Much to your surprise, the weapons contest is not held at the Dueling Academy building or on its large practice grounds, but on the same huge field outside the village where the horsemanship contest was yesterday. The reason for this becomes clear as you approach, however: it would seem that nearly the entire village has emptied in order to see the competitions. Other than the iaijutsu duels tomorrow, the weapons contest is the most prestigious event in the tournament, and you can see what must be nearly two thousand people watching. The samurai have positions in the stands, as do many of the more respected merchants, but many peasant laborers are here too, crowded around the field at ground level.
All of them are watching you.
As you enter the field itself, you can hear the low murmurs of the crowd, and in several places, the quiet "clink" of money changing hands. Among the peasants, betting on competitions like these is not only a source of potential profit, but winning can indicate the favor of the Fortunes. As they get good looks at all of you, the betting grows more specific and more energetic.
Most of your fellow competitors look much as they did yesterday, but there are a few exceptions: Maeda Oroko looks disgruntled, though she smiles whenever she looks at Nagatsuna; Kakita Toru looks like he didn't get enough sleep, and pure adrenaline is what's keeping him going this morning; Matsu Chigitsu is frowning into the distance, as though thinking of something unpleasant; Tamori Ryuko is staring at the ground (and has placed herself at the far end of the line from Utsuro and Tsutakito); and Doji Keitomaru seems, oddly, a little nervous. Despite what was surely an extremely late night at the sake house, however, Hida Chorotaku and Yoritomo Kagetora look well-rested and ready to go.
To your surprise, it is not Miya Shikan, but Toturi Hatsu and Toturi Kobashi who rise from the viewing box and make their way down to the field to stand alongside the competitors. They speak briefly to each of you, wishing you luck and the blessings of the Fortunes, before they turn to address the crowds.
Hatsu begins: "People of Rokugan! The role of samurai has many obligations: the administration of the land, the application of the law, the goveranance of commerce and trade, the wise establishment and use of taxes. In the end, however, the most important duty of every samurai is to defend her people, from enemies within and without, through skill and force at arms!"
Kobashi continues: "It is that skill that will be tested now, and you all know as well as I that this will be a competition to remember! These contestants are some of the most skilled warriors of their age in the Empire, and the techniques of all eight Great Clans, along with the self-taught abilities of two wave-men, will be on display for you today! Prepare for a spectacle - prepare to see what truly makes a samurai!"
Hatsu nods, and concludes: "Each contestant will face one of his or her competitors in a single match. The winner will be declared when one opponent either concedes or is no longer able to fight. The contestants must use weapons, and may not leave the ring! In order to prevent serious injury, for this friendly competition, the Kakita Dueling Academy has provided padded and blunted weapons for use in the matches. Now, let the duels begin!"
Utsuro vs Tenmaku
After selecting a blunted katana from the weapon's rack, Utsuro moves to his position in the arena and kneels, waiting for his opponent to be ready. Once the Scorpion assumes his stance, the Phoenix does the same - taking a defensive posture at so that he can guage his oppponent's skill.
Shisumo:
3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=13
4d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=22
A smile reaches his face as he sees Oroko warming up for her match which quickly turns to a glower as Nagatsuna enters the ring for his match. Rolling his shoulders and neck to loosen them up he grabs a blunted katana gripping it so his muscles bulge, "I have faced down Oni which fell like wheat before the scythe to my fury, Matsu-san. Your blows will only serve to strengthen my anger and quicken your defeat. Concede now and master the other competitions because this one is mine." He can already feel the battle lust boiling beneath the surface it's pressure threatening to break loose.
After selecting a blunted katana from the weapon's rack, Utsuro moves to his position in the arena and kneels, waiting for his opponent to be ready. Once the Scorpion assumes his stance, the Phoenix does the same - taking a defensive posture at so that he can guage his oppponent's skill.
Tenmaku also selects a katana from the blunted weapons, taking his stance after a courteous bow to his opponent. As soon as the handkerchief drops to indicate the start of the match, he is moving toward the Phoenix, launching a fast and reckless attack, hoping to break through his opponent's warded positioning.
Initiative (5k3=21)
Full Attack, using FRs to hit (5k3+10=39, damage 2k1=7)
The reckless assault seems to work, as Tenmaku's blade slips past the Phoenix's guard and makes contact.
Ume approached the Crane samurai-ko in her full regalia, only sans daisho. Her light armor glinted slightly in the early morning light, as it had been laced in dark, gold-brown tones.
She fingered "her" weapons pommel as she gauged the Crane. The blunted blades were too dangerous for a casual training bout, but some element of danger was to be expected from the championship.
There was no way she would get a first strike in on a student of the Katika academy. Not unless maybe, the young woman in front of her was less confident and calm than her.
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
And yes, accidentally killing the next Champion of the Lion would pretty much guarantee your seppuku.
3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=13
4d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=22A smile reaches his face as he sees Oroko warming up for her match which quickly turns to a glower as Nagatsuna enters the ring for his match. Rolling his shoulders and neck to loosen them up he grabs a blunted katana gripping it so his muscles bulge, "I have faced down Oni which fell like wheat before the scythe to my fury, Matsu-san. Your blows will only serve to strengthen my anger and quicken your defeat. Concede now and master the other competitions because this one is mine." He can already feel the battle lust boiling beneath the surface it's pressure threatening to break loose.
Resist Fear (7k3=27)
Nimoro laughs in your face. "Surely you jest, Crab! My veins run with the blood of 1500 years of Lion heroism, including the finest warriors and generals the Empire has ever seen. Each of those samurai stands beside me now, lending their strengths to my arm! It is you who had best stand aside, or better yet, return to the Wall and never look me in the eyes again! Fear me, for I am Matsu Nimoro, and you are just another to stand before me and fail!"
Intimidate, spending Void for the skill (4k3=13)
Honor test for Intimidate (7k3=22)
Instinctively, Utsuro turns away from the Scorpion's blow, and while it looked like a solid hit, the strike appears to have done nothing in the way of damage.
...
...
6d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=17
The Crabs eyes betray no glimmer of fear and reflect only the image of the Lion standing before him, "Your ancestry will not protect you here Lion. Come, meet the mountain and perish."
Ume approached the Crane samurai-ko in her full regalia, only sans daisho. Her light armor glinted slightly in the early morning light, as it had been laced in dark, gold-brown tones.
She fingered "her" weapons pommel as she gauged the Crane. The blunted blades were too dangerous for a casual training bout, but some element of danger was to be expected from the championship.
There was no way she would get a first strike in on a student of the Katika academy. Not unless maybe, the young woman in front of her was less confident and calm than her.
Amiko bows coldly, with the bare minimum of courtesy. She immediately steps into the distinctive stance of the Kakita school, feet slightly apart and with the right foot leading, her upturned right hand just above the hilt of her sword, as though offering a gift.
Amiko turns her hand over and whips her blade from its sheath, drawing and striking in the same movement.
Iaijutsu draw (purely for show) (6k3=23)
Katana attack, declaring 1 Raise for damage (6k3=24)
The blade flashes up, but Ume is able to step aside, the wind of the blade's passage ruffling her hair.
Instinctively, Utsuro turns away from the Scorpion's blow, and while it looked like a solid hit, the strike appears to have done nothing in the way of damage.
Tenmaku grimaces as what he thought was an effective blow turns out to produce basically no effect, but his next attack is nevertheless more cautious.
Katana attack, no Raises (5k3=19, damage 2k1=5)
In his defensive stance, Utsuro has no trouble deflecting this attack.
Kenji bows low to the Kuni, setting himself in a stance that reminds onlookers a little of the traditional Kakita pose, but with a more aggressive twist. His blade is in his hand, but down and pointed away from the Crab, held in a grip that almost looks like how a boatman might hold his pole as he pushed his craft across a river.
6d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=17
The Crabs eyes betray no glimmer of fear and reflect only the image of the Lion standing before him, "Your ancestry will not protect you here Lion. Come, meet the mountain and perish."
Even as Nagatsuna brings his blade up, the Lion is bringing his down, an overhand strike aimed directly at the larger man's head.
Katana attack, with two Free Raises for damage (5k3=28, damage 5k1+2=9)
The Crab's sword is deflected, albeit just barely, by Nimoro's armor, while the Lion slips his blade between the shoulder plates and helm of Nagatsuna's own protections, landing hard.
Nimoro's Tides of Battle, reducing Nagatsuna's initiative (1d10=7)
In his defensive stance, Utsuro has no trouble deflecting this attack.
Spinning past his opponent's blade, Utsuro brings his blade up and attempts to slice at the Scorpion's exposed ribs.
Katana attack, with two Free Raises for damage (5k3=28, damage 5k1+2=9)
The Crab's sword is deflected, albeit just barely, by Nimoro's armor, while the Lion slips his blade between the shoulder plates and helm of Nagatsuna's own protections, landing hard.
Spinning past his opponent's blade, Utsuro brings his blade up and attempts to slice at the Scorpion's exposed ribs.
The move is clever. Too clever, however, as the Bayushi's reflexes seem to be just a split second ahead of the Shiba's sword, twisting clear of the blow.
Seeing an opening now himself, Tenmaku continues the twist, pointing at Utsuro with his left hand and raising his katana over his head to strike downward with the point.
Seeing an opening now himself, Tenmaku continues the twist, pointing at Utsuro with his left hand and raising his katana over his head to strike downward with the point.
Realizing that it was only a matter of time before the Bayushi gets another hit in, Utsuro decides upon a risky maneuver. Targeting the Scorpion's blade just above the tsubo, he tries to force the other man to release his grip.
Realizing that it was only a matter of time before the Bayushi gets another hit in, Utsuro decides upon a risky maneuver. Targeting the Scorpion's blade just above the tsubo, he tries to force the other man to release his grip.
The two warriors lock blades, Utsuro attempting to force the hilt from Tenmaku's grasp, while Tenmaku just tries to hold on.
Even as Nagatsuna brings his blade up, the Lion is bringing his down, an overhand strike aimed directly at the larger man's head.Katana attack, with two Free Raises for damage (5k3=28, damage 5k1+2=9)
The Crab's sword is deflected, albeit just barely, by Nimoro's armor, while the Lion slips his blade between the shoulder plates and helm of Nagatsuna's own protections, landing hard.
Nimoro's Tides of Battle, reducing Nagatsuna's initiative (1d10=7)
The blow lands solidly and Nagatsuna just slowly shakes his head as he crushes a small origami box, "Foolish Lion, your clawing has but started the avalanche that will bury you."
The blow lands solidly and Nagatsuna just slowly shakes his head as he crushes a small origami box, "Foolish Lion, your clawing has but started the avalanche that will bury you."
Nimoro seems unimpressed by the Hida's threats, throwing two fast feints at Nagatsuna's right arm before dropping to slash at his left leg.
Katana attack, with one Free Raise (5k3=39, damage 4k1+3=21)
The blow lands with a resounding crack, nearly knocking the larger man to his knees. The Crab wobbles for a moment, struggling to stay upright...
Contested Str/Kenjutsu (4k2=12)
"HYAH!" roars the Shiba as Tenmaku's blade flies free of his grasp.
The blade drops to Tenmaku's feet, and for a moment, it looks as though he might try to dive after it in order to continue the fight. The moment passes, however, and he takes a long step back before bowing to Utsuro. "Well done, Shiba-san," he says, trying to hide his frustration behind a smile. "Your technique is superb." He retrieves the blade and bows to the princes, who return the bow and declare Utsuro the victor.
Nimoro seems unimpressed by the Hida's threats, throwing two fast feints at Nagatsuna's right arm before dropping to slash at his left leg.
Katana attack, with one Free Raise (5k3=39, damage 4k1+3=21)
The blow lands with a resounding crack, nearly knocking the larger man to his knees. The Crab wobbles for a moment, struggling to stay upright...
Nagatsuna regains his stance after the powerful strike from Nimoro. Digging deep into his core he allows his fury to rise to the surface seemingly shaking off the effects of both of Nimoro's blows and uses his own katana to cut across the Lions chest with a devastating blow of his own.
Nagatsuna regains his stance after the powerful strike from Nimoro. Digging deep into his core he allows his fury to rise to the surface seemingly shaking off the effects of both of Nimoro's blows and uses his own katana to cut across the Lions chest with a devastating blow of his own.
Nimoro staggers backward, looking with shock and dismay at the enraged countenance of the Crab.
"Well done, Shiba-san," he says, trying to hide his frustration behind a smile. "Your technique is superb." He retrieves the blade and bows to the princes, who return the bow and declare Utsuro the victor.
Utsuro returns Tenmaku's bow, and bows low to the judges as well. As they leave the field, he tries and fails to hide the fact that their contest left him drained. "I appreciate your compliment, Bayushi-san, but I'm sure that were we to meet on the field again, you would certainly prevail."
6d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)+5=27
Nimoro staggers backward, looking with shock and dismay at the enraged countenance of the Crab.
Rapidly running out of options, Nimoro decides that he basically must defeat the Crab right now, or lose in seconds - or possibly worse.
A rapid-fire series of blows follows, but even as careless of his defense as Nagatsuna is at the moment, Nimoro's wounds slow him so that the Crab can block them easily.
The actual speed of the Katika's draw almost surprised Ume, who was able to bend past the strike, but was soundly kept on the defensive for the first several seconds of the fight. The idea of being unable to strike a blow send her inner fury screaming, but she knew breaking out early was suicide. If not literally, then figuratively.
Despite being able to avoid the blow, battle started badly for her, with little she could do but keep from being hit.
Ume sighed, almost a grunt, as she forced herself to sidestep the followup attack the lion was sure to perform. Just a quick step to the front and side, inside the area where even extraordinary reflexes were no longer a guarantee for her opponent to be save.
Now was the time to strike, to put an end to the poor man's entertainment. Ume was inside her opponents range, and she was plenty willing to take chances. Her blunted blade lashed at the discourteous Katika, and she put her training to good use, too.
Rapidly running out of options, Nimoro decides that he basically must defeat the Crab right now, or lose in seconds - or possibly worse.
A rapid-fire series of blows follows, but even as careless of his defense as Nagatsuna is at the moment, Nimoro's wounds slow him so that the Crab can block them easily.
Nagatsuna does not fear death but through the fury he still knows this man never truly meant him harm.
8d10.open(10).takeHighest(4)=49
5d10.extra(10).takeHighest(2)=20
Despite being able to avoid the blow, battle started badly for her, with little she could do but keep from being hit.
Tides of Battle (1d10=10)
Ume sighed, almost a grunt, as she forced herself to sidestep the followup attack the lion was sure to perform. Just a quick step to the front and side, inside the area where even extraordinary reflexes were no longer a guarantee for her opponent to be save.
Amiko shifts her ground, trying to find a way past her foe's defenses. A second later, she leaps forward, her blade flashing upward once again.
Katana attack, with 1 Raise (6k3=23, damage 3k1=8)
Once again, however, Ume steps aside, and now the two women are nearly face to face.
Now was the time to strike, to put an end to the poor man's entertainment. Ume was inside her opponents range, and she was plenty willing to take chances. Her blunted blade lashed at the discourteous Katika, and she put her training to good use, too.
The Matsu's blow takes advantage of the opening Amiko has left, and though Amiko rolls somewhat with the blow , she is clearly shaken and battered by the strike.
Nagatsuna does not fear death but through the fury he still knows this man never truly meant him harm.
8d10.open(10).takeHighest(4)=49
5d10.extra(10).takeHighest(2)=20
The raging Hida's blow is unstoppable and horrific, driving the Lion backward and to the ground, unconscious. For a moment, the crowd gasps, fearing that Nimoro has in fact been killed by the thunderous blow, but Kakita Saburashi's court shugenja rushes forward and examines him, and after a few seconds, waves to the crowd, indicating that the boy will live. Nimoro is carried off the field, and within moments, the kami are being summoned to heal his injuries.
As Nagatsuna's rage begins to ebb, it is replaced by the cold realization that he nearly killed a young boy in a tournament match.
Ume had left herself open, but hoped fervently her attack had been enough to weaken her opponent enough to not make much of a difference anymore. She tried to get back to a safer distance, while Amiko still was staggered, but was not quite fast enough.
With a hissed "Akodo", Ume lashed out at the Crane again. She might have been too hesitant last time, pulled her blow inadvertently. She wouldn't make this mistake again - but then, she wasn't in such a good position either.
Kenji bows low to the Kuni, setting himself in a stance that reminds onlookers a little of the traditional Kakita pose, but with a more aggressive twist. His blade is in his hand, but down and pointed away from the Crab, held in a grip that almost looks like how a boatman might hold his pole as he pushed his craft across a river.
Attacks
Yumi(Attack 5k2; Damage 4k2)
Wakizashi (Attack 6k3, damage 6k3)
Fire Katana (Attack 6k3, damage 6k3)
Bokken (Attack 6k3, dmg 3k1)
Initiative
3k2
TN to be Hit
16, or 16 in armor Full Defense +6k3
Wounds (Earth x2, out Earth x5)
[ ] +0 (6)
[ ] +3 (12)
[ ] +5 (18)
[ ] +10 (24)
[ ] +15 (30)
[ ] +20 (36)
[ ] +40 (42)
[ ] Out (57)
Initiative 3k2=16
Full Defense
6k3=20 Total TNTbH: 36?
no attack this round since I'm full defensive correct?
Seeing her chance, Amiko moves like lightning, the famous speed of the Kakita all too visible in her attacks. With one draw-and-sheath motion, she strikes twice at the Matsu.
Ume had left herself open, but hoped fervently her attack had been enough to weaken her opponent enough to not make much of a difference anymore. She tried to get back to a safer distance, while Amiko still was staggered, but was not quite fast enough.
With a hissed "Akodo", Ume lashed out at the Crane again. She might have been too hesitant last time, pulled her blow inadvertently. She wouldn't make this mistake again - but then, she wasn't in such a good position either.
Despite the rattling of the Kakita's attack, Ume's counter was good enough to touch Amiko, but the Crane again rolled with the blow, avoiding any serious harm. It was clear she was getting winded, though.
Initiative 3k2=16
Full Defense
6k3=20 Total TNTbH: 36?
no attack this round since I'm full defensive correct?
Kenji leaps forward, his blade carving upward as though he means to divide the Kuni in half from the bottom up. His blow is fast, strong, and all too effective.
Katana attack, declaring two Raises for damage (5k3+2=38, damage 3k2=21)
Ume had the good fortune of turning just as the first of her twin strikes connected, sending it glancing off her armored shoulder. The second one stung, but not too badly. She was still in the fight, which surprised her.
She knew she couldn't keep this up. The Katika was faster, but winded. The next solid hit decided the battle, for or against her. So in the spirit of her family, she put it all on this one blow. Her blow.
With a growl from deep inside her chest, she thrust her blade towards the Crane's oh-so-precious face, and put all her remaining strength into the strike.
The raging Hida's blow is unstoppable and horrific, driving the Lion backward and to the ground, unconscious. For a moment, the crowd gasps, fearing that Nimoro has in fact been killed by the thunderous blow, but Kakita Saburashi's court shugenja rushes forward and examines him, and after a few seconds, waves to the crowd, indicating that the boy will live. Nimoro is carried off the field, and within moments, the kami are being summoned to heal his injuries.
As Nagatsuna's rage begins to ebb, it is replaced by the cold realization that he nearly killed a young boy in a tournament match.
Releasing a roar of triumph Nagatsuna staggers as his fury leaves him and his own painful lesson at the hands of the young Lion comes back full force. It had been awhile since he had taken a beating like this. Shaking off the shugenja's attempts to administer his wounds he says with respect, "I will wear them proudly until the matches are over to honor the skill of Nimoro-san." Death is a constant companion on the wall but the Lion's demise still would have been unfortunate for Rokugan and I would have been wasted here instead of fulfilling my duty. Shaking his head at his own foolishness, What does victory mean here? Nothing! Better standing in court?! True victory can only be had on the battlefield slaying ones foes asking nothing in return but to die gloriously! He watches the other matches closely brooding in his own thoughts.
Initiative 3k2=16
Full Defense
6k3=20 Total TNTbH: 36?
no attack this round since I'm full defensive correct?
Kenji leaps forward, his blade carving upward as though he means to divide the Kuni in half from the bottom up. His blow is fast, strong, and all too effective.
Katana attack, declaring two Raises for damage (5k3+2=38, damage 3k2=21)
Ugh...I'm so effective in combat eh? So how much does void reduce it?
We re-roll Initiative next round? And if I strike at his sword wrist how does that work?
Perception/Investigation: 5k3 = 22
Shisumo:
As she reaches the tournament grounds, Yukari feels a pang of slight apprehension as she looks around at the full stands. There were far more people here than yesterday. And if she did badly, all of them would see her fail.. Closing her eyes for a moment, the battle maiden forces herself to focus, to ignore the crowds of people surrounding the arena. It wasn't exactly easy.
When her name was drawn along with Kakita Toru's, the shiotome glances over at the Crane, trying to remember how he had done yesterday. If she remembered correctly, he was on the same standing as she was, and the Kakitas were well known for their duelling skills. What did look to be in her favour was Toru's current state. The samurai didn't look as if he had slept well at all. Perhaps his reactions wouldn't be as sharp as they should be, and that could give her an edge.
Once her turn arrives, the battle maiden steps into the arena and selects a blunted katana as her weapon. Approaching Toru, she bows to the Kakita before readying herself.
Ume had the good fortune of turning just as the first of her twin strikes connected, sending it glancing off her armored shoulder. The second one stung, but not too badly. She was still in the fight, which surprised her.
Amiko looks desperate, and her attack is furious and wild. It is also, however, ineffective.
She knew she couldn't keep this up. The Katika was faster, but winded. The next solid hit decided the battle, for or against her. So in the spirit of her family, she put it all on this one blow. Her blow.
With a growl from deep inside her chest, she thrust her blade towards the Crane's oh-so-precious face, and put all her remaining strength into the strike.
Ugh...I'm so effective in combat eh? So how much does void reduce it?
We re-roll Initiative next round? And if I strike at his sword wrist how does that work?
Katana attack, two Raises for damage (5k3+2=32, damage 3k2=18)
Having found his way through Heihachi's defenses once, Kenji tries the same move again, but this time the Kuni is ready for him, slapping the blow aside without difficulty.
Yes I'll reduce the damage with void. Do I get to shift stance now? To go to full attack?
I guess I would go for the disarming damaging attack.
Void spent:1 remaining 1.
Attacks
Yumi(Attack 5k2; Damage 4k2)
Wakizashi (Attack 6k3, damage 6k3)
Fire Katana (Attack 6k3, damage 6k3)
Initiative
3k2=16-3=13
TN to be Hit
16, or 16 in armor Full Defense +6k3
Wounds (Earth x2, out Earth x5)
[x] +0 (6)
[x] +3 (12) 11
[ ] +5 (18)
[ ] +10 (24)
[ ] +15 (30)
[ ] +20 (36)
[ ] +40 (42)
[ ] Out (57)
When I get to shift and full attack:
6k3=27 (no raises included)
DMG:3k1=7