L5R: City of Lies

Game Master deusvult

The Battle Maiden glares at the podling as it bounds off, her suspicions confirmed as to what was hiding on the roof.

Bowing to the departing Dokiu, Xiaoxing immediately launches in to a discussion about getting to the Floating City

By reputation Gate has an almost fanatical desire to ensure every single samurai's blades are kept as shiny as possible, I have heard of both yoriki and those in the administration of the city being unable to persuade him their blades do not require polishing...

she leaves many things unsaid.

I think perhaps as we need to get to Whisper as quickly as possible, and this is a matter of public security, we should take the fastest possible route, which I believe may unfortunately require the use of a peasant boatman, given that Gate's entrance to the island would take additional time to walk around to...

Xiaoxing keeps her face completely calm as she waits for agreement from the other.

The Thunder Guard leave with Dokiu, right?

Doji Oruku explains:

"I came to an agreement with Shosuro Jocho-sama that these Thunder Guard are on loan to me to assist in my investigation tonight. However, they are low-ranking kaisatsukan that would have otherwise been assigned to patrol the plazas and streets of the Festival tonight. An elite corps of the Guard patrols the Licensed Quarter; these troops under my command will have no more right to bear arms there than any of us will."

On what you know about Gate: His reputation is well known in Ryoko Owari. He is a former Akodo military officer and veteran of several Lion-Crane wars. Unfortunately for him, his daimyo fell in battle and no other Lion lords were interested in accepting the services of samurai who allowed their betters to die while they still lived. Gate's reasons for coming to Ryoko Owari since becoming ronin is a popular topic of gossip and rumor.

On getting to the Licensed Quarter: The entire district was once where the Leatherworkers' Quarter is now.. the City's growing population of lower caste workers since the introduction of Opium agriculture led to that area being re-zoned to what it is now. The pleasure district is now confined to the island in the middle of the River of Gold. Where the magnificent Dragon Bridge (L11) once connected the Nobles' Quarter with the playground of the pleasure district, once the Licensed Quarter was moved to the island in the River of Gold the only means of entry is by barge, and Gate's "Swords Polished" establishment is on the only landing wharf. Some samurai still smuggle themselves onto the island out of having more love for anonymity than the law; bribing boatmen to deliver them to secret, illegal points of entry on the island. The Governor came to appreciate the effect of Gate's security, and she came to help him having an iron fence erected around the island to deter illegal landings... but Magistrates and Yoriki keep hearing rumors about smugglers knowing places where illicit entry onto the island is still possible.

On getting to the Licensed Quarter, continued:
Teardrop Island is about 400 yards from either bank of the River of Gold, but with the river being so wide the currents are not particularly strong. Able swimmers could certainly make it across from either bank. Fitting in to the high-society scene in the Licensed Quarter while you are dripping wet and stinking of the river is a problem you'd have to solve, however.

This evening being the occasion of the Bon Festival and conspicuous consumption, there are barges ferrying supplies to the island throughout the night. Hijacking or hiding amid the cargo of one of those barges is an option, although there still is only one wharf on the island. You'd have to find a creative place to land, or sneak your way over/through/around Gate and his personal fortress. Luckily, just behind "Swords Polished" is the Island Garden...

The Island Garden (Location 21): Just behind Gate's "Swords Polished" is a Scorpion Garden... it is congested, has poor visibility, and is laid out like a maze. It is also a place of savage beauty popular both with the city's monks to contemplate the mysteries of the universe and samurai who want to avoid being seen coming from or going into the Licensed Quarter, or to arrange discreet meetings. Magistrates and Yoriki suspect it's probably pretty popular with criminals, too. The Thunder Guard do their best to preserve public safety here. Tonight, its dark corners are probably choked with young samurai dallying with each other under the night sky.

There are a very finite number of Geisha Houses on the island, and you can easily determine where the House of Water Lilies is.. some of you may even already be regulars there!. It is located on the Southwest portion of the island, along the Road of Glory. It is one of the smaller establishments, far less prestigious than some of its neighbors of empire-wide renown. On the map in the Campaign Info tab, The House of Water Lilies is the building just east of the "i" in "Licensed Quarter".. it is located at the top of a cliff that rises up out of the river.

Well nuts. There goes my idea.

Lore: Bushido, 4k2: 4d10 ⇒ (8, 1, 6, 8) = 23=16

Katsurou ponders for a minute.

I believe I can reason with Gate. I know him by reputation and I can convince him to be accommodating given the gravity of our situation. Even failing that, surely the presence of an oni would summon the Thunder Guard of the area, and convince Gate to return any weapons he has in his possession. I see no reason to sully ourselves over this.

If there are no objections lets move along.

Xiaoxing nods in agreement with the Kitsuki

Hai Katsurou-san, I am sure Gate will listen to a well reasoned argument from you. Now we have decided, let us move as swiftly as the air kami, there is no time to waste!

Moving to 'Swords Polished' as quickly as possible!

It looks like we have arrived at a consensus. If any of you decide you want to split up and try to sneak onto the island, Kuni Eiriasu will champion that idea and offer to go with.

With a plan in mind, you leave Whisper's store and the bustling commercial district behind you. During the Hour of the Boar, travelling through the City would normally be a peaceful and quiet affair but on the occasion of the Bon Festival, the citizens of Ryoko Owari will be out all night celebrating, and the best open-air festivities are here in the Merchants' Quarter.

As you get away from the densest throngs of costumed partiers and into the periphery, you begin to see the nature of the festivities turn more base. With increasing regularity, obviously drunk or opium-addled individuals begin to be seen staggering around amid the citizens, and after a few blocks of travel you begin witnessing some brawls.

Doji Oruku dispatches his retinue of Thunder Guard in ones and twos to deal with such base criminality, and before long decides to release them all back to their original duties of protecting public safety. He explains:

"I fear it may have been a mistake to bleed the city watch's strength tonight in aiding us in our tasks. I doubt we'll need these men to deal with the likes of Whisper, anyway." If you wish to try to change Oruku-san's mind about giving up your cadre of cannon fodder, include some roleplay to that effect in your next post. If you're successful, then Doji Oruku will retroactively not have relinquished command.

After about a half dozen blocks or so, you're back in the familiar neighborhood, where your adventures began tonight at the Inn of the Orange Blossom.

You soon arrive at the Little Gate (location 15). It is a small, narrow portal through the City Walls that those of you trained in war would call a sally port. The unassuming gate is very narrow - not even wide enough for a horse to pass through, but is fortified with very thick oaken doors reinforced with iron supports. You must squeeze through the Little Gate one at a time, but a well travelled path leads from here down to a riverbank wharf where there is a minor crowd of costumed samurai eager to get their "swords polished".

On the Little Gate: This wharf exists solely to service landings at Teardrop Island, aka the Floating City aka the Licensed Quarter. As such, samurai on their way there wear costumes or "basket hats" that conceal their identities even on normal occasions. Of course tonight, the custom becomes a veritable masquerade. Where patrons normally wait for the next ferry in silence, tonight they gaily converse with one another to try to guess who each other are. You have no doubts some pairings will never make it deeper into the Floating City than an anonymous tryst in some dark corner of the Island Garden.

Kn: Bushido 4k2: 4d10 ⇒ (4, 4, 3, 3) = 14 =8

"I know of this 'Gate' by name only. He has a...reputation in my family. I may be able to assist, but Katsorou-san may do the speaking."

Hideyoshi follows the others through the Little Gate, his feelings mixed about this man they are about to meet.

Katsuyoshi follows the rest of the group to their destination, the dense crowd eliciting noticeable discomfort from the young man. Hard decisions would soon have to be made, and though he is loath to admit it there is always the knowledge that they may have to give of their lives this night. Neither does he look forward to the discussion they would soon have with a Ronin about his polishing policies.

Keeping quiet and trusting to the Kitsuki to negotiate their intent succinctly to Gate, Xiaoxing concentrates on her surroundings.

She tries to filter out the surrounding revelers and focus on anything out of the ordinary, which this night might mean someone simply sitting and watching rather than enjoying the festivities.

perception/investigation 4k2: 4d10 ⇒ (5, 5, 10, 5) = 25 explosion: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 explosion: 1d10 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23 23(!) + 5 = 28

Upon Arriving at Gate

Gate-San, a word if you please.

Assuming he comes to the side or otherwise gets us away from potential eavesdroppers.

I have terrible news: we are in the midst of tracking an Oni that has been given a name and is making its way through the city. It's currently after a man named Whisper and he is in the House of Water Lillies to see one Suruko. I know your reputation as honorably uncompromising is well-earned, and you do have my respect for it, but sometimes even the earth moves, and the presence of an oni is such a time for all of us. We need to be able to defend ourselves and Whisper's vital information to be able to keep it from ruining the festival and killing countless of our citizens. Samurai exist for the protection of the common folk. Please, Gate. Let us pass with our weapons. Let whomever you wish accompany us and verify that we are no rabble rousers and will indulge in none of the pleasures that necessitate your presence here, but we will likely be the first on the scene when or if the oni attacks.

Courtier, Rhetoric, 5k3, one raise: 5d10 ⇒ (10, 4, 2, 7, 4) = 27

Explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 3=20

24

Heh, I had planned on a little roleplay while you waited for the boat. But it seems the tempo has been too slow, so moving right along ;)

You wait for several minutes for the next boatman to arrive at the wharf. During the shared wait some of the masqued samurai proposition some of you to accompany them in their hedonistic plans for the evening. They view your lack of disguises as a clever disguise in of itself.. they clearly assume you're using "official business" fraudulently as a face-saving cover for going to the Floating City.

Thankfully the ferry arrives before anyone's honor is impugned, and Doji Oruku pays the fare for crossing on your behalf. The voyage from the Little Gate landing to the Licensed Quarter is about a mile, but you are floating with the current and it does not take long to arrive. The two Magistrates discreetly suggest to you to allow the eager customers to rush Gate's "Swords Polished" and process through first so that business can be conducted with the ronin without alarming the citizenry.

The ferry gently docks against a long, well maintained strip of wooden planking, leading up to the entrance of the imposing building that is Swords Polished. There are three burly ronin in Gate's employ assisting the ferryman and herding the passengers into the mouth of a veritable fortress.

Once the bystander samurai have handed over their weapons to Gate's safekeeping, the imposing ronin greets you in turn. His tattooed arms bulge with corded muscle and his easy, relaxed stance is that of a trained warrior. You see that Gate also employs some assistants that have already dutifully begun to polish the swords of those ahead of you in line. He says with a polite bow:

"Welcome, friends! I'm sure you must be tired from your journey across the river. Welcome to the Floating City, on this night of of the Bon Festival, the most beautiful place in Ryoko Owari Toshi! Please, allow me to take your weapons so that they might be brightly polished in the name of your ancestors."

Gate's Etiquette roll: 7d10 ⇒ (10, 1, 5, 6, 1, 7, 8) = 38explosion: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 1313+7=20, 20 < 24
Gate's Honor roll: 6d10 ⇒ (8, 4, 1, 4, 8, 10) = 35 35 > 24

Gate listens intently to Kitsuki Katsurou's plea. At first he clearly assumes you're trying to trick him with some particularly inventive story, but you do come to convince him that you don't have malicious intent behind your request he grant you an exception to the "no weapons" policy on Teardrop Island.

He explains to you in response:

"If word gets out that all it takes is an explanation of an emergency to retain one's weapons, I have no doubt that word would soon slip out to dishonorable ears. Before long there will be an endless stream of sob stories and imagined emergencies if I grant you an exception, no matter how worthy of one you might be.

If this person you seek is here on the island, then I assure you that you will not require weapons as he won't have any, either."

GM, would I know Gate as a member of the Akodo family? Enough for a free raise on that last roll? If so, then I would have enough to make the TN. Could be important.

GM, would I know Gate as a member of the Akodo family? Enough for a free raise on that last roll? If so, then I would have enough to make the TN. Could be important.

I realize now, very belatedly, that I gave you the wrong background info on Gate anyway. "His lord died and noone else wanted him" will henceforth just be the public rumor that the citizenry of Ryoko Owari simply assumes about him. It actually makes a degree of sense that you might have heard the actual story, although certainly not all the relevant details. You certainly would have had the opportunity to share your knowledge before arrival at his estate:

In Gate's former life, up until just a few years ago, he was Akodo Yogodayu. Even for a Lion, he was brash and arrogant and took immense pride in his ancestors' deeds and sought to exceed them. It was that very pride that was his downfall.

He was only two generations removed from his most illustrious ancestor of all. His grandfather famously held Beiden Pass with only 20 valorous Lion bushi against a thousand Scorpion samurai until he could be reinforced. In order to more fully know the extent of his ancestors' valor, he sought a posting to Ikoma Castle to study the historians' accounts of past battles. There he found evidence that his grandfather was not present at the famous battle at all but left his men behind to die and then lied about it afterwards.

Akodo Yogodayu was devastated by the discovery and asked for permission to publicly erase his ancestor's lie and then to commit seppuku to cleanse the stain on his bloodline's honor, but his daimyo refused him. His lord preferred the story of valor, and felt the inspiration it brings to young soldiers was more important than getting the truth out. He was told that if his family's shame was too great a burden, he could be relieved of it.

He has been the ronin called Gate ever since.

GM: Geikeki-ki can ferry Xiaoxing's armor back home by himself, woe-betide anyone who gets in his way ;p

Xiaoxing pushes down the flash of annoyance that Gate's response elicits, and she attempts to assist using her most convincing expression

Gate-san, I assure you that it is not Whisper we seek to battle this evening, and the enemy we do seek has weapons of its own. We are in need of our swords, as Kitsuki-san suggests, to defend the current occupants of the Floating City, not to cause injury to them.

sincerity/awareness 4k3: 4d10 ⇒ (9, 1, 1, 5) = 16 9+1+5 = 15

What Gate hears: Because we need our swords... for... things.... er... important things! *wide-eyed smile*

Well then, let's see how this goes...

Hideyoshi steps forth, making sure the mon of the Lion clan can be seen by the ronin. "Gate-san. I am Akodo Hideyoshi, son of Akodo Ieyasu, son of General Akodo Hideo of the Lion Clan. I carry the sacred blade of the Akodo, Hirano-no-kaze, and I tell you this: I will swear on this blade that we do not make up 'sob stories' as you put it. We have faced the Oni twice this night, and we have every reason to believe it seeks Whisper here tonite. As the honorable Katsorou-san has told you, it has been given a name, and if it is allowed to survive then it will become as great a threat to Rokugawa as any we have ever faced."

He pauses for a moment, looking the ronin in the eye. "I am Akodo Hideyoshi, and my Honor, like yours, is the unassailable fortress of my existence. I will not allow this thing to happen, and I will give my life trying to stop it, should that come to pass."

Hideyoshi turns to look at the men with Gate. "In fact, your reputation as a warrior is well known. We would consider it an honor for you to fight with us this night. These men can handle this job easily enough." He turns back to Gate. "So we ask you this: let us keep our swords, or come with us to ensure we keep our word - and to fight with us - if needs be. If you do not, there will be no swords to 'polish' by morning."

Waiting to see how the Lion does.

Akodo Hideyoshi's sincerity roll (giving a free raise for the roleplay) 4k2: 4d10 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 8) = 18 8+4+(5)=17

Gate clearly doesn't find Shinjo Xiaoxing's plea compelling, but he does seem to be empathically caught up in Akodo Hideyoshi's rhetoric. Ultimately he answers:

"Alas I cannot join you in your duties, as I have promised the samurai who arrived earlier that I would personally guarantee the safety of their granfathers' swords. And appealing for discretion in my application of the Goveror's laws is futile, as I have no authority to grant exceptions to her laws. Perhaps your emergency can convince her to issue you an exemption to her decrees. As her humble servant I would not stand in the way of a writ bearing her proper seal. Barring such an exemption, I'm afraid I must inform you that you may not pass through my establishment in possession of your arms.

If you truly feel violence is coming, you are welcome to talk to the Shadow Guard that patrol the Island. With the just authority of Magistrates behind your cause, they will surely escort you or deliver this Whisper back here to your person, if he is indeed here. Shall I have one of my assistants fetch a squad?"

You know that waiting here for the watch to produce Whisper is a terrible idea. There's little to stop the Okasan at the House of Water Lilies from saying "He's not here." and in fact that's exactly the sort of cover samurai would expect while patronizing such an establishment. The watch has no authority to barge in and look around, so they would likely take that answer at face value and report back to you accordingly.

On the other hand, Gate's mind appears unswayed. His suggestion about having the armed Shadow Guard escort and protect you may well be as far as he's willing to accomodate you. Barring of course, the extremely unlikely circumstance that you get a Goveronor's writ tonight...

Thinking back, I'm not certain Hideyoshi would have shared knowledge about Gate's background. 'Keep it in the family' as it were.

"What good will your gate-keeping do, Yogodayu-san, when there are no gates left to watch?" Hideyoshi says acidly. "Yes, I know who you are and why you are here. I, too am a student of the lore of our Clan. Ameratsu has smiled on you this evening. You have a chance to restore Honor to the name of your family, yet you insist on keeping your word to be a sword-watcher. So be it. I was raised on the tales of Beiden Pass and the great sacrifice that was made there. It never mattered to me the facts - the story stood on its own as an example of the greatness of the Lion. I see I am the only Lion here that would die to maintain that greatness."

Hideyoshi steps back. "You have earned your name, Gate. I will say no more."

And Lo! Thus did Hideyoshi's Idealistic nature rear its ugly head. He is angry and frustrated that Gate will not take this opportunity to clear his name and restore Honor to his family. Up to you all now. I had hoped to persuade him to at least come along - in fact I purposedly did not roll Sincerity in the hope that RP, not dice, would decide the issue.

Sudden thought: Should we share Whisper's journal entries about the Oni with him?

I think given what you just said to Gate, he is not going to be interested in reading our 'crazy Kitsuki evidence' at this point :s

Katsurou struggles to hide his dismay as Hideyoshi, in typical Lion manner, crushes his delicate diplomatic attempt. Not that Katsurou is one to think in stereotypes.

He seriously ponders for a moment before unfastening his wakizashi.

I won't insult you by attempting to elude you or convince you further, nor trouble you to send a lieutenant to accommodate us. I just hope to the Fortunes your devotion won't get people hurt tonight.

I think given what you just said to Gate, he is not going to be interested in reading our 'crazy Kitsuki evidence' at this point :s

I would think exactly the opposite, but based on what GM O has said, his role to prevent us from entering with weapons, so it won't matter. In any case, I'm stepping out of this one. Hideyoshi simply does not understand Gate's motivations, or lack thereof.

Sensing the impasse, Xiaoxing ventures

Gate, we do not have time to get to the governor. We can see you must uphold your duty here. So.

She points at the weapon racks

My ancestors would I think very much enjoy it if my blade was polished last this evening, and in the meantime the kami in my daisho would I think very much enjoy a clear view of the festivities on the island. If you could see your way to mounting them on a rack right by the entrance to the island over there the. That would be most convenient.

She stares at the ronin calmly

As we have traveled together this night might I also ask the same courtesy be extended to the blades of my companions? That wat when we come to collect them all of our weapons will be ready and waiting at a moment's notice...

Her words, and intent, hang heavy in the air as she waits for Gate's response.

Katsuyoshi pulls his daisho from his belt, first the katana then the smaller wakasashi. Then he pulls the second daisho, the one placed so that it can not be pulled properly and peace bound over and over again. With this Katsuyoshi smiles "(b)If you would, I would be appreciative if you would hold but not polish these two blades.(/b)"

Gate graciously places Shinjo Xiaoxing's weapons in a prominent place of honor, and begins accepting swords in kind from Kuni Eiriasu and Doji Oruku. Gate waves away the Magistrates' payment for his "sword polishing" services, explaining that it is the least he can do given the gravity of your duties tonight.

When Gate comes to accept Mirumoto Katsuyoshi's swords, he then politely asks about your spell scrolls.

"I shall honor your request, but, surely you're not forgetting to have your satchel re-stitched?"

This is going to be a bit plagiaristic, but...

Hideyoshi removes his daisho and sets the weapons on the rack next to Xiaoxing's. He then speaks to all assembled. "Here I place the sacred blade of my family. Let none dare touch it without my leave." He turns his back on Gate, and waits for the others.

Despite her experiences in both court and battlefield, Xiaoxing can't keep her jaw from tightening in anger at Gate's continued persistence.

We don't have time for this Katsuyoshi, and after all, I have no doubt in your abilities, despite the apparent state of your satchel's stitching

XIaoxing moves off in to the crowd, feeling that they've wasted enough time already with the implacable ronin and his shop.

I'm going to presume that Mirumoto Katsuyoshi hands over his spell scroll satchel. You all know spell scrolls are just as verboten in the pleasure district as swords are, after all.

After Gate gives assurances that your possessions will be treated with the utmost respect (or left alone entirely as appropriate..) he invites you to pass through his estate and into the Island Garden beyond.

There the topiary maze does not share the tasteful arrangement of the Scorpion Garden in the Nobles' Quarter or the Garden of Daikoku in the Temple District. It is a riotous, garish display of blooms. Some would even call it vulgar, and the presence of uniquely foreign blossoms mark the influence of the Unicorn Clan on the Floating City.

The maze is well tended by gardeners who live on the island, although its wild appearance makes it hard to tell at times. There are always a few of the elite Shadow Guard prowling the Garden, armed with sodegarami and kusarigama. Their crimson gi look black in the moonlight, and their anonymity is assured by uniform porcelain masks that complete their uniforms. They don't give a second glance to individuals they come across smoking opium, drinking alcohol or making use of strategically placed benches for sexual trysts; their attentions are fixated upon keeping the peace. If samurai wish to act in debased manner, it is not their place to prevent it.

It would only take a minute or two at most to cross the garden, if you could fly over it. The latticework doesn't prevent you from barging shortcuts through the rows of hedges, but the wicked thorns growing on many of the plants do. Despite your hurry, you can't help but find that taking the time to puzzle your way through the maze is the better course of action.

Eventually you emerge from the maze onto the Road of Pleasure. You have to cross the entire island before you'll reach the Road of Glory and the House of Water Lilies, and the avenue is packed with people celebrating the Bon Festival. You spend much of the trip jostling through throngs of partiers. They wear costumes and elaborate masques, taking advantage of one of the best views in the city to watch the fireworks that still illuminate the sky above. Adding to the spectacle are brightly lit barges with colored lanters float lazily in the river on either side of the island.

You inevitably find yourselves face to face with one of the celebrants and caught making eye contact... you can't just ignore her as she talks to you.. it would be impolite. She is dressed as a ghost and begs you for coins.

Please Samurai, I must collect offerings to escape the Spirit World! Help me and honor your own ancestors by giving me a few zeni!

It's quite clear she's not a real ghost, just in case you were worrying. This is perfectly normal behavior.. it's the "trick or treat" custom for the Bon Festival. It's good luck to give ghosts, goblins, and ghoulies treats, plus it makes them go away until next year!

That picture is amazing. Japanese youkai are fascinating.

Katsurou chuckles and hands her a few koku zeni.

Koku: 2d2 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

I hope this will help you on your way, miss.

Xiaoxing bows to the ghost, nodding her appreciation to Katsurou absent-mindedly, not thinking that the Dragon would not see. She hurries off in the direction of the geisha house, mind focused on the group's target.

Hideyoshi contributes as well. The way this night is going, some luck from the ancestors will be more than appreciated.

The costumed maiden happily accepts her coins and moves on to new "prey" in the crowd. You press on to the House of Water Lilies with more care to ensure you're not cornered by more begging monsters.

The House of Water Lilies is a clean and polished establishment befitting its accredited status in one of Rokugan's elite pleasure districts. It faces the waterfront but on the southwest side of the island its view of the Leatherworkers' Quarter doesn't measure up to the stunning views of the city beyond the east bank of the river. Additionally, the House of Water Lilies has only been open for two generations making it an upstart among the more established houses. The House of the Morning Star has a legendary reputation across the empire and is just across the Road of Glory, enhancing the juxtaposition between the best geisha houses of the City of Lies and the 'little sisters' of the House of Water Lilies. Customers who primarily visit the House of Water Lilies are joked about as being low-class, poor, or stupid.

As you enter the House, you see that the slanderous reputation perpetuated by the bigger Houses doesn't appear deserved. They have skilled artists playing music and art that would be cherished in any lord's estate providing ambiance. You can't help but notice a Festival-themed ikebana arrangement placed in the niche for swords. You're reminded that before Gate set up his "Swords Polished", samurai were on their honor to voluntarily disarm themselves. You can only imagine how much bloodshed is avoided by the current method. You hope it won't backfire on you tonight.

A plump Oka-san with ornate robes patterned with lilies comes out to greet you obsequeously after a few moments.

"Good evening, honored guests! I am Bashiko, the owner of this proud house. You humble me with your patronage, samurai of such stature!"

Bashiko bows low and continues on with warm smiles and twinkling eyes:

"Dozo, come inside! Would you like some sake? Perhaps some hosts and hostesses to serve you on this Festival night?"

She leads you through sliding doors and into a common room where a biwa-plucking maiden is producing that excellent music wafting through the house. There are several men and women sipping alcohol and admiring the music, but you see no sign of Whisper.

Xiaoxing keeps her eyes sharp as the group moves through the festival, her mind constantly alerting her to danger yet when she turns it is just festival goers in particularly vivid costumes.

As they reach the House of Water Lillies she nods and smiles to the mama-san

A pleasure to visit your beautiful house Bashiko she says warmly

I'm sure you will be glad to hear your reputation as a desirable destination has been Whispered to us, we are here to relax with a friend who is already here. If you would be so good as to show us to the room he is in then we would be most appreciative

her smile never wavers.

Hideyoshi keeps silent, his frustration still boiling under the surface. 'best to let Xiaoxing handle this, I've said enough...'

Bashiko gushes to Shinjo Xiaoxing:

"Oh, Shinjo-sama, you do me such kindness! But I fear I must embarrass my ancestors and inform you that your friend is not present. Perhaps he is running late? You're welcome to wait here; Shall I bring you some sake? Sochu? Perhaps you'd like to retire to private rooms with some hosts and hostesses to service your needs while you wait for your friend? I will be sure to bring him right to you the moment he arrives."

In case you're contemplating peeking around the geisha house: Of course barging into private rooms will not only be ghastly manners that would give a negative impact to your reputations, there's no telling who you might piss off if you go barging randomly into rooms. You never know if someone rather powerful might take umbrage with you if you witness him or her in a geisha house.

awareness/investigation 5k3: 5d10 ⇒ (4, 9, 8, 2, 10) = 33

Xiaoxing lets her smile drop to half its intensity as she continues to stand in front of Bashiko.

Ah mama-san I wish we could indulge in the glorious hospitality so well talked about in certain circles this week...

the battle maiden let's the words lie there for an uncomfortable moment before carrying on as Bashiko is about to reply

I must insist on our waiting right here in the entrance for him if you are sure our friend hasn't availed himself of a private room you could lead us to?

a look of concern crosses the samurai-ko's features and she continues talking as if nothing is amiss

I do so hope his recent troubles have not, and will not follow him here to this beautiful house... without our presence by his side, I fear the worst might happen...

many veiled implications... courtier/awareness 4k3: 4d10 ⇒ (7, 5, 9, 7) = 28 =7+7+9=23

Hideyoshi waits. ...'time is wasting'...

Bashiko opens her mouth to reply to Shinjo Xiaoxing, but Doji Oruku impatiently interrupts her.

"Oka-san, I am Doji Oruku and if you do not recognize my name I shall inform you I am a Magistrate. And my companion here is Kuni Eiriasu"

The Crab Magistrate smirks as he pretends to brush imaginary lint from the imperial seal on his kimono. As Bashiko's realization sinks in, Doji Oruku presses on, gesturing to the rest of you.

"These samurai are my yoriki and assistants."

The plump matron blubbers about her taxes being on time and that her house is in fine condition. Kuni Eiriasu cuts her off this time:

"We have no interest in such things. Just bring us to Whisper. Now."

Bashiko bows low and long after her admonishment. While waiting for her to rise and lead you upstairs, Doji Oruku whispers softly to Shinjo Xiaoxing:

"I don't know how things are done in the Unicorn provinces, but here it's a waste of time, yours and hers both, to treat eta as if she were your equal."

Doji Oruku offers the Battle Maiden a sincere smile to reassure her his advice was not meant as a reprimand.

Bashiko gathers her robes around her and hurriedly waddles up the stairs, leading your troupe to a sliding door. She slides the panel, revealing a room decorated with a copper-tinged teak. Aromatic flowers are in the room by a window overlooking the river and a low table near the door bears a lotus figurine carved from green jade. Occupying the chamber is a weaselly figure conversing with a painted geisha. He doesn't have a sword though. Ignore that part of the picture! :D

The ronin has a red, puffy face and looks like he's probably been crying. He begins to angrily demand the meaning of Bashiko's intrusion, but his mouth gapes silently as he sees the group of you behind her.

'...and so, Whisper.' Hideyoshi holds a stern visage while waiting for the man to speak.

Xiaoxing nods at the Crane magistrate, willing away the slight red tinge beginning to form as a blush.

As the group sees Whisper she points a menacing finger at him

Stand where you are! We have questions for you!

Ready to chase him down if he so much as takes a step away, the Unicorn waits to see his response

Whisper purses his lips as he considers his words, then finally says to the Okasan:

"Bashiko-chan, would you please bring my associates sake? I fear we have much to discuss."

The plump matron bows to Whisper, and slides the privacy screen shut after you enter the chamber. As you file in, Whisper looks longingly down to the geisha who looks up to him with an expression of worry. He laces his fingers and exhales deeply before finally looking back to you:

"I am not going anywhere; I have nowhere to go. Go ahead, ask your questions you came to ask."

Katsurou "looks" at Oruku and waves his hand in front of his face, as those familiar with him have seen him do many times before.

He is not a patient man. Noted.

I can't tell, but if there are any geisha in here it would behoove them to leave. We will draw no blood, but this is business that neither concerns you nor that you will want part of. There are things afoot tonight with the potential to end careers in pleasure, crime, and Justice. Spoken plainly: OUT. NOW.

He waits for any attendees to leave and then addresses Whisper once Watchful has informed him of their passing.

Sake is drunk by peers and at times of celebration. We have come for neither. Your store lies in shambles, an oni seeks your blood after attacking the Cranes in their own home and at the Inn of the Orange Blossom, and there are whispers of a moon cult and the common thread is yourself. I said we'd shed no blood here, but there is little to prevent us from dragging you away from here for more advanced investigative techniques should you prove uncooperative. Now speak.

<stern face>

Just trying to be the 'silent muscle' so to speak. Hideyoshi is still stewing over Gate.

Xiaoxing stands ready, leaving the Kitsuki to ask his questions, though her hand reaches down to empty space where she wanted to rest it on her katana hilt. Instead she absent-mindedly toys with a frayed white and purple dueling ribbon tied to her obi.

Focusing her concentration on the surroundings of the room, extending her senses outside and trying to detect any thudding across the floors that might indicate trouble, or any skittering on the roof...

Whisper's eyes remain on his companion while you assert yourselves. She looks up to him with slackjawed confusion. He sighs heavily at the suggestion she leave:

"No, I came to see lovely Suruko-chan one last time. She deserves to hear this..."

He draws himself up to address you directly.

"It all began last evening. With the Festival coming, I was preparing my shop - you know, buying items which would be profitable to sell. I'm a merchant... just a merchant..."

After sighing nervously he continues, apprehensively looking at Doji Oruku:

"I followed the Cranes to the warehouse district. I knew them; knew them well enough to be aware they had contacts with very profitable merchandise. I wanted in on the deal."

He looks back longingly to Suruko, but still addressing you:

"I just needed to make some koku for.... I was going to buy her contract, you see."

Whisper looks down at the floor before resuming his monologue.

"The masks those Scorpions sold us were of tremendous quality - they didn't realize what they had! I was going to make a fortune... and I did! But I had to waste it after the Oni came..."

Doji Oruku is clearly annoyed by Whisper's story: specifically the accusation that the Cranes knowingly and regularly dealt with the likes of those Scorpions at the Crimson Sunset Cartel. As he locks his jaw and levels a steely gaze on the ronin merchant, you have a moment to interject.

"Did you know what you had? What you were getting yourself into?"

Your motivations are not what is important right now

Xiaoxing cuts off Whisper mid-sentence

Where are those masks!?

she exclaims directly

Whisper explains to Akodo Hideyoshi intently, waving his hands for emphasis:

"Of course I didn't know what they were! Why would I buy them if I knew they were cursed? All I knew was they were very high quality porcelain and I would be able to sell them for ten times what the Scorpions were asking for them..."

After Shinjo Xiaoxing rudely interrupts Whisper, he reaches inside his kimono and withdraws a gleaming white porcelain mask, offering it to any of you who wants to take it from him.

"They're gone! I sold them before I knew what they were.. but I knew they were so special.. I kept one for myself.

I used to be a Crab, I believe you already knew that? During my time there I learned something about the natures of Oni. I also heard enough rumors of Daidoji Anitano-san's sword to realize that possessing that blade is the only chance I have to kill the Oni."