When Heihachi and Ryuko are about to begin their race, the Dragon shugenja-ko raises her hand for a moment, as though asking for a delay. Into the silence, she stands up (somewhat awkwardly) on her stirrups and says,
"Mount and rein and charge
we learn to master our fates,
riding the four winds."
She then gives a sharp nod, dropping back into her saddle, and Shikan prepares again to drop the handkerchief to mark the race's beginning.
The response from Amiko was not the one expected from Megumi. She hastily mouths a few words of apology and bows to the other Crane not knowing what else to do. The samurai-ko just as quickly excuses herself merely nodding in agreement with Keitomaru.
When the horsemanship contest is announced Megumi approaches her steed and mounts it slowly. After a few moments of attuning herself to her position she readies to start the race.
To start Megumi takes things slowly guiding her horse toward the first target. She appears to have taken quite nicely to the steed and the ride is fairly smooth but nothing spectacular.
Upon reaching the target the samurai-ko reaches for her trusted katana to draw it. The sword catches onto something, perhaps Megumi's own kimono but more likely the saddle, and she almost loses balance. Even more dreadful is that she seems to have lost grip on the weapon momentarily and it nearly lands into the mud. Rather than risk that again after regaining her balance Megumi simply decides to return the sword to it's sheath and ride on.
Still embarrassed at the previous display Megumi once again takes it slowly. Once more there is nothing spectacular to see as the Crane merely plods along at a steady pace.
Cautiously the samurai-ko remains in place for a moment doing nothing. She grips her daikyu momentarily then sighs deeply knowing if she were to draw it she would likely be knocked from the horse. This time around she merely rides on forfeiting this part of the contest.
Riding on the young Crane seems to pick up the pace. "Let's just get this over with." She whispers to herself, her face reddening with embarrassment. "I just hope the Unicorn put on enough of a show that I'm forgotten."
As Utsuro prepares for his race, he notices his opponent, Kakita Toru, seems to be paying little or no attention to the contest in front of him, but instead is watching the confrontation between Amiko and Nagatsuna.
After settling onto his pony, Utsuro got his first taste of how difficult this was going to be. The animal seemed sense his lack of riding ability, and chose not to react to even the most basic commands from the Phoenix. Utsuro offered a polite bow to his opponent, hoping to see the same discomfort he felt on the face of the Kakita.
"Today, I shall ride as I have never ridden before, Kakita-san. I give you my word."
Eventually the pony relented, and Utsuro managed to get into position on the starting line, waiting for the signal to begin. With a shout, he urged his mount forward.
After settling onto his pony, Utsuro got his first taste of how difficult this was going to be. The animal seemed sense his lack of riding ability, and chose not to react to even the most basic commands from the Phoenix. Utsuro offered a polite bow to his opponent, hoping to see the same discomfort he felt on the face of the Kakita.
"Today, I shall ride as I have never ridden before, Kakita-san. I give you my word."
If Toru gets the irony, it is not immediately clear, for he nods in apparently serious acknowledgment.
Eventually the pony relented, and Utsuro managed to get into position on the starting line, and waited for the signal to begin. With a shout, he urged his mount forward.
Toru's stage 1, calling two Raises (4k3=27)
Though Utsuro is able to get his mount moving in the proper direction, Toru takes off with the speed and skill of a trained horseman, quickly pulling into a sizable lead over the Phoenix.
Toru's stage 2 roll, calling two Raises (5k3=50)
As the two riders approach the first target, Toru leans low over his horse and draws his katana, keeping it against his left thigh until just before he reaches the dummy. Then, as though somehow performing an iaijusu strike from horseback, Toru brings the blade up and over the horse's head, sriking downward at the dummy's head with substantial force.
As the two riders approach the first target, Toru leans low over his horse and draws his katana, keeping it against his left thigh until just before he reaches the dummy. Then, as though somehow performing an iaijusu strike from horseback, Toru brings the blade up and over the horse's head, sriking downward at the dummy's head with substantial force.
"It seems as though Toru-san has some Unicorn ancestry..."
While making the attempt to draw his weapon, Utsuro must have inadvertantly signaled the pony to stop, for it did just that. Realizing that he wasn't sure how to make an attack while trying to control his mount, Utsuro decided to focus on completing the circuit.
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."
Echoing his fellow clansmen Nagatsuna looks at the animal with great distrust. Who ever thought of riding such a beast deserves to be..... His thoughts suddenly interrupted by the approach of the Crane. His earlier anger immediately forgotten he suddenly gets a wide grin, "Are you coming on to me?! From such a beauty how could I refuse such an offer of worthy competition. For you, I will brave this beast and it's tempermental ways." Oh, I like this one! She has spirit!
Intimidate: 4d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=16
He spurs the horse into moving in the right direction but the horse is obviously not used to so much weight....
Stage 1 is just riding to the first target, an Agility/Horsemanship roll, TN 5.
Unskilled agility roll: 3d10=12
As Yukari sees Arashi waiting for her in the field, the battle maiden gives a delighted smile and heads over to greet her horse. Giving his nose a pat, Yukari murmurs a few encouraging words to him before easily mounting up into the saddle. Taking the reins from the groom, she walks Arashi over to the starting line, the Utaku steed prancing energetically from side to side. Her worries vanished from her the moment she got into the saddle. This was what she was born to, and what she lived. With Arashi as her companion, she could do anything.
Turning to her opponent, Yukari smiles at Ume genuinely, bowing her head to the Lion. "May we have a great race, Ume-san."
"It seems as though Toru-san has some Unicorn ancestry..."
While making the attempt to draw his weapon, Utsuro must have inadvertantly signaled the pony to stop, for it did just that. Realizing that he wasn't sure how to make an attack while trying to control his mount, Utsuro decided to focus on completing the circuit.
Toru's stage 3 roll, declaring two Raises (4k3=31)
Toru's stage 4 attack roll, no Raises (4k3=8)Toru's stage 5 roll, declaring one Raise (4k3=25)
Although Toru's arrow shot goes wide of the target, his horsemanship is of the finest quality. While Utsuro is indeed able to make sure his pony reaches the finish line without heading for the horizon, the outcome is never really in doubt.
Toru's bow to Utsuro after the race seems almost perfunctory, and he seems to be craning his neck to watch the other competitors - or to see if they are watching him, perhaps - as he is addressing the Shiba.
Echoing his fellow clansmen Nagatsuna looks at the animal with great distrust. Who ever thought of riding such a beast deserves to be..... His thoughts suddenly interrupted by the approach of the Crane. His earlier anger immediately forgotten he suddenly gets a wide grin, "Are you coming on to me?! From such a beauty how could I refuse such an offer of worthy competition. For you, I will brave this beast and it's tempermental ways." Oh, I like this one! She has spirit!
Intimidate: 4d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=16
Amiko's Fear resistance (2k2+4=9)
Amiko turns red with a mixture of shame and fury. "Coming on...? You vile... misbegotten...!" She suddenly seems to become aware of her surroundings, and she stops her ranting immediately, but her glare is sharp enough to shave with.
He spurs the horse into moving in the right direction but the horse is obviously not used to so much weight....
Stage 1 is just riding to the first target, an Agility/Horsemanship roll, TN 5.
Unskilled agility roll: 3d10=12
Amiko's stage 1 roll, declaring two Raises (4k3-6=16)
Despite her frustration and anger, Amiko guides her horse with the grace and style of a Crane, easily gaining a substantial lead on the larger Crab.
Amiko's stage 2 attack, declaring two Raises (6k3-6=8)
She has a broad, self-confident smirk as she approaches the practice dummy, but the smirk vanishes in a shock of horror as her blade flies well past the dummy's head, instead catching a few blades of grass several feet beyond the target.
Amiko turns red with a mixture of shame and fury. "Coming on...? You vile... misbegotten...!" She suddenly seems to become aware of her surroundings, and she stops her ranting immediately, but her glare is sharp enough to shave with.
Hida bows, "I apologize, I didn't mean to bring up such touchy subject in public. Perhaps later we could discuss it more privately Amiko-san." He then mounts his horse.
Amiko's stage 1 roll, declaring two Raises (4k3-6=16)
Despite her frustration and anger, Amiko guides her horse with the grace and style of a Crane, easily gaining a substantial lead on the larger Crab.
Amiko's stage 2 attack, declaring two Raises (6k3-6=8)
She has a broad, self-confident smirk as she approaches the practice dummy, but the smirk vanishes...
Riding the horse up to the target almost provides a comical view of the Hida until........ with a powerful "KAI!" scream that silences the field he draws his katana with blinding speed and cleaves the dummy perfectly, resheathing the blade before most even realize it was drawn. 7d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=48
oh, and does Crab Hands help me with the horse archery aspect of this course?
When Heihachi and Ryuko are about to begin their race, the Dragon shugenja-ko raises her hand for a moment, as though asking for a delay. Into the silence, she stands up (somewhat awkwardly) on her stirrups and says,
"Mount and rein and charge
we learn to master our fates,
riding the four winds."
In response, Heihachi leans over and whispers in the horses ear...while looking straight at the Shugenja-koShe then gives a sharp nod, dropping back into her saddle, and Shikan prepares again to drop the handkerchief to mark the race's beginning.
Stage 1 is just riding to the first target, an Agility/Horsemanship roll, TN 5.
Heihachi lets the horse take control and holds on for the ride
Raw Agility Raw 3k3=16
Stage 2 is an attack roll against an armored practice dummy with either a katana, using Agility/Kenjutsu, or a naginata, using Agility/Polearms. You may choose which weapon you would prefer; the TN either way is 10.
Heihachi easily strikes the target with an easy slice
6k3=41
Stage 3 is another riding roll, again Agility/Horsemanship, TN 5.
Heihachi continues to hold on, not as easily this time
Raw Agility 3k3=11
Stage 4 is an archery attack against a standard archery target, using Reflexes/Kyujutsu, TN 5, but unless you possess the Horse Archery emphasis of Kyujutsu, the TN is automatically raised by +10, to a 15.
Heihachi takes his bow and focuses on the target, letting a true shot fly toward the target
5k2=32
Stage 5 is a final riding roll, but the TN for this one is 10. If both contestants are tied at this point, a final Contested Agility/Horsemanship roll will determine the winner.
Though his section of the course is tougher Heihachi continues to hold on and crosses the line
Raw Agility 3k3=18
Riding the horse up to the target almost provides a comical view of the Hida until........ with a powerful "KAI!" scream that silences the field he draws his katana with blinding speed and cleaves the dummy perfectly, resheathing the blade before most even realize it was drawn. 7d10.open(10).takeHighest(3)=48
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Crab Hands will help with your archery shot, yes.
Amiko's stage 3 roll, declaring two Raises, with Fear penalty (4k3=12)
Amiko attempts to recover from her missed attack on the dummy, but at the sound of Nagatsuna's shout, she visibly wobbles, her horse losing its focus as its rider loses hers.
When the horsemanship contest is announced Megumi approaches her steed and mounts it slowly. After a few moments of attuning herself to her position she readies to start the race.
To start Megumi takes things slowly guiding her horse toward the first target. She appears to have taken quite nicely to the steed and the ride is fairly smooth but nothing spectacular.
Chorotaku's stage 1 roll, unskilled (3k3=15)
Chorotaku grips the reins as tightly as he can, basically hoping not to fall off as he bounces along the track.
Upon reaching the target the samurai-ko reaches for her trusted katana to draw it. The sword catches onto something, perhaps Megumi's own kimono but more likely the saddle, and she almost loses balance. Even more dreadful is that she seems to have lost grip on the weapon momentarily and it nearly lands into the mud. Rather than risk that again after regaining her balance Megumi simply decides to return the sword to it's sheath and ride on.
Chorotaku starts to let go of the reins with one hand in order to draw his katana, but almost immediately he jerks the horse's nose hard to the left with the other one. He promptly lets go of the hilt and grabs hold of the reins again, curving a bizarre S-curve along the track until he manages to straighten out again.
Still embarrassed at the previous display Megumi once again takes it slowly. Once more there is nothing spectacular to see as the Crane merely plods along at a steady pace.
Chorotaku's stage 3 roll, unskilled (3k3=23)
The pony, briefly prompted to a trot by Chorotaku's gesticulations, catches up with Megumi's pony and slows to walk right next to it. Chorotaku's attempts to prod it to a faster pace again fail utterly.
Cautiously the samurai-ko remains in place for a moment doing nothing. She grips her daikyu momentarily then sighs deeply knowing if she were to draw it she would likely be knocked from the horse. This time around she merely rides on forfeiting this part of the contest.
Chorotaku sees the Crane let go of her bow, and reaches defiantly for his own weapon. He manages to get a grip on the weapon, even to the point of letting go of the reins with both hands, but as he reaches to pull an arrow from his quiver, he instead pulls it free of his saddle, dropping it and all the arrows into the dirt.
Riding on the young Crane seems to pick up the pace. "Let's just get this over with." She whispers to herself, her face reddening with embarrassment. "I just hope the Unicorn put on enough of a show that I'm forgotten."
Chorotaku's stage 5 roll, unskilled (3k3=21)
Chorotaku bounces and bumps his way toward the finish line, and the two ponies are actually quite close - to call it "neck and neck" implies more velocity than they possess, but they are more or less side by side as they near the end of the race.
In case it's needed, contested Agility/Horsemanship: 3k3=11
Contested Agility/Horsemanship roll, unskilled (3k3=28)
Just before the end of the race, Chorotaku manages to find some sort of rhythm or beat, and surges into a late, but meaningful lead. It's hardly a victory to be proud of, but it is a victory.
EDIT: If I somehow beat Chorotaku I look forward to reading your description of his blunders!
Heihachi lets the horse take control and holds on for the ride
Raw Agility Raw 3k3=16
Ryuko, for all her poetry, doesn't seem to be much of a horsewoman, though she frowns with such intense concentration that she almost appears to be trying to learn it in the space of the few dozen meters before she reaches the first target.
Ryuko's stage 1 roll, unskilled (3k3=10)
Neither contestant is able to make an attack roll against the dummy, though both look annoyed by their inability to let go of the reins enough to do so.
Stage 3 is another riding roll, again Agility/Horsemanship, TN 5.
Heihachi continues to hold on, not as easily this timeRaw Agility 3k3=11
Ryuko's stage 3 roll, unskilled (3k3=15)
As they head toward the second target, both riders are managing a steady, but unimpressive, pace.
Though his section of the course is tougher Heihachi continues to hold on and crosses the line
Ryuko's stage 5 roll, unskilled (3k3=5)
As they head toward the finish, the Tamori tries to make a move, urging her steed to a gallop - but after just a couple of bounces, she loses the rhythm of the gallop, bounces once too hard, and falls off the horse entirely. She lands hard in the dirt, and glares up through the puffs of dust as Heihachi manages to hurtle across the line alone.
Upon finishing the course the young Crane stays mounted for a moment to pat the horse on the head. She whispers lightly, seemingly to it. "Don't worry, I'll bet your friend there just wanted the Crab off his back as soon as possible. You did a fine job."
Following a relatively smooth dismount the samurai-ko continues to pat the steed with her back to Chorotaku. "Hopefully he takes the hint and leaves me alone." She whispers again to the horse.
Amiko attempts to recover from her missed attack on the dummy, but at the sound of Nagatsuna's shout, she visibly wobbles, her horse losing its focus as its rider loses hers.
After such grace and power of the katana strike his control of the horse seems that much more crude but still he stays on the track. 3d10=17
I had read that, but for some reason it didn't register...kinda sick this week...
I didn't have any void points left for this contest anyway...but luckily I drew another unskilled rider....
After such grace and power of the katana strike his control of the horse seems that much more crude but still he stays on the track. 3d10=17
Still in the lead - physically, anyway - Amiko reaches the firing point for the archery shot first.
Amiko's stage 4 attack, declaring two Raises, with Fear penalty (4k3=6)
It matters not, however, because the arrow is wobbly and falls to the ground well short of the target.
4d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=17
Nagatsuna releases the reigns and somewhat wobbly takes out the Dai-kyu. The creak of the bow and the strain of his muscles indicate the power behind the shot. The arrow flies true and strikes the target albeit slightly off to one side. With a grunt of satisfaction he spurs the horse onward.
Maintaining his plodding pace he crosses the line after Amiko but smiles inwardly to himself, I hit both my targets. Riding around is useless unless you can strike your enemy down.
3d10=18
Nagatsuna pulls out a piece of paper and quickly folds a Crane on the horses back (not sure what the TN will be for that). He lets himself down from the beast carefully and approaches Amiko. Offering with a bow the newly created Crane to Amiko, "While we Crab may be brutes to you, Amiko-san. We learn the value of things of beauty too for that is what we strive to protect. Perhaps we can learn more of each other over tea this evening or does the fabled Crane hospitality not extend that far?"
Origami: 5d10.extra(10).takeHighest(3)=22
Ume was just about ready to concede, when a soft breeze hit her, chilling her body and ringing in her ears. Concede? Cranes and Phoenixes did that, but a Matsu would fight, it seemed to say. So she approached the horse with a gaze as you would expect a fighter to look upon an enemy. She mounted the unquiet beast and waited for the handkerchief to drop. It was about the last thing to go right for her.
She started off without much trouble, approaching the first goal at a decent pace. Not spectacular, but at least not an embarrassment from the onset.
The first strike at a practice target was well-executed, and actually hit... chiefly because she slowed her horse down to the point of walking, afraid of not hitting, or worse, losing her blade. By the time her horse picked up speed again, she had lost more time than she would have been penalized for not hitting the target. She sped up again, towards the archery challenge, but anger was spreading inside her. The horse absolutely felt this, and began growing uneasy - she just tightened her control.
Her shot flew wide past the target, and she had not slowed down enough for a second try - as she was carried past the target, she began to curse under her breath. Her final humiliation was yet to come, however. About halfway through the last leg of the race, her horse suddenly made a sharp turn to the right, to the side of the track. Despite all of Ume's urgings and commands, it came to a stop, and began to munch on a wheed on the side of the racing track. No amount of tugging or pushing was enough to put it back in track, and finally, Ume jumped off. "Stinking hellspawned creature" she shouted, and pulled... shomething the horse answered with a whinny, and a look that warned of a kick should she try pulling so hard again.
Not willing to suffer through that humiliation, and put in her place quite handsomely, Ume finished the track on foot, with her head hung in shame.
4d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=17
Nagatsuna releases the reigns and somewhat wobbly takes out the Dai-kyu. The creak of the bow and the strain of his muscles indicate the power behind the shot. The arrow flies true and strikes the target albeit slightly off to one side. With a grunt of satisfaction he spurs the horse onward.
Maintaining his plodding pace he crosses the line after Amiko but smiles inwardly to himself, I hit both my targets. Riding around is useless unless you can strike your enemy down.
3d10=18
Amiko's stage 5 roll, calling 3 Raises, with Fear penalty (4k3=8)
Amiko makes one last desperate attempt to impress the judges, but to no avail; her confidence is shot, and her horse seems to recognize the fact. She barely makes it across the line before Nagatsuna does, and it is clear to everyone who the winner is.
Nagatsuna pulls out a piece of paper and quickly folds a Crane on the horses back (not sure what the TN will be for that). He lets himself down from the beast carefully and approaches Amiko. Offering with a bow the newly created Crane to Amiko, "While we Crab may be brutes to you, Amiko-san. We learn the value of things of beauty too for that is what we strive to protect. Perhaps we can learn more of each other over tea this evening or does the fabled Crane hospitality not extend that far?"
Origami: 5d10.extra(10).takeHighest(3)=22
Amiko stares at the origami as though entirely unable to comprehend what her eyes are telling her. Something in the word "hospitality" seems to have some power, however, as she flinches a little when Nagatsuna says it. "I would be honored to have tea with you, Hida-san," she says in a faint, flat voice, "but I cannot accept such a gift from one who has demonstrated his greater skill in front of... such an audience."
As soon as the handkerchief is dropped, Yukari signals to Arashi and the large horse practically explodes forward from the starting line. Leaning forward, the battle maiden can feel the wind whipping at her hair as Arashi gallops towards the practice dummy.
Stage 1 (Making 3 raises for a TN of 20): 8k4 = 45As they approach the target, Yukari draws her katana, keeping it close so that the wind doesn't catch it and tear it from her hands. When Arashi thunders past, she leans towards the dummy and slices the blade across it, her timing and accuracy suggesting that she has perhaps had a lot of practice at using a sword from horseback.
Stage 2 (Making 2 raises for a TN of 20): 7k4 = 28Pulling away from the dummy, Yukari sheathes the katana, using her knees to guide Arashi in the right direction. Taking up the reins again, she urges the Utaku steed forward and the tall horse puts on an extra burst of speed again.
Stage 3 (Making 3 raises for a TN of 20): 8k4 = 30Taking up the daikyu as she nears the archery target, Yukari again drops her reins, clearly not relying on them to give signals to the horse. Pulling an arrow from her quiver, the shiotome nocks it before drawing the bowstring back to her cheek and taking aim at the target. The arrow strikes true on the target with a resounding thunk.
Stage 4 (Making 1 raise. Yukari has horse-archery, so TN is 10): 5k4 = 28Now on the final stretch, the battle maiden gives Arashi free rein to run as fast as he can. Tossing his head exuberantly before moving into a fast gallop, the horse easily sprints past the finish line. Caught up with the moment, the young battle maiden does not even realise that Ume has not gotten her horse to the end of the race. Slowing Arashi down to a more sedate pace and turning him to face the finish, Yukari's face falls slightly as she sees Ume walk to the finish line, head down, and she feels a pang of sympathy for the Lion (although she wasn't sure the Matsu would appreciate her expressing such sympathy).
In between your races, the other competitors go through their contests as well. In the race between the two ronin, both seem equally uncomfortable on horseback, and neither is able to make any attack rolls while mounted; Kenji manages to limp his way across the finish line before Oroko, but that is as much luck as anything else, and she seems entirely undisappointed by her loss. Similarly, Bayushi Tenmaku and Yoritomo Kagetora, old friends from their casual jokes and gibes at one another, do their best not to fall off their horses, and the Scorpion has the fortune to be the first across the finish line. A bit later, Matsu Nimoro, clearly having trained at least somewhat with horses, substantially outperforms Shosuro Morito, who just as clearly has not.
Yukari's performance is the star of the event, however. Even Moto Tsuto, who easily manages a spirited and determined effort from Doji Keitomaru, cannot compete with her grace, and he actually misses his archery shot (though his riding and the brutal power of his scimitar strike make up for it easily). The remaining contest draws a fair amount of talk as well, however: Matsu Chigitsu, riding against Isawa Tsutakito, rides extremely aggressively, several times actually attempting to force his rival off the track. Neither is a particularly effective horseman, and the tactic seems successful - Chigitsu is able to cross the finish line first, but he appears to have cost himself some of the crowd's respect in the process.
The Matsu was quite fearsome to behold - not because of her prowess, but because her small frame seemed to almost burst at the seams from the fury she contained within. Contained, controlled, but not subdued. To her credit, she approached Yukari, and bowed. "You were clearly better than me. I bear you no ill will, and congratulate you." Stiff, formal, and probably not apt to improve Yukaris attitude.
She told herself not to beat herself up over it too much - she could hardly be expected to win every competition. The blasted horse had just made a sound defeat into a resounding. It didn't help much. So she went down the other road. "Truth be told, I never understood these animals. Maybe later, you might tell me about your training? Not to pry any secrets from you, but i would like to know how anyone can grow together with them as you obviously did." Better. She was still angry, but Yukari wasn't to blame. She would have done the same to her. And she had a particular image in mind for later... for weapons training. While naturally, she wasn't going to harm the animal, each and every strike tonight would be dedicated to a particular beast.
Amiko stares at the origami as though entirely unable to comprehend what her eyes are telling her. Something in the word "hospitality" seems to have some power, however, as she flinches a little when Nagatsuna says it. "I would be honored to have tea with you, Hida-san," she says in a faint, flat voice, "but I cannot accept such a gift from one who has demonstrated his greater skill in front of... such an audience."
"I am honored and look forward to it." With a slight bow he turns and places the origami Crane on a string tied to several origami boxes at his waist. As he walks off he inwardly shakes his head, Losing the athletics competition but winning the horsemanship competition? The fates must be having a good time playing today.
Amiko stares at the origami as though entirely unable to comprehend what her eyes are telling her. Something in the word "hospitality" seems to have some power, however, as she flinches a little when Nagatsuna says it. "I would be honored to have tea with you, Hida-san," she says in a faint, flat voice, "but I cannot accept such a gift from one who has demonstrated his greater skill in front of... such an audience.""I am honored and look forward to it." With a slight bow he turns and places the origami Crane on a string tied to several origami boxes at his waist. As he walks off he inwardly shakes his head, Losing the athletics competition but winning the horsemanship competition? The fates must be having a good time playing today.
Naturally, the Crab tend to think of this ritual as silly and a waste of time, but it's likely Amiko takes it seriously. You might want to reconsider your response - or, perhaps not, depending.
Amiko stares at the origami as though entirely unable to comprehend what her eyes are telling her. Something in the word "hospitality" seems to have some power, however, as she flinches a little when Nagatsuna says it. "I would be honored to have tea with you, Hida-san," she says in a faint, flat voice, "but I cannot accept such a gift from one who has demonstrated his greater skill in front of... such an audience.""I am honored and look forward to it." With a slight bow he turns and places the origami Crane on a string tied to several origami boxes at his waist. As he walks off he inwardly shakes his head, Losing the athletics competition but winning the horsemanship competition? The fates must be having a good time playing today.** spoiler omitted **
Shisumo:
Nagatsuna conciders her response for a moment before saying, "Greater skill in this event but overall still remains to be seen. As you say, I have little doubt that your steel is sharp on the other side of a duel. This is meant as a token of respect and admiration." He holds in hand up offering the Crane once again.
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Nagatsuna conciders her response for a moment before saying, "Greater skill in this event but overall still remains to be seen. As you say, I have little doubt that your steel is sharp on the other side of a duel. This is meant as a token of respect and admiration." He holds in hand up offering the Crane once again.
The afternoon sun is fading toward evening as the contest moves back indoors once more, reconvening once again in the large central hall of the Dueling Academy. As the crowds enter and take their seats, a brief discussion occurs among the high-ranking guests near the viewing box.
The conversation done, Shikan makes his way back to the floor, and addresses the crowds again. "Our laws, customs, and honor are what define us as samurai - it is what marks our adherence to the Celestial Order, and separates us from the gaijin beyond our borders. No true samurai can claim the name without an understanding of the fundamental tenets that were laid down by the Kami themselves to guide us. Each contestant will now be asked to speak on a topic relating to the law, to proper etiquette, or to the code of bushido. I will judge their answers, and determine which contestants have shown a true understanding of what makes us Rokugani - what makes us samurai!"
Hida Nagatsuna:
How are a samurai's crimes punished?
Kakita Megumi:
What is the proper etiquette for accepting a gift?
Kuni Heihachi:
How does one deal with matters of commerce?
Matsu Ume:
How should a samurai treat those of lower classes?
Shiba Utsuro:
How does a samurai face death?
Utaku Yukari:
How does one acknowledge those of the same or superior social station?
Shiba Utsuro: How does a samurai face death?
"Hah! They ask the clan of rebirth about the significance of death! Thank you, blessed ancestors, for watching over me!"
"A Samurai's life is not his own - all his being is in service to his lord. Death is not the end of that service, but an opportunity to serve as a guide and advisor to his descendants. How could a Samurai react to an honorable death but with Courage, and accept it as part of his Duty? To do otherwise dishonors not only himself, but his lord and family as well."
Having given his answer, Utsuro bowed his head, and awaited the verdict.
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Nagatsuna conciders her response for a moment before saying, "Greater skill in this event but overall still remains to be seen. As you say, I have little doubt that your steel is sharp on the other side of a duel. This is meant as a token of respect and admiration." He holds in hand up offering the Crane once again.** spoiler omitted **
Amiko looks at the crane for a moment before shaking her head slightly. "I have not yet earned the respect and admiration it represents then, Hida-san. Perhaps after the tournament, should I manage to do well."
Nagatsuna's deep voice rumbles, "Ah, but I believe it is my respect to give and determine when it has been earned. It is a small inadequate token, I know, however I hope you will do me the honor of accepting it."
"Hah! They ask the clan of rebirth about the significance of death! Thank you, blessed ancestors, for watching over me!"
"A Samurai's life is not his own - all his being is in service to his lord. Death is not the end of that service, but an opportunity to serve as a guide and advisor to his descendants. How could a Samurai react to an honorable death but with Courage, and accept it as part of his Duty? To do otherwise dishonors not only himself, but his lord and family as well."
Having given his answer, Utsuro bowed his head, and awaited the verdict.
Shikan nods, slowly. "Well said, Shiba," he says. "To die in the service of one's lord is the highest honor a samurai can strive for."
Nagatsuna's deep voice rumbles, "Ah, but I believe it is my respect to give and determine when it has been earned. It is a small inadequate token, I know, however I hope you will do me the honor of accepting it."
Amiko slowly takes the crane and slips it inside her sleeve. "Very well, Hida-san," she says, "I will take it, against the moment I feel I have earned it." She bows to you, then moves away, her expression a mask.
Hida Nagatsuna:
How are a samurai's crimes punished?
Shisumo:
Of course he knew this......what samurai didn't know what the common crimes were and how they are punished? But those are the common punishments. Are they looking for something more specific as an answer? Just go with what you know....just go with what you know..... Nagatsuna's brow wrinkles in thought, "Samurai are given the honorable way of seppuku if a crime has been commited that warrants death........for something like robbery or even treason. Come on Nagatsuna, even peasants know that much!...... If the crime was particullarly bad than seppuku can be denied so he lives in shame.......errr, there are lesser punishments for lesser crimes....like......having to pay money........being beaten in public.......having to stay in ones home.......or having to wear cuffs to show ones shame......"and possibly, questions like THIS! Nagatsuna holds his breath awaiting the verdict.
Hida Nagatsuna:
How are a samurai's crimes punished?
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Of course he knew this......what samurai didn't know what the common crimes were and how they are punished? But those are the common punishments. Are they looking for something more specific as an answer? Just go with what you know....just go with what you know..... Nagatsuna's brow wrinkles in thought, "Samurai are given the honorable way of seppuku if a crime has been commited that warrants death........for something like robbery or even treason. Come on Nagatsuna, even peasants know that much!...... If the crime was particullarly bad than seppuku can be denied so he lives in shame.......errr, there are lesser punishments for lesser crimes....like......having to pay money........being beaten in public.......having to stay in ones home.......or having to wear cuffs to show ones shame......"and possibly, questions like THIS! Nagatsuna holds his breath awaiting the verdict.
Shikan stares at Nagatsuna for some time, before snorting and turning away. "Adequate," is his only response, but that's good enough to get Nagatsuna his point.
Shikan stares at Nagatsuna for some time, before snorting and turning away. "Adequate," is his only response, but that's good enough to get Nagatsuna his point.
Despite himself Nagatsuna visibly relaxes releasing the breath he did not even realize he was holding. Give me enemies I can face! This is worse than any oni. A bit shaken by the ordeal he walks out to get some frsh air and recenter himself in one of the gardens.
Shisumo:
The Matsu was quite fearsome to behold - not because of her prowess, but because her small frame seemed to almost burst at the seams from the fury she contained within. Contained, controlled, but not subdued. To her credit, she approached Yukari, and bowed. "You were clearly better than me. I bear you no ill will, and congratulate you." Stiff, formal, and probably not apt to improve Yukaris attitude.
Yukari dismounts from Arashi as Ume approaches, noting that the Lion does not seem best pleased (perhaps understandably). She returns the bow to the Matsu. "Thank you Ume-san. You honour me. May I congratulate you on your previous wins - you have many talents," the Utaku replies politely.
"Truth be told, I never understood these animals. Maybe later, you might tell me about your training? Not to pry any secrets from you, but i would like to know how anyone can grow together with them as you obviously did."
Yukari nods her head. Among the subjects she was happy to talk about, horses were certainly one of them. And there was plenty she could say without giving away any of the Unicorn clan secrets, although most of her training would not be among it. At the same time, however, she couldn't imagine not being brought up around horses herself. "I would certainly be pleased to discuss horsemanship with you, Ume-san. Perhaps we could talk later over some tea, once all the events are finished?" A little formal, perhaps, but Ume still seemed somewhat tense, and it perhaps rubbed off a little on the battle maiden.
Once her conversation with Ume is finished, Yukari leads Arashi back to the grooms, giving the large horse a pat and plenty of praise. After giving him a final farewell pat, the battle-maiden heads to the central hall for the last event of the day.
Perception/Investigation: 5k3 = 23
As she enters the hall the battle maiden inadvertently overcatches the conversation going on in the nearby stands. She briefly wonders why there is such an issue, before realising that the next event will be soon and she must focus. She was far less comfortable with the finer aspects of law than she was with horsemanship - she would have to concentrate now.
When it is her turn, she takes her place a little nervously, waiting what she is sure will be a difficult question for her.
Utaku Yukari:
How does one acknowledge those of the same or superior social station?
Once she receives her question, Yukari realises that she actually knows the answer to this. The shiotome considers a moment, thinking on how best to frame her answer and trying to think of anything that might catch her out. She suspects that the traditional Unicorn greeting would be the wrong answer to give here, of course. But she had been acknowledging the people she had met here for the last few days - hopefully her knowledge would be enough. After a pause, she speaks.
"One should bow to show the proper respect to someone of the same or superior social status. The more superior, the more respect should be shown and the deeper the bow. Kneeling should be done before someone who is obviously superior. People of equal social station should be addressed as -san, and people of superior station should be addressed as -sama," she says, speaking a little faster than she had intended in her rush to explain everything she had thought of. The Unicorn hoped that she had answered what the question was actually asking. She thought she had.
** spoiler omitted **
Nagatsuna shrugs to himself not seeming to care about who judges what and why.
Megumi stands with her steed a few moments until Chorotaku departs. "Good, the brute is gone." She whispers again. "Thank you for the lovely company." She eyes the horse again then departs for the next event.
As the samurai-ko enters she overhears the hushed conversation. She quickly recalls her schooling under the severe Kakita and wishes she were judged by Saburashi for this contest. He could bring out the best answer from her and finally a point could be awarded to Megumi.
When Miya Shikan asks her the question it seems too easy at first and Megumi does not know exactly how to answer. After a brief moment the words come from her mouth easily and softly.
"When a samurai is offered a gift it is proper to refuse twice. The refusals of course must be polite and clever, one would not wish to insult another for being offered a gift. Any who offer the gift once were not sincere in their presentation while denying a gift a third time is a grave insult." She stops here but wonders if it is enough, the Crane does not want to risk losing such an easy point. "The more personal a gift is the more favour shown to the recipient as well." Again she stops and begins wondering if that is enough.
Kuni Heihachi:
How does one deal with matters of commerce?
Sits in quiet contemplation for a moment thinking on the question
"Commerce has many aspects, from the value of the koku being valued at 1 bushel of rice.""True labor is performed by Heimen, while artistic labor, such as weaponsmithing, is done by samurai."
"Farming is done by peasants on their lord's land, in return for the food they eat."
"A farmer may only ask a ronin for payment for food at a farm. Though merchants may ask for payments at an inn."
Heihachi then waits for results of the test
Ume paused a moment, tried to best collect her thoughts on the answer. After the last defeat, this she just could not afford throwing away such an easy point over a matter of philosophy.
"Bushido demands that the lower classes be treated with compassion and mercy. The Samurai are their betters in many ways, and hence should not need to prove themselves by dominating those beneath them. At the same time, it is the Samurai's duty to uphold the order of things, so when the lower classes go wrong, they must be corrected as quickly as possible. Here, sternness and compassion need to be carefully weighed."
She waited for the answer, and hoped sincerely to have caught the gist of it.
Once she receives her question, Yukari realises that she actually knows the answer to this. The shiotome considers a moment, thinking on how best to frame her answer and trying to think of anything that might catch her out. She suspects that the traditional Unicorn greeting would be the wrong answer to give here, of course. But she had been acknowledging the people she had met here for the last few days - hopefully her knowledge would be enough. After a pause, she speaks.
"One should bow to show the proper respect to someone of the same or superior social status. The more superior, the more respect should be shown and the deeper the bow. Kneeling should be done before someone who is obviously superior. People of equal social station should be addressed as -san, and people of superior station should be addressed as -sama," she says, speaking a little faster than she had intended in her rush to explain everything she had thought of. The Unicorn hoped that she had answered what the question was actually asking. She thought she had.
Shikan studies the Unicorn for a moment before offering her a single nod. "That is correct, Utaku," he tells her in a voice less sharp than it might have been.