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  • Locked thread
Roland Jones
Aug 18, 2011

by Nyc_Tattoo
Moshi Haruka

The arrival of Arashi snaps Haruka out of her thoughts. Turning and bowing to the other shugenja, she explains. "Earlier, Mirumoto-sama called myself and several others to discuss something with him atop the observation tower. When the meeting came, though, before he could explain why he called us there he tripped over something and fell. We don't know why, but it seems to have been either an accident or the influence of a mujina; earlier when I was assisting Doji-san in locating her lost property the kami informed me of one's presence." She does not mention that she then sought out Arashi for assistance. She herself feels guilty for not having somehow stopped the creature; she doesn't want Arashi to feel the same.

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Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Win

"Tell them I am following the trail, send someone after," Win says as he begins to move forward following the scent. Sometimes dropping to all fours, always moving, the tracker moves.

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Win

The trail goes for quite a way, how long will you follow it?

Haruka

Arashi frowns. "A mujina? Hmm."

She's a quiet one.

Mirumoto Tarou frowns as well. "I think, for the moment, it would be best to leave the tracking to Win-san, or at least wait for word. There's no benefit to all of us standing about, waiting. For now, let us return to our daily business as best we can..."

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Ikoma Asano

Asano for the most part stays as quiet as the other Lion, smiling pleasantly towards the Soshuro but doing little else unless someone speaks to him directly.

Roland Jones
Aug 18, 2011

by Nyc_Tattoo
Moshi Haruka

Haruka nods, standing up and bowing to Tarou and the others. "Mirumoto-sama, again, my sincerest apologies. If there is anything I am needed for, I shall be outside until sunset." With that, she leaves the room, and the mansion shortly after.

Kneeling down outside in her usual spot, Haruka thinks. The prayers at sunset were not strictly necessary, with those at sunrise being what was truly important; she found the ritual calming, clearing her mind and bringing her closer to Lady Sun, and so far from the Centipede lands such an experience was necessary. There was still some time to sunset, though. However, she needs some time alone with her thoughts, after all that had happened today. The arrival of the Shosuro woman, Dai's meeting and subsequent death, the investigation... After a month of little activity, such events were nearly overwhelming.

HiKaizer
Feb 2, 2012

Yes!
I finally understand everything there is to know about axes!
Matsu Itaru

The matter was a Dragon matter, and a Dragon was attending to it. So Itaru returned to his room to compose two letters. One to his superiors that had stationed him here, explaining what had happened in fairly literal detail including the arrival of Shizuka, the death of Mirumoto Dai and the tracking of the guard. Itaru also composed a letter to Chihiro, giving his condolences for her uncle's death. It was a slightly clumsy letter, as Itaru had to stop for a while for fear the tears would stain the paper when he thought of how Sayaka's death had affected him. Then he went looking for a servant to help organise the letters delivery.

HiKaizer fucked around with this message at 01:40 on Feb 3, 2013

Dagon
Apr 16, 2003


Moto Daitomu

"Mujina? Sakkaku's trickster spirits are annoying, of course, but the pranks rarely lead to harm, let alone death. What suggests one of them in this?"

Just making conversation mostly. Daitomu doesn't have a lot to say here.

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Just for clarification, Mirumoto Dai iswas Chihiro's uncle, not her father. She's Mirumoto Tarou's daughter. Shosuro Shizuka actually never met with Dai specifically. I've seen a few posts mixing that up so I wanted to clear it up some.

Kitsune Kyubi, who has been silent till now, speaks up in response to Daitomu's question. "Moshi-san was able to determine by communing with the kami that a mujina was responsible for the rash of thefts that has been taking place. As I need hardly tell you, the mujina are known for their very...physical sense of humor, and watching someone trip and fall would be exactly the kind of prank they would enjoy. Of course, mujina are not well known for their foresight...I doubt we'll hear from it again, they dislike death intensely and it has probably already departed."

Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Win

Win keeps going, he wonders how far this will go.

I keep going until, I dunno, something happens or I need to get sneaky or the sun goes down.

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Win

You follow the trail for several hours. You're about to give up and head back when you hear horses from up ahead, and moments later a group of Dragon samurai ride into view, heading towards Shiro Murakumo. Among them, you see (and smell) the guard Kenji.

They seem unsurprised to see a Togashi monk sniffing at the ground, and hail you politely.

"Good evening, Togashi-san. What task brings you to this part of the mountains? Is there anything that we simple samurai can provide assistance with?"

Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Win

The Togashi rises up, looking at the men. He is covered in dirt and scratches from the brush and road. Blood matted to his skin, he bows. "When one goes to Daikoku temple in Ryoko Owari he sees carved over the gate the words "The First Principle". The letters are unusually large, and those who appreciate calligraphy always admire them as being a mastepiece. They were drawn by Kosen two hundred years ago." He takes them in to make sure they are still listening.

"It is said when the master drew them he did so on paper, from which the workmen made the large carving in wood. As Kosen sketched the letters a bold pupil was with him who had made several gallons of ink for the calligraphy and who never failed to criticize his master's work.

"That is not good," he told Kosen after his first effort.

"How is this one?"

"Poor. Worse than before," pronounced the pupil.

Kosen patiently wrote one sheet after another until eighty-four First Principles had accumulated, still without the approval of the pupil.

Then when the young man stepped outside for a few moments, Kosen thought: "Now this is my chance to escape his keen eye," and he wrote hurriedly, with a mind free from distraction: "The First Principle."

"A masterpiece," pronounced the pupil." He looks at the samurai, taking them in. "Is there anything you could assist me with? The answer lies within your own hearts."

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Win

The group listen to your tale, then sit quietly for a few moments.

Then Kenji speaks up. "Hey, I know you, you're Togashi Win. Weren't you staying at Shiro Murakumo?"

Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Togashi Win

"Indeed."

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Win

They regard you for a few moments as if expecting some anecdote of wisdom or enlightenment, then Kenji clears his throat.

"Dai-sama sent me out to escort our esteemed visitors to the castle, so that we could be certain everything would proceed smoothly. Would you care to join us for the remainder of the journey back?"

Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Togashi Win

"More visitors," Win says as he hears the lies fall like a gentle rain. "An auspicious time for the court. I fear you find me in no condition to escort guests, and I have not yet found what I seek in this wilderness."

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Win

"What is it you seek? We may be able to help."

Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Togashi Win

"I seek the truth of the heart, and what wisdom such a mountain trail as this may bring," he says looking up at the riders. "Forgive my manners, he says looking to the others. "I am Togashi Win, and it is pleasing to be the second to greet you to the humble court."

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Win

They bow, and Kenji introduces you to the group. Kitsuki Kenta is a young man of about 24, with eyes that somehow seem older, as if they've seen things most people wouldn't understand. His yojimbo, Mirumoto Haru, is a scruffy looking samurai who you'd expect to be on a musha shugyo rather than a nobleman's bodyguard, to look at him. There are four more low ranking Kitsuki samurai, named Ichiro, Nishi, Sanjuro, and Yoichi. Also present are a small number of heimin attendants, who nobody bothers to introduce and who don't seem bothered by it.

"We intend to continue on to Shiro Murakumo," Kitsuki Kenta tells you. "Would you like to join us, or will your search continue into the night?"

Itaru

You find a servant relatively easily to deliver the letters. Shortly, you are delivered a letter from Chihiro in response, a politely worded thanks for your concern on heavy paper. Attached to it is a single pale violet flower.

Tekre

As everyone disperses from the hall, the Scorpion woman approaches you. "Nezumi-san, please, may I have a word with you? I have met so few of your people and I'd very much like to learn more of your culture."

Haruka

As you stand in the afternoon sun, Togashi Goro approaches you. "It is written, don't stare at it too long, you'll go blind," he says.

Daitomu

As everyone disperses, Kitsune Kyubi draws nearer to you. "Unicorn-san...I have heard that we of the Fox cl--formerly of the Fox clan, I suppose--are cousins to the Unicorn, those who remained behind after Shinjo led the majority of the clan outside the borders of Rokugan. I admit, I am not well versed in history...do you know of this? I should like to know more of the ways of the Unicorns if we are cousins in truth."

Asano

You're hanging back and observning most of this go on, when Doji Fuyuko wanders into the hall to speak to Tarou about having his servants dredge the streambed for her comb. She spots you and acknowledges your presence with a gesture of her fan.

CAPSLOCKGIRL
Jul 21, 2011

I actually just hold down the Shift key.
"Tekre sees nothing wrong with talking, but Tekre may not have much to talk about. Tekre has not... talked about her tribe in a very long time."

Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Togashi Win

"Perhaps the heart of truth lies with you folks," Win says. "I will come, why not. What news beyond the castle?"

HiKaizer
Feb 2, 2012

Yes!
I finally understand everything there is to know about axes!
Matsu Itaru

Itaru wonders for a moment what the flower meant, thinking to see if he could remember it. After a while he remember Sayaka mentioning the language of flowers, that this one was remembrance. It seemed appropriate he supposed but Itaru wasn't sure what he was supposed to do in response. He put the thought aside and went to see if he could Asano and discuss things with him. Right now he might appreciate the presence of another of his clan, even if it might be seen as 'suspicious' by some.

Awareness: 3d10o10k3 16

ProfessorCirno, I'm looking for you!

Also please let me know if that covers an expected response as well!

HiKaizer fucked around with this message at 07:04 on Feb 5, 2013

Roland Jones
Aug 18, 2011

by Nyc_Tattoo
Moshi Haruka

Turning and bowing to the monk, Haruka responds, meeting his comment with a small smile. "Yes, Lady Sun's radiance can be overwhelming. Fortunately, proper respect towards her does not require prolonged staring. Indeed, many ladies would find such behavior distasteful." Standing up straight, she looks at the Togashi, noting his appearance and demeanor. Despite being older, he was far easier to understand than the other one; perhaps the wisdom that came with age included the knowledge that, for wisdom to be shared, the recipient must understand what they are being told.

"So, what is Togashi-san doing at this time? It is beginning to get late, I believe most are going back indoors now." She doesn't bring up the events of earlier today; while she isn't against talking about them, it would be unseemly to pry for such things, and she is not one to gossip about someone's death.

Roland Jones fucked around with this message at 11:01 on Feb 5, 2013

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Ikoma Asano

Asano gives Fuyuko a slight smile and equal gesture from his own fan as he walks up.

"No doubt you've heard of the tragedy that has befallen us. Ill tidings, I fear, though I am of course thankful I and our group's innocence has been proven. I hope the wedding can go on as planned with nothing hanging about in the air. Ah, but I see my clansman needs me." He gives her a smile. "To be Ikoma is to be needed - much, I suspect, as it is with the Doji. You are tasked with maintaining the honor and civility of our courts, and we are tasked with maintaining our emotions and our knowledge. And, well, translating Matsu needs into more...courtly manners. Excuse me while I ensure everything is alright with our large brother"

He leaves to see what Itaru needs!

HiKaizer
Feb 2, 2012

Yes!
I finally understand everything there is to know about axes!
Matsu Itaru

Itaru naturally did not comment or react to Asano's comment, although whether that was due to manners or simply that he did not hear it wasn't obvious. He does glance at Fuyuko and inclines his head before speaking to Asano. "I apologise if I have interrupted something Ikoma-San, I wished only to seek the company of one more familiar to me in these difficult times. Our hosts are most welcoming and hospitable, but sometimes it is trying to be away from what is familiar for an extended period of time. If you are otherwise occupied though I can return later, it is not a matter of any great urgency." It was clumsy but an earnest attempt to manage something slightly more courtly. To Asano it would likely be fairly clear that Itaru was trouble by what had happened and wished to speak to someone of his clan, as there were no other Matsu at the castle presently.

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Ikoma Asano

"Ah, do not worry, Matsu-san. It is my grateful job to assist the Lion with all matters. After all, where would the Ikoma be if not at the side of the Matsu and Akodo? In current times it is especially needed that all Lion stand proud together. Please, Matsu-san, how can this humble Ikoma be of assistance?"

Dagon
Apr 16, 2003


Moto Daitomu

"That is your concern now? A history lesson?" Daitomu says. "Kitsune-sama, a man has fallen to his death here, if you hadn't noticed. Now, if you want to speak on the nature of death, I may have words to share. As far as the Unicorn's Fox cousin, it sounds like your ancestors did you a favor by staying behind and not saddling you with the misfortune and curses that plague us." His tone is irritated, to be sure, but he does manage to stop short of accusing his clan of licking Scorpion boots.

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Tekre

The mask conceals the Scorpion's face, but her body language is clear. She tilts her head to one side, curious. "Did something happen to your tribe?"

Win

Kitsuki Yoichi answers. "There's the usual rumors that Toturi the Black is raising an army of ronin, but if he is, he hasn't been able to accomplish much with them, if you ask me. I also heard, from a Crab bushi acting as yojimbo to one of their courtiers, that there's whispered rumors about some sort of dark tactician who's leading the Shadowlands these days, though there's been no evidence of it. He said it's something the older Crabs are talking about among themselves, but only the ones who're actually seeing the day to day battles on the Wall. He seemed pretty happy to be away."

Itaru, Asano

Belated answer: that roll won't cover a reply. Since the two of you are engaged in conversation, I'll leave you to it till something changes the situation there.

Haruka

Togashi Goro smiles enigmatically. "Is it truly late, or is it early? Who decides? Are you even sure that time is real? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Did you know, the nezumi believe that we're facing Yesterday, and that we're being chased by Tomorrow?" He shrugs. "Ask Tekre-san about it sometime."

Daitomu

Your harsh response seems to take Kyubi by surprise, and she steps back. "I...I understand that, but there's nothing I can do for poor Dai-san, and...I was trying to take my mind off it! Who wants to think about death all the time?! It's unpleasant!"

CAPSLOCKGIRL
Jul 21, 2011

I actually just hold down the Shift key.
"Well, something happened. Not something large-bad, but something that may or may not have been Tekre's fault."

Roland Jones
Aug 18, 2011

by Nyc_Tattoo
Moshi Haruka

Ah. So much for clarity, then. Nevertheless, Haruka decides to respond to the monk's strange questions, rather than dismiss them. "Perhaps not. However, whether or not time exists, Lord Moon is about to begin his journey across the sky, and similarly most people begin their journeys to their beds. I was wondering if you had reason for not doing the same." She pauses for a moment. "Though I suppose I am the same; while I am saying farewell to the sun rather than greeting the moon, like you I stand out here while everyone else has fled the dark and cold."

At his comment about the nezumi, Haruka is somewhat intrigued. "I suppose I can see their thoughts there; we can see yesterday, but while tomorrow comes ever closer we have only vague ideas of what it may bring. The nezumi are wiser than most give them credit for; while I have not spoken with her many times, my conversations with Tekre-san have been most interesting." She doesn't say it, but she is also pleased that she is not the only one treating Tekre with respect; many, as Fuyuko demonstrated earlier today, still think little of the ratlings. It's nice to see at least one other who sees value in what they have to say.

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Tekre

She nods as if she understands. "I believe I can see where this is going. And so you have left them, or been made to leave? It must be hard for you. I did not mean to bring up difficult memories, and I apologize."

Please give me a Perception/Investigation roll!

Edit edit:
Haruka

Goro smiles again. "It is neither the beauty of the Lady Sun nor the pale reflection of Lord Moon that I wish to contemplate, but rather the alignment and relative positions of the other heavenly bodies, namely the stars, in order to see what message they might have for those who have eyes to see."

MollyMetroid fucked around with this message at 09:05 on Feb 6, 2013

Roland Jones
Aug 18, 2011

by Nyc_Tattoo
Moshi Haruka

"Ah, that is interesting. I too sought a glimpse of Tomorrow, though I asked the kawaru rather than the stars." She thinks back to her attempt at divination, and the unclear response she received. "Perhaps the stars will tell you more than the coins told me; their response wore more masks than our current visitors."

CAPSLOCKGIRL
Jul 21, 2011

I actually just hold down the Shift key.
4d10o10k3: 19 [4d10o10k3=[9, 5, 5], 3]

Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Togashi Win

"What strange times we live in. Yet even as men wage war, the sun warms the just and unjust alike," he says as his eyes flick to the rogue Miramoto. "How curious the light seems when it filters through our mountains. Should we make haste for the castle? It is still some distance away."

Dagon
Apr 16, 2003


Daitomu

"What else is there to think about? Here, let me give you your history lesson, then. Once, my people-" he sneers and spits the word as it leaves a foul taste in his mouth, "- the Moto, were known as the Ujik-hai. We were on a different path, and the Lords of Death guided us against their foes. When the Ki-Rin, the same cousins that left your family behind here in Rokugan, came to the Burning Sands, they found the Ujik-hai and taught us honor."

"We abandoned the Lords of Death to follow Lady Shinjo, and they have been after our souls ever since. So you see, it is not about wanting to think about death, it is death haunting your dreams, hiding in the shadows of every nook and cranny, ready to whisk away your spirit to whatever place they call home the moment they catch you. I trust you understand, Kitsune-san, why death sits at the forefront of my mind."

MollyMetroid
Jan 20, 2004

Trout Clan Daimyo
Haruka

Goro regards you for a moment. "Sometimes a mask is hiding that there is nothing there to conceal."

Tekre

Between the fact that humans aren't the easiest for you to read in the first place and that this one is wearing a mask, you're having a hard time understanding her motivation. She does audibly sigh, though. "Do you miss your tribe, Tekre-san? If it is too forward a question, I apologize."

Win

They agree that haste is called for, and you're soon underway. Kenji seems to notice you eyeing him, but has no idea what he may have done to warrant it, and seems to decide that it's easiest just to ignore your behavior for the moment.

Daitomu

Kyubi stammers out an apology, and makes an excuse for having to be somewhere else.

HiKaizer
Feb 2, 2012

Yes!
I finally understand everything there is to know about axes!
Matsu Itaru

"I see lines in battle more than I see lines between people at the court, something troubles me and I would like for someone with more familiarity in the matter to help me see some things I think I am seeing. Perhaps we could discuss this in private?" Itaru suggested, and when Asano did not object led him to a private room. He had a look around first before seating and relaxing a little.

Investigation (Awareness): 5d10o10k2 30
Note: I labelled this wrong, but it now, but it used the correct pool anyway..

"Ikoma-San, I cannot help but draw conclusions between the arrival of the Scorpion Inquisitor and what Mirumoto-Sama said to us." Itaru starts plainly, bluntly and matter-of-factly. The use of 'Scorpion Inquisitor' spoke plainly of his thoughts on that matter and to his credit he managed to keep his voice mostly free of disgust. "Not only this but Mirumoto Dai spoke to reassure us that the Dragon had not forgotten or taken leave of their honour, that something strange would happen and almost immediately after dies seemingly by accident. Furthermore the Inquisitor is quickly on the scene either. As the leader of their group, should her time not be rightly taken up with many introductions and greetings, especially as Chihiro's engagement drew close? Why is it then that she is so close to the scene, as neither she nor Mirumoto Tarou seemed to have run to the courtyard from wherever they were. This does not seem to me like an 'accident'. Too many things are strange and unexplained. So tell me Ikoma-San, am I simply paranoid and filled with discontent for our new rulers after my...my wife's death, or am I right and that something is happening around us?"

HiKaizer fucked around with this message at 01:05 on Feb 7, 2013

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Ikoma Asano

Asano gets out some things and begins to pour tea for both of them.

"Be at peace, Matsu-san. The legendary and righteous power of the Matsu will come into play, but here, I believe, we need a more subtle touch. I will share my thoughts with you - they are not far from your own."

The Ikoma finishes pouring the tea.

"The timing of things here is certainly suspect. And, my brother and friend, I do not think you are paranoid. Or at least, I fear it is very difficult to be paranoid when in the company of an Inquisitor. I found it significantly of interest that Mirumoto-san was ready to divulge in something that seemed of grand importance before his unfortunate death. Consider - when the body fell, many in our party acted in shock, some of us freezing in place, others dashing downstairs to do what they could, but we saw it first hand. And yet despite not being present our Shosuro-san seemed to glide into the scene immediately. She is Scorpion. Unfortunately, there is not much else I have seen so far, and certainly little to do. However, the engagement draws close; if things will happen, they will happen soon. I would advise for now merely keeping your eyes open and letting me know if you see anything odd or potentially dishonorable."

Asano gives Itaru a slight smile.

"Matsu-san, I feel it all but obvious that of all of us gathered here, you are the most honorable. A beacon to your family name. You were correct to bring me here and speak to me. Do not doubt yourself. Your instincts here are good and strong. And it is my personal hope both you and I are incorrect, and we may have a simple, happy wedding to attend to. For now, continue being the Matsu you are. Be our beacon of honor. If you keep your eyes open and your heart full of bushido, whatever ill passes through this court will leave you untouched, I am sure of it. I will do all that I can to ensure whatever potential foulness is about does not creep through the halls, but I ask you to let me know when others do not act honorably, or when you suspect dishonorable behavior. What is the Lion without the Ikoma on hand to learn what they have seen and act as the voice to the Matsu's roar? What is an Ikoma without a Lion to serve??"

CAPSLOCKGIRL
Jul 21, 2011

I actually just hold down the Shift key.
Tekre looks down as the Scorpion Woman asks her question. "Tekre misses her tribe, yes, but she also has... plans to get accepted back. Plans Tekre cannot talk about."

HiKaizer
Feb 2, 2012

Yes!
I finally understand everything there is to know about axes!
Matsu Itaru

"We all serve Ikoma-San, but we serve the Empire." Itaru replies with a wan smile, still dealing with the self-reminder of his wife's death. The use of Empire where once he would have no doubt said Emperor might have said something to Asano, or it might not be of any real consequence. He paused for a moment and then asked a question. "I am trying to think of the correct response the Mirumoto Chihiro's response to my letter of condolence for her uncle's death. She sent me a flower signifying remembrance and I would like to act courteously in a difficult time for her."

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Winson_Paine
Oct 27, 2000

Wait, something is wrong.
Togashi Win

Win is content to trot along. He does not know what to make of any of this, and thus will let destiny run its course without interfering.

  • Locked thread