Graded [Fallen Blossom Shrine] Falling to Rise

[gmimperfecti]

In the fields around the Shrine of the Fallen Blossom the cherry trees were finally blossoming. This year the risk of a cold snap had nearly killed the blossoms before they could be enjoyed, which would have made the Cherry Blossom Festival next week impossible to have. It was said to be bad luck to celebrate the blossoms after they had fallen. Many outsiders including members of the local Tangu and Tuskar clans were arriving by the hour for the festival.

Of course secular and economic concerns should not be on the minds of the Fallen Spears, charged with protecting the Shrine and one of the most powerful unit of Samurai the Koyake Clan had to call upon. After the death of Ronginusu no Yari who was the inheritor of the Absolute Terror Field, none possessed the supreme insight into the spear to inherit his full teachings. Thus the clan had fallen and the Fallen Spears were born.

The field was filled with the natural born initiates of the Fallen Spears, those who sought to gain prestige and privilege through service to the clan by wielding the spear. In addition to the many initiates of the spear, there was one of the true Samurai, The Fifth Spear Kiryoku. Known for both as a second dan of the Fallen Spear as well as a first dan of the Drunken Claw, Kiroyku was surveying those standing before him. He frowned and shook his head, taking a long drink of saki. “Pathetic all of you!”

Kiroyku eyes narrowed, one claw extending towards Daisuke, a huge brute more bear than tanuki. Daisuke gripped his spear, that was comically small small In his hands, and bowed low to Kiroyku.

Kiroyku ignored Daisuke and inspected the others assembled. “Koyake!” Kiroyku took another long pull from his saki jug, and gestured. ”Teach the slob why he is so pathetic, do not shame me.”

Kiroyku gestured for the pair to take to an opening in the field. Daisuke sighed, biting his lip, gulping, and then shambled off towards the area for sparing. He waited for Koyake, gripping the bamboo spear in his massive paws. “Take it easy on me,” he whispered so low only Koyake could hear.

OOC
Mentions: Yukan Koyake, TheTimePiece .
Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).

Spoiler: “Overall Scene Difficulty”

G (3-5 effectiveness to succeed over 2-3 rounds). Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. Some tech cores cost and require an extra action to use, so keep that in mind.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Yukan also gripped his training spear, Yukan also bowed towards the samurai class clan member, tapping into his Republic of Kurdian Etiquette F as he took a composed bow towards him.

Kiryoku’s scowl softened for a moment, and he raised his spear in acknowledgement. “See that you mangy Vagabonds?” Kiryoku’s hatred filled gaze scanned the ground of initiatives and hopefuls. No one could become a true Fallen Spear until their spear felled an enemy while lifting up the Clan in the process. In later years it had become almost a staged pantomime of the harsh requirements during Ronginusu no Yari’s era.

Daisuke realized his error and tried in vain to mimic Yukan’s display of etiquette to their sensei. It was too late. Even though none of the other initiates would stoop to mockery before one of the Numbered Spears, there were some minor heads hakes and wrinkled noises. Kiryoku was quick to correct those that did show their disgust with a smack of his spear, but the damage was done.

Kiryoku gestured with his spear, commenting even as he watched Yukan and Daisuke take their stances. “The battle is not won on the battle field, you idiots!” He smacked another of those that had scowled at Daisuke to make his point. “Every moment is a battle, each breath an opportunity for your opponent!”

To Yukan’s further credit, he didn't say a word but kept a solemn serious look on his face and an at ease stance as the higher ranking member within the clan addressed them. He then made his way out into the field and assumed a stance that suggested he was ready to fight, trying to hold the spear like he had been shown on prior occasions to the best of his ability.

Upon hearing Daisuke tell him to go easy on him, he didn't give him a verbal answer, instead he gave him a bow, before their sparing match.

The silent bow did further damage to Daisuke. Each bow was like a blow, the second one making Daisuke flinch then growl in rage. Daisuke growled more like a bear than a proper Tunaki, which was to be expected from one of the branch family’s who often tried to breed with other low families if no suitable match could be found within the Clan.

Yukan moved into striking range of Daisuke with his spear. He kept his stance active. Then when the moment was perfect, right as Daisuke’s moment shifted to charge, Yukan struck the large one in the chest swiftly, going on the offensive. Daisuke was massive with a body built to take punishment; however, his spirit was broken. Yukan’s direct attack blunted Daisuke’s attempted charge.

What did Daisuke in was not a follow-up of Yukan’s spear. It was the arrow the hit him from the nearby copse of trees! Daisuke grunted and fell down as an arrow struck his knee. However another arrow followed the first coming right for Yukan!

A third arrow veered towards Kiryoku, who casually blocked it with his jug of saki. Jug already half lifted, he took another chug and bellowed out a laugh. “Whiteclaw, impeccable timing!” Gesturing to the other initiates to hammer his point home again. “Every moment is a battle, each breath an opportunity for your opponent!”

OOC
Mentions:
* gmimperfecti
* Yukan Koyake, TheTimePiece .
* Elder Oden

Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).

Combat Resolution

Spoiler: “Round 1 Social Attack”

* Koyake - Etiquette Effectiveness 6 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette F 1 + Social Stunt 1 + TeamUp Kiryoku 1 )
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.

Spoiler: “ Round 2 Spear Spar Attack”

* Koyake - Spear Offense Effectiveness 3 (Str E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Teamup Longclaw 1)
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str F 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!

* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!

Round 3 Whiteclaw’s Attack
Player may respond to opponents attack with any or all of the 3 actions in Round 3 from opponent’s attack in Round 2!

Spoiler: “Overall Scene Difficulty”

E+ (4-6 effectiveness to succeed over 2 rounds). Combat continues! We will be doing three actions per round. Opponent attacks are resolved during subsequent round. You have Basic Attack (Grade G; Effectiveness 4) and Basic Defense (Grade G; Effectiveness 4), so keep that in mind.

Mentions:

 

[gmimperfecti]

While Yukan looked a bit surprised he quickly saw the arrow coming right for him! He acted quickly and used Basic Speed Dodge.

As Yukan rolled out of the path of the arrow, the arrow caught the back of his leg. It was a training arrow, so beyond a bruise he was unaffected by it. He kept his eyes focused on his opponent in the trees, keeping his spear in a defensive stance.

With his next words he spoke out to everyone trying to invoke Leadership F in his words. "You all heard our most honorable Fifth Spear, we have a hostile in our midsts! Protecting the Fifth and our injured brethern while stopping the intruder are of great priority! Those of you on the sidelines take your Yari, and get into a semi circle formation facing the trees, move quickly to lessen the chance of getting hit!" He'd call out to them.

A clan is a large family comprised of the main bloodlines, branch families, blood alliances, and retainers. While Yukan was associated with the clan, so were others. Of the twenty-five initiates of the spear, three were close to either Yukan and two Daisuke. These five were the first to move even before Yukan had finished his speech. They rushed forward, waiving their Yari to ward off arrows from the trees.

"If there aren't any more hostiles around us-“

Another three arrows screeched through the air; however, with all five on full defense the arrows weren’t able to hurt anyone. The first volley of arrows were followed by three more, pushing the squad of 5‘s skill and cohesion!

Some of us should stay back just incase to make sure no harm comes to either the injured or the Fifth." He called out. Yukan then moved in front of Daisuke, in the center, where if the others were so inclined they could listen to him if they desired.

Daisuke was on the ground, panting from the multiple attacks he’d sustained. They would leave massive bruises but no lasting damage, in another few minutes he’d be able to walk again, but the shame of wallowing in the mud had twisted Daisuke’s face, making him look more like a sad panda than a fierce bear he was usually known for. Yukan was like the light of sun after the darkest day. As Yukan approached with the unit of 5 spears, Daisuke smiled and tried to push himself back up to standing. He leaned on his spear, swaying as he did so.

“Ha!“ Tadakatsu, a well liked, pureblood from the 3rd branch family of the clan. “Raise your spears!” Tadakatsu looked towards the trees. “And let’s give the enemy hell!” Five other initiates followed his lead.

Not to be outdone by either Yukan or Tadakatsu, Masanori, a pure blood scion nephew to the clan leader also raised his voice to take command of several Tanuki friendly to him. Snapping his finger, Masanori said, “Come, bonuses for each yield or kill.” The remaining five initiates followed after.

As the two squads rushed over towards the trees, three more arrows rained down! The squad cohesion under Masanori was weak and one of his minions went down.

Even though Tadakatsu’s squad had to fend off two arrows, they remained cohesive and pressed on, reaching the copse of trees just ahead of Masanori’s squad.

Kiryoku pounded his spear in the ground. “You aren’t useless after all!”

“Haha!” Whiteclaw called from within the trees, “Let’s see how many of your hatchlings we can fell.” Whiteclaw and at least two other archers remained safely within the clump of trees at least 30 feet up. “Come little ones, come and fall beneath our arrows!”

OOC
Mentions:

• The Narrator - gmimperfecti
• Yukan Koyake, TheTimePiece . HP 2/2
  • NPC Companion F - Daisuke, Koyake Initiate (Melee Spear E2, Shamed, Hurt); HP 1/3
  • NPC Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 5/5
• NPC Mentor Fifth Spear Kiryoku.
  • Second dan of the Fallen Spear [C-]
  • First dan of the Drunken Claw [D]
• NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E3, Leadership F, Associate F, Martial Leader) HP 3/3
  • NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 5/5
• NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F2, Wealth F, Associate E, Wealthy Scion) HP 2/2
  • NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5
• NPC Opponent Whiteclaw (Archer E4) HP 3/3
  • NPC Opponent 2 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
  • NPC Opponent 3 - Archer E3, HP 2/2

Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).

• We will treat each minion squad as a single “unit” using their Team-up Effectiveness of 6 and HP of 5.

Combat Resolution

Spoiler: “Round 3 Whiteclaw’s Attack”

1. Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack R2.3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
2. Yukan’s Basic Speed Dodge R3.1 - Effectiveness 4 (Str E 2 + Armor E 2 + Ability G 0 )
   1. Resolution: Whiteclaw and Yukan tie!
3. Yukan’s Leadership F R3.2 - Effectiveness 4 (Grade F 1 + Leadership F 1 + Clan Associate F + Situation F )
   • Resolution: Gain temporary Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
     • Defending Daisuke with Yukan. These five are loyal.
   • Resolution: Gain temporary Minions E - Rabble Army of 10x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
     • Rushing forward to overwhelm archers in trees. You retain loose, operational command if you don’t push your luck.
     • NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E5, Leadership F, Associate F)
       • NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F4).
     • NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F4, Associate E, Wealth F)
       • NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F4).

Player may respond to opponents attack with any or all of the 3 actions in Round 3 from opponent’s attack in Round 2!

Spoiler: “Overall Scene Difficulty”

E+ (4-6 effectiveness to succeed over 2 rounds). Combat continues! We will be doing three actions per round. Opponent attacks are resolved during subsequent round. You have Basic Attack (Grade G; Effectiveness 4) and Basic Defense (Grade G; Effectiveness 4), so keep that in mind.

Spoiler: “Round 1 Social Attack”

* Koyake - Etiquette Effectiveness 6 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette F 1 + Social Stunt 1 + TeamUp Kiryoku 1 )
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.

Spoiler: “ Round 2 Spear Spar Attack”

* Koyake - Spear Offense Effectiveness 3 (Str F 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Teamup Longclaw 1)
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str E 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!

* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!

Mentions:
Yukan Koyake, TheTimePiece

 

[gmimperfecti]

Even as he moved quickly out of the way an arrow seemed to hit but it didn't leave an impact unlike the one that had fell Daisuke, the good news was Yukan was pleased to see that some of them had come over to assume the defensive stance near Daisuke with him. Wanting to keep his Leadership F going. Since so many of them ran ahead to fight Yukan was not going to charge ahead instead he would stay back and protect the Fifth and literally fallen with those nearest to him.

"Try to surround the enemy!, When you get close move as a cohesive unit so you can defend each other while you advance!"

Although Tadakatsu bristled at the orders, they were never the less sound in nature. Plus there was the momentum of the situation to speak nothing of not wanting to lose face or be called a coward. “Acknowledged,” Tadakatsu spat out and continued to exert his own leadership to keep up unit cohesion. Three more arrows rained down on them, but the unit managed to defend against them without taking noticeable damage.

Masanori was another matter. He wasn’t a leader so much as he had clout and wealth to throw around. His offered bounty incentivized his unit to act more individualistic and the three arrows picked through their mismatched defense. “This!” Masanori swore. “We need reinforcements.“ Furthermore he had his unit lag behind so that they could use Tadakatsu’s unit for cover.

Seeing this, Tadakatsu tried to shake him loose and opened themselves up for another round of arrows. This time around they pierced one of the initiates in the leg and head, dazing them, slowing down the unit.

Furthermore, by the time the two units arrived around the trees they had another problem! Yari were not designed for throwing and because this was a practice session everyone was only equipped in their personal armor and the practice spears. Meanwhile, Whiteclaw and his clutch hooted in the trees, jumping from tree to tree and firing down upon the two units. Whiteclaw shouted out more taunts, which only infuriated Masanori.

He would try his luck even if it was less certain than those who had gravitated towards him. He'd continue out to those who were charging forwards. "Do not loose your resolve, showing your backs to the enemy is not an option!" he'd call out once more to try to appeal to their sense of honor and 'manliness' so to speak. He held confidence that some of the more competent ones down there could supplement command from that point.

It helped to hear their field commanders exhortations. None of them wanted to show their back and they all brandished their spears but Whiteclaw and the other archers were thirty feet up amongst the branches of the trees. With the approach of fall, the leaves had turned to bright red and oranges, some had even fallen thinning out the camouflage. Even without the cover, the archers were out of the reach of the Yari.

He'd notice Daisuke as he got up, "When you've managed to shake that off well enough to move, we should move with you back towards the Fifth. Us joining the fray will only leave our back flank exposed, protecting our flank is of utmost importance." He reasoned this way they'd be able to better protect the Fifth too if enemies suddenly came from the other side Since The Fifth was a samurai he was part of a military noble class, putting his life of higher value as well as far as Yukan was concerned, being able to kill three birds with one stone so to speak was the best option in his mind.

Daisuke grunted, lowering his head. “I am ready.” He grimaced and leaned heavily upon his spear, but he hobbled along with the group. Daisuke’s armor was not so fancy as Yukan’s. There wa a dent where Yukan’s practice spear struck his chest and another where the practice arrow had hit.

The unit formed up and follows Yukan’s instructions, making their way towards the Fifth was fifteen feet away. Another arrow harassed them, but most of the remaining arrows falling from the trees were now shot downward into the two squads. The two squads, the trees, and the archers were all 45 feet away. No more arrows came towards Yukan’s group.

"We shall move in a defensive semi circle facing outwards simultaneously." The reason he picked this was because it meant that some of them would have their eyes on the front and sides so the two on the ends of the circle opening could quickly turn the other way and spot enemies coming from their flank. After waiting for them to get into position, he started to move back towards the Fifth. Assuming that they would follow, with his spear ready to try to block any incoming arrows.

A circle of spears formed up around the Fifth, who oddly made no comments. He silently sipped at the jug of saki, grunting occasionally as his dark eyes flickered around the battle field. As he paused to lift his jug up to his lips once more, six arrows at close range streaked towards him. Fortunately Yukan, Daisuke, and the five spears had formed up a circular formation. From the other direction, while most of the attention had been on Whiteclaw and the archers in the trees, two Tengu had crept unnoticed towards the Fifth’s position. They used short bows and poisoned arrows. The poison was only an irritant instead of being lethal, contact left behind sticky sap that itched fiercely. Two of the Koyake Initiates got hit, but the other four arrows were deflected.

The pair of Tengu shadow assassins dropped their short bows, switching to daggers and throwing knives as they closed in range.

“Not bad,” Kiryoku said, taking another swig of saki. “Not great either.” He sighed, looking at the assassins. “Only two, really?” He compressed his lips and shook his head. “Such indignity, they better not touch me initiates. You can do at least that much, can’t you?”

OOC
Mentions:

• The Narrator - gmimperfecti
• Yukan Koyake, TheTimePiece . HP 2/2
  • NPC Companion F - Daisuke, Koyake Initiate (Melee Spear E2, Shamed, Hurt); HP 1/3
  • NPC Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5 [Irritated]
• NPC Mentor Fifth Spear Kiryoku.
  • Second dan of the Fallen Spear [C-]
  • First dan of the Drunken Claw [D]
• NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E3, Leadership F, Associate F, Martial Leader) HP 3/3
  • NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 4/5
• NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F2, Wealth F, Associate E, Wealthy Scion) HP 2/2
  • NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F2, Team-up 6). HP 2/5
• NPC Opponent Whiteclaw (Archer E4) HP 3/3
  • NPC Opponent 2 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
  • NPC Opponent 3 - Archer E3, HP 2/2
  • NPC Opponent 4 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1
  • NPC Opponent 5 - Tengu Assassin E5, HP 1/1

Notes: Combat has begun; we will be doing three actions per round. That’s attack, defend, or move (30’) actions which can be taken in any order and they can be combo’ed (move, 2x attack). Combos add +1 effectiveness (e.g. 2x attack both with effectiveness 3 results a combined effectiveness of 4).

• We will treat each minion squad as a single “unit” using their Team-up Effectiveness of 6 and HP of 5.

Combat Resolution

Spoiler: “Round 4 & 5 Moving and Ambush”

1. Whiteclaw’s Unit Basic Attack. 9 arrows per round, Effectiveness 4
   1. Resolution: Whiteclaw does some damage!
   2. NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu Unit for 1HP (Remaining HP 4/5)
   3. NPC Rival E - Masanori Unit for 2HP (Remaining HP 2/5)
2. Tengu Assassins 2x barrage of 6 irritating arrows
   1. Yukan’s Unit takes 1 damage,
   2. Yukan’s Unit is poisoned! It gains temporary Title Irritated, -1 distracted.
3. Yukan’s Leadership F
   • Resolution: All three units are still responding to Yukan’s commands. However, unit cohesion is dropping amongst Tadakatsu and Masanori’s units.

Player may respond to opponents attack with any or all of the 3 actions in Round 3 from opponent’s attack in Round 2!

Spoiler: “Overall Scene Difficulty”

E+ (4-6 effectiveness to succeed over 2 rounds). Combat continues! We will be doing three actions per round. Opponent attacks are resolved during subsequent round. You have Basic Attack (Grade G; Effectiveness 4) and Basic Defense (Grade G; Effectiveness 4), so keep that in mind.

Spoiler: “Round 1 Social Attack”

* Koyake - Etiquette Effectiveness 6 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette F 1 + Social Stunt 1 + TeamUp Kiryoku 1 )
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Grade E 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Etiquette G 0)
* Resolution: Daisuke gains Title: Shamed for the Story! -1 to all actions in public.

Spoiler: “ Round 2 Spear Spar Attack”

* Koyake - Spear Offense Effectiveness 3 (Str F 2 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Teamup Longclaw 1)
* Daisuke - Etiquette Effectiveness 2 (Str E 3 + Training Spear G 0 + Ability G 0 + Shame -1)
* Whiteclaw’s attack action 2 - Team-up with Koyake’s attack (+1 Effectiveness).
* Resolution: Daisuke is defeated!

* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 2 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack action 3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
* Kiryoku’s Basic Defense action 1 - Effectiveness 8 (Speed C 4 + Saki Jug F 2 + Ability E 2)
* Resolution 1: Deferred to Round 3 based on Koyake’s actions!
* Resolution 2: Whiteclaw’s BA3 blocked by Kiryoku’s BD1!

Spoiler: “Round 3 Whiteclaw’s Attack”

1. Whiteclaw’s Basic Attack R2.3 - Effectiveness 4 (Precision E 2 + Training Bow G 0 + Ability E 2)
2. Yukan’s Basic Speed Dodge R3.1 - Effectiveness 4 (Str E 2 + Armor E 2 + Ability G 0 )
   1. Resolution: Whiteclaw and Yukan tie!
3. Yukan’s Leadership F R3.2 - Effectiveness 4 (Grade F 1 + Leadership F 1 + Clan Associate F + Situation F )
   • Resolution: Gain temporary Minions F - 5x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
     • Defending Daisuke with Yukan. These five are loyal.
   • Resolution: Gain temporary Minions E - Rabble Army of 10x Koyake Initiates (Melee Spear E4).
     • Rushing forward to overwhelm archers in trees. You retain loose, operational command if you don’t push your luck.
     • NPC Rival E - Tadakatsu (Melee Spear E5, Leadership F, Associate F)
       • NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F4).
     • NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F4, Associate E, Wealth F)
       • NPC Minions E - 5x Rabble Army (Melee Spear F4).

 

[gmimperfecti]

"Yes, Fifth Spear." He straightened himself back up after he was fully on his way out. Yukan then took another drink of the sake, feeling the slight warm almost pleasant 'burning' sensation in his mouth and throat, helping to ease his nerves some. He then turned at attention towards Whiteclaw, ready for the briefing.

Whiteclaw looked at Yukan and let the silence spread out. Around the group on the distant hillocks were a smattering of onlookers. It wasn’t uncommon for early arrivals and different factions within the allied clans to keep tabs on the training drills, especially larger ones like this one.

Whiteclaw shrugged, “Very well. As the season cools and the cherry blossoms begin to fall, the Hill Toads prepare for hibernation. During the next two weeks they slow down and their senses dull. Plus they have fattened up for the winter. The fat is used for everything from lateen fuel to seasoning for ramen. Plus their meat is fatty and tender. Their organs have value to different organizations and factions. The Daimyo uses this as an opportunity to show off new talent. Each of the Five Spears’
selects a group of initiates with a commander to represent the Spear’s Sonae lead by one of their Yari-gumi initiates.”

“Only five units are allowed, and the Fifth choose three units of Yari-gumi, one Yumi-gumi, my unit, and the fifth unit is Konida. Fifth convinced the Shrine to assign a Shrinemaiden to lead the Komodo plus I heard a mage pulled some strings and four others for transport logistics.”

Whiteclaw shrugged. “My unit has spent the last few days scouting. We could use a few hours to rest and eat. It’s two days journey to the Hill Toad we found and four back, that only gives us a few days to hunt it if we want to return before the end of the festival when the Spears and others who sent parties out will display their spoils to the Daimyou.”

“I’ll gather the Komodo logistical troops. Father has already invested tremendously in this expedition,” Masanori said. “Do you have any other equipment you want for the expedition, father will loan out a modest amount.”

At this point all the spears had fallen in around the four leaders listening intently to everything going. It’s not that what Whiteclaw said was unknown but few had heard it out together and none here had ever participated in such a hunt. Hill Toads were a prestigious trophy and a terrible calamity when they were berserk during mating season in the spring.

“I can form up the squads and run them through some drills,” Tadakatsu said.

While these were all helpful suggestions with their own agenda behind them, ultimate decision making fell upon Yukan. It was clear the Shrinemaiden would need a suitable escort and only Yukan could lead that there was certainly much to do and little time to do it. Every hour meant less time to hunt or worse being forced to act in haste when on the expedition.

OOC: Yukan and Alfis can post here. Then when your ready head to the shrine.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Gyoubu smiled, ignoring the kitsune next to her and continued to plead her case. “At least let the commander decide, Longfeather.” She paused, her smile brightening as she used her etiquette against her new rival. She had no idea where the hideous fox had come from, but she would not allow him to shame her so! “I passed on three other parties, because you promised me Yukan would lead this one and I could have it! I want him!” She licked her lips.

The three were alone within the inner sanctum of the shrine. For some reason since the fox had appeared Longfeather had taken all audiences in his seat of power. It was all so suspicious.

“I have blood right, there’s no way you can deny that! And I’m an actual Shrine Maiden. It is not!” She glared at the fox.

Longfeather sighed. “Yukan was chosen. The Fifth did as such and Masanori humiliated twice over according to the Fifth. This covers the debt owed and promises made, no matter how connected your family they do not rise higher than the Fifth, yes?”

Gyoubu smiled, “Yukan will pick me over it.” She didn’t even look at the kitsune Seikatsu Mitsunari.



Mitsunari certain had some challenges before him and this would be his least. How hard could it be to convince a juvenile Tenuki male to pick an kitsune over a fertile Tenuki Shrinemaiden? And judging by her pheromones she was about to get into heat. Gyoubu was a promising priestess and one well connected with family ties to the ruling Clan Elders.

Here in the seat of his power in the heart of the Shrine of Fallen Blossoms Longfeather’s power was enhanced considerably. There were mysteries about the Shrines and their powers to unravel. They were the key to the Daimyou maintaining power. Each Shrine Guardian held tremendous clout within the Daimyou’s court. It was even rumored they would reincarnate if killed, or then could regenerate or their magical powers were a grade stronger. So much to figure out and only two weeks to do it.



Longfeather watched Mitsunari with the wide black opening and inner sanctum’s heart architecture channeling the local lay lines and giving authority over to the Shrine Guardian.

 

[gmimperfecti]

The Setup

Setting: Five Thousand Peony Blossoms, the Masanori Geisha House

• Locations:The Republic, The Nara no Nox Shogunate, The Koyake Clan‘s --> Masanori Domain
  • The Koyake are one of the three founding families of the Nara no Nox Shogunate, owning one of the largest rice territory blessed by the Shrine of the Fallen Blossom.
  • The Masanori’s are one of the top tier branch families that have established themselves well over the ensuing centuries. They have at least one well known elder and have consistently reached high standing within the military, shrines, and shogunate’s bureaucracy.
    • They specialize in logistics, which is considerably more honorable and regarded higher than mere merchants. As a result they are both well connected and wealthy.
• Time of Day: 11:30 AM, Day 1 Monday, 11 days until the Cherry Blossom Festival commences.
• Weather: Crisp autumn air with a chill breeze ushers in the Cherry Blossoms. Today is clear, cerulean skies.
• Goals: (1) Get a favorable contract for support (Success=named asset, failure=some coins below Grade F), (2) Get to know each other and relax before the coming trek, (3) Survive the night.

Five Thousand Peony Blossoms, the Masanori Geisha House, was situated near the Shrine of Fallen Blossom, downstream and along a meandering path to give it a sense of solemn privacy. As far as taverns, inns, and upscale establishments go, the place was nice. It offered many rooms of private tea ceremonies, geisha companionship, and elaborate meals. There were several courtyards that the rooms circled. Given the option for solitude or adhoc meetings amongst those in the other rooms.

Masanori Tashigoto introduced everyone to several different members of his family in short, formal declarations, bowing, and introductions. There was some curiosity amongst the different collection of cousins, blood allies, and connected servants all whom were secondary members of the Masanori clan. As far as founding families go, the Masanori Clan was in the top strata connected to the current Shogun through several pure blood relations. Tashigoto himself was a recognized nephew of the shogun through his mother’s side. Albeit his mother was the sixteenth in line for succession before marrying into the Masanori clan. His father was well positioned, a renowned Master Logistician and a three-dan Igo master. Which is to say many people fawned over Masanori Tashigoto, gave him undeserved complements about today’s war game and even wished him success on the upcoming hunt.

By extension, everyone in the logistics unit had a halo of goodwill extended towards them. At least in public, everyone wanted nothing but continued success and glory for Tashigoto. None of Tashigoto’s direct siblings were at the Geisha House, but there was five of the family’s personal Samurai. As a casual establishment, the Samurai largely enjoyed themselves. They patrolled casually in pairs with one always in the private room closest to the entrance. The other two sets of pairs would wander around, socialize, and trade glasses of saki.



Masanori Tashigoto brought the group to a private room near the middle around the largest of the three courtyards. In the center of the courtyard was three cherry blossom trees and many pink colored lanterns. A pair of Geisha played soft melodies and sang traditional songs. One was a Tenuki and the other a Tengu, both were attractive with beautiful voices and limber fingers.

“This way please my companions,” Masanori gestured towards the open doors ahead. Within the room was just finished being prepared for a tea ceremony. “Let us enjoy some warm Jade Blooming Tea and light snacks before we talk business and clarify any concerns you might have.”

Smiling towards saxon , Boris you are welcome to join us within for tea or I have taken the luxury of preparing salmon and blackberries for you to enjoy there in the lee of the great stone. Sure enough, near the two Geisha was a large crescent shaped stone with one of the cherry blossom trees hanging over it. It was only five feet from the Geisha and a servant was approaching with a large platter of freshly caught salmon and a mount of blackberries.


Mentions: saxon , TheTimePiece , Shadow Dancer .

 

[gmimperfecti]

"Hospitality," Crymaria mumbled as she stepped inside of the room looking at the doorway for a moment trying to decide if the large bear would be able to fit through it or not.

Masanori turned every so slightly, his eyes watching Crymaria for a second before turning back to the other guests and helping them settle in.

"I doubt Comrade Boris will drink the tea though he might if its in a big enough bowl," Crymaria stated as the large bear moved through the doorway and over to where the salmon and berries were. Though Crymaria once again noticed how Masanori addressed Boris rather than both of them. She quietly took a seat and drank some of the tea as she waited for the talks to begin.

“If that’s his wish. So long as Boris enjoys himself.“ He gestured once towards the Geisha playing, but otherwise allowed Boris to enjoy himself near them. More fish and berries were brought over as well as an extremely large bowl filled with hot tea.

“Comrade Crymaria, we should talk later about the logistics of the next few days, but for now enjoy. Let us stay present in the moment.” Some squid was brought over, cut in a few different ways.

He partook in the tea and found it quite good. "This tea tastes wonderful sir, quite a different taste from what is available in Ryken." Indicus complemented actually quite genuine even if it might come off as some attempt to butter his employer up. Out of old habits from a earlier life Indicus decided to scan the room noting any possible exits.

Masanori inclined his head towards Indicus, lifting the tea cup up. “Ryken tea is weak and unsophisticated, they keep it in blocks as a commodity.” Masanori shrugged. “Ryken views itself as consumerism first, which has served it well for such a small country to remain and even thrive.“ Masanori took a sip after inhaling the steam. “In the Republic, we appreciate things for what they are, and seek to see them, know them, and ultimately enjoy them as such.”

Quick glances would spot three exit points. The main door, a window, and a servant entrance in back. In a pinch, it might be possible to burst through the walls. They don’t look stone, but they are somehow blocking the sound from the other rooms. Maybe the bamboo is just layered much like their fabled folded blades.

lthough initially amusing, the excessive favoring of Boris compared to Crymaria was beginning to grow uncomfortable. Although he wanted to avoid too much attention by bringing it up directly, he sat next to her, giving a nod of acknowledgment and a soft smile before enjoying some of the tea. After settling in, he decided to open the conversation.

"I have to agree with Indicus. If it's not a personal recipe, I'll have to hear who your supplier for this is later."

“We would have to be more than acquaintances for me to share supplier relations.” Masanori‘s face twisted for a moment before resolving back into a smile. “Which would suite me. I’ve heard great things about your inn. Few along the border are so highly regarded. It’s quite difficult to make both Ryken and Republic clients happy.”

Further emphasizing the point, he took another sip. "The Five thousand Peony Blossoms is lovely, with your talents just as much so." Although likely having heard much of the same before, the flattery was customary and emphasized his coming points.

“You are too generous with your words.” He inclined his head. ”Your talents are no less.”

"I hope I can perform to a level worthy enough to deserve such treatment." In the end, he couldn't resist making a light jab towards the tanuki, keeping things light-hearted though.

Masanori raised the corners of his mouth. “I have no doubts as towards your competencies so long as you have none towards participation.”

A pair of the samurai walked by, hands resting lightly on the hilts of their katanas. They smiled and waved, wandering towards the pair of geisha and Boris. They stopped, sharing a cup of saki with the bear, chatting lightly before moving on.

The second course of rice balls and curried potatoes followed next by a wide selection of sashimi and edamame. Masanori kept the conversation light, dropping bits and pieces of details about what was to come and why they were all here.

 

[gmimperfecti]

"I am of the belief that you, Sage Mitsunari, and.."
he'd look over towards the Shrine maiden with a smile once more recovering from the look she gave him earlier it seemed
"Shrine Maiden Gyubou.." Before he looked back at Mitsunari

Gyoubu’s tail wagged a little at the smile; she arched an eyebrow. “Indeed.” Her nose flared as she breathed deep.

Long Feather gave a low whistle. His dark eyes like massive saucers taking in all three before his perch.

She cleared her throat, straighten up and stretched her arms over her head. Her kimono shifted first one way and then settled back as her arms lowered. “Yes.”

"Could greatly aid in not only this important esteemed task, but perhaps even in the future for the greater good of the Republic of Kuridan of course, I have no reservations about your skill..so I would be most honored myself with your addition." This naturally would require Mitsunari to read between some lines, but if he could.

Gyoubu’s lips turned downward, and she scowled as each word fall like a hammer blow. “How great indeed is the wandering sage.”

Still Long Feather made no further sound nor movement. So still was he that not even a feather stirred. Predators had to be comfortable in their stillness, the silence was their weapon even more so than the razor sharp talons and serrated saw beak.

As he listened to the warrior speak, Mitsunari picked up on the subtle wording Yukan used. The man was hinting at a larger picture, goals beyond the shrine and toads. Admittedly he was surprised to see such a beastman looking and thinking so far into the future. Mitsunari might had misjudged these creatures. "I look forward to joining you, Master Koyake." He chimed as his tails became a bit more active with excitement. "Since there is so much at stake, let us not spend any more time on pleasantries and chit chat. We should find somewhere to discuss your plans for the coming trials." He spoke in a passive manner so as not to seem commanding or making demands of Yukan. "I believe myself and Maiden Gyoubu have a lot to catch up on in regards to the current state of the parties."

Long Feather might as well have been a statue for all he moved. Perhaps he wasn’t even breathing; his feathers did not betray him at least. “Your choice is yours and yours alone. In this and in all things, you must seize sente and only relinquish it at your folly.” Long Feather paused, perhaps waiting to see if anyone would speak before he finished. At length, after an awkward amount of time had passed, he said, “You have not lost enough to see the patterns. You do not know what moves are necessary to create life upon the field nor how the infinite simple moves of each breath lead to profound strategy. Two may sit down at the same board and play completely different games. One seeking endless combat, attacking and defending. The other seeks beauty in the patterns of each placement. The do not need to have the same goals nor even play the same type of game yet one will lose and the other win. There can be no ko.”

And then still waiting to see if anyone would butt in or attempt to fill the void of his words, he spoke again. “Gyoubu may not give you succor, but you are allowed to enjoy her company as a friend might before leaving on a great campaign.”

Gyoubu’ s face warred with itself. Smile filled joy touched her eyes and lips while something else tried to mute and dampen her posture. Her tail best of all showed her ambivalence. Yet she too waited, even looking at the floor and the walls of the inner sanctum, everywhere and anywhere but at Yukan’s eyes.

 

[gmimperfecti]

The lady kicked at the ashes in the hearth.

“Are you sure?” A tear stricken Tanuki girl said. Her tail was tucked under and around her left leg. Her shoulders were hunched and every few seconds she looked to several Tanuki huddled in the corner of the cottage ten feet away.



“Of course!” Another lady said, laughing and kicking at the roaring hearth, not even bothering to look back at the crying Tanuki girl. This lady was tall with a messy dreadlock of silver white hair exploding around her face like a bush of angry snacks.



When the Tanuki girl joined her family in sobbing, the other lady turned around and rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so melodramatic!” She walked over to the vial of mercury looking liquid on the table. “It’s just a prank for my little bro.”



Looking back and forth between the Tanuki, she threw her hands up in the air. “See! I told you they wouldn't get it." There was a pause as she grew silent. "No, no it's fine." Another pause. “No, I’ll just ki-“ She went silent and stomped her foot on the ground, bursting through the bamboo flooring and a foot of soil beneath. Dirt and bamboo chunks flew everywhere. “Okay, fine-“ A moment of silence. “No seriously, it’s fiiiiine.” More silence. “I’m not mocking you-“



The lady took a deep breath. She was extremely, ridiculously, flawlessly pretty in a way that defied all convention. It could have been her beauty as much as her insanity that caused the family of Tanuki to be in the state they were. Of course the fact that several of the huddling Tanuki had broken bones and blood leaking from compound fractures could have also played a role.



At length, the lady with the much too beautiful face turned towards the Tanuki girl. “Here I’ll show you.”



With a flick of her wrist, five vials of silvery-white liquid manifested. She walked casually towards the family, and despite the compound fractures and terror on their faces all the males of the family, young and old alike, wagged their tales like the most excited puppy. The women became even more submissive, whining despite the fact the lady was not a Tanuki.



The lady squatted down and poured the gleaming silver-white liquid into the panting mouth of the eldest Tanuki patriarch. The gramps quivered as the lady poured the first vial down his throat. Then the lady took three steps backwards and extended her arms. “Wait for it.”



Several seconds passed, and the broken bone jumped back into place like the injury was being rewound. In under twenty seconds, he was as goods as new.



“See? And I always keep my promises unlike some beings. Integrity means quite a lot to my kind.”



The lady walked towards the Tanuki girl looking at the silvery vial and reached out for it. “It tastes quite good.”



“And they…they won’t get…get hurt?”



The lady turned and smiled a glorious smiled that would make angels jealous and fallen. “Oh they will be right as rain within twenty seconds of drinking the potion.”



The lady walked over and handed out the other four vials to the wounded males. Sure enough each one healed within moments.



“Viola!” The lady said laughing with a sound like silver bells. “Promise kept. All wounds gone.”



The Tanuki girl dried her tears on the sleeves of her kimono.



“C’mon silly,” The lady said. Smiling and patting the Tanuki girl on the back. “Here I’ll help you look pretty again.”



The Tanuki girl jerked when the lady started applying makeup again but did not resist. True to her claim, not only did the lady help but she demonstrated her pussant skill at disguise. The Tanuki girl looked beautiful and much improved from before or ever.



“Not bad!” The lady said, smiling like the Tanuki girl was a petulant child that had just come around. The lady even patted the girl’s head. She handed the girl the mercury-like liquid in the vial. “Have fun!”



The girl gave one last look towards her family. She looked at them for a long time. A few gave her nods and blew her a last kiss good bye. She left, shutting the door behind her and didn’t stop at the sound of cracking bone and whimpers of pain. To her family’s credit, they didn’t cry out like they had the first five times the lady had demonstrated the terms of their deal.



Twenty minutes later the lady left and made her way through the town, whistling softly as she went. She wore a white and pink kimono and many silk scarves that made blending into the crowd of people easier. Eventually she paused near the lee of an old tree and put five more silver-white bottles in a cavity. Then she continued on, veering off towards the hills surrounding the city. About a mile out on a now abandoned watch tower, she perched on the open roof. A mounted spy glass made observing the tree and where the girl had gone easy.



The lady smiled and turned to her easel and started painting a beautiful landscape scene on the large white canvas. She whistled while she worked and paused from time to time to look through the spyglass. Only about twenty minutes later did she resume talking to herself.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Five Thousand Peony Blossoms, the Masanori Geisha House, was situated near the Shrine of Fallen Blossom, downstream and along a meandering path to give it a sense of solemn privacy. Masanori quietly listened to the three members of the logistics unit chat amongst themselves. He seemed to not mind the attention being off of him. He ate food and made casual comments along with the rest, but mostly he faded into the background.

Another lighter course of food arrived. Edamame made five ways with different seasonings and spices accomponanied with different tempura vegetables. It was easier to eat slow, taking bits and pieces in between conversation. Masanori picked at a fried lotus root, nibbling at the pieces as his eyes flickered between the three and the Bear and Geisha outside. Several guests from a different pavilion wandered out to mingle in the courtyard listening to the Geisha play and chatting with Boris in the beastial tongue.

“In the Republic, man, beast, and beastkin can find a sort of harmony amongst themselves. The balance is not something everyone appreciates. Like the cherry blossom it can be fleeting and easy to ignore, it’s season coming and going in days.“ He took a deep breath, smiling a little turn of his lips, before reaching over and sampling a few pieces of edamame with his chop sticks. He flicked them open with his sharp teeth and placed the skins in a dish for them.

As the conversation eased towards a lull, Masanori perked up suddenly. “Ah, I have a treat for you. I was waiting to see if our commander for the hunt would show himself, but alas I fear he may be distracted with other concerns.” Masanori shrugged. “Shall we move on to saki and haiku?“

He raised his eyes as a new geisha was making her way towards them. She had an expensive jug of saki made of pure white porcelain with a moonlight expanse of water and the full moon on its side painted in what looked like silver or possibly mithril. ”I had to pull some favors, but I managed to get us some Pale Moon Saki.” Masanori grinned. “This is the favorite saki of all the Numbered Spears and the one the Fifth Spear loves the most.“

The Geisha lady was more beautiful than even the two in the courtyard. Her makeup was impeccable and she walked with a slow, graceful elegance that drew everyone’s eyes as she came from the far side of the courtyard towards Masanori’s pavilion. It would be another few minutes as she took her time, building the tension and excitement with her every step.

Mentions: saxon Shadow Dancer Akudon TheTimePiece LadyOfStars gmimperfecti

 

[gmimperfecti]

After it seemed like they had discussed what they needed to, Yukan began to make his way to regroup and presumably get the others up to date on Mitsunari and vice versa. This was turning out much better than he could have hoped for with the sage at his side, Yukan was youthful and a dreamer it seemed, even if Mitsunari was working with him for self serving purposes as long as they had some common goals aligned this would be quite a duo moving forward.

Five Thousand Peony Blossoms, the Masanori Geisha House, was situated near the Shrine of Fallen Blossom, downstream and along a meandering path to give it a sense of solemn privacy. As far as taverns, inns, and upscale establishments go, the place was nice. It offered many rooms of private tea ceremonies, geisha companionship, and elaborate meals. There were several courtyards that the rooms circled. Given the option for solitude or adhoc meetings amongst those in the other rooms.

"Damn the gods." He mumbled softly under his breath. "Shall we?" His eyes swept across to Yukan and he flashed a smile at the Commander. Mitsunari headed inside, subduing his hesitation and reluctance as he left his geta at the entrance "I think I should let you make the introductions, Master Koyake. I might seem like an intruder otherwise." A soft chuckle left Mitsunari as he scratched the side of his head.

As the pair approached the Five Thousand Peony Blossoms, they found entrance quite easy. They were welcomed by one of the samurai on duty, given suitable deference and escorted through to the courtyard.

The Geisha lady was more beautiful than even the two in the courtyard. Her makeup was impeccable and she walked with a slow, graceful elegance that drew everyone’s eyes as she came from the far side of the courtyard towards Masanori’s pavilion. It would be another few minutes as she took her time, building the tension and excitement with her every step.

As the trio closed up their conversations, the Geisha slowly made her way across the courtyard. Her painted white face and cherry red lips curved into almost fox-like grin. Certainly it was rare for a Tanuki to have a split tail, and these waved gently behind her slow and languid towards the ground. Her eyes were demurred, down cast as she held the Pale Moon Saki before her. The wealth of that one bottle was on display for everyone to see. All five samurai appeared to watch her passage. Two two Geisha, oddly enough, appeared startled at the newest Geisha to appear, their music fell apart and silence descended in the beautiful Geisha’s wake. Several of the other private pavilions opened their doors, drunken Tanki of middling and higher stations peering out in awe, shock, or thirst.

Causing Crymaria to shake her head as their host mentioned drink and poems she shook her head. "I'm afraid I am no good with poems," Crymaria stated.

Masanori opened his mouth several times, seeming to work through what to say. “Honored Guest, Comrade Crymaria this…this…” He took a deep breath, “This saki is worth, no the soul of the Tanuki is in this drink, Comrade. It would bring great shame upon my House if you refused.” He looked around.

Shrugging as if to rid himself of embarrassment, he resumed picking at and enjoying the sashimi and vegetables. He had yet to partake in the sake, but it seemed as if he had gotten drunk off the atmosphere. He had often considered things like this throughout his life, having been burdened with memories of his past life and the duty that came along with it. Although he did not know if he could consider himself close to the young scion, he believed that the man would understand to a degree with the ambitions he seemed to hold. He took a moment to sober himself as he again prepared himself for whatever was to follow in the coming days, if not sooner.

Masanori flashed a half smile that weakened quickly. He took a deep breath. He looked up and out towards the courtyard, his eyes closing and then he turned back towards Alfis.

Hm. I must admit, I'm not one for poetry much myself..." Alfis' words trailed off as he considered numerous things. "I'll make an attempt. However, I will be using your words as inspiration. For a moment, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, taking in the atmosphere of his surroundings. His chopsticks bounced in the air, following the haiku pattern as he chose his words.

"Balance is fleeting.
The unworthy wither.
Rulers will blossom."
​

Alfis frowned to himself as he considered the end result of his creation. "Maybe a bit too bleak sounding for what should be a festive time and what I was aiming for." The tigerkin admitted with a sigh, taking a sip of his tea. "I would say I favor the balance of peace, but it must also pass. All parts of life operate in a cycle. He continued as he stared into his cup as if looking for answers in it. "We use that time to determine what's more vital and what we need to grow and continue to improve." Finally, he raises his head with a bittersweet smile. "And maybe one day we'll have grown to the point where the bloom of peace is strong enough to persist against all.

“Maybe so. I pray so, peace is good for business, but our House was built upon logistics. It’s a push-pull, I’m afraid. Maybe it will grow though all forests see fires. A healthy burn is said to be good for the ecosystem.” Masanori said, shrugging and looking towards the Geisha with the bottle of the Full Moon Saki. “Regardless, your haiku was brilliant. It is rare for it to both match the occasion and provide the hint of enlightenment.”

The Geisha bowed over the Pale Moon saki, pouring a glass for each person around the table. the liquid was pale and simmered with a faint hint of silver like it was bathed in pale moonlight.

Masanori raised his glass, opening his mouth about to give a haiku of his own.

Just before he raised his cup to his mouth, he paused, his eyes finally finding Yukan and Mitsunari. “Please, commander of the hunt and the Great Sage Mitsunari, I’ve heard so much about!” Masanori raised his cup once more. “Come join us.” He gestured towards the Geisha as she poured out two more cups.

“A toast and haiku then to what’s to come!” Masanori raised the glass up to everyone now in the pavilion.

“Blossoms with the fall
A fire blooms in our heart
Pale moon shines on.“

With that he and the Geisha both raise their cups and drink deeply of the saki.

 

[gmimperfecti]

The logistical unit bonded over several rounds of the Pale Moon Saki. A few may have tried their hands at Haiku and poetry the afternoon gave way to evening, but mostly it was the Geisha that recited Haiku while she played Biwa, plucking the strings with delicate fingers. Her two tales wagged and Masanori explained at one point that not all the Geisha were Tanuki. Indeed, this particular Geisha named Kumara was beautiful, long legged and two tailed, rescued as a cub and allowed to lean into her racial skills. Of course the Geisha in this house only gave succor and company to their patrons; this was not a brothel. There was no darkness nor seedy underbelly at this establishment. It didn’t preclude entanglements from forming, but that was actively discouraged and against Tanuki etiquette at this level of society. That was not to say a companion for such things couldn’t be gotten, it was just done tastefully in private not overtly in public.



Thus the afternoon was light, filled with jovial conversations, tasty snacks, and delicious bottle of Pale Moon Saki. It was the kind of bright and warm day that should be cherished, one of the few remaining while the Cherrry Blossoms still had not fallen and the terrible cold of the north had yet to fully take root. The food was equally great and a warm fire was kindled in the center of the room as the evenings chill came out. The rounds of the Pale Moon saki came slow and measured, and when those ran out there were lesser vintages, even one from Alfis own inn! It gave Alfis the opportunity to gush about his roots and discuss potential relationships with the Masanori family.

As evening descended and the sun went below the horizon, the Geisha in the courtyard approached the pavilion with hot steaming tea and ice cold mochi. The platter of mochi was multi colored like a rainbow hinting an array of flavors. The tea filled the room with an earthy, spicy aroma that tickled at the corners of everyone’s minds. Of course at this point with the saki sloshing through everyone’s bodies and the great food, the atmosphere was completely relaxed.

At first everything seemed fine. There was no reason to be alarmed. The good times seemed ready to roll on. However, when the Geisha pouring the tea approached Indicus a single tear fell down from her right eye. She opened her mouth to try and say something to the dragon kin, but what came out was a spray of silver vomit the splattered over everything. Like living napalm or molten silver, it burned with white hot heat and was almost impossible to dislodge to whatever it touched. The vapor given off as it burned through the table, the floor and even the walls reacted with the intoxication to further eat away at their victims minds. Like parasitic worms, thought became difficult as their brains filled with a fugue.

Worse as the seconds wore on everything the moften silver vomit touched ignited into flames! The floor, the ceiling, and three of the walls were bathed in silver flame making escaping through the door into the courtyard extremely risky. The only place untouched was the far side of the pavilion where Indicus had earlier spotted a window, which was open to let the night’s breeze in.


OOC
Mentions:

• The Narrator - gmimperfecti
• Yukan Koyake, TheTimePiece . HP 2/2
• NPC Vomiter E - Sawazuki the Tanuki Geisha.
• NPC Rival E - Masanori (Melee Spear F2, Wealth F, Associate E, Wealthy Scion) HP 0/2
  • NPC Companion Geisha Kumara, 2-tail Kitsune (Etiquette E, Seduce E, Geisha E), HP 0/2
  • NPC Minion Geisha Tanuki HP 0/1
• Crymaria, saxon
• Alfis, Akudon
• Indicus, Shadow Dancer
• Mitsunari, LadyOfStars

This is a surprise round unless you have a great excuse why you weren’t surprised!
Surprise: characters unaware of the enemy or the direction of attack coming their way are assumed to not be defending against it. In such situations, only certain sense skills or all encompassing defensive abilities used in advance can mitigate this.

Note we are in combat so only 3 actions and ability cool downs are a thing now.

Spoiler: “Effectiveness 10, Lunar Dragon’s Breath”

Speed-based dodges are at a -2 penalty (-1 drunk, -1 AOE).
Vitality or Strength-based resist can be stunted for +1 if you are creative.

IF your HP reaches 0 you will go unconscious but not die. Saxon told me I’m not allowed to kill anyone.

Spoiler: “Effectiveness 13, Weaken Int”

As a combo attack, the second effect if you are touched with the liquid silver AOE attack is Weaken Int at Effectiveness 13. This is a Grade C affect, which means -4 to Intelligence-based effectiveness for the remainder of the scene. It would be a bit like being blackout drunk where you act with animalistic instincts!

Note that unless you have a way to not be drunk at this point, you will have a -1 environmental penalty from drinking all night. You can be creative about how you aren’t drunk but didn’t disrespect your host if you want or if you have any other ways to not be drunk at this point.

Spoiler: “IF you resisted the Weaken Int, click here.”

If you still have your wits about you, you can try to resist the accompanying illusion.

Effectiveness 13, Illusion Grade C — “Burning House”

That’s right, very little damage is done by the breath attack. The actual payload seems to be the illusion with the damage and weaken int as ways to confuse and distract people to let the illusion settle in.

At this point you should also realize that something else is a foot and perhaps

• NPC Vomiter E - Sawazuki the Tanuki Geisha.

has more going on then expect. She certainly doesn’t seem to be in good shape. Each round she continues to vomit against her will. And is now on the ground curled in a ball as her own silver burning vomit breath drives her insane.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Close of Part 1.

Yukan should get an upgraded Leadership skill as he used it in so many diverse and creative ways. Great example of how non-combat skills can have a huge role. That’s my +7 Narrator Bonus suggestion.

Everyone did a great job, despite some shake ups towards the end.

Yukan made progress towards his goal of establishing himself and learning to be a future leader.

Indicus made strides to understand his lineage. He’s caught some glimpses into his blood line. More to come in part 2!

Comrades Borris and Crymaria both worked great together and supported each other. Crymaria is in a great position to earn Asset E wealth in part2.