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<blockquote data-quote="Vanifae" data-source="post: 5281882" data-attributes="member: 58765"><p><strong>Session 3: Flowers, Puppies, and Swords – Part 3</strong></p><p></p><p><em>5th of the Serpent, 1172 IC, Sweet Plum Castle</em></p><p></p><p>The ride back to Sweet Plum Castle would have been a whirlwind but it seemed to take forever. Otomo Hokaru complained about every moment of the trip and was quite insistent to shove his rank and status down the throats of the young samurai making many demands of them to aid in his comfort. Not to say he was not thankful, quite the opposite with his lavish pronouncements of praise sandwiched between verbose complaints and certain amount of entitlement. But being an Otomo meant that he was entitled to a great many things in the Emerald Empire and the heroic samurai suffered in silence making sure he was pleased all the way back to Sweet Plum Castle.</p><p></p><p>Kosuke-dono was surprised to see his agents back so soon and although dismayed at the news of the fate of the Imperial delegation he was glad that Otomo Hokaru survived. His forces were marshalling for battle a small detachment had already left to see to the safety of Kanto. Even with the Imperial delegation dispatched his scouts had reported that a detachment of Dragon forces were on the march to South Border Fortress. </p><p></p><p>Suzume Takeshi, several Phoenix bushi and an elderly peasant arrived two days later. Kosuke-dono held a feast that evening with both Otomo Hokaru and Suzume Takeshi as his honored guests. There is much pageantry and splendor given to the affair.</p><p></p><p>Kosuke-dono presents a toast to Takeshi, “Suzume-dono, you came to the defense of our people with no concern for yourself. There is no gift I can give that can equal your bravery, no words I can spare that can match your honor. You are a true honored servant of the Divine Empress.”</p><p></p><p>Takeshi bowed his head amidst murmurs of the gathered samurai, “Oh please Kosuke-dono you give me too much credit. I only did what any samurai would do. The true thanks should be given to Headman Kando-sama; it was his people that bore the most sacrifices.”</p><p></p><p>“Indeed it is, Kando-san step forward,” the daimyo commanded.</p><p></p><p>Headman Kando stepped forward and bowed deeply touching his head to the floor. He was an older man well into his forties with graying hair and a firm stout build. He wore his best clothes but they were still quite humble compared to the other gathered samurai.</p><p></p><p>“Kando-san it is within my power to reward you for your service and sacrifice,” Kosuke-dono stood, “from this moment onward your family shall be honored with land, status, and obligation befitting a true scion of the Phoenix clan. You and your family shall be samurai from this day forward,” Kosuke-dono proclaimed.</p><p></p><p>The hall was speechless, as they watched the peasant become samurai right before their eyes. Kando had tears in his eyes as he replied, “This is too great an honor Agasha-dono, and we are simple folk we are not worthy such things.”</p><p></p><p>“It is done, rise Shiba Kando, Magistrate of Kanto,” Kosuke-dono smiled at his newest retainer.</p><p></p><p>Shiba Kando rose and bowed, “You have my loyalty and the loyalty of my family until our deaths.” The new samurai returned to his seat shock still brimming in his eyes, shock that resonated with most of the hall as well at the proclamation.</p><p></p><p>Takeshi turned to the Phoenix Daimyo, “Agasha-dono you are quite generous and wise, and Shiba Kando-san is a good man.”</p><p></p><p>“Please Suzume-dono you honor me too much, you are the heir of the Sparrow Clan Champion,” Kosuke replied with a mirthful smile, “Your words and recommendations carry much weight and authority in my hall.” A great silence falls over the hall and Mayako blinked in surprise as well.</p><p></p><p><em><strong><span style="color: green">[So yes to put this in perspective Kosuke-dono is Status 6.0 while Takeshi is about 6.5 or so. This will actually play a large role from here on out on how he is treated and such since he is the heir to the Sparrow Clan Champion, something he was trying to hide until now. – GM’s note]</span></strong></em></p><p></p><p>Takeshi sighed, “Well thank you Agasha-sama.” He turned and smiled awkwardly at his friends but said nothing. The evening continued without any more surprises. By the end of the feast the Phoenix daimyo dismissed his court and held council with his samurai agents and Takeshi. He debriefed his samurai on their journey and then assigned them new duties as his retainers prepared for war. The waning sunlight peered through the windows and lit the room in a muted orange and pinkish light.</p><p></p><p>Kosuke-dono sat in his chamber with his four young samurai agents, “Otomo-sama is very pleased with his rescue. You have my gratitude as well; your quick thinking and skill preserved the honor of my family and the clan.”</p><p></p><p>Mayako bowed her head, “Thank you father.”</p><p></p><p>Nobutada added, “You honor us revered uncle.”</p><p></p><p>“We still have more pressing details to attend to though; I am marshalling my retainers and then marching to South Border Fortress to defend our lands. My wife will remain here with a modest force to keep the peace and continue to persecute these Green Cap bandits,” Kosuke-dono replied with a heavy sigh.</p><p></p><p>“Battle! Revered uncle give the word and my sword arm is yours,” Nobutada replied filled with vigor and excitement.</p><p></p><p>The Phoenix daimyo sighed, “Nephew you will have ample opportunity to prove your worth in battle I assure you.” He turned to Hana, “Hana-san I want you to remain with the reserves I promised your family I would see to your well being. But I do think that you could use some experience with battle.”</p><p></p><p>Hana nodded, “Hai, Kosuke-dono.”</p><p></p><p>“Do not worry Hana-san, I will protect you from danger,” Nobutada smiled oblivious to Hana rolling her eyes.</p><p></p><p>“Shiatari-san your skills have made you quite popular, your sword arm is welcome wherever you think it best,” Kosuke-dono replied.</p><p></p><p>Shiatari nodded but said nothing.</p><p></p><p>Mayako spoke up, “What about me father?” </p><p></p><p>“It’s time that you learn to defend these lands that may one day be yours. I want you to use caution though, fortunes know your mother would kill me if great harm came to you but I have absolute faith that you will do our name proud,” her father replied with a paternal smile.</p><p></p><p>“Thank you father,” Mayako nodded.</p><p></p><p>“Takeshi-dono you will stay close to me, this is not your battle but given your slippery nature I would keep you close to me,” Kosuke-dono glanced to the minor clan champion heir.</p><p></p><p>“Of course Kosuke-sama,” Takeshi replied.</p><p></p><p>“Then you are all dismissed, relax we leave once my forces are fully marshaled,” Kosuke-dono commanded.</p><p></p><p>The younger samurai gathered in another smaller chamber away from prying eyes, although six Phoenix bushi assigned to escort Takeshi waited outside the room. Nobutada approached Hana, “So you will get to see my magnificent sword play in action, every man I kill in the battle I shall dedicate to you, Hana-san.”</p><p></p><p>Hana tried to think of a way to be polite and just nodded, “Thank… you.”</p><p></p><p>Mayako shook her head at her cousin and then turned to Takeshi, “So Clan Champion why the big secret?”</p><p></p><p>“There isn’t much to tell, my father is the Clan Champion of the Sparrow Clan and I am his named heir. I really don’t like to mention it unless I have to, it tends to bring unneeded attention that I don’t want,” Takeshi replied gesturing to his escort.</p><p></p><p>Shiatari smirked, “So you just travel around writing your book, someone like you should have an official escort.”</p><p></p><p>“I did, actually, I may have misplaced them in the City of Lies. I told them I was retiring for the night and then I slipped out without them all the wiser. I am sure they are still frantically searching for me,” Takeshi joked.</p><p></p><p>“They may just think you are dead,” Shiatari responded.</p><p></p><p>“Maybe, anything is possible but I don’t really keep a low profile which is I why I tend to stay on the move. Being the sun-haired samurai does have some downsides,” Takeshi smiled.</p><p></p><p>“You are a peculiar individual Takeshi-dono,” Hana remarked.</p><p></p><p>“Oh please don’t dono me, I am just Takeshi to my friends. Speaking of which have they told you how we all become friends in the first place?” Takeshi grinned glancing at Shiatari and Mayako.</p><p></p><p>Mayako waved her arms, “I don’t think they need to hear this story.”</p><p></p><p>“Well it was back at the Tournament of Samurai, I had met them earlier in the day and I had retired for the evening. I was pretty tired so I went to bed to get some good rest to be prepared for the poetry contest in the morning, poetry is a specialty of mine, you see,” Takeshi glanced at Mayako.</p><p></p><p>Shiatari sighed, “Indeed.”</p><p></p><p>“Well unknown to me these two beautiful maidens decide to steal my work,” Takeshi laughed.</p><p></p><p>Mayako interjected, “We were not going to steal it, just borrow them!”</p><p></p><p>“Okay they crept to my room to borrow my works. Now normally I sleep dead to the world, but I heard furtive whispers outside my chamber, then my door opened and a lithe figure crept into my chambers. Now I thought Benten had blessed me, but sadly it was not to be. I confronted Mayako, the consummate borrower and then Shiatari joined us. Now I am a man of honor and I did not take advantage of them, but I was tempted,” Takeshi teased.</p><p></p><p>Nobutada seethed but stayed silent.</p><p></p><p>“Thankfully I was in a jovial mood and we all became the best of friends from that moment onward,” Takeshi finished. The samurai laughed and enjoyed their evening before retiring.</p><p></p><p>In the morning Shiatari received a challenge from a Dragon bushi, Mirumoto Rai, the samurai she met at the Tournament of Samurai. The duel was to be to first blood to prove his worth as a samurai and warrior and perhaps to avenge the rumors that he was a weak willed person since the debacle at the tournament. Shiatari sought permission from Kosuke-dono and was given it quite easily since the duel was not to the death and she would have time to recover if she suffered injury before the battle.</p><p></p><p><em><strong><span style="color: green">[This was an off the cuff decision, I wanted to bring Mirumoto Rai back without having it be too confrontational. Also I felt that Shiatari was being less active than normal so I wanted to put her in the spotlight. It turned out well and only served to grow her burgeoning legend. – GM’s note]</span></strong></em></p><p></p><p>By noon Sweet Rice Village was packed with samurai waiting to see the duel between the Dragon bushi and the local hero, Bayushi Shiatari. The two warriors met on a bridge, the sky was clear of clouds and the sun was beaming down brightly. It was a hot day and yet both were dressed for battle.</p><p></p><p>Rai bowed to his opponent, “It is honor to face you once again Bayushi Shiatari-san.”</p><p></p><p>“Get on with it,” Shiatari retorted.</p><p></p><p>“Very well then, show me your stance,” Rai replied as both samurai began taking the measure of the other. The gathered crowd was silent eager to see two skilled samurai duel.</p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: green"><strong>[Shiatari won the initiative for the duel and both bushi failed their Assessment rolls. – GM’s note]</strong></span></em></p><p></p><p>Neither samurai could discern weakness in the other as they entered the focus phase of their duel. A songbird landed on the bridge and briefly chirped mingling with the sound of rushing water from the stream beneath the bridge.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: green"><em>[I remembered this time to count the bonus you get for entering Center Stance, still neither samurai won the focus phase and thus a Kharmic strike was made. – GM’s note]</em></span></strong></p><p></p><p>Both bushi struck quickly their blade flashing in the same instant. Rai is unlucky and his blade is unable to draw blood. Shiatari though is guided by her ancestors and her blade draws a neat line of blood just under Rai’s right eye. The young scorpion smiled, “Well done Rai-san, it was an honor.”</p><p></p><p>Rai bowed and then left having satisfied his challenge.</p><p></p><p><em><strong><span style="color: green">[The only thing that saved Shiatari was her bonus to her TN for having a higher initiative, she won narrowly once more. Thus ensuring she would have to endure more challenges in the future to be sure. – GM’s note]</span></strong></em></p><p></p><p>Meanwhile Hana played with her new puppy that was delivered outside her chambers with a note that read, “A precious gift for one that is most precious to me.” She showed her newfound companion to friends and even let the little puppy play with Mayako’s pet peacock, Yuki. It was a relaxing day before the group would set out for war and bloodshed on the morrow.</p><p></p><p>Mayako spoke with her mother while her friends watched the pets play. She approached slowly before speaking, “Mother do you have a moment?”</p><p></p><p>“Of course child,” her mother replied softly.</p><p></p><p>“I wanted to discuss something I saw at the Tournament of Samurai. There was a painting there by a Crab that depicted them defending horrors on their great wall. But behind the wall I spotted a sparrow nest being protected by their sacrifices. Does that imply some special relationship they have with the Sparrow clan?” Mayako asked.</p><p></p><p>“Very perceptive Mayako, though I am surprised to hear of such sophistication from a Crab but these things happen I suppose. The sparrow could represent the Sparrow clan; their lands border both theirs and the Crane as well. But my guess would be that the sparrow represents the fragility of the empire and how the Crab thinks of their bushi as the wall that defends fragile existence of the Emerald Empire. I am impressed that you spotted such an interesting detail,” her mother remarked with little emotion.</p><p></p><p>“Thank you mother.”</p><p></p><p>“Why the sudden interest in the Sparrow, don’t tell me you are taken by that dashing sun-haired samurai,” her mother replied coolly.</p><p></p><p>“Takeshi?” Mayako paused, “Just wondering, he is a good friend.”</p><p></p><p>Her mother raised a slight brow at the familiarity in her tone and words, “Takeshi-dono is quite the catch, even for a minor clansman. The heir of a Clan Champion is a powerful figure and I am not blind, child. I see the way he looks at you; such an alliance could be useful. Though I am still unsure if we should pursue it or not. In any case you should keep him as a close ally, your father favors him greatly,” her mother replied while gracefully fanning herself.</p><p></p><p>“Mother! I am not talking about marriage I mean I like him; he has been a good friend to me. I was just wondering about the painting that’s all,” Mayako stammered.</p><p></p><p>“Well if you need more information that what I have provided speak with Yuuka-san she is very well versed on these issues,” her mother suggested.</p><p></p><p>Mayako frowned at the name, “No thank you, I think I understand much better now.”</p><p></p><p><em><strong><span style="color: green">[Mayako really does not like Yuuka at all. – GM’s note]</span></strong></em></p><p></p><p>Kosuke-dono and his retainers set out for South Border Fortress on the following day in a great precession of orange, yellow, and fiery red. His banner flying high as the samurai marched to battle. The Great Strategist rode at the vanguard of his host his daughter and favored retainers following him, including Suzume Takeshi and his Phoenix bushi escort. Four days on the road before they reached South Border Fortress, a large structure devoid of any pageantry or aesthetic appeal, it was built for war and battle. </p><p></p><p>The commander of the fortress, Shiba Gouda greeted the daimyo and his honored entourage. Gouda was a rigid looking man, bald with a face that marred by some great accident, the skin looked stretched on one side and taut giving his face a cruel almost monstrous visage. He was very welcoming and leered at the women far too long than was appropriate, though only the women seemed to notice.</p><p></p><p><em><strong><span style="color: green">[Gouda basically looks like Gouda from the second season of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, which may give you some insight into his character. I like him through his brief introduction and unique voice I gave him, he was fairly creepy and made an impact on the players, or well I hope he did. – GM’s note]</span></strong></em></p><p></p><p>Gouda and Kosuke-dono retreat inside with the daimyo’s top advisors to speak on the battle in the coming morning. There is great excitement and anticipation among the Great Strategists’ forces as the young samurai prepare for the battle.</p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: green"><strong>[I tried out the Mass Battle rules, I liked and disliked them, I will need to have more time with them I suppose but it seemed pretty deadly which I guess is the point. Just something I will have to keep in mind for the future. I think I was more excited to try them out than the player’s were. – GM’s note]</strong></span></em></p><p></p><p><em>12th of the Serpent, 1172 IC, Fields outside South Border Fortress</em></p><p></p><p>The early morning sun fought bravely with the mist that covered much of the battle field. The forces of the Dragon were arrayed before the Phoenix forces of the Great Strategist. Strangely their general was a ronin, a ronin the samurai had met at the Tournament, Natsuko. The strange choice for the Dragon to give a ronin bushi such power gave Kosuke-dono some pause. He was not eager to begin the bloodshed but now that the moment was upon him he would do his duty and see to the protection of his lands at all costs. He met briefly with the enemy general before returning to his forces. She was a monster in her heavy armor, with spider accents in the design she looked more a demon than a woman. Her hardened mask bore a terrible monstrous visage that would have sent chills down the back of lesser men. </p><p></p><p>Kosuke-dono took his place; he glanced at Suzume-dono in full battle array with his bushi escort and then commenced the battle. With a wave of his tessen he unleashed his forces and the Battle of South Border Fortress began!</p><p></p><p><em><strong><span style="color: green">[I had the players roll for Kosuke-dono he rolled 10k5 and had an Emphasis in mass Combat which made him pretty decent at warfare. He won every round of the mass combat easily compared to the less experienced Natsuko. Nobutada began the mass combat as heavily engaged, both Mayako and Shiatari were engaged, and Hana was in the Reserves. – GM’s note]</span></strong></em></p><p></p><p>As the forces clashed Nobutada charged into the fray eager to garner glory for his name and family. Mayako and Shiatari were more cautions but equally engaged in the thick of combat. Mayako’s magic kept her safe as Shiatari cut down soldiers with skill suffering injury from the chaos of combat. Suddenly the battle lines cleared and both samurai could see Nobutada leading a charge into the enemy general’s cohorts shattering the defensive line! But Nobutada was cut down from his horse by Natsuko and the ronin prepared to finish off the Seppun warrior.</p><p></p><p>Hana from her vantage point spotted her allies and moved to aid them knowing that it would take some time before she could do anything and hoping she could make in time. </p><p></p><p>Natsuko raised her blade as Shiatari charged, “We meet again!” Shiatari swung her blade quickly but the strike was cast aside by the ronin leaving Shiatari wide open for a return strike that cut down the Scorpion bushi with ease. Mayako called upon the air kami knock her opponent down but the warrior was far to determined to allow the gods of air to move her.</p><p></p><p>Natsuko goaded Mayako, “Is that the best you can do Mayako-chan?”</p><p></p><p>Hana was still some distance away but called upon the water kami to give Mayako good luck, it seemed her newfound friend would need it. Bursting from the battle lines a plainly dressed Phoenix bushi drew blood from the ronin as he shouted, “Mayako get Nobutada and Shiatari out of here!” </p><p></p><p>Mayako was shocked to hear Takeshi’s voice, “Takeshi I won’t leave you here alone!” She would not flee, not now; she called upon the fire kami and created a flaming whip that cracked with the fury of the heavens!</p><p></p><p>Takeshi and Natsuko crossed blades to little avail neither finding a true advantage. Mayako took the opportunity to strike with her flaming whip, drawing upon the void and her ancestors to guide her hand. The blow knocked Natsuko’s mask from her face and left a flaming scar across the once beautiful samurai-ko’s face. It was then that the battle lines surged, the Dragon forces were being routed and Natsuko took that moment to flee. Here eyes met Mayako’s; this personal war was far from over. She tended to her allies who were both alive but severely wounded by the ronin bushi.</p><p></p><p>Kosuke-dono surveyed the battlefield; it stank of death, charred flesh, and worse. His forces had won the day but the dead on both sides spoke of a greater failure in his eyes. He glanced with a knowing smile as Takeshi-dono rejoined the escort he had assigned to the troublesome youth. He admired the young man’s spirit even if it did give his retainers great consternation. If he had had a son he would have hoped the man could have been as brave as Takeshi-dono. The smile came to his lips and faded as he turned to the wounded and dead. The Great Strategist had won the battle but the war… the war he felt was just beginning.</p><p></p><p><em><strong><span style="color: green">[Overall a fun session we covered a bunch of ground and I was able to introduce a bunch of characters and hopefully flesh some more out much more fully then I had. I like the direction Yuuka, Takeshi, and especially Kosuke are going. It was also great to have a new player with Hana on board. Next session will resume the hunt for Junko the tea girl. – GM’s note]</span></strong></em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Vanifae, post: 5281882, member: 58765"] [b]Session 3: Flowers, Puppies, and Swords – Part 3[/b] [i]5th of the Serpent, 1172 IC, Sweet Plum Castle[/i] The ride back to Sweet Plum Castle would have been a whirlwind but it seemed to take forever. Otomo Hokaru complained about every moment of the trip and was quite insistent to shove his rank and status down the throats of the young samurai making many demands of them to aid in his comfort. Not to say he was not thankful, quite the opposite with his lavish pronouncements of praise sandwiched between verbose complaints and certain amount of entitlement. But being an Otomo meant that he was entitled to a great many things in the Emerald Empire and the heroic samurai suffered in silence making sure he was pleased all the way back to Sweet Plum Castle. Kosuke-dono was surprised to see his agents back so soon and although dismayed at the news of the fate of the Imperial delegation he was glad that Otomo Hokaru survived. His forces were marshalling for battle a small detachment had already left to see to the safety of Kanto. Even with the Imperial delegation dispatched his scouts had reported that a detachment of Dragon forces were on the march to South Border Fortress. Suzume Takeshi, several Phoenix bushi and an elderly peasant arrived two days later. Kosuke-dono held a feast that evening with both Otomo Hokaru and Suzume Takeshi as his honored guests. There is much pageantry and splendor given to the affair. Kosuke-dono presents a toast to Takeshi, “Suzume-dono, you came to the defense of our people with no concern for yourself. There is no gift I can give that can equal your bravery, no words I can spare that can match your honor. You are a true honored servant of the Divine Empress.” Takeshi bowed his head amidst murmurs of the gathered samurai, “Oh please Kosuke-dono you give me too much credit. I only did what any samurai would do. The true thanks should be given to Headman Kando-sama; it was his people that bore the most sacrifices.” “Indeed it is, Kando-san step forward,” the daimyo commanded. Headman Kando stepped forward and bowed deeply touching his head to the floor. He was an older man well into his forties with graying hair and a firm stout build. He wore his best clothes but they were still quite humble compared to the other gathered samurai. “Kando-san it is within my power to reward you for your service and sacrifice,” Kosuke-dono stood, “from this moment onward your family shall be honored with land, status, and obligation befitting a true scion of the Phoenix clan. You and your family shall be samurai from this day forward,” Kosuke-dono proclaimed. The hall was speechless, as they watched the peasant become samurai right before their eyes. Kando had tears in his eyes as he replied, “This is too great an honor Agasha-dono, and we are simple folk we are not worthy such things.” “It is done, rise Shiba Kando, Magistrate of Kanto,” Kosuke-dono smiled at his newest retainer. Shiba Kando rose and bowed, “You have my loyalty and the loyalty of my family until our deaths.” The new samurai returned to his seat shock still brimming in his eyes, shock that resonated with most of the hall as well at the proclamation. Takeshi turned to the Phoenix Daimyo, “Agasha-dono you are quite generous and wise, and Shiba Kando-san is a good man.” “Please Suzume-dono you honor me too much, you are the heir of the Sparrow Clan Champion,” Kosuke replied with a mirthful smile, “Your words and recommendations carry much weight and authority in my hall.” A great silence falls over the hall and Mayako blinked in surprise as well. [i][b][color=green][So yes to put this in perspective Kosuke-dono is Status 6.0 while Takeshi is about 6.5 or so. This will actually play a large role from here on out on how he is treated and such since he is the heir to the Sparrow Clan Champion, something he was trying to hide until now. – GM’s note][/color][/b][/i][b][color=green][/color][/b] Takeshi sighed, “Well thank you Agasha-sama.” He turned and smiled awkwardly at his friends but said nothing. The evening continued without any more surprises. By the end of the feast the Phoenix daimyo dismissed his court and held council with his samurai agents and Takeshi. He debriefed his samurai on their journey and then assigned them new duties as his retainers prepared for war. The waning sunlight peered through the windows and lit the room in a muted orange and pinkish light. Kosuke-dono sat in his chamber with his four young samurai agents, “Otomo-sama is very pleased with his rescue. You have my gratitude as well; your quick thinking and skill preserved the honor of my family and the clan.” Mayako bowed her head, “Thank you father.” Nobutada added, “You honor us revered uncle.” “We still have more pressing details to attend to though; I am marshalling my retainers and then marching to South Border Fortress to defend our lands. My wife will remain here with a modest force to keep the peace and continue to persecute these Green Cap bandits,” Kosuke-dono replied with a heavy sigh. “Battle! Revered uncle give the word and my sword arm is yours,” Nobutada replied filled with vigor and excitement. The Phoenix daimyo sighed, “Nephew you will have ample opportunity to prove your worth in battle I assure you.” He turned to Hana, “Hana-san I want you to remain with the reserves I promised your family I would see to your well being. But I do think that you could use some experience with battle.” Hana nodded, “Hai, Kosuke-dono.” “Do not worry Hana-san, I will protect you from danger,” Nobutada smiled oblivious to Hana rolling her eyes. “Shiatari-san your skills have made you quite popular, your sword arm is welcome wherever you think it best,” Kosuke-dono replied. Shiatari nodded but said nothing. Mayako spoke up, “What about me father?” “It’s time that you learn to defend these lands that may one day be yours. I want you to use caution though, fortunes know your mother would kill me if great harm came to you but I have absolute faith that you will do our name proud,” her father replied with a paternal smile. “Thank you father,” Mayako nodded. “Takeshi-dono you will stay close to me, this is not your battle but given your slippery nature I would keep you close to me,” Kosuke-dono glanced to the minor clan champion heir. “Of course Kosuke-sama,” Takeshi replied. “Then you are all dismissed, relax we leave once my forces are fully marshaled,” Kosuke-dono commanded. The younger samurai gathered in another smaller chamber away from prying eyes, although six Phoenix bushi assigned to escort Takeshi waited outside the room. Nobutada approached Hana, “So you will get to see my magnificent sword play in action, every man I kill in the battle I shall dedicate to you, Hana-san.” Hana tried to think of a way to be polite and just nodded, “Thank… you.” Mayako shook her head at her cousin and then turned to Takeshi, “So Clan Champion why the big secret?” “There isn’t much to tell, my father is the Clan Champion of the Sparrow Clan and I am his named heir. I really don’t like to mention it unless I have to, it tends to bring unneeded attention that I don’t want,” Takeshi replied gesturing to his escort. Shiatari smirked, “So you just travel around writing your book, someone like you should have an official escort.” “I did, actually, I may have misplaced them in the City of Lies. I told them I was retiring for the night and then I slipped out without them all the wiser. I am sure they are still frantically searching for me,” Takeshi joked. “They may just think you are dead,” Shiatari responded. “Maybe, anything is possible but I don’t really keep a low profile which is I why I tend to stay on the move. Being the sun-haired samurai does have some downsides,” Takeshi smiled. “You are a peculiar individual Takeshi-dono,” Hana remarked. “Oh please don’t dono me, I am just Takeshi to my friends. Speaking of which have they told you how we all become friends in the first place?” Takeshi grinned glancing at Shiatari and Mayako. Mayako waved her arms, “I don’t think they need to hear this story.” “Well it was back at the Tournament of Samurai, I had met them earlier in the day and I had retired for the evening. I was pretty tired so I went to bed to get some good rest to be prepared for the poetry contest in the morning, poetry is a specialty of mine, you see,” Takeshi glanced at Mayako. Shiatari sighed, “Indeed.” “Well unknown to me these two beautiful maidens decide to steal my work,” Takeshi laughed. Mayako interjected, “We were not going to steal it, just borrow them!” “Okay they crept to my room to borrow my works. Now normally I sleep dead to the world, but I heard furtive whispers outside my chamber, then my door opened and a lithe figure crept into my chambers. Now I thought Benten had blessed me, but sadly it was not to be. I confronted Mayako, the consummate borrower and then Shiatari joined us. Now I am a man of honor and I did not take advantage of them, but I was tempted,” Takeshi teased. Nobutada seethed but stayed silent. “Thankfully I was in a jovial mood and we all became the best of friends from that moment onward,” Takeshi finished. The samurai laughed and enjoyed their evening before retiring. In the morning Shiatari received a challenge from a Dragon bushi, Mirumoto Rai, the samurai she met at the Tournament of Samurai. The duel was to be to first blood to prove his worth as a samurai and warrior and perhaps to avenge the rumors that he was a weak willed person since the debacle at the tournament. Shiatari sought permission from Kosuke-dono and was given it quite easily since the duel was not to the death and she would have time to recover if she suffered injury before the battle. [i][b][color=green][This was an off the cuff decision, I wanted to bring Mirumoto Rai back without having it be too confrontational. Also I felt that Shiatari was being less active than normal so I wanted to put her in the spotlight. It turned out well and only served to grow her burgeoning legend. – GM’s note][/color][/b][/i][b][color=green][/color][/b][color=green][/color] By noon Sweet Rice Village was packed with samurai waiting to see the duel between the Dragon bushi and the local hero, Bayushi Shiatari. The two warriors met on a bridge, the sky was clear of clouds and the sun was beaming down brightly. It was a hot day and yet both were dressed for battle. Rai bowed to his opponent, “It is honor to face you once again Bayushi Shiatari-san.” “Get on with it,” Shiatari retorted. “Very well then, show me your stance,” Rai replied as both samurai began taking the measure of the other. The gathered crowd was silent eager to see two skilled samurai duel. [i][color=green][b][Shiatari won the initiative for the duel and both bushi failed their Assessment rolls. – GM’s note][/b][/color][/i][color=green][b][/b][/color][b][/b] Neither samurai could discern weakness in the other as they entered the focus phase of their duel. A songbird landed on the bridge and briefly chirped mingling with the sound of rushing water from the stream beneath the bridge. [b][color=green][i][I remembered this time to count the bonus you get for entering Center Stance, still neither samurai won the focus phase and thus a Kharmic strike was made. – GM’s note][/i][/color][/b] Both bushi struck quickly their blade flashing in the same instant. Rai is unlucky and his blade is unable to draw blood. Shiatari though is guided by her ancestors and her blade draws a neat line of blood just under Rai’s right eye. The young scorpion smiled, “Well done Rai-san, it was an honor.” Rai bowed and then left having satisfied his challenge. [i][b][color=green][The only thing that saved Shiatari was her bonus to her TN for having a higher initiative, she won narrowly once more. Thus ensuring she would have to endure more challenges in the future to be sure. – GM’s note][/color][/b][/i][b][color=green][/color][/b][color=green][/color] Meanwhile Hana played with her new puppy that was delivered outside her chambers with a note that read, “A precious gift for one that is most precious to me.” She showed her newfound companion to friends and even let the little puppy play with Mayako’s pet peacock, Yuki. It was a relaxing day before the group would set out for war and bloodshed on the morrow. Mayako spoke with her mother while her friends watched the pets play. She approached slowly before speaking, “Mother do you have a moment?” “Of course child,” her mother replied softly. “I wanted to discuss something I saw at the Tournament of Samurai. There was a painting there by a Crab that depicted them defending horrors on their great wall. But behind the wall I spotted a sparrow nest being protected by their sacrifices. Does that imply some special relationship they have with the Sparrow clan?” Mayako asked. “Very perceptive Mayako, though I am surprised to hear of such sophistication from a Crab but these things happen I suppose. The sparrow could represent the Sparrow clan; their lands border both theirs and the Crane as well. But my guess would be that the sparrow represents the fragility of the empire and how the Crab thinks of their bushi as the wall that defends fragile existence of the Emerald Empire. I am impressed that you spotted such an interesting detail,” her mother remarked with little emotion. “Thank you mother.” “Why the sudden interest in the Sparrow, don’t tell me you are taken by that dashing sun-haired samurai,” her mother replied coolly. “Takeshi?” Mayako paused, “Just wondering, he is a good friend.” Her mother raised a slight brow at the familiarity in her tone and words, “Takeshi-dono is quite the catch, even for a minor clansman. The heir of a Clan Champion is a powerful figure and I am not blind, child. I see the way he looks at you; such an alliance could be useful. Though I am still unsure if we should pursue it or not. In any case you should keep him as a close ally, your father favors him greatly,” her mother replied while gracefully fanning herself. “Mother! I am not talking about marriage I mean I like him; he has been a good friend to me. I was just wondering about the painting that’s all,” Mayako stammered. “Well if you need more information that what I have provided speak with Yuuka-san she is very well versed on these issues,” her mother suggested. Mayako frowned at the name, “No thank you, I think I understand much better now.” [i][b][color=green][Mayako really does not like Yuuka at all. – GM’s note][/color][/b][/i][b][color=green][/color][/b] Kosuke-dono and his retainers set out for South Border Fortress on the following day in a great precession of orange, yellow, and fiery red. His banner flying high as the samurai marched to battle. The Great Strategist rode at the vanguard of his host his daughter and favored retainers following him, including Suzume Takeshi and his Phoenix bushi escort. Four days on the road before they reached South Border Fortress, a large structure devoid of any pageantry or aesthetic appeal, it was built for war and battle. The commander of the fortress, Shiba Gouda greeted the daimyo and his honored entourage. Gouda was a rigid looking man, bald with a face that marred by some great accident, the skin looked stretched on one side and taut giving his face a cruel almost monstrous visage. He was very welcoming and leered at the women far too long than was appropriate, though only the women seemed to notice. [i][b][color=green][Gouda basically looks like Gouda from the second season of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, which may give you some insight into his character. I like him through his brief introduction and unique voice I gave him, he was fairly creepy and made an impact on the players, or well I hope he did. – GM’s note][/color][/b][/i][b][color=green][/color][/b] Gouda and Kosuke-dono retreat inside with the daimyo’s top advisors to speak on the battle in the coming morning. There is great excitement and anticipation among the Great Strategists’ forces as the young samurai prepare for the battle. [i][color=green][b][I tried out the Mass Battle rules, I liked and disliked them, I will need to have more time with them I suppose but it seemed pretty deadly which I guess is the point. Just something I will have to keep in mind for the future. I think I was more excited to try them out than the player’s were. – GM’s note][/b][/color][/i][color=green][b][/b][/color][b][/b] [i]12th of the Serpent, 1172 IC, Fields outside South Border Fortress[/i] The early morning sun fought bravely with the mist that covered much of the battle field. The forces of the Dragon were arrayed before the Phoenix forces of the Great Strategist. Strangely their general was a ronin, a ronin the samurai had met at the Tournament, Natsuko. The strange choice for the Dragon to give a ronin bushi such power gave Kosuke-dono some pause. He was not eager to begin the bloodshed but now that the moment was upon him he would do his duty and see to the protection of his lands at all costs. He met briefly with the enemy general before returning to his forces. She was a monster in her heavy armor, with spider accents in the design she looked more a demon than a woman. Her hardened mask bore a terrible monstrous visage that would have sent chills down the back of lesser men. Kosuke-dono took his place; he glanced at Suzume-dono in full battle array with his bushi escort and then commenced the battle. With a wave of his tessen he unleashed his forces and the Battle of South Border Fortress began! [i][b][color=green][I had the players roll for Kosuke-dono he rolled 10k5 and had an Emphasis in mass Combat which made him pretty decent at warfare. He won every round of the mass combat easily compared to the less experienced Natsuko. Nobutada began the mass combat as heavily engaged, both Mayako and Shiatari were engaged, and Hana was in the Reserves. – GM’s note][/color][/b][/i][b][color=green][/color][/b] As the forces clashed Nobutada charged into the fray eager to garner glory for his name and family. Mayako and Shiatari were more cautions but equally engaged in the thick of combat. Mayako’s magic kept her safe as Shiatari cut down soldiers with skill suffering injury from the chaos of combat. Suddenly the battle lines cleared and both samurai could see Nobutada leading a charge into the enemy general’s cohorts shattering the defensive line! But Nobutada was cut down from his horse by Natsuko and the ronin prepared to finish off the Seppun warrior. Hana from her vantage point spotted her allies and moved to aid them knowing that it would take some time before she could do anything and hoping she could make in time. Natsuko raised her blade as Shiatari charged, “We meet again!” Shiatari swung her blade quickly but the strike was cast aside by the ronin leaving Shiatari wide open for a return strike that cut down the Scorpion bushi with ease. Mayako called upon the air kami knock her opponent down but the warrior was far to determined to allow the gods of air to move her. Natsuko goaded Mayako, “Is that the best you can do Mayako-chan?” Hana was still some distance away but called upon the water kami to give Mayako good luck, it seemed her newfound friend would need it. Bursting from the battle lines a plainly dressed Phoenix bushi drew blood from the ronin as he shouted, “Mayako get Nobutada and Shiatari out of here!” Mayako was shocked to hear Takeshi’s voice, “Takeshi I won’t leave you here alone!” She would not flee, not now; she called upon the fire kami and created a flaming whip that cracked with the fury of the heavens! Takeshi and Natsuko crossed blades to little avail neither finding a true advantage. Mayako took the opportunity to strike with her flaming whip, drawing upon the void and her ancestors to guide her hand. The blow knocked Natsuko’s mask from her face and left a flaming scar across the once beautiful samurai-ko’s face. It was then that the battle lines surged, the Dragon forces were being routed and Natsuko took that moment to flee. Here eyes met Mayako’s; this personal war was far from over. She tended to her allies who were both alive but severely wounded by the ronin bushi. Kosuke-dono surveyed the battlefield; it stank of death, charred flesh, and worse. His forces had won the day but the dead on both sides spoke of a greater failure in his eyes. He glanced with a knowing smile as Takeshi-dono rejoined the escort he had assigned to the troublesome youth. He admired the young man’s spirit even if it did give his retainers great consternation. If he had had a son he would have hoped the man could have been as brave as Takeshi-dono. The smile came to his lips and faded as he turned to the wounded and dead. The Great Strategist had won the battle but the war… the war he felt was just beginning. [i][b][color=green][Overall a fun session we covered a bunch of ground and I was able to introduce a bunch of characters and hopefully flesh some more out much more fully then I had. I like the direction Yuuka, Takeshi, and especially Kosuke are going. It was also great to have a new player with Hana on board. Next session will resume the hunt for Junko the tea girl. – GM’s note][/color][/b][/i][b][color=green][/color][/b][color=green][/color] [/QUOTE]
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