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It is the year 1157… the calm before the storm.
You awake from your sleep. Your surroundings are unfamiliar and you realize that you are in the City of Tsuma. One more day and it would be time for the registration of the competitors for the Topaz Championship. While you have received an invitation, tradition demands that you must personally signify your desire to compete. Another way the Crane has setup matters to allow others to decline without any loss of honor.
You are presently billeted at the Inn of the Ten Thousand Cherry Blossoms. It is an expensive inn but an expense that your Clan was willing to bear. You hear voices from the other rooms besides your own but courtesy dictates that you ignore them and not intrude on the privacy of the other guests.
Your stomach growls, perhaps, it is time for breakfast. You know from previous days’ experience that the inn serves its guests their meals in a common room divided into alcoves. The other Great Clans have also billeted their champions here, a way of scouting out the competition before the actual contest.
Moshi Tirishu rises early, offering a prayer of greeting to Lord Sun in the traditional manner of his family, before dressing simply and proceeding downstairs to breakfast. Knowing that he will be too nervous tomrrow to eat properly, Tirishu sets himself down to a hearty meal, savoring the splendor of his surroundings and the bittersweet anticipation of the coming contests. As he eats, he discretely eyes the other patrons, wondering what paths might have lead them here, on this day.
Daidoji Yasuo rose with the morning sun and spent some time in prayer to his ancestors as he was accustomed before he spent some type to groom himself and tie back his long hair for the day to come. He lifted his bokken lightly and proceed to the common area of the inn to have breakfast before the day peaked.
Matsu Ume rose early from hear sweat-drenched beddings. She had contorted badly enough in her vivid dreams to find herself half out of the bed, half still inside. The night had been anything but restful, and she sincerely hoped noone had taken notice at what she had probably muttered in her sleep.
The maiden quickly washed the sweat off herself, and rubbed herself dry. Time was wasting, and taking a leisurely approach now of all days was not a good start. The tournament was calling. Still, the beautiful womans kimono she had kept safe until this moment was a sight to behold. Deep golden yellow fabric, and dark brown, almost black accents. The Lion Clan sigil embroidered in actual golden thread on one of the dark accents close to her heart. It was such an honor to be allowed to wear it before even formally swearing fealty as a Samurai. An honor and a joy. She had to bite her cheeks hard to dispel grin once she looked down on herself.
Before she could join the others on their breakfast (she fully expected to meet several of her rivals during that occasion), she had another duty to fulfill, but the rumbling of her stomach pushed her to make it quick. It wasn't very becoming to pray while your bowels started to sing songs. So she knelt down, and said a few prayers of thanks to her ancestors. Before the tournament would begin proper, tomorrow, she would commune with them for longer.
She stepped out of her room, and approached the common hall in careful, measured steps. Confident but not haughty or shameless, efficient but not mechanical. It was laughable to care about the length of the stride, but she wanted to do this right, from the very first moment on.
In the dim light before dawn, Mirumoto Hanzo arose from his sleeping mat. He felt somewhat disconcerted by the lavishness of his quarters, but accepted it as part of the tradition of the event. He lit a single stick of incense and knelt in quiet prayer. He prayed to the Fortunes to guide him in the upcoming events, not for glory but to do honor to his Clan. In the midst of his prayers Hanzo started, as if at some unheard rebuke. He regained his composure and resumed his entreaties, calling on Bishamon to lend him strength.
His prayers complete, Hanzo shifted to a lotus position, his lean frame moving with practiced ease. He greeted Lord Sun as the light entered from the East, and rose smoothly to his feet. Hanzo then began his morning exercises, transitioning from one set to another as a sheen of sweat made his body glisten in the early light.
When his exercises were completed, Hanzo went to the bath chambers to cleanse himself. The water was luxuriously warm, and Hanzo noted a subtle scent - was it lavender? All in all, it was far different from the frigid streams near the Iron Mountain Dojo. These Crane, he thought, live very differently than the Dragon..
Hanzo put on his kimono, simple cotton in the colors of his Clan, green and gold. It was somewhat worn, even threadbare in some patches, but it sufficed. He then went downstairs to partake lightly of breakfast, bowing courteously to the other contestants as they met.
Hanzo bows to the other contestants present. His complexion is dark, and eyes are light brown in color. Notable upon his shaven pate is the dragon tattoo that curls around the kanji for "Void" above his left ear; the tail of the dragon snakes down his neck.
"Ohayo. I am Mirumoto Hanzo of the Dragon Clan. I am honored to make your acquaintance."
Ume was just entering the common room when the Dragon introduced himself, and stepped forward half a step. "The pleasure is mine, Miromoto-san. My name is Matsu Ume, here to compete in the Topaz Championship on behalf of the Lion Clan." She bowed appropriately, not more and not less.
After the introduction, she seized the man up for a moment. Not too obviously, naturally. But his appearance meshed just too well with some of the common perceptions of the clan. Unconcerned with the physical world. Likely to forget the matter at hand over the principle. A small smile appeared on her face. "So, Miromoto-san, if i might hazard a guess, i would assume you are here to compete for the Topaz Championship."
Isawa Tokie roused herself with some difficulty from her meditations. It had not been an easy night, nor a good one and she was hoping it didn't speak ill of the competition to come. She'd alternated between sleep and praying, unable to quell the clenching of her stomach. At a certain point she'd given up on sleep and had moved to meditations, positioning herself comfortably on her sleeping mat.
It was somewhat startling to awaken then, having still expected to be in meditations. She chided herself silently, rising and streching her tired limbs. Today was not a day to be weak, or tired or out of sorts. She needed her wits about her. Resolving to be alert as if she'd slept the night soundly away, Tokie started to prepare herself, taking extreme care in her dressing. She wanted...needed to be neat and composed. It would help her to ignore the rapid beating of her heart.
As soon as she was ready, she looked around the room, checking to make sure that nothing was out of place. When she was satisfied, she started towards the common eating room, her eyes sweeping about as she did. There, she could see a Dragon and Lion in conversation. It surprised her that some of the competitors were so quickly willing to get over their surroundings to speak to one another, but perhaps the two knew each other.
Giving them a polite bow in passing, Isawa Tokie headed towards the food, trying not to listen to the conversations of others as she selected a light breakfast.
Upon waking up Tatsuya shielded his eyes from the sunlight and sighed softly. It was never this bright in his rooms, something he was thankful for as he wasn't exactly an early riser. Sighing softly he got up and began to gather up his things knowing he just wouldn't feel awake without cleaning up first.
Slipping into one of the baths he cleaned himself up, bathing with his mask on just in case someone else came in. Once he was clean he put on his Kimono and began to put up his long hair. When he finally made his way out into the dining area he was wearing his blood red and black Kimono, Daisho, a gauzy face mask almost like a veil with a second full face mask hanging from a scarf tied around his waist. One of the ore noticeable things was his hair that was up in a very fashionable and fairly non-functional style like that of a courtier.
He moved gracefully and confidently as he strode into the common room. A friendly smile could be seen on his face as he walked through the room, nodding to pretty much everyone as he passed who he couldn't identify and giving respectful, but not too much so, bows to any who he could see were Samurai. He didn't seem like he was even thinking about the Topaz Championship at the moment as he obtained some food and sat down to eat. He moved his mask carefully with every bit he ate so as to not get it dirty without clearly exposing his face to everyone. Even though it could mostly be seen through the mask didn't mean that he was going to flaunt tradition.
As he eats, Tirishu amuses himself by attempting to use his training to learn about his fellow competitors.
Perception/Investigation, Daidoji Yasuo (3k2=14)
Hmm. Bokken daisho, so obviously a bushi. Long white hair… must be a Crane, then. Not much else to work with… A Kakita, perhaps?
Perception/Investigation, Matsu Ume (3k2=24)
Lion Clan, Matsu family. Tirishu grins as the Lion introduces herself, offering himself a mental congratulations. Bushi, no question… nervous, though, from the way she’s walking. Aren’t we all?
Perception/Investigation, Mirumoto Hanzo (3k2=13)
Dragon Clan, of course, and he said he was a Mirumoto… his clothing’s basic enough for a monk, but I thought all the Dragon monks were Togashi, Hitomi or Hoshi? And he has that tattoo…
Perception/Investigation, Isawa Tokie (3k2=15)
Tirishu takes a longer than usual moment to study the striking Phoenix. Phoenix Clan, to be sure, and probably an Isawa to boot. He catches sight of her hands, notices the smoothness of the skin. The calluses on his own hands ache for a moment in memory of months of relentless training with blade and bow. No bushi her, that’s for certain. A shugenja, I suppose, since I doubt a courtier would look so uncomfortable. Tirishu suddenly looks down at the table, his face unexpectedly warm. After a moment, he looks up again at the most recent arrival.
Perception/Investigation, Bayushi Tatsuya (3k2=14)
Another set of bokken, and wearing a mask. Has to be a Scorpion bushi. I wonder what family he’s from? He certainly pays a lot of attention to his mask – does that mean he’s a Shosuro?
Tirishu sighs to himself as he settles back to finish his meal. Clearly, I have a lot more studying to do.
Daidoji Yasuo's ears perked up when the conversation began between the Matsu and the Mirumoto. Though he did not seem bothered to find out about the other competitors; it was one of them bad habits that he had become accustomed too when it came to court. Outwardly he continued to enjoy the breakfast that had been delivered to him and slipped on some tea while he remained attentive the inn.
Hida Nagatsuna wakens very peacefully, his previous days exertions preparing him for what was to come today. Looking once again around at his extravagant surroundings he grimaces with distaste at such wasted energy and willing ignorance when dark things clawed at the empires doorstep. Burning incense he goes through the Shintao ceremony meant to balance the elements while renewing the markings of Strength and Earth on his body. After finishing the ritual by applying oil over his torso and arms he proceeds bare-chested down to the eating area. He is brought up short when passing a window looking out onto the garden. Now here is something worthy of protection, a beautiful example of the balance at work. Shaking himself free of his momentary reverie he continues on. Having to duck low to get through the entry into the area, his massive form seems to take little notice of the other inhabitants while purposefully moving toward an alcove to eat...
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Ume was just entering the common room when the Dragon introduced himself, and stepped forward half a step. "The pleasure is mine, Miromoto-san. My name is Matsu Ume, here to compete in the Topaz Championship on behalf of the Lion Clan." She bowed appropriately, not more and not less.
After the introduction, she seized the man up for a moment. Not too obviously, naturally. But his appearance meshed just too well with some of the common perceptions of the clan. Unconcerned with the physical world. Likely to forget the matter at hand over the principle. A small smile appeared on her face. "So, Miromoto-san, if i might hazard a guess, i would assume you are here to compete for the Topaz Championship."
Hanzo nods. "Hai, Ume-san, I have that honor."
(OOC: The above post was from Mirumoto Hanzo - I neglected to alter the "post as").
Hanzo surveys the room, noting the elegance of the Scorpion, and the arrival of the bare-chested Crab, fully a head taller than the Dragon. One eyebrow raises minutely, then his face becomes impassive once more. He resumes eating, handling his chopsticks smoothly.
Those watching might note that Hanzo consumes but little, which explains his lean frame.
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You see the alcove assigned to your Clan. You proceed to it and sit. A servant dutifully serves your breakfast, a simple meal of miso soup, steamed rice, pickled vegetable and grilled fish.
For Hida-san and those who roll Perception/Investigation TN 10
The Crab delegation are given double helpings of each dish.
You continue to observe your fellow competitors. There are two other place settings at your table. It appears that your fellow Clansman and delegation head have already eaten and are out of the inn. You know that each of the Great Clans have been allowed to send two contestants.
And where in Jigoku are the Unicorn?
(OOC: Apparently eating at the Dragon Clan booth)
Hanzo notices that the miso soup is excellent.
Perception/Investigation (3k2=19)
Tirishu watches the Crab eat with some amusement. Several times he looks toward the other contestants, particularly the young Isawa, as though about to engage in conversation, but each time fails to complete the action.
When the young Matsu realized that she probably missed her kinsmen during breakfast, to her credit, she did not panic or otherwise embarrass herself further. She merely quickly excused herself from the conversation she had tried to strike up moments ago, and headed to one of the tables.
From the servant, she took only only a small portion of the healthy soup, a bowl of rice and a half-serving of fish. She wouldn't get any more than that in the field either, likely less even. So that was ample, and quickly finished. She did not pay much mind to the Crab acting as crab were known to act. Instead, she took to her food with controlled haste. Soiling herself was a sure ticket to embarrassment, but being tardy did not look good either, so she better be the first of the latecomers.
As she slurped the last bits of the soup, she realized the Unicorn delegation was still missing. No doubt they intended to make a grand entrance later... No reason to worry.
The simple meal is very much to Nagatsuna's liking. He takes note that some of the others here seem to be more interested in social pleasantries than to focus on the real reason they were here and then chides himself equally for even getting distracted enough to notice this much. Stay focused. Finishing his meal, he rises from his table and will head outside to the garden to begin his morning exercises.
Having broken his fast, Hanzo returns to his quarters and places his daisho in his obi. As he descends the stairs once more, he stops momentarily and stares at the booths of the Clan delegates - does their arrangement have a special significance?
If Matsu Ume is still present, he will invite her to join him for a tour of Tsuma. Hanzo has never seen a city of its like before, and this will be a new experience.
Hanzo has no special goal in his sightseeing, but will make it a point to stop at the shrines of the Fortunes, particularly that of Bishamon.
Bayushi Tatsuya finished off his food not really noticing much that was going on in the room as he was focused on keeping his mask clean. He, for his part, wasn't too concerned about missing the other representatives of his clan. Figuring that they had departed early to take care of their own business he figured he would go about his day as planned. Standing up he looked at the vacant Unicorn booth and silently wondered if they were all early risers or if something was detaining them. It couldn't be that they were shunning their chance at a high honor like the Topaz Championship. Then again, considering the Moto...
Shaking his head he looked around the room at those gathered and silently took note of each person present. The Crane was sitting by himself and eating, nothing too odd there. The Crab seemed more concerned with staying ready for the competition than anything else, something that definitely was not odd. The Dragon was a monk it seemed and he was being fairly friendly with the Lion who seemed... hard to place. She wasn't acting in any manner that gave away any hints easily. The Phoenix was in her own little place as well.
Ah, the Mantis. He seemed to be looking around as if he was interested in the others. Tatsuya couldn't read anything deeper, not without talking to him some. But that was the easy part. Walking over to Moshi Tirishu he gave a slightly deeper than normal bow to the fellow representative. "Greetings, Mantis-sama. Pardon my intrusion if you find it to be a bit too forward. I was thinking it would be good if at least some of us got to know each other. I see no reason that we cannot be friendly during this tournament. I've always thought it helped prevent ill will from forming." His smile, seen through the veil was large and friendly.
Matsu Ume put away her chopsticks after her hurried (yet full) breakfast, and rose, moved back towards the Dragon. The slip in address earlier had been noted, but she was not going to be starting any feuds right then.
She knew full well that she was not up to a courtiers task of seizing up others, and ultimately believed it would not matter all that much, if her own skills were up to the task. "Miromoto-san, i would rather like to see what the city has to offer. Yet I need to find my kinsmen, and see what they have planned. So for now, i will have to decline, simply because i do not know if i could hold fast to an agreement."
How would he take the rejection, polite as it was? That was the true question. If he started some kind of argument, that would bode well for the actual competition.
Looking around the room after she'd been seated in her alcove, she glanced towards the Crab's section, tilting her head a bit. After a moment she looked down to her food, starting to eat her vegetables and rice slowly, lingering over them. She had a little bit of soup, but no fish, not trusting it to her stomach at the moment.
After she was done with the small, simple meal, she sighed a bit, glancing around the room once more. Having other Phoenix there would have been helpful; she hadn't thought she'd slept so late as to completly miss them. Apparently the others in the room were having the same problem as well, though.
No matter, she needed to get her day underway in some fashion and puzzle out where her clansmates where later. She had no doubt that if she was needed or expected elsewhere she would be told. Standing, she gathered her robes about her, looking towards the door. She should find an exit and go sightseeing a bit, see what she could observe before they were called to begin formal introductions.
Ah, the Mantis. He seemed to be looking around as if he was interested in the others. Tatsuya couldn't read anything deeper, not without talking to him some. But that was the easy part. Walking over to Moshi Tirishu he gave a slightly deeper than normal bow to the fellow representative. "Greetings, Mantis-sama. Pardon my intrusion if you find it to be a bit too forward. I was thinking it would be good if at least some of us got to know each other. I see no reason that we cannot be friendly during this tournament. I've always thought it helped prevent ill will from forming." His smile, seen through the veil was large and friendly.
Tirishu looks up from the remains of his meal, a bit surprised at the direct address. For a moment, he almost seems to look around, as though trying to find some other "Mantis-sama" somewhere. "Forward? Uh, no, Sho- er, Scorpion-sama," he manages. "You're absolutely right, of course; we should definitely be friendly! And please, then, no 'Mantis-sama' for me. I am Moshi Tirishu, and I am honored to make your acquaintance." Tirishu summons up a brief smile from somewhere, and bobs his head in greeting.
"Miromoto-san, i would rather like to see what the city has to offer. Yet I need to find my kinsmen, and see what they have planned. So for now, i will have to decline, simply because i do not know if i could hold fast to an agreement."
Hanzo gives a polite nod, ignoring the mispronunciation of his family name. "Hai, Matsu-san. May the light of Lord Sun shine upon you."
He bows, then proceeds out of the inn.
As Hanzo makes his way towards the doorway, he sees the Phoenix. He gives her a polite bow and introduces himself.
"Ohayo. My name is Mirumoto Hanzo. Is it your plan to see the city as well?"
It was with some surprise that she watched the Dragon approach her clan's eating area, waiting to see what prompted the visit. When he finished speaking, she considered for the briefest of moments before standing up, giving a polite bow.
"Ohayou gozaimasu, Mirumoto-sama. I am Isawa Tokie. It is indeed my plan to sightsee for a while, but I was hoping to speak to some of my clanmates as I did."
Tatsuya smiled to Tirishu, taking note of the almost anxious energy that seems to ooze off this one. "Bayushi Tatsuya and the honor is all mine. I'd be glad to dispense with formalities, this situation is nerve wracking as it is without trying to bite ones tongue over your words wouldn't you agree?" Chuckling a bit he looked around the room. "Would you perhaps care to see the city? I was going to ask some of the others as well but they seem to be scattering to their seperate ways." he frowned slightly as if disappointed.
It was with some surprise that she watched the Dragon approach her clan's eating area, waiting to see what prompted the visit. When he finished speaking, she considered for the briefest of moments before standing up, giving a polite bow.
"Ohayou gozaimasu, Mirumoto-sama. I am Isawa Tokie. It is indeed my plan to sightsee for a while, but I was hoping to speak to some of my clanmates as I did."
(OOC: Actually, it was as the two were heading for the doorway, not at her clan's eating area)
"As you wish, Isawa-san. Perhaps we will meet again in the city. If not, we shall certainly do so tomorrow."
With that Hanzo bows and departs the inn.
Perception/Investigation 2k2 (1d10=9, 1d10=9)=18
Daidoji Yasuo did not bother to intrude upon any of the others as he silently ate his meal but he did keep his ears up even if it wasn't a good habit but surprises are definitely something he didn't want to deal with this early in the morning. When the clans gathered it seemed unlikely to avoid such clashes of character and even the faintest insult could spur another on.
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For Bayushi Tatsuya and Moshi Tirishu
Radavel
Mirumoto
Nodding at the Dragon, she watched him leave before looking down at her food once more. She considered staying for a moment longer to have some more of the rice, but found that she was more curious about getting out and about.
Moving from the table, she started for the door, glancing at the others as she left. It seemed very strange that it was just them in the room. Perhaps this was part of the test itself? As the thought occured to her, she hesitated in the doorway, glancing about once more. She started to scrutinize the room, her eyes searching about for anything out of place.
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For Hanzo
The shrine to Bishamon is littered with petitions for strength and victory. A scruffy looking ronin appears to besides you. Though masterless, he was still samurai and did not find the need to bow to you.
For Radavel.
Radavel and Tatsuya:
For Radavel
Daidoji Yasuo picks the scroll up immediately and double checks the seal before breaking to read the contents of the scroll with a slight sense of apprehense when it comes to dealing with the Sensei of the Dueling Academy.
Radavel-sama:
It is time to find the Crab delegation. He will come down from the hill and see if he can locate them.
For Radavel
While walking through the crowds, Hanzo uses his agility and defense skill to move through them without disturbing them, sensing the patterns and responding accordingly.
Radavel:
It was horribly rude to listen in to such intimate going-ons. Ume knew that, and still could not deny being just a little bit curious. Actively trying to listen in to them was right out... at least until what she believed to be the sounds of fighting were to be heard. This was an inn, not some training ring, or brawling area.
Despite still being conflicted about the whole issue, this justified a little bit of curiosity. After all, if this was a fight, she might - "Stop" she told herself, out aloud by accident. She was a child. Not a samurai yet. As such, it was not her job to care about such things, and to act above her station would just be presumption.
So she grudgingly accepted that for the moment, she could only wait and see. If there was further fighting, some discreet method of making her presence known might be necessary. She wouldn't admit it, but that meant keeping an ear open, too
Radavel and Tirishu
Tatsuya was a little taken aback by all the shrines to the Fortune of Romantic Love. It almost seemed like someone was mocking him, a fact that he didn't appreciate but kept to himself. Nodding to Tirishu he readily went along with his suggestion, praying at the shrine. Unlike most people he had someone to pray for at a shrine like this. He made no effort to leave until Tirishu was done though, not knowing whether he too had a reason to be praying.
For Radavel
Defense skill roll to move through the crowd. (7d10.open(10).takeHighest(4)=42)