Heihachi's grapple roll (3k2+5=14)
Heihachi tries to finally pin his opponent, but at last overreaches himself; Nimoro manages to escape the pin, and turns the tables on the Kuni. Hoketsaku watches the move impassively.
Heihachi twists with the pin, swapping positions:
Heihachi twists with the pin, swapping positions:
Nimoro grunts in surprise.
Heihachi presses the maneuver
Heihachi manages to come down on top of Nimoro, and only the quickest of shifts on Nimoro's part prevent a pin immediately. Painfully aware of his father's judgmental gaze, Nimoro reaches deep within himself to try to break the Kuni's hold.
Nimoro's grapple roll with Void Point (4k4=17)
Didn't I already have Round two edge at that point? That's why I thought I'd already won...
Didn't I already have Round two edge at that point? That's why I thought I'd already won...
Heihachi draws upon his limited knowledge of Crab techniques and launches another simple maneuver.
Didn't I already have Round two edge at that point? That's why I thought I'd already won...
wait, you said I could go ahead and roll round 3 for myself, that's where I got the 26 right? Oh man I'm so confused...LoL
wait, you said I could go ahead and roll round 3 for myself, that's where I got the 26 right? Oh man I'm so confused...LoL
Heihachi manages to pin Nimoro at last, and as Hoketsaku slaps the mat to mark the victory, the whirlwind of moves within the combat seem to blur together in Heihachi's mind, becoming one single thought: he has won!
The contestants only have a short while to relax between the events, but there are other jiujutsu contests that are resolved as well. In the match between Yoritomo Kagetora and Kakita Toru, Toru is clearly outmatched by the larger and stronger Mantis, and Kagetora wins his match fairly easily. Moto Tsuto similarly outclasses Tamori Ryuko, as the smaller shugenja has obviously never spent any time developing her unarmed combat techniques. Bayushi Tenmaku and Doji Keitomaru fight a long and singularly unimpressive battle, in which Keitomaru is ultimately victorious but which serves primarily to demonstrate that neither of them really knows what they are doing in the wrestling ring, and Matsu Chigitsu wins a solid, if not overwhelming, victory over the skinny ronin Kenji.
What draws the most attention, however, is Hida Chorotaku's victory over Kakita Amiko. Not content to simply use his massive size and strength advantage over the Crane duelist, Chorotaku not only grabs and holds Amiko, but smashes in her nose with a headbutt and breaks an arm on the way to a decisive and bloody victory. Though Asahina shugenja are able to quickly treat her, using both mundane techniques and magic, so that she seems unharmed only moments after the bout is over, the crowd's reaction is one of shock and dismay. Hoketsaku is abrupt and dismissive of the Crab, and even the Emperor looks away from the match for a moment.
What draws the most attention, however, is Hida Chorotaku's victory over Kakita Amiko. Not content to simply use his massive size and strength advantage over the Crane duelist, Chorotaku not only grabs and holds Amiko, but smashes in her nose with a headbutt and breaks an arm on the way to a decisive and bloody victory. Though Asahina shugenja are able to quickly treat her, using both mundane techniques and magic, so that she seems unharmed only moments after the bout is over, the crowd's reaction is one of shock and dismay. Hoketsaku is abrupt and dismissive of the Crab, and even the Emperor looks away from the match for a moment.
Nagatsuna looks on as his clansmate acheives victory with brutality born of their constant battles against a foe uncaring of ceremony and ettiquette. These people have no heart for facing the darkness that threatens their lands and lives. They cannot stomach even the small glimpse that Chorotaku has given them. This is why a Crab must take this tournament. For anything else to take place means the baring of the empires throat to the enemy. Looking toward Chorotaku, I share your rage brother but you must also know when to unleash it. Harming those that cannot defend themselves gains you no honor.
Heihachi looks on without remorse of his clansman's brutality, The topaz champion must be strong and skilled to fight for the Emperor, though he does not relish a match with him, as his own strength's against the darkness are more mystical in nature.
Heihachi takes a moment to thank the Kami for watching over him
Ume watched the bout with some degree of interest, and shook her head. While being hard and willing to do battle was one thing, needless brutality was unbecoming to a samurai. The crab had just shown a lack of control she wouldn't have gotten away five years ago, let alone on the tournament.
It was not her place to comment, but the crowds reaction filled her with some degree of satisfaction. Even if the Crab might have scored points, he had lost some serious sympathies. Feuds had started over ruined faces with the petty cranes, after all.
Megumi prepares for her next test in the tournament by trying to clear her mind in meditation. When the young samurai learns of Amiko's match the face of the young Crane shows genuine concern. However Megumi tries to shake it off for now to try and focus on upcoming next contest.
Yukari watches the rest of the bouts quietly, trying to prepare herself for the following event. In all honesty, she didn't have much hope for the next round - scholarly pursuits had never been her strong point, and even the martial aspects of the tournament weren't going well for her so far. A niggling doubt was creeping into her mind - what if she couldn't gain her gempukku here? How would she face the dishonour?
Her doubts were almost forgotten by the match between the Crab and the Crane as it quickly descended into single-sided brutality. It seemed unnecessary force. From the looks of the Crab, he could have easily just held the Crane down. There was a time and a place for such violent actions, and Yukari didn't think this was one of them.
...Chorotaku not only grabs and holds Amiko, but smashes in her nose with a headbutt and breaks an arm on the way to a decisive and bloody victory... Hoketsaku is abrupt and dismissive of the Crab, and even the Emperor looks away from the match for a moment.
"There is a time and place for such brutality, and this tournament is neither of those," Utsuro thinks to himself. "I begin to understand why Sensei was skeptical of our alliance with them."
The next contest is the heraldry contest, and it is not a match - every contestant can earn points here. The exam proceeds as follows: each contestant will be shown 5 mons, or heraldic symbols. (See here for additional information.) These will be, in order: the mon of a Great Clan, the mon of a Great Clan family, the mon of a Minor Clan, the mon of a vassal family of a Great Clan family, and the personal mon of a well-known and respected individual samurai. (Most samurai do not actually have personal mons; being granted your own mon is a great recgonition and worth a great deal of Glory.) Each contestant much successfully identify four of the five mons presented in order to pass the exam and earn the point for this contest.
The heraldry contest is held indoors, in a large hall inside the Dueling Academy normally used for student meals. For the tournament, however, it has been converted into a tiny arena, with cushions and benches surrounding a central dais, on which you are required to stand, one by one, and face Miya Shikan. Behind him, servants with large, furled banners stand in readiness, awaiting his command to unroll the fabric and reveal the mons depicted there. Each is stitched into a huge circle, as large across as a man in tall, easily visible from anywhere in the hall.
Hida Nagatsuna:
1. TN 5
2. TN 10
3. TN 15
4. TN 20
5. TN 25
Kakita Megumi:
1. TN 5:
2. TN 10:
3. TN 15:
4. TN 20:
5. TN 25:
Kuni Heihachi:
1. TN 5:
2. TN 10:
3. TN 15:
4. TN 20:
clutching an arrowroot in its claws. The dragon's face is pointed straight up.
5. TN 25:
Matsu Ume
1. TN 5:
2. TN 10:
3. TN 15
4. TN 20
5. TN 25
Shiba Utsuro:
1. TN 5:
2. TN 10:
3. TN 15:
4. TN 20:
5. TN 25:
Utaku Yukari:
1. TN 5:
2. TN 10:
3. TN 15:
4. TN 20:
5. TN 25:
Kuni Heihachi:
1. TN 5:
** spoiler omitted **2. TN 10:
** spoiler omitted **3. TN 15:
** spoiler omitted **4. TN 20:
** spoiler omitted **5. TN 25:
** spoiler omitted **
Raw Intel Rolls 3k3:
1. TN 5:
This is the mon of the most wise Dragon Clan.
2. TN 10:
The Hiruma family of the Crab use this mon.
3. TN 15:
The pious storytellers of the Sparrow Clan wear this symbol.
4. TN 20:
1. TN 5:
This is the mon of the most wise Dragon Clan.
2. TN 10:
The Hiruma family of the Crab use this mon.
3. TN 15:
The pious storytellers of the Sparrow Clan wear this symbol.
4. TN 20:
Megumi enters the hall somewhat nervously though she attempts to hide it. She bows deeply and reverently to all the persons present. As the mons are unveiled she studies each and looks knowingly at a few. Her voice comes smoothly and easily for the first few mons but with each she slows down a little more.
"The first mon is that of the respected Unicorn clan of course, champions of horsemanship. The second is the mon of the Yogo family of the Scorpion. This third one," Here Megumi pauses briefly but more or less to draw in the crowd rather than searching her own thoughts. "Is the mon of the Monkey clan." By now Megumi has reached the end of her easy responses and slows considerably. Her voice quickly fades from the arena as she closes her eyes for a moment seemingly recalling various images and people.
Shortly, perhaps too soon, Megumi gives her final two responses. Her voice is markedly uncertain especially compared to her previous answers. After giving them it seems the young Kakita knows she didn't take enough time to consider the mons in greater detail. She seems to know she has failed to achieve a point for the heraldry portion of the tournament.
The heraldry contest is held indoors, in a large hall inside the Dueling Academy normally used for student meals. For the tournament, however, it has been converted into a tiny arena, with cushions and benches surrounding a central dais, on which you are required to stand, one by one, and face Miya Shikan. Behind him, servants with large, furled banners stand in readiness, awaiting his command to unroll the fabric and reveal the mons depicted there. Each is stitched into a huge circle, as large across as a man in tall, easily visible from anywhere in the hall.
1. TN 5
** spoiler omitted **"This one I know well for I see their ships sail along our coasts frequently. It is the Mantis Clan."
2. TN 10
** spoiler omitted **
"How does the Mountain not recognise the Mirumoto Family? For this is their crest."
3. TN 15
** spoiler omitted **
"The Tiger Clan." However anyone looking closely can see that this is a guess based off of appearance only.
4. TN 20
** spoiler omitted **
"The dark blue indicates Crab. The stakes could indicate a relation to the Kaiu." He looks mystified at the wings. looking deep inside himself he can feel the answer just out of reach.3d10.open(10)=19
5. TN 25
** spoiler omitted **
"Kakita?" 2d10.open(10)=15
Ume looked at the sigils, and began sweating. She knew these. The first was the crane clan, easy.
The second... one of the mantis families. But which? Not Yorimoto, and not Moshi either. But which had once been the wasp? Tsuruchi, she finally decided.
The third one was the first to really throw her off. A fox. The fox clan had had brown, but which side did the blasted thing curl? She could have sworn it went the other way. Besides, they had been gone for hundreds of years. She continued raking her brain
The fourth just made the knots in her stomach all that much worse. She was just about to give up and admit defeat when an idea struck her.
The last was clearly a personal chop. She had never seen it before, and while she didn't doubt the bearer to be important... there was just no chance, and would not embarass herself by making something up.
1. TN 5:
This is the mon of the most wise Dragon Clan.
2. TN 10:
The Hiruma family of the Crab use this mon.
3. TN 15:
The pious storytellers of the Sparrow Clan wear this symbol.
4. TN 20:
5. TN 25:
Reaching deep into himself, the Shiba reviewed the clues that appeared within the image he was presented with. A Crane, surely, and possibly a Kakita. The colors of the flowers would represent a tie to the kami.. possibly a shugenja? Wait.. Flowers..
"Kakita Tai," he eventually answers, but sounds unsure.
Raw Intel Rolls 3k3:
** spoiler omitted **
Heihachi correctly identifies the mon of the Scorpion Clan and the Utaku family, but cannot recognize the mons of the Ox Clan or the Chiyu vassal family of the Tamori, a family of healers who were once sevants of the Phoenix. Surprisingly, he does identify the mon of O-Doji Koneko, the Crane Clan matron - perhaps he spotted it last night as she entered town.
1. TN 5:
This is the mon of the most wise Dragon Clan.
2. TN 10:
The Hiruma family of the Crab use this mon.
3. TN 15:
The pious storytellers of the Sparrow Clan wear this symbol.
4. TN 20:
Reaching deep into himself, the Shiba reviewed the clues that appeared within the image he was presented with. A Crane, surely, and possibly a Kakita. The colors of the flowers would represent a tie to the kami.. possibly a shugenja? Wait.. Flowers..
"Kakita Tai," he eventually answers, but sounds unsure.
Though Utsuro correctly identifies the first three mons, he does not recognize the mon of the Tansaku family, vassals to the Yogo who are tasked with trying to break the Yogo family curse, nor does he realize the final mon is that of Kakita Saburashi, daimyo of the Kakita family and master sensei of the Dueling Academy.
Megumi enters the hall somewhat nervously though she attempts to hide it. She bows deeply and reverently to all the persons present. As the mons are unveiled she studies each and looks knowingly at a few. Her voice comes smoothly and easily for the first few mons but with each she slows down a little more.
"The first mon is that of the respected Unicorn clan of course, champions of horsemanship. The second is the mon of the Yogo family of the Scorpion. This third one," Here Megumi pauses briefly but more or less to draw in the crowd rather than searching her own thoughts. "Is the mon of the Monkey clan." By now Megumi has reached the end of her easy responses and slows considerably. Her voice quickly fades from the arena as she closes her eyes for a moment seemingly recalling various images and people.
Shortly, perhaps too soon, Megumi gives her final two responses. Her voice is markedly uncertain especially compared to her previous answers. After giving them it seems the young Kakita knows she didn't take enough time to consider the mons in greater detail. She seems to know she has failed to achieve a point for the heraldry portion of the tournament.
Though her first three answers are correct, Megumi guesses wrong on the last two. The fourth is that of the Seizuka family of the Akodo, renowned for their cartography. The final mon is that of Miya Shikan himself, who glares at her with such fury that her knees start to shake before giving her the correct answer in extremely sharp tones.
1. TN 5
** spoiler omitted **"This one I know well for I see their ships sail along our coasts frequently. It is the Mantis Clan."
2. TN 10
** spoiler omitted **"How does the Mountain not recognise the Mirumoto Family? For this is their crest."
3. TN 15
** spoiler omitted **"The Tiger Clan." However anyone looking closely can see that this is a guess based off of appearance only.
4. TN 20
** spoiler omitted **"The dark blue indicates Crab. The stakes could indicate a relation to the Kaiu." He looks mystified at the wings. looking deep inside himself he can feel the answer just out of reach.3d10.open(10)=19
5. TN 25
** spoiler omitted **"Kakita?" 2d10.open(10)=15
The first three answers - including the guess - are indeed accurate, but, perhaps distracted by the dark blue color of the background, Nagatsuna fails to recall the mon of the Hiramori family, vassals to the Daidoji, known for their spearwork and skill with forest traps. He also recognizes the Crane connection in the final mon, but misses the Imperial reference, and so does not realize he is seeing the mon of Toturi Hatsu, one of the Emperor's twin elder sons, fostered to the Crane for his training.
Ume looked at the sigils, and began sweating. She knew these. The first was the crane clan, easy.
The second... one of the mantis families. But which? Not Yorimoto, and not Moshi either. But which had once been the wasp? Tsuruchi, she finally decided.
The third one was the first to really throw her off. A fox. The fox clan had had brown, but which side did the blasted thing curl? She could have sworn it went the other way. Besides, they had been gone for hundreds of years. She continued raking her brain
The fourth just made the knots in her stomach all that much worse. She was just about to give up and admit defeat when an idea struck her.
After some serious contemplation, Ume recognizes the mon of the Suio family of the Ide, known as translators and record-keepers from the Unicorn's time outside the Emerald Empire.
The last was clearly a personal chop. She had never seen it before, and while she didn't doubt the bearer to be important... there was just no chance, and would not embarass herself by making something up.
Though the mon was achingly familiar, Ume could not put her finger on it - and then struggled to hide her disappointment when Shikan identified it as the mon of Toturi Kobashi, the Emperor's son, twin to Hatsu, who had fostered to the Akodo for his training.
Taking a deep breath, Yukari enters the hall when her turn is announced. Trying to calm her mind, she hopes that she might be able to recognise enough of the mons.
"That is the mon of the Lion Clan" she answers for the first. Easy enough. It would only get harder though.
For the second, she pauses for a moment before the answer comes to her. "That is the mon of the Kakita family" Harder, but she had seen before at least.
Fortunately, the third one she recognises also. "That is the mon of the Hare Clan."
The fourth was where the event started to go wrong for Yukari. Try as she might, she could not place the mon. Neither did she recognise the fifth. This round would be another failure for her.
Taking a deep breath, Yukari enters the hall when her turn is announced. Trying to calm her mind, she hopes that she might be able to recognise enough of the mons.
"That is the mon of the Lion Clan" she answers for the first. Easy enough. It would only get harder though.
For the second, she pauses for a moment before the answer comes to her. "That is the mon of the Kakita family" Harder, but she had seen before at least.
Fortunately, the third one she recognises also. "That is the mon of the Hare Clan."
The fourth was where the event started to go wrong for Yukari. Try as she might, she could not place the mon. Neither did she recognise the fifth. This round would be another failure for her.
Shikan's voice is sharp as he identifies the mon of the Shingon family, servants of the Isawa who were founded in honor of a shugenja who helped create the five Elemental Nemuranai, and the mon of the Emerald Champion and Champion of the Lion, Matsu Hoketsaku.
Though Utsuro correctly identifies the first three mons, he does not recognize the mon of the Tansaku family, vassals to the Yogo who are tasked with trying to break the Yogo family curse, nor does he realize the final mon is that of Kakita Saburashi, daimyo of the Kakita family and master sensei of the Dueling Academy.
Refusing to let his second failure discourage him, Shiba Utsuro sought out the nearest Shrine to the Thousand Kami, made an offering of incense to Goemon, and settled into a meditative trance.
He focused his mind on the truths that his Sensei had taught him: He was capable of overcoming any obstacle. He was intended for great things. He had the blessing of his ancestors. He would not fail.
The heraldry contest turns out to be a painful experience for nearly all involved. In addition to Ume, only five other contestants earn a point this round: Bayushi Tenmaku, Doji Keitomaru, Matsu Nimoro, and the two ronin, Maeda Oroko and Kenji. Hida Chorotaku, Moto Tsuto and (shockingly) Kakita Toru all do quite poorly, none able to identify more than two of the five mons presented.
The contest now breaks for lunch. The mood around the Crane contingent is rather grim, with Keitomaru receiving the lion's share (no pun intended) of attention from passersby. By contrast, the Lion seem fairly upbeat, and Ume receives a number of friendly bows or nods from ranking samurai as she eats. The rest of the contestants see little change from their positions before the tournament began, but the Crab are, if anything, even more isolated that they were before.
Lunch is lengthy, and there is an opportunity for those who eat quickly to meditate before the afternoon's competitions if they choose.
Yukari eats her lunch quietly, frustrated and disappointed with herself over the morning's events. She could have done better - she should have done better. A whole morning, and not yet a single point. She was doing a fine job indeed of honouring her clan so far.
Perhaps she was being too uptight about the competition - perhaps it was affecting her judgement and her abilities. She didn't have much practice at meditation, but perhaps if she could clear her head before the afternoon events, she might be able to do better. Heading to her room for some quiet, Yukari settles down to attempt to meditate for the rest of the lunch break.
Ume realized she had managed, somehow. She was now one of the leading competitors, equaled only by the likely winner - no way the Crane would not win the Iaijutsu contest. Yet the triumph, the hardly-contained desire to shout didn't come back to her this time.
She had managed to get by, and felt relieved - but at the same time, she realized just how lucky she had been. Hadn't the Gaijin "book" been such a huge clue, she'd never have thought of a Unicorn family.
While she was hungry, she took her time towards dinner. There was no rush, and she just didn't want to put any pressure on herself that might put her ill at ease and anxious for the later contest. She was halfway at her most important goal - earn her adulthood.
Strangely enough, she didn't really feel the need to talk, neither to the charming Bayushi, nor the Shiba she had met earlier. Both were nice enough and she wouldn't send them away if they seeked her out - yet being able to take things slowly without any rush was a blessing all of its own.
Perhaps she was being too uptight about the competition - perhaps it was affecting her judgement and her abilities. She didn't have much practice at meditation, but perhaps if she could clear her head before the afternoon events, she might be able to do better. Heading to her room for some quiet, Yukari settles down to attempt to meditate for the rest of the lunch break.
Heihachi heads to a quiet corner, puts down his tatami mat and focuses intently on the void to drop himself into a blissful trance