At the Zen Garden the atmosphere is ever quieter than usual. Today is Market Day and most of the townspeople are at the Spice Market in the Eastern Quarters, so despite the recent overpopulation, in the sand garden there are few regulars. Many are meditating, drinking rose liquors, or simply conversating with each other. There is a man in gold colored robes smoking opium near the bar counter, puffing out the smoke in strange shapes. It's ten minutes to noon and many are getting some rice at the bar counter. You catch a glimpse of a discussion between two gentlemen near you. They are talking, like everbody else, about the bounty.
The amount of money offered for the head of Adrian Slate was so ridicolously high, that many were lead to believe that the Constable went mad. Bounty hunters of various races and shapes have come from all around trying to collect it. Some of them weren't bounty hunters at all, just other outlaws and gallows birds. Three people died after a shootout between two gangs, in fear that their rivals might get to the bounty first. After this, Constable Castle was forced to impose a constraint that caused much protest from the bounty hunters: no one will be able to pursue and kill Slate unless authorized to do so by the Constable himself. You can kill him if you want, but if you don't have received written permission by Castle, you can't collect squat. And the Constable is now allowing few people at the time to be on the hunt, sharing the few information they have on the criminal and letting a new group try its luck only if the previous one failed. Needless to say, lots of people got into the line, waiting for their turn.
You were between them, but there are at least 20 bounty hunters that will get the written permission before you, so it's unlikely Slate will be still free and alive when your turn comes up. With nothing much to do except wait and hope, you are now hanging out with your acquaitances at the Zen Garden, observing the old samurai owner drawing circles and waves in the sand and eating some spiced food.
Then, something catches your attention. On the opposite side of the garden, there is someone that is repeatedly calling another person in an angry manner. Both are easterns, one is probably a old monk from the Azure Crane Monastery, while the other one is a samurai. The monk is keeping his head down, his back facing the samurai, trying not to respond to the other's provocation. The samurai is young, with an unkept beard and a sloppy looking armor, and keeps harrassing the monk and laughing. You didn't follow their argument from the beginning, but it looks like the samurai felt offended by a old man's remark,probably about his combat prowess or behaviour. The samurai apparently wants to duel the monk, or at least make him eat his own words. But the old man is ignoring all the taunts. Suddenly, the samurai pushes the monk in the sand, drawing his katana and then pointing it at the old man's throat.
Silence falls on the garden, nobody does anything in fear of repercussion. Even the garden's owner stands still. The samurai laughs and looks at everyone grinning.
The monk is still prone and does nothing, staring into space, waiting in silence for a killing blow.
Kyto grabs the hilt of Yukki-onna and flicks the blade out with the thumb of his left hand and slides the whole blade out with his right the blade making a perfect tone along the metal koiguchi. He rushes across the floor to stand at the samurai's back.
"Sure I really do like those grilled beef sticks Kyto says to Aeida. "Now as for you I'd take my wife's generous offer of tea otherwise this could end up very bad for you." Kyto says in a friendly manner yet anyone who looks in his eyes sees no warmth there at the moment.
Looking up from the scorpion in his hand, Katz just looks on with the rest of the crowd. In his soul though, he feels the heat that was used to make the blade, and keeps it close in case things should become tense.
(( Sorry I'm a bit late, Different time zones and all that ))
Alissera looks up from her tea, a soft sigh escaping her lips at the rather crude display. She would have done something, but it appeared that quite a few others had already jumped on it, so she simply waits, moving her hand to her Double-Barreled Pistol, just in case.
(( Slight of hand check if it's needed? ))
(( Oh! Before I forget, Are we using the Called Shot rules from UC? o.o ))
(had to wait for lunch time)
Korren discreetly slides his revolver out of its holster, ready to defend his comanions from anyone who attacks them.
Slowly pulling a long draw of the sweet tobacco Jin Stands and moves over too the spot in the bar that was opened when Aedia went to help the monk.
Speaking loudly but to no-one in particular:
Why is it young warriors decide to threaten old men? Do they not have enough challenges from other young warriors that want to test their steel. Or maybe they are to afraid to test their will against a true warrior.
With that Jin takes a long pull and blows some smoke rings in the direction of the samurai. he turns slowly and lets his gaze fall in the direction of the samurai.
The samurai steps away from the monk, his back to the wall of the Garden. He doesn't put his weapon away though. He laughs, but in a nervous manner this time. He then speaks in a loud voice and in a thick accent of the Eastern regions. You offer me tea, while your flunkey there is ready to shoot me? Nice try. He points his weapon at Alissera direction in a threatening matter, but he's still several feets away from her and doesn't attack. While he's a few feet away from Kyto, he theatrically and slowly moves his blade towards Jin instead, speaking directly at him. The old man insulted my honor. Are you doing the same?
Aedia, meanwhile, helps the old monk stand up, and he profusely bows to thank her for the help.
@Alissera: no, we are not using called shots rules.
@MisterLurch: can you make an Alias for you character and post with that? This way it's easier to keep track of your stats.
Still in the proces of aligning smoke rings in various patterns Jin looks out the window.
If threatening old men is honourable then consider yourself insulted. You will not kill him today.
Pausing and taking an extended pull from the pipe Jin slowly taps out the coals over the bar and begins to repack it.
Do you wish for death today young warrior? Because I only see yours in the future if you continue.
Jin lights his newly packed pipe and gazes deeply into the eyes of the warrior. Smoke trailing from the stem and his mouth in unison, He looses his sword latch and rests his hands easily on the pommel.
What is your wish my young warrior?
Alissera raises an eyebrow at the Warrior, sighing a bit as she moves her hand off her Pistol, holding both hands up lazily before she takes another sip of tea. Still watching the situation closely. "Alright, No need to start waving your blade all around...Still, I'd put my sword away if I were you, Seems like quite a few people here don't take too kindly to threatening old men"
(( Bluff ))
(( Or Diplomacy ))
(( whichever is more fitting ))
(( Wow, I'm on fire with my dice today >> lol ))
Korren mutters in a rasping voice not intended to carry beyond his table "A samurai that cannot even keep himself clean has very little honor left to insult." Then carefully takes a drink from his glass remaining ready to defend himself or his companions should that be necessary.
"She offered you tea so you won't die today not to get your defenses down and allow you to be shot. I'd hate to have to kill you on my day off but I will if you push. Kyto said as he settled his feet to move if the samurai moves.
(( Alright, Since I have to head out in a little bit, Ima post a couple action just in case...
((Knowledge: Local to identify the Samurai or Monk
((Perception to do the same?
(( Umm...If he attacks, Ali would draw her gun, and cast Magic Missile through it, It auto hits so...
((
((
(( And with that! I'm off, Hopefully I'll be back before my posts are needed ))
Enough of your stupid tea! I'll show you pushing!
. The samurai charges at the nearby kensai, try to push him back with a shoulder blow. Kyto is able to withstand the push tough and doesn't move.
A blink of a eye later, Korren and Alissera draw their guns, and the spellslinger shoots. The samurai didn't see this coming, and he's hit by a force missile that manages to make his armor ever messier than before. This is when Katz-ne-ate decides to cast his disarming spell and the samurai quickly let go of his katana.
Now, anyone who is not stupid would know better in a situation like this. Unfortunately, the samurai is too enraged and drunk to know better. And he doesn't recognize any of you as the dangerous people you are . He spits on the ground, and yells: None of you backstabbers fight with honor! I will kill each and everyone of you, but in a fair fight! Or are you not men enough?
JIn steps forward and stands in front of the samurai not breaking his gaze locked on the warroirs eyes.
When the last ring of three breaks .....draw
Jin lets out 3 distinct large smoke rings and when the last 1 disapates he moves....
Duel stats
rep +2
gaze +2
reaction using honor in all things +9
draw phase +3
attack phase +14
Ali frowns at the mans stubbornness. "He seems far too eager to get himself killed today...". She works the leaver on her gun, cycling the barrels to try to keep the illusion that she was just using some strange non-lethal round, being fully aware on peoples opinion of magic around these parts. "Look, You can walk away now, No harm done. Or you can stay, pick a fight like a moron, and get yourself killed. Honestly I'd rather not have to shoot you, but I will if you make me." She keeps her eyes on the man, ready to open fire with a real, far more deadly round should he force her to.
(( Taking a swift action to use Arcane Strike, giving a +1 damage bonus to my next shot ))
Korren's readied shot:
To hit vs. Touch AC:
Damage:
After he makes the duel challenge:
Korren gets up and moves over just behind Jin "I have your back my friend, should you need me." Korren is no longer aiming at the Samurai.
SOUNDTRACK
The samurai kneels to recover his weapon, keeping his gaze straight into Jin's eyes. He breaks eye contact just for a second, and looks at Alissera: When I'm done with him, you will be next. He puts his katana back into the saya on his belt, only to put his hand back on the handle again, ready to draw.
Interminable seconds pass in silence, during which both samurais stare at each other, waiting for the last puff of smoke to dissipate. Then, a flash of metal goes from Jin's blade to the man's throath, and a strip of blood is drawn on the sand of the Zen Garden. The drunken samurai barely drew his blade, and was dead before touching the ground.
He falls in the sand, gurgling and twitching for a second, then stops moving.
Ali does her best to follow the duel, and even with her keen Elven eyesight, all she sees is blur from Jin's hilt to the other warriors throat...and a moment later he's dead on the floor. She closes her eyes and lets out a soft sigh, She had hoped to end it without the poor fool getting killed, yet in a way she knew he wasn't going to settle for anything less.
She slings her rifle back over her shoulder before looking over the likely still stunned crowd. "Alright people...Show's over, you can all get back to your business." She walks over to the dead Warrior, looking the crowd over again "Come on, Someone help me move him. Honorless sod or not he at least deserves a proper burial."
Katz walks over to Alissera A moment sister and then addresses the room Do any of you claim this man, or know anyone who does? to Jin-Darus That was done well. I do not know the traditions of your home. Do you have any claim on his body or possessions?
Korren claps Jin on the shoulder once, then moves back towards the table, thumbing a new shell into his revolver. He regards the corpse for a moment then simply returns to his meal.
I take care of that says the old samurai owner of the Zen Garden, pointing with his rake at the dead body. Talk with Marshal, sort it out. Do not worry. He then draws another line in the sand, like nothing's happened.
Aedia, still close to the old monk, can hear him whisper in a very low voice. She doesn't understand the words, but it's most likely a prayer: the Azure Monks believe in reincarnation, so the monk he's probably praying for the soul of the dead samurai to reach a new, safe haven. Then he speaks to all of you. Many thanks. You always welcome at the Monastery, always. He bows deeply.
The life in the Zen Garden seem to slowly return to normality after the bloodshed. Many regulars there are too deeply into meditation to be disturbed by unimportant matters like death, they use to say. But from the counter of the Garden, emerges a man previously in the shadows. He's clearly an Eastern, dresses in golden robes with black dragons embroided on them, and sports a very long moustache. Still sorrounded by a cloud of opium, he comes towards you, slowly clapping his hands.
Good, good, very good indeed he says, looking at all of you. That was an excellent display. Fast at protecting the innocent, and even faster at killing the guilty. How appropriate, definitely worth trying.
Korren pauses in his meal as the man in gold starts talking, somewhat between ignoring the man and turning his attention to him. After he finishes speaking, Korren turns towards the man in gold, showing only the right side of his face, and and raises his rasping voice, "What part in this did you play?"
Oh, no more than the one of a spectator, rest assured replies the man to Korren.Where are my manners? Forgive me. My name is Feng Rui, and I couldn't help but notice how you were able to dispatch of that man. He bows as he takes another puff from his pipe. Exactly the kind of skill my master is looking for he adds with a grin on his face.
Korren sits quietly, watching Feng Rui, obviously waiting for him to say more.
Ali blinks at the strange man, raising an eyebrow as she inquires more. "And what exactly does your master need such skills for?"
(( Waiting for the rest of the folks here to post before I start spamming ^^ ))
Jin-darus wipes clean his katana and replaces it on its sheath without excess pomp or flourish. Speaking to no one in particular
I take no pleasure in slaying the young warrior. Young samurai that are not pure of heart become bloodthirsty killers when they are grown. If I had not challenged him then he would be here to commit atrrocities on the innocent in the future. It was fate that brought him here, and he met it.
Jin sits back in his seat and pulls on the long-stemmed pipe deeply. Deep in thought he seems to pay little attention to the man speaking.
He begins to carve a small form on the lower edge of his scabbard. It looks the same as the other 25-30 forms that are already there.
When he has finished the form he murmurs to himself slowly in some odd form and continues to listen to the man and his friends speak.
Killing, dear lady says Feng. Well, actually, only if necessary. Let me be more clear. I work for a dignitary at the Jade Palace. My master lost something very important for him, and by lost I mean it was stolen from him. By the same man your entire city is so eager to see hanging from a rope. I'm talking, of course, about mister Adrian Slate.
He pauses for moment to inhale another mouthful of opium. And let me tell you something: my master is not happy about how the Constable is handling this whole situation. He wants the man to be brought to justice fast, but more than that he wants his treasured possession back. I puzzled and racked my brain to find out how to help him, and then I saw what I saw here.
Now, since you are all here instead than in the desert trying to find the criminal, either you gentlemen and ladies aren't interested in Slate's bounty, or the Constable hasn't allowed you to go after him yet. In both cases, it's a shameful waste of potential, that's what it is.
But perhaps I can do something about it he says, putting on a strange looking smile on his face. Are you interested?
I would welcome returning to the desert, but I believe some of my associates are rather interested in the Constable's bounty. What do you propose as compensation and what are we to recover?
The same as you would have got by collecting the bounty, sixty thousands gold. In fact, you would officially hunting for Slate on behalf of my master... But it's not the right time for beurocracy, yet. First, I need to know if you want to take part in this or not...
"What did he take exactly and why is it so important?" Kyto asks as he resheathes Yukki-onna with a quick flourish.
(( Making a sense motive on the man as well, ))
Ali keeps her eyes on the man, Still not entirely sure about this
"I'd like to know what Slate took from your master too." she nods a bit to Kyto,
The man suddenly lowers his voice, and looks around him to see if anybody else is listening. Well, I hope you understand that I can't tell you that, at least not now and not in this place. Let's just say that this object, a relic of incredible historical value, cannot just stay in the hands of such a criminal. And I'm sure that a cup of special blend of tea at the Jade Palace would be a more appropriate facilitator for our conversation.
While you are still talking with Feng, two people enter the Zen Garden through the archway. A sulky gnome with a top hat, dressed entirely in black, and a samurai in dark green robes. You all recognize the local undertaker and Heiachi, the Sheriff's Deputy. The gnome asks few questions to the owner of the Garden, and then starts measuring the body with a ruler.
The Deputy give to all of you a very stern look and keeps eye contact while the gravedigger is working, but says nothing.
Alissera nods slowly, she knows somethings off, which is rare for her, making her even more suspicious...But there are dozens of more illogical thoughts racing through the half-Elfs head, Such as the possibility of Slate running freely about with some sort of potent magical relic stolen from the far east. She nods a bit again to Feng "Alright...I'll take you up on it. She looks briefly to the rest of the group, waiting to see their responses.
"As long as I am hunting that man, I do not care who is paying." Korren's voice is quiet as he meets the gaze not of Feng but of the Deputy, an expectant look in his eye.
Working as a musician in the Zen Garden with my flute playing some peaceful music. I take a break for the moment and approach the group.
You are interrupting the peace regardless of who has started the conflict bowing to the old monk Feng I beg pardon for my interruption, if you have need of me you know were to find me bowing to the old monk and drinking a bit of tea before beginning to play again.
Working as a musician in the Zen Garden with my flute playing some peaceful music. I take a break for the moment and approach the group.
You are interrupting the peace regardless of who has started the conflict bowing to the old monk Feng I beg pardon for my interruption, if you have need of me you know were to find me bowing to the old monk and drinking a bit of tea before beginning to play again.
1d20
-A young, drunk samurai harrassed an old monk and was about to kill him.
-The party stopped him and rescued the monk.
-Jin-Darius duelled with the samurai and killed him.
-A man called Feng Rui, who is not a monk but works for the Eastern ambassadors, was impressed by the party behaviour and approached them with a proposal.
-They can go get Adrian Slate and the bounty on behalf of the ambassadors. Slate stole something precious from the ambassadors, and they would authorize you to go after the man.
Hope it's more clear now.
Seeing Allisera waiting for a response Jin-Darus stand and begins to gather his effects.
bowing deeply to Feng Rui
Then it is off to the jade palace. I would enjoy some of your special tea and a good conversation on what you need help with. with a quick flourish of his cloak We can figure the finances out as well when we arrive.
Jin-Darus leaves for the palace without another word.
Katz follows Jin to the Jade Palace.
((Sorry I missed my posts >> Weird day today ))
Ali would follow Feng to the Jade Palace, her mind still occupied with -what- Slate could possibly have gotten his hands on, She tries her best to think back on any tidbits of information she may have overheard that day leading up to the even in the Garden...
(( Gather Information with Diplomacy ))
Excellent, excellent. I knew you gentlemen and ladies were of the business type. Follow me please.
SOUNDTRACK
You cross the remaing part of High Road, passing shops and houses. Many men and women are talking in the street or trying to get a good price from that stubborn merchant. Halflings with big packages, visibly in a hurry, headed for the Postal Offices, meet a group of half orcs laborers that are going to the Railway construction site along the way. A group of monks from the Azure Monastery, doing their usual midday procession, rejoin with the old man whose life you just saved. Miners enjoy their last minutes of lunchbreak. A single Elf sitting on a stool in the middle of the road, smoking a pipe with the most relaxed look on his face.
Before you stands the Jade Palace, beautifully decorated and heavily guarded. Guided by Feng, you pass a group of guards in lamellar armor, and you hear them discussing about "that drunkard Tetsuo, who is late for his shift again". As you enter the Palace's court, Feng says: Please, just wait here, I need to announce your arrival at my Master. I'll be back soon. He bows and enters a richly decorated portal.
I could not help but listen about your difficulties and I would like to help in this endeavor ambassador
Having replaced the bandanna around the lower half of his face, Korren accompanies his companions without comment. In the courtyard, Korren drifts closer to the entrance attempting to hear more of what the two guards are saying.
Ali yawns a bit as she leans back against the nearest wall. The day having already been far more stressful then she would have liked, Still, "It's for a good cause" she tells herself. She looks around the courtyard, having nothing better to do to pass the time.
Perception
The courtyard is built in the typical style of the East, with red wooden planks and various decorations and ideograms. There is a small sculpted fountain in the middle, though no water is passing through it. The Palace is quite silent, you only hear a muffled conversation from inside and the sound of a exotic musical instrument.
Jin-darus moves over to the fountain and draw out his long-stemmed pipe. Packing in some sweet tobacco he lights it and looks around the courtyard.
He takes in the architecture sighst and thinks back on his homeland and warlord family. It was the only family he knew. He would see them again when justice was served on the murders of his warlords business associates.
Looking around at his new companions he is pleased that he has found honorable and worthy folks to be with. Their readiness to defend the old man at the Zen Garden shows well their honorable ways.