Jade Legacy [L5R 3eR] - Act 2 Chapter 1: Daiippo/First Step

[Rain Yupa]

GM's notes:
Kojiro: -1k0 earth/water.
Denbe: -1k0 earth/void.
Kagae: -1k0 fire.
Seichiro: -1k0 earth/void.
Zanzen: -1k0 earth/water.
Kyumi: ??
Hisashi: ??
Miyako: None
--------------------

@ A magistrate's work is never done...:

Ujina Denbe would be first to locate the magistrate. Or rather, be located by the magistrate. Apparently, someone must have gone and gotten him, because as Denbe lead the man through the crowd, Toritaka Tokugawa was walking up from down the street.

"Okay, okay. Seriously, what in Jigoku is going on?" he would say, sighing audibly as Denbe marched the ashigaru towards him.

"You've been in town for... what, twenty minutes? And there's already fights, and you've 'arrested' one of our loyalist citizens in the process? Really? Really?" He would look to Kafu, who would actually shrug, but not say a word.

"At least you only did this with only one of our ashigaru. Apparently you spared... oh look, here comes your companions with Jotaro now. That's... that's swell. At least your group is thorough." As Denbe looked to the side, Kojiro and Miyako would be walking the other ashigaru towards the main street; they would be noticed by the magistrate before they noticed him, but only by a few moments.

"So? Is that it? Do you have a full set? I see five of your group is still missing. Any more presents for me? Let's wait, just to make sure."

The young Toritaka would cross his arms over his chest and began tapping his foot as he waited for more PCs to bring him more NPCs.

@ Miyako's skill check: Nope!

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

@ Kagae's Homecoming:

"Oh, Kagae-kun, look at your hair, it's such a mess," Hana would say, reaching up to straighten some of the strands that had started to curl slightly, brushing his bangs from his brow. She would listen as he described the events of the tournament... briefly... and began taking his tools out.

"You almost won?!" Hana would exclaim, half ecstatic, half shocked. Her baby hadn't shown much prowess in the way of competition in the past, so this definitely caught her attention. "I'm so proud of you, my darling!" She would rush over, grabbing his arm with both hands and a higher Water than he had, and began pulling him away from his desk.

"We'll have the servants cook up a victory feast for your accomplishments! No more summaries, I want to hear every detail of every battle! And were there any nice samurai-ko that you met there? You know how hard it's been to arrange a marriage for you, since you stay holed up in your workshop all the time. And I'm sure filling in your poor mother of these details is closer to fulfilling this Duty to the Empire you hinted at, than playing with some silly tools. Come! Come!"

Kagae, do you relent?  

[Tei Kae]

Just because she'd seen no evidence of it wasn't enough to wipe Miyako's suspicious mind. She'd been raised around conniving Cranes after all. Things were not always on the surface. But she said nothing to either Kojiro or their captive, simply thinking. The salt wasn't quite so purifying as it seemed.

Miyako bowed to the obvious magistrate respectfully before speaking. "I would hope that this was it, Sir. My companions and I were simply talking when these two came into the Husk & Shell and exclaimed in front of everyone there that we had found them out and that they were dead. We asked them to stop and explain themselves. They chose to run. As you see, we have not harmed them, but brought them here, to your attention. They have besmirched our honor."

{Etiquette + Sincerity (Emphasis) = 6k4 +2 + allowance for explosions=29+ 2 = 31 (I think I did this right. Feel free to correct me.)}  

[Mongooseh]

@ Kagae's Homecoming:

"First of all the tools aren't silly... They're grandfather's... I will join you once I'm dressed Okaasan... I don't think it'd be appropriate otherwise..." Replied Kagae grabbing a top from a drawer and putting it on.

"I only met one nice Samurai-ko I was friendly with... A crab... A Kuni but a bit too young for me anyway... That and she has relented herself to the wall after she failed her family name many times in the competitions"

Kagae said the last bit a little too fast and shifted awkwardly while he toyed with a tool. He finished getting the top on so that he was ready to have a meal with his mother.  

[Psychofish]

"My sincere apologies for the troubles we have caused you, and Kuda Mura, magistrate-sama."

Denbe blinked blankly at the open manner in which the Scorpion woman explained events. That seemed very un-Scorpion like, right down to her almost innocent seeming earnest in her words. As much as he had already made a scene with the chase and capture, this is exactly what he'd hoped to avoid- if there were anyone these soldiers would be in danger from, then the might well have noticed, and drawing any more attention to it could put them in further danger.

"I hold no slight against Kafu, as far as I am concerned he's free to go now, if he wishes... but I had hoped to speak with you more privately- and that he might come and provide us with the rest of what he knows. What Shosuro-san says is true. These men truly seem to believe their lives might be in danger."

He held the more specifics, that they seemed to fear the Scorpions especially, under his tongue for now.

[4k3 Courtier: 17]
[1 Raise to notice anyone watching seems suspicious.]
[4k2 Perception/Investigation: 17 vs TN+5 to see who might be watching/listening in.]  

[Agent Sinistra]

((1 koku, 1 bu spent on travel supplies/lodging, -1 weeks worth of rations
Unfocused (-1k0 + no exploding on Void Rolls), Weary (-1k0 + no exploding on Fire Rolls) ))

@ DID SOMEONE SAY PRESENTS?:

Kyumi had started off well enough. Rather than go straight to the inn, as the others had, the shugenja had went off to see if there weren't any bodies of water that she might be able to stop by. At the very least, if she managed to find it, it'd likely put her water kami friend in a better mood.

Unfortunately, she hadn't even gotten around to asking around about it. She'd started off in one direction, only to get distracted. The heat was affecting her more than she thought it would, and soon all she really felt like doing was finding some shade to be under. Any other thought just seemed to... slip away. Eventually, she'd ended up dragging Omi along with her to some nearby shade and had started to point out some mundane thing that had managed to briefly catch her attention when her fellow wardens had started raising a commotion.

She had only really caught the tail end of event; Kyumi had seen the young magistrate's approach and some of what her companions had to say. Unfortunately, her attention had quickly wandered off, so she'd missed most of what had actually been said. She'd heard Toritaka mention presents, and that had been the only thing that stuck with her.

Had they been supposed to bring actual gifts? She hadn't even thought to bring anything of the like with her... And if they were expected to have brought some, why hadn't the man mentioned it when they'd arrived?

Kyumi would approach the group with some curiosity if only just to see exactly why the man was talking about presents in the first place.

"Ah... I'm sorry, but I didn't bring you anything..." She sounded a little apologetic.

((Rolling investigation to see if Kyumi can figure out by herself what's been going on, despite being a bit out of it. 5k3 = 30))  

[Keith Valken Lionheart]

Seichiro glanced up as he drank his water, only seeing Zanzen. He raised his brow, then put the cup down. "Oi, Zanzen-san... don't you think the rest of the group is taking a while to get here? D'you think they got in trouble or something?"  

[Raganui Minamoto]

@ Husk and Shell Inn:

"I saw them rush out for some reason when I entered. On a more important note, get an order of rice."  

[Keith Valken Lionheart]

@ Husk & Shell Inn:

He did as Zanzen suggested, ordering some crabby rice. "So hot... I'm not usually one to whine and complain, but it's hot around these lands."  

[Rain Yupa]

GM's notes:
Kojiro: -1k0 earth/water.
Denbe: -1k0 earth/void.
Kagae: -1k0 fire.
Seichiro: -1k0 earth/void.
Zanzen: -1k0 earth/water.
Kyumi: -1k0 fire/void.
Hisashi: ??
Miyako: None
--------------------

@ A magistrate's work is never done...:

"A-bupbupbupbupbupbup!" Tokugawa would interrupt Miyako's and Denbe's explanations and apologies, respectively. He would hold one hand up as a signal for silence as he waited.

Then Kyumi would come up and apologize, out of the blue, after giving her water kami a chance to fraternize in the town's well with other kami.

"Er... that's not... I intended that... ugghhh..." he would sigh audibly, cupping both his hands up to his face, shaking into it. "Nevermind. Explain."

It would be at this point that he would hear out both Miyako and Denbe, hearing what they had to say after gesturing with a rolling hand for them to continue.

"So, ultimately... these two were being idiots. If they were fearing for their lives, I could understand why they would continue running. DESPITE the fact that they are ashigaru in service to both the Crab, and to THIS village!" Tokugawa would glare at the two men, who would cower and shrink back a bit, but said nothing.

"A crab protects, a falcon flies, and an idiot does stupid things. I apologize on their behalf, Shosuro-san. But I believe your honor shall remain intact. I'm sorry you've had to experience the shortcomings of some of our number in these lands, and they shall be reprimanded. I'll find something to blame them for officially. Until then, they will remain in my custody until they decide to tell me what could have possibly have been going through those thick skulls of theirs. I feel they'd sooner tell me than one of you."

Tokugawa would turn to Denbe. "You wished to speak to me in private? Come, you can help me escort these two to my office, and to a jail cell. The rest of you, you are free to go." Tokugawa would take the spears of the two men in one hand, and gesture for the two of them, and Denbe, to follow.

After a few steps, he would pause and look over his shoulder with one eye at the group. "Oh, and if you keep this up, I will kick you out of my village. I'd rather not have any more trouble."

With that, he would lead the way, Kafu and Jotaro in tow.

Denbe, you've noticed nothing suspicious from any of the onlookers!

Kyumi, since you beat the TN of 30, you can tell that the men didn't seem to have done anything illegal or malevolent. They seem to law-abiding, too agreeable, too passive. But, due to your Lion upbringing, and your idealism, you can tell the look of the shame of dishonorable acts quite clearly in their eyes from the very moment you laid eyes on them.

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

@ Kagae's Homecoming:

"Oh, I'm sorry, honey. I keep forgetting how much they mean to you..." Hana would embrace Kagae mid-dress, hugging him affectionately around the midsection. "I know how much you want to follow in your father's and grandfather's footsteps. I just... don't want you to miss out on what life has to offer in your pursuits. There's more to existence than merely a forge."

Hana would step away and allow Kagae to finish dressing. "A Kuni girl, hm? I've been a bit out of touch with the family, so I probably don't know of her... unless you caught the name of her parents? It's a shame she felt that way, though. But it is her right, as a Crab, to seek a way to give her life honorably in battle for the sake of her Clan. The most we can do is pray for her to have a safe journey into the next life."

As the two would begin their walk towards the dining area, Hana would signal for a servant, who quickly approached. "Kagae and I will be having lunch together. Prepare a meal for two."

"Yes, my lady," the woman would say, bowing deeply as she backed away. Elsewhere, Kagae would hear a bit of gossip through the thin walls.

"Did you hear? Some new samurai in town nabbed Kafu and Jotaro!"
"Really? What did they do? They just got back this morning."
"That's the thing! Nobody knows!"
"Wow, I hope they haven't gotten themselves mixed up with anything bad."
"Toritaka Tokugawa-san got his talons on them, so we won't know what happened until he-"

"HEY! BACK TO WORK!" Hana would suddenly bellow, whacking the frame of the wall several times with her hand.

"S-sorry, mistress!"
"S-sorry, mistress!" both voices would ring out in unison, and two sets of footsteps would scurry off in different directions.

"As you can see, Kagae-kun, the gossiping never stops, especially with those girls. Can you believe all the inane nonsense that comes out of their mouths?" As Hana and Kagae walked to the dining area, she would gesture for him to sit across from her.

"So, tell me more about this Kuni girl..."  

[Plainsfox]

@Kuda Mura

Kojiro watched them go, uncertain on how things should be. He then shook his head and started to go back to the Inn. "I don't know what's going on here, and I don't know if we have the time or the authority to find out. I'm going to eat, write a letter to my grandmother, and then sleep. Hopefully in that order. With a clearer head, I might know what to do next regarding this."  

[Mongooseh]

@ Kagae's Homecoming:

"New samurai?.. Oh, please let it not be them..." Muttered Kagae as he heard the gossip from the chatterbox servants.

Sitting down he'd raise an eyebrow at his mother seemingly surprised. He would make himself comfortable before clearing his throat and responding, "Really?.. Well... There was nothing 'special' going on between us... Let me make that clear first and foremost... That and she was probably too young anyways... Her name was and is Kaori she had a real firey personality to say the least... But she did really badly during the whole competition even Raicho was on her calling her a disgrace to the family... Generally she seemed estranged amongst company as I am but she was really difficult to wake up... She almost stabbed me once, stabbed Hida Hogai once and when we decided water would be the best wake up method... She set the tent on fire..."

Glancing around for any gossiping servants or at least a serving maid bringing drinks Kagae sighed and carried on,

"I mean really the competition was probably the worst thing ever for her... She won nothing at all just like how Hogai only came second in one thing... So I think as a whole I was only trying to brefriend her because I recognised how lonely I was..."  

[Plainsfox]

@The Husk and Shell

Kojiro stumbled slowly into the inn, weary and tired. He'd bow politely to the innkeeper and state. "I'm going to have my meal in my room. Please have an attendant bring a brush, some ink, and several pages of paper as well. Thank you."

With that, Kojiro shuffled off to his room and set out his things so atleast he could take that load off of his back.  

[Sutiiven]

Firstly -

Raw Earth Roll: 2k2 vs TN 15
Raises: 2 (One Normal, One Free)

Total: 16+13=29  

[Sutiiven]

Aw Yeah, Double Explosions

Results: 6 and 3, making 16 and 13 for first post. Total added up in that.

Penalties Chosen:

# One koku spent on traveling supplies/lodging.
# One koku spent on traveling supplies/lodging.  

[Sutiiven]

Secondly -

@ A magistrate's work is never done...:

The day was starting to look less pleasant for Hisashi. Though he was unusually refreshed (mostly due to some well spent Koku and familiarity with the climate) he had a slightly annoyed look on his face as he stormed towards the Magistrate's office. The courtier had gathered some information that some of his group had gotten in a bit of a scuffle with ashigaru, and Kami knew what else.

Why was it no sooner than they had obtained their new status as Jade Wardens that members of the group had managed to behave like naughty children? Was he going to have to watch after them like a parent all the time? At this rate he'd probably just get a walking stick and beat them whenever they stepped out of line, since clearly they had to learn some lessons in proper behavior.

Babysitting gripes aside, he would manage to catch up to the Tokugawa, Denbe, and the two ashigaru completely on accident, and would immediately bow low to the magistrate.

"Magistrate-Sama. I came as quickly as I had heard that members of my group had gotten into some kind of scuffle. I am Yoritomo Hisashi, courtier for the Jade Wardens. I am deeply sorry for any offense that the members of my group have caused and I wish to offer any services or dues that you feel are necessary to make up for the slight."

Etiquette [Sincerity]: 5k3 vs Tokugawa's TN
Total: 19+8+8+2(Emphasis)=37