cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
Is there a Snake clan?
Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
There was. The Phoenix wiped them out centuries ago for becoming blood crazed maho cultists (Although no one knows that outside of the Phoenix)
The survivors eventually reformed the Chuda family in the 12th century and became the Spider Clan's primary spell casters.
While still being blood crazed maho cultists. They would eventually break apart from the Spider because the Spider weren't evil enough, and then rejoin when the Spider did become evil enough.
cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
Perfect
4.51
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Attack your enemy.
Attack Roll: 4k3=27
Damage Roll: 5k2=30
A mere glance tells you that your enemy can barely stand. There is no need for anything fancy, not like before with the table. Instead you simply rush forward, your wakazashi held in both hands with its point directed straight toward your foe.
The assassin attempts to deflect your attack with his knife, but your aim is true and your strength indomitable. The man barely has time to scream as the tip of your sword takes him in the throat. The masked assailant drops his weapon and clutches at your arm, but your limbs hold firm even as hot blood gushes from the terrible wound.
With a wrench you take your sword from your enemy's neck, sending a crimson wave off to the side. The man tumbles to the floor like a puppet lacking hands to direct it, gasping his last gurgling breaths as he bleeds his life out onto the floor of the balcony.
"Good strike!" Daidoji Hosaru says, making his way over to you with his spear set on his shoulder. The tip of his weapon is stained red, and you see a shape crumpled on the floor where he had been standing. "I'd taken you more for a heavy weapons fellow, but you performed well enough with a blade."
"I've found Sosuke-san is a man of many talents," Mataru said from where he stood over the bleeding, but still alive, body of his enemy. Your friend is wounded, but aside from the cuts on his arms he appears all right. "Now, I believe this one can help provide some insight on what has happened."
Before Mataru can say anything more, the man at his feet lifts up his sword and stabs it into his own heart. He lets out a scream as yet more red is sent to stain the floor, writhing in pain. His thrashing forces Mataru back, and before your friend can react any further the assassin goes still.
All that is left on the balcony is silence as you all stand motionless, observing the aftermath of battle and the slaughter that remains. Food and debris lay scattered about, mixing with an almost absurd amount of blood. Where once was a mostly pleasant, if somewhat awkward, dinner between friends is now a scene of ruin and carnage.
"A sad thing to see so much life lost," Shirou says, breaking the silence as he moved away from the crumpled form of his own enemy, bringing his hands together in prayer. "I can only hope they find a better fate in their next lives."
"Perhaps they will," a voice cut in. "But I, for one, would prefer an reason for all this in my current one."
You turn to see an older man, his face wrinkled with years and the white of his hair more natural than dyed. He leans on a gnarled cane, as if peering down from a great height. An interesting effect considering how short he is. Behind him are the two Ronin who were standing at the entrance, their hands resting on their swords as they glare at all of you.
"I trust there is a proper explanation for why my balcony looks like the middle of a battlefield?" the old Crane Samurai continues. "Listening to such a story was not how I planned to spend my evening, but necessity must take precedence."
"I could not agree more," Daidoji Hosaru replies, stepping forward. "I would be happy to share with you what happened here."
The rush of battle fades as Hosaru goes into whispered conversation with the proprietor, making the sting of your wound becomes more obvious. You wince and reach down to your chest, noting your injury. It is not serious, but the dull throb is annoying. Even still you're going to need to clean out the cut and wrap it properly…
You are taken from further consideration of your hurts as Bayushi Mataru moves toward you. Before you can say anything he bows low, his still bleeding arms resting at his sides. The scene makes you blink in surprise, giving just enough pause for your friend to speak.
"I owe you an apology, Sosuke-san," Mataru says. You cannot see his face, but the concern in his voice is obvious. "It is obvious you were not comfortable with the idea of our dinner being part of the designs going on in this city, and wanted nothing more than a pleasant dinner between friends. I can only express my remorse, and hope you do not feel this has damaged our friendship. If so, I will do what I can to make amends."
[] Write in.
Attack Roll: 4k3=27
Damage Roll: 5k2=30
A mere glance tells you that your enemy can barely stand. There is no need for anything fancy, not like before with the table. Instead you simply rush forward, your wakazashi held in both hands with its point directed straight toward your foe.
The assassin attempts to deflect your attack with his knife, but your aim is true and your strength indomitable. The man barely has time to scream as the tip of your sword takes him in the throat. The masked assailant drops his weapon and clutches at your arm, but your limbs hold firm even as hot blood gushes from the terrible wound.
With a wrench you take your sword from your enemy's neck, sending a crimson wave off to the side. The man tumbles to the floor like a puppet lacking hands to direct it, gasping his last gurgling breaths as he bleeds his life out onto the floor of the balcony.
"Good strike!" Daidoji Hosaru says, making his way over to you with his spear set on his shoulder. The tip of his weapon is stained red, and you see a shape crumpled on the floor where he had been standing. "I'd taken you more for a heavy weapons fellow, but you performed well enough with a blade."
"I've found Sosuke-san is a man of many talents," Mataru said from where he stood over the bleeding, but still alive, body of his enemy. Your friend is wounded, but aside from the cuts on his arms he appears all right. "Now, I believe this one can help provide some insight on what has happened."
Before Mataru can say anything more, the man at his feet lifts up his sword and stabs it into his own heart. He lets out a scream as yet more red is sent to stain the floor, writhing in pain. His thrashing forces Mataru back, and before your friend can react any further the assassin goes still.
All that is left on the balcony is silence as you all stand motionless, observing the aftermath of battle and the slaughter that remains. Food and debris lay scattered about, mixing with an almost absurd amount of blood. Where once was a mostly pleasant, if somewhat awkward, dinner between friends is now a scene of ruin and carnage.
"A sad thing to see so much life lost," Shirou says, breaking the silence as he moved away from the crumpled form of his own enemy, bringing his hands together in prayer. "I can only hope they find a better fate in their next lives."
"Perhaps they will," a voice cut in. "But I, for one, would prefer an reason for all this in my current one."
You turn to see an older man, his face wrinkled with years and the white of his hair more natural than dyed. He leans on a gnarled cane, as if peering down from a great height. An interesting effect considering how short he is. Behind him are the two Ronin who were standing at the entrance, their hands resting on their swords as they glare at all of you.
"I trust there is a proper explanation for why my balcony looks like the middle of a battlefield?" the old Crane Samurai continues. "Listening to such a story was not how I planned to spend my evening, but necessity must take precedence."
"I could not agree more," Daidoji Hosaru replies, stepping forward. "I would be happy to share with you what happened here."
The rush of battle fades as Hosaru goes into whispered conversation with the proprietor, making the sting of your wound becomes more obvious. You wince and reach down to your chest, noting your injury. It is not serious, but the dull throb is annoying. Even still you're going to need to clean out the cut and wrap it properly…
You are taken from further consideration of your hurts as Bayushi Mataru moves toward you. Before you can say anything he bows low, his still bleeding arms resting at his sides. The scene makes you blink in surprise, giving just enough pause for your friend to speak.
"I owe you an apology, Sosuke-san," Mataru says. You cannot see his face, but the concern in his voice is obvious. "It is obvious you were not comfortable with the idea of our dinner being part of the designs going on in this city, and wanted nothing more than a pleasant dinner between friends. I can only express my remorse, and hope you do not feel this has damaged our friendship. If so, I will do what I can to make amends."
[] Write in.
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- Location
- Leeds
I suppose a table could be considered a heavy weapon.
- Location
- United States
we rolled really well for our one attack that update
- Location
- Leeds
Hosaru saw us kill two men with a mostly decorative table. He didn't see our dice.
- Location
- United States
he saw us take the throat of one of the assailants with our wakizashi. that's what the "Good Strike" comment was in reference to.
- Location
- Leeds
What does that have to do with being ' a heavy weapons fellow'
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
[X]No apologies are necessary, my friend. Just perhaps arrange for less involved entertainment next time.
With a wry grin and a clap on the shoulder. At this point, we should really be used to things like this happening whenever we go into a city for a meal.
With a wry grin and a clap on the shoulder. At this point, we should really be used to things like this happening whenever we go into a city for a meal.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Hmm... I like the response well enough, but something seems a bit off about it. So... what actually happened?
- Bayushi Mataru invited us to dinner.
- We determined that he would welcome the presence of Daidoji Hosaru, and invited same
- We had some interesting conversation.
- It became clear that the dinner was partially "hang out with friends" time and partially "Scorpion schemes" time. The particular scheme involved was part of efforts to aid our clan, and was, in particular a matter of developing an alibi, and making it quite clear that the two of us were in agreement/alliance with one another while various other things were going on.
- We got attacked by a number of... well, scrubs, wielding daggers, and entirely willing to die in the process of trying to take us out.
- Now Mataru is worried that his scheming may have damaged our good opinion of him.
Given this and the "I am the wall" thing from our first meeting, it seems like Mataru is just generally kind of insecure.
[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?"
If someone wants to tweak that so that it's perhaps less flowery, I wouldn't object.
edit: Huh. Perhaps Mataru knew that we were going to be attacked, and wanted to be sure to be fighting by our side, so that no one could claim that the Scorpion were the ones that sent the attackers? It would seem he might have made an effort to be better armed (or to have us be better armed) if so.
- Bayushi Mataru invited us to dinner.
- We determined that he would welcome the presence of Daidoji Hosaru, and invited same
- We had some interesting conversation.
- It became clear that the dinner was partially "hang out with friends" time and partially "Scorpion schemes" time. The particular scheme involved was part of efforts to aid our clan, and was, in particular a matter of developing an alibi, and making it quite clear that the two of us were in agreement/alliance with one another while various other things were going on.
- We got attacked by a number of... well, scrubs, wielding daggers, and entirely willing to die in the process of trying to take us out.
- Now Mataru is worried that his scheming may have damaged our good opinion of him.
Given this and the "I am the wall" thing from our first meeting, it seems like Mataru is just generally kind of insecure.
[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?"
If someone wants to tweak that so that it's perhaps less flowery, I wouldn't object.
edit: Huh. Perhaps Mataru knew that we were going to be attacked, and wanted to be sure to be fighting by our side, so that no one could claim that the Scorpion were the ones that sent the attackers? It would seem he might have made an effort to be better armed (or to have us be better armed) if so.
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- Location
- Earth Aleph
[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?
Sounds good.
Sounds good.
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?
[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?
al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?
If we ever manage to keep this going to retirement I want to found Hida Courtier school. Just because.
Well, or Hiruma Courtier school but it would be both less funny and actually less to the point.
If we ever manage to keep this going to retirement I want to found Hida Courtier school. Just because.
Well, or Hiruma Courtier school but it would be both less funny and actually less to the point.
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[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?
[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?
We are more of a heavy weapons guy, that is why a good strike with a wakazashi is worthy of comment.
Fluff wise it was a heavy weapons guy strike because the second hand makes much more difference with a big weapon. With a wakazashi, we are lucky it was a good strike against a poor opponent because it was a very dangerous one - going two handed gave up much of our reach advantage and squared us up when we weren't wearing armour. If he had dived in with a stab instead of trying to block it could easily have gone the other way. With a longer weapon and/or armour it would have been a far less risky move.
We are more of a heavy weapons guy, that is why a good strike with a wakazashi is worthy of comment.
Fluff wise it was a heavy weapons guy strike because the second hand makes much more difference with a big weapon. With a wakazashi, we are lucky it was a good strike against a poor opponent because it was a very dangerous one - going two handed gave up much of our reach advantage and squared us up when we weren't wearing armour. If he had dived in with a stab instead of trying to block it could easily have gone the other way. With a longer weapon and/or armour it would have been a far less risky move.
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4.52
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] "Bayushi-san, you need not apologize. I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this. Still... I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us. Could you please explain what is going on?
Your brow furrows as you observe your friend. He continues to bow, showing deference that you truly don't feel you've earned from him. Even with your earlier feelings this is all a bit much, and you wonder if perhaps Mataru isn't just an anxious man by nature.
"Mataru-san, you need not apologize," you reply. "I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this."
"You are too kind, Sosuke-san," Mataru says back as he straightens, the relief palpable in his voice. The rigidity in his posture fades away as he smiles. "I am glad you still regard me as a friend, especially considering our meals together seem to always end so violently."
"Still, I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us," you continue. "Could you please explain what is going on?"
Mataru averts his eyes, his grin shifting into a frown. He does not say anything for several moments, filling the silence by wrapping up the tatters of his kimono around his bleeding arms. A full minute passes, and it seems that your friend isn't going to answer your question.
"I will tell you what I can," he says at last. "Please understand, this is partially to protect you. The last thing I wish is for you to get drawn into anything… uncomfortable."
You wave a hand toward the balcony, taking in the scene of carnage. "It might be a little too late for that, Mataru-san."
"There are many different kinds of discomfort, Sosuke-san, each problematic in their own unique ways," Mataru responds, his lips drawing into a weak smile. "I believe you received a latter recently, yes? It should have been delivered in response to the one you left where my compatriots and I are staying."
"I read the letter you left for me," you answer. "Though I'm not sure how they managed it through such a small window."
Mataru blinks at that, whatever he had been about to say next stopping short in the face of your interruption. He looks at you intensely, brow furrowing behind his mask as he considers what you said. Then he takes a deep breath and sighs.
"In any event," he goes on. "Remember how I mentioned there was an organization at work behind Doji Noboru's actions in hindering your Clan?"
You nod. "I recall something to that effect, yes. Before I burned the letter, I mean."
"Probably wise," Mataru says back. "This group is one that has been around in various forms since almost the beginning of the Empire, hiding in the shadows as they work toward their agenda." He grimaced. "My Clan has clashed with them before, though it wasn't until early in the twelfth century that we truly understood what they were."
"And what is this agenda?"
"From what we can tell, it's the complete destruction of the Celestial Order," Mataru replies. "It would involve the removal of the Samurai caste as the leaders of Rokugan, as well as overturn the Fortunes as the rulers of Heaven and place mankind in its stead."
You gape at Mataru, eyes going wide. What he is suggesting… The very idea is ludicrous. To remove Samurai as leaders and protectors is blasphemous enough. But attempting to depose the Fortunes themselves to rule over Heaven? The sheer arrogance involved is enough to beggar all belief.
"My Clan believed we had destroyed this group a little over seventy years ago, and again when they resurfaced twenty years ago," Mataru goes on, either not noticing or choosing not to comment on your shock. "But they seem to persist despite our best efforts."
"But why would they be working against the Crab?" you ask. "Don't they realize the threat the Shadowlands pose?"
"We don't know all the details, but our best guess is they believe that if the threat grows great enough they would have a chance to use their own forces to turn the tide of battle," Mataru says. "And thus place their members in positions of influence."
"A hypothesis that is looking more likely," Daidoji Hosaru says, walking back onto the balcony. "I noticed most of the assassins went for you, Bayushi-san."
"I noticed as well," your friend replies, grinning. "It was quite harrowing for a few moments there."
"It likely would have been worse if Hiruma-san hadn't disposed of two at once," the Crane Samurai says, motioning toward you. "I believe someone became panicked because we all decided to meet this evening."
"It seems a likely conclusion," Mataru says.
"It gives more credence to your words, as I'll be telling my superiors within the hour," Daidoji Hosaru says. "I expect you'll have word back tonight, so be ready to act."
Mataru's grin widens. "Don't worry, we will."
"Meanwhile," Hosaru says, turning to you and Shirou. "I recommend you two return to your quarters. I'll have some men stationed discretely around your inn to ensure nothing else happens tonight." He takes a deep breath. "I believe tomorrow is going to be interesting, and not necessarily in ways that I like."
[] Ask more questions.
[] Return to Hayaku's Walk.
[] Write in.
Your brow furrows as you observe your friend. He continues to bow, showing deference that you truly don't feel you've earned from him. Even with your earlier feelings this is all a bit much, and you wonder if perhaps Mataru isn't just an anxious man by nature.
"Mataru-san, you need not apologize," you reply. "I would not shame myself by holding against you actions taken on behalf of my own clan. I admit that it was a bit of a surprise, but the tree of our friendship has been watered thrice in battle by our blood and that of our mutual enemies. It is too sturdy to be shaken by a wind such as this."
"You are too kind, Sosuke-san," Mataru says back as he straightens, the relief palpable in his voice. The rigidity in his posture fades away as he smiles. "I am glad you still regard me as a friend, especially considering our meals together seem to always end so violently."
"Still, I fear we may have passed beyond the place where ignorance can well shield us," you continue. "Could you please explain what is going on?"
Mataru averts his eyes, his grin shifting into a frown. He does not say anything for several moments, filling the silence by wrapping up the tatters of his kimono around his bleeding arms. A full minute passes, and it seems that your friend isn't going to answer your question.
"I will tell you what I can," he says at last. "Please understand, this is partially to protect you. The last thing I wish is for you to get drawn into anything… uncomfortable."
You wave a hand toward the balcony, taking in the scene of carnage. "It might be a little too late for that, Mataru-san."
"There are many different kinds of discomfort, Sosuke-san, each problematic in their own unique ways," Mataru responds, his lips drawing into a weak smile. "I believe you received a latter recently, yes? It should have been delivered in response to the one you left where my compatriots and I are staying."
"I read the letter you left for me," you answer. "Though I'm not sure how they managed it through such a small window."
Mataru blinks at that, whatever he had been about to say next stopping short in the face of your interruption. He looks at you intensely, brow furrowing behind his mask as he considers what you said. Then he takes a deep breath and sighs.
"In any event," he goes on. "Remember how I mentioned there was an organization at work behind Doji Noboru's actions in hindering your Clan?"
You nod. "I recall something to that effect, yes. Before I burned the letter, I mean."
"Probably wise," Mataru says back. "This group is one that has been around in various forms since almost the beginning of the Empire, hiding in the shadows as they work toward their agenda." He grimaced. "My Clan has clashed with them before, though it wasn't until early in the twelfth century that we truly understood what they were."
"And what is this agenda?"
"From what we can tell, it's the complete destruction of the Celestial Order," Mataru replies. "It would involve the removal of the Samurai caste as the leaders of Rokugan, as well as overturn the Fortunes as the rulers of Heaven and place mankind in its stead."
You gape at Mataru, eyes going wide. What he is suggesting… The very idea is ludicrous. To remove Samurai as leaders and protectors is blasphemous enough. But attempting to depose the Fortunes themselves to rule over Heaven? The sheer arrogance involved is enough to beggar all belief.
"My Clan believed we had destroyed this group a little over seventy years ago, and again when they resurfaced twenty years ago," Mataru goes on, either not noticing or choosing not to comment on your shock. "But they seem to persist despite our best efforts."
"But why would they be working against the Crab?" you ask. "Don't they realize the threat the Shadowlands pose?"
"We don't know all the details, but our best guess is they believe that if the threat grows great enough they would have a chance to use their own forces to turn the tide of battle," Mataru says. "And thus place their members in positions of influence."
"A hypothesis that is looking more likely," Daidoji Hosaru says, walking back onto the balcony. "I noticed most of the assassins went for you, Bayushi-san."
"I noticed as well," your friend replies, grinning. "It was quite harrowing for a few moments there."
"It likely would have been worse if Hiruma-san hadn't disposed of two at once," the Crane Samurai says, motioning toward you. "I believe someone became panicked because we all decided to meet this evening."
"It seems a likely conclusion," Mataru says.
"It gives more credence to your words, as I'll be telling my superiors within the hour," Daidoji Hosaru says. "I expect you'll have word back tonight, so be ready to act."
Mataru's grin widens. "Don't worry, we will."
"Meanwhile," Hosaru says, turning to you and Shirou. "I recommend you two return to your quarters. I'll have some men stationed discretely around your inn to ensure nothing else happens tonight." He takes a deep breath. "I believe tomorrow is going to be interesting, and not necessarily in ways that I like."
[] Ask more questions.
[] Return to Hayaku's Walk.
[] Write in.
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Dovahsith
Lost on the road of life
- Location
- Manchester
Here's the thing, what with ourselves being the reincarnation of the ex-Sun, would the Kolat (Who don't exist, whats a Kolat?) possibly have plans for us? After all, they seemed to prefer having a Mortal as the Sun.
Also, i hope someone picks up that phone....
Also, i hope someone picks up that phone....
