Ingen acts as a tour guide, pointing out many famous landmarks, restaurants, places of note, dojos, the various fields and locations where events will be held starting in two days, and a variety of random tidbits of note.
Daichi leads Ikuko after Ingen.
Kuutai attempts to blend into Ikuko's entourage as much as possible.
Ingen leads the group to an elegant looking (Konoyo 5 Stars!) three storey building gaily painted with bright colors and sporting a number of lanterns and signs. A veritable swarm of servants descends on the group to assist with any portage needs as soon as Ingen announces that Gyoshen Ikuko and her party have arrived.
Kuutai: Notice (Defining Interest (Heraldry +1) [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6+1 = 4]
Nick (Hida Sashimi): it has three storeys? so that makes it the first strip mall in the land?
Ingen: Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to my rounds, but I will leave you in the care of the hotel staff.
Ikuko: You are too kind to assist, Satsuki, see to it that nothing is misplaced in all this activity.
Ingen bows to Ikuko and group.
Satsuki: Yes, your ladyship.
Satsuki organizes places for everyone and tries to keep things under control.
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [1d6+2 = 11]
Akemi heads off to the "Culinary Arts Dojo" to pay her respects.
Ikuko: Hida I hear that there are eating contests in these festivities, surely you will don my favor and do us all the honor of competing?
Nick (Hida Sashimi): No one attempts to stab Kazuki in the back...for now
Hida Sashimi: I will do my best, Lady Ikuko
Feneril (Ikuko): compeating?
Ikuko: Streetwise {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d8+8 = 15]
TADM: Is compeating like composting, but with a different intent?
Nick (Hida Sashimi): no, that would be eating computers
Kazemi (Kazuki): competing
Feneril (Ikuko): or "come pee thing" as pronounced by a rastafarian
Nick (Hida Sashimi): No one can truly ever win an eating competiton until they eat the serving plates as well. Only way to make a truly clean plate
[w] Kazuki: oh dear. I hope I didn't end a Kagemori family...
Feneril (Ikuko): I once saw a 90 pound japanese man challenge a bear to a hotdog eating contest on Youtube.
Feneril (Ikuko): He lost, badly
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d12+8 = 14]
Hotel Servants: Is there anything you need?
Hotel Servants: Would you like hot baths prepared?
Hotel Servants: Your entourage has been given the seaward side of the second floor, allow me to show you to your rooms.
Kuutai is missing and looking at.....clothes
Hida Sashimi: Thank you. You are most kind
Ikuko: That would be lovely, thank you. And if you could prepare a schedule of the events and deliver it to Satsuki, that would be most appreciated.
Hida Sashimi: w/ Kazuki Keep a lookout for quick escape routes
Kazemi (Kazuki): ...
Nick (Hida Sashimi): if it's not failing at whispers one way, it's another
Hotel Servants: No problem we shall have that delivered at once.
Sensei: Notice checks (hearing related, so Ikuko doesn't have a penalty here!)
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [1d6+2 = 7]
Hida Sashimi: Notice [1d6 = 4]
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 4]
Ikuko: Notice {-6 Blind, -2 Unskilled} [1d4-8 = -5]
Daichi: Notice [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 4]
Nick (Hida Sashimi): brb. warrior need food badly
Sensei: The flurry of activity seems quite well organized and the entire hotel staff seems quite eager to serve. You are not sure if this is normal treatment here or if you are getting "extra special" treatment. One thing that everyone notices is that so far, there has been no mention of money/how much this costs/etc.
Kuutai emerges with colorful robes and a new mask.
Kuutai: Whee! Im a clown! What a lovely festival!
Satsuki: Well, at least he's dressed appropriately now.
Hotel Servants: At what time would you like dinner prepared?
Hotel Servants: Your horse has been stabled nearby, should you need her for anything, one of the servants can fetch her for you.
Ikuko: Akemi, see to the kitchen if you would.
Satsuki: Akemi is currently paying her respects to the Master of the Culinary Arts school, your ladyship. But I will check the kitchen.
Ikuko: Of course, thank you.
Kuutai: Is there anyone here....that could give me a run down of the events?
Hotel Servants gives Kuutai a sheet with all the events listed, and which time and day that they start.
Hotel Servants: If there are any that you would like to register for, please let me know.
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 4]
Kazemi (Kazuki): What events do we have?
Kuutai: Bah! What Primitives!
Kuutai: Have this thing.
Kuutai gives the sheet to Kazuki.
Sensei: Archery, swords, staves, spears, poetry, singing, musical instruments, eating, endurance, swimming, weight lifting, martial arts....
Hida Sashimi joins Akemi to also meet this esteemed Master
Kazuki: Swords, staves, and spears are likely things that I can do
Kazuki: Do you have Boost Trait, Kuutai?
Daichi: Not from what I've seen.
Kuutai: ....
Nick (Hida Sashimi): No, Kuutai has Boast Trait
Kuutai: What in the heavens are you speaking about?
TADM: FYI - Technically, Onmyouji are outlawed by the state.
Kuutai glares at Kazuki
Kazuki: Common Knowledge [1d6 = 4]
TADM: And this is definitely a government controlled town.
Kazuki reluctantly keeps his mouth shut
Kuutai: I do believe we should enjoy some fine kabuki...
Kuutai: Who would like to attend some peaceful entertainment?
Sensei: There are some excellent kabuki and Noh theatre troupes in town.
Kazuki: when are the events being held?
Kazuki: Or are there enough that we don't have to worry much for overlap?
Kazuki glances at his sheet
Sensei: There are plenty of events going on. The major ones have space so people can catch them all, but there is a lot of overlap for the minor events.
Kuutai: Oh come now, who would choose violence over enligtenment? There is much to be gained by a fine appreciation of drama and theatre.
Kuutai: Persuasion [1d6 = 4]
Sensei: Imagine that this is the Samurai version of the GenCon events schedule.
Kazuki: Smarts [1d6 = 17]
Quorteth (Kuutai): pwned.
Sensei: Except that all events end by 11PM and none start before 7AM.
Kazuki: C'mon! This staves event hardly has any violence anyways!
Kazuki: Persuasion [1d6 = 3]
Kuutai: Smarts [1d10 = 6]
Kuutai: Staves? Ah very well.
Kazemi (Kazuki): are those start/end times usual?
Sensei: No overnight events is pretty normal, yes.
Hida Sashimi gives my proper respects to the Master Chef
Hida Sashimi: Persuasion {+1 Etiquette} [Critical failure!] [1d6+1 = 2]
Kazuki: Is it usual to have no events overnight for these sorts of things?
Hida Sashimi is using a benny
Kazemi (Kazuki): ROFLROFLROFL
Hida Sashimi: Persuasion {+1 Etiquette} [1d6+1 = 6]
Ikuko: I think I might make some time to participate in the song events. I spend much of my childhood singing with my sisters.
Nick (Hida Sashimi): No more food-related crit fails, please!
Issiko: And horribly off-key, little sister, but it is so good to see you again.
Satsuki: Oh sheet.
Satsuki: I mean, look at this event sheet.
Issiko looks very similar to Ikuko, but with deep brown (functional) eyes and a much wider smile than you are used to seeing on Ikuko.
Issiko: Look at your entourage...so full of colorful people.
Ikuko: Issiko, it pleases me greatly to see you again!
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} (Defining Interest (Etiquette) +1) [1d12+9 = 13]
Kazemi (Kazuki): coughliecough
Issiko: Persuasion {+11 Charisma} [1d12+11 = 21]
Kuutai plays with doll-chan; 'we're going to the festival! wheee he!'
Issiko: No more than the pleasure I have in seeing you again.
Ikuko: I am surprised to see you so far south, I would have expected that you would still be in your husband's court.
Ikuko: So what brings you to Issho, sweet sister?
Issiko: Oh, he's here to conduct business with Ryo of the Michi Academy, so I decided to come with him.
Issiko: How's the homely sister's search for a man coming?
Ikuko laughs politely.
Ikuko: Many boys, few men of note. Just as it was at home.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} (Defining Interest (Etiquette) +1) [1d6+9 = 18]
Issiko: Persuasion {+11 Charisma} [1d12+11 = 22]
Ikuko: I find it hard to settle for less, as many others do.
Kuutai: Smarts (Defining Interest(Gods) +1) [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6+1 = 6]
Issiko: Well, with your looks I'm sure we can find a blind 80 year old who operates solely by touch.
Issiko: And settling...well...looks like you have put on a few pounds.
Ikuko: As long as he is rich, powerful, and wise I would be glad. I always put family first.
Satsuki dives for cover.
Issiko: As do we all.
Quorteth (Kuutai): and they called Kuutai a monster....shiver.
Issiko: Which reminds me, I took the liberty of sending someone to watch over you, have you met her yet?
Ikuko: Oh yes, she was most helpful. I'm sure she cost our father a great deal of money.
Issiko: Well, when I learned you were coming here, I took the opportunity to enter her into all of the martial competitions in the name of House Gyoshen. She and I have already agreed to donate any winnings to charity in the name of our House.
Ikuko: What a wonderful idea. I'm sure she will do a great service to our house.
Issiko: Yes, yes she will.
Issiko: I must be off, little sister. Take care of yourself. I look forward to hearing about these "men" you found.
Kuutai flexes
Issiko points at Kuutai.
Issiko: And jesters.
Kazuki rolls his eyes
Ikuko: I await our next meeting with baited breath.
Kuutai: Hey, women like a guy with a sense of humor
Issiko: I look forward to the next time I get to see you also, as our family gatherings are always so filled with happiness and joy when you are around. Perhaps you can sing some of those bawdy tavern songs you learned when you were away at "school"
Issiko leaves.
Kuutai looks at Ikuko.
Kuutai: How....do you call that family?
Satsuki gets up from the ground, surprised that the building is not in flames.
Ikuko: Blood is blood.
Kazuki: I take it she never went to school. Seems a bit bitter about it
Ikuko: And it must be that time of the month, she was especially trying today
Kuutai shrugs
Kazuki: Nah, I think she was just jealous
Kuutai: So..who wants to visit some local temples?
Kuutai: Maybe find out a bit about how these folks live?
Kuutai nudges Kazuki
Kazuki: Sure, sounds fun
Saigo: Mistress Ikuko, it seems that Lady Issiko brought several packages with her from your father. They have been placed in your room.
Ikuko: Thank you Saigo, Daichi would you bring them down.
Daichi: Of course.
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 8]
Quorteth (Kuutai): time of day
Daichi goes off to get the packages.
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [1d6+2 = 5]
Kazuki: Stealth (Inconspicuous) {+2 Thief} [1d6+2 = 9]
Quorteth (Kuutai): if both of them are gone, they gettin it ON
Sensei: It is late in the evening. The first major event of the morning is the Unagi-Wasabi-Rice Bowls competition.
Akemi: Need to help Hida work up an appetite for that!
Kuutai: Ah...I have forgotten myself in the excitement. We should stay here for the evening and not go out site-seeing at the moment.
Ikuko: Akemi, perhaps you and Hida would be so kind as to come up with a nice local dish to send to my sweet sister.
Ikuko: Something rich, irresistable, and extremely fattening.
Nick (Hida Sashimi): Deep fried butter?
Akemi: So, anything with that Doragon substance called "chocolate?"
Kazuki: What is "chocolate"?
Ikuko: Yes. That would do well.
Akemi: I believe I have some left for baking.
Akemi heads off to make something chocolate-y for Issiko.
Daichi returns to the room dragging a large crate on the ground and carrying a short tube.
Kuutai: Smarts [1d10 = 8]
Daichi: My lady, I have the packages from your father.
TADM: Kuutai is pretty sure that it is not a "do it yourself home Kikai construction kit" but the box would be fun to play in.
Quorteth (Kuutai): Where does Cacao grow?
Ikuko: Splendid. I was hoping they would reach us. Why don't you do me the honor of opening them?
Feneril (Daichi): south america primarly.
Quorteth (Kuutai): Boxes? Comes Doll-chan! To the caves!
TADM: It would be imported from a couple small islands in Doragon Mizu, where it is grown in the mostly tropical climate of the islands.
Daichi opens the tube and the box. The tube contains an ornate Wakizashi and the crate has a full set of House Gyoshen armor, complete with the rank insignia of a guard captian.
Kuutai: Ah...I see. For your champion?
Ikuko: In recognition of your long service to House Gyoshen, my father has seen fit to promote you and has rewarded you with this token of his, and my, appreciation.
Ikuko bows to Daichi.
Daichi is speachless.
Kazuki: Oooh, sparkles
Kazemi (Kazuki): Red samurai has gained a level
Satsuki (Whispers): Plus he almost removed a psychotic Void Onmyouji from the world....better luck next time.
Daichi: Thank you, my lady! Long live House Gyoshen!
Daichi darts off to the other room to change.
Feneril (Ikuko): into a fire-breathing tiger!
Sensei: Okay, the night passes peacefully, barring player induced shenanigans. So we will fast-forward to Hida's eating competition.
Feneril (Ikuko): sounds like a plan.
Quorteth (Kuutai): is bored....its like christmas and i wasnt invited.
Quorteth (Kuutai): ff
TADM: But you get the BOX to play with!
Announcer: Hello and welcome to the 10th annual unagi-wasabi-rice bowl competition!
Nick (Hida Sashimi): Or, he could re-enact christmas story with the wakizashi and stab himself in the face!
Quorteth (Kuutai): ill stab my eye out with that thing?
Nick (Hida Sashimi): daichi tells you it will sharpen your eyesight
Announcer: The contest is simple, eat as much as you can in 30 minutes. The person who eats the most, without vomiting wins!
Kuutai guffaws.
Kazemi (Kazuki): what about licking tartar sauce out of a troll doll's hair?
Announcer: So, take your assigned spots and prepare to get stuffed! Remember, this is not about speed, it is about endurance.
Kuutai: Is this chatel supposed to really stasify anything? Rice.....eels....
Akemi: Good luck!
Akemi gives Hida one of the ribbons from her hair.
Sensei: Okay, anyone other than Hida entering the competition?
Ikuko claps excitedly for Hida.
Hida Sashimi bows
Quorteth (Kuutai): Oh no.
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 12]
Feneril (Ikuko): Issiko's husband Taiki.
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6+2 = 13]
Ikuko: Notice {-6 Blind, -2 Unskilled} [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6-8 = 0]
Kazuki and Kuutai both notice that the two other competitors that they would put money on are a small girl named Fuu and a massively huge man named Taiki that takes up half a bench himself. Hida looks positively petite compared to this guy. It looks like Taiki can devour a Dokato by himself.
Announcer: Okay, is everyone ready?
Hida Sashimi: Hai!
Hida Sashimi: Intimidation [1d6 = 16]
Kazuki: Spirit [Critical failure!] [1d6 = 1]
Kazuki passes out
Announcer rings the gong.
Announcer: BEGIN!
Daichi cheers for Hida.
Fuu: Bekko!
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 15]
Campaign saved.
Announcer: Wait...I didn't see her get the first one...
Hida Sashimi: Vigor {+1 Mark} [1d8+1 = 3]
[w] Kuutai: GM looking for a bird or some other animal that could potentially disgust one of the competitors.
Hida Sashimi is using a benny
Hida Sashimi: Vigor {+1 Mark} [1d8+1 = 18]
Ikuko: You can do it Hida!
Nick (Hida Sashimi): it's a 4. i should be good
[w] -> Kuutai: You see a collection of flies.
Contestants: D6 [1d6 = 5]
Taiki: D12 [1d12 = 7]
Fuu: D8 [1d8 = 20]
Hida Sashimi: um, i'll buy a new bowl. i seem to have eaten the last one in my haste
Announcer: After the first 10 minutes, we have six contestants down and 12 remaining!
Hida Sashimi: Intimidation [1d6 = 3]
[w] Kuutai: GM can i speak language insect, and persuade them to land on food?
Akemi: That's my man! You put those bowls away!
Ikuko (to Daichi): How is he doing?
[w] -> Kuutai: The flies respond with, "FUCK THAT! We'd get eaten."
Hida Sashimi: Vigor {+1 Mark} [1d6+1 = 8]
Contestants: D6 [1d6 = 1]
Daichi (to Ikuko): Too early to say my lady, but he is still in the race.
Taiki: D12 [1d12-2 = 7]
Fuu: D8 [1d12-2 = 21]
Nick (Hida Sashimi): uh oh. i'm guessing it's 0 penalty, then -1, -2, etc?
Sensei: Okay, the randomly named "Fuu" has not rolled less than a 20 on her eating competition checks...
Sensei: I call Shenanigans.
Kuutai: Her hunger...is as ravenous as the bottomless abyss....
Kuutai: I....I am enthralled....she lets none escape.
Sensei: Actually, 0, -2, -4.
Nick (Hida Sashimi): oh. great
Hida Sashimi is using a benny
Hida Sashimi: Vigor {+1 Mark} [1d8+1 = 7]
Announcer: After 20 minutes we are down to 3 still eating! The huge man Taiki, the petite Fuu, and Hida Sashimi!
Feneril (Ikuko): nom benny.
Announcer: I have just received the following information about our contestants. It seems that Taiki is the husband of our patroness and sponsor, Lady Gyoshen Issiko. Hida is listed as a servant of Lady Gyoshen Ikuko. Other than her name, we have no information on our third contestant. But it seems that those Gyoshen women can pick out good eaters!
Akemi: That's right!
Sensei: Vigor roll for the 30 minute mark.
Taiki: D12 [1d12-4 = 9]
Hida Sashimi: Vigor {+1 Mark} [1d8+1 = 6]
Fuu: D8 [1d8-4 = 3]
Hida Sashimi: Vigor {+1 Mark} [1d8+1 = 3]
Nick (Hida Sashimi): no kidding. oh well, worth a shot
Announcer: And we have a winner!
Kazuki: Spirit [1d6 = 4]
Kazuki recovers
Announcer: The massive man Taiki has consumed an amazing 98 bowls and has just called for another!
Fuu: I'm so stuffed.
Fuu: I'm so happy!
Fuu heads off with a tall blue-clad ronin and a man bearing a strange sword.
Kuutai: Notice (Defining Interest (Heraldry +1) [1d6+1 = 5]
Announcer: Hmm...where have I seen them before...
Taiki: That was good. I'm going to have some pies to wash it down. And that chocolate thing that was delivered to us.
Quorteth (Kuutai): What sort of demon realm does that Fuu hail from?
TADM: The bottomless stomach one.
Taiki waddles over to Hida. Ikuko can feel Taiki moving through the soles of her shoes.
Taiki: You eat well! Care to join me for drinking contest?
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [1d6+2 = 7]
Hida Sashimi: No thank you. I think I have a consolation prize waiting for me that will burn off some of the calories
Hida Sashimi looks over at Akemi, and winks
Taiki nudges Hida.
Taiki: Hah! Me too!
Taiki: I just have to find her.
Ikuko stifles a laugh.
Taiki points at Ikuko.
Taiki: Oh, there she is.
Kazuki: Persuasion (Acting) {+1 Defining Interest} [1d6+1 = 5]
Kazuki coughs
Hida Sashimi: Ummm...well...best of luck to you
Hida Sashimi bows and respectfully leaves
Ikuko: How to good to see you again Gikei.
Taiki: No, I'm your husband, Taiki.
Taiki: Come, we go make babies.
Akemi goes with Hida.
Ikuko: I beg your pardon?
Nick (Hida Sashimi): Babies? Is that their version of deep fried lard? He must love his babies
Taiki: Oh, you being coy with me?
Taiki: Me like that.
Daichi steps in-between Taiki and Ikuko.
Daichi: The Lady Ikuko is not amused, nor am I.
Taiki looks confused.
Nick (Hida Sashimi): And with that, I bid you all good night. Don't TPK, unless you really deserve it
Kazuki: Aren't you married to Issiko?
Taiki: D4 [1d4 = 4]
Ikuko: And I thought I was the blind one.
Taiki looks around Daichi at Ikuko.
Taiki: Oh, I remember you. You pole dancer at bachelor party.
Taiki: My mistake.
Taiki waddles off.
Ikuko sighs.
Kazuki: Persuasion (Acting) {+1 Defining Interest} [1d6+1 = 5]
Nick (Hida Sashimi): Mike, don't pull a Nate. Tack, don't be like Mokou. Fen, if you get Akemi killed, I'll make a mini-quest to avenge her, then kill you
Ikuko (to the group): The only thing bigger than his person is the dowry he paid my father.
Kuutai: ....
Kuutai: I'm impressed this realm actually HAS people that big in it.
Sensei: I'm getting a drink, back in a minute.
Daichi: Perhaps one of us should wake Kazuki?
Daichi: He has been immobile for some time.
Daichi kicks kazuki lightly in the arm.
Feneril (Ikuko): He never un-fainted!
Feneril (Ikuko): He was talkative for a fainted guy though
Feneril (Ikuko): getting a drink as well.
Kazemi (Kazuki): Well, I tried to unfaint. I rolled a successful Spirit at the end of the contest...
Kuutai: Well, that was a pretty disgusting display of wanton consumption.
Kuutai: You can't blame the lad for not having the stomach for it.
Kazuki: Wait, did that girl get eaten?!
Kuutai: Nah, she was escorted off the premises by a random Ronin.
Kuutai: Strange, I wish she would have won.
Kuutai: Better than those two dinosaurs.
Sensei: She did eat more than Hida did.
Ikuko: I think Hida did us proud up there.
Kazuki: Awww
Kazuki: So, how'd she eat more than Hida?
Kuutai: I think...that sister of yours....is.....
Kuutai: Yes.
Kuutai: Let us enjoy the festival. =)
Ikuko: Yes, lets.
Kazuki: And who was that wierd guy who took her away?
Kazuki: Are they part of a circus?
Kuutai: I have no idea. I have never seen a person like that.
Kazuki: I imagine there's plenty of those around here at this time of year
Kazuki: What about yo--oh
Kuutai: He had nothing I could identify on.
Ikuko: perhaps they're just wearing rediculous disguises. Like the two of you.
Sensei: Okay, so what would the group like to do next?
Peasant addressing other nearby peasant.
Kuutai: I have no talents that can shine here. Up to you two.
Ikuko: Satsuki, when are they doing the singing? I think it would be grand to join in.
Peasant: Did you hear that Lady Issiko Gyoshen is donating all her winnings to the poor? Isn't that amazing? She is such a wonderful person.
Other Peasant: Oh, absolutely, I hear she even has a crippled, blinded, sister that she is supporting through life with all her hard work.
Satsuki: Over at the pavilion, I believe it is this way.
Ikuko (to peasants): I think you should both follow her noble example and join a monastery! You could do much good there, after giving up all worldly pleasures of course.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d12+8 = 17]
Kuutai: Smarts [1d6 = 10]
Peasant: Absolutely! We want to be more like Issiko! She must have nothing but infinite resevoirs of love in her heart!
Peasant runs off to join a monastery and preach the goodness of Issiko Gyoshen.
Ikuko: Do any of you know if the monks from around here take oaths of silence?
Ikuko shrugs.
Kuutai: Hrm. What nice little pawns you found.
Kazuki: Common Knowledge [1d6 = 8]
Ikuko: Satsuki, let us head to the pavilion.
Kuutai: Smarts [1d10 = 7]
Another Peasant: Nope, they are all preacher monks, who spread tales of Kesshi and Goodness through the land.
Kuutai: So, they also have an 800 number and accept donations?
Satsuki: It's almost like she came here on purpose.
Another Peasant: Probably.
Sensei: Singing competition next?
Quorteth (Kuutai): Sure
Ikuko: Streetwise {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6+8 = 15]
Feneril (Ikuko): On to the singing then!
Kazuki: I hope Chiri is here
Kuutai: I hope so too. She could always dampen chipper spirits. Oh how I miss her....
Ikuko: Don't worry, we will find you a woman one of these days.
Ikuko: Someone cruel, and heartless.
TADM: Issiko is taken.
Kazemi (Kazuki): Is Ikuko?
Kazuki: Thank you for volunteering
Quorteth (Kuutai): Oh lawd...
Feneril (Ikuko): Ikuko would be expensive
Ikuko: I doubt he could afford the sort of dowry my father would expect
TADM: At least...Ikuko THINKS she is available.
Kuutai: I was entirely platonic.
Sensei: The singing competition is soon to begin, with many contestants gathered already.
Kazuki: Ah, so it's more for marrying your father as opposed to marrying you
Sensei: Notice checks.
Kuutai: ewww...
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [1d6+2 = 18]
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 12]
Daichi: Notice [1d6 = 5]
Ikuko: Notice {-6 Blind, -2 Unskilled} [1d4-8 = -6]
Sensei: Well, everyone EXCEPT Ikuko notices that Issiko is one of the judges.
Announcer: All right, let's begin.
Contestant: D6 [1d6 = 5]
Contestant sings passably well.
Kuutai: Well...Ikuko, I have to break it to you, but....justice here will not be blind.
Issiko: Ah yes, you will have a wonderful career in Tahatan Dive Bars.
Issiko: Oh, look, my widdle sister is here to sing! Come to warble like a tsuno in heat?
Ikuko: Just having a little harmless fun. Much like your husband is.
Issiko: I, of course, must excuse myself from judging, as it would be unfair for me to sit in judgment over one so skill-less as you.
Issiko bows and leaves.
Ikuko bows.
Kuutai: ....So cold...
Announcer: All right, next!
Daichi leads Ikuko onto the stage and steps aside.
Ikuko sings a folk ballad about family, love and honor.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} (Defining Interest (Singing) +1) [1d12+9 = 20]
Crowd rises to its feet in thunderous applause.
Ikuko bows deeply.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} (Defining Interest (Etiquette) +1) [1d12+9 = 17]
Kuutai: Ouch....so....uplifting....
Announcer: And we have our winner! Lady Gyoshen Ikuko, we are truly moved and honored by your performance.
Kuutai: Must....resist......
Announcer gives Ikuko small monetary award and Green Seal to show that she won a competition.
Kuutai: Oh oh! What does the green seal do?
Kuutai: Can we exchange it at the prize booth for a friend for Doll-Chan?
Kuutai: She wants a pony!
Kazuki: did anybody else even sing?
Ikuko hands the green seal to Daichi to pin in her hair and gives the money to Satsuki.
Sensei: The Green Seal, when worn visibly, provides a small bonus to reputation.
Ikuko: Satsuki, would you be so kind as to take that to my sister. I would add my own humble contribution to her charitible efforts.
Sensei: Yes, there were about 20 contestants, I'm not going to roll for them.
Kuutai: And the great pissing contest continues!
Sensei: So, what would the group like to do now?
Kuutai: I am all for simply learning about this town, and trying to figure out why....certain incidents, transpired here.
Sensei: As you are walking along the road...
Kuutai: If you folks would like to continue in you celebra....
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 14]
Kazuki: I want to enter the stave contest!
Ikuko: Streetwise {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d8+8 = 18]
Peasant: I heard that Lady Issiko rigged the singing competition so her sister would win, just to make the poor, hapless, woman feel better.
Peasant: She even gave money to all the losers so they would not feel bitter about it.
Other Peasant nods.
Other Peasant: It must be so rough to have a useless sister like that, Issiko is truly an awesome woman.
Kuutai nudges Ikuko.
Ikuko: Do not hurt them Kuutai. They are entitled to their opinions.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d12+8 = 14]
Sensei: Stave contest it is!
Quorteth (Kuutai): I will join!
Kazuki: Do we have to bring our own staves?
Feneril (Ikuko): Ryusaki Takanobu
Sensei: Staves are provided. They don't want people to bring "illegal" staves.
Announcer: ROUND 1 - FIGHT!
Round 1
The deck has been shuffled.
Dealing cards...
Contestant: Fighting [1d6 = 3]
Contestant charges at Kazuki and swings wildly.
Contestant #2: Fighting [1d6 = 5]
Contestant #2: Bo damage [2d6 = 18]
Kazuki o.O
Contestant #2 charges at Kuutai and thumps him on the head for 18 damage.
Kazuki
Kazuki: Woah, that guy in the dirty robe just got his brain splattered
Kazuki: Smarts Trick {+2 Shadow Arts} [1d6+2 = 7]
Contestant: Smarts [1d4 = 3]
Kazemi (Kazuki): damit, Multiaction to attack as well
Contestant looks over to watch Kuutai get beat down.
Kazuki: Fighting [1d6 = 8]
Sensei: That hits
Kazemi (Kazuki): damage on staves?
Kazuki: Staff damage [2d4 = 28]
Kazuki is intentionally not killing the contestant
Kazemi (Kazuki): I would not be against juggling him, though
Contestant drops like a lead weight.
Ikuko claps.
Quorteth (Kuutai): with skills like that, they would hire you as staff!
Ikuko: Good hit Ryusaki!
Kuutai gurgles.
Ikuko (to Daichi): it was a good hit, wasn't it?
Daichi (to Ikuko): Indeed. Most brutal.
Kazuki (to the other contestant): Good hit against that tattery guy!
Announcer: Round 2! FIGHT!
Round 2
Dealing cards...
Contestant: Fighting [1d6 = 2]
Contestant swings and misses.
Kazuki
Kazuki: Agility Trick {+2 Shadow Arts} [1d6+2 = 6]
Contestant: Smarts [1d6 = 8]
Contestant ignores your silly actions.
Kazuki propels himself upward with the staff and takes a swing from above
Kazuki: Fighting (Multiaction -2) [1d6-2 = 5]
Kazuki: Staff damage [2d4 = 6]
Contestant shrugs off Kazuki's blow.
Round 3
Dealing cards...
Kazuki
Kazuki launches himself again to jump over the guy to get behind him and take a swing
Kazuki: Agility Trick+ {+2 Acrobat, +2 Shadow Arts} [1d8+4 = 11]
Contestant: Agility [1d6 = 5]
Contestant has trouble following Kazuki's fast moves and appears dazed.
Kazuki: Fighting (Multiaction -2, Dazed Enemy +2) [1d8 = 2]
Sensei: Kazuki then misses wildly.
Kazuki: Tch
Contestant: Spirit [1d6 = 4]
Round 4
Dealing cards...
Kazuki
Kazuki dives to the side as he tries to turn around and takes another swing
Kazuki: Agility Trick+ {+2 Acrobat, +2 Shadow Arts} [1d8+4 = 10]
Contestant: Agility [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 1]
Contestant falls flat on his face.
Kazuki: Fighting (Multiaction Penalty -2, Dazed Enemy +2) [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 3]
Kazuki is using a benny
Kazuki: Fighting [1d8 = 5]
Kazemi (Kazuki): THERE WE GO
Quorteth (Kuutai): Ok...now we can see what the Staff Master looks like....
Sensei: That hits
Kazuki: Staff damage [2d4 = 4]
Kazemi (Kazuki): fml
Contestant: Spirit [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 1]
Kazemi (Kazuki): New plan: Called shot limbs
Round 5
Dealing cards...
Contestant: Spirit [1d6 = 3]
Kazuki
Contestant appears to still be dazed.
Kazemi (Kazuki): has he stood up yet?
Sensei: Nope
Kazuki pegs his limbs as he tries to get up
Kazuki: Agility Trick {+2 Shadow Arts} [1d8+2 = 7]
Kazuki: Fighting [1d6 = 5]
Sensei: Are you doing both actions?
Kazemi (Kazuki): Yes. Small pegs for the former, large peg for the latter
Sensei: Because there is no need to "trick" the guy who is still shaken and prone...
Kazemi (Kazuki): ah, just fighting, then
Kazemi (Kazuki): Called Shot Limb
Sensei: All right, then you hit
Kazuki: Staff damage [2d4 = 11]
Kazuki ker-snap
Sensei: And break an appendage
Kazuki pulls back
Kazuki: Do you still wish to continue?
Announcer: ROUND THREE! FIGHT!
Round 6
Dealing cards...
Contestant: Fighting [1d8 = 7]
Contestant: Bo damage [2d8+2 = 6]
Contestant runs up and smacks Kazuki alongside the head, stunning him.
Kazuki (shaken)
Kazuki: Spirit [1d6 = 3]
Kazuki politely remains stunned
Quorteth (Kuutai): NOM BENNY!
Kazuki leaps over the contestant again, but tosses his hat down at him as he goes over. He throws a legsweep to knock him down when he lands
Kazuki: Agility Trick+ {+2 Acrobat, +2 Shadow Arts} [1d8+4 = 10]
Contestant: Agility [1d8 = 15]
Contestant sidesteps your attack.
Kazuki: Fighting (-2) [1d8-2 = 4]
Round 7
Dealing cards...
Kazuki was dealt the Black Joker! Go whenever you want this round. You also get: Joker Trait/Damage Bonus [2]
The deck has been shuffled.
Kazuki
Kazemi (Kazuki): AHAHAHAHAHA
Kazuki rushes at the contestant again and goes to leap, but instead goes for a solid, braced blow agaisnt his gut
Kazuki: Smarts Trick {+2 Shadow Arts} (Joker +2) [1d6+4 = 9]
Sensei: Smarts [1d6 = 3]
Contestant is clearly not expecting that.
Contestant is also Shaken.
Kazuki: Fighting (Joker +2, Multiaction Penalty -2, Dazed Enemy +2) [1d8+2 = 12]
Kazuki: Staff damage (Joker +2) [Raise] [3d4+2 = 11]
Contestant drops like a sack of rice.
Kazuki bows
Announcer runs up to Kazuki.
Announcer: You are amazing sir! You have made it to the final round!
Kazuki: Hoorah!
Announcer: You are...
Announcer looks suspiciously at Kazuki.
Kazuki: Ryusaki Takanobu
Kazuki bows and picks up his hat
Announcer: Ah yes, I see you name here. Well done.
Ikuko claps excitedly.
Announcer: Round FOUR! FIGHT!
Contestant: Hello...
Contestant bows.
Round 8
Dealing cards...
Campaign saved.
Contestant: Allow me to inform you of the ways in which you shall meet a horrible and ignomious end. First, I shall lay the beat down on you. Then I shall kick you a bunch, and finally, I shall spit in both your eyes.
Kazuki
Contestant (has the Prideful and Arrogant Hindrances)
Ikuko: How very rude!
Kazuki: That is hardly honorable behavior!
Contestant: So says the man with the Thief brand on his forehead.
Crowd: GASP!
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [1d6+2 = 4]
Kazuki dashes in, dives to the side and stabs at his gut
Kazuki: Agility Trick+ {+2 Acrobat, +2 Shadow Arts} (Multiaction Penalty -2) [1d8+2 = 12]
Kuutai: Notice (Defining Interest (Heraldry +1) [1d10+1 = 3]
Contestant: Agility [1d6 = 11]
Contestant is caught off guard by Kazuki's attack.
Kazuki: Fighting (Multiaction Penalty -2, Dazed Enemy +2) [1d6 = 9]
Kazuki: Staff damage [2d4 = 11]
Sensei: Smarts check from Kazuki
Kazuki: Smarts [1d6 = 5]
Contestant is using a benny
Contestant: Vigor [1d6 = 8]
Contestant ignores Kazuki's blow. Kazuki then screams in pain and drops his staff.
Contestant: Did the little man fall down?
Round 9
Dealing cards...
Kazuki (shaken)
Kazuki: Well, I thought this was a staves contest. I'm hardly a match to go up against a Void Walker who is willing to use spells
Contestant laughs.
Kazuki: Spirit [1d6 = 2]
Contestant (Whispers): Who has more to lose from being revealed, Kagemori Kazuki?
Feneril (Ikuko): Check please
Contestant called shot, head.
Contestant: Fighting [1d10-4 = 5]
Contestant misses.
Round 10
Dealing cards...
Contestant: Fighting [1d6 = 4]
Contestant misses again.
Kazuki (shaken)
Kazuki: Spirit (Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6-1 = 3]
Round 11
Dealing cards...
Contestant: Fighting [1d10 = 14]
Contestant: Bo damage (Called Shot Head +4) [2d6+4 = 14]
Kazuki: Common Knowledge [1d6 = 5]
Contestant thumps Kazuki on the head for 14 damage.
Kazuki (shaken)
Kazemi (Kazuki): Am I alive?
Sensei: Yeah, you only have 2 wounds, are shaken, have 1 level of fatigue, plus a penalty to Smarts rolls from the ringing in your ears.
Issiko: Oh sister, I thought I would find you enjoying violence like this. Although I am sure you are just here for the sounds. Oh, I see one of your underlings is fighting that nice Ikusan I met on the way here by the name of Tadashi.
Issiko waves at Tadashi.
Issiko: He said he was coming to Sorimizu to look for a violent criminal...I wouldn't be surprised if that was the kind of "man" who took your fancy.
Kazuki: I'm afraid I'll have to bow out at this point
Contestant: Then we will meet again, I'm sure.
Announcer: And there we have it!
Kazuki: Of course. I look forward to it
Announcer: Our winner is the Ikusan, Tadashi!
Kuutai facepalms.
Kazuki: Persuasion (Acting) {+1 Defining Interest} (Wound Penalty -2, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d4-2 = 8]
Issiko claps.
Kazuki looks pretty good for the damage he's taken
Kazemi (Kazuki): Unless you roll ridiculously well
Issiko walks off.
Kuutai: We....should follow that man. Come, drink this, you will feel better.
Kazuki: Don't
Ikuko: Not a bad showing Ryusaki
Sensei: Any other competitions, or narrative for a bit until someone includes player shenanigans?
Kazemi (Kazuki): I would like to enter the Healing contest
Kuutai shrugs.
Kuutai: Your decison.
Kazuki: I've only got a vague idea on why he would've let you live
Kuutai: Hrm????
Peasant walks by talking to some friends.
Kuutai: Broski - he gone stole yer green badge out from you!
Kazemi (Kazuki): lol
Peasant: Hey, did you guys see the naginata competition? Matsuda Kazuko went through the first three rounds blindfolded just to make it "fair" according to her.
Other Peasant: She's awesome, I wonder what Lady Issiko did to convince her to come here?
Kuutai: W....WHAT?
Kuutai: What did you say?
Peasant: No idea, but both of them are really amazing.
Peasant stops to look at Kuutai.
Peasant: Yes sir? Can I help you?
Kuutai: Nothing...Just excited to hear about Issiko's champions earning help for the common folk!
Kuutai: What selfless noble, she is!
Other Peasant: Oh yeah...although from what I hear, those Karasuns are born with a naginata in their hands...so I guess it makes sense.
Peasant: Yeah, don't they use it to cut their way out of their mother's womb?
Other Peasant: Err...
Kazuki: That's a bit too far
Peasant: Anyway, let's go get some sake!
Kuutai: That is a little....I just had cotton candy!
Other Peasant: Woohoo!
Peasant runs off for sake.
Kuutai: Well....There's really no appropriate contest here for me
Sensei: The competition goes into the night, as the martial arts are replaced by more artistic ones. There are free theatre performances available as well as numerous other distractions to amuse the group.
Kuutai: So....I say we look into Tadashi. Or get more information about Issiko. (Looks at Ikuko)
Ikuko: I know what she is up to.
Kuutai: Becasue I mean, while gentle, noble souls do exist....Oh really?
Kuutai: Care to share?
Ikuko: She is simply doing her duty as my sister in aiding my search for a husband.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d6+8 = 13]
Kuutai is perplexed.
Matsuda Kazuko walks up to the group.
Kuutai: Congratulations!
Kuutai bows deeply
Matsuda Kazuko: Hello old friend.
Kazuki: She is doing no such thing and you know it
Matsuda Kazuko looks at Kazuki and wonders what conversation she just walked into.
Kazuki: Ikuko accidently used her persuasion against herself
Matsuda Kazuko: I see, so you have met Issiko wandering around?
Kuutai: Yes...she seems to be enjoying herself amist the sea of activies here.
Ikuko: Of course, my sister always makes her presence known.
Peasant: Lady Matsuda! Can I have your mark?
Other Peasant: My children are huge fans of you! Is it true to stopped a Tahatan invasion by yourself?
Matsuda Kazuko: Err...I'll catch up later.
Matsuda Kazuko turns to speak with a growing swarm of peasants.
Kuutai: Hrm...
Other Peasant is clearly a little tipsy given what he said.
Kazuki: Why aren't you that popular?
Ikuko: Who, me?
Sensei: So, investigating Tadashi, investigating Issiko, or sleeping at the hotel?
Kuutai PLEASE the former
Kazuki: No, Kuutai.
Kazemi (Kazuki): I thought that was a bit...unbalanced
Kuutai: Um...People love the warrior. They can relate - chivalrous, a paragon of pedestrian virtues of honesty and servitude.
Kazuki: as opposed to...
Kuutai: No one likes.....Me, the lovable entertainer.
Kuutai: Persuasion [1d6 = 4]
Kazuki: Smarts (Wound Penalty -2, Fatigue Penalty -1) [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6-3 = 6]
Kazuki: Not even with a -3 wound penalty
Sensei: So...I have one vote for Investigating Issiko.
Quorteth (Kuutai): Please yes. Shes up to total no good and we all know it.
Kazuki: Sure, I'll vote for that too
Ikuko: Streetwise {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d8+8 = 10]
Ikuko is using a benny
Ikuko: Streetwise {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d8+8 = 21]
Kuutai: Ikuko, have you that green badge on you?
Ikuko: Of course, i'm sure it is most lovely.
Kuutai: Spellcasting [1d10 = 7]
Kuutai: May I...Study it for a moment?
Ikuko: Of course.
Kazemi (Kazuki): Boom
Ikuko hands the badge to Kuutai.
Kuutai: Notice (Defining Interest (Heraldry +1) [1d10+1 = 8]
Kuutai: Spellcasting [1d10 = 21]
Kazemi (Kazuki): the last time Tack had a badge like that, he had planted a bomb spell on it and gave it to me. When he thought I was far enough away, he had it lethally explode. What he did not realize is that I had slid it back into his own pocket before I walked away.
Kazemi (Kazuki): It killed the head of the village and almost killed both him and Nick
Sensei: It is a perfectly normal green badge with no traces of any magical shenanigans going on.
Kuutai: Awww...How mundane.
Ikuko: Streetwise {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d8+8 = 13]
Sensei: Yes, it is entirely mundane
Kuutai: I was thinking of a fantasitc plot to distribute these to only he bravest of the cities champions, only to have them become enslaved by it and then serve in some sort of horrible plot
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [1d6+2 = 6]
Kuutai Hands back the badge.
Kuutai bows
Ikuko bows and accepts the badge.
Kuutai: So....
Kuutai: Where shall we begin?
Kazuki: Who is that ogre that she's married to? They seem like a very detestable pair
Kazuki is keeping his voice low
Ikuko: The honorable Taiki Koruba.
Kazuki: Common Knowledge [1d6 = 7]
Ikuko: Knowledge (Nobility) [1d6 = 3]
Ikuko is using a benny
Ikuko: Knowledge (Nobility) [1d6 = 5]
Ikuko: He is most wealthy. A worthy match for any Tetsun noble daughter.
Kuutai: Wealth measured in body mass perhaps, but he did not seem all that bright...
Ikuko: My father is most wise himself, he does not need wisdom in his allies, only fealty.
Kuutai: ....I feel that...politics are far more vile than any oni...
Sensei: So...what is the group doing in their efforts to investigate Issiko? I'm all in favor of someone just walking up to her and triggering a Persuasion/Dominate Person check. :)
Kazuki: I'm afraid that I'm at a -3 modifier, so I would just like to find a healer and a place to rest
Kuutai: So...anyone want to investigate the site of the oni attack?
Kazemi (Kazuki): (preferably before an hour has passed, if it hasn't already)
Matsuda Kazuko walks up with a wide-brimmed straw hat on.
Matsuda Kazuko: Absolutely, old friend.
Kazemi (Kazuki): did I get my hat back after that contest?
TADM: Yes.
Kuutai: Hello lowly, un-remarkable ronin. Let us take an evening stroll.
Kazuki: Nice hat
Kuutai rushes into an alley and emerges in Classic(TM) ensemble.
Matsuda Kazuko: Absolutely, but I am scared of the dark and am grateful that you are here to accompany me.
Matsuda Kazuko stands close to Kuutai.
Kuutai: ....
Kuutai smiles.
Kuutai: You SHOULD be afraid of the dark, Mwhahahah!
Ikuko: Streetwise {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d8+8 = 14]
Kazuki: Wait, are all women scared of the dark?
Matsuda Kazuko: Oh, absolutely!
Matsuda Kazuko: It is terrifying to me.
Matsuda Kazuko: Persuasion {+2 Entertainer, +2 Geisha, +9 Charisma} [1d8+13 = 16]
Kazuki: Smarts (Wound Penalty -2, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6-3 = 8]
Kazemi (Kazuki): detect sarcasm?
Ikuko: It is known that we women-folk fear the dary terribly.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6+8 = 10]
Kazuki: Wait, you fear milk and cheese?
Kuutai: Its the gas. Its too embarassing.
Ikuko: I have a figure to maintain
Kazuki: I'm not entirely convinced
Sensei: It appears to Kazuki that this nameless, unarmed female with a straw hat is entirely afraid of the dark. However, Kazuki detects that Kazuko is not really afraid of anything.
Matsuda Kazuko: Is your ladyship enjoying the festivities?
Kazuki: Smarts (Wound Penalty -2, Fatigue Penalty -1) [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6-3 = 0]
Kazuki is confused
Ikuko: Greatly. It is such a pleasure to see my sister again after so many months.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} (Defining Interest (Etiquette) +1) [1d12+9 = 12]
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} (Wound Penalty -2, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6-1 = 1]
Matsuda Kazuko: Yes, I am sure all of your meetings with her are filled with considerable joy.
Matsuda Kazuko: Persuasion {+2 Entertainer, +2 Geisha, +9 Charisma} [1d8+13 = 17]
Kuutai: How about your meetings with her?
Matsuda Kazuko: Old friend, you should know better than to ask that question. Shall we go to the Urakami Kenjutsu Dojo?
Kuutai: Youve known me long enough to know my capacity for learning certain things....:3
Matsuda Kazuko: Indeed.
Kuutai: Sure, if that is the best course.
Matsuda Kazuko: Well, I defer to your wisdom on the best course of action. I was merely proposing something to do other than stand in the entrance of this fine hotel. A place much grander than either of us could afford.
Kuutai: Your sword seems to bring in the Koku.
Kuutai: ....Let us go.
Sensei: The group (whoever is going) arrives at the remains of the Urakami Kenjutsu Dojo without incident.
Kuutai: It is dark. Are there any who would perfer to see....un-hindered?
Feneril (Ikuko): I'll send Daichi with you guys, but Ikuko needs her beauty sleep
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} (Wound Penalty -2, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6-1 = 3]
Matsuda Kazuko looks around the burned out building.
Matsuda Kazuko: They cleaned up and disposed of the bodies.
Kuutai: No takers....Then I shall see, as our...trouble maker has.
Ikuko: w .In that case, I'm going to track down a suitable male member of the Jade Creek Court to have a chat with. And/or have Satsuki find one...
Kuutai: Spellcasting [1d10 = 8]
Kazemi (Kazuki): Beauty sleep, eh?
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 5]
Kazemi (Kazuki): Not much sleep going on there
TADM: That's what the kids are calling it now-a-days.
Ikuko: Streetwise {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d6+8 = 12]
Matsuda Kazuko: Any ideas, old friend?
Kuutai: Smarts (Defining Interest(Gods) +1) [1d10+1 = 9]
Kazemi (Kazuki): how many people are around?
Kuutai: Why....Why Urakami? Hrm...
Kazuki: Kn(Lore & Legends) {+1 Defining Interest} [1d6+1 = 8]
Kazemi (Kazuki): WOO RAISE
Sensei: No one is in the immediate area.
Kuutai: Hrm...Well I don't see anything here remarkable....
Kuutai: I don't seem to recall any grudges either...
Kuutai: HRM.
TADM: My cat just made this noise like she dislocated her hip. It was scary and comical at the same time.
Feneril (Ikuko): ouch?
Kuutai: Pulls out a book and seems if it ever mentions the Urakami, and if they did anything to offend the oni...
Quorteth (Kuutai): How? Like, was it jumping? Running?
Kuutai: Smarts (Defining Interest (Heraldry +1) [1d6+1 = 6]
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d12+8 = 13]
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d6+8 = 13]
Sensei: Kuutai notes that in the Bright Empire, the Urakami were oni hunters, it makes sense that an Oni Lord would attack here in that regard.
Kuutai: Ah...that is correct. Good Old Oni was just catching up on some revenge. Makes enough Sense.
Kuutai: But....Surely he must have left something behind....I shall investigate further.
Matsuda Kazuko: Notice {+2 Alertness, -2 Danger Sense, +4 vs. Stealth} [1d8+4 = 19]
Matsuda Kazuko: Hmm...
Kuutai: NoSkill (Unskilled -2) [1d6-2 = 8]
Kuutai rumages through the wreckage.
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} (Wound Penalty -1, Fatigue Penalty -1) [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 3]
Kazuki Idly follows after Kuutai
Sensei: Kazuko finds a scrap of clothing and hands it over to Kuutai. Kuutai looks at it for a couple minutes and looks over at Kazuki. The scrap of cloth has caked blood on it, but it almost perfectly matches the style of bandana that you have always seen Kazuki wearing.
Feneril (Ikuko): afk, bio
Kazemi (Kazuki): Wait, but I haven't always worn a bandana...
Kazemi (Kazuki): Only since we entered that forest
Kuutai: Interesting. Where did you do your shopping?
TADM: Freaky...isn't it?
Kazuki: Ikuko's wagons
Kazuki: It's about the equivalent of an aeropostale store
Kuutai: HRM
Kuutai: Ya know.
Kuutai chuckles a bit
Kuutai: Curious how you got all the way down here, before we all did.
Matsuda Kazuko: Perhaps he has been framed?
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6+2 = 5]
Kuutai: Also curious how the Oni was released at the same time we were supposedly all at the academy.
Kuutai: Im not sure you can frame yourself.
Kazuki: Well, that looks remarkably similar to the bandage that we burned in the forest
Matsuda Kazuko: Well, old friend, given that I once saw you crucify yourself, I'm pretty sure many things are possible.
Kuutai pauses for a minute.
Kazuki: Avoiding this was the entire reason for burning it, but I suppose void-flame kind of makes it more difficult
Kuutai: Yeah that sounds right.
Ikuko: Persuasion {+10 Charisma, -2 Blind} [1d12+8 = 14]
Kuutai: But....Hrm
Kazuki: My guess is that the Void magic woke something up and it used the bandage as a sort of "sacrifice" for the summoning, along with the dozen or so dead demons
Kuutai: I don't think so. Im pretty sure there is another Kazuki somewhere.
Kazuki: Oh, there is now
Kazuki: I don't think there was before we entered the forest
Matsuda Kazuko: I believe the sage may have answers for us...when we find him.
Kuutai: The void and Anoyou are distinct locations, AFAIK. Worst case I feed the bandage to the void, not to Anoyou....
Kazuki: Of course, it is entirely possible that the incident a while back resulted in a shape-shifter emerging and heading out here after me. It could have taken my form and summoned a great demon to ruin my name and trap me, so it can take my place
Matsuda Kazuko: The big question is, what would you have done to deserve it?
Kuutai: That is the going question no?
Kazuki shrugs
Kuutai: And you ask why I hang out with these guys?
Daichi: I know my life was safer before we met the two of you.
Kazuki: I thought Tadashi was behind it for a moment, but he didn't even bother to drag me back. He might be here on unrelated business.
Matsuda Kazuko: Well, I assume it has something to do with waiting to see if a horrendous beast comes along that gives you the opportunity to truly test your skills.
Kuutai: Just your life? Oh, you have much to learn of the stakes, hack and slash man. fu fu fu....
Matsuda Kazuko: Well, I need to head back and prepare for the competitions tomorrow. Good night.
Matsuda Kazuko walks off.
Kazuki: Good luck
Kuutai: Good luck!
Kuutai: Kazuki, Let me see your head
Daichi: I would be careful if I was you
Kuutai: Don't worry, you can keep it on. =)
Kazuki: What do you want with my head?
Daichi: He hasn't eaten in a while
Kazuki: He eats orphans, not heads
Daichi: Right, I forgot
Kuutai: I want to see if you have any gashes or scars that match up to this pattern.
Kazuki: what pattern?
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} (Wound Penalty -1, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6 = 8]
Kuutai shows off the bandana
Kuutai: Come on, its Scientific(TM)
Kuutai: Persuasion [1d6 = 5]
Kazuki: Smarts (Wound Penalty -1, Fatigue Penalty -1) [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6-2 = 7]
Kazuki: Nope, I've got no scars like that
Kazuki: Kn(Lore & Legends) {+1 Defining Interest} (Wound Penalty -1, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6-1 = 3]
Kazemi (Kazuki): damn fatigue
Kuutai: How do you know? Come now, don't be so protective.
Kazuki: Because it's my head?
Daichi: Actually, it is kind of hard to see your own head
Daichi: Your eyes are trapped inside it
Kuutai: HacknSlash speaks the truth.
Kazuki: Agility Trick {+2 Shadow Arts} [1d8+2 = 8]
Kazuki whips out a mirror, which spins up into the air and back down into his obi
Kazuki: I've got this science thing covered
Kuutai sighs
Kuutai: The street performers are over there. Come now.
Kazuki: Don't you count as one of those as well, puppeteer?
Kazuki smiles
Kuutai: Soon.
Kuutai: But not yet. I just want to make sure that IF we hurt whatever we find that is similar to you, you wont also suffer
Kuutai grows impatient.
Kuutai: Whatever.
Kuutai Tucks the bandage into his robes.
Kazuki: Agility Trick+ {+2 Acrobat, +2 Shadow Arts} [1d6+4 = 9]
Kazuki: Fighting [1d6 = 8]
Kazemi (Kazuki): FOR THE EMPEROR
Kazemi (Kazuki): not really
The next day, the kyujustu contest is won by a yamabushi from the Monastery of Ko, from the land of Hinote Shima.
Quorteth (Kuutai): You pitiful, blind SLAVE of that PILE OF BONES!
The last day of the competition sees Kazuko take all comers in the kenjutsu competition, using only a bokken.
Quorteth (Kuutai): cheers for Kazuko.
Kuutai cheers for Kazuko.
That evening, Issiko and her entourage head back to Tetsu Sangaku. Issiko's parting words to Ikuko involves the phrase, "My trip was very successful, how was yours?" The various merry-makers depart, people loudly cheer for Issiko and her generosity and how awesome House Gyoshen must be. Kazuko gets lots of praise. None of you see Tadashi for the rest of the competition, and everything seems peaceful.
Kuutai We shoulda killed Tadashi.
Kazuki: wasn't gonna happen
Kazuko leads the group along the path to the village of Chiisai. We will pick up next week with your entrance into the tiny village.
Feneril (Daichi): Taiki Koruba
Chat log started at 13.11.2011 / 16:55:02

Savage Worlds Ruleset for Fantasy Grounds II
(c) 2009 Pinnacle Entertainment Group.
FYI - Before trimming whispers, this session's chatlog was 1364 lines log.
FYI - After trimming whispers, this session's chatlog was 909 lines log.
TADM: And now, on a completely unrelated note:
TADM: Best random url of the week: http://www.funnyordie.com/lists/e0cb0351f6/presidential-candidates-explained-through-dungeons-and-dragons-character-sheets
TADM: And now, back to the story:
Evening comes and camp is setup for everyone. Akemi breaks out the pots and pans and begins cooking. Tents are pitched, livestock cared for, and everything settles into its normal rhythm.
During the night, everyone (Fen can choose either Ikuko or Daichi) has the same dream.
TADM: P.S. Yes, Ikuko gets the same visuals.
You find yourself standing in a vast, featureless, icy plain. There is a human-sized Raven standing before you, and nearby, Matsuda Kazuko is kneeling before him.
Raven: How is it going?
Matsuda Kazuko: Poorly, I cannot hunt Oni Lords and train them at the same time. Kuutai remembers almost nothing, Kazuki's mind is too cluttered by shadows, and the woman is useless outside of court politics.
Raven: You will find a way, you always do.
Matsuda Kazuko: Chiri was not with them, I believe the Beast has been unleashed.
Raven: What makes you say that?
Matsuda Kazuko: There was an oni summoning ritual outside Nihana, and the Urakami have been scattered following an attack by an oni lord. I believe the Beast hunts Sanmiiru as we speak.
Raven: You cannot allow the Sage to be killed. Accelerate your training. Or throw them at the Beast in their current state, if they are strong they will live.
Matsuda Kazuko: The Beast will kill them all, it would be safer for me to face it alone.
Raven: They must do it, you know this.
Matsuda Kazuko: I will do what I can.
Raven: The age of the Samurai is ending, Matsuda Kazuko might not live to see the new age, and maybe that is for the best.
Matsuda Kazuko: If my Lord commands it, I shall gladly take my life.
Raven: Then I have one last request to make of you.
There is a crack of thunder, and you awake, clutching your chest and shivering in fear.
Ikuko screams.
Feneril (Ikuko): Is the raven smoking or drinking?
TADM: Yes.
Kazuki: Smarts [Critical failure!] [1d6 = 1]
Kazemi (Kazuki): feed me whatever lies you want
TADM: (End of start of session GM monologue, feel free to go from here)
Daichi: Notice [1d6 = 5]
Kazemi (Kazuki): do I still have Fatigue?
Daichi runs into Ikuko's tent.
Kuutai: Smarts [1d6 = 11]
TADM: Yes, until I say, "It is morning."
Kazuki: Notice {+2 Alertness} (Wound Penalty -1, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6 = 4]
Daichi: What's wrong?
Ikuko: Oh, uh, nothing. I just had a frightening dream...
Ikuko: You may go back to sleep.
Hida Sashimi: Kn (Underworld) [1d6 = 5]
Daichi bows and leaves the tent somewhat bewildered.
Daichi: Smarts [1d6 = 10]
Kazuki: Hey, Daichi, what's up?
Daichi: It is nothing to be concerned about, her ladyship simply had a bad dream
Kazuki: Does that happen often?
Daichi: Not since I have been in her family's service
Kazuki: Well, I suppose she has been through quite a few traumatic things
TADM: Yes, last session Issiko was here.
Daichi: Yes, she is not accustomed to battles with Oni and other such goings on
Kuutai: Does....she actually see things in her dreams?
Feneril (Daichi): She is pretty much accustomed to battles with Issiko though...
Kazuki: Smarts (Wound Penalty -1, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6-2 = 1]
Daichi: I would not know. It is not my place to pry.
Kazuki: I can't even begin to imagine what other ways there are
Kuutai: Just curious.
Kazuki: Was Ikuko always blind?
Daichi: Yes, she was born blind. It is well known among the court.
Hida Sashimi: Wow, what a strange dream I just had
Kazuki: Ah, she probably doesn't see things when blind then. But if she did, I wonder what we'd look like...
Kazuki: Maybe we should move the party away from Ikuko's tent?
Kuutai: In Hida's nightmares, he has lost the ability to taste
Kuutai smiles
Ikuko: Notice {-6 Blind, -2 Unskilled} [1d4-8 = -5]
Kazemi (Kazuki): wait, can we see you smiling?
Kazemi (Kazuki): did you forget to put your cloak up?
TADM: It's that wax she puts in her ears to blot out Kazuki's snoring.
Kazuki: So, what were you forced to eat in your dream, Hida?
Hida Sashimi: it was weird. it involved a Raven and Kuutai's friend
Feneril (Ikuko): bow chicka bow-wow
TADM: And also in the news, the notorious gangster Pizza the Hut became trapped in his stretch limo and ate himself to death.
TADM: (I imagine that would be something similar to Hida's nightmares, eating himself.)
Kuutai: I see....HRM....
Kuutai: Spellcasting [1d10 = 6]
Kuutai: Is....this some sort of omen....
Kazuki: Wait, a giant raven? Sounds like this:
Kazuki: Persuasion (Acting) {+1 Defining Interest} (Wound Penalty -1, Fatigue Penalty -1) [1d6-1 = 4]
Kazuki (Raven): The age of Samurai is ending.
Kuutai: In that case, I suggest we leave here at sunrise.
Kazuki: That's the plan
Kazemi (Kazuki): who's the medic in Ikuko's entourage?
Kazemi (Kazuki): I feel like we should know their name
TADM: Akemi, she has a big saw and some spices. Plus she can heat pans really high and use those to cauterized stumps.
TADM: Akemi -> Civil War Medic!
Kazemi (Kazuki): I think my wounds are fine
Kazuki: Well, I'm going back to sleep
Kuutai shrugs, and returns to rest until sunrise.
Hida Sashimi gets a midnight snack, then goes back to sleep
Kazuki zzzz
It is morning.
TADM: (Kazuki, that's your cue for the Fatigue level)
Kazemi (Kazuki): YAY
Kuutai looks for Kazuko
Matsuda Kazuko: Everyone packed?
Kazuki looks for Akemi
Kazuki: What's for breakfast?
Matsuda Kazuko: Chiisai is about two hours from here.
Akemi: Umm...rice, eggs, fowl
Akemi: Oh, and I found a bunch of really large black feathers on the edge of the camp. Looks like a human-sized bird. Do you think it might have been a tengu?
Kuutai: Kazuko, have you talked to anyone particularly keen lately?
Kazuki: What?
Matsuda Kazuko: Keen? No one other than you, old friend.
Kuutai: I see.
Kazuki: No, I think it was a giant raven
Akemi: Ah, I see.
Kuutai runs off to the edge of the camp. Does it look similar to the dreamscape?
Kuutai: Notice [1d10 = 6]
Kazuki: I hear they're pretty common around Kazuko
TADM: Negative on the similarity.
Ikuko: I had a dream about a bird last night, I don't know what kind it was though. I do not know what ravens look like, but it was a frightening creature
Kuutai looks for feathers
Ikuko shutters.
Hida Sashimi: Indeed. The dream was...most intriguing
Kazuki: Wait, did you see it?
TADM: Kuutai finds no feathers.
Kazemi (Kazuki): to Ikuko
Ikuko: I suppose.
Kazuki: Is that the first time you've seen anything?
Ikuko: The first time I can remember
Akemi: I used the feathers for kindling. They were very brittle and flammable.
Kuutai looks deflated.
Akemi: Which I thought was odd....
Kuutai: you spoony chef!
Kazemi (Kazuki): note to self: set the raven on fire
Kuutai: Don't waste what could be clues!
TADM: note to self: Does Kazemi have a backup character for when he tries that?
Feneril (Ikuko): The only one Akemi spoons with is Hida...
Akemi hits Kuutai on the head with a ladle.
Akemi: It's a ladle, not a spoon. Shut up and eat your porridge.
Kazuki: Please waste whatever clues are necessary to make food
Akemi: Hey, food is the most important thing in the world!
Akemi: Without food, we all die!
Hida Sashimi comes to the defense of my woman
Kazuki: I hear the same can be said of air and water
Akemi: Don't insult my decisions, you oni-summoning murderer!
Quorteth (Kuutai): Wow. She mad.
Kazuki: Persuasion (Acting) {+1 Defining Interest} [1d4+1 = 4]
Kazuki tears up