Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- Austrlia
Ay-yep.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[X]gman391
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X]gman391
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[X]gman391
So... ninja-on-ninja violence? Is this some sort of monk thing? I admit it, I'm getting a bit lost. I'm still *pretty* sure that the guy we smashed was a badguy, but this new guy isn't exactly looking like a paragon of honor either, and... well, playing for time sounds like it might be a plan, really.
On the bright side, this guy isn't going to want to leave without the mask, and the other guy looks like he's down for right now. If we survive, there's a good chance we can capture him and get some answers. So... assuming he can't just take us, I *think* we're better off than we were last update....
So... ninja-on-ninja violence? Is this some sort of monk thing? I admit it, I'm getting a bit lost. I'm still *pretty* sure that the guy we smashed was a badguy, but this new guy isn't exactly looking like a paragon of honor either, and... well, playing for time sounds like it might be a plan, really.
On the bright side, this guy isn't going to want to leave without the mask, and the other guy looks like he's down for right now. If we survive, there's a good chance we can capture him and get some answers. So... assuming he can't just take us, I *think* we're better off than we were last update....
mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
If I had to guess as to what the newcomer is, oh... Well, there's really two things here, and let me quote them for the thread at large:
So, assuming it comes down to these two choices--and I would posit that it does--it means either a rogue Scorpion ninja with special shadow-powers... or a direct agent of, given the date, the Shadow Dragon (I think).
Fun all around!
What this screams to me is the power of the Lying Darkness. And I know of only two groups that use its power in such a way that is in line with this. One is the Tejina magic of the Soshi family, their shadow brands they give to their shinobi (which taps into the power of the Lying Darkness through shadow kami). This is done through the process of tattooing shadow brands, mostly for their fellow Soshi, and Shosuro kinsmen. The other group that comes to mind would be the Goju.
So, assuming it comes down to these two choices--and I would posit that it does--it means either a rogue Scorpion ninja with special shadow-powers... or a direct agent of, given the date, the Shadow Dragon (I think).
Fun all around!
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Another thing is that it might have something to do with the egg of Pan'ku. Remember that it's been mentioned back on Dragonfly lands, courtesy from a Unicorn lady who's name escapes my memory at this moment.
Guess we're about to figure that out. Is undeniable, however, that we're dealing with someone who has been touched by the Lying Darkness.
Guess we're about to figure that out. Is undeniable, however, that we're dealing with someone who has been touched by the Lying Darkness.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Are the Scorpion still doing that, though? I was under the impression that somewhere along the way, the Scorpion had figured out that the Lying Darkness was simply Bad News, and that their ninja pretty much didn't use it anymore.
Pretty sure that Hitomi's tattooed monks also used the Lying Darkness for a while. Perhaps they use it still?
Pretty sure that Hitomi's tattooed monks also used the Lying Darkness for a while. Perhaps they use it still?
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[X] Attack!
Nope nope nope.
Nope nope nope.
mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
IRC is a magical place where magical things occur 
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Best line, indeed
Sirrocco
Pedantic
...and now I find myself increasingly curious as to what [REDACTED] was. The fact that "things are going to get rough" is also worrisome... though apparently it's not that things are going to get rough *immediately*.
3.82
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman
Attack Roll: 7k3=22
Damage Roll: 7k3=16
You eye the newcomer warily, stepping forward toward both him and the mask. The shadows around the man seem to shiver in response, as if coiling in the space around him. He holds the blade up toward you, and it shimmers oddly in the gloom of the alley. You're not even sure it's made of metal, the way it doesn't so much seem to shine with reflected light but with darkness itself.
That's certainly not a friendly gesture, but you weren't feeling predisposed toward this man anyway. Just because he attacked your quarry doesn't make him your friend. The Crab have long since learned that the enemy of your enemy could just as easily be another threat.
"I am not ungrateful for your assault on him," you say, nodding your head toward where the burned man is still gasping for air. "But I don't know you, and have no reason to trust you. Why do you want the mask?"
"That isn't your concern, child," he replies. He grips his sword with both hands and walks toward you. "Stay out of the way."
"And if I don't wish to?" you ask, hefting up your tetsubo. "What will you do then?"
He doesn't reply, instead taking another step. Whispers arise from the darkness, soft murmuring on the very edge of your senses. You can't make out what they're saying, but they are coming so close you could almost swear the speakers are right by your ear. You grit your teeth in response, forcing yourself not to focus on the distracting voices and pay attention to the figure standing before you.
"Stop posturing and hit him you idiot!" the masked man yells from the end of the alley. He's gotten up to his knees, clutching his stomach with his good arm. "He's a puppet of the Shadow Dragon, and he's not alone!"
Your eyes widen in alarm, but you've little opportunity to respond before the shadowy man launches forward and attacks! His blade bites into your flesh, cutting a red line from shoulder to hip. Pain blossoms across your chest, hot and searing as your blood spurts free.
And then the cold seeps in, a chill so deep and piercing it is as if you have been thrown into the depths of winter. You gasp at the force of it, the frozen agony going beyond the merely physical. Your very soul recoiling at this thing's touch, trying to get away from this violation of your being.
Snarling, you strike back. The attack is well made, if not especially pretty. That is fine, for your attacks are not for looking good, but breaking people into tiny pieces. Your weapon slams into your enemy, taking him so hard in the chest he bends over and flies backward. He lands in a heap, more tendrils of smoky darkness floating away from the crater you have made in his chest.
You stare at him in horror as he stands, unperturbed, and levels his weapon in your direction. The man's flesh… It was incredibly solid, and yet at the same time it was almost as if he wasn't there at all. Your strike would have sent an ogre reeling back, and yet this man stands as if he hadn't suffered any injury under your assault at all.
"Hiruma-san, above you!"
You barely have time to register Himawari's voice before you realize what she's warning you of. Three more shadowy figures congeal out of the darkness above, leaping down to strike. Two carry those straight edged swords, while the hands of the last one end in horrifically long claws.
In but a single heartbeat, they will be upon you. There's no time to move away, no time to avoid the assault. Blade and claw will pierce you in the time it takes to blink, and you will be surrounded. Nothing you can do will prevent this, so you ready yourself to endure and strike back. You are Crab, and you will not go to your death without a fight!
And then three boulders fly through the air and strike each of the descending forms, knocking away these new assailants. They land near their comrade in a tumble, inky smoke wafting off their forms where the stone struck them. They, too, do not seem especially bothered by the assault, standing up and getting ready to leap back into the fray.
"What in the name of Heaven?" Hanabi whispers as she comes to your side, her swords drawn. The others are with her, now having caught up to you after your frantic dash ahead. Your friends stand ready, on guard for the battle to come. "What are they?"
[] Group up! Don't let them pick us off one by one!
[] Everyone charge! Pick an opponent and get in close!
[] Write in.
Sosuke has suffered 13 wounds. He is still in the Healthy bracket, and has 65 health remaining.
Attack Roll: 7k3=22
Damage Roll: 7k3=16
You eye the newcomer warily, stepping forward toward both him and the mask. The shadows around the man seem to shiver in response, as if coiling in the space around him. He holds the blade up toward you, and it shimmers oddly in the gloom of the alley. You're not even sure it's made of metal, the way it doesn't so much seem to shine with reflected light but with darkness itself.
That's certainly not a friendly gesture, but you weren't feeling predisposed toward this man anyway. Just because he attacked your quarry doesn't make him your friend. The Crab have long since learned that the enemy of your enemy could just as easily be another threat.
"I am not ungrateful for your assault on him," you say, nodding your head toward where the burned man is still gasping for air. "But I don't know you, and have no reason to trust you. Why do you want the mask?"
"That isn't your concern, child," he replies. He grips his sword with both hands and walks toward you. "Stay out of the way."
"And if I don't wish to?" you ask, hefting up your tetsubo. "What will you do then?"
He doesn't reply, instead taking another step. Whispers arise from the darkness, soft murmuring on the very edge of your senses. You can't make out what they're saying, but they are coming so close you could almost swear the speakers are right by your ear. You grit your teeth in response, forcing yourself not to focus on the distracting voices and pay attention to the figure standing before you.
"Stop posturing and hit him you idiot!" the masked man yells from the end of the alley. He's gotten up to his knees, clutching his stomach with his good arm. "He's a puppet of the Shadow Dragon, and he's not alone!"
Your eyes widen in alarm, but you've little opportunity to respond before the shadowy man launches forward and attacks! His blade bites into your flesh, cutting a red line from shoulder to hip. Pain blossoms across your chest, hot and searing as your blood spurts free.
And then the cold seeps in, a chill so deep and piercing it is as if you have been thrown into the depths of winter. You gasp at the force of it, the frozen agony going beyond the merely physical. Your very soul recoiling at this thing's touch, trying to get away from this violation of your being.
Snarling, you strike back. The attack is well made, if not especially pretty. That is fine, for your attacks are not for looking good, but breaking people into tiny pieces. Your weapon slams into your enemy, taking him so hard in the chest he bends over and flies backward. He lands in a heap, more tendrils of smoky darkness floating away from the crater you have made in his chest.
You stare at him in horror as he stands, unperturbed, and levels his weapon in your direction. The man's flesh… It was incredibly solid, and yet at the same time it was almost as if he wasn't there at all. Your strike would have sent an ogre reeling back, and yet this man stands as if he hadn't suffered any injury under your assault at all.
"Hiruma-san, above you!"
You barely have time to register Himawari's voice before you realize what she's warning you of. Three more shadowy figures congeal out of the darkness above, leaping down to strike. Two carry those straight edged swords, while the hands of the last one end in horrifically long claws.
In but a single heartbeat, they will be upon you. There's no time to move away, no time to avoid the assault. Blade and claw will pierce you in the time it takes to blink, and you will be surrounded. Nothing you can do will prevent this, so you ready yourself to endure and strike back. You are Crab, and you will not go to your death without a fight!
And then three boulders fly through the air and strike each of the descending forms, knocking away these new assailants. They land near their comrade in a tumble, inky smoke wafting off their forms where the stone struck them. They, too, do not seem especially bothered by the assault, standing up and getting ready to leap back into the fray.
"What in the name of Heaven?" Hanabi whispers as she comes to your side, her swords drawn. The others are with her, now having caught up to you after your frantic dash ahead. Your friends stand ready, on guard for the battle to come. "What are they?"
[] Group up! Don't let them pick us off one by one!
[] Everyone charge! Pick an opponent and get in close!
[] Write in.
Sosuke has suffered 13 wounds. He is still in the Healthy bracket, and has 65 health remaining.
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cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
!?
This is gonna be a cluster fuck.
This is gonna be a cluster fuck.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
We have a shugenja. This is a great tactical advantage... but only if the foe can't get to her. Also, they're ninja, or as close as makes no difference. I don't know what the deal is with the mask, but letting them get it would be a mistake. The only real question is what they have for ranged attacks. If they're not heavy on ranged attacks, we're much better off holding formation as best we can, keeping them from getting to the mask, and punishing them if they approach. If they are heavy on ranged attacks, then standing there like an idiot while they pepper us with possibly-poisonous needles is not my idea of a fun time. Still, we also have the original guy to worry about. I *suspect* that what's going on is that these guys really are minions of the Shadow Dragon, that the guy we smashed was a minion of the current lord of the shadowlands, and that this is an expressing of the current power struggle between the two. If so, letting *either* of them get the mask would likely be a mistake, and the guy we smashed is also a ninja. We wouldnt' want to give him an opening either.
so....
[X] Group up! Don't let them pick us off one by one!
...for want of a better plan.
so....
[X] Group up! Don't let them pick us off one by one!
...for want of a better plan.
Dirtnap
Kanmusu Affecionado
...uh. so either these guys have insane DR, or have stats that far far outclass us. No really. WK rolled a 40. And we did 16. That's a DR of 24. EIther 14 + Void or they've got shadow fuckery that allows them to just eat normal weapon damage.
[x] Group up!
[x] Group up!
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