L5R: City of Lies

Game Master deusvult

You have arrived for an arranged meeting with meet each other at a nice inn catering to samurai clientele. The occasion: Celebrating the Bon Festival together. On this, the last night of the Month of the Dog, spirits of the dead walk Rokugan. Ancestors seek out the homes of their descendants to look in on them, but so too do malevolent spirits. On this night, families come together and set up two shrines: one where prayers give thanks to their ancestors that watch over them, and the second where offerings are given to the spirits who have no descendants to honor them.

In the City of Lies, the normally solemn festival has evolved to become a boisterous, party atmosphere. The whole city comes together to honor and appease the spirits of the dead. Costumes, fireworks, dancing, and parades will fill the night, straight through from dusk until dawn.

It is nearly the end of the hour of the Monkey (5:30 PM) and the excitement in the city builds as the sun recedes towards the horizon. The rising excitement of the city’s residents has an almost tangible quality as the shadows cast by houses and storefronts lengthen to drown the streets in darkness. A few costumed commoners can already be seen getting an early start on the festivities by chasing one another.

The Inn of the Orange Blossom is on the busy intersection of Saffron Street and Brass Avenue, located just about equidistant to the Gate of Condescension (Location 9), the Bridge of Drunken Lovers (Location 16) and the magnificent Dragon Gate (Location 10). This neighborhood is part of the Merchant Quarter, but is very wealthy owing to its proximity to both the waterfront and the Nobles’ Quarter.

The Inn is quaint (by local standards) and warm. There are colorful banners and flowers prominently displayed in honor of tonight’s Bon Festival. There are a few rooms upstairs, and tables downstairs where travelers and city residents gather. As it is customary in an establishment such as this one, you leave your katanas and scroll satchels in a special and discrete niche that exists for the purpose of denying sake-addled samurai the temptation of utilizing their most lethal instruments.

The master of the Inn is a jovial merchant named Hametsu. He is a Unicorn Clan member of the Heimin caste, and thus below samurai. The Inn’s popularity owes largely to Hametsu’s charm. He regales his guests with fantastical tales about the Clan’s adventures beyond the known world. Everyone knows he wasn’t alive to personally partake in these tales since the Unicorns have been settling back into their proper place in Rokugan for the past two centuries, but his improbable stories are popular nonetheless.

Hametsu recognizes those of you who are regulars. "Ah, welcome once again to my humble establishment! I have a private room reserved for your party, just as you asked!"

Perception: 2d10 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Katsuyoshi runs his finger along the many peace bindings that he has collected on the hated blade over the years. It almost pained him to place it down, another year of carrying his hatred like a pit in his soul had made the very feel of the blade an abomination to his mind. Then came his mother's blades... the soothing calm that balanced him. Finally the scroll satchel, his duty to his clan, his blessing and his burden. Maybe here, in this place of lies, he would find the truth of his being. More likely he would just watch people make fools of themselves and another challenger waste their blood upon his blade.

The young lad waits patiently for the others in the place set aside for them, his small cup of water the only drink he allows himself while waiting.

Chinatsu, not wielding any weapons(he does not tend to carry his staff with him), will not have a chance to look inside of the niche.

Chinatsu waved kindly at the old man as he moved into the inn, though the move hurt. His back was sore and his arms ached. He thought to himself, Moving that boulder was harder than I thought. He had been part of the team that set about constructing the shrines at the temple, for those to pay respects who had no homes or had no money to create a respectable shrine. He had been tasked with moving the centerpiece stone, the heaviest stone. A tradition given by the new comers to the monastery...or so he was told. He still remembered his master, Rennyo, cackling: "You'll do fine. I heard boulders listen to Crab the most. They are all the Crab has in their head after all!"

Chinatsu grimaced at the memory, thinking Sometimes, I wish I could get my hands around that old man's neck... He walked by a piece of metal, shining and reflecting. Catching his image, he thought Though I guess I have to be careful with who I call old. His black hair was starting to be streaked with more than a little grey and lines had started to form on his face. Regardless, Chinatsu was probably handsome by Crab standards, meaning rather brutish by Rokugani standards. Short for a crab but taller than most in the inn, Chinatsu had an stocky figure with thick arms that were barely covered by his clothing, a simple samue dyed brown.

He payed the reflection little further mind and continued through the inn. The Unicorn girl...women, she'd have his head for referring to her as such, had asked to meet her here along with the Scorpion he saw with her on the few occasions that their paths had crossed in city. She mentioned a few others: some dragons and...a Crane? would also be here. So, it came as little surprise when he saw the man already in the reserved area. He bowed deeply toward the man before entering, "Hello, you must be a friend of Shinjo Xiaoxing or maybe Soshi Konming. I am called Chinatsu. I hope my intrusion into this night is not unwanted. It has been sometime since I have spent free time with friends..." he pauses, considering, "or friends of friends who will someday become just friends." he says with a bit of a smile. He accepts water from the waiter, though only really taking it due to him believing it being impolite at such an establishment to not have a drink in front of one self.

I started typing this out and then realized we may have known the entire group already. I figured it couldn't hurt to continue with this, the idea being that, being a monk, he may not have exactly been directly introduced to everyone and instead mostly associated with Shinjo Xiaoxing and Soshi Konming directly with the invitation to meet tonight as a way to meet more of their associates directly.

I'm just going to treat Katsurou's wife as a guide dog until she's needed for a duel or something. No skills to roll or anything to keep player balance does that seem fair?

Katsurou stashed his wakizashi with the other weapons, chuckling that he was probably less of a danger to himself now that it was too far away to accidentally fall onto his foot. Unless it's something I can detect by sound, taste, smell, or touch I can't use perception

Katsurou respects his recent acquaintance's unspoken request for silence, but turns quizzically to the sound of the newcomer approaching.

Chinatsu-sama, based on your name, I assume you're of the brotherhood, yes? Pardon my bluntness but I'm afraid I sometimes need to ask things others may infer for themselves, please forgive this and any future rudeness. he waves his left hand in front of his face. His voice is light and musical, almost feminine, except for a slight raspiness that keeps it from truly being beautiful. He is seated next to a tall, powerfully built woman whose face is an equal mix of typical trained stoicism and the occasional scan of the room, as if for threats.

Former Crab, if I recall correctly. Don't remember much else. Will wait for gathering intel until the rest of this private party assembles.

The Scorpion in the red dragon mask known to those who traffic in law enforcement as Soshi Kongming nods to the Unicorn who is the host of the Orange Blossom.

"Konnichi-wa, Hametsu-san, it is a pleasure to be back to your place. I am sure that you have arranged everything as requested."

2k2 2d10 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Kongming hands over his scroll satchel as is customary in these circumstances but insists on retaining his wakizashi.

"... honor cannot be preserved without this, neh?"

After that matter is settled, Kongming insists that Hametsu lead the way to the private room.

Soshi: As noted by the GM, it's a very well known and more importantly widely accepted policy to leave one's swords at the door, failure to do so usually results in a samurai being refused entry to an establishment and looked upon very poorly by their fellow samurai

Katsuyoshi: Your avatar name is misspelled, you should be able to correct it if you do it before you post 10 times as that avatar!

Perception/Investigation 4k2: 4d10 ⇒ (10, 2, 4, 7) = 23 explosion: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 12+7=19
Watch now, that'll be the only time my dice ever explode on a perception check ;p

Xiaoxing arrives breathless and face flushed, evidently having run to get to the inn on time, though none of you are impolite enough to mention her slightly disheveled appearance. After placing her swords reverently in the niche, she greets the innkeeper fondly, passing a moment in idle chat about how busy the inn is and hoping Hametsu hosts a full and happy house tonight.

She then turns and bows to the assembled samurai in the room

Welcome samurai-sans! It is an utmost pleasure to meet with you all here for the Bon festival. It is my first time experiencing this... 'unique' version of the festival that the City of Stories has to offer. I hope we can enjoy each others company and celebrate our ancestors this night

She hurriedly sits, remembering her manners and making sure everyone has a drink in front of them before raising her own cup of sake.

To the glory of our ancestors!

she sips the warm sake with a smile, blithely assuming that since she got here last everyone has already introduced themselves

I have had the pleasure of working with Kongming-san, as well as meeting Katsuyoshi-san and Dai.. *ahem* the wise Chinatsu

she inclines her head to the monk to acknowledge him before addressing the blindfolded dragon and his...bodyguard? Her eyes slide to his family mon as she addresses him

Greetings Kitsuki-san, I am Shinjo Xiaoxing, a pleasure to meet you this night. Have you been to such a festival before?

she also inclines her head at his stoic companion, before awaiting a response from any of the samurai present, her enjoyment of conversation is easy to tell.

"Think nothing of it, Kitsuki-san. I am not ashamed of what I am and your question is a fine one, considering the circumstances. Please do not feel you need to use such honorifics with me. I am barely an initiate of the temple of Osano-Wo. I imagine you have as much wisdom if not more than I do." Chinatsu says with a smile that affects his voice, hoping the blind man can 'see'.

See the younger women enter and greet them, Chinatsu raises his glass at her toast and drinks a small amount of the water. Her trip up of his name causes him to smile a little less, memories of a previous life floating through his head but he recovers quickly. He gives a hearty laugh saying, "I would argue the 'wise' part, Shinjo-san!"

Since Kongming and Xiaoxing are both yoriki for their respective clans, I would assume I'm at the very least acquainted with them.

Perception/Investigation 4k3: 4d10 ⇒ (5, 2, 8, 1) = 16 = 15

Doji Himeko arrived last, as was her style. If her tardiness bothered her, she did not show it. To show up too soon would imply that she had nothing better to do, an observation that she would not afford her companions. It was also simply not true. Since returning to Ryoko Owari, Himeko had headed straight away to the Crane Clan estate and made herself known to her superiors. She had also taken the time to review any correspondences waiting since her journey to the Crane provinces. Finally, she had bathed, changed clothing, and had her hair re-done. Her attendant, a young heimin named Teju, had seen to the last part. Himeko found that his natural talent for ikebana translated well into arranging her long, ink-black hair into decorative and fashionable styles. Now that all of her pressing matters had been seen to, she stepped into the Inn of Orange Blossoms.

She returned Hametsu's grin with a slight smile. Although he was heimin she was fond of the man. She could appreciate another storyteller's craft, regardless of their station. Taking note of the weapon rack, she ducks into the private room and bows before the assembled samurai. Soshi Kongming and Shinjo Xiaoxing, a pair of contemporary yoriki, she knew only by reputation. The pair of mangled Dragons she had met on the road were present as well. Finally, a large man wearing the robes of a monk. His presence was odd, but Himeko did not allow her surprise to touch her face. Perhaps he was the one responsible for this impromptu meeting? Such things happened in legend, but this was simply tea in a small inn. Feeling slightly foolish, Himeko kneels at the table and produces a fan decorated with a painting of birds taking flight. "Konnichiwa, friends. To what do I owe this invitation?"

Hametsu ushers the staggered arrivals across the main room of the Inn, moving with considerable agility and deftness for one such as, “well-fed”, as he. ”My lords and ladies, your room is just this way; the best room in the house! Some of your comrades have already arrived..” His well-trimmed beard frames his cheerful face as he calls for additional help from the nearby kitchen.

He is assisted by his petite wife, Kimiko, and his teenaged daughter, Hakiku. They are much more demure but pleasant and smile a lot and ask no questions of samurai. Other patrons are slowly filling the Inn, but you have a private side room reserved. As you are led across the main hall, a single group seated at one of the tables stands out amid the crowd. They are a trio of distinguished Crane samurai that are obviously of high station, enjoying food and conversation with one another. The two doing most of the talking are wearing Doji mons, while the third bears the sigil of the Daidoji. Katsurou, obviously you don’t see these but you can still identify the trio by accent and elocution as Crane and the two talkative ones more specifically as Dojis.

As you take your positions around your private table, you see that an oiled rice paper partition divides this side room from another private table, but you have the benefit of enjoying the presence of a tranquil garden to the opposite side. Beyond that bonsai garden you have a wonderful view of the waterfront, where premature fireworks occasionally detonate in the darkening sky, reflected in the slow-moving river below. Hakiku moves with such trained grace you almost don’t hear her arrive as she sets cups out for those of you without your own, and serves tea or sake as is your preference.

The Cranes’ table is close to your reserved room; you may interact with them and/or attempt eavesdrop if you like. If you wish to do so, roll Awareness/Courtier with your interaction or Perception/Investigation (TN10) and don’t forget to declare any raises. (Doji Himeko, if you choose to observe them I'm going to give you a free raise due to your extreme familiarity with Crane mannerisms.) Of course, you can instead/additionally roleplay characters getting to know each other. This is your chance to do so!

I'm just going to treat Katsurou's wife as a guide dog until she's needed for a duel or something. No skills to roll or anything to keep player balance does that seem fair?

For this scene, yes that's fine. Since you just arrived in the City it makes perfect sense she'd be accompanying you. However as a statless NPC, she won't accompany you on adventures per se. You'll have to rely on the other characters for "seeing eye dog duty" :) For courtly roleplay scenes, I'll play it by ear.

Same principle for you, Doji Himeko. Bringing an artisan into harm's way is a fine way to break one of the Crane Clan's expensive possessions valued servants!

Kitsuki no Katsurou wrote:

I'm just going to treat Katsurou's wife as a guide dog until she's needed for a duel or something. No skills to roll or anything to keep player balance does that seem fair?

For this scene, yes that's fine. Since you just arrived in the City it makes perfect sense she'd be accompanying you. However as a statless NPC, she won't accompany you on adventures per se. You'll have to rely on the other characters for "seeing eye dog duty" :) For courtly roleplay scenes, I'll play it by ear.

Same principle for you, Doji Himeko. Bringing an artisan into harm's way is a fine way to break one of the Crane Clan's expensive possessions valued servants!

Himeko wouldn't dream of it. Teju is there to manage her household while she is on duty, create ikebana arrangements as gifts for Himeko's contacts, and, most importantly, take care of Himeko's hair.

Kitsuki no Katsurou wrote:

I'm just going to treat Katsurou's wife as a guide dog until she's needed for a duel or something. No skills to roll or anything to keep player balance does that seem fair?

For this scene, yes that's fine. Since you just arrived in the City it makes perfect sense she'd be accompanying you. However as a statless NPC, she won't accompany you on adventures per se. You'll have to rely on the other characters for "seeing eye dog duty" :) For courtly roleplay scenes, I'll play it by ear.

That's fair.

In response to Chinatsu Katsurou inclines his head slightly and his fingertips find the table's edge.

A wise man once told me that the ocean is filled by many raindrops, and so too is enlightenment reached by gradual steps. Do not diminish yourself based on your recognized rank. It is true that there may be persons above and below you in status, but it does not diminish the fact that you are striving to improve yourself, and that deserves respect. Or perhaps I am just bringing my strange Dragon ways into this Scorpion City. he chuckles slightly.

Once Shinjo announces herself he bows in her vague direction and grins at her enthusiasm.

I am called Kitsuki Katsurou, and I hope we can enjoy this festival together. I have attended a Bon festival before, but the ways I grew up with are somewhat different than the ones I have encountered thus far. I am told there are wild costumes to match the growing enthusiasm. It is unlike anything I can compare it to in its vivacious nature.

After his greeting he suddenly becomes slightly more distant, barely touching his tea, as if concentrating on something.

3k3: 3d10 ⇒ (2, 5, 4) = 11

Katsuyoshi "politely" ignores that there are crane right outside hi field of vision. He also politely ignores the crane sitting near him, or the slightly louder crane's question. Every nerve in his body on edge as he attempts to count out the heart beats between sips of water. He could not afford a fight to break out because of his careless mouth. People were so much more difficult to deal with than the kami. Kami didn't mask their meaning with a thousand pleasantries, they just spoke as they meant... well most did.

Thankfully Katsurou spoke up, at least this gave him a subject to focus on. "Turning such a Salem and dignified tradition in to an excuse to break ones On upon the vessel of immoderate behavior seems a bit disgraceful, a loss of time that could be better put to the honoring of those who came before. But I do not expect my views to be adhered to, as they are not the most fashionable of beliefs. Piety and fasion do not always go hand in hand."

Silly rerolls and stuff yield:

6k3: 6d10 ⇒ (4, 7, 7, 8, 5, 4) = 35=7+7+8=22

Kongming bows as Xiaoxing makes the introduction.

He adds: "Friends, welcome to Ryoko Owari. Enter of your own free will and may you bless us with the joy you bring."

Kongming then turns to Hametsu, "Hametsu-san, kindly have the refreshments brought in so that our friends can unburden themselves of the journey's tedium."

Kongming then tries to identify the high status Crane in the next table.

Intelligence 3k3 3d10 ⇒ (4, 7, 8) = 19

"Katsuyoshi-san, Katsurou-san, are you related to the Agasha by any chance? My father's of that family. He's retired now though."

Katsurou snaps out of his concentration briefly and turns to Katsuyoshi.
I don't claim to have perfect knowledge of On, perhaps there is something to be learned in the other ways. Enlightenment enters through the same routes as impiety.

He then turns to Soshi.
I believe my niece's husband is an Agasha, his given name was... Kenshin. Agasha Kenshin. I have never met the man, however, so your own delightful nature is free to set a marvelous precedent for those associated with them.

Sorry. I ran out of time to post tonight. I'll have something narrative up as soon as I can tomorrow, but for now I'll just post my rolls so I'm not holding anything up.

For eaves-dropping...
Awareness/Courtier w/ 2 raises (8k4+5): 8d10 ⇒ (5, 4, 7, 4, 6, 1, 2, 1) = 30 = 23

For identifying the speakers...
Lore: Heraldry @ Doji 1 (3k2): 3d10 ⇒ (5, 1, 3) = 9 = 8
Lore: Heraldry @ Doji 2 (3k2): 3d10 ⇒ (5, 6, 8) = 19 = 14
Lore: Heraldry @ Daidoji (3k2): 3d10 ⇒ (2, 4, 8) = 14 = 12

For identifying the speakers...

Before anyone else goes and rolls for each Crane, one roll will be sufficient. But to keep things from devolving into a tyrant GM telling you what not to do all the time.. some more atmosphere to encourage your roleplaying!

Hakiku unobtrusively returns to your side room from time to time to refresh your sake and tea cups. She's pretty in a common sort of way, wearing her hair in a modest pony-tail with bangs long enough to prevent direct eye contact as she bows her head to pour. Hametsu and Kimiko could probably draw some extra coin if they'd dress her provocatively like so many other innkeeps do with their daughters in this City, perhaps that they do not do so speaks to their honorable natures.

By now, out on the main tavern floor most of the tables have wealthy patrons, mostly heimin merchants by the look of them. They give yours and the Cranes' tables respectful distance, but their excitement about the upcoming Bon Festival produces a steady murmur that you must speak over to hear one another.

Xiaoxing grins fondly at Chigatsu

I proclaim no knowledge of the Tao Chigatsu, as such you will always therefore be wiser than I! Perhaps that's why you are so successful in your martial endeavours

she includes everyone around the table with a sweeping hand

Our friend Chigatsu is quite the combatant, I learned many new applications of jiujutsu technique in the short time I traveled with him! If you are staying here in the city I would be honored if we could meet again to spar

she bows her head respectfully to the monk.

Her eyes follow Hakiku as she serves the tea and sake, then she smiles politely as Himeko-san joins the table

Greetings to you Doji-san, you are most welcome to our table! And welcome also Katsurou-san, with all of you present around this table I am sure we will have a thoroughly enjoyable festival together

She politely ignores Katsuyoshi's comment, instead cocking her head slightly as if easing her shoulders, as she concentrates on the cranes at the other table, curious as to why they might be spending their night here at the Inn of the Orange Blossom.

Perception/Investigation 4k2: 4d10 ⇒ (3, 5, 1, 2) = 11 3 + 5 = 8

Alas the hubbub of the inn has risen to a level that her ears cannot distinguish what they are discussing, Xiaoxing's attention falls back to her current companions, and she sips from her sake cup as the discussions continue and her gaze falls upon the perfectly coiffed Crane.

Himeko-san, that is a very pretty fan, the birds are so lifelike they seem about to fly up in to the air! I would be interested to know more about the artist who made it.

Xiaoxing smiles and shows genuine interest.

Xiaoxing's question snaps Himeko's attention away from focusing on the conversation of her Crane betters. "Thank you, Xiaoxing-san. It was a gift from my sensei congratulating me on my selection as yoriki for the Crane magistrate here in Ryoko Owari. It was painted by Kakita Getai, an artisan that Doji Hoturi-sama is fond of." The courtier smiles demurely, considering the odd-sounding name. "Sheeowshing? Forgive me if I am pronouncing it incorrectly."

Lovely smells waft through the tavern from Kimiko's kitchen while Hametsu begins telling ghost stories to his guests. They are an ever popular staple in Rokugani culture, and especially so on the occasion of the Bon Festival. He shares an unlikely legend of spirits of the dead from beyond the Burning Sands: sorcerers who become neither living nor dead yet immortal by cutting out their own hearts for safe-keeping in vile rituals!

Few in the tavern have heard such improbable tales, but Hikiku is clearly one of those who have heard her father's story before. Probably many times before. She sets up service of fish and rice at your table, complete with a plate of various flavors of wasabi smeared in a decorative spiral. Those keeping an eye on her notice she can’t help but give a small smile of private amusement at the gasps and jumps of the guests during the more visceral details of Hametsu’s performance.

Katsurou waits for the light kchhk of plates and cups being placed to cue him that Hikuku has returned.

It seems your father is quite well-traveled. Do you know where he picked up such a fanciful tale?

Xiaoxing nods and smiles at Himeko

That's right, 'Seeow..sing', I must say your pronunciation is excellent Himeko-san, many before you have tumbled over the unfamiliar syllables

her green eyes soften a little as she compliments the Crane courtier

I was told my name means 'Morning Star' in the native tongue of the Ujik-Hai, a tribe which dwells in the Burning Sands

she bows her head slightly, then picks up the conversation from the Kitsuki

I can answer that Katsurou-san, I take nothing away from Hametsu's masterful storytelling when I say I've heard the tale before around a Unicorn campfire. It was several years ago, on this very night in fact! I've heard it draws more from history than fiction, yet it does sound fantastical does it not?

Xiaoxing takes another sip of sake, relishing the taste as well as the company.

Kongming starts passing out cups of sake to the others, "To your health. Kampei!"

For the GM

A slight blush comes from Xiaoxing's words on his hand to hand skill. Chinatsu says, "I will probably be in this town for quite some time, Shinjo-san. But I do not think I am worthy of such praise. Our bout was a close one and I am not nearly as good as some of the masters in my temple. It should be from them that you seek training and guidance."

Hearing the tale from the Inn-master, and moving into Xiaoxing's and Katsurou's conversation, Chinatsu says, "I suppose it sounds fantastical but it also sounds of evil. Such a tale sounds like it should be placed in the Shadowlands, not some far distant place. I imagine such a ritual would not be unheard of by the vile things that inhabit that foul place."

AS Kongming passes out the cups, Chinatsu politely declines saying, "I am sorry my friend, but I am fine with the small amount of water I have. As part of my vows in temple, I swore to stave off desires such as these, at least as best as I can." He says the last bit with a chuckle. Still, he raises the water cup in solute to Kongming's celebration.

Hakiku makes to answer Kitsuki Katsurou, then demurely closes her mouth so as not to interrupt Shinjo Xiaoxing. After waiting for the samurai-ko to finish, she apologizes to Katsurou and Chinatsu, giving you the first chance to hear her voice. It has a melodious quality that could serve her well as Hametsu’s eventual successor as Hostess, should she be given suitable training.

”Please forgive my father. He is an honorable man, but our family have lived our entire lives here in Ryoko Owari Toshi. He has never even been to our ancestral homes in the Unicorn provinces, much less the strange gaijin lands beyond…”

She is very unexpectedly interrupted by a tremendous explosion at the front door of the Inn. Sharp pieces of porcelain and jagged pieces of wood perforate the rice paper partitioning of your side room, and Hakiku staggers against the table having been impacted by something. She looks down with shock at a bloody splinter of wood protruding from under her right collarbone. Color drains from her face and she collapses face-first onto your table. A large piece of a support beam is sticking up out of her back like the mast of a ship.

Out in the tavern, something has come in through the remains of the doorway. It is large and terrible, with a sluglike form walking on two spindly legs. It has three eyes that burn like orange hellfire, and an impossibly large smile filled with needle-like teeth forms when it stops scanning the room. Its gaze is fixated on the trio of Cranes. Four more skinny but long and muscular arms stretch out, each hand tipped in claws the size of katanas.

Roll initiative. (Reflexes + insight rank, Keep Reflexes). 4e rules say you should pick your starting stance as you roll; I'm going to experiment b/c of the PbP format and have you instead declare your stance as you declare your action. Also roll a Fear check, TN 15 (RnK=Willpower, but add Honor rank to the total)

Katsurou taps his hand around the table, upon feeling the piece of wood from Hakiku's back immediately stands up and slides into a defensive stance.

I'm afraid you'll find me to be of little use in a fight. Few men may truly be the warriors their father hope them to be, but I'm of a greater disappointment than most.

Fear 2k2+5: 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (1, 4) + 5 = 10 Shheeeeeeeeeeit

Initiative(3k1-2k0): 1d10 ⇒ 7

Katsurou is going into Full Defense

[dice=Untrained Full Defense, 2k2-2k0]=0

"At least your father wanted you...." Katsuyoshi mutters as he moves in to a defensive stance.

Fear2k2+4: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (8, 4) + 4 = 16

Initiative3k2: 3d10 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) = 7Keep 6

Defensive stance=Armor TN is 18

Thanks for the head's up, GM. :)

Initiative 3k2: 3d10 ⇒ (4, 6, 8) = 18 = 30 w/ added exploding die
Fear 2k2+6: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (3, 8) + 6 = 17
Add to Init: 1d10 ⇒ 10
Exploding 10: 1d10 ⇒ 6

Doji Himeko rises quickly after the explosion, thanking the Fortunes that she did not suffer the fate of the heimin girl.

Initiative 3k3 3d10 ⇒ (5, 5, 10) = 20 plus 1 exploding die 1d10 ⇒ 8 total of 28

Fear 2k2 2d10 ⇒ (6, 9) = 15 plus 2 equals 17

Going Defensive Stance

Kongming nothing the obvious intent of the monster shouts a warning to the Crane, "Beware!"

Tis not altruism that motivates Kongming to help the Crane but the expectation of leverage down the road.

For a moment, all is calm in the tavern. In the years to come, the residents of Ryoko Owari would call the events of this evening the Night of a Thousand Screams. The first one comes from an unknown patron beholding the terrible monster. And like a pond disturbed by a tossed rock, more screams ripple throughout the tavern as the moment of calm passes.

The creature lunges across the tavern, bowling tables and patrons alike to the sides as it comes for the Cranes. The Daidoji is just fast enough to get to his feet and is already instinctively reaching for his katana.. which is absent. The samurai's hesitation to adjust his draw for the wakizashi is all the time the creature needs.. with a terrible swipe of its four arms, raking the samurai with claws on its fingers and sharp spikes on its elbows, the Daidoji's innards are sprayed to the left and right.. he collapses in a bloody, tattered mess. The beast turns its attention on one of the Dojis, who is still numb with shock and fear.

Now that the monster is closer to you and fully in the light, you can see it a bit more clearly, even if you might wish you didn't. It is tall enough to have to hunch because of the ceiling. It has no neck; its head is nothing more than those glowing eyes and a huge mouth at the thicker, top end of the mass of flesh. Its mouth is enormous, and when it is open a snake-like tongue dances as if possessed by a mind of its own. Its skin is blackish-green, covered in a slime that smells like wet river rot. The creature's back consists of a pair of parallel bony ridges, and between them are cancerous looking tumors of swollen flesh.

Additionally, Hakiku is not dead. Yet. Evidence of this is in the bubbles in her blood coming out from between her lips. She's unconscious but alive as of this moment...and barely breathing. She will not survive for long however unless she receives prompt assistance. On the other hand: the Daidoji... is obviously dead. Messily so.

Remaining initiative order for the round:
Doji Himeko (30)
Soshi Konming (28)
Chinatsu (26)
Shinjo Xiaoxing (23)
Kitsuki Katsurou (16) <--- I went all softie and decided that since you're blind, in this case Fear won't afflict you since you can't see the monster.
Mirumoto Katsuyoshi (6)
All other NPCs (after all players)

Including my retcon for Katsurou, none of you have failed your Fear checks. You're apparently that much better off than everyone else still alive in the tavern.

Feel free to go ahead and post your actions if you don't want to wait for everyone ahead of you on the initiative order..the creature has obviously already gone. In case it matters in some way to your planning, its initiative score is 42. To help you consider your options, I will inform you now its TN to be hit is normally 30, but currently 20 b/c it is in the Full Attack stance. Good luck, Samurai... consider your actions carefully....

Seeing the girl still breathing, and the monsterous creature before them, Chinatsu says, "That is some sort of Oni. I've never heard of it before but there is no way that can be good. Those who aren't of the fighting persuasion," he eyes the blind man and the Crane, "should take the girl and get out of here. She yet breaths and there is no reason not to get her out of harms way. The rest of us, I'll try to distract the beast somehow. Get to your weapons and pray help arrives soon!"

Spotting a nearby, relatively unbroken, sake bottle, Chinatsu grabs the bottle and hurls it at the creature. There wasn't much else nearby and he was not 100% certain that closing on the creature would end well for him.

A: This is probably a bad idea. B: Not sure if all of this can be done in this one turn. C: Jiujutsu/Agility roll? There is no thrown weapon skill and Jiujutsu handles improvised weapon attacks...

Jiujutsu/Agility?, 7k3: 7d10 ⇒ (7, 4, 2, 1, 8, 2, 7) = 31
so 22? I hit it...hurray?

Improvised Weapon Damage? 4k1: 4d10 ⇒ (6, 5, 2, 9) = 22
9 damage...maybe?

init 5k4: 5d10 ⇒ (10, 4, 4, 3, 4) = 25 explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 5 15+4+4+4=27

fear 2k2+7: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (6, 9) + 7 = 22

Exploding to her feet even as the splinters from the door still rain down, Xiaoxing draws her wakazashi in a blur of motion and moves forward to protect the rest of the group whilst they ready themselves.

Rapidly assessing the situation with a calm detachment despite the unnatural monstrosity's presence, she looks over at the Crane's table to see how they are reacting, hoping they have the presence of mind to defend themselves.

Himeko-san, if it would not be too inconvenient for you, could you please show me to the door? I do not mind carrying Hakiku-san. Failing that could you at least send over some heimin to do that for me? This girl was wounded while serving us and conversing with me. I feel I owe her at least an attempt to get her to a physician.

Mid-combat round feedback for actions already declared:

Chinatsu's hurled bottle shatters against the creature's head. It gives a grunt of annoyance. It's not even bothered enough to look over to see where that object came from. It's attention is firmly fixated on one of the slackjawed Dojis, and it's starting to reach for him...

Xiaoxing, the creature seems to not be concerned about what's going on in your side room, even after Chinatsu's provocation. Your comrades, at least for the time being, appear to be safe from the monster's cruel attentions. The surviving Cranes on the other hand appear to be in mortal peril. And they appear to be frozen with fear; only the Daidoji had the presence of mind to try to defend himself and the Oni cut him down first. Perhaps that wasn't a coincidence..

Katsurou, the Cranes' table was near the entrance to your side room. It's probably a terrible idea to try to stumble blindly past the Oni. The other obvious way out of the room is directly into the street, through the bonsai garden. You can safely presume that the layout of the Inn of the Orange Blossom is conventional; since you're in a side room you can probably go out around the creature as well through the interior partitions. Or perhaps on the other side of the partition, the other side room may have a window leading to an alleyway or something...
Since we resolved that your wife is here at the meeting, she can lead you around w/o relying on Himeko.

From what you feel of the condition of Hakiku's body, it will be very awkward to try to move her with that timber through her torso. Trying to do so could easily kill her. Then again, she won't last long the way she is, either.

Still waiting for 1st combat round actions from: Mirumoto Katsuyoshi, Soshi Konming, Doji Himeko. Be sure to say what stance you're assuming for your actions as well. You know, just in case the Oni turns and comes for you.. it'll be relevant.

Oh, and by the way. Doji Himeko: I'll go ahead and invoke your first Unluck roll. Reroll Fear check please at the beginning of your post! >;D

Sure that her own companions are not in harm's way, and seeing fellow samurai under threat, Xiaoxing does not hesitate, charging across the room to stand between the hideous oni and the frightened Crane.

'Yu'...Courage...

Shifting in to an attack stance, Xiaoxing slashes upwards at the Oni even as she positions herself to block its further progress, defiantly staring at the creature that could be her death, composed and at peace with her actions to defend those in need.

Kenjutsu 6k3+7: 6d10 ⇒ (8, 10, 1, 9, 7, 9) = 44 explosion: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 13 + 9 + 9 + 7= 38
damage 5k2: 5d10 ⇒ (5, 4, 1, 5, 9) = 24 9 + 5 = 14

Defensive Stance

"Get the injured out!"

Kongming helps Katsurou with Hakiku.

Still in a defensive stance as everyone bursts in to action, Katsuyoshi's response has been chosen for him by the others. Whispering a the only prayer to the kami that he knows by heart, Katsuyoshi gathers his will.

Spending a void, one free raise plus 3 raises for damage invoke roll for katana of fire 4k4: 4d10 ⇒ (1, 8, 9, 10) = 28 explode: 1d10 ⇒ 7 total 35 barely got it... stupid 1.

A bloom of flame bursts forth from his hand and quickly forms a blazing sword, a flaming dragon that has taken on the semblance of a katana.

"I challenge you oni."

Bah. You were just supposed to read that and forget about it. ;)

Fear: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (10, 8) + 6 = 24 + 4 = 28 Woo!
Exploding: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Himeko had seen many horrible things in Ryoko Owari: the bodies of noble samurai left to rot in allies like eta, men and women so addled by opium that they did not care where they were or what was done to them. But this monstrosity... this was different. An oni was something only the Crab on their Wall was supposed to see.

Himeko steeled herself for action that her training had never prepared her for, but that her duty now demanded. Noticing that Katsurou and his wife could get Hakiku to safety, the Doji turned her attention to the stupefied Crane merchants. Bounding over to them, she places herself in between the Doji Juzo and the oni.

"My lords," she shouts, "Defend yourselves!"

Himeko will go into Defensive Stance.

Simple Action to move to the other Crane, Simple Action to perform the Guard maneuver on Doji Juzo. That raises his TN to be hit by 10 and drops mine by 5, putting Himeko at TN 18 to be hit.

Feedback on actions declared:

Shinjo Xiaoxing: If you die today, at least you'll die honorably. You're clearly facing a "superior enemy". You're awarded 3 honor for your course of action. Unfortunately, your deft stroke proves no more effective than Chinatsu's bottle. The edge of your wakizashi simply slides along the rubbery, blubbery flesh of the Oni leaving only the tiniest hint of its passing. Everyone observing has heard that some Oni cannot be harmed by mundane weaponry, and it certainly appears this one is in that category...

Soshi Konming: Thanks to your advanced training in first aid, you can tell through a cursory examination that if Hakiku is to survive, she needs assistance now. She'll likely perish before you get her out of the Inn, much less to wherever the nearest healer is. I'll presume you spend your action stabilizing the peasant girl. Katsurou's wife tears the girl's kimono for you to make bandages to assist you.
Intelligence/Medicine, 5k3: 5d10 ⇒ (7, 3, 3, 10, 9) = 32 Exploding 10: 1d10 ⇒ 6 16+9+7=32
You successfully withdraw the timber and bandage her wounds. She'll survive in the short term.. she won't get any worse than she is now. She'll need proper care, including the use of magic or a medicine kit, to recover any further.
I thought about forcing you to spend a void point to assist the peasant girl b/c of your Insensitive flaw. But I decided against it, since it gives Konming a face-saving excuse to NOT throw himself under the Oni's claws..

Kitsuki Katsurou: I keep calling your wife "Your wife". Please get your background posted into your profile so I can easily find such details. This also goes for everyone who hasn't done so yet, please.

Mirumoto Katsuyoshi: Normally you'd be looking at an honor loss for conjuring a weapon where you're not supposed to have one (or your spell scrolls, for that matter). I'd call it "using false courtesy to gain an advantage over an enemy", which has pretty serious repurcussions to your honor score. However, this situation clearly calls for an exception. No loss of honor in this case.

Doji Himeko: You scoot behind Xiaoxing, helping her shield the hapless Crane who's much too slowly shaking off his panic-induced stupor.

Across the tavern, bedlam erupts as a few persons shake off the initial panic and surprise. Most of these run screaming into the streets. In this well-patrolled part of town, it can't be long before some curious or thrill-seeking samurai comes to investigate the chaos. Or at least the city watch will eventually turn up, given the breach of civil tranquility.

Unfortunately the two Cranes are not among these number. They manage nothing more than falling backwards onto their rears as they shamefully and ineffectively try to scurry away from the Oni.

One figure does do something that may prove helpful: it stops by the weapons niche and draws out a katana. Having been disguised as a merchant, the Ronin discards his cloak and jingasa and readies his blade, eyeing the monster and giving Xiaoxing a slight nod, signaling his intent to assist her.

The Oni regards Shinjo Xiaoxing only for the briefest of moments, its snake-like tongue hovering in front of her before it reaches out with one of its arms for her head.
It declares a knockdown maneuver as a simple action on Xiaoxing: I'm modifying the maneuver to do no damage but instead throw her several feet out of the way. It's still in full attack stance, and requires 2 raises over her TN of 25. It got a 40.

Filthy, slimy, reeking flesh of the creature's palm is pressed to the Battle Maiden's face, and she is dismissively shoved aside, landing some five feet away, in the center of the tavern, on the flat of her back.

The Oni reaches out with another of its arms past Doji Himeko and snatches up Juzo up by the neck. Unfortunately the Crane was still frozen with fear, and despite Himeko's noble efforts he was an easy target. Its skinny arm proves easily strong enough to lift the samurai clear off the ground, and it squeezes until the body drops from its head in a heavy heap. It tosses the head to Himeko and turns for Doji Usija. It catches view of the blazing Katana of Fire, and pauses long enough to seem vaguely interested in it. It reaches behind its back with two of its gangly arms and plucks a pair of tumors off of its spine, hurling them at Katsurou's feet This takes a free action; it's second simple action was killing Juzo.

These blobs quiver.. and grow. As they swell to the size of a toddler, three little bright orange eyes open.. followed by a mouth full of tiny, needle-sharp teeth. All within the span of a few seconds, six long segmented stick-like limbs sprout from the blobs. They position themselves between the Oni and Katsuyoshi while snapping at him with their vile mouths. Katsuyoshi barely avoids receiving what looks to be a nasty, filthy bite.

Simple action to Guard the big Oni. Second simple action to make bite attacks. They hit TN 14 and 20. The 20 misses thanks to your defensive stance. However the little podlings are focusing completely on Katsuyoshi.. I'm saying their guarding is only applying to his attacks.. the Oni is TN 40 vs Katsuyoshi but still 20 to everyone else.

Round 2, over to the Heroes! The Oni is apparently satisfied with distracting Katsuyoshi by podling; its gaze is fixated on Doji Usija now. That Crane has finally regained his feet. He's not doing anything more helpful than screeching in fear, but at least he's not the paralyzed target Juzo was.

So going to die for this.

Katsuyoshi ignores the petty spawn and rushes his target trusting the Kami to pierce the creatures hide.

Full attack, void point, 9k4: 9d10 ⇒ (7, 4, 1, 10, 8, 10, 8, 6, 3) = 57 2 exploders2d10 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 keep 46

Here's hoping he isn't immune to magic damage 8k2: 8d10 ⇒ (5, 10, 4, 4, 10, 2, 3, 4) = 42 sploding: 2d10 ⇒ (5, 8) = 13 keep 38

"Strike the back holes." Katsuyoshi shouts at his compatriots.

Chinatsu, seeing the Dragon warrior moving to bypass the smaller creatures to attack the larger one, moves to support him, positioning so that he can attack the larger one's week points while hopefully being in the way of the smaller creatures.

Jiujutsu/Agility, 2 raises for called shot, 7k3 : 7d10 ⇒ (3, 1, 9, 7, 3, 7, 2) = 32 K3: 9 + 7 + 7 = 23, so a miss with 2 raises I believe.
Damage, 5k2 : 5d10 ⇒ (9, 2, 6, 8, 10) = 35

Feedback on actions for round 2 thus far:

Mirumoto Katsuyoshi: You align your body and spirit for a dramatic, perfect stroke. Your flashing arc would have killed a mortal samurai.

The Oni may not be human, but it's certainly mortal. It survives your attack by shielding itself with one of its arms. You slash that arm from wrist to shoulder and it tucks its wounded limb close to its body protectively, dripping reddish black ichor that sizzles on the floor. It howls with fury, not at you but at the podlings.

It remains to be seen what cost you'll bear for giving the lesser spawn your vulnerable flank.

Chinatsu: The Oni moves fast. It's not just fast for something its size.. it seems as fast and nimble as a dragonfly. And its bony ridges on either side of its spine do an admirable job of protecting its vulnerable, exposed innards from your attacks. At least you don't seem to have drawn its ire...

The partitions are probably made of paper, right?

Kitsuki and his wife Yukari grab the unconscious Hakiku and carry her to the outside of the inn.

Athletics/Agility for Simple Move Action, Void Point, 4k3, TN 20: 4d10 ⇒ (6, 1, 1, 3) = 11=10=G+* D#+mit.

Second Simple Action, stand up from prone.

Xiaoxing rolls to her feet, moving again towards the oni, buoyed by her companions joining the fray.

Not having the opportunity to stroke back, she instead places herself in front of the crane.

simple stand, simple move

Many apologies Xiaoxing, my fault your post got all awkward.

If you're able to recall your initial post, you can redo that as I explained in PM. If you'd rather just guard the remaining Crane with your 2nd simple action, that's a very viable option as well. Once you're on your feet you can cover the distance as a free move action. +10 to his TN may well make a meaningful difference this time since he's not paralyzed anymore.

That's all good GM, let's keep it simple :) Xiaoxing guards the crane, her ATN is now 20

The partitions are probably made of paper, right?

Kitsuki and his wife Yukari grab the unconscious Hakiku and carry her to the outside of the inn.

[dice=Athletics/Agility for Simple Move Action, Void Point, 4k3, TN 20]4d10=10=G~# D#%mit.

Second Simple Action, stand up from prone.

Kongming's timely medical attention help staunch the bloodflow.

[b]"Kitsuki-san, my medical training is more needed to help Hakiku. But you need to rouse the magistrates."[/b

Kongming gives Katsurou directions to the magistrates' office.

Hi GM, I went with easier earlier as I was posting from a phone, however I'm in front of a laptop again now so as things haven't moved on I *will* repost Xiaoxing's actions if that's ok!

Xiaoxing rolls to her feet and charges back in to the fight, slashing her wakazashi low in an attempt to take the oni's legs out from under it.

kenjutsu 6k3+7, 2 raises for knockdown: 6d10 ⇒ (9, 9, 3, 5, 6, 1) = 33 9+9+6+7=31, just enough!

damage 5k2: 5d10 ⇒ (5, 10, 4, 4, 9) = 32 explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 3 13+9 = 22

contested strength for knockdown 2k2: 2d10 ⇒ (9, 2) = 11 [ooc]11 pah!