L5R - Unity - Chapter 1 - Winter Solstice

[Plainsfox]

The scroll was of a young woman who looked like she just passed her gempukku. Her pose was properly demure, but something about her eye hinted at mischief. Although her kimono was traditional in cut, it was easy to see she was well formed. "I was actually thinking of giving this to my father to display at home."

In response to Ruri, "Believe it or not, those were the first things I searched for...but it's evident we won't find that here. Ah well. I'm sure we can find them somewhere else. I'll let you finish your negotiations with Doji-sama, Ruri-san. I'll be outside if you need me."

OOC:
Awareness/ Courtier 4k3 w/ 2 dice to handle explosions
Raises called: 1 (To make the insult sound totally innocent)
Dice: 9, 1, 7, 9
Results: 25-5  

[Paidi tou Selini]

Kaichiyo gave a bow to the departing Scorpion and smile back at Kioko. "Of course~" she granted at the polite request, swelling with pride but trying not to look overly puffed over it 'lest she look as unimportant as she felt. At least until the story, snapping her back into focus. "Goodness that sounds awful. But I agree. We live in great times. If the Kraken survives we have so much to look forward to."

She smiled and shook her head, giving a little bow. "You're most gracious, but it is I who needs to apologize for the trouble the monk has caused. I am deeply indebted to Chikuma-san for her 'Lesson'. It may very well have saved my and my people's lives. The business with Usagi-san is regrettable, but hopefully now that the misunderstanding is all sorted out I can repair our relationship a little."

Her melodic laugh rang through the hall as she shook her head and smiled happily. "I'm enjoying playing in the snow. There is none on Megumi Tenpi, nor even the Second City. Our shores are warm and green all year 'round. None of us have seen as much as a flake our entire lives. Certainly not little Setsuna-kun. She giggled a second time at the curious question. "I suppose it would be what puppies are normally like, but Setsuna is no normal puppy. Oh he is the sweetest doggy ever, but he bonded with Gendo-san from the start and is very attached. If he is not in Gendo's arms or by his side he has a tendency to fall into great distress. I have never seen him this content to be in someone else's arms. Not unless Gendo is nearby. Not even mine."  

[Rain Yupa]

The Scavenger Hunt

The Teams
Himura Naohiko & Moshi Ruri - 6 items collected, 0 Banked Raises, -2 zeni
Himura Gendo & Suzume Kiyo - 3 items collected, 2 Banked Raises
--------------------
(+2)Utaku Bayarma & Shinjo Hideki - 7 items collected - Complete! 1st place!
Himura Kaichiyo & Associate - Complete! 2nd place!
-----
(+2)Kakita Otsu & Isawa Marihito - 7 items collected, returning to the castle...
(+0)Ide Urako & Mirumoto Katsunan - 6 items collected
(+2)Kitsuki Senzo & Mirumoto Otsu - 6 items collected
(+2)Tamori Aritomo & Ikoma Tadao - 5 items collected
(+2)Yoritomo Kiyonobu & Daidoji Takahashi - 5 items collected
(+0)Ide Seibei & Kuni Sanjiro - 5 items collected
(+1)Daigotsu Josuke & Daigotsu Arisa - 4 items collected
(+1)Kaiu Taniko & Hiruma Shigemasa - 4 items collected
(+0)Suzume Kayoko & Agasha Mai - 4 items collected
(+0)Kakita Mitsuko & Shiba Noburo - 2 items collected
(+1)Yoritomo Mamoru & Yoritomo Katsue - 2 items collected
(+0)Bayushi Kojiro & Bayushi Masuyo - 1 items collected
(+1)Toku Seiichi & Ide Chieko - 1 items collected
(+2)Matsu Koji & Akodo Tamafune - 1 items collected
(-1)Akodo Masaru & Daigotsu Danjuro - 1 items collected
(+2)Shosuro Hyobe & Shoruso Kazu - 0 items collected
(+2)Shosuro Nene & Shosuro Tamiyo - 0 items collected

--------------------

@ Naohiko:

Both Ruri's and Utamaru's gaze shift slightly to past Naohiko, perhaps to a specific wall scroll, but they say nothing and return to look at the one he picked out instead.

Naohiko waits outside without incident, save for a rather loud exclamation from Ruri at one point. Soon, she would emerge, and hand you the scroll, her face laden with anger.

"Okay, Naohiko-san, I'm going to say this once. Nothing happens to this scroll. You are not keeping it, you are not losing it, you are not even opening it to look at it, understand?" She grits her teeth and looks over her shoulder at the shop. "Apparently, some Crane need to be taught the definition of the word 'discount'." She would immediately begin storming off, in any direction that was not here.

Item get!

--------------------

@ Kaichiyo:

"H... uh..." Kioko would respond, looking down at Setsuna, cradled and cuddled in her arms. The dog would lick Kioko's chin twice and then pant happily while gazing up at her. "I'll have to ask Isei-san about that....."

"So, Kaichiyo-san, is there anything the Himura are looking forward to during Court?" she would ask after a few moments of silence. "I understand that Winter Court isn't as big of a deal in the Colonies, which is why I assume there's three delegates from a Minor Clan. We usually have so few representatives from Minor Clans; we don't always get one from each, and it was unusual in of itself to see two Sparrow, but I get the impression that they are a package deal. But still... three Kraken?" She didn't seem to be carrying any disrespectful intent with the question; you get the sense that she's asking you as an equal.  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko would follow the irate Mantis, making sure nothing would happen to the scroll....and then maybe thinking he should've let Ruri choose. None the less he would quietly look out for opportunities to snag the seventh item. If she decided to talk to him, he would answer. Naohiko felt it was best to let Ruri deal with her anger, lest he be the target of it. At some point, Naohiko would venture a quiet "Thank you" but that was it.

OOC:
Void/Investigation 4k2 w/ 2 dice to handle explosions
TN: 30
Results:9  

[Paidi tou Selini]

She smiled excitedly at the question and responded with equal chipper, "Oh positively everything~ We try to visit a mix of Winter Courts every year, to the extent our limited resources allows, but it is a bit more sparse in Second City courts since the weather is always warm enough to work."

To the followup question, however, she raised an instructive finger and smirked confidently. "Ah, but not just any Kraken. I'm sure you too are sent with an escort when you leave Doji lands. Not a matter of trust, of course, but just generally unwise to send the heir to the clan's leadership anywhere without protection. Especially with a month of travel before and after our stay here."  

[Rain Yupa]

The Scavenger Hunt

The Teams
Himura Naohiko & Moshi Ruri - 6 items collected, 1 Banked Raises, -2 zeni
Himura Gendo & Suzume Kiyo - 3 items collected, 2 Banked Raises
--------------------
(+2)Utaku Bayarma & Shinjo Hideki - 7 items collected - Complete! 1st place!
Himura Kaichiyo & Associate - Complete! 2nd place!
-----
(+2)Kakita Otsu & Isawa Marihito - 7 items collected, Returned! Judging...
(+0)Ide Urako & Mirumoto Katsunan - 7 items collected, returning to the castle...
(+2)Kitsuki Senzo & Mirumoto Otsu - 6 items collected
(+2)Tamori Aritomo & Ikoma Tadao - 5 items collected
(+2)Yoritomo Kiyonobu & Daidoji Takahashi - 5 items collected
(+0)Ide Seibei & Kuni Sanjiro - 5 items collected
(+1)Daigotsu Josuke & Daigotsu Arisa - 4 items collected
(+1)Kaiu Taniko & Hiruma Shigemasa - 4 items collected
(+0)Suzume Kayoko & Agasha Mai - 4 items collected
(+0)Kakita Mitsuko & Shiba Noburo - 2 items collected
(+1)Yoritomo Mamoru & Yoritomo Katsue - 2 items collected
(+0)Bayushi Kojiro & Bayushi Masuyo - 1 items collected
(+1)Toku Seiichi & Ide Chieko - 1 items collected
(+2)Matsu Koji & Akodo Tamafune - 1 items collected
(-1)Akodo Masaru & Daigotsu Danjuro - 1 items collected
(+2)Shosuro Hyobe & Shoruso Kazu - 0 items collected
(+2)Shosuro Nene & Shosuro Tamiyo - 0 items collected

--------------------

@ Naohiko:

Without an Awareness roll to reflect on the reasons, any reason for her anger will have to remain speculation. That, or just outright asking her.

She didn't seem to have any set direction on where she went, nor any certain goal, she was more interested, it seems, in putting distance between her and the scroll dealer than anything. As such, the best you can scrounge together is a free raise!

--------------------

@ Kaichiyo:

"Well, yes, I get that. I normally get a retinue of Iron Warriors myself, but their task is generally to make sure I don't get any privacy whatsoever. Several other important delegates here left for the scavenger hunt with their yojimbo as their partner. I get the impression that your companions have a bit more leeway than usual?"

She would smile at you. "I think that's more of a testament that you can take care of yourself, personally." Then she would loose a dejected sigh. "It's not like mother trusts me with that level of confidence..."

A guard would approach suddenly, and bow respectfully. "Excuse me, princess..." Noting you, he would awkwardly bow again. "Ah, that is, Doji-sama. A third team has returned, and the scouts are reporting a fourth team is on their way too."

"Ah, thank you. Have the scouts begin to position themselves to recall the teams," Kioko would command the guard, who would bow and retreat out of the chamber. "It seems we may have to wrap this up, depending on how the teams did," she would explain to you.  

[Raganui Minamoto]

"Ah, Kiyo-san, this is your idea. So please, take the lead here." He just smiled at the Sparrow.  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko would let out a deep breath as he walked behind the Mantis shugenja. "So, tell me. What price did he ask for your wall scroll? We're partners in this event. I should share the ...burden this item has caused. "

THe Kraken's shoulders would slump as he continued following the priestess. "At the very least, tell me which item you want to go after next. We may yet win...."

OOC:
Awareness/Etiquette 4k3 w/2 dice to handle explosions
Raises called: 1 to put Ruri at ease.
Dice: 2, 8, 5, 16
Results:29-5  

[Paidi tou Selini]

"Well, whatever leeway mother would have liked for them, what she doesn't know can't hurt her. Plus I can indeed take care of myself. Much as I imagine you can, based on the display we witnessed yesterday. If it's alright with you I'd be honored to have the opportunity to test myself against such skill."

She inclined her head to the guard and shushed while they went over their details, nodding graciously to the princess' conclusion. "I understand. Perhaps we can pick up later when we arrange for my offered meal."  

[Rain Yupa]

The Scavenger Hunt

The Teams
Himura Naohiko & Moshi Ruri - 6 items collected, 1 Banked Raises, -2 zeni
Himura Gendo & Suzume Kiyo - 3 items collected, 2 Banked Raises
--------------------
(+2)Utaku Bayarma & Shinjo Hideki - 7 items collected - Complete! 1st place!
Himura Kaichiyo & Associate - Complete! 2nd place!
-----
(+2)Kakita Otsu & Isawa Marihito - 7 items collected, Returned! Judging...
(+0)Ide Urako & Mirumoto Katsunan - 7 items collected, returning to the castle...
(+2)Kitsuki Senzo & Mirumoto Otsu - 6 items collected
(+2)Tamori Aritomo & Ikoma Tadao - 5 items collected
(+2)Yoritomo Kiyonobu & Daidoji Takahashi - 5 items collected
(+0)Ide Seibei & Kuni Sanjiro - 5 items collected
(+1)Daigotsu Josuke & Daigotsu Arisa - 4 items collected
(+1)Kaiu Taniko & Hiruma Shigemasa - 4 items collected
(+0)Suzume Kayoko & Agasha Mai - 4 items collected
(+0)Kakita Mitsuko & Shiba Noburo - 2 items collected
(+1)Yoritomo Mamoru & Yoritomo Katsue - 2 items collected
(+0)Bayushi Kojiro & Bayushi Masuyo - 1 items collected
(+1)Toku Seiichi & Ide Chieko - 1 items collected
(+2)Matsu Koji & Akodo Tamafune - 1 items collected
(-1)Akodo Masaru & Daigotsu Danjuro - 1 items collected
(+2)Shosuro Hyobe & Shoruso Kazu - 0 items collected
(+2)Shosuro Nene & Shosuro Tamiyo - 0 items collected

--------------------

@ Gendo:

Kiyo would nod sagely. "That's wise. You should definitely let... wha, ME?!" she would exclaim suddenly, gesturing at herself with one finger. She would look back and forth between Gendo and the lady Mantis, apparently at an immediate loss for words.

The Mantis woman would press the fingers of her right hand against her temple and cheek, as if in frustration. "You two are a bit of a mess, aren't ye?" she would comment. "Look, just... can you two get out of my way? So I can get back to the party?"

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Kiyo would exclaim, looking to and fro for a moment before deciding to sidle out along the edge of the doorway.

The Mantis woman would squeeze in, and immediately address her compatriots. "I have good news, and I have bad news!"

"What's the good news?" one henchman would ask.

"The deal went through, so we're drowning in Koku!" she would announce. All four would cheer.

"And what's the bad news???" another would ask her.

"You thrice-damned landlubbers started without me!" she would yell accusingly. Despite this, they would all cheer again, and she would proudly march to join their table.

Kiyo would look at you nervously, then hesitantly approach the group just as the sake was beginning to be poured. "Umm... excuse me..." she would interrupt meekly. When ignored at first, she would repeat herself.

"Ehh? What's that, girly?" asked the lady Mantis. "Didya want to join us? Room for one more!" She looked over at you and sneered slightly. "I don't blame you, looking at your company." Looking back to Kiyo, she would add "You're in luck. These lunkheads here can show you a good time. They're all unmarried, y'know! Ain't that right, boys?!" She would smack one on the shoulder and they would all guffaw loudly in unison, before taking a drink each.

"N-no... it's just... mumble mumble mumble" she would say, reddening and looking at the floor.

"Whaaaaat was that?" the lady Mantis would ask, cupping a hand to her ear and turning her head.

"I... I said... mumble mumble mumble"

"Still can't hear you, girly! Tell us, what's on your mind!" the lady Mantis would say, leaning hear ear closer.

"I SAID YOU'RE AN INSENSITIVE OLD COW!!!" Kiyo shouted angrily, fists balled in front of her, her eyes clenched tight. She would pant a couple times, before going "EEP!" and covering her mouth in shock, when she realized the entire room had gone dead silent.

"What... did you... just say to me?" the Mantis woman would growl, eyes narrowed, as she began to stand, along with the others.

Gendo! You have a chance to react, of course.

--------------------

@ Naohiko:

"....." Ruri would slow, then stop, remaining silent for a few moments longer.

"Nine koku, two bu, and a trinket of sentimental value from my mother." Lowering her head, she would mutter, "At least he let me keep the zeni coins..."

She would turn in place, facing Naohiko. Her eyes would begin to shine with ethereal light, her winter kimono and her hair beginning to rise up as the air became thick with energy around her. You could practically hear electricity crackle in this winter air. "I will repeat myself only once. DO NOT LET ANYTHING HAPPEN TO THAT SCROLL. If you do, I will see to it personally that everyone you hold dear is-

All at once, in the blink of an eye, the storm would calm and she would turn her head, eyebrows raised as if listening to something. "Oh! It seems Kaichiyo-san has finished. I'm kind of surprised, actually, considering her company. Hurry, Naohiko-san, we have no time to waste!" She didn't answer his question, instead choosing to encourage him to pick up the pace, opting not to spend time deliberating.

--------------------

@ Kaichiyo:

"That sounds delightful," Kioko would respond. "On both fronts. I look forward to such times, Kaichiyo-san."

Kaichiyo, are you using this as an opportunity to depart? If so, back to your room, or out in a public area to await the return of your companions? If not, then disregard.  

[Plainsfox]

"..." The Kraken was floored by that. His dislike of the Doji artisan certainly grew. Naohiko may just have to see about dueling the arrogant Crane. As his mind mentally went through the tasks required for the event, other Ruri snapped him from his reverie.

"Ahmm.... I have an idea. Do you know other shugenja at the castle? Can you get them to meet us *just* outside the castle?"  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Naohiko:

Ruri would give you an odd look, then shake her head. "No to both. There's not many shugenja here, and I think all the ones I've met are all out on the town. I really don't have a way to communicate with them anyways, except face to face. Why, did you want to go to the castle now? We're not ready yet. We still need one last item."  

[Plainsfox]

"I thought perhaps we could have something like a dango skewer given the blessing of a kami and then be in place to show our items. I still think it's an idea if we want to win this so....let's see if we can't find a temple near the castle!"

OOC:
Perception/ Investigation 4k2+3 w/ 2 dice to handle explosions
Searching for a location: Temples nearest to the castle
TN: 20
Raises called: 1 Free Raise used to make sure the location is close to the castle
Dice: 5, 5, 8, 1
Results: 21  

[Paidi tou Selini]

Kaichiyo gave one last bow and departed. It felt too early for lunch, so she walked back to the covered judging station to gather her scavenger items, happy to keep all of them, and head out to the courtyard to wait for her companions and serenade everyone else as they returned, pulling out her biwa in support to her songs.


[Awareness/Perform: Singing
Roll: 5k4 vs Contested of whoever cares to judge it
4, 9, 10 + 2, 1, 3 = 28 ]  

[Raganui Minamoto]

Taking in the situation, Gendo nodded to himself once before doing the only thing he thought logical. He moved in, grabbed Kiyo and made for a hasty retreat. That did not go as planned at all.

Athletics/Strength - 3k3 - 20