping tears away, but gives you the sign for the number "two" while doing so, and points forward and backward, to indicate two of the ronin are in the room, on either side of the door, waiting to attack.

Your map has been updated. Red squares are Jinn, Rai, and Izumi. Blue is Naradil, etc. Consider this a surprise round.


Male Half-Human, Half-Erinyes Burglar Lv4, Skirmisher Lv2

@DRA Sorry about the disappearance DRA I've been sleeping very weirdly recently and I was planning to wait to see what Congde would be doing on her turn since she would have been soloing the Devil. Sad to see that Congde wont be with us anymore D:

Daveth stands up cringing in pain due to the arrow in his shoulder, her grabs hold of the arrows shaft and rips if free from his shoulder causing him to let out a grunt of pain. "Thanks for the help, but it looks like they have things under control." Daveth says as he starts looking around for the Erinyes. "Did you happen to see a woman with black wings? I need to pay her a visit and make her a DEAD woman with shredded wings." Daveth says as he snaps the arrow and his eyes turn a deep shade of red. He wouldn't have minded if the Erinyes had fought him and knocked him out, but the fact that she shot him with a sleep arrow and then just LEFT HIM really pissed him off.


I heard "talk goes to more straightforward affairs; what to order, who's wearing what to the palace dinner tonight, what local luminaries will be there, etc."
Does it sound like these people plan to be at the Emperor's reception?

I must visit Inspectorr Cho. His knowledge of the arrea and his insight would be invaluable.

I hope all is well with Tokine- if she is harrmed I will have worrds with that scarrred samurai who failed to accompany herr.

earth glides away


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Imuri attends the Shoto bathhouse and prepares for the evening's events. As his servants apply oils and display a combination of formal kimonos and obis, he takes a few moments to document his day's experiences in a scroll. He ponders what his next set of instructions will be as he copies the scroll twice. After his copies are made, he pours fine powder over them to dry them, collecting the excess powder into a small urn.

He rolls the scrolls, seals them, and gives them to a servant. These scrolls are marked for my parents, and for Shoto Yohuro-sensei. See that they are delivered immediately. Record their replies and find me immediately. I will be at the palace or, if they respond immediately, visiting the black-clad gaijin.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

A brief word about the parents of Shoto Imuri

Imuri's parents are Situbo, a handsome Crane man with a gift for patience, art and politics. His marriage to Shoto Maemi was arranged after he was named best student at his gempukku, taking the name of a respected Shoto gardner to earn an extra measure of approval from a family he knew would be quick to exclude him if they suspected his loyalties. Since that time, he has reserved childhood memories for his private journals and remained a focused, if patient courtier. He has had audience with the Emperor, and was honored to recite a loving poem about his love for the Empire of Mists in His presence. Folk from outside the Shoto family often see him as the softer glove of the clan. When they choose to deal honorably with the Shoto, it is often Situbo they appeal to.

Maemi is no less beautiful and no less cultured than her husband, but she is a quintessential Shoto. She was trained for battle at the Broken Promise dojo, as was her father before her. Though she is gracious and regal in polite company, she is never unarmed and evaluates every rival of the Shoto with every option. Those who might normally denounce her husband as junshin - as so fixated on honor as to be uselessly inflexible - are careful not to do so out loud, as no one underestimates the reach and versatility of high-ranking Shoto Maemi.


Tokine will move to the wall, and slipper her way up 15 feet. Making ready to step around the corner above the Ronin.

Actions and Status:

Move up 15 feet to the west face of W-6

AC: 22
HP:44 of 50
Buffs: Shield of Faith (3rd level DC 18) +2 AC
Prayer - Expired
Channel 7 of 9


Tokine Nagano wrote:

Tokine will move to the wall, and slipper her way up 15 feet. Making ready to step around the corner above the Ronin.

** spoiler omitted **

Give me a Stealth check, please.


San Pen wrote:

I heard "talk goes to more straightforward affairs; what to order, who's wearing what to the palace dinner tonight, what local luminaries will be there, etc."

Does it sound like these people plan to be at the Emperor's reception?
I must visit Inspectorr Cho. His knowledge of the arrea and his insight would be invaluable.
earth glides away

Private for San Pen:
It does indeed sound to you like these are guests for tonight's reception. You know that the Emperor is hosting a reception and theater performance to give the gaijin a chance to interact with citizens of Lanzhu. He wishes to see the reactions of the gaijin and the people both, to see how they react to each other. For so lavish a ceremony to occur three nights in a row is unheard-of, so it is the topic of much gossip and speculation. It also has everybody in a tizzy, basically.

You surface in front of the precinct house. You are recognized and welcome here, so the guard salutes you and then smiles. "Sifu San Pen. This humble soldier greets you, you who are exalted by the Emperor's trust." You can see the inspector inside, seated at his desk.


Stealth ->1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5


Entering the precinct and approaching the Inspector.

Grretings Honorred Inspectorr, I must ask forr yourr advice. I have just come frrom tea with Curratorr Tokine wherre we spoke with some gaijin who donated some arrtworrks to herr collection.

When we left, she and I werre accosted by sevrral brrigands, who demanded a painting frrom herr. We werre assisted by a sumarrai who dueled the leaderr, defeating him, and rrequirring him to name his employerr. The name give was "Plum Blosssom"- as you know the name of severral businesses, including a tea rroom.

The leaderr taunted that the Curratorr's museum was at rrisk, so she rreturrned. The samurrai just left. I passed by the Plum Blossom tea rroom and overrhearrd, but did not see, a woman of some sorrt speaking with a Master Dàocaorén. She had evidently hirred him to gain the arrtworrk. This Daocaorren spoke with otherrs afterr she left, mentioning being at the palace tonight.

I was concerrned forr the Lady Tokine, so I have come to you. Would it be possible to send herr assisstance? And what do you make of these events?


@Tokine: As you are climbing the wall, and as Naradil is coming into position behind on the other side of the archway, one of your slippers comes just a little loose, sliding off your heel, and makes a *slap* sound as you step down. The two ronin leap out, obviously expecting you to be there, but emit sounds of surprise and confusion when they see only Naradil, smiling broadly and swinging his flail.

We are officially now in Round 1, Initiative order is:
Tokine
Naradil
ronin

You are up! Literally! :-p


@Daveth: No worries, man, just wanted to make sure I hadn't lost you, too. Bummer your sleep has been off, that sucks!

The bespectacled man regards you. "I saw no woman with Black Wings, sir, but perhaps you can ask them." He points down into the courtyard at Azami and Kyras, standing ankle-deep in corpses, both wounded and holding blades covered in blood.

The man who revived you then starts clambering down off the roof.


Male Half-Human, Half-Erinyes Burglar Lv4, Skirmisher Lv2

Taking a look at where the man had pointed Daveth spots the people he had indicated, and then spots all the people that they managed to kill. Sighing to himself Daveth covers himself in his armors illusionary cloak and begins to descend the building along with the other man. The fact that the duo managed to best several warriors AND a devil was enough to make him cautious about revealing what he was to them. Hopefully he could get what he needed from them and get out of here. Keeping his hood down so as to avoid looking any more suspicious than he already did Daveth begins making his way over to Azami and Kyras once he reaches the bottom of the ladder.


@San Pen: The inspector smiles as you make your way inside. "It is funny. I was just thinking to myself; 'Self, this paperwork is boring. It would be much more exciting to play a relaxing game of Go with a worthy opponent. What is San Pen doing now, I wonder?' And lo and behold, here you are. But you have not come to play Go. Perhaps we can play while we talk?" The Inspector smiles warmly at you and begins setting up a board. He motions to the Chief while he does so. "Chief, Sifu San Pen has indicated there is the possibility for danger at the Temple of Cultural Exchange. Send four men to investigate, would you?" The board set, the Inspector allows you the courtesy of choosing whether or not you wish to go first. "The name you say you heard, old friend, I will not ask how you heard, as I am certain you were simply passing by an active conversation, one any casual listener could have heard, and which would be admissable in the courts. That name is a front for a crimelord all police wish to catch, but which none can. He is "The Scarecrow," a straw man. When we think we have him -- poof! We are left with a fake man, straw and stuffing in clothes, set up to fool us. He has never had designs on art before, nor has he personally directed any illegal activities. This could be a first."


@Azami and @Kyras: you see Kong Zhen climbing down from the roof with a tall, slightly hunched-looking fellow following. This hooded and cloaked figure approaches.


Tokine pulls a small vial of ink from her pouch, bites out the cork and flings in down below her. The ink flows from the open container as it drops. The ink coalesces into chains of spectral calligraphic characters that attempt to wrap and bind her opponent.

Actions and Status:

Casts Hold Person DC17 Will on #2

AC: 22
HP:44 of 50
Buffs: Shield of Faith (3rd level DC 18) +2 AC
Channel 7 of 9


@Tokine:
Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Strike: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

The ronin, having no idea what's happening, freezes as the crisply beautiful characters float down and bind him, freezing him where he stands. Meanwhile, Naradil steps smoothly forward, speaking in celestial as he does so. The head of his flail begins glowing crimson at the last second and he connects with the ronin's head with a massive wallop; *WHUD* and the ronin falls instantly to the ground like a pile of toppled stones.


Tokine steps down the wall, rushing past her trapped opponent. Looking back to Naradil, "Can you bind that one more securely? The spell will not last too long."

Coming upon her friends her emotions over take her and her facade drops for a moment in an uncontrolled burst of celestial energy, "Are there any more?"

Channel Pos. Energy 3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 6) = 14

Status::
AC: 22
HP:50 of 50
Buffs: Shield of Faith (3rd level DC 18) +2 AC
Channel 6 of 9


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges

Azami straightens herself, stiffness where the blades have sliced through her armor. She considers the bodies surrounding them, glances at the sky for the Yokai, and is about to check that those who have fallen are all dead, in case any can be revived and questioned.

But, there's still the fool...she wheels to Kyras, narrowing her eyes. The fight may not be over yet. Her grip on the katana tightens; it remains at her side, and she seems unwilling to sheath it. Who are you that a demon wants you? Dragonborn? Azami's voice makes the word sound like a foul insult.

She walks to the envelope the Yokai dropped, picking it up, watching Kyras the entire time...katana ready. When she notes Kong Zhen and another odd hunched figure coming from the roof, she raises the katana at her side and points it at the cloaked figure, looking past Kong as if he were no more than a tree. A stony tone enters her voice as she calls out to them.

In the name of the Emperor, halt!


@Tokine: Rai, who still seems to have her wits about her, even through her tears, says simply: "Upstairs. He went to escape off the roof. He has a painting, but I don't know which one." Her lip trembles and she starts to cry much more forcefully, as if her exterior facade of strength is finally too much to bear in your celestial presence. "Forgive me Nagano-sama, Madame Curator, I failed to protect the beautiful, I am unworthy..." Great heaving sobs overcome the young woman, then, and she bows her head before you, exposing her neck.

Naradil comes up behind you and says; "They're both secured, boss. Any word on our third little grey bird?"


Azami:
You don't even need to open the envelope to know what it is, as you have seen thousands of these in the last couple days and even had the honor of accompanying certain high-ranking diplomats as they delivered some; it is an invite to the reception at the palace tomorrow night, when the second group of gaijin will be speaking and pleading their case before the emperor.


"Dearest Rai, we need all of us to keep our heads during this crisis." Tokine reaches down to raise Rai chin. "Tears of grief do not diminish the beauty of your eyes." Holding back her own tears, "Get some help to move Izumi. Place her in my quarters with the honor that she deserves."

Turning to Naradil, "The Roof..have your bow ready."

"Jinn, please inform the two gaijin outside to kindly watch the roof for our fleeing Ronin...and please...no explosions" And then she is off at a run for the stairs.


The game is calming and he finds himself giving a clearer report than he expected. Truly, the Inspector is a master in more ways than one.

May I borrrow the skills of a discrrete scrribe? As you know, I am all thumbs at calligrraphy and I would make a rreporrt forr the palace.

Perrhaps we shall make anotherr trry at this 'Scarecrrow'. This time, his dealings may come back to him.

Will you be at the rrecption this evening, Honorred Inspectorr?

DRA, do I think I could recognize either the woman or the scarecrow if I heard their voice or their walk again?


Male Half-Human, Half-Erinyes Burglar Lv4, Skirmisher Lv2
Azami Ito wrote:


She walks to the envelope the Yokai dropped, picking it up, watching Kyras the entire time...katana ready. When she notes Kong Zhen and another odd hunched figure coming from the roof, she raises the katana at her side and points it at the cloaked figure, looking past Kong as if he were no more than a tree. A stony tone enters her voice as she calls out to them.

In the name of the Emperor, halt!

Daveth groans a bit as he realizes that the woman is probably of some sort of authority in the town as few civilians would make such a declaration. With a sigh Daveth raises his hands in the universal sign of 'I'm unarmed and I give up' though the 'unarmed' bit is technically a lie. As he does so he uses one hand to push his hood back. "Whoa, whoa, calm down I was just coming over to see if either of you saw where the woman with the wings went. I was fighting with her up there for a bit before she managed to tag me with a sleep educing arrow." Daveth explains, and while the fact that he had not been fighting her for long was true he had been fighting her so it wasn't technically a lie so hopefully the woman wouldn't have any reason to think otherwise.


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges

Azami does not lower her katana, but her rigid stance relaxes a hair with Daveth's recognition of authority. The Yokai disappeared after dropping this for him. She holds up the envelope and gestures with it towards Kyras. It seems she sought to test him. A pause. Who are you and what business do you have with the demon?

While waiting for his answer, her eyes flitting between the two men, she allows herself to backup towards the young boy Kyras slaughtered, where she had seen the sign. She crouches, still holding out her katana towards them. Her hand reaches out to the boy's neck, confirming his death so she could cut that solitary thread of hope inside her that he may yet be saved--and give her a hint, a clue, anything that could explain what she saw in the mists.

Azami's intent gaze on the two remaining men finally falls to the boy's face, a desperate gleam in her searching eyes.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Knowledge (local)1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Would it be possible to know something about the dietary habits of the black dragon gaijin, and also know who is cooking tonight? On my way to the gaijin camp, I will observe any taverns or cookhouses that seem to be busy with giajin business. I'd like to know what to expect of them.


Male Half-Human, Half-Erinyes Burglar Lv4, Skirmisher Lv2

Daveths expression falters into a look of annoyance as Azami mentions the "Yokai" disappearing, that probably meant she hadn't simply flown off in a direction he could possibly follow which left him with no real means of finding her. Then again... that envelop could perhaps be instructions on where to meet her seeing as the Erinyes HAD mentioned that 'they' were going to recruit or kill him. Perhaps it would be worth it to invest a bit of time watching over this guy. "Like I said, I was fighting her and I intend to finish that fight." Daveth says with a shrug before turning to Kyras. "You should probably look out, I'm not sure what went on during that fight but right before I started fighting that woman she was talking to herself she said something along the lines of "He's the one, Lessanna was right, he'll join us or die." Not sure how much you know about her type of devil but there no joke. However depending on what that letter is maybe we could help each other out. I want to continue my fight with her, and YOU might happen to have a way to get to her. In addition to that It might be good for you to have someone watching your back if devils are on your tail."

OOC: Now what he's not(hopefully) in danger of having a Erinyes jump him could I perhaps make a Knowledge roll based around the name Lessanna? Perhaps Knowledge-Planes if she's a demon/devil?


Tokine: Naradil gives you a bloodthirsty grin and draws his bow with astonishing speed as he sprints to the stairs with you. Running up the single flight and carefully through the door, you burst out in time to see the last grey-suited ronin dashing across rooftops, perhaps 200 feet away. Without pausing, Naradil yanks out a single arrow from another of his many small quivers. This one is fletched with the feathers of a dove. Pausing a moment and speaking distinctly and clearly in an arcane tongue, there is a flash of crimson light around his hands and eyes as he brings his bow to bear on the fleeing young man.

Strike: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (14) + 29 = 43
Fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

You have time to watch as the masterfully-made arrow streaks through the sky, homing in on its unaware target. The arrow strikes true, hammering through the ronin's back, and the grey-suited man falls instantly and moves no more.

"Enhathladi arrows." says Naradil by way of explanation. "He won't be gettin' back up." The thuggish half-elf looks around, peering over the roof edge. "Hey! What the... Curator lady! Lady in white! There are police or something harassing my friends over here!" Sure enough, you can hear a commotion coming from the street in front of the Temple's entrance, Gwen's voice is raised and has a dangerous edge to it. To your horror, Naradil immediately nocks two arrows, these are fletched with crow feathers.


@Daveth and @Azami: Daveth you can make a K(Arcana) check or a K(Local) check. Also, I haven't heard from Kyras in a while so I'm gonna DMPC him and take him out of the flow of things so you guys can move on. Hopefully he'll come back. :-/

Kyras holds his hands up. "Look, I...I'm really just looking for my sister. There's someone at this address who can hopefully help me." With that he turns and enters the apartments behind him.

Kong and Chongde head off up an alley, back towards the palace, but both of you (Daveth and Azami) notice that there still appears to be someone lurking in the shadows up a different alley.


San Pen: The inspector looks up from contemplating his move. "Dear San Pen, always such modesty. You are enlightened. Of course you may dictate a message." He completes his move, indicating your turn. "I will be at the reception this evening, Sifu, and I am humbled you ask. Indeed I plan to attend all three nights, and be of whatever service the emperor's intelligence gatherers require me to be."

It is very likely you would recognize them again, especially by footfall since voices can be disguised but few people think to disguise how they walk.


Shoto Imuri wrote:

A brief word about the parents of Shoto Imuri

Imuri's parents are Situbo, a handsome Crane man with a gift for patience, art and politics. His marriage to Shoto Maemi was arranged after he was named best student at his gempukku, taking the name of a respected Shoto gardner to earn an extra measure of approval from a family he knew would be quick to exclude him if they suspected his loyalties. Since that time, he has reserved childhood memories for his private journals and remained a focused, if patient courtier. He has had audience with the Emperor, and was honored to recite a loving poem about his love for the Empire of Mists in His presence. Folk from outside the Shoto family often see him as the softer glove of the clan. When they choose to deal honorably with the Shoto, it is often Situbo they appeal to.

Maemi is no less beautiful and no less cultured than her husband, but she is a quintessential Shoto. She was trained for battle at the Broken Promise dojo, as was her father before her. Though she is gracious and regal in polite company, she is never unarmed and evaluates every rival of the Shoto with every option. Those who might normally denounce her husband as junshin - as so fixated on honor as to be uselessly inflexible - are careful not to do so out loud, as no one underestimates the reach and versatility of high-ranking Shoto Maemi.

Love it! Excellent stuff.


@Imuri: Interestingly, the only restaurateurs who appear to busy are the usual suspects, you can detect no signs of unique or foreign cuisine being prepared. What is being prepared is of immense and majestic quality, as would be expected for an Imperial dinner and reception, but there is nothing odd.

On your way to the palace, you spy five giant birds with onyx-colored wings flying in precise formation. They soar down behind the palace walls and out of sight. Moments later, a massive western dragon, resplendent in its black scales, lands in what appears to be the same are.


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Imuri watches the majestic intruder fly overhead and beyond the wall. Looking for a moment when few people are paying him attention, he uses his trusty hat to take on a darker complexion. His eyes narrow and his clean chin gains a slight scar. The hat itself becomes a courtier's eboshi, but even this is black silk and serious in its appearance.

Begging for a bonus on a future Diplomacy check for looking like "their" kind of samurai

When assured that his formal ensemble is impeccable, Imuri checks the weapons hidden in his kimono. He then drags the elongated sleeve of his haori so that the green spider mon drapes over his diasho. Now to learn more about these barbarians with the black dragons and dreams of conquest.

Imuri heads confidently to the palace wall, producing his station papers well in advance of his arrival. He greets the sentries by name and asks if they will be seen at the next performance of the Lonely Orchid theater troop. I hear they are doing their own rendition of the Tales of Ryoko.

DRA-sama

Spoiler:
I am somewhat light on orders, for a lawful guy. Currently, I expect to learn what I can of the camps and their requests of the Emperor. Afterwards, I will make a report to my parents and sensei and perhaps we will determine where Team Shoto casts it lot? Certainly, it is very Spiderlike to build a big web and catch every fly we can.

I just want to be sure I am not missing anything.


@Imuri: The sentries bow fully to you, their manners impeccable and their form precise. "Imuri-Sama, it may come to pass these humble servants of the emperor would be given leave to attend such a performance, but we are certain we are too low of birth to fully appreciate such art in the high manner of one such as yourself. You honor our poor selves."

Imuri, On Orders:
No worries, my friend, what you've been doing has been awesome so far. Once at the palace a number of plot hooks are going to land on you; there is a reason you specifically were invited to each of the three dinners. I also appreciate you giving me the info on your parents, I'm gonna cycle that into the plot as well.

Also, I might not have been clear, but tonight's dinner is for the Lady in White you saw earlier at the Inn of The Graces, and Rhon and Earenthil. The gaijin in black are tomorrow night, then the silver-clad ones are last.


No, my frriend, I an trruly all thumbs at wrriting. looks at his three-thumbed hands Hrum, hrum. said in the tones of a joke often told

San Pen feels himself relaxing. Just being in the presence of the Inspector was calming him. Forr too long have I lived as a scholarr. This action unsettles me. I shall emulate the Inspectorr and the Curratorr and keep calm in the midst of this storrm. I SHALL NOT allow this Empirre to be swept away in a storrm of violence!


Female Human Samurai 11, HP: 84/128, 3/4 Resolve, 1/4 challenges

Azami looks past Daveth to the alleyway; Kyras entry into the apartments noted, she turns towards the alley and begins to move towards the figure, Katana still out, but down at her side, in a firm 'at ease' position.

She calls out to the figure Show yourself!


Male Human, samurai caste Ninja 7, Samurai (Broken Promise) 4 (HP 32/77 AC 22, T 17, Flat 17* - F+10 R+13 W+8; Init +9; Senses:Per +15

Imuri bows very slightly to the sentries. You are more important than you give yourself credit for, my friend. It is you who keep the Son of Heaven safe. I will see you when the Loenly Orchid plays, and if it suits the yoriki who commands you, I will make room in my delegation to ensure it. Bring your wives, and if you are not married, here Imuri looks at one he has been currying favor with for some time, come prepared to relax and enjoy the pleasant company of a Shoto escort. My family knows of many desirable women who are not yet arranged. Imuri winks conspiratorily, and bows slightly again. He makes his way past them and settles his eyes on the magnificent beast that will mark the black-clad gaijin. Wiping the smile from his expression, he rechecks his haori and assumes a coy, businesslike posture.

Centering himself on his true role in the Empire, as a samurai who unquestioningly does whatever is necessary, he proceeds to hale the attendants of the dragon.

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