Option 1: Buy an extra Die Rolled and Kept, as in this situation.
Option 2: Buy the Skill at 1 rank, which would become 3k2 in this instance, and since you are now 'trained,' 10's would explode.
For some reason, I had it in my head that she could have rolled 3k3, exploding.
"I wonder when the Oni Killing contest is?" Heihachi mutters to himself...after his meditation...
"I wonder when the Oni Killing contest is?" Heihachi mutters to himself...after his meditation...
After eating a very small lunch Megumi heads to the temple to offer incense and prayers to the Kami. She spends the majority of her lunch there fighting off the creeping doubts entering her mind once again and trying to regain focus.
Finding her mind is not clearing at all Megumi gets rather frustrated with the events of this morning and abruptly leaves the temple. She spends the rest of her free-time roaming about town trying to lose herself in the beauty of the gardens. The young Crane has a lingering shadow cast over her face even as the next event begins to start.
The athletics competition is held back outside, on a different section of the tournament fields from the jiujutsu rings of the morning. Here, a large oval track has been laid out, broken in three places. One is clearly the start/finish line; the others are a mud-filled trench, crossed by a narrow wooden bridge – more of a plank, truth be told – and a 15 foot high wall, studded with uneven handholds.
As the competitors gather near the start and the audience files into their seats in the bleachers, Miya Shikan once more speaks to the crowd: “Our next competition is one of physical prowess! There is more to a samurai than battle, and more to battle than weapon skill alone. Each pair of racers must demonstrate their ability to overcome the physical obstacles placed before them, and do so faster than their opponent!' He then draws out pairs of chops, as he did for the wrestling matches this morning, to determine who will race whom.
“Now take your marks, and prepare to race!”
Heihachi begins his run, racing alongside his opponent...who leads at the bridge is unsure from this vantage...
Raw Stamina 3k3=16
Heihachi races onto the bridge trying to avoid pushing his opponent into the mud
Heihachi has a sprint of speed coming off the bridge
Raw Stamina 3k3=23
Heihachi closes his eyes to touch the void, calling on his ancestors to help him over the wall
void point for free raise3k3+5=27
Heihachi draws upon the void once more to speed him along to hopeful victory...void point for free raise
If the competitors are tied after this roll, a final
Contested Stamina/Athletics roll will determine the winner. The winner of each race earns one point toward their gempukku and the Topaz Championship.
in the event of a tie: Raw Stamina 3k3=19
Good luck to the rest of you...
Heihachi begins his run, racing alongside his opponent...who leads at the bridge is unsure from this vantage...
Raw Stamina 3k3=16
Nimoro's stage one, declaring a Raise (4k2=16)
Nimoro takes a slight lead, heading toward the bridge. He reaches it before Heihachi, and prepares to cross.
Heihachi races onto the bridge trying to avoid pushing his opponent into the mud
Nimoro's stage 2, declaring another Raise (5k3=24)
As the competitors cross the bridge, Nimoro pulls even further into the lead, gaining several steps on his opponent.
Heihachi has a sprint of speed coming off the bridge
Raw Stamina 3k3=23
Nimoro's stage 3 roll (4k2=30)
As the two race across the track toward the wall, Nimoro maintains his lead, but does not pull any further ahead.
Heihachi closes his eyes to touch the void, calling on his ancestors to help him over the wall
void point for free raise3k3+5=27
Nimoro's stage 4 roll, declaring a Raise (5k3=12)
Nimoro loses a substantial amount of time trying to get over the wall - by the time he has done so, Heihachi is right on his heels again.
Heihachi draws upon the void once more to speed him along to hopeful victory...void point for free raise
Nimoro's stage 5, spending a Void (5k3=20)
Though it looks for a moment as though Heihachi might catch the Lion and make a real race of it just at the end, Nimoro finds a last burst of speed somewhere inside him, edging out the Kuni for the victory.
After his win, Nimoro approaches the Kuni and offers him a respectful bow. "We are evenly matched, you and I," he says, "having traded victories today. I look forward to the chance to speak with you again later."
Hai Nimoro-sama, excellent victory. We shall speak later.
Ume started off swiftly, yet not too quickly. It was a long run, and she couldn't risk tiring out on half the course. She didn't really push for a lead at this point, just tried to keep up a decent speed.
She arrived at the bridge, and decided it was time to stop messing around. She knew she had a good sense of balance, and tackled the obstacle quickly and with some daring.
The second running bout was harsh. She felt herself starting to tire. Her muscles ached, and lunch started feeling like led in her stomach. She thought she hadn't eaten too much, but now... no longer so sure.
Despite the fatigue spreading throughout her, she arrived at the barrier, and pushed herself somewhat further. Skipping handheld was risky, sure. But without risk, she wouldn't win this race.
The last bit of the race was ardous. She felt her tights clench, cramp up. No stopping though. If she hurt herself, the Shugenja might aid her, but only after she finished the race. For all her mental focus, though... it wasn't enough. She slowed down each step.
Ume sped her steps on the last few steps before the finish, hurled herself at it. She more fell than ran through it.
Utsuro approached the young Crane maiden to offer his wishes for an honorable contest, but Amiko's frosty gaze quickly cooled any such niceties. "I wish you well, anyway, Kakita-san," he thought to himself.
As soon as the signal to start was given, Shiba Utsuro launched himself forward.
As Megumi arrives it is plain to see the troubled look in her eyes. She unsuccessfully tries to hide it. As the chops are drawn she appears displeased with her opponent for this event, obviously knowing that the Lion has been quite proficient in victories so far. The young Crane stretches momentarily and prepares for the first part of the contest.
During the first sprint it seems the Crane and Lion are running neck and neck. Bolstered by this good news Megumi approaches the bridge with some confidence.
The bridge seems an easy enough task for the agile Crane and she manages to beat across it smoothly.
The next leg of the event seems to take a toll on the samurai-ko and her movements seems shaky and uncertain.
An encouraging and competitive race up to this point has increased Megumi's confidence ten-fold. She approaches the wall and measures it quickly. Her legs gain some momentum and all her focus goes into a leap onto the wall. It is a good one however the Crane seems to have exhausted herself as she can't find any holds and loses a lot of ground quickly. The Lion climbs the wall leaving Megumi behind.
Obviously after tackling the wall Megumi can barely hold herself together long enough to finish the race. She does arrive at the finish line nearly collapsing into a heap in the process however. After taking some long, deep breaths she bows deeply to the victor.
"Matsu-san you have won this event," Megumi says seriously. "I am honoured to have raced you." She makes another slight bow to the Lion woman then places her hands onto wobbly knees for support.
Nagatsuna bows to Kagetora recognizing a fellow man who goes to lengths improving his body. This may be close.
The first stage is a flat-out run: a Stamina/Athletics (Running) roll, TN 10, with a Free Raise for every Water Rank you have higher than 2, and every Rank you have in the Fleet Advantage.
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=16
Nagatsuna completely focuses on the run, pacing himself to get a feel for the length of the race without taxing his body too much this early.
The second stage involves crossing the bridge over the mud: this is an Agility/Athletics roll, TN 10. Failure does not result in you falling into the mud, but you can be pushed into it if the two competitors are close enough to one another when they reach the bridge. Pushing someone off is, as you might expect, rather dishonorable.
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=25
Seeing the bridge coming up before him, Ha! This is where I make my move. He doesn't break his stride at all as he hits the bridge and it pays off handsomely allowing him to extend his lead nicely.
The third stage is another run, and uses the same rules as the first stage, except the TN is raised to 15.
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=22
Having easily surmounted the bridge his confidence grows and he lopes along at a fast pace placing more distance between his competitior and himself.
The fourth stage is the wall climb. This is a Agility/Athletics (Climbing) roll, TN 15.
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=13
Reaching the wall he tries to climb to fast and his bulk betrays him causing him to slide back down. With the second try he manages to pull himself over with great effort.
The fifth stage is a final run, using the same rules as the previous running stages, but the TN is 20. If the competitors are tied after this roll, a final Contested Stamina/Athletics roll will determine the winner. The winner of each race earns one point toward their gempukku and the Topaz Championship.
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=18
Feeling himself tire more than he would like he tries to just maintain his lead but his legs begin to become leaden.
Ume needed a moment to catch her breath before she could return the bow, and the Katikas polite concession. "I am honored. You were an a good opponent, and I feel it could have ended in your favor as easily."
The pain in her ankle and tights were testament to her that had the race lasted just a few minutes longer, it would have ended in her favor. She was spend, and sincerely hoped the next contest would allow her some time to recover.
Three points... A smile spread across her face. She was doing really well. Even if she had the bad luck of having to face a Katika in the final duels, she might just make enough points beforehand to still earn her Gempukku
On her turn, Yukari approaches the start line a little nervously. Much of her training was on horseback, rather than on foot. She glances at her opponent - another Scorpion. She wondered if he would be as fast as the other member of his clan. If so, she could be in trouble.
Yukari starts off fairly well, attempting to pace herself so she isn't exhausted half-way through.
Stage 1 roll (using void): 3k2 = 13As she reaches the bridge, the battle maidens years of developing balance on horseback pay off.
Stage 2 roll: 3k3 = 22Still feeling fresh, Yukari decides to put on a burst of speed across the second stretch.
Stage 3 roll (using a point of void): 3k2 = 36By this stage, Yukari is starting to feel the burn in her legs - she is tiring, but still manages to scramble over the wall.
Stage 4 roll: 3k3 = 16The final run proves to be a little too much for the battle maiden, and she stumbles a little over the final stretch.
Stage 5 roll: 2k2 = 16
Utsuro approached the young Crane maiden to offer his wishes for an honorable contest, but Amiko's frosty gaze quickly cooled any such niceties. "I wish you well, anyway, Kakita-san," he thought to himself.
Amiko's earlier encounter with the Crab seems to have shaken her slightly, for she manages a slight nod, which for her is a thawing of a mighty glacier.
As soon as the signal to start was given, Shiba Utsuro launched himself forward.
Nagatsuna bows to Kagetora recognizing a fellow man who goes to lengths improving his body. This may be close.
Kagetora smiles back in a friendly fashion. His slightly rounded physique makes him look initially unworthy as an opponent, but Nagatsuna can spot the muscle under the flesh. "Let's do this right, eh?" the Mantis says, returning the bow. "Let's show 'em what we've got, eh?"
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=16
Nagatsuna completely focuses on the run, pacing himself to get a feel for the length of the race without taxing his body too much this early.
Kagetora's stage 1 roll, calling two Raises and with 2 Free Raises (5k3=11)
The Mantis takes off like a shot from one of his Tsuruchi cousin's bows, but after just a few steps, he stumbles, dropping to his knees before recovering and taking off after the Crab.
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=25
Seeing the bridge coming up before him, Ha! This is where I make my move. He doesn't break his stride at all as he hits the bridge and it pays off handsomely allowing him to extend his lead nicely.
Kagetora's stage 2 roll, calling two Raises (5k3=24)
Kagetora recovers quickly from his fall, putting on a burst of speed to match Nagatsuna's and keeping up with him as they cross the bridge.
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=22
Having easily surmounted the bridge his confidence grows and he lopes along at a fast pace placing more distance between his competitior and himself.
Kagetora's stage 3 roll, calling 1 Raise and with two Free Raises (5k3=12)
Coming off the bridge, Kagetora stumbles again, and Nagatsuna sprints away.
5d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=13
Reaching the wall he tries to climb to fast and his bulk betrays him causing him to slide back down. With the second try he manages to pull himself over with great effort.
Kagetora's stage 4 roll, spending a Void and calling 2 Raises (6k4=20)
Kagetora attempts to skip a couple of handholds himself, but the consequences prove disastrous, as he tumbles to the ground once before making it over the wall.
Feeling himself tire more than he would like he tries to just maintain his lead but his legs begin to become leaden. No raise
Kagetora's stage 5 roll, calling 2 Raises and with two Free Raises, spending a Void Point (6k4=35)
At the final stretch, the entire crowd seems to be waiting for Kagetora to slip and fall again, allowing Nagatsuna to easily take the victory, even as the massive Crab begins to stumble to a halt. Instead, however, the Mantis keeps his feet, and runs as though being chased by all the oni in Jigoku. Just steps before the finish line, the Mantis passes the Hida, and Nagatsuna cannot seem to find the energy in himself to respond before Kagetora's victory.
On her turn, Yukari approaches the start line a little nervously. Much of her training was on horseback, rather than on foot. She glances at her opponent - another Scorpion. She wondered if he would be as fast as the other member of his clan. If so, she could be in trouble.
Before the match begins, Tenmaku approaches her, offering a respectful bow. "I have never raced the winds themselves before," he says, smiling, "and I do not expect to outrun them today. Nevertheless, I wish to thank you for the honor of this competition, and a worthy opponent."
Yukari starts off fairly well, attempting to pace herself so she isn't exhausted half-way through.
Stage 1 roll (using void): 3k2 = 13
Tenmaku's stage 1 roll, calling one Raise (3k2=10)
Tenmaku tries to keep pace with the Unicorn as the race begins, but quickly falls behind.
As she reaches the bridge, the battle maidens years of developing balance on horseback pay off.
Stage 2 roll: 3k3 = 22
Tenmaku's stage 2 roll, calling two Raises (4k3=22)
Tenmaku shows a sudden burst of speed, all but leaping off the bridge to land back beside Yukari.
Still feeling fresh, Yukari decides to put on a burst of speed across the second stretch.
Stage 3 roll (using a point of void): 3k2 = 36
Tenmaku's stage 3 roll (3k2=11)
The Bayushi's quickness seems shortlived, however, as the battle maiden easily begins to leave him behind once more.
By this stage, Yukari is starting to feel the burn in her legs - she is tiring, but still manages to scramble over the wall.
Stage 4 roll: 3k3 = 16
Tenmaku's stage 4 roll, calling 1 Raise (4k3=7)
Starting up the wall, the Bayushi looks for a brief moment to be moving quite quickly - until he reaches for a handhold that simply isn't there, and he tumbles to the ground in a heap. It takes him several moments to regroup, and his second attempt is noticably slower and more determined.
The final run proves to be a little too much for the battle maiden, and she stumbles a little over the final stretch.
Tenmaku's stage 5 roll (3k2=11)
Tenmaku, well behind as the race finishes, attempts to settle for a dignified end, but even that is denied him, as he is forced just before the finish line to actually stop for breath for a moment. Yukari easily crosses the finish line before him.
Amiko leaps into the lead, moving quickly toward the bridge.
Amiko's stage 2 roll, calling two Raises (4k3=12)
Trying to extend her lead over the Shiba, however, she very nearly instead pitches herself into the mud.
Amiko leaps into the lead, moving quickly toward the bridge.
Trying to extend her lead over the Shiba, however, she very nearly instead pitches herself into the mud.
Seeing the Crane falter on the bridge, Utsuro decided now was not the time for anything fancy. Quickly but cautiously, he moved across the bridge.
Once across, the Shiba saw his chance to pull even with Amiko, and possibly pass her. Drawing upon his inner reserve, he sprinted for the climbing wall. Unfortunately, a bit of mud left over from an earlier contestant caused him to slip, and he stumbled to the base of the wall.
Seeing the Crane falter on the bridge, Utsuro decided now was not the time for anything fancy. Quickly but cautiously, he moved across the bridge.
Once across, the Shiba saw his chance to pull even with Amiko, and possibly pass her. Drawing upon his inner reserve, he sprinted for the climbing wall. Unfortunately, a bit of mud left over from an earlier contestant caused him to slip, and he stumbled to the base of the wall.
Amiko's stage 3 roll, calling 1 Raise and spending a Void Point (4k3=39)
Amiko sees the Shiba stumble, notes the mud, and leaps gracefully over it, landing gracefully and preparing to climb.
Amiko's stage 4 roll, calling 1 Raise and spending a Void Point (5k4=32)
Quick as a flash, the Kakita races up the wall and drops lightly to the far side, taking off for the finish line.
Amiko sees the Shiba stumble, notes the mud, and leaps gracefully over it, landing gracefully and preparing to climb. Quick as a flash, the Kakita races up the wall and drops lightly to the far side, taking off for the finish line.
"I can't risk falling here,"he thought, even as his now mud-slick sandles failed to find purchase on the wall. Eventually he made it to the top of the wall, and saw Amiko sprinting for the finish line. Forcing all of the energy he could muster into his legs, he surged after her.
Even a small prayer to the Kami could not help Shiba Utsuro keep his breath long enough to catch the graceful Crane samurai-ko. Exhausted and demoralized, Utsuro bowed to his opponent, and then left the arena in search of the baths and a chance to get cleaned up before the day's final event.
Amiko sees the Shiba stumble, notes the mud, and leaps gracefully over it, landing gracefully and preparing to climb. Quick as a flash, the Kakita races up the wall and drops lightly to the far side, taking off for the finish line.
"I can't risk falling here,"he thought, even as his now mud-slick sandles failed to find purchase on the wall. Eventually he made it to the top of the wall, and saw Amiko sprinting for the finish line. Forcing all of the energy he could muster into his legs, he surged after her.
Even a small prayer to the Kami could not help Shiba Utsuro keep his breath long enough to catch the graceful Crane samurai-ko. Exhausted and demoralized, Utsuro bowed to his opponent, and then left the arena in search of the baths and a chance to get cleaned up before the day's final event.
Amiko's stage 5 roll, spending a Void and calling a Raise (4k3=14)
Amiko does not cross the finish line with the grace and speed she might have wished, but her edge is far greater than the Shiba can overcome, even so. After her victory, she bows graciously to Utsuro, murmuring, "You do me great honor in such a noble contest, Shiba-san," before moving serenely away.
In addition to your races, the other contestants draw the eyes of the audience as they go through their marks. Tamori Ryuko demonstrates the stamina of her mountain home as she manages to outlast the ronin Kenji, while Shosuro Morito simply stops and pants on the final leg of the course, allowing Hida Chorotaku to take the win. Isawa Tsutakito has similar issues in his race against Kakita Toru, and the seemingly unstoppable Doji Keitomaru wins a tight but solid victory over Maeda Oroko.
Though most of the talk after the event is Yoritomo Kagetora's astonishing come-from-behind victory over Hida Nagatsuna, almost as many people are talking about Matsu Chigitsu's dominating performance over Moto Tsuto; the squat Unicorn put on a good show, but Chigitsu was simply running as fast as the wind itself, it seemed. A number of murmurs can be heard speculating on how a match between the Lion and the Mantis might result, and no one seems to want to make a strong bet one way or the other.
"You are gracious even in victory Matsu-san. I wish you best of luck in the future events and hope we meet each other again." With this Megumi will turn to the other victorious samurai and offer a brief congratulations to each in turn, something she is starting to believe she will never receive herself.
Somewhat surprisingly Megumi lingers a few moments with Amiko to inquire about the other Crane's condition. Perhaps a bit less surprising is that she will also chat with Keitomaru giving him congratulations on all his victories up to this point.
Completely winded Nagatsuna bows to the Mantis, "That was truly an great race. May we meet again soon." He turns and walks away slowly the internal rage at himself seething just beneath the surface, I had him but let up too soon! He knows that should he stay in mixed company he may do something foolish.....
Shisumo:
Somewhat surprisingly Megumi lingers a few moments with Amiko to inquire about the other Crane's condition. Perhaps a bit less surprising is that she will also chat with Keitomaru giving him congratulations on all his victories up to this point.
Amiko seems noticeably warmer to Megumi than she was last night, thanking her graciously for her concern. "You were right last night, Megumi-san," she says. "The Crab are indeed brutes, and should not be here."
Keitomaru is, not surprisingly, in a very good mood when Megumi tracks him down, but he refuses to discuss his victories until he has offered his commiseration on Megumi's losses. "We merely have not seen your areas of expertise, Kakita-san," he tells her. "Your quality will be shown soon enough, I am certain."
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Shisumo:
After the race is over, Yukari is forced to take some time to regain her breath. Her lungs feel like they are on fire, and from the looks of things, Tenmaku is not much better off. It took a few moments for it to sink in properly, but it soon hit the battle maiden that she had finally scored a point. Perhaps all hope was not lost after all (although it was a little too early to celebrate, of course).
Once she has recovered a little from the run, she approaches Tenmaku and bows to him. Straightening up again, she smiles a little at the Bayushi. "Thank you for the honour of racing against you, Tenmaku-san."
From what she had seen of him so far, both last night and today, he was unlike what she expected of a Scorpion. She had a rather stereotypical mental picture of them as sneaky and devious. But Tenmaku thus far had seemed very polite and respectful.
Immediately after the race, Heihachi finds a quiet place and meditates
Megumi lets a light smile pass her face at Amiko's words. "You must be tired after such a hard fought race." She says to Amiko cooly. "Perhaps we can discuss this further after the day's events?"
To Keitomaru it is difficult to hide some of the joy she seems to take from his kind words. "But I made two crucial mistakes, one involving the mon of Miya Shikan!" Megumi looks away quite embarrassed she made such a blunder in front of Miya Shikan. "He rightly chastised me and I shall never again forget that mon." Her voice is quiet and intensely serious.
"But you," She looks back to Keitomaru some brightness returning to her face. "Have rightly earned your victories. Only the Matsu," Megumi indicates Ume with a graceful movement of her arm. "Is on the same level." Megumi's smile returns quite rapidly now. "But Keitomaru-san I am beginning to think your uncertainty the other day was not genuine!" That last sentence comes out a bit playfully, perhaps a bit much in fact.
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Once she has recovered a little from the run, she approaches Tenmaku and bows to him. Straightening up again, she smiles a little at the Bayushi. "Thank you for the honour of racing against you, Tenmaku-san."
From what she had seen of him so far, both last night and today, he was unlike what she expected of a Scorpion. She had a rather stereotypical mental picture of them as sneaky and devious. But Tenmaku thus far had seemed very polite and respectful.
Tenmaku takes a couple more moments to catch his breath before he respods, but when he does so, his bow is deep. "The honor is mine, Utaku-san," he replies formally, "I have been taught a valuable lesson today. My defeat will make me a better samurai, and I owe that to you."
Immediately after the race, Heihachi finds a quiet place and meditates
Megumi lets a light smile pass her face at Amiko's words. "You must be tired after such a hard fought race." She says to Amiko cooly. "Perhaps we can discuss this further after the day's events?"
Amiko frowns uncertainly, clearly not sure how to take Megumi's words. "Perhaps," she replies noncomittally.
To Keitomaru it is difficult to hide some of the joy she seems to take from his kind words. "But I made two crucial mistakes, one involving the mon of Miya Shikan!" Megumi looks away quite embarrassed she made such a blunder in front of Miya Shikan. "He rightly chastised me and I shall never again forget that mon." Her voice is quiet and intensely serious.
"But you," She looks back to Keitomaru some brightness returning to her face. "Have rightly earned your victories. Only the Matsu," Megumi indicates Ume with a graceful movement of her arm. "Is on the same level." Megumi's smile returns quite rapidly now. "But Keitomaru-san I am beginning to think your uncertainty the other day was not genuine!" That last sentence comes out a bit playfully, perhaps a bit much in fact.
Keitomaru bows his head in acknowledgement. "I have always believed," he replies, "that a samurai does what he can to master as many skills as possible. There are those, especially among our clan, who I feel focus too much on just the sword or the fan; we produce great specialists, we Crane, but few who master both, and more besides. Nevertheless, I have always felt a calling toward service to the Empire as a whole, and I have always felt that service demanded more than just the training of a bushi or a courtier."
[ooc]Two today - the horsemanship contest and the etiquette/law/bushido exam. ooc]
Just as he was about to leave the arena, it suddenly occured to Utsuro that he'd forgotten about one of the competitions. Uttering a quick prayer to his ancestors for a friendly pairing, he returned to the field and tried to prepare himself.
"Horsemanship? How hard could it be?"
For the next contest, the competitors and the audience move outside - not just out of doors, but actually out of the town, to a broad meadow between the village and the nearby forest. Here a larger version of the viewing "arena" has been erected, but only three of the area's sides are enclosed by seating or a viewing box. The fourth is open, and you can see a path of bare earth has been laid across it, wide enough to drive a cart along and with room to spare.
Nearby, grooms hold a number of horses, mostly the short, shaggy, brown and gray horses native to Rokugan, but also including two unusual steeds: a tall, thin-limbed mount with a glossy black hide and a head that seems unusually small for its neck, and a larger, heavier, and astonishingly beautiful horse, as white as the purest snow, who nevertheless prances restlessly on hooves that seem almost to float over the ground. Tsuto and Yukari immediately go to these last two respectively, greeting them and checking them over to make sure the grooms have cared properly for their beloved animals.
The rest of you are lead to horses of your own, and are allowed a few brief moments to get to know your animals before the race, for this is indeed the horsemanship contest. Once you are all mounted, Shikan steps out in front of the crowd and begins his speech:
"The power of cavalry has long been known to the samurai of Rokugan, ever since our Unicorn cousins first brought us knowledge of warfare conducted from horseback. It is in their honor that we hold this contest of horsemanship, requiring our samurai-to-be to demonstrate their prowess in working with these fine animals! This contest will be scored in two areas - speed and accuracy! The contestants must ride this course" - and here he points to the track, a long, U-shaped curve, leading away from the viewing stands and then back again - "in as little time as possible, but they must also use the weapons of a samurai, their katana or naginata and their daikyu, to strike practice targets, to demonstrate their mastery of the skills needed to defend the Empire from the foes outside its borders. Effective strikes will be scored along with fast riding, and the strongest competitors will master both!"
Shikan then draws out your names once more to pair you off for the races.
Ume watched the draw, and... her face seemed to fall into itself. Yukari wasn't so much unsympathetic or repulsive as she was someone she had not the briefest chance in beating. She had never been a good rider, her teacher had given up on it in fact.
She moved towards the horse, and began to look it over - as if she could tell a good horse from a bad one.
As Megumi approaches the starting line for her match against Chorotaku, she sees the big Crab holding the lead to his horse awkwardly, standing several feet back from it and eying it with a deep distrust. "A samurai should face his foes with his own two feet beneath him," he rumbles to no one in particular.
Amiko looks pale and almost angry as she watches her name paired against Nagatsuna's for the horse race. As they prepare for their match, she strides toward him. "I do not know what they teach you of courtesy on the Wall," she says without preamble. "It may be that you know only the brutality of the things you fight. If so, you should be aware that not all Cranes believe in peace, and that my steel is sharp."