[L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: HairyHeretic on 01-01-2008, 19:21:17</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>01-01-2008, 19:21:17</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The journey from Otosan-Uichi has been long, weeks on the roads leaving your saddle sore and hungry for the comforst of an inn and a bath, but you are samurai, and duty should be seen as no hardship. Even so, you are gladdened to see the green walls of Ryoko Owari ahead of you, only a few miles distant.<br><br>As your equally weary horses follow the road to the city, through fields of rice and poppies, your minds fall back to the capital, and your brief meeting with the Emerald Champion himself, Doji Satsume.<br><br><em>"The loss of a magistrate is a tragedy, doubly so when the loss occurs in such an unexpected fashion. Your devotion to duty does you and your families honour for taking this assignment so swiftly."<br><br>"I had not thought the situation there serious enough to require more than a single magistrate, but Naritokis death has prove that wrong. Based on his reports, these are what I believe to be the main threats to public order in the city."<br><br>"Firstly, the assassin of Ashidaka Naritoki." He paused momentarily to look at the Crane in front of him. "I know you will have a particular desire to see the murderer of your kinsman brought to justice. His body was found in his own carriage. It had been set alight, and burned swiftly for such a wet night. Naritoki died of the burns, and being stabbed through the walls of the carriage. His yoriki, a shukenja called True Word was found in front of him. It seems he had vinegar thrown in his eyes to stop him reading his scrolls, and was then cut down while trying to draw his blade."<br><br>"Second, the bandit known as Fade has plagued the lands around the city for almost 2 years now. He has a gang of at least 35 men, all armed and armoured. In the past he has attacked caravans on the road and the river both, not to mention several villages. Naritoki suspects his mounted tactics indicate him as being a former Unicorn, though the leadership skills he shows could also indicate a Lion. Both clans deny this possibility of course. Whoever he is, he seems to have a particular hatred of the Scorpion, and has confined his attacks to them."<br><br>"Thirdly, the so called ninja. It seems there is at least one gang of criminals in the city who perpetuate the myth of ninja to cover their activities, and scare the more superstitious of the heimen. Both Naritoki and his predecessor, Matsu Shigoku reported some successes against them, but they seem to pop up every few months."<br><br>"Lastly, the thief known as Wind. This criminal has operated for at least the last two years, stealing small objects from the houses of many noble samurai. Not always the most valuable object apparently, which is strange behaviour. Neither the household guards nor those inside saw or heard anything. Naritoko suspected it could be a noble, doing this out of some misplaced sense of adventure. Whoever they are, and whatever their motivation, they must be stopped. The material losses are minor, but they steal away the sense of safety that the nobles have in their homes, and that carries a greater weight."<br><br>He looked around the group slowly, taking in the expression and bearing of each of you. "I have no doubts that you will do well, and bring honour to your families in solving these. Remember also, the primary task you have been given ... break up the illegal opium trade."</em><br><br>Seeing the walls of the city now brings all that back to you, and the gravity of your task settles heavy on your shoulders. You are samurai though, and will do no less than succeed. <br><br>As you reach the city gates, it is nearing the end of the hour of the Monkey, and Lady Sun is dipping below the horizon, her last rays illuminating the smudge in the west that is the infamous forest of Shinomen Mori. Soon the gates will close, and the guards turn their attention to the city itself, for tonight is the Festival of Bon, when one remembers their ancestors, and gives thanks for their wisdom. On this night the ancestors are at their closest, and the streets will be filled with representations of the Kami, the Dragons, white faced ghosts and the spirits of honourable ancestors alike, as well as fireworks, parades, music and dance.<br><br>Yes, the Thunder Guard will be busy indeed tonight.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>01-01-2008, 20:51:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Mirumoto Hanzo would ride into the city slowly, his horse would be strained more then the others from this ride and he had no desire to make the horse suffer unneedly by making it ride faster.&nbsp; His mind went back tot he meeting, thinking over the missions before them.&nbsp; The assassination of one of their magistrates, A bandit Fade, apparently ninja, the thief known as the wind, and then the opum trade.&nbsp; a daughting set of tasks, but then they were not a singe magistrate saddled with this much work to do, they had numbers, and since some of their numbers were scorpion, hopefully we would not always bee so exposed walking through the city fo lies.<br><br>The dragon were on friendly terms with the Scorpion, but that didn't stop him from placing his koku at the bottom of his quiver.&nbsp; He had a substantial amount of money for him that he hadn't had a need to spend yet and he didn't intend on getting it stolen from his belt by some lucky street urchin.<br><br>"We should make our presence known to the govenor and secure ourselves lodgings before anything else."&nbsp; He'd say to the group, it was most likely stating the obvious, but someone had to say it, might as well be him.&nbsp; Besides, if they were going to possibly be walking the festival, everyone would be happy he wasn't walking around so heavily armed.&nbsp; Four different weapons visble on his person and the massive No-dachi did not make for a friendly look for the dragon.<br><br>Given the death of a magistrate the govenor might have sent his own peopel to begin investigating because with a death like that it is bound to draw alot of attention and you wouldn't want it to be precieved as if you didn't care, it would implicate you.&nbsp; So with luck they'd be provided with a starting off point for the investigation or it would prove worthless and still be a starting off point.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>01-01-2008, 23:16:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Shosuro Akane paused, lowering the flute she was playing during the ride. While the ride itself was difficult, she did her best to distract the new magistrates from the troubles of the road. Truth be told, she herself was rather sore from riding; while she is samurai, she nevertheless is rather sensitive to pain.<br><br>"A wise plan, Hanzo-san. It would not do to go about our duties wearing our traveling clothes."<br><br>She was a bit more concerned with the ninja rumors, as well as the bandit Fate. Being a shinobi herself, she is all too aware of what the true ninja are capable of. That, and the bandit preying upon her clansmen upsets her. She would surely keep an eye out for them.<br><br>She takes a moment to stretch her arms above her head. "Please, lead on."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>02-01-2008, 00:24:03</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi rested her gauntleted fist on the neck of the horse that she had been given to for this journey.&nbsp; She didn't like riding and wasn't a skilled rider.&nbsp; But of course, she never complained about the duty, simply went about it with an unrelenting energy that would have made her family proud.&nbsp; She turned adjusted her helmet slightly, then turned to face the Dragon samurai.&nbsp; After hearing him out, she nodded silently in affirmation. <br><br>Then she kicked the flanks of her horse, setting it to a ground eating trot as they made their way into the city.&nbsp; Though she was armoured, she showed no particular fatigue from the journey.&nbsp; Nor did the idea of presenting herself to the Governor armed and armoured particularly bother her.&nbsp; After all, it's what her own father would have expected from any of his retainers.<br><br>As they walked their horses through the city, Emi touched the hilt of her grandmother's katana lightly.&nbsp; She had other weapons, of course, but the familiar weight of her grandmother's sword was comforting as she rode through the unfamiliar city with its masked inhabitants.&nbsp; Still, she had a job to do.&nbsp; "Let's find the governor," she said in a low voice.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>02-01-2008, 01:56:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha quiet for now as the group approached the city gates.&nbsp; Not accustom to the rigors of horseback.&nbsp; &nbsp;The petite shugenja of the Asahina family for now has been quiet.&nbsp; Almost as if meditative while riding.&nbsp; &nbsp;The truth is, she is in deep concentration.&nbsp; In keeping herself astride the magnificent creature.<br><br>A stark contrast to her companions.&nbsp; All like herself of the buke, appointed emerald magistrates.&nbsp; From various clans within the empire.&nbsp; For their armor and weapons prominent, set her apart and out with the lack of such.&nbsp; <br><br>Her eyes would travel to Mirumoto Hanzo.&nbsp; As he has slowed the procession and suggested they head straight to the governor and secure lodging.&nbsp; The one known as Shosuro Akane, who has been playing her flute.&nbsp; Pauses in the play to respond back to the large powerful Hanzo.&nbsp; &nbsp;She would afford a small nod of agreement from her perch on her mount in response.&nbsp; <br><br>She then would look to each of her other companions.&nbsp; All of who with her nature, has given her trust in them.&nbsp; She truly believed in the good of all.&nbsp; That such as deception or malice could ever truly be in a person.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>02-01-2008, 12:04:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				And then there was the sour apple of the group.&nbsp; Perched atop his steed sat the most hateful looking specimen of a samurai that one could ever hope for.&nbsp; Quiet as he looked this way and that under the wide brim of his straw hat he would hmmph slightly to what the Dragon had to say to them about seeing the governor first.&nbsp; His coal like eyes would narrow at any and everything that looked his way.&nbsp; As if in his own way passing some method of judgement upon the gazing eyes of nearby wanderers within the walls of the city.&nbsp; Yes, Soshi Hashimoto, a scorpion bushi that was short on words and even shorter on tolerance when it came to dealing with others.&nbsp; Resting at his side was his weapon of choice Shosuro Blade, a katana of grand design which he takes immense care of.&nbsp; For now he sat upon his horse and took in his surroundings.&nbsp; His face never changing if any it got alot darker not brighter, with its ever present scowl that matched the colors of his red and black light armor.&nbsp; Lean and athletic is his frame hidden under the armor, that had been honed for lightning fast strikes and quick reflexes.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-01-2008, 22:07:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The guards at the gate look curiously upon the group as they approach, but your travel papers can offer them no reason to try detaining you further. The kanji painted above the gates name it as the Gate of Oni's Teeth, and on the road beneath your horses hooves are embedded teeth the length of your arm. Perhaps the gate is well named in truth.<br><br>Towering over the buildings inside the gate rise several highly impressive buildings, temples from their appearance. The streets are begining to fill, with heimen and monks everywhere you look. The gunso of the guard detachment steps forwards, holding up his hand as you reach the gate.<br><br>"Travel papers." he says, holding out his hand, looking from one to the next. "Who are you, and why have you come to this city samurai-san's." he asks, curiosity obvious on his face.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>02-01-2008, 22:19:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo pulled out their papers handing them to the guard.&nbsp; "I am Mirumoto Hanzo, and we are here to conduct an official investigation." Would be Hanzo's explaination to the gaurds garrison.&nbsp; They had to know what happened to the previous Emerald Magistrate, so an investigation in force to discover what happened to him would be easily expected.&nbsp; <br><br>"We wish to speak with the Govenor."&nbsp; he'd further state.&nbsp; He introduced himself to be polite, but he wasn't going to name everyone in the group.&nbsp; This was a routine stop and the papers would say what they were, formal introductions could be made to the govenor, but right now he wanted to get settled into the city and the longer they were here the later it would be before they could get the lay of the land.&nbsp; Besides, baring the govenor's son, they were a bit over the heads of the guards.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-01-2008, 22:45:23</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The gunso quickly hands the papers back after examining them for authenticity. He looks the group over once more and then turns to Mirumoto-san, apparently accepting that since he spoke, he was ranking samurai. "Of course, Mirumoto-sama."<br><br>He turned to the rest of his squad, gesturing towards one of the younger guards. "Kasumi. Escort the Magistrate-sama's to the Civil Hall." He turns back to the group, bowing politely. "Is there anything else you require, magistrate-sama?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>02-01-2008, 22:51:54</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Directions to the Magistrates house after the meeting witht he govenor."&nbsp; Hanzo figured anythign more they wanted would be asked of the govenor, since he doubted the gate guard was in a position to bring them the results of any investigations into the assassination.<br><br>He didn't want to say that was all, as there were a number of Magistrates here, they might have more to ask of the guard.&nbsp; Later he might ask to know when the next Caravan was set to go through to find the bandit, but that was for another time, he didn't feel ready to deal with that part of the assignment yet.&nbsp; For now he wanted to get settled in.<br><br>He'd glance to his associates to see if they had anything they wanted to ask of the gate guard.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>03-01-2008, 04:17:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi moved her horse up alongside the Dragon as they rode to the gate, but she decided to let him do the talking.&nbsp; There wasn't a great deal that needed to be said to the gate guards after all.<br><br>Instead, Emi turned her attention to the sharp spikes protruding from the ground.&nbsp; She had faced oni before on the Wall and they were fearsome creatures.&nbsp; She leaned closer, peering at the teeth curiously, wondering if she could tell if they were real and if so, from which oni?&nbsp; After making her survey of the teeth, Emi straightened in her saddle and nodded sternly to the guard, waiting for him to pass them through the gate and onwards.<br><br>Once they were underway, Emi dropped back her horse slightly, looking over at the two Scorpions who had been assigned to their group.&nbsp; One was a bushi and the other seemed to be a courtier.&nbsp; Emi wasn't sure which counted as the lesser evil;&nbsp; after a moment, she decided that while she'd normally prefer to talk to a fellow bushi, the Scorpion samurai didn't like the social type.&nbsp; Instead, she rode closer to the courtier, Akane.&nbsp; <br><br>"Do you know Ryoko Owari?" Emi inquired directly.&nbsp; "Can you tell me about the Festival going on here tonight?"<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>03-01-2008, 06:18:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As her want, Meiwha remained quiet.&nbsp; Almost a reflective aura about herself.&nbsp; &nbsp;Letting Hanzo-san be the spokesman.&nbsp; &nbsp;A slight lifting of her chin, as the gunso responded.&nbsp; <br><br>Her nature would bring the flash of innocent smile to the gunso.&nbsp; From her position a few paces back.&nbsp; It could not be helped, it was a natural inbred trait of hers.&nbsp; &nbsp; Making it even more alluring and full of promise. She quickly drop her gaze in what appears to be decorum modesty.&nbsp; <br><br>The moment interrupted, then as the large amazonian compatriot of the crab clan.&nbsp; &nbsp;Moves now from the side of Hanzo-san.&nbsp; To move along the young scorpion courtier.&nbsp; It would draw her look for a brief moment.&nbsp; Then she turned her attention back.&nbsp; &nbsp;A bath was much needed.&nbsp; The road had been long and tiresome.&nbsp; She hoped no further delays would come.&nbsp; &nbsp;
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>03-01-2008, 07:01:06</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane smiled at Emi. "Not much, I'm afraid. I know that there is a school of courtiers here, and that there is a large opium trade, both legal and illicit. The Unicorn have held the city for some time, before we managed to regain control. Not surprisingly, the Unicorn were unable to root out the crime in the city.<br><br>"As for the Festival of Bon, it's standard. The honoring one's ancestors, who are closer to us this time of the year than at any other. My suggestion would be to enjoy yourself, but keep an eye on your coin purse. This is, after all, the City of Lies, where criminals have no shame from snatching what they can get."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>03-01-2008, 07:10:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Soshi was by all means not antisocial he just had a very specific view on life.&nbsp; It was his way or the highway so to speak.&nbsp; He would bring up the rear of the group silently.&nbsp; As he peered out from under the wide brim straw hat of his.&nbsp; He would take in all of the others from the group from the dragon, the crab, to the crane, and finally his own family courtier along with them.&nbsp; He would move his horse along the ever present scowl sat on his face.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>03-01-2008, 07:16:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I guess that is all we require."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as the other magistrates don't speak up and ask the guard.&nbsp; He'd take his traveling papers and get the horse moving to follow the guide to the civil hall.&nbsp; If they hadn't been riding for the past couple of weeks, he'd have gotten off the horse and walked through the town, just because he is more confident of his position with both feet on the ground.&nbsp; But after weeks on the road, he just wants to get the formalities over with so they can begin the investigation.&nbsp; Someone felt it prudent to assassinate an Emerald Magistrate, they had to inform them of why it was a stupid choice.<br><br>Unless futher delayed Hanzo would ride towards the Civil Hall and dismount, asking the guide to keep watch over their horses and traveling amendities and he'd wait for the rest of the magistrates to dismount and ready themselves before progressing in to meet with the Govenor.&nbsp; Unless someone speaks up to the contray.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-01-2008, 21:24:30</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The young guard leads you through the streets to another gate, speaking briefly to the guards stattioned there before leading you on through. The buildings in this section of the city are much finer, ranging from well appointed houses to a towering mansion. The streets here are better kept, and much less busy, though you do see a reasonable number of people making their way towards the rest of the city, some in elaborate costumes.<br><br>The squarish building you are led to is some 3 or 4 stories tall, with more guards on the doors. The guard escorting you leads you inside, speaking quietly to the gunso who steps out in front of him almost as soon as he went through the doors. He gunso listens for a moment, then nods, gesturing to dismiss the guard. He steps forward and bows politely to you all. "If you will please follow me, magistrate-sama's, I will take you to Shosuro Minoru-sama."<br><br>He leads you through the building, into a small hall, where servants wait with bowls of water and scented cloths, so you can at least clean the road from your faces and hands. "Shosuro-sama will be with you momentarily."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>03-01-2008, 22:09:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would wait for the assistance of one of the hinin to come and assist her in dismounting from her mount.&nbsp; &nbsp;Of course he would not dare touch her.&nbsp; As the page knelt next to the horse.&nbsp; Providing a step stool for her dismounting.&nbsp; He is a non person, outside of the celestial order.&nbsp; She would dismount then.&nbsp; She is sore from the ride.&nbsp; Her legs a bit unsteady, she pauses a moment on the back of the hinin.&nbsp; Then would step down onto the ground.&nbsp; <br><br>The gunso here, would greet the hohei that has escorted them to the house.&nbsp; After a moment he would dismiss the other and bow to then in greeting.&nbsp; As he turn and ask them to follow.&nbsp; Meiwha would follow with the others.&nbsp; <br><br>As they are led into a small hall within the buidling.&nbsp; Which is three or four stories high.&nbsp; Servants have already in haste have come with bowls of water and scented wash cloths so they may refresh with wiping the dirt of the road off their faces and hands.&nbsp; Before they will meet with Shosuro Minoru.&nbsp; With out waiting for the others.&nbsp; Meiwha would take up this opportunity and would move to a servant and bowl.&nbsp; She would begin washing her face and then her hands.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>03-01-2008, 22:33:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would dismount slowly, taking his time as he walked into the building to the servants with the water and the scented clothes.&nbsp; He'd wash up, cleaning off the road dust and making himself presentable.&nbsp; His mind was elsewhere at the moment.&nbsp; They had so many magistrates, they'd need to break up, apply their strengths where they could approach this problem form a number of angles.<br><br>When he finsihed washing up, he'd slide his Dasiho around to his right side.&nbsp; Like most of rokugan he was right handed, and swords on the left side when meeting an official showed distrust.&nbsp; He didn't however intend to disarm, people in the city were so bold as to kill one of the Emerald Magistrates, which meant they were bold enough to attack the Emperor by Proxy, so he would not shed his arms as long as he was within the city walls.<br><br>Once he'd finished Hanzo would step back and await the rest of the magistrates to finish, staying close to Meiwha.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>04-01-2008, 01:16:37</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane would also dismount slowly, the harsh journey being a little crueler to her. However, she is samurai, and will not show her discomfort. She removes a thin red lace face mask from her traveling pack, before heading off to clean up. A good Scorpion is never without a mask.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>04-01-2008, 03:19:32</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi slid out of her saddle and landed on her feet with a solid rattle, her heavy armour clinking around her as she let one of the stable keepers take the reins of her horse.&nbsp; Emi adjusted the hilts of her daisho, to accomodate her standing position.&nbsp; Then she strode into the home.&nbsp; She towered over the Scorpion servants as she made her way towards where the heimin had prepared a small reception for them.<br><br>Nodding curtly to the servant, Emi pulled off her helm, shaking out her thick black hair, which she wore in a long pony tail.&nbsp; Then she peeled off her two gauntlets, tucking them into her obi.&nbsp; She accepted the wash cloth from one of the servants and wiped off her face and neck.&nbsp; Then she dipped her hands in the washing bowl, wiping away the road dust of the swift journey to Ryoko Owari.<br><br>When she was done, Emi picked her helmet back up, tucking it into the crook of her left arm as she followed the servants to where the governor, this Shosuro Minoru would meet them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>04-01-2008, 06:24:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Soshi would tilt his head some as he looked to the others dismounting before he did himself. He would take and keep the wide brimmed straw hat on his head.&nbsp; He would take and remove it slowly letting the hat rest behind his head as he walked along.&nbsp; His face never changed it seemed even as he bowed politely to those in charge before taking and washing up for the meeting that lay ahead of them.&nbsp; Not a word spoken from the Scorpion Bushi, but his eyes always glanced around casually taking in everybody and the surroundings within.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>04-01-2008, 06:47:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would make a moion to the rest of the magistrates, to remind them to move their swords.&nbsp; It was bad ettiquite to walk in with their swords on the left side unless they were expecting trouble, and nothing they knew so far gave them reason to suspect the govenor, infact the opposite since the death of the magistrate meant that the hammer was going to fall on the city and it'd work better without such distractions.<br><br>Hanzo glances to Meiwah, Soshi and akane, internally figuring they'd be doing the majority of the talking when they began interrogating people.&nbsp; Not a dig against Emi or even himself, but he had far more confidence in their conduct in a fight and making someone feel nervous then getting information, where the shugenja and scorpion were probbaly better in the area of mincing words.&nbsp; But that's be settled later when they'd talk in private and plan their investigation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>04-01-2008, 07:45:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would look up to Hanzo as he spoke.&nbsp; Just finishing padding her face dry with a towel.&nbsp; Setting the towel down, she would give a feint nod.&nbsp; With that she would follow with the others as the servants led them to meet with the governor. <br><br>She would speak softly to the rest before they entered into audience with the governor.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her voice as always, a musical sing song. <br><br><em>"We should remember to be open minded, with a intuitive preponderance over our mission.&nbsp; &nbsp;I have a feeling that if we do not look straight, one would miss the truth.&nbsp; For if one just varied to either direction.&nbsp; The truth could become eschewed.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>04-01-2008, 09:02:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Spoken like a true shugenja,</em> Akane thought to herself. Not that she didn't like the Crane; in fact, she likes her more than most Cranes she met. It's just that shugenja have a way of saying the simplest things in the most obscuring way possible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>04-01-2008, 17:54:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A samurai was prepared to die at any time, so Emi crossed her arms over her chest, leaving her katana were it was on her left hip.&nbsp; After all, Magistrates had already been murdered in Ryoko Owari and Emi saw no reason to trust the Scorpion Governor yet.&nbsp; She impatiently drummed her fingers on the underside of her helmet, waiting for the others to declare themselves ready to meet the Governor so they could get on with their duties.<br><br>Already, Emi was turning over the potential threats that the Emerald Champion, Doji Satsume, had listed to them.&nbsp; The Opium Trade, the bandits, the assassin and the thief.&nbsp; Emi didn't know if she should even bother to count the ninja -- They were a myth, in her opinion.&nbsp; Still, the four major threats would give them enough work.&nbsp; She had some ideas were to start, but it wouldn't be easy.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 02:21:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Soshi would look up as he patted his face dry and hearing the talk from the dragon magistrate he would hmm a little bit"last checked this was a mission, not pleasantries.&nbsp; I for one would like to think of this as business, to get on with and be done as soon as possible."&nbsp; He said while keeping his face emotionless as could be.&nbsp; "if the danger be that great to require the attention of not one, not two, but three magistrates from different families and some of different clans, i believe the danger prominent to lurk in the very crevice where its least expected."&nbsp; He said before returning to his silent solemn state.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 02:44:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The servants made no response, as it is not their place to speak in front of their betters. Your ablutions done, you are led to a nearby room, where a it would seem you are expected. Sitting behind a low table is a man dressed in a fine red and black kimono, the Shosuro mon picked out on the breast, and a light mempo style mask across the lower part of his face. He appears to be in his late 20s, with a keen intelligence shining in his green eyes.<br><br>"Good evening magistrate-san's." he said, after you had settled yourselves on the mats in front of him. "I am Shosuro Hideoshi, hatamoto to the Shosuro Hyobu, governer of Ryoko Owari. I am afraid that we were not expecting you for another day or two yet, and the governer has already left. The festival, you understand ... she has duties she must attend to there." He took a moment to look around the group to see how they handled this before continuing.<br><br>"You must have ridden hard to arrive to soon. Perhaps you would like to take tonight to rest, and you can formally present yourself to Shosuro-san at the hour of the Moon tomorrow? I have dispatched some heimin to make the magistrates house ready for you, and they will work throughout the night til all is complete. I can see you put up in a fine inn ... you may relax, and enjoy the festival, and refreshed be ready to begin your duties tomorrow."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 04:51:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi followed hot on the heels of the servant who led them into the next room.&nbsp; It was clearly an office, but not as finely as Emi would have expected from the Scorpion Governor.<br><br>Still, she bowed to the young man behind the desk, then settled in on the tatami mats, taking her swords from her obi and resting them beside her.&nbsp; The man behind the table wore a mempo mask.&nbsp; She wondered if that had any special significance.&nbsp; Most, maybe all, Scorpions wore masks, but the style of mask seemed to vary.&nbsp; Emi imagined that this Shosuro's choice of a mempo indicated that he fancied himself a swordsman.<br><br>After hearing the fellow out, Hida Emi gave a brusque nod.&nbsp; She wasn't so tired that she needed to rest immediately after arriving in the city, but if the governor wasn't available, then she supposed there was nothing to do.&nbsp; "Very well, Shosuro Hideoshi-san," Emi replied serenely.&nbsp; "The Hour of the Moon, then."<br><br>Emi rose, slipping her swords back into her obi.&nbsp; She hoped to discuss some matters with the other magistrates before meeting the governor, and she didn't think time spent here in the governor's empty mansion served any further purpose.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 05:47:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Soshi would follow the others into the room as he would take and kneel down upon the mats there.&nbsp; He would bow his head with deep respect towards a fellowclans man in their home.&nbsp; He would rise up slowly and listen to this.&nbsp; His sword resting at his side on the ground as he took in what was said.&nbsp; He would silently nod his head as he went to place his sword at his side.&nbsp; Not much needed to be said as he would rise up and wait for the others to make a decision.&nbsp; Already the wheels were turning behind his eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 07:41:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Is of like mind with Emi-san, it would afford them time to discuss.&nbsp; As she too would rise up with the others.&nbsp; Looking to Hanzo-san, who she has known the longest.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"Perhaps Hanzo-kun you would be up to a game of go?"</em><br><br>The imminent term address slipped out.&nbsp; The game suggested, two fold in nature.&nbsp; One to free her mind for a clarity of thoughts.&nbsp; The other, the risk of the game or any game drew her in.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 08:20:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane bowed reverently to the fellow Shosuro. "Agreed, tomorrow at the Hour of the Moon, to meet with Shosuro-san." She looked Hideoshi straight in the eye, to see if he understood her desire to meet with him, in private, later tonight. After all, the Shosuro family are a family of courtiers, not shinobi. Nope, not shinobi at all. Especially not one who is apparantly as honorable as Akane is. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 22:12:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hatamoto writes out a quick note, and hands it to the gunso that appears in response to his summons. "Please escort the magistrates to the Inn of the Orange Blossoms." he says, handing over the paper. Turning back to the magistrates he says "Please enjoy the hospitality of the city tonight, and we will see that all your needs are attended to. Perhaps I will see you later, during the festival."<br><br>After you leave, the gunso takes you through the streets, out into and through the temple district to the merchant quarter. The inn he leads you to is near the waterfront. It seems a cosy inn, with rooms upstairs, and a common room downstairs. The owner introduces himself as Hametsu, a Unicorn, and along with his wife and daughter they are kept busy by the stream of customers.<br><br>Just inside the doorway is the small alcove where samurai are, politely of course, requested to leave their weapons. Inside the inn you can see mostly Scorpions, but a flash of blue from one table draws your eyes to three Cranes, whose brightly coloured kimonos constrast with the much darker Scorpion colours.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 22:25:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi slides her swords back through her obi and follows the gunso out of the house.&nbsp; As soon as they are out on the streets, she slides her helmet back on, her dark eyes tracking the revelers as they draw through the streets of the increasingly festive city on the way to the inn.&nbsp; For her own part, Emi hasn't taken part in a festival since honoring the Willow-Healing kami before leaving her dojo in Sunda Mizu Mura.&nbsp; <br><br>At the Inn, Emi nods to the inn keeper, a Unicorn, a Clan she respects.&nbsp; With a small frown of disapproval, Emi slips her sword back out of her obi and stands it in the sword alcove.&nbsp; She doesn't like being a whole room away from her weapon, but in a crowded inn with sake flowing, she understands the necessity of making sure no one has weapons immediately at hand.<br><br>Emi walks over to the common room's bar, looking around for an available table.&nbsp; She notes the table of Cranes.&nbsp; Gah.&nbsp; After shaking her head, Emi turns to the innkeeper and orders a bottle of sake and rice.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>05-01-2008, 22:29:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would follow the servants into the room and knelt down on the mats provided, and laid his swords at his side as he waited. &nbsp;He'd keep his face in check when it was found they wouldn't be meeting with the govenor, or anyone else apparently that'd answer their questions and were left to their own devices for the evening of the festival. &nbsp;He did think that it at least game them time to discuss things, but they didn't have alot of information to go one. &nbsp;Right now he wished the previous Emerald Magistrate int he area ahd been a kitsuki, at least then Hanzo knows he'd have some evidence to follow, but outside the dragon lands the kitsuki method wasn't followed.<br><br>Hanzo collected his things and began making his way out of the room when Meiwha asked him about the game of go. &nbsp;"I think I can manage a game." &nbsp;Hanzo did smile just slightly after she spoke. While the smile had nothing to do with the game, Hanzo found the game request amusing because it'd be a pleasant day in the plains above evil before he beat her in a game of go, but he was willing to be throughly trounced from time to time if she enjoyed the game.<br><br>"Then it is to the inn." &nbsp;Hanzo said mostly to himself, but they were being setup in an inn for the night and while he had no intention of being anywhere in the city not prepared for combat, he did want to clean up as he is sure everyone would want. &nbsp;Hanzo would make his way out towards where their horses were being held, settling his swords &nbsp;back to their proper spot on the left. &nbsp;He'd saddle back up to proceed to the inn.<br><br>When politely asked to remove his weapons he'd slide them to the right side of his obi. &nbsp;That was as far as anyone was going to get the swords moved. &nbsp;With the assassin still at large in the city the govenor will be hard pressed to have him remove the swords, the assassin felt bold enough to make an attack on the agents of the Emperor and by proxy the Emperor himself, none of the magistrates could afford a sense of complete safty anywhere within these walls. &nbsp;Especially since he had a further duty to preforn.&nbsp; He would order rice and just water, keeping away from the sake since he would not part with his arms.&nbsp; <br><br>Hanzo's eyes do flicker across the crane kimonos, not the faces yet, but the kimonos, actively checking the family mons. &nbsp;He made it a habit of keeping track of any Kakita around him, their schools had their long standing differences and he always was mindful of where any of them were around him. &nbsp;Seemed prudent.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>06-01-2008, 04:01:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane nodded, and bowed when 'dismissed.' During the journey to the inn, she kept her eyes scanning the crowd, simply looking for anything that may be out of place. A habit she adopted early in her training.<br><br>She readily placed her wakazazshi in the alcove. Her Shosuro blade, however, she kept with her, similar to what Hanzo did. Only she tied the sword into the sheath before shifting it to her right hip.She was entrusted with the blade, and she will not part with it easily.<br><br>Her eyes, as well, scanned the room, taking note of the three cranes in the corner, as they appeared to be out of place for now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>06-01-2008, 06:30:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Soshi would walk along with the others, taking and adjusting his straw hat on his head to cover his eyes as he silently walked with the others to the inn.&nbsp; He walked inside and looked around some to what was going on within the commons of the inn.&nbsp; He would watch the Crab take and part with her sword and that would cause the scorpion bushi to perk a brow at the heavily armored warrioress.&nbsp; He himself politely ignored the request as he was not here for pleasantries nor was he about to part with the sword that was granted to him in family honor.&nbsp; He would walk to the innkeeper"a room." Is all he said as he looked to the man from under his straw brimmed hat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>06-01-2008, 06:53:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would smile to the response to the agreement of the game.&nbsp; Would then toss a glance to towards Shosuro Hideoshi.&nbsp; For a moment she felt like telling him that he was not equal.&nbsp; An proper respect was not given.&nbsp; &nbsp;Along with heed should be taken, for if a second emerald magistrate was to be mysteriously murdered.&nbsp; &nbsp;The city of lies may well see the imperial legions upon its doorstep.&nbsp; At the very least the emerald champion.&nbsp; However, in her naive way.&nbsp; She would not voice these thoughts.&nbsp; &nbsp;Just perhaps it had been just a slip.&nbsp; An of course their hosts would be ever on the alert and vigilance on their safety.<br><br>With that she would rise up, and follow Hanzo-san out.&nbsp; A game of go awaited her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>06-01-2008, 20:06:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After he got his rice he would go to a table to meet with Meiwha, figuring she'd have the go board setup.&nbsp; It was her game after all, though with her wanting to play it so much he might start taking up the game if only to have a chance at beating her at the game once. <br><br>He'd set down the rice he got for Meiwha as well and waited for her to setup and begin the game.&nbsp; It would be pleasant enough, though he secretly began guessing as to how long it would take for her to wipe the floor with thim at the game.<br><br>"This mission is going to be intresting."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as they began the game, more because of the volume of objectives they had to deal with, and under nromal circumstances he could assume some of them were related, but this was a scorpion villiage and they all seemed plausiablly seperate ebcause of who they were dealing with.<br><br>(And purely because I wanted to see how the dice roller worked.&nbsp; Games(go)/Awareness roll. *chuckle*&nbsp; soo getting trounced this game.)<br><br>(Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Go game<br>Result: 5, 6, <br>Total: 11)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>06-01-2008, 22:40:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Actually Meiwha had a penchant and urge she found hard to resist with games of chance.&nbsp; As she set up the game board at one of the tables,&nbsp; after they had arrived to the inn.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"Yes perhaps they are separate threads that follow their own path.&nbsp; Or perhaps they tie together.&nbsp; Or a combination of somewhere in between.&nbsp; Thank you Hanzo-san."</em><br><br>She would take up the bowl of rice.&nbsp; Eating and playing the game of GO with you.&nbsp; Of which she wishes you were a bit better at. Though it was nice just to play.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 3d10<br>Comment: Awareness GO game roll<br>Result: 4, 1, 10,<br>Total: 15<br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 1d10, adding 15to the total<br>Comment: Awareness GO game roll 10 exploding contination<br>Result: 5,<br>Total: 20<br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>OOC-Ok not sure if did this right or got it down with the system. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-01-2008, 23:14:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The innkeeper leads you upstairs, showing you to a suite of rooms. A larger common area in the centre has a number of smaller sleeping rooms opening off it. "If you wish to wear your sword in the common room, it will have to be tied." he says. "Better to leave it in the alcove if you are going to go out for the festival later, or in your room if you prefer."<br><br>By the time you return downstairs, a table has been arranged for your use, with tea and small bowls of rice already set on it. The inn offers a variety of rice, fish and vegetables, and even some strange unicorn dishes involving red meat. Few seem to wish to try traditional unicorn cooking though, contenting themselves with normal rokugani food.<br><br>The 3 cranes are still there, where you saw them before. A closer look at their mons show them to be two Doji's and a Daidoji. The inkeepers daughter bustles up to see to your needs, offering sake, shochu, tea, or whatever you may wish.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 00:41:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane orders tea and rice, still watching the cranes. For some reason, they unnerve her slightly. Three Cranes, comfortable in a bar of Scorpions. Besides, she needs to keep her senses sharp, and sake would simply dull them unduly.<br><br>"That is true, Meiwha. Who knows what this investigation holds in store."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 01:01:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi takes her bottle of sake, sipping from it.&nbsp; Picking up a pair of chopsticks, she picks at the bowl of rice the innkeeper's daughter brings her.&nbsp; After hearing the inn keeper's offer, Emi gives a small frown.&nbsp; She should have kept her sword on her.&nbsp; Oh well.&nbsp; <br><br>After finishing her bowl of rice, Emi leans over to watch the game of go between Hanzo and Meiwha.&nbsp; The Dragon plays a surprisingly conservative game, quite unlike Emi expected.&nbsp; The Crane shugenja, surprisingly, plays quite well, quickly capturing the corners of the board and taking an insurmountable lead that results in her victory.&nbsp; Emi gives the shugenja a small nod of congratulations.&nbsp; She supposes it's an important reminder;&nbsp; Cranes often have surprising talents.&nbsp; Like Scorpions.<br><br>Thinking of the Cranes, Hida Emi glances over to the three in the common room.&nbsp; Something about them makes her wary.&nbsp; After a few moments, she turns to the Crane Shugenja.&nbsp; "Tell me, Ashahina Meiwha-san, how do the Crane celebrate the Festival of Bon?"<br><br>Amongst the Crab, the Festival involves visiting the resting places of the honored ancestors, when possible.&nbsp; She wonders why the three Crane have come so far from where their ancestors lie to Ryoko Owari.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 01:40:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo continued to eat after he was throughly trounced by Meiwha, it wasn't anything new to him.&nbsp; He even lost with a smile at this point, he had good days and bad days, but she kept racking up the victories.&nbsp; <br><br>"Some of us should poke around the city during the festival, with all the activity we might come across some fo the guilty party thinking they will be unnoticed."<br><br>Normally it' be odd to do anythign illegal when the city guards would all be present, but finding someone doing planned neferious activites during the festival would be a needle ina haystack.&nbsp; The guard would be more ocncerned with maintaing the crowd and the peasants, so if they were going to get an early possible look at the activities going on around them, this would be the time.&nbsp; Once the festival is over, they wouldn't have the crowds to hide behind and it'd retreat abck to the closed doors and back alleys.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 03:48:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Soshi would leave the others of the group and head up to the room which was provided for them.&nbsp; He would take and moved to the center of his sleeping room and kneel upon the mat there. Taking and tying his sword together so that it would take a little effort to undo, he would place the sword before him as he began his Meditation for the evening.&nbsp; Deep long breaths taken in and out slowly as he kept to himself and calming his inner soul for the task yet to come.&nbsp; The straw hat placed behind him as he knelt there praying and focusing himself mentally and spiritually.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 04:19:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We stand out in a crowd, Mirumoto Hanzo-san," Emi replied dryly.&nbsp; Both of them towered about the typical Scorpion and she didn't think they'd have much success blending in and finding out information.&nbsp; Though, Akane, Meihwa and Hashimoto might be able to do it fairly well.<br><br>"I think we should discuss how we plan to go about our duties," Emi continued.&nbsp; "But a crowded common room is not the best place for such talk.&nbsp; We should go upstairs and join Soshi Hashimoto to include him in the conversation and to make sure no one else is included."<br><br>Personally, Emi thought that they should cut directly to the heart of the matter and start cracking down on the opium trade.&nbsp; Barring that, she thought they should try to track down the assassin of the previous magistrate.&nbsp; Emi personally looked forward to trying her steel against the bandits though.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 07:47:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg502158#msg502158">Quote from: Lanzlo on 07-01-2008, 00:41:10</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Akane orders tea and rice, still watching the cranes. For some reason, they unnerve her slightly. Three Cranes, comfortable in a bar of Scorpions. Besides, she needs to keep her senses sharp, and sake would simply dull them unduly.<br><br>"That is true, Meiwha. Who knows what this investigation holds in store."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Meiwha pleased with having a chance to sake a vice.&nbsp; &nbsp;The win mattered not, only the competitiveness of the moment in the game.&nbsp; Would offer up a polite smile.&nbsp; Then turningto Akane-san.&nbsp; She would offer up a slight nod in return.&nbsp; As she turned her attention towards Emi.&nbsp; <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg502164#msg502164">Quote from: Elayne on 07-01-2008, 01:01:51</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Hida Emi takes her bottle of sake, sipping from it.&nbsp; Picking up a pair of chopsticks, she picks at the bowl of rice the innkeeper's daughter brings her.&nbsp; After hearing the inn keeper's offer, Emi gives a small frown.&nbsp; She should have kept her sword on her.&nbsp; Oh well.&nbsp; <br><br>After finishing her bowl of rice, Emi leans over to watch the game of go between Hanzo and Meiwha.&nbsp; The Dragon plays a surprisingly conservative game, quite unlike Emi expected.&nbsp; The Crane shugenja, surprisingly, plays quite well, quickly capturing the corners of the board and taking an insurmountable lead that results in her victory.&nbsp; Emi gives the shugenja a small nod of congratulations.&nbsp; She supposes it's an important reminder;&nbsp; Cranes often have surprising talents.&nbsp; Like Scorpions.<br><br>Thinking of the Cranes, Hida Emi glances over to the three in the common room.&nbsp; Something about them makes her wary.&nbsp; After a few moments, she turns to the Crane Shugenja.&nbsp; "Tell me, Ashahina Meiwha-san, how do the Crane celebrate the Festival of Bon?"<br><br>Amongst the Crab, the Festival involves visiting the resting places of the honored ancestors, when possible.&nbsp; She wonders why the three Crane have come so far from where their ancestors lie to Ryoko Owari.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><em>"Of particular the great basins of seawater fill up Kyuden Doji in representing the final resting place of Lady Doji. Emi-san.&nbsp; As all do, upon the final of the festival.&nbsp; Color lanterns are lit, so our recently departed ancestors of the year.&nbsp; May peer into the world of the living on final time before moving on."</em><br><br>Her bright sky blue eyes would alight upon the other Crane in attendance.&nbsp; Having not noted them earlier, with Emi pointing them out.&nbsp; Searching her knowledge, for such why her brethren&nbsp; Crane would be here.&nbsp; Such is not uncommon to see in truth.&nbsp; An she could not see anything abnormal over such.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her gaze would switch to Hanzo.&nbsp; After hearing what he has to say.&nbsp; A thoughtful look would flash across her features.&nbsp; Before she can answer.&nbsp; Soshi Hashimoto who would leave them in retiring to his room.&nbsp; &nbsp;She then would look back to Emi with her suggestion.&nbsp; Rising up then herself, she would address all, as she answered first Emi query of why others of her clan were here. <br><br><em>"I do not know, thou I shall go over and perhaps gleam why Emi-san."</em>&nbsp; &nbsp;She started to turn and move towards the Crane.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pausing and tossing a glance towards Akane.&nbsp; <em>"I am curious Akane-san, why does Hashimoto-san&nbsp; does not use Hashimoto his name and always refer to himself as Soshi his family.&nbsp; As well others do.&nbsp; Would this not cause a problem if everyone in the room were per say Soshi."</em><br><br>She pause for the moment in waiting the response.&nbsp; Before she would move over towards the three Crane. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 10:03:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg502289#msg502289">Quote from: Asherah on 07-01-2008, 07:47:12</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">She started to turn and move towards the Crane.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pausing and tossing a glance towards Akane.&nbsp; <em>"I am curious Akane-san, why does Hashimoto-san&nbsp; does not use Hashimoto his name and always refer to himself as Soshi his family.&nbsp; As well others do.&nbsp; Would this not cause a problem if everyone in the room were per say Soshi."</em><br><br>She pause for the moment in waiting the response.&nbsp; Before she would move over towards the three Crane. <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>A small smile lights on Akane's face. "Truth be told, I know not. I have only met him when our lord assembled us to investigate the previous Magistrate's death." She glances to Hashimoto. "I'm sure he has his reasons, as do all of my clan. Sometimes, we keep secrets, even from ourselves."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 15:12:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A little thought would offer trade as the most likely reason for the presence of the 3 Cranes. Ryoko Owari is a major trade hub, something of a gateway to the northern lands, the Unicorns especially.<br><br>Indeed, when Meiwha approaches the table, the 3 bow politely, naming themselves as Doji Juzo, Doji Usiina, and Daidoji Anitano, merchants in the service of Doji Tsumetsu. Perhaps it is the fact she is Crane, or the sake, but they speak more freely than one would expect of a first meeting.<br><br>The Daidoji does not speak much, instead keeping a watchful eye on the common room. Perhaps he is yojimbo to one of the other pair. The Doji seem in good spirits, telling Meiwha that they have sold a good stock of streamers, masks, fireworks, costumes and other such items to a lesser merchant shop for a good profit.<br><br>(Meiwha, you can give me an Intelligence / Courtier roll, to see if you recognise the name of Doji Tsumetsu)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 17:57:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A respectful bow is given and an introduction; <em>"Greetings, I am Asahina Meiwha.&nbsp; The are enjoying the festival of Bon here in Ryoko Owari.&nbsp; With what brings you here."</em><br><br>With out reservation Meiwha would accept the explanation given.&nbsp; As they spoke more freely with a initial greeting.&nbsp; Merchants in service of Doji Tsumetsu.&nbsp; <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 4d10, <br>Comment: Int-Court pool for recognition of Doji Tsumetsu<br>Result: 3, 8, 1, 1,<br>Total: 13<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 18:11:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The name of Doji Tsumetsu does sound familiar, but unfortunately you can't seem to place from where. Perhaps it may come to you later.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 19:37:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The name is familiar but she cannot place it to anything right now.&nbsp; As it seems elusive in her memory.&nbsp; Offering a engaging smile, that can be construed as engaging and eluding to more.&nbsp; She would respond back to the three after their replied introductions.<br><br><em>"If the wish later at the close of the festival, I can assist you in lighting of lanterns so any of the honor ancestors recently passed this year, may be honored and gifted with a lasting look before final departure." </em><br><br>She would ask befittingly as a shugenja of the clan.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 19:41:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A kind offer, Asahina-san." replies Doji Juzo, "And perhaps we will avail of it, but we should not keep you from your own meal any further." He nodded past her, to where the innkeepers daughter was bringing out piled plates of food.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 19:43:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would look to Emi, "I agree we'll stick out, but that can not be helped at this point, I'll come up to the room once Meiwha is finished, we can plan out what we're going to try to do. &nbsp;You'll have the bulk of our group up there if Akane-san joins you. &nbsp;So feel free to start planning without us, we'll join in when she is done speaking with the Crane. &nbsp;I recommend everyone tie their weapons, but keep them on tonight, I'm sure you agree." &nbsp;They were both accomplished in the art of combat and he knows she didn't like not having her weapons on her.<br><br>After that Hanzo would settle into his seat, cleaning up the Go game while he waited for Meiwha to finish speaking with her Clan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 20:01:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would give a polite respectful bow to signal her departure from the table of her fellow Crane.&nbsp; As she turn and make her way back to her companions and their table.&nbsp; <br><br>Unlike many that are dressed with finer kimonos.&nbsp; Hers is of simple design, in this simplicity of her family's penchant.&nbsp; Comes the alluring beauty that captivates.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Returning across the room, as she espies Hanzo collecting up the pieces of the go game.&nbsp; It would draw a smile that is quite provocative as it is displayed.&nbsp; Through not an overt design, one that just came natural in all her gestures and movements.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 20:17:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Without warning, one of the side doors all but disappears in a haze of dust and splintered wood. Screams erupt from the common room as shards of wood and ceramics slash through the guests. The innkeepers daughter, having just passed Asahina-san collapses to the ground, a splinter of wood the size of a tanto sticking out of her chest. Her eyes are wide in shock, and blood bubbles out from the wound, staining her kimono red. A moment later and it could have been Asahina-san lying in her place.<br><br>As the dust settles you see the cause. An inhuman abomination taller than the tallest samurai stands there, holding one of the Crane by the throat, the man kicking at it as his hands try to free his throat from its grasp.<br><br>Another of the Crane lies as its feet, blood pooling around his very still body, whilst the last scrambles backwards, trying to come to his feet out of the things reach.<br><br>It has three eyes, anda long slavering tongue, with strange misshapen lumps on its back. A rank odur, of things long dead and left to rot, wafts from its blackish green body. Jagged claws on each of the 4 arms glisten with slime, and it rakes them across the stomach the Crane it holds aloft, causing the man to scream in pain.<br><br>The heimen and merchants in the common room erupt from their tables, screaming in panic. One word sounds in the night air.<br><br>"ONI!"<br><br>- - - - - <br><br>Initiative please everyone. Once everyone has rolled, declare actions from lowest first, act from highest. It will take a round to untie a weapon, or to fetch it from the alcove.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 20:22:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initative<br>Result: 5, 3, 2, 6, 5, <br>Total: 16<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>07-01-2008, 23:39:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Akane rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initiative<br>Result: 2, 5, 5, 7, 1,<br>Total: 17
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>08-01-2008, 01:30:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initative<br>Result: 8, 7, 5, 8, 1,<br>Total: 23<br><br>Rank 5 mastery defensive, declaring full defense prior to round.<br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 7d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Defensive skill<br>Result: 9, 2, 10, 1, 7, 2, 10,<br>Total: 20<br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 2d10<br>Comment: exploding 10s on def skill roll<br>Result: 9, 8,<br>Total: 17<br><br>Def TN 15&nbsp; <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; +37<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; =TN 52 first round defense.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>08-01-2008, 09:18:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(i goofed on my sheet and did the roll wrong so am going to redo it according to my stats how they should be sorry a newbie here)<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 8d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 5to the total<br>Comment: initative 5 to TN to be Hit by lower inits<br>Result: 4, 9, 4, 9, 10, 5, 6, 3,<br>Total: 33<br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 5to the total<br>Comment: exploding 10s<br>Result: 6,<br>Total: 11<br><br>Total TN=44&nbsp; +5 if lower TN=49<br><br>(i think i did this right if somebody wouldnt mind helping me out a little it would be much appreciated i feel like the noob lol)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-01-2008, 14:06:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Initiative is Relexes/Insight, which for you is a base 5k3. You have quick, plus your school ability granting you a further 3 dice. 8k3<br><br>The +5 is on your TN to be hit, not your initiative, for opponents with lower initative. 16 + 9 + 9 gives you an initiative of 34
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>09-01-2008, 02:43:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Emi rolls 1, 4, 4, 6, 8, keeping the 4, 6 and 8 = 18.)<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-01-2008, 02:57:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ok, we have our initiatives: Please post your actions in order of <br><br>Mirumoto - 16<br>Shosuro - 17 <br>Hida - 18<br>Asahina - 23<br>Soshi - 34<br><br>Bearing in mind you'll act in the reverse order:<br><br>To recap, we have an Oni threatening 3 Crane, two of whom are at least injured (how badly you do not know), and a innkeepers daughter bleeding to death right next to you. Most of the inn's patrons are running but there appears to be at least one or two ronin still willing to fight.<br><br>Anyone charging the Oni will need to need a flat willpower roll to overcome the terrifying aura it projects (standard Fear test as per the rulebook)<br><br>Edit - I goofed on Asahina-sans initiative, reading the wrong line in her post. Corrected above.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>09-01-2008, 03:02:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initative<br>Result: 8, 7, 5, 8, 1,<br>Total: 23<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The 17 is off the exploding tens rolled with def skill.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-01-2008, 20:23:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg503754#msg503754">Quote from: Asherah on 09-01-2008, 03:02:01</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The 17 is off the exploding tens rolled with def skill.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>It was indeed. Bad GM .. no cookie.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>09-01-2008, 20:25:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Then Hanzo will free his weapons, assume a full defense posture and move as far as he can towards the oni.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>09-01-2008, 20:42:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Same for Akane. unbind her sword and assume a full defense posture. However, she will try to slip around to the side of the oni.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>10-01-2008, 03:30:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi growls in anger as the oni bursts into the room!&nbsp; She's stunned to see an oni this far north of the Carpenter Wall... but fortunately, a Crab is here to oppose the vile beast!&nbsp; Emi darts towards the alcove where her grandmother's sword rests, seizing the grey hilt of the katana and yanking it free of it's saya.&nbsp; For a moment, she regrets that she can't run out to the horse and grab her ono, but it can't be helped.&nbsp; At least she's still wearing her heavy armour.<br><br>Emi knows she must draw the beast away from the weaker Cranes, before it kills the helpless members of that Clan.&nbsp; She must draw it towards her, the only Crab present to stand against its fury.<br><br>"Hey, you Spawn of Fu Leng!" Emi taunts the beast, settling her katana into a firm two handed grip.&nbsp; "I am the Wall!&nbsp; Leave those Crane alone and try a true child of the Hida!"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>10-01-2008, 07:28:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha would with her going into assuming a full defensive posture.&nbsp; Would make a half move towards the down and hurt innkeeper's daughter.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>10-01-2008, 07:33:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto was up in his room during the events downstairs.&nbsp; He would grab his sword at his side and undo the tie on it as he went to move down the steps slowlyto investigate what was going on.&nbsp; A scowl on his face would confirm his suspicions as he seen the oni standing over the fallen crane and brutally beating another in its grasp.&nbsp; Good, he thought to himself, now some action.&nbsp; Being he was upstairs and had to move to get back to the commons, Hashimoto turn would consist of him moving to the area.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 00:11:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The inn rapidly clears of bystanders, leaving only those willing to face the Oni itself. One ronin sprints towards the alcove where the weapons are stored, searching for his own blade. A second, braver or perhaps more foolish than the first, runs at the Oni with only his bare hands. Stopping a pace short of it, he spins in a crouch, the heel of his foot impact with a loud crunch against the Oni's knee.<br><br>The Oni screeches, in pain or rage perhaps, and a taloned hand crashes against the ronin, sending him flying across the floor and into the scrambling Crane. The ronin lies still, not making even a sound of pain, though his chest seems to still rise and fall faintly.<br><br>The Crane still held it shakes violently, before throwing aside, sending the man crashing to the ground almost at Hida-san's feet. It turns its attention back to the one remaining Crane, stalking towards him as the rest of you ready your weapons.<br><br><br>Asahina-san: A cursory glance is enough for you to see that the innkeepers daughter is scant moments from death. If she is to be saved, it must be done now.<br><br>Hida-san: Your taunt stings the beast, and it turns to glare at you, allowing the Crane to scramble backwards out of its reach, safe for a few moments longer.<br><br>Round over.<br><br>Tides of Battle (skirmish - P166) applicable for everyone. Declare round 2 actions, same initiative order, baring any changes via Tides of Battle. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 03:40:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi growls as the oni knocks aside the brave ronin, sending him skittering across the inn's wooden floor towards Emi herself.&nbsp; It seems she has the oni's attention and she feels the surge of the anger of Hida inside herself as she prepares to strike it down.<br><br>(Tides of battle roll, 4.&nbsp; + 18, 22)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 04:12:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By this time, Akane has her sword out, and has worked her way to the oni's side. She is not much of a front line fighter... she'll leave that to the Crab in the heavy armor. But she does hold some tricks up her sleeve, and looks for a good opportunity to strike a telling blow at the creature from the Shadowlands.<br><br>(Tides of Battle roll: 5. +17=22)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 04:34:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(from the full defensive posture<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 4 dice<br>Comment: Full defensive posutre<br>Result: 3, 10, 8, 1, 10, 1, 6, <br>Total: 34<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: exploding dice<br>Result: 7, 2, <br>Total: 9<br><br>Total 43<br><br>TN now 73<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, modifying each die by 16<br>Comment: Tides of Battle<br>Result: 22, <br>Total: 22<br><br>New iniative 22<br>TN until action 73<br><br><br>Hanzo would move in and make two quick strikes on the Oni.&nbsp; He wouldn't throw caution to the wind yet as the battle would not end as quickly as if it were just a human.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 06:10:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha will pull out her ofuda of path to inner peace to read in casting upon the innkeepers daughter. In hopes of saving the woman. <br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 1d10, adding 23to the total<br>Comment: Tides of battle<br>Result: 1,<br>Total: 24<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 07:41:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 34to the total<br>Comment: tide of battle<br>Result: 5,<br>Total: 39<br><br>New Init= 39<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 23to the total<br>Comment: full defense stance<br>Result: 9, 1, 5, 3, 8, 4,<br>Total: 45<br><br>TN= 45 to be hit<br><br>Hashimoto would scowl as he flicked open his sword as he kept himself in a full defensive stance at the oni.&nbsp; He would watch the creature and wait for an opportunity to strike a critical blow.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 07:55:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She would begin chanting the symbols softly off the ofuda.&nbsp; As she began casting the spell of 'path to inner peace.'&nbsp; While she knelt down besides the innkeepers daughter.&nbsp; Drawing upon the element of water. <br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 4d10, keeping 2 dice<br>First Target Number: 15<br>Comment: Cast Path to inner peace<br>Result: 1, 1, 6, 8,<br>For: 0, 0,<br>Total: 14<br><br>(Ok I am still new to the system, is this a failure and attempt again, or does the 14 carry over into the next round.) 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 18:14:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Round 2)<br><br>Hida Emi flicked a quick glance over to the other magistrates, making sure they were moving closer to engage the Oni.&nbsp; "Don't let it escape," Emi growled to the ronin behind her, retrieving his weapon from the alcove.<br><br>Emi stepped carefully over the ronin in front of her.&nbsp; He had been brave but foolish, but still Emi hoped that he might be saved.&nbsp; She circled slowly to move between the oni and the door, to cut the beast's escape route, keeping her sword up to defend herself if the monster lunged at her.<br><br>(Full Defense, 5k2 = 12.&nbsp; TN = 40.&nbsp; Half move in between the door and the Oni.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 19:17:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(ooc question regarding scene -&nbsp; does the oni have carapace on and does it have a fear rating.&nbsp; &nbsp;Then if we need to roll for fear.&nbsp; Since this effects how damage is rolled and then the fear can affect our dice pools.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-01-2008, 23:32:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina-san: Your spell failed. Perhaps the kami were distracted by the presence of such a perversion of the natural order here. You may try calling them again next round.<br><br>There is a Fear rating, yes. I called for a test earlier. Roll the test, I'll let people know if they pass or fail.<br><br>Mirumoto-san: I didn't think you were in armour. If you're not wearing armour, drop that TN by 5. I presume the two quick strikes was flavour, and not an actual attack.<br><br>Hida-san: The Oni did not come through the front door, but through a sliding wall panel. Beyond it you can see a small enclosed area .. perhaps somewhere for the inns clients to rest on more pleasant days and enjoy the sun or the breezes. At present it still has a way out through there, as it has not moved far enough into the room to allow anyone to circle behind it (without coming in range of its claws).<br><br>- - - -<br><br>The samurai spread out, blades unsheathing with a rasp of metal on wood. The silence of the room is broken only by Asahina-san's chanting from where she crouches near the fallen girl.<br><br>The Oni rears back slightly, hissing, head turning from the still retreating Crane to the shukenja. Its eyes narrow, and it seems to reach some decision. Two of the four arms reach around behind it, detaching strange pods from its back with a vile sucking sound, which it lobs out into the encroaching ring of samurai. In the blink of an eye, the mishapen lumps of flesh unfold spindly legs, and open three eyes and a mouthfull of razor sharp teeth, and race towards you. One skitters towards the still chanting shukenja, the other towards Mirumoto-san.<br><br>Fortunately for Asahina-san the one moving towards her skitters into fallen sake, sending its flailing claw wild of her, whilst the second is no match for Mirumoto-sans martial ability.<br><br>Taking advantage of the distraction the Oni lashes a claw at the Crane, who rolls aside, an ugly gouge in the floor of the inn marking the Oni's strength.<br><br>Shosuro-san darts in as the creature strikes at the Crane, using its distraction to try a blow of her own. (Willpower roll first please, then attack and damage rolls - If there is any modification needed, I'll let you know).<br><br>- - - - <br><br>Mirumoto-san and Asahina-san are now both engaged. The rest of you can move to engage these minor oni, or attack the larger one. Shosuro-san has engaged the larger Oni.<br><br>Anyone with Shadowlands lore can make a check if they wish to see if they can figure out anything about this particular oni, given what they've seen of it so far.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 00:45:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane hesitates. True, her training has prepared her for several things, but not a full fledged oni. Besides, with the minor oni skittering off towards the shugenja (who seems to be tending to the innkeeper's daughter) and the Crab engaging it head-on, she thinks the big oni is well handled for now. Besides, it seems that the young lass struck by the piece of wall might not make it, if Asahina-san gets distracted again.<br><br>She dives towards the minor oni, seeking to strike a telling blow to it.<br><br>((OOC: Is this resolved in the third round?))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 01:05:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(sorry about this I realized I didn't make the fear check earlier when I first did the full defense posture last round and advanced.)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice, modifying each die by 2<br>Comment: Fear check<br>Result: 8, 8, 8, <br>Total: 24<br><br>(I made the full defense roll late because I didn't realize how the system was working since we were declaring action in advanced and if the oni was attacking in the middle of our actions it changed the outcomes of the die rolls, so I dind't roll it for first round until I saw we were moving into the second round.)<br><br>(I'd still like to make my two attacks on the Oni, I just need to know it's Carapace since it changes my dice pool for damage.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 01:22:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg505980#msg505980">Quote from: Lanzlo on 12-01-2008, 00:45:13</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">She dives towards the minor oni, seeking to strike a telling blow to it.<br><br>((OOC: Is this resolved in the third round?))<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>From the way you had posted earlier, I took it to mean you were moving against the Oni itself. Given the layout of the room I'll allow effectively an attack of opportunity against the minor oni as it flies past.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 01:31:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg506015#msg506015">Quote from: hairyheretic on 12-01-2008, 01:22:46</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">From the way you had posted earlier, I took it to mean you were moving against the Oni itself. Given the layout of the room I'll allow effectively an attack of opportunity against the minor oni as it flies past.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>((All right, thank you.<br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: Attack roll vs. Minor Oni<br>Result: 3, 10, 2, 3, 3, 3,<br>Total: 19<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Exploding 10<br>Result: 6,<br>Total: 6<br><br>Total attack roll: 25<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage Roll<br>Result: 9, 9, 9, 1, 2, 4,<br>Total: 18<br>))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 01:34:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg506003#msg506003">Quote from: LordAnubis on 12-01-2008, 01:05:26</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Comment: Fear check<br>Result: 8, 8, 8, <br>Total: 24<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Passed.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg506003#msg506003">Quote from: LordAnubis on 12-01-2008, 01:05:26</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">(I made the full defense roll late because I didn't realize how the system was working since we were declaring action in advanced and if the oni was attacking in the middle of our actions it changed the outcomes of the die rolls, so I dind't roll it for first round until I saw we were moving into the second round.)<br><br>(I'd still like to make my two attacks on the Oni, I just need to know it's Carapace since it changes my dice pool for damage.)<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Since maybe I wasn't clear on how I was running the combat, I'll allow it for this round. <br><br>Carapace rating against your katanas is 5. (The book says 10, but I think thats insane, so GM ruling of 5 :) )
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 01:40:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane's blade is a blur in the air, striking the strange fleshy mass as it flies past. When the strange podling springs forth, there is a large gash running down one flank, from which a sticky black ichor drips. You have definately hurt it, but how seriously you do not know.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 01:48:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Carapace 5?&nbsp; damn, kiss all damage good bye guys.)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: Attack roll 1 1 raise made<br>Result: 7, 9, 6, 3, 1, 4, 4, <br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: Attack roll 2 1 raise made<br>Result: 2, 9, 3, 3, 6, 7, 4, <br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage roll 1 raise made added to damage<br>Result: 3, 3, <br>Total: 6<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage roll 2 raise made added to damage<br>Result: 4, 3, <br>Total: 7
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 01:54:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC - Carapace 5 against your katanas. Edged weapons skip off its armour, so maybe blunt ones will work better. Or magic.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 02:01:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice, modifying each die by 3<br>Comment: fear check<br>Result: 9, 7, 13,<br>Total: 29<br><br>Would attempt again, to cast path of inner peace upon the daughter of the innkeeper.&nbsp; <br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 4d10, keeping 2 dice<br>First Target Number: 15<br>Comment: path to inner peace.<br>Result: 3, 4, 10, 9, <br>Total 19<br><br>Success, as the element of water washes through her and flows into the injured woman.&nbsp; <br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 1d10<br>Comment: path to inner peace. Healing dice.<br>Result: 2,<br>Total: 2<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 02:04:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(ooc magic? &nbsp;I've yet to play a game of l5r where anyone got a Nemurai. &nbsp;And it is Carapace right? &nbsp;Not DR? &nbsp;Sorry the number just seems insane for the system, since half the people wouldn't be able to damage it at all with it's original carapace. &nbsp;I thought you might have grabbed him from the oriental adventures books)<br><br>(Nm, you mean an actual spell)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 02:05:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ok, I think everyone has acted in round 2. Declare round 3 actions (Asherah, you can keep that healing or call something different when your initative comes around).<br><br>Please remember that this round your declared action will be carried out when your initative is reached.<br><br>Oni is still threatening Crane, Mirumoto-san is engaged with one of the podlings, Shosuro san is behind a second as it threatens Asahina san, the remainder of the samurai and the ronin are moving to ring the Oni.<br><br>If I've mistaken anyones placing or intent, please correct me.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 02:46:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo launches two attacsk at the podling as he'd glance towards Meiwha, wanting to make sur ehe could disengage if the SHosuro was having trouble with the podling.<br><br>"That big one's armor is thick!&nbsp; Try something drastic Emi-san! "&nbsp; Hanzo would yell towards the crab samurai, she'd know way more about the Oni then he would and he hoped her training would tell her a way to get through the oni's thick hide, meanwhile he hoped these new things had thinner hides, maybe if they dispatch them quickly they will be able to surround the larger oni and bring him down by shere force of numbers.<br><br>(stat snyposis for ease)<br>(first attack 44 for 35 damage)<br>(second attack 47 for 22 damage)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: 3rd round attack 1 2 raises<br>Result: 4, 1, 9, 5, 8, 3, 5, 10, <br>Total: 39<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: 3rd round attack 1 2 raises Exploding dice<br>Result: 5, <br>Total: 5<br><br>total 44<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: 3rd round attack 1 2 raises damage roll <br>Result: 9, 5, 9, 10, 3, <br>Total: 28<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: 3rd round attack 1 2 raises damage roll exploding dice<br>Result: 7, <br>Total: 7<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: 3rd round attack 2 2 raises damage roll <br>Result: 4, 6, 5, 7, 9, 9, 10, 8, <br>Total: 43<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: 3rd round attack 2 2 raises Exploding dice<br>Result: 4, <br>Total: 4<br><br>total 47<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: 3rd round attack 2 2 raises damage<br>Result: 6, 8, 8, 6, 5, <br>Total: 22<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 16:04:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: fear test<br>Result: 3, 7,<br>Total: 10
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 20:05:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Adding your honour rank to each dice as well.<br><br>Test passed. Feel free to attack.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 20:40:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing the way that blades are bouncing off the creature's thick hide, Hida Emi decides to face the creature in good Crab style -- With her heavy tetsubo.&nbsp; Sheathing her her grey and blue hilted katana, Emi unlimbers her war club and prepares to assault the beast she's facing directly, leaving the lesser spawn to the other magistrates.<br><br>She stares at the creature, attempting to size it up with her dark eyes, wondering what its true nature is.&nbsp; (Shadowlands Lore, 15)&nbsp; &nbsp;But ultimately, Emi decides the only thing that matters is that she defeats the beast before it causes more damage.&nbsp; (Fear roll, 3k3 + 13 = 21)<br><br>Emi strides towards the massive oni, risking its claws as she hefts her tetsubo and swings at the oni with all her might.<br><br>(Attack roll, 4k2 = 18.&nbsp; Damage roll, 7k3 + 3 = 26.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-01-2008, 22:02:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Oni sways back from the strike of the tetsubo, the heavy club smashing into the ground in front of it, perhaps driving it back a step or two towards the hole in the wall where it entered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>13-01-2008, 01:48:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(I do as rolled,&nbsp; Asahina Meiwha casts path to inner peace and channels the element of water and attempts to heal the innkeeper daughter during rd 3 despite the other smaller oni threatening me.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-01-2008, 01:01:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina-san: The water kami respond to your call, flowing over the innkeepers daughter. As you watch, the sliver of wood slides from her body, the flesh closing over the grevious wound. She is still badly hurt, but now in no danger of dying immediately.<br><br>Mirumoto-san: Your two quick strikes leave the Oni spawn collapsed on the floor of the inn. As you watch its flesh begins to melt into a black ooze.<br><br>- - -<br><br>I think I just need Dragoons attack to finish up this round.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>14-01-2008, 08:22:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would scowl as he went to charge at the oni and make like he was to strike with his sword home on it.&nbsp; But instead would feint to try and throw the creature off balance and look for a opportunity to strike at his weakness.&nbsp; "My sting shall be the end of your foul life."<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: feint<br>Result: 7, 4, 6, 10, 4, 5, <br>Total: 26<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding 10s<br>Result: 4, <br>Total: 4<br><br>TN=30<br>(get two free raises because of the second rank in my school rank Pinchers and Tail)<br><br>Sorry am an idiot and need to learn to read my sheet before i roll)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>15-01-2008, 02:11:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A feint does no damage on that attack role. Were you feinting this round or not?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 00:30:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimotos feint drew the Oni's attention, its claws swiping at him as he slid back out of range. It bellowed in anger, turning to the others that had dared interfere. The remaining ronin came at it, his sword skipping off one outstretched arm without seeming to do any further damage. The oni roared again, catching the ronin with another arm as he attempted to fall back. <br><br>The blow sent him sliding across the floor, coming to a halt near Mirumoto-sans feet, dazed and bloody, but apparently still in the fight, as he struggled back to his feet.<br><br>- - - <br><br>The Crane seems to have retreated out of the Onis reach for now, its advance at least temporily halted by the samurai. Though the Onis hide is thick, they have still drawn its blood, and that of its spawn. One of the small creatures lies dead, dissolving into slime, whilst the other flails ineffectually, its attacks no match for samurai skill.<br><br>New round action declarations please.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 01:13:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane's eyes narrow slightly. One spawn left, and the more combat-oriented are facing off against the oni itself. Asahina-san appears to have tended to the innkeeper's daughter, but there's still one spawn left, and it appears that it is still threatening the shugenja. With a quick slice, she brings her blade down towards the pathetic creature, seeking to end it's life, and it's misery. <br><br>((Roll Result: Akane rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 22to the total<br>Comment: Tides of Battle Roll<br>Result: 3,<br>Total: 25<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: Attack vs. Other minor oni<br>Result: 7, 7, 5, 2, 9, 10,<br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 1d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 29to the total<br>Comment: Exploding 10<br>Result: 7,<br>Total: 36<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage Roll<br>Result: 7, 7, 8, 2, 2, 8,<br>Total: 16<br><br>Might as well get that out of the way. :) ))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 01:46:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With his smaller oni dead and the crab squaring off against the larger oni Hanzo's attendtion turns towards Meiwha and the smaller oni there.&nbsp; One of the scorpion stepped up to help her, but her life was his responsibility.&nbsp; He didn't give any battle cries like the crab, Hanzo moved over their with a fluid grace and the look of a thousand yards and makes two swings at the smaller oni.&nbsp; He was a mirumoto and swordsmanship came to them as easily as breathing, and while he might not be as well versed in the Oni as the Crab, the Oni bled well enough and if it bleeds, it dies.<br><br><br>(new inaitative 30)<br>(two raises were made with each attack, one to move and attack the other added to damage)<br>First attack (44 for 13 damage)<br>Second attack(43 for 17 damage)<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 22to the total<br>Comment: tides of battle<br>Result: 8, <br>Total: 30<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: First attack 2 raises 1 for moving<br>Result: 7, 3, 3, 1, 10, 6, 2, 8, <br>Total: 38<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: exploding dice first attack <br>Result: 6, <br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage first attack<br>Result: 1, 4, 1, 9, 3, <br>Total: 13<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Second attack attack 2 raises 1 for moving<br>Result: 5, 5, 10, 1, 1, 8, 8, 8, <br>Total: 41<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding dice second attack <br>Result: 2, <br>Total: 2<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage second attack<br>Result: 8, 5, 9, 3, 6, <br>Total: 17
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 04:47:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The wild swing from the Oni would miss Hashimoto as he would see it an opening.&nbsp; All that remained was a click of the sword from the sheath. "Back to hell where you belong."&nbsp; He said striking out at the Oni with his sword for a hit.<br><br>(got 2 free raises for successful feinting and 3 free raises for a miss.&nbsp; Im using one void point in my Attack Roll and one void point into my Damage roll and all my free raises into the damage roll.)<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 7d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: Attack Roll 1Void Pt<br>Result: 1, 7, 8, 8, 4, 4, 2, <br>Total: 30<br>Total TN=30<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 5d10, keeping 5 dice<br>Comment: Damage roll with 5 free raises and one void point<br>Result: 1, 1, 10, 6, 8, <br>Total: 26<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding 10s<br>Result: 3, <br>Total: 3<br>&nbsp;Total TN=29
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 10:18:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi snarls as the oni bats aside one of the ronin, turning its attention towards the Scorpion.&nbsp; It's laxness provides an opportunity for Emi to strike and Emi decides that she has to end the fight now!<br><br>Raising her Tetsubo, Emi wades forward, holding nothing back as she attacks the oni with every bit of her might.&nbsp; (Full Attack)&nbsp; She swings with wild abandon, attempting to destroy the oni before it can cause further damage.<br><br>(Attack roll, 23.&nbsp; Damage roll, 2 raises for damage, one void point, large, +earth ring.&nbsp; 4k3 + 1k1 + 1k1 + 1k0 = 7k5+3. -2k2 carapace. 32 damage)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>16-01-2008, 21:40:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha still in disregard to her own safety.&nbsp; Will pull out her ofuda on jade strike. As now she turns her attention towards the larger oni that first struck.&nbsp; &nbsp; As she will deal with this blight upon the natural order.&nbsp; &nbsp;While leaving the smaller one that is near and possibly threatening her.&nbsp; To her more then capable compatriots of the emerald magistrates.&nbsp; <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-01-2008, 00:59:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the shukenja drew another scroll and started chanting, Hanzo swept in beside her, his blades carving through the air, and leaving the smaller oni writhing on the ground, not dead, but very close to it. It attempted to strike back at him, but its strength was much diminished, and only struck air. The strike from Shosuro-san finished what he had began, and the second one began to dissolve as the first had.<br><br>The larger oni roared as the remaining samurai charged it, katana and tetsubo striking its flesh. The katana's strikes seemed to little phase the creature, but Hida-san's tetsubo was another matter, and the crack of the Onis carapace shattering beneath the strength of her blow echoed through the inn.<br><br>The Oni roared in pain, striking back at the samurai, attempting to drive them back again. It turned on Hida-san, as her tetsubo had hurt it the most, a razor sharp claw tearing into her. (17 points of damage)<br><br>From outside came the noise of many running feet drawing closer, and the Onis head turned towards the door. Reaching behind it, it snatched two more of the strange pods from its back, throwing them at Soshi-san and Hida-san, then turned and leapt back out the hole it had come in through.<br><br>- - - - <br><br>The Oni has retreated into the small enclosed gardan area of the inn, seemingly fleeing. It has left behind two more of the smaller creatures, which are engaging the two samurai who struck it (Hida-san and Soshi-san). The remaining samurai are now no longer engaged. It would also seem someone is about to arrive to join the fight.<br><br>Next round declarations please.<br><br>Edited due to GM being unable to read straight&nbsp; :)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>18-01-2008, 03:02:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi's eyes widened as the oni slashed at her with it's cruel claws.&nbsp; She twisted with a grace few would have imagined from a woman of her size, shifting back to let the blow clang against her Kaiu forged armour.&nbsp; (Spending a Void point to use the Mountain Does Not Move, rolling 20 to negate wounds.)&nbsp; Emi says a brief prayer of thanks to the spirit of noble Kaiu, who's children's careful work has protected her family through the generations.<br><br>Though her armour is scarred by the blow, it holds.&nbsp; Emi looks over her shoulder, at the other Magistrates and the rallying Crane and ronin.&nbsp; She quickly decides they can handle the spawn of the Oni.&nbsp; Emi feels that she must pursue the Oni itself, before it summons an entire army of horrific demons to assault the heart of the city.<br><br>Emi darts around the spawn that the Oni flung at her, aiming to pursue the oni into the Garden and engage it again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>18-01-2008, 09:37:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The oni seemed more on target with the crab then it did against him.&nbsp; It would be a big mistake no less to ignore a scorpions sting.&nbsp; He would scowl as he took off with Hida-san and went to corner the Oni out in the garden to engage it one on one.&nbsp; He would grumble lightly as he might have to resort to pinpoint strikes like the eyes or the joints rather then just outright striking the creature.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>18-01-2008, 10:49:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For one moment, Akane almost breathed a silent sigh of relief. She's not a front line fighter. But, she is still samurai, and does have her duty. However, two more sickening sucking noises, and there's two more minor oni. And they've just managed to dispatch the last two.<br><br>She moves to intercept the smaller oni that was sent against Hida-san, freeing her to head off and pound on the larger one, since it appears that her heavy tetsubo is the perfect tool of punching through it's carapace.<br><br>((OOC: Forgot this the first time:<br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 1d10, adding 25to the total<br>Comment: Tides of Battle Roll<br>Result: 9,<br>Total: 34<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: Attack Roll<br>Result: 3, 5, 9, 1, 1, 6,<br>Total: 23<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage<br>Result: 8, 10, 3, 9, 8, 10,<br>Total: 20<br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Exploding 10s<br>Result: 5, 10,<br>Total: 15<br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Another 10<br>Result: 5,<br>Total: 5<br><br>Total: 40))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>18-01-2008, 23:20:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo Follows after Shusuro, with the poldings attacking two samurai engaging the same enemy they'd be close together and Hanzo decided to show the podling the skrimish prowless of the Mirumoto Family.&nbsp; As the shorshuro move to strike the oni he'd step up to strik the oni as well, bringing his blade around to the other side quickly after the first strike to slash the other small oni, making sure they were going to pay more attention to him then the two samurai they were sent to engage.<br><br>"Step up and die you mishapen vile beasts."&nbsp; Hanzo would yell&nbsp; at the podlings.&nbsp; It wasn't his style to talk in combat, and given the volume he was using at close range one could only guess he was trying to get their full attention.&nbsp; Preparing himself for the oni he only struck at to launch a counter attack, figuring he and the Shosuro crippled the other podling.<br><br>(new inative 40)<br>(Spend a void to raise TN by 10 TN now 43 until my next turn&nbsp; &nbsp;1 of 3 points spent)<br>(3 raises were made on the attacks, one spent to attack and move)<br>(attack on podling with Shosuro 48 for 28 damage)<br>(Attack on other podling 35 for 16 damage)<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 30to the total<br>Comment: tides of battle<br>Result: 10, <br>Total: 40<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack roll 3 raises one for movement against the podling Shursuro attacked<br>Result: 2, 9, 5, 4, 3, 10, 7, 9, <br>Total: 42<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Exploding dice<br>Result: 6, <br>Total: 6 <br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack roll 3 raises one for movement against the podling Shursuro did not attack <br>Result: 6, 4, 7, 6, 4, 8, 7, 6, <br>Total: 35<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage on oni attacked by Shursuro<br>Result: 6, 3, 10, 2, 2, <br>Total: 19<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding dice<br>Result: 9, <br>Total: 9<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage on oni not attacked by Shursuro<br>Result: 3, 9, 4, 3, 2, <br>Total: 16
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>19-01-2008, 07:47:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tides of battle roll<br>Result: 2,<br>Total: 26 <br><br>Calls upon the kami of earth.&nbsp; &nbsp;An would unleash the jade strike out at the first larger oni.&nbsp; Keeping her position, as her reach should still touch out to the oni. (100') <br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Jade Strike<br>Result: 3, 1, 2, 10, 7,<br>Total: 20 Versus TN: 15 Success<br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Jade Strikes damage<br>Result: 7, 3, 2,<br>Total: 12<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-01-2008, 15:33:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The oni moves surprisingly fast for a creature of such size, and it darts out towards the garden, apparently seeking escape from the confines of the building. Fast as it is, it cannot outrun the wrath of the kami, and the jade strike hits it squarely in the back, elicting another of those piercing shrieks from it.<br><br>As the echos of that sound die away, half a dozen of the Thunder Guard pour through the door with bared blades, just in time to see one of the small creatures die at the blades of two of the magistrates, the other taking grevious wounds of its own. Its own attacks are feeble things, and hardly come close enough to even be a concern.<br><br>As the last two magistrates rush outside after the Oni they see it bounding into the air, a leap that must carry it 50 feet or more. In moments it vanishes into the night shrouded city.<br><br>- - - -<br><br>Inside the last of the smaller creatures is swiftly disposed off, and the gunso of the Thunder Guards steps forwards, looking at the scene around him. "What has happened here?" he demands.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>20-01-2008, 20:14:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo looks at the&nbsp; Thunder gaurds as the oni began to disolve at his feet, wondering what the Thunder Guard could possibly think occured right here.<br><br>"An Oni busted through that wall."&nbsp; Hanzo said pointing at the hole in the side of the tavern.&nbsp; "Began attacking people and we engaged it in battle."&nbsp; Hanzo would sheath his swords settling them on the left without retiing them.&nbsp; Tonight's incident has made him less willing to even move his swords.<br><br>Hanzo would take the few steps over to Meiwha.&nbsp; "You're okay, right?"&nbsp; He'<br>d ask glancing to them, she could have sustained damage he hadn't seen when he we dealign with his own.&nbsp; He was close enough to know Shosuro was alright.&nbsp; If the Thunder Guard were about, then the HIda and Soshi would have back-up for dealing with the oni.&nbsp; So he'd see about makign sure the magistrates and the people in the tavern are alright.<br><br>He'd look out towards the nonmagistrates and speak out.&nbsp; "Check the wounded around you, see if any are cricially wounded."&nbsp; He'd say, knowing Miehwa would want to heal them, best to use her skills where it would be most useful, the people who'd die without her attention.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>21-01-2008, 00:42:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The gunso gestured to his men and they began to spread out through the inn, checking on those who had been attacked by the oni, maoving around the last bubbling patches of goo on the floor that marked the remains of the smaller creatures. The surviving Crane, once over his shock (with the aid of a cup of saki) explains the whole thing to the Gunso, praising the actions of all of those who fought the Oni.<br><br>The Gunso questions him further, since it seems the Crane may have been the Oni's prime targets. The three of them were merchants, and had spent the day in what sounds a relatively normal manner. They had taken merchanise to their buyers, what seems to be a list of things for the festival ... streamers, fireworks, masks, costumes and noisemakers. He also passes on the names of the three merchants he dealt with. The Gunso makes carefull note of all of this.<br><br>- - - <br><br>Everyone receives 2 boxes of glory and honour for having their actions (fighting the oni) public praised. Also 3 XP each for the encounter.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>21-01-2008, 01:10:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi chases the Oni out into the garden and watches it leap high and away.&nbsp; There's no way to catch it now.&nbsp; Well, as a Crab, she knows how elusive an Oni can be when it is threatened.&nbsp; She has no doubt that they wounded the beast. <br><br>After watching the beast flee, Emi turns and marches back into the Inn.&nbsp; The Thunder Guard is already there, beginning the clean up of the&nbsp; mess and the work of tending to the survivors.&nbsp; Emi nods to the surviving ronin.&nbsp; Ronin may be filth, but this pair was brave enough to face an Oni, which counts for something.&nbsp; Emi takes a seat at one of the tables, rummaging about her travelling pack for her oil cloth.&nbsp; She listens carefully to the Thunder Guard questioning the Crane merchant, even as she methodically polishes and cleans her katana and her tetsubo.&nbsp; She resheathes her katana with a brief prayer of thanks to the soul of her grandmother for watching over her during this battle.&nbsp; Then Emi rises and marches over to the weapons alcove.&nbsp; She resolutely places her weapons back into the alcove, determined not to show fear.&nbsp; After all, they defeated the Oni.<br><br>Then Emi returns to the common room. Everything seems in order.&nbsp; "We should take care," she announces firmly.&nbsp; "The Oni will not forget the wounds we gave it and they are known to be vengeful."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>21-01-2008, 01:38:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto was not pleased at the fleeing creature for he had wanted the fight to end with its blood upon his steel.&nbsp; He would scowl a bit to this as he went and grumbled to himself about Onis.&nbsp; He watched as Emi-san walked right past him into the commons.&nbsp; He would follow along silently before saying plain as could be to her"your armor will need mending."&nbsp; He said wiping off his katana and resheathing it without the tie this time. He had enough fun for one night as he looked to the other magistrates seeing how they fared.&nbsp; For now he simply puts his hat back upon his head and waits to hear the direction of the group.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>21-01-2008, 01:52:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane quickly cleans off her blade before re-sheathing it. With obvious concern, she checks in on the ronin who stepped up to fight, as well as the injured parties. Like the others, she is keeping her blade on her left hip, untied. For now, there's not much to do, except deal with the aftermath, and the Thunder Guard.<br><br>She is curious about why the oni targeted the Cranes. She makes a mental note to look into that later.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>21-01-2008, 09:07:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha moved to the remaining Crane of the three, she had talked to prior to the sudden attack.&nbsp; As the Gunso is questioning him. She too would make a mental note of the merchants mentioned.&nbsp; &nbsp;As these would be a good place to start.&nbsp; &nbsp;In investigating now this oni attack.&nbsp; &nbsp;For somehow this she felt tied in.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>21-01-2008, 09:17:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Since all the magistrates seemed to be fine he'd make his way over to the Hida, keeping his eyes on Meiwha in the event something else shows up.<br><br>He'd stand away from the Gunsuro and his Thunder guards when he spoke.&nbsp; "Emi-san, what do you know of the Oni we just fought.&nbsp; Does it have some trick for getting this deep into a city without rasiing alarm?"&nbsp; He'd ask, not pointedly accusing any of the guards of anything, but the fact that the Oni went rampaging in the city, and attacked those Crane without them hearing screams or some warning doesn't sit well with Hanzo.&nbsp; <br><br>His voice was low, not meaning to deceive anyone, but he hadn't fough an oni and if it did have such a trick, no need to insult the gaurds.&nbsp; If it lacked a trick, no need to tip off anyone who might not know they were questioning the events.&nbsp; Maybe the Hida would put Hanzo's fears to rest, maybe not, but this was the City of Lies...&nbsp; one had to be on guard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 02:42:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Surprisingly both ronin are still alive, though greviously hurt .. neither is likely to be rising from their pallets for at least a day, and several days will be required for them to gather even a measure of their previous strength. Their actions though have earned them grudging respect from the Thunder Gaurds, and the innkeeper has them carefully moved to one of the other rooms. You see the surviving Crane speak quietly to the innkeeper and drop several koku into his hands, gesturing towards the ronin.<br><br>When done speaking, he comes across and bows deeply to you. "Thank you samurai-san's. Without you here, I fear I would be as dead as my kinsmen."<br><br>Across the room, the gunso speaks to one of his men, who nods and hurries out. Your ears caught the word 'eta' ... presumably they are fetching eta to see to the bodies of the fallen.<br><br>- - - -<br><br>Currently around at the innkeep, the surviving crane, the thunder guards and badly injured ronin (upstairs, in one of the rooms), if there is anyone you wish to speak to. The innkeepers wife has disappeared with their daughter, presumably to see to her wounds.<br><br>Now that the fight is over, anyone with shadowlands lore can make a roll to answer Hanzo's question about the oni.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>22-01-2008, 07:32:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Shadowlands Lore, 15)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>23-01-2008, 20:55:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unfortunately whilst your studies have taught you something of those unnatural creatures, nothing specific was mentioned of this one. You know nothing more about it than you have already seen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 01:02:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi gives an ominous glower.&nbsp; "There are dozens of types of oni beyond the Wall and not even the Kuni know them all.&nbsp; I have never faced this particularly type of oni before.&nbsp; Whether it has some trick of stealth, I cannot say.&nbsp; Oni can be cunning.&nbsp; However, for one to appear this far beyond the Kaiu Kabe...&nbsp; Oni do not appear randomly, even when there designs are not easily understood by sane minds.&nbsp; This one was here for a purpose.&nbsp; Someone must have summoned it."<br><br>Emi's voice is even and confident.&nbsp; She doesn't care who overhears her opinion.&nbsp; If any of the Crane are upset, she'll gladly club them a few times.&nbsp; <br><br>"We should patrol the streets.&nbsp; The Oni's attack here might have been part of some larger design.&nbsp; If not, it might be rampaging elsewhere in the city, or reporting that we foiled it to whomever its master is."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 06:05:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hannzo nods then looks at her as she speaks in the even tone and volume.&nbsp; "My quiet tone was not only to prevent offense, but to also prevent tipping off anyone nearby who might be responsibile."&nbsp; Hanzo would say to Emi-san politely, he wasn't trying to say she messed up, more that they had to handle things differently.<br><br>"This is a Scorpion City."&nbsp; He'd say before he'd motion towards the alcove.&nbsp; The great Hida may have put her weapons away to show she is unafraid, but at least in hanzo's mind, now is the time to be prepared and gestures of their intent will be given later.&nbsp; Given their proximity and being the only person who can look him in the eye without craning her neck she'd see he'd get really serious.<br><br>"Better to let the Thunder Guard patrol their streets.&nbsp; I'm sure they'll be increasing movements with the attack.&nbsp; Besides, then we can see where they travel, and where they don't." Hanzo would say quietly to her.&nbsp; He wasn't a scorpion, but he knew from experiance that in large cities, there were places magistrates traveled and places they over looked.&nbsp; The criminal element tended to search for the over looked places and that would be good information for their group.&nbsp; Battle tactics urban style.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 06:42:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg513808#msg513808">Quote from: LordAnubis on 24-01-2008, 06:05:58</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"This is a Scorpion City. Better to let the Thunder Guard patrol their streets.&nbsp; I'm sure they'll be increasing movements with the attack.&nbsp; Besides, then we can see where they travel, and where they don't."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Akane slides up to Hida-san, "This is true. It is the nature of the scorpion to choose it's battles wisely. And, for someone who commands an oni, confronting the Thunder Guard is not a battle that would go well. Besides, while they are patrolling the streets, we can make ourselves less noticeable by asking discrete questions." She smiles, "Let me start asking around in court tomorrow. I'll see what the city spies can find."<br><br>What she DOESN'T tell them is that one of those spies is going to be her, out and about tonight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 07:40:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning without word, Meiwha would make her way up the stairs to her room.&nbsp; Much to reflect upon and meditate over.&nbsp; She would head up without comment to her companions.&nbsp; &nbsp;Only pausing to pick up her travel game pieces of go.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>Already she can see her companions are all on the wrong track.&nbsp; This pauses her in her steps towards the stairs.&nbsp; Stopping she would turn and look to her fellow remaining Crane.&nbsp; The oni had targeted them, the three Crane.&nbsp; All others had only been collateral casualties.&nbsp; Why here, and not on the road.&nbsp; This would tell her that one wanted suspicion on the Scorpion clan.&nbsp; Now who could behind this.&nbsp; One practicing blood maho, steeped in the dark arts.&nbsp; Perhaps, but not limited to just such.&nbsp; Perhaps a kolat agent, ones so secretive that they put her Scorpion compatriots to look like mere children in child's play in deception.&nbsp; Or another great clan, that could benefit from a war between Crane and Scorpion.&nbsp; These things would tie in many things together.&nbsp; &nbsp;Yet it may not be so, it may just be a myriad of threads that have woven together in plot, that seem as one.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>With that thought she would turn and head up the stairs.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 08:02:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto looked on to the others silently as he tipped his hat back watching the crane take to her room.&nbsp; He would think this a good time to put on some meditation of his own.&nbsp; He would take and rise from his seat and make his way to his room now.&nbsp; With the others downstairs contemplating what to do he would need to clear his head a bit of the problems that are arising within his clans city.&nbsp; He would take and set his sword down before him on the bed in his room as he knelt on the pallet there and began meditating.<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 4d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Meditation<br>Result: 9, 6, 1, 1,<br>Total: 16<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 08:08:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Excuse me."&nbsp; Hanzo would say with a nod to the two aldies as he headed up the stairs after Meiwha.&nbsp; During the comotion she'd moved farther form him then he'd like, but then they were both busy.&nbsp; With everythign settled down, he'd resume his post.&nbsp; He'd grab the Go board from the table as he'd follow her up the stairs.<br><br>"You didn't answer me earlier Meiwha-san, are you alright?"&nbsp; He'd ask as he caught up to her on the stairs.&nbsp; He'd want to hear what she was thinking try and get the magistrates workign with everyone's insight.&nbsp; &nbsp;But even if they conflicted there were anough of them to pursue three or four paths of thought.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 20:39:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would turn at the sound of Hanzo voice as he came up behind her.&nbsp; This would bring a soft inviting smile featured across her facial expression.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"I'm weary Hanzo-san, my mind is clouded.&nbsp; Perhaps you will join me, help me to unravel the storage of junk that I have acquired."</em><br><br>It is not talk that she wants or needs.&nbsp; As she turns to head into her room.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 20:50:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo woudl smile at her. "Have to remember."&nbsp; not that it would be the reason he followed, but she could at least chuckle that her father's little deal with the Dragon garunteed she always had some one around to keep her company.&nbsp; Unless they were in a small paper walled room, any walls were too much between the two of them for him to do his job properly.<br><br>"Before we turn in for the night we should speak with the rest of the magistrates."&nbsp; Course he didn't think they were going to turn in just yet, he just didn't see her talking to much in the next little while.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>24-01-2008, 22:36:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would nod in agreement to this.&nbsp; As it is wise that they discussed before plans were enacted and acted upon.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"Very well Hanzo-san, are the others coming?"</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>25-01-2008, 02:39:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would growl low in his throat as he sat there crossing his arms before him and scowling at the floor. All of this sudden explosion of chaos has him too worked up to even concentrate on meditation.&nbsp; He would need something to relax his mind and take away the tension he was feeling.&nbsp; He would rise up from his bedding but not before taking his sword and placing it back on his hip and heading out to the commons of the bedrooms."&nbsp; He would hear Hanzo-san and Meiwha-san talking of meeting with the other magistrates as he spoke from below his wide brimmed straw hat"I need time to myself to relax on the matters at hand, im going to the hotsprings if this inn has such facilities."&nbsp; He said as he would make his way downstairs silently but that grim look on his face almost never waivered.&nbsp; He would reach the innkeeper"Does this facility house saunas or hotsprings?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>25-01-2008, 02:42:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, Soshi-san" replied the innkeeper, glancing at his mon, "But there is a bath house just three buildings along." He points out the door, and curves his hand to the right. "It is very good, very relaxing."<br><br>It seems obvious that the events of the night have left him somewhat shaken.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>25-01-2008, 03:48:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane would notice Hashimoto having trouble meditating, and would slide glide beside him. "Would you mind company, Soshi-san? It's not every day that one faces down an oni, and it would be nice to relax with some good company."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>26-01-2008, 08:35:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would make his way back towards the rest of the magistrates as he heard Hashimoto's words.&nbsp; He'd nod, understanding how one might need some time to their self.<br><br>"If you need some time to relax it's understandable, though we shouldn't go out alone right now.&nbsp; It's left the area, it's most likely still here."&nbsp; Hanzo would say, definatly in support of Akane joining Hashimoto if for no other reason then if something happens, they would have some back-up.<br><br>"After you've had time to relax we might be able to join up later on this evening and talk about some things."&nbsp; Hanzo didn't consider himself in charge, but he had to be careful, he thought for a moment that he was sounding like he was giving orders as opposed to opinions and suggestions.<br><br>"If you'd like I can lend you my Kiseru to help you relax."&nbsp; He didn't smoke often, but the pipe did help when he had a hard time unwinding, it might help the scorpion.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>26-01-2008, 09:53:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would head to her room then.&nbsp; As the others seemingly wanted to head out.&nbsp; She would retire then for the night.&nbsp; As she slips upstairs, while Hanzo goes back to the others.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Through she was sure in her feeling that no Oni attack would be forth coming again this night.&nbsp; She thou would file away the disrespect the others held and shown towards her.&nbsp; The way of the blade, clouding their judgments.&nbsp; &nbsp;As perhaps most spiritual and attuned with being trained as a shugenja.&nbsp; They all seemed to pretty much ignore her once the combat had been ceased. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>26-01-2008, 10:15:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would look towards Akane as he tipped his hat back slightly with a finger"if you wish to accompany me to the baths you may."&nbsp; He said keeping that straight face of his as he would nod to Hanzo a moment and looked to Meiwha as she walked up to the rooms.&nbsp; He would pause a moment watching the woman walking up the stairs and then looked to Emi.&nbsp; He would finally walk out of the inn and down the street to head towards the baths.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>28-01-2008, 09:51:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Emi-san if you'd like to join Meiwha-san and I, we could talk about our business."&nbsp; He'd offer, since the other magistrates were going to get some relaxation, this way they'd all be with others.&nbsp; Not goign out alone would be a wise idea.<br><br>Hanzo would give her a nod, leaving her to decide if she'd join them or not as he'd make his way after Meiwha, knocking at her door lightly to gain entry into her room.&nbsp; He needed to keep an eye on her with the assasins about, plus she'd wanted to speak before bed and he'd like a chance to hear what her and possibly Emi-san were thinking on the subject.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>28-01-2008, 10:21:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane smiled slightly, then followed Hashimoto out towards the baths. True, going out alone would be a bad idea, especially with the oni still out there, somewhere. Besides, she did need to relax after that fight.<br><br>During the brief walk, she doesn't speak, knowing that Hashimoto was rather taciturn and not much for conversation. Besides, she preferred to discuss the events that happened in a little bit more private area.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 01:44:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmm," the Hida samurai-ko replied serenely.&nbsp; "I thought you and Meiwha-hime might want to discuss things privately."&nbsp; The taciturn Crab warrior rose and shrugged her shoulders, her armour rattling slightly as she did.&nbsp; "I will go and cleanse myself of the oni's foul blood."<br><br>With that Emi bowed a brief departure to the Dragon warrior and strode over to the inn keeper.&nbsp; Emi chatted with the man briefly, inquiring about his wounded daughter to ensure that the girl would survive.&nbsp; Then she commiserated with him briefly over the damage to the inn and the disruption of business as usual.&nbsp; "The Crab and the Unicorn have always been friends," Hida Emi mentioned jovially.&nbsp; "As have the Unicorn and the Crane.&nbsp; I wonder why your three Crane friends were here?&nbsp; Bad luck, to encounter an oni, neh?"<br><br>Emi would try to befriend the inn keeper and possibly learn some information about the Crane, who seemed to be the unlikely targets of the Oni's wrath.<br><br>Then, Emi would take her leave and head down to the bath house to cleanse herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 07:12:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would look over his shoulder as he tilted his head some.&nbsp; Before entering the bathhouse he would see Emi-san heading down the road their way.&nbsp; He would hmm to himself before making his way inside the bathhouse and moving to one of the bathhouses many hot springs with the privacy screens and stripping off his light armor which surprisingly didnt have a scratch in it to his wide brimmed straw hat.&nbsp; He would take and set his sword with his armor locking it into place.&nbsp; He would keep his wakizashi with him as he looked to Akane-san.&nbsp; He would take and ease himself down into the water slowly without a word, that same scowl written on his face as he set the wakizashi at the side of the pool and let the waters heat and feel calm his mind and body.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 07:31:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi entered the bath house shortly after the pair of Scorpions did.&nbsp; She walked over to her own hot spring, hidden behind a privacy screen, where she began the onerous process of removing her heavy armour.&nbsp; The grey and blue metal protected her well today and though it was scarred by the oni's claws, it wasn't sundered and would continue to serve her well, hopefully, in whatever other encounters lay in store for them.<br><br>Emi unbound her thick black hair and let it fall down her firm shoulders towards the small of her back as she stripped off the last of her clothing.&nbsp; Like most of the Hida, she was tall and athletic, with long legs and a flat belly that showed the outlines of toned muscle.&nbsp; Despite that, Emi's figure was surprisingly feminine, with full, round breasts that swayed gently as she undressed, firm round hips and a defined, narrow waist.<br><br>Emi slipped into the hot water, letting it lap around her shoulders, washing away the grime and sweat of the battle.&nbsp; She soaked for long moments, till she felt restored and cleansed and ready for her next challenge.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 08:46:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane herself smiled as Hashimoto glanced over to Emi-san. Since she didn't have armor on, it was simpler for her to get ready for her bath. While she may not be as athletic as Emi, she is still rather well toned. Soaking in the spring, she leaned a bit closer to the privacy screens that separated her from Hashimoto and Emi.<br><br>"Well done, both of you. I am honored to keep such company as you. But, any thoughts on why the oni targeted just the Cranes, and not cause general havoc?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 08:54:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would keep to himself as he crossed his arms over his chest.&nbsp; He thought about this for a while and hmmed to himself as he lay there soaking away the frustrations of the day.&nbsp; "Could be an attempt to start confrontation between the clans."&nbsp; He said as he kept his eyes closed and to himself.&nbsp; His words short and to the point.&nbsp; His lean muscled arms crossed over his muscled chest as he sat there letting the water soak from his shoulders down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 14:18:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi lifted her head slightly as she listened to the two Scorpion for a moment.&nbsp; After a moment, she interjected "An Oni wouldn't simply appear this deep in the Empire.&nbsp; For an Oni to make it this far, without being killed by a Witch Hunter or an Inquisitor, it must have had a summoner.&nbsp; So it's motivations lie with whoever summoned it."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>29-01-2008, 20:43:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane nods, sinking a little deeper into the warm water. "So, we have to figure out who summoned it. And to find that, we need to know why. Emi-san, I presume, as a Crab, you are familiar with the ways of oni and their summoners? Any insight you can bring that may help narrow our fields of search?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>30-01-2008, 08:00:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would tilt his head listening to this.&nbsp; He kept to himself and sighed lightly clearing his mind and letting the warm waters wash away the tension he was feeling.&nbsp; He would fall silent and let the two women speak as he didnt have much else to add to the conversation outside of wanting to strike down an interloper within the walls of his clans city.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>30-01-2008, 17:49:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg516285#msg516285">Quote from: LordAnubis on 28-01-2008, 09:51:34</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Emi-san if you'd like to join Meiwha-san and I, we could talk about our business."&nbsp; He'd offer, since the other magistrates were going to get some relaxation, this way they'd all be with others.&nbsp; Not goign out alone would be a wise idea.<br><br>Hanzo would give her a nod, leaving her to decide if she'd join them or not as he'd make his way after Meiwha, knocking at her door lightly to gain entry into her room.&nbsp; He needed to keep an eye on her with the assasins about, plus she'd wanted to speak before bed and he'd like a chance to hear what her and possibly Emi-san were thinking on the subject.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Does not respond, acting if she were a sleep already.&nbsp; &nbsp;She had no mood to speak with the others.&nbsp; Nor would she in the future.&nbsp; &nbsp;She did not trust her compatriots the other Emerald magistrates. <br><br>She wait Hanzo to leave her alone.&nbsp; As she quietly slip out a ofuda of air, one were she could listen in with the help of kami's of air.&nbsp; Holding the parchment, while she waited for Hanzo to move on to his own room.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>30-01-2008, 19:28:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Meiwha?"&nbsp; He'd ask with another knock.&nbsp; With what they are going on, having fallen asleep in a matter of moments wouldn't fly.&nbsp; He had additional duties to preform and it did show in his voice.&nbsp; The fact that people willing to kill Emerald magistrates is at the forefront of his decisions, they had to walk a different line then on a mission where they were relatively safe and the purpitrators would avoid them to avoid drawing down too much attention.<br><br>If no answer was given Hanzowould first try to just open the door and walk ina nd if it was locked, he'd settle in to force the door open.&nbsp; With no answer given she could have as easily been kidnnapped out of her room as she could be sleeping.&nbsp; This wasn't a time to take many chances.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 01:23:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi glowered at the shoji screen that guarded her privacy, her shoulders tensing as she spoke.&nbsp; "People summon oni because they are fools.&nbsp; An oni serves the Dark Lord of the Shadowlands only."<br><br>After a moment, Emi continued, "Beyond that, I know little of what is involved in the practices of a maho-tsukai.&nbsp; I am a Hida, not a Kuni.&nbsp; I know how to stand against the darkness, not how to summon it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 01:35:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane felt the tension build as Emi spoke. "Forgive me, Emi-san, I did not mean to offend. Merely trying to make sense of a jumble of pieces that form a picture. But I am fortunate that one of our fellow Magistrates is such a bulwark against the dark."<br><br><em>Just as I am at home within it, to collapse it from within,</em> she thought to herself.<br><br>"What about you, Hashimoto-san? Any insights you can provide at this moment?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 06:08:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would open his eyes a moment as he tilted his head hearing his name.&nbsp; He would think to himself a moment"i know little of what would be helpful knowledge as to the why and how, for me there is no method to his madness."&nbsp; He said as he looked to the privacy screen"all i know is that an enemy has made itself known, now i must seek out that enemy and show them the error of their ways."&nbsp; He said as he sat there"Once i finish here im going to inspect the area where the oni appeared as well as the direction it left for clues."&nbsp; He said as he sat there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 06:39:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She would smile to herself. <em>Yes, just the response I expected from him.</em><br><br>"Very well. I shall be quiet now, so that we may relax after such an ordeal. We all know where the rest of us are going. Emi-san, if you could accompany Hashimoto-san? It would be safer if we ventured in pairs, and I think that oni had a thick carapace that Emi-san's tetsubo penetrated easier than a katana.<br><br>"As for myself, I'll turn in, and head into court tomorrow morning, to see what I can find there."<br><br>With that, she takes a deep breath, plunging underwater for a few moments, before re-surfacing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 16:36:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg517741#msg517741">Quote from: LordAnubis on 30-01-2008, 19:28:53</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Meiwha?"&nbsp; He'd ask with another knock.&nbsp; With what they are going on, having fallen asleep in a matter of moments wouldn't fly.&nbsp; He had additional duties to preform and it did show in his voice.&nbsp; The fact that people willing to kill Emerald magistrates is at the forefront of his decisions, they had to walk a different line then on a mission where they were relatively safe and the purpitrators would avoid them to avoid drawing down too much attention.<br><br>If no answer was given Hanzowould first try to just open the door and walk ina nd if it was locked, he'd settle in to force the door open.&nbsp; With no answer given she could have as easily been kidnnapped out of her room as she could be sleeping.&nbsp; This wasn't a time to take many chances.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><em>"I am fine, Hanzo-san.&nbsp; Your oaths can be performed without you being right on top of me.&nbsp; I wish to be left alone for now."</em><br><br>Meiwha would call out softly, realizing that you would come in anywhys.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was you way all of the caste. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 18:34:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would come in.&nbsp; "normally I'd agree, being able to control your door would be enough to protect your safty.&nbsp; But this is a ddiferent city.&nbsp; I am sorry."&nbsp; He'd say with a nod.&nbsp; &nbsp;He didn't like violating her privacy, but they both knew that in some situations his presence was required even if she didn't like it, they just differed in opinion of when those times were.<br><br>"I thought you wanted to talk?&nbsp; Why the sudden change?"&nbsp; He'd ask a moment as he'd go to a seat.&nbsp; After this question he'd leave her alone, letting her do as she wished.He had a feeling something was really bugging her and he'd like to find out what it was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 19:11:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She is angered by your actions.&nbsp; It shows in her facial expression.&nbsp; You have not only not listened.&nbsp; But forced your way into her room.&nbsp; You of a lesser rank then herself.&nbsp; The audacity of such mannerism is not lost upon her.&nbsp; <br><br>Her response is sharp and disapproving.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"You dare, do not come in a beguile your action Hanzo."</em><br><br>Right now you were not her equal.&nbsp; No one was her equal within the band.&nbsp; After all, none of you were a Crane. An this now had turned to a Crane business.&nbsp; <br><br>She would put the ofuda away.&nbsp; With your entrance, into her room.&nbsp; She would not cast and call upon the Kami of air.&nbsp; Not right now, not with the intrusion.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>31-01-2008, 19:20:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What actions?"&nbsp; Hanzo asked looking at Meiwha, If he knew what she was thinking he'd take a grate more offense at what was going on, but as it is he is a little surprised.&nbsp; He'd expected her being annoyed he entered, but it wasn't something new.&nbsp; The snapping was a little unexpected.<br><br>He could understand if they had been fighting a human, her being so annoyed anything to follwo the path fo peace, but it was an oni, even her family supports the wholesale slaughter of those vile beasts..&nbsp; If she was upset aboutt he crane, he'd expect she would be all for ralling the troups.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>01-02-2008, 08:27:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Do you even bother to stop and think before reacting.&nbsp; You barge in here, even when I tell you I am fine and wish to be left alone.&nbsp; Do you disrespect the Tamori family of your Dragon clan.&nbsp; Do you disrespect the ways of the kami and ways of the shugenja.&nbsp; Or has your enlightenment taken you to a level that allows such disrespect."</em><br><br>To back up what she said, it has already occurred.&nbsp; You had seen her quickly putting away a ofuda.&nbsp; Plus the very fact shugenja were considered the holy persons, the seers of society.&nbsp; You had not only barged in on her.&nbsp; You had brought demeaning to her and threw insult into her face.&nbsp; An you of all people who have been among her family and clan.&nbsp; Knew that when it came to the oni and the living darkness.&nbsp; That the pacifism that they lived by, was cast aside to wipe out such monstrosities to the natural order. <br><br>However, she is not truly mad at you.&nbsp; You are just the point of her frustration in the moment.&nbsp; She on one other secret hand, is thrilled and aroused that you were concerned about her to barge in.&nbsp; So her next words soften her first words.<br><br><em>"Hanzo-san, do you not think I would call you.&nbsp; You are the first I would call, but you must trust me and trust my skill and talent.&nbsp; As I trust yours."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>01-02-2008, 10:31:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We train extensively with the Shugenja of our clan.&nbsp; To the point that our more experianced bushi can make it easier or more difficult for a hugenja to cast their spells.&nbsp; I do not disrepect the Kami or the way of the Shugenja, but the last Emerald magistrate and the Shugenja Yojimbo were killed in a Carriage so quickly the Shugenja couldn't cast a spell.&nbsp; That means you might be able to get out a cry of help and be dead before I could get the door open.&nbsp; Until the culprits are found, none of us can afford the luxury of true privacy."&nbsp; Hanzo would say, trying to weather her shots at him without retorting.&nbsp; He didn't think she was specficly mad at him, the oni attack had everyone on edge.<br><br>"I have trust in your skills as a Shugenja.&nbsp; I just also have to trust in the skill of those that might try to kill us.&nbsp; I've never let you be out of sword strike range from myself and now that we've been attacked by an oni, I can't change that now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>02-02-2008, 21:15:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would stand up,&nbsp; letting the kimono fall to the floor.&nbsp; Now standing nude before you, she slowly revolve around.&nbsp; Letting you take in her from all angles.&nbsp; As she completed the 360 turn.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"The end of this, is but the beginning of ones journey Hanzo-san.&nbsp; If the fortunes call upon it is my time.&nbsp; Then nothing you or I can change such."</em><br><br>Her bleached dyed white hair, flowing freely down over her shoulders.&nbsp; Long, as strands splashed over her pert yet full breasts.&nbsp; Pink nipples peeked out from the nestle of white strands splayed over.&nbsp; Her skin creamy almost white as her hair.&nbsp; She look to you offer up a coy smile in the moment.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>03-02-2008, 06:43:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would then rise up slowly the steam rolling off his form as he walked from the bath and went to go and redon his clothing and armor.&nbsp; He would take and place his swords onto his hips as he scowled lightly"Ill leave you to your baths, i have a demon to slay."&nbsp; He said as he walked out of the bathhouse with his wide brim straw hat on his head as he went back to the inn to investigate where the oni came from and went.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>03-02-2008, 20:40:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi grumbles as the Scorpions suggest hunting the oni.&nbsp; Trying to track an oni, and most likely a maho-tsukai, at night seems remarkably ill advised.&nbsp; Besides, that is the task of the Thunder Guard and what shugenja can be found to deal with the maho-tsukai.&nbsp; Most likely, a Yogo.&nbsp; Hida Emi has heard that the Yogo are almost as skilled as the Kuni at hunting down witches.<br><br>"We should rest from the fight we already had.&nbsp; Don't forget, we have bandits, smugglers and an assassin yet to face," Emi advised the two Scorpions as she began to rise from her own bath, picking up a towel and wrapping it around herself.&nbsp; "Plus, won't it be difficult to track anything in the confusion of the Bon Festival?"<br><br>Emi toweled herself off and slipped back into her kimono.&nbsp; She reclaimed her armour and helmet and then decided to make her way back to the inn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>04-02-2008, 00:45:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Excellent suggestion, Emi-san. Besides, with the ease that the other Emerald Magistrate was murdered, I do not wish to see such happen again. We should stay together"<br><br>She herself rose out of the water to towel off and reclaim her kimono.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>04-02-2008, 05:47:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would stop at the foot of the bathhouse as he heard what Emi had said about tracking during the festival.&nbsp; In all of his clouded judgement of being bested by the beast he totally forgot about the festivities taking place.&nbsp; All he could think about was running the creature through that made him look like a fool before the others.&nbsp; He would wait outside of the bath house for the two to finish getting dressed as he looked around the nights streets keeping his eyes and ears peeled for the slightest change in his surroundings.&nbsp; His hand idly resting on the sword on the left side of his hip.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>04-02-2008, 07:13:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"There will be a time when each of us will pass from this world and there will be nothing one can do to stop it from happening, but I don't intend to make it an easy task."&nbsp; Hanzo would say.&nbsp; It was his way, he wasn't afraid of death, and when he died he wanted it to be an honorable one with his sword in hand, but he didn't intend on ever making it easy.<br><br>Hanzo would finish his words as his eyes wandered over her body, it was hard not to look her over.&nbsp; She had a beauty about her that he could never explain and she never had a difficulty distracting him, especially when she spoke, he'd get lost in the voice.<br><br>He'd smile a bit as he brought his eyes back up to her face."You are very distracting as such."&nbsp; He'd comment, not in anyway sounding like a complaint.&nbsp; He didn't want to presume anything, she could just be trying to get him to shut up about his duty, but it wouldn't have been the first time there was more to it then stopping him from talking.&nbsp; Granted him turning her down was as unlikely as the Oni being a coincidence.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-02-2008, 01:25:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time you return to the inn, eta have been summoned to clean up the bodies. In addition, another figure in the blue and white of the Crane stands near where the oni made its entrance and subsequent exit, speaking to one of the Thunder Guard.<br><br>As you enter, he turns towards you, and walks across the inn. He bows politely, smiling and says "Greetings, honourable samurai. I am Doji Oruku, magistrate of the Crane Clan. I heard about what happened, and took it upon myself to investigate further. I understand I have you all to thank for saving my kinsman. Please, would you tell me what happened?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>05-02-2008, 07:08:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Your answer would come, as she would gesture to the door of her room.&nbsp; However, she would not press you to leave further.&nbsp; Other then that gesture.&nbsp; As she turned and went to go sit&nbsp; cross legged on the mat set out with incenses burning.&nbsp; As Meiwha would begin to meditate.&nbsp; <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>06-02-2008, 08:04:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would take a seat near the door.&nbsp; Giving Meiwha some space to do as she wished, but not leaving her room.&nbsp; To his knowledge the other Magistrates were still at the baths, relaxing from the events of tonight.&nbsp; He silently contemplated the possibilities, wanting to get to the Magistrates house first thing in the morning.&nbsp; Every once in awhile he'd glance towards Meiwha's body while she breathed.&nbsp; A beautiful sight to behold, but then he'd draw his attention back to his thoughts. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>10-02-2008, 10:02:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi waited for a moment, but it seemed like none of the other magistrates was around to talk to this Crane.&nbsp; Emi gave a small frown as she looked over at the blue robed man.&nbsp; She would have prefered to leave the reports and such to the more courtly members of their band, but with the others tied up, Emi supposed it was up to her.<br><br>"Good evening, Doji-san," Emi said in an even voice as she put her hands on her hips, looking the Crane in the eye.&nbsp; "An Oni came through that wall and attacked your fellow Crane, but we drove it off.&nbsp; It fled and the Thunder Guard are looking for it as we speak."<br><br>Emi gave her testimony in a flat, even way.&nbsp; After a moment, it occurred to her that this would be a good time to find out more about the Crane merchants and their mysterious merchandise.&nbsp; 'The ronin with your clansman fought bravely," Emi began.&nbsp; "What were your merchants carrying to need such expensive guards?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>10-02-2008, 23:48:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sits on the mat in the middle of her room.&nbsp; In meditation. with Hanzo standing their watching her.&nbsp; She has not left the inn this night.&nbsp; Yet it seems others can go and get a bath.&nbsp; Yet a magistrate of her own great clan would not come to seek her out in querying over what happened.&nbsp; &nbsp;Be back into time to do just about every thing.&nbsp; You would wonder that one of her own would not seek her out.&nbsp; It is not a Kuni that sits as the Jade champion, it is a Asahina.&nbsp; An for good reason, true skill is needed.<br><br>So will remain meditation.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-02-2008, 00:31:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I understand the ronin did fight well, Hida-san" replied the Crane, "But they were not part of the group attacked. I believe it was just conincidence that saw them here tonight." He glanced across the room at where the ronin had been sitting earlier, the innkeeper having made some effort to restore the inn to its former condition.<br><br>"Indeed, from speaking with my kinsman, I cannot see why they should be the apparent focus of this attack." He looks past Hida-san to the others, then past them. "My apologies, but I was told there were others with you. They did not go to the baths with you?"<br><br>Movement from the side catches your eye, but it is merely the eta beginning to move the bodies. They look to Doji-san, and he gestures them to continue with an imperious motion of his hand. One of them, a young biy has a look of awe on his face as he looks at you all, before remembering his place, dropping his eyes and scurrying over to join the other eta in their duties.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>11-02-2008, 07:13:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would raise his wide brimmed straw hat slowly as he looked to the Crane with sullen eyes and a scowled face slightly"No they did not, i didnt wish to bother the others in my matters of relaxation."&nbsp; He said as he stood there silently keeping his words short and too the point.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-02-2008, 02:04:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I understand." replied the Doji, nodding. He turned to where the innkeeper was passing. "Would you please ask the others to join us. I believe they are still here." he said. The innkeeper nodded, and headed off upstairs.<br><br>"Would you all do me the honour of joining me for tea?" Doji-san said, turning his attention back to the magistrates. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>13-02-2008, 02:13:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi stared at the Crane Magistrate for a moment.&nbsp; He said that the merchants hadn't given him any reason why they had been attacked, but that could mean that the merchants had lied to him.&nbsp; Or that he was lying to her.&nbsp; Of course, with a Crane it was hard to tell.<br><br>Emi decided not to press the issue.&nbsp; The other magistrates were more skilled in trading words with a Crane than she was; Indeed Meiwha was a Crane herself... and a shugenja besides.&nbsp; <br><br>Emi nods in affirmation, accepting the Cranes offer to join him for tea.&nbsp; Then she walks over to her previous table, taking her seat once more, settling her helmet on the table.&nbsp; Emi rests her elbow on the table, leaning forward slightly, her fingers drumming the lip of the table as she watches the Crane magistrate wordlessly, waiting for Akane or Meihwa to arrive to talk to the man.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>13-02-2008, 06:30:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane blinks, taking only a brief moment to realize that, since she's the 'courtier,' it's her duty to talk. She smiles widely.<br><br>"Of course, Doji-san." She sits at the table, and pours out the tea. After a brief moment, she turns to the Doji.<br><br>"It was fortunate that you arrived so quickly after the oni was driven away. It did seem to focus it's bile on your clansmen; however, we cannot see any reason for that." She looks up at Oruku with half-lidded eyes and a sly smile. "Such behavior is odd, even for a creature of the Shadowlands. Unless there was something about those particular samurai that we do not know of."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>13-02-2008, 07:29:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the innkeeper arrived to bring the message of her kinsmen down stairs.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meiwha would draw from her meditation, slipping back on her kimono.&nbsp; She however would&nbsp; leave her hair undone flowing freely cascading down over her shoulders and back.&nbsp; With slipping on her sandals she would make her way back down to the common room of the inn. <br><br>Reaching the landing of the stairs leading down.&nbsp; She first take a pause as her bright blue eyes swept over the room below.&nbsp; Noting where everyone was.&nbsp; &nbsp;An in that moment she revisualizes the incident earlier this night.&nbsp; <br><br>In that moment a clarity comes to her.&nbsp; Perhaps the attack had not been on the merchants.&nbsp; But she herself, for if not by divine faith of the fortunes.&nbsp; She had been in the exact spot but moments before the oni had come bursting into the room.&nbsp; Just perhaps it was she it had been after.&nbsp; <br><br>Her eyes snap back open again.&nbsp; She was indeed horny, clenching her thighs together for a brief moment.&nbsp; Then refocusing, as now she would begin to descend the stairs.&nbsp; It was time to speak with her clansman, and exhaust that possibility, that it was indeed the merchants and ronin that had been targets.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>13-02-2008, 08:47:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would move to take a seat upon the other side of Emi as he kept his wide brim hat on his head.&nbsp; He would look intently as Akane poured the tea for them.&nbsp; He left the matters of talk to the shugenja, rather then himself.&nbsp; For now he kept his eyes open and looking around slowly as if waiting for something out of the ordinary to plague the night again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-02-2008, 00:48:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You are quite correct, Shosuro-san." replied Doji-san, taking the tea with a small bow. "The attack is most puzzling. What would an Oni ... and a fairly powerful one from all accounts ... be doing so far from the Shadowlands, and why would it attack a small party of merchants and their yoriki." He shook his head, puzzlement on his face. "I spoke with Doji Juzo, but there was nothing in what he told me that could account for the interest of an oni, nor do I believe he lied to me."<br><br>He sipped from the tea, then rose and bowed as the remaining members of the magistrates part arrived. "Thank you for accepting my invitation Asahina-san, Mirumoto-san. Please, sit. The tea is quite good." Once they had settled, he sat himself, returning his attention to the group as a whole. <br><br>"As I was saying, I do not know ... yet ... why this Oni has decided to attack my family, but I intend to find out. Since you may well have earned its emnity also, do you wish to join my investigation? I have no doubt you wish to see if destroyed as much as I, but finding out why it is here may be as important."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>14-02-2008, 07:39:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A per functionary bow is given to her clansman Doji-san, as he invites her and the others coming to also take a seat.&nbsp; &nbsp;She would look to see if Hanzo-san has followed.&nbsp; Or remained up in he room.&nbsp; As she took the offered seat.&nbsp; Holding response, as Doji-san continued to speak.&nbsp; In regarding the incident.&nbsp; Once he is finished, she would respond, not in return greeting.&nbsp; But to voice her recent thoughts.&nbsp; As she decides that it is best to bring these up now. <br><br><em>"No Doji-san, I do not believe the oni was here for them.&nbsp; But I had been the target. For it had burst into the inn, right where I had been but moments earlier.&nbsp; If for any reason, I had delayed in returning to my table.&nbsp; I would not be here now.&nbsp; An then the reason why and how a oni could be here.&nbsp; That is simple, and lies in the death of&nbsp; our predecessor.&nbsp; Who was here investigating the illegal activities abounding in this city.&nbsp; After all, we should not have even beein here.&nbsp; But lack of respect towards the will and law of the empire. The governor leaves us here.&nbsp; In which the very same night this is so, a oni attacks."" </em><br><br>Yes she just suggest that the Scorpian clan is behind this.&nbsp; Or eluded that they may be.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>14-02-2008, 09:24:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mirumoto Hanzo would follow Meiwha out of the room, heading down the stairs and sees the rest of the Emerald magistrates speaking with the Doji.&nbsp; Hanzo would take a seat next to Meiwha as the Doji greets them and Meiwha begins to go into her theory as to what happened this night.&nbsp; It was convient that the oni managed to make it through the city this far without raising alarm and that it had traveled this far crossing both crane and Crab lands... unless it came through the planes above evil, a place Hanzo was told was so evil even most of the Fu Leng spawn avoid, but he could be misinformed.<br><br>Any who looked at the dragon's face would see him in deep thought, not even trying to hide it at the moment.&nbsp; Going over the timing of the attack as he rose and walked towards the inn keeper.<br><br>"When were you informed that you'd be providing us loggings, and how long were you told we'd be staying?"&nbsp; He'd ask, politely, but inquisitively.&nbsp; He was doing his best to not think on the possible answer too much to avoid his face betraying the information he hoped the glean from this.&nbsp; Easily the most abrupt movement any of his fellow magistrates would have seen from him during their travels.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>15-02-2008, 19:04:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The innkeeper listens attentively to Mirumoto-san before replying. "No, sama. I did not know you would be here before you arrived, but I thank the kami that you were here. Without you, my daughter would be dead." He bows again, deeply, his gratitude obvious.<br><br>- - - <br><br>Doji-san listens to Asahina-san politely, stroking his chin in thought. "That is an intriguing suggestion." he says, after considering his answer, "But if you will forgive me, I do not think it a likely one." He holds up a hand to forstall any comment as he continues. "I have been in this city some time now, and know, at least by reputation, many of its more important citizens. The governer is a very shrewd woman, and has skillfully run this city for years now. If she were of a mind to dispose of you ... not that I believe she would ... an Oni would be a very poor choice of tool. For one, it's appearance would draw far more attention from both Clan and Imperial authorities. Secondly, I cannot see an Oni being a subtle tool, and the Scorpion are known far and wide for their subtlty." He makes a nod towards the Scorpion at the table. "If it were proven the Governer were consorting with maho-tsukai, her death would be assured."<br><br>He pauses a moment, as if assessing another piece of information. "Your pardon, but you said your predecessor was investigating illegal activities here." He looks around the table at each of you. "Have I the honour to be addressing Emerald Magistrates?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>15-02-2008, 23:17:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would for now hold her tongue.&nbsp; &nbsp;Of course they would use an Oni, if their plans are nefarious.&nbsp; Such a bold outward attack would surely not be thought of to look right at them.&nbsp; The subtle assassination of a emerald magistrate though. Would bring the full weight of the empire's law down upon the city of lies.&nbsp; Yes the Oni brings great attention.&nbsp; However, part of that attention is sympathy, to help the plagued beleaguered city of lies.&nbsp; <br><br>But then again, perhaps Doji-san is correct in his assumption.&nbsp; <br><br>She fetch a glance towards the innkeeper.&nbsp; Giving a feint nod to his thankful words, over his daughter.&nbsp; She hear his response to&nbsp; Hanzo-san.&nbsp; So they did not know they were going to be here.&nbsp; &nbsp;That means only those&nbsp; in the governors office had known.&nbsp; Now they must collaborate on who knew the merchants and ronin would be here at the inn.&nbsp; <br><br>For now though in the immediate moment.&nbsp; She refrain from questions, letting the others engage in conversation.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>16-02-2008, 08:19:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would stay seated as he looked up from the lip of his wide brimmed hat at Meiwha as she spoke of that of his clan.&nbsp; He would keep his face plain and solomon as he folded his arms over his chest lightly.&nbsp; He made no indication that the accusation was towards him personally, were affected as he sat there silently.&nbsp; He was not one to place his tongue in the politics of the clan, that was the job of the coutier not the warrior.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>16-02-2008, 10:22:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would walk back to sit at the table.&nbsp; "We are Emerald Magistrates.&nbsp; " Hanzo would say to tell the Doji as he settled into his seat. wanting to bring his opinions to the table.<br><br>[color]We were earlier then anyone expected us to be arriving.&nbsp; They had maybe an hour of preparation even if they knew exactly where to send the Oni.&nbsp; I don't presume to know the ins and outs of the process to summon an Oni, but the time frame given and our early arrival makes us being the target unlikely.&nbsp; If anything the presence of a Maho user in the city would bring down a great deal of attention and anyone who used sublty as part of their defenses would not want this much attention, even to remove us."[/color]&nbsp; Hanzo would comment as he sat down.&nbsp; The scorpion and the Dragon had been on friendly terms for awhile and he knew enough that the Scorpion's defenses were not totally dependent on their army and was usually best for all if their defensive measures were not publicly known.<br><br>"Whoever summoned the Oni would have to either do it to destroy an important target or to spread panic and cause us to intensify investigations, most likely to come across something unrelated but something we can't ignore."&nbsp; Nothing about Hanzo's voice said he was even disapproving of any Scorpion methods.&nbsp; He didn't ask or even want to know the details, he knew they were effective and methods he himself could never employ. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-02-2008, 17:10:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san nodded as you finished speaking. "Of course, I had heard what happened to your predecessor. We had worked together once or twice, though not closely. To have one Imperial Magistrate murdered is a tragedy, but should anything then happen to a group of them, I have no doubt the Emerald Champion himself would decend on the city, with the full weight of the Imperial Legions behind him. Forgive me, but I cannot see the Governer wishing such a thing. Even if she were not guilty of the act, she would have to commit seppuku for the shame of allowing it to happen." <br><br>He gave his head a shake. "No, I cannot believe that the Governer is behind this. Above all else it seems she wishes to ensure that the city works, and should anything happen to you, especially something so drastic, well ..." he broke off with a shrug, and then took a sip from his tea. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>19-02-2008, 00:51:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi drummed her fingers impatiently on the lip of the table, shifting slightly in her seat.&nbsp; The courtiers seemed to want to talk around the subjection of the Oni, rather than address the issue directly.&nbsp; Well, that was what her sensei had told her to expect from the courtly northern clans, though to a Crab such time wasting was foolish. <br><br>Emi considered the potential of the governor or the Scorpion being behind the attack.&nbsp; The Clan of Secrets was known for treachery and it didn't elude Emi that the governor had arranged for them to be in the place were the attack occurred.&nbsp; However, it occurred to Emi that they hadn't yet met with the governor -- Only a functionary claiming to represent the governor.<br><br>Could it be that they were the targets of the attack?&nbsp; By some power that opposed the will of the Son of Heaven, or perhaps by a faction that wanted to draw the Emerald Magistrates to Ryoko Owari in force?&nbsp; The first was treason, suitable only to maho-tsukai and the dogs of Fu Leng.&nbsp; The second was politics; perhaps attempting to generate an excuse to annex the City of Lies from the Scorpion on the pretext that the Scorpion couldn't maintain order in the city?&nbsp; It would be a daring gambit if someone was attempting it.<br><br>"Doji-san," Emi said slowly, to redirect the conversation, "You have said you wondered if we might aid you in your investigation of this attack.&nbsp; This implies you have a suspicion or leads to investigate.&nbsp; Tell me, whom do you think the target of this attack was?&nbsp; And who do you think might have been willing to consort with an Oni?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>19-02-2008, 09:24:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Most curious, none of her Scorpion companions within the emerald magistrate contingent sent on this mission.&nbsp; Seem to be upset or voice dissent upon what is implied.&nbsp; For that matter the only one to do so is Doji-san.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Her gaze would surge to look at the Crab.&nbsp; To sweep back then to Doji, and await his answer of the question posed to him.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>19-02-2008, 22:15:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane smiles. "No, I suppose that the governor is not behind the attack. The Scorpion have just returned to power here. I cannot believe they would sabotage their efforts with such a blatant attack. Besides, we may be subtle in our dealings, but even we abhor the use of maho.<br><br>"However, the question from Hida-san is still on the table. Who do you think was the target, and why? Also, whom do you suspect as the one consorting with oni?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 00:55:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san looked at each of the magistrates as they spoke, then spread his hands in front of him. "I have little evidence so far, but what I have indicates that those who were attacked were the Oni's target. It could have passed them to strike at others, yet it did not. I cannot say I know, as yet, why it chose them, but I intend to find out. I will see who has summoned this thing here, and they will receive the full weight of Imperial law. There is only one punishment for maho-tsukai. Death."<br><br>He leand back slightly, raising his tea for another sip. "Unfortunately I have not yet found enough clues to direct me to whoever is responsible for this. I ..."<br><br>He broke off as the door to the inn crashed open, and a young boy ran in, all but collapsing to the ground, chest heaving with exertion. His face is covered in soot, streaked with sweat, and his feet appear to be bleeding. "The .. the crematorium." he gasps. "Bandits. They are trying to kill my father ... steal the bodies .. your friends bodies, sama." He coughs, pointing back through the door, looking up at Doji-san. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 01:06:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo was about to begin his theory on the Oni attack when the boy burst into the room telling them about the bandits.<br><br>"Kami willing you'll have some in a moment."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as he rose.&nbsp; Those that would touch the bodies of the dead were only two that Hanzo knew, those responsible for the cremation and Maho-users.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 01:28:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane sighed heavily. "Forgive us, Doji-san, but we have to address this now. Perhaps after all of us has beaten these bandits back?" Her expression is grim and determined as she picks up her katana.<br><br>After making sure the rest of the magistrates are ready, she turns back to the boy. "Lead the way."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 01:49:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The eta boy staggers to his feet, nodding furiously. "Hai, sama, hai. This way."<br><br>It takes you about 5 or 6 minutes to pass through the city, the best pace the boy can manage. Few peasents would be willing to get in the way of a group of samurai who obviously wish to be somewhere else in a hurry.<br><br>You pass through a gate, and across a bridge, into the eta village itself. From what little you glance at it, it seems much the same as any peasent village, the inhabitants falling to their knees as you pass. At the north end of the village you see a largish structure, which would appear to be the crematorium. The loor lies ajar, almost broken from its frame, ans smoke curls lazily into the darkening sky. From inside come shouts and screams.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 06:52:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi looks up in surprise as the eta boy rushes into the inn.&nbsp; After the others hear the boy out, Emi's mouth curls in disgust.&nbsp; While the Hida are a practical family, the idea of someone actually stealing dead bodies is sickening.&nbsp; She can't say she's overly pleased at the idea of going to an eta village and walking amongst the unclean.&nbsp; Then a horrible thought occurs to her.<br><br>Emi leaps up and pulls her helmet on, moving quickly over to the weapons alcove to claim her katana and her tetsubo once more.&nbsp; Then she joins the others in a dash through the city, pushing through the revelers as she pursues the eta boy back towards the crematorium.<br><br>"Be wary," she warns the others firmly.&nbsp; "A maho-tsukai might intend to abuse the bodies of the honorable slain to create undead abominations.&nbsp; If we must fight the unliving, cut off their heads."<br><br>That said, Emi draws her katana and plunges into the crematorium, eager to destroy those who would dare defile the rest of the honorable dead.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 07:43:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Lets try to keep one alive, for questioning."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as he went to bust in right along side Emi=san.&nbsp; That would be a scary picture.&nbsp; A 6 foot hida and a 6 foot mirumoto busting through with weapons drawn.<br><br>"Meiwha, hang back a bit."&nbsp; He'd say with a glance to Meiwha, assuming she joined them.&nbsp; Unless there was an Oni in the building or undead rising, she would be better served in support healing them or an innocent, definatly let the Bushi rush in first to keep sufficent bodies between her and those she swore not to harm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 08:36:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would glance towards the boy as he came running in.&nbsp; The news offered would sting his ears as he scowled even more deeply.&nbsp; But as they rushed through the streets he couldnt help but smile for he knew what was coming next.&nbsp; It would be a very very long night for those wishing to define the honored dead.&nbsp; And Hashimoto planned on making them remember this is a city with a sting to it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>20-02-2008, 09:24:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would do just what Hanzo wanted of her.&nbsp; She would indeed hang back, as she followed behind.&nbsp; As they rushed after the boy.&nbsp; Her mind raced, in thought.&nbsp; Something just did not add up in her thoughts now surging forward.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>21-02-2008, 01:58:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Inside you see the bodies of the two Cranes lying on the ground, shrouds ripped away and clothing clearly disturbed. Three of the bandits are clustered around the second body, looking up from their desecration as you enter. Around the rest of the room you can see perhaps a dozen roughly clad figures, some searching through the room, others finishing off the eta that lay on the floor at the far end.<br><br>"Stop them." shouts the largest of the bandits, and several sprint forwards to confront you. Perhaps half a dozen, the larger one amongst them, turn and run for another door at the rear of the building.<br><br>- - - - <br>Initiative please.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>21-02-2008, 04:00:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi gives a fierce kiai scream in response, gripping her grandmother's sword hilt in both hands as she prepares to cut her way through the bandit scum.<br><br>(Initiative, 24)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>21-02-2008, 05:52:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would grin slowly as he looked to the bandits.&nbsp; He was going to have fun with this he could already tell.&nbsp; <br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 8d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Init<br>Result: 6, 6, 10, 2, 10, 3, 10, 4, <br>Total: 30<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 9, 10, 10, <br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 1, 10, <br>Total: 11<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 4, <br>Total: 4<br><br>Total Init = 74<br><br>Enemies lower then that raises my Init +5 =79<br>Booyah why cant I get this roll on an attack now dammit! lol<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>21-02-2008, 07:03:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(And no, they raise your TN to be hit your initative is still 74 (insane) your to hit is<br>justy 28 now instead of 23)<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: <br>Result: 8, 6, 1, 9, 3, <br>Total: 23<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>21-02-2008, 07:41:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A soft snick as Akane unsheathes her sword. "Try to take one alive, if possible. We can question him later." However, with that, she starts off towards the back to try and head off the group that is fleeing.<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initiative<br>Result: 5, 4, 6, 8, 6,<br>Total: 20
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>21-02-2008, 08:58:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initative<br>Result: 1, 3, 2, 3, 6,<br>Total: 12<br><br>Rank 5 mastery defensive, declaring full defense prior to round.<br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 7d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Defensive skill full defense<br>Result: 10, 8, 8, 1, 2, 5, 4,<br>Total: 18<br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 18to the total<br>Comment: Defensive skill full defense exploding 10<br>Result: 10,<br>Total: 28<br><br>Missed I had another exploding 10, so here.&nbsp; <br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 28to the total<br>Comment: Defensive skill full defense exploding 10 yet again<br>Result: 1,<br>Total: 29<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>22-02-2008, 00:16:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In a staggering display of ineptitude the bandits will be going last. Declare actions, lowest first. Actions will be taken highest initiative first. <br><br>Bandits<br>Asahina Meiwha - 12 <br>Shosuro Akane - 20<br>Mirumoto Hanzo - 23<br>Hida Emi - 24<br>Doji Oruku - 26 <br>Soshi Hashimoto - 74<br><br>To speed things along, Doji-san will be making a standard attack on the nearest bandit.<br><br>Akane - The bandits are spreading out through the room to block pursuit of their compatriots. You'll have to either go through them, or outside and around the building if you want to engage the ones that are fleeing.<br><br>Feel free to make any attacks and damage rolls from your actions, and I'll apply them when I read them (probably tomorrow). The bandits are unarmoured, bar a few badly worn pieces of cast off armour, which you think will provide little to no protection. They have a variety of knives and peasent weapons, though one carries a katana. He seems to wear the best of the armour, such as it is, and directs the others with slaps and shouts, spreading them out to block your path.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>22-02-2008, 01:16:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				That's what I figured, and she will be going around the outside to meet them in the back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>22-02-2008, 05:01:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would be making his way towards the one with the katana as the samurai scorpion would try and come in and bring up his full defensive posture circling and waiting for the samurai bandit to attack him. "why dont you slap around a scorpion and see what it will get you."<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 23to the total<br>Comment: full defense<br>Result: 8, 5, 3, 6, 7, 4, <br>Total: 44<br>+5=49
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>22-02-2008, 08:13:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would stride right towards the nearest too bandits, his sword drawn as he charged in along side Emi-san he intends to make short work of the two closest bandits.&nbsp; He doesn't think the initial ones will survive the assualt, but hopefully they will have others to interrogate.&nbsp; He'd step between them as he swung his katana at the nearest one, and following through to strike his nearest buddy, a fluid strike as the steel flashed through the air.<br><br>"Someone catch the fleeing coward."&nbsp; Hanzo would comment, rather confident that the bandits were not going to be fairing too well in the fight..<br><br>(results<br>(attack 1 34 for 22 damage 2 raises)<br>(Attack 2 35 for 31 damage 2 raises) (owie)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: First attack at nearest bandit 2 raises one for movement<br>Result: 6, 5, 8, 4, 3, 8, 4, 1, <br>Total: 34<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Spend a void on the attack roll <br>Result: 1, 6, 8, 7, 6, 4, 7, 3, <br>Total: 22<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Second attack roll 2 raises on another bandit within striking distance of nearest<br>Result: 1, 5, 1, 5, 7, 9, 4, 7, <br>Total: 35<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Second attacjk damage roll<br>Result: 8, 4, 8, 8, 1, 10, 9, <br>Total: 19<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 19to the total<br>Comment: Exploded damage<br>Result: 10, <br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 29to the total<br>Comment: Exploded damage x2<br>Result: 2, <br>Total: 31<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>24-02-2008, 01:36:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi was glad to have her grandmother's sword in her hands as she advanced alongside the other two Magistrates to engage the dishonorable bandits.&nbsp; She wielded a tetsubo when the situation demanded it, but her soul cried out with the glory of a contest of kenjutsu.&nbsp; She took the long hilt of her sword in both hands, lifting it high as she stalked towards one of the bandits, giving him the gaze of cold fury that the Hida were so infamous for.<br><br>With a whistling cut, she lashed out at the bandit, aiming to end him quickly.<br><br>(Attack roll, 18.&nbsp; Damage roll, 17+3 = 20)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>24-02-2008, 10:51:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha is in full defensive with the +29 to defense.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>26-02-2008, 01:26:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the two groups clash, the air is filled with the sound of screams, pain mixed with fury. In moments, two of the bandits lie on the floor, dead or seriously wounded, and another pair bleed from serious wounds. <br><br>Hashimotos obvious contempt lashes at the bandit with the katana, and he tries vainly to strike, though his skills are outmatched by that of a true samurai. The wounded bandits attempt to close and stab with their knives, but their wounds make already poor blows even worse, and they do not even come close. <br><br>One of the ones near the back scoops up something from a table and throws it at Meiwha. Alert for such a move, she avoids the hastily flung missile, realising that it appears to be a mostly burned lower arm and hand. Her skin crawls at the thought of dead flesh being flung around.<br><br>Outside, Akane circles the building, and comes face to face with all of the bandits who had fled. Two leap forwards, swinging kama and knife, the rest turn and scatter, running into and through the eta village.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>26-02-2008, 05:27:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane was alert to the fact that some of the bandits may try to slow her down while the leader escapes. With the others out of sight, she is free to use her true training. A cruel smile alights her lips as she slips among the bandits, a crimson and black shadow, while she focuses her attention on what appears to be the leader as he slips through the eta town.<br><br>((Full defense this round while pursuing the leader. Rank 1 Shosuro Shinob The Shadow Has No Mask provides no movement penalty for full defense.<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Full Defense Roll<br>Result: 7, 9, 6, 10, 3, 2,<br>Total: 26<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Exploding 10<br>Result: 7,<br>Total: 7<br><br>Total Bonus to Defense: 33<br>Total Defense: 54))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>26-02-2008, 08:57:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would step to the side and back avoiding the strikes with ease as he scowled to the bandits and went to lash out at them.&nbsp; He would start with the first with the katana as he would draw it for a strike at the leader for starters"you shall not defile this sanctum!"<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: attack<br>Result: 6, 8, 1, 5, 1, 8, <br>Total: 25<br>(then dumping my three free raises into the damage roll)<br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 8d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: damage<br>Result: 1, 9, 2, 9, 3, 5, 2, 4, <br>Total: 23<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>26-02-2008, 10:45:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Step for some cover."&nbsp; Hanzo would say to Meiwha as he took a step,&nbsp; and slahed into a pair of new bandits, intending on crippling the entire lot before he followed the rest out of the back.&nbsp; If he left any able to stand they would cause issues later on.&nbsp; The Bandits seemed very disorganized, which lead him to believe they were locals hired for the job. <br><br><br>(50 attack roll with 2 raises 26 damage)<br>(52 attack rol with 2 raises 22 damage)<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack roll 1 bandit 2 raises<br>Result: 2, 3, 7, 2, 2, 8, 10, 4, <br>Total: 36<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 36to the total<br>Comment: attack 1 explode<br>Result: 10, <br>Total: 46<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 46to the total<br>Comment: attack 1 explode x2<br>Result: 4, <br>Total: 50<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Attack 1 damage<br>Result: 3, 6, 9, 8, 3, 9, 4, <br>Total: 26<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack roll 2 2nd bandit 2 raises<br>Result: 9, 10, 7, 6, 10, 10, 9, 1, <br>Total: 46<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice, adding 46to the total<br>Comment: attack 2 explode<br>Result: 5, 1, <br>Total: 52<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Attack 2 damage<br>Result: 3, 3, 9, 1, 7, 6, 4, <br>Total: 22<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>26-02-2008, 15:31:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi looks around at the carnage in the crematorium.&nbsp; There's four bandits left fighting inside and it seems to her that between the Soshi and the Mirumoto magistrates, they can handle the situation with ease.&nbsp; <br><br>On the other hand, 6 more bandits have fled.<br><br>If the fall of the two bandits permits, Emi tries to dart past the remaining bandits and run to the back exit of the crematorium to pursue the six who've fled the scene.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>26-02-2008, 18:34:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would also bring and draw her attention to those fleeing.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she had avoided the decaying body part.&nbsp; Which had sent shivers of revulsion through her in revilement.&nbsp; <br><br>Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 12to the total<br>Comment: Tides of battle<br>Result: 10,<br>Total: 22<br><br>(her new init)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>27-02-2008, 02:17:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane slips past the two bandits who have tried to engage like a whisp of air, their strikes hardly coming close enough to even worry about dodging them. They gape open mouthed, then turn and run off into the village, hoping to lose themselves before any other magistrates can break free of the melee inside.<br><br>Inside, Hanzos strikes cripple another pair of the bandits, who spin aside with cries of pain, opening the way for Emi to dart past them and out the door. One of the staggering bandits lurches towards Doji-san, who dispatches him with a single swift blow, head parting from its shoulders with a startled expression.<br><br>Hashimoto draws the bandit into commiting to an attack, then slices through his over extended form, sending the man staggering back to crash into one of the tables, blood welling from a deep gash.<br><br>The injured bandits throw themselves forwards still. They know their lives are forfeit, and seek the mercy of a quick death.<br><br>Emi, outside you can see two bandits fairly close, running towards the village, taking different paths. Further out you can see four more, with Akane chasing one of them. The bandits seem to be spreading out, probably in the hope that some will get away.<br><br>Akane, agility / athletics roll please for pursuing bandits.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>27-02-2008, 05:56:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At this point, Akane is making no attempt to hide the fact that she's pursuing the bandits, and the one who looks like the leader in particular. Now, more in her natural element, her strides are quick and sure as her katana slides out of it's sheath. She's still focused, that cruel smile still affixed upon her ruby lips - perhaps widening a bit - as she slides through the etas.<br><br>((Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Agility/Athletics roll<br>Result: 10, 5, 10, 8, 8, 5,<br>Total: 28<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Exploding 10s<br>Result: 3, 8,<br>Total: 11<br><br>Grand total: 39))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>27-02-2008, 06:10:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would scowl as he turned towards the remaining bandits that went to charge his way.&nbsp; "Whose next?"&nbsp; He said as he would go back into his full defense upon the enemy waiting to see what they would do with a very willing and able grim reaper.<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 23to the total<br>Comment: full defense<br>Result: 3, 1, 10, 9, 4, 3, <br>Total: 46<br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding 10s<br>Result: 5, <br>Total: 5<br><br>TN=51<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>27-02-2008, 07:01:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo looked at the charging bandits and took two swipes with his swords, changing tactics as he slashed at the legs of the approaching bandits, to cut their feet out from under them.&nbsp; See if they could possiobly keep one of them alive to question later, though he wasn't going to try too terribly hard.&nbsp; There were still alot of bandits, and if these two didn't survive, then they'd recieve the punishment for their actions and he'd try to capture their allies.<br><br>(results)<br>(attack 1 32 with two raises 16 damage)<br>(Attack 2 38 with two raises 20 damage)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: attack 1 2 raises targeting leg<br>Result: 7, 8, 1, 6, 4, 2, 4, 3, <br>Total: 32<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: attack2 2 raises targeting leg<br>Result: 2, 7, 8, 4, 4, 9, 7, 5, <br>Total: 38<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment:&nbsp; Damage roll 1<br>Result: 9, 7, 6, 7, 4, 7, <br>Total: 16<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage roll 2<br>Result: 3, 8, 6, 8, 10, 8, <br>Total: 18<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Damage roll 2 explode<br>Result: 2, <br>Total: 2<br>(20)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>27-02-2008, 07:12:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi makes a snap decision, choosing which bandit to pursue.&nbsp; She decides Akane seems confident in the target she's pursuing.&nbsp; Emi holds her katana low as she chases the bandit nearest to the one Akane is chasing, seperate enough that the she can chase the other bandit seems to be getting away, but close enough that she can reinforce the Scorpion if she gets in trouble.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>27-02-2008, 08:25:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would look to the ones that are fleeing.&nbsp; She feared that her comrades, would be too hasty in their task and kill the bandits.&nbsp; With out leaving at least one or two alive so they could speak with them.&nbsp; So pulling her ofuda of windborne slumber, she would begin calling upon the kami of air. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>28-02-2008, 02:05:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Swords flash in the crematorium, blood arcing into the air amidst the glint of steel. In moments only a single bandit remains on his feet, the others having fallen beneath the swords of Hanzo and Doji-san. The Crane magistrate takes a moment in shaking the blood from his blade to nod to Hanzo. "You are most skilled Mirumoto-san. Perhaps you would do me the honour of a test of skill in a day or two, once you are settled in?"<br><br>The remaining bandits face is one of panic as he sees how swiftly his compatriots have fallen. Licking dry lips he leaps forwards, katana swinging as a kiai burst from his mouth. Unfortunately his skill does not match his ferocity, and his attack falls short of Hashimotos skill.<br><br>Outside, the bandits are panicing and running full tilt through the village, a chorus of cries and shouts marking their progress. Akane, the bandit you are following glances over his shoulder, and seeing you gaining attempts to increase his own pace. His ragged breathing indicates little success.&nbsp; Another roll please. Stamina / Athletics .. the chase is on.<br><br>Emi, I'll need a similar stamina / athletics check from yourself for your chase. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>28-02-2008, 06:05:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto didnt know about the others outside of the crematorium but he knew that this last bandit would have to answer for alot.&nbsp; He would wait till the strike missed him before coming in quick and hard with his sword and smacking him upside the head with the flat of his blade so as not to kill him but to work on knocking him out.<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: attack<br>Result: 3, 2, 1, 8, 8, 3, <br>Total: 22<br>(dumping three free raises from attack missing in full defense into damage)<br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 8d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: damage<br>Result: 8, 4, 3, 6, 3, 10, 10, 2, <br>Total: 28<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 7, 4, <br>Total: 11<br><br>Total damage=39<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>28-02-2008, 07:01:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane's grin turns into a scowl. She's an excellent sprinter, but not quite as good of an endurance runner. Still, her nocturnal occupation demands that she stays in top physical condition, and so she is able to continue. She does not taunt the bandit, for several reasons. One, it is beneath her to even recognize such scum as potentially being her equal, as such a taunt would imply. Second, silence is more terrifying than anything she could say at him. And finally, she does not want to waste the breath to say anything.<br><br>Still, she pours all she can into a burst of speed, to try and overtake the bandit before he can slip away.<br><br>((Roll Result: Akane rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Stamina/Athletics<br>Result: 5, 1, 8, 5, 10,<br>Total: 18<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Exploding 10<br>Result: 5,<br>Total: 5<br><br>Grand total: 23))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>28-02-2008, 07:30:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Once this is settled, I might take you up on that offer." &nbsp; Hanzo would say as he made his way out the back, certain the last Bandit would be no match for his&nbsp; Scorpion ally.&nbsp; He'd&nbsp; walk out and look for any of the bandits.&nbsp; He didn't expect he'd be able to keep pace with them, given the have such a lead on him, so he'd drop his swords onto anything outside the crematorium that wasn't the ground and quickly draw his bow and try for a leg shot at one of the fleeing bandits.&nbsp; he didn't think he'd successfully strike the bandit with his flesh cutter arrow, but it was the only practical thing he could do at this point.<br><br>(attack roll 23 with 3 raises for 28 damage.&nbsp; Called shot to the leg)<br><br>(don't think it's going to work.<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 4 dice<br>Comment: Arrow Show 3 raises 1 for movement 2 for called shot leg<br>Result: 9, 1, 2, 6, 6, <br>Total: 23<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 4d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: arrow damage<br>Result: 5, 9, 3, 10, <br>Total: 24<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 24to the total<br>Comment: arrow damage explode<br>Result: 4, <br>Total: 28
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>28-02-2008, 08:39:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Windborne slumber 5 dice normally but since foe is running -2 dice<br>Result: 5, 6, 4,<br>Total: 15 Versus TN: 15 Success<br><br>Would recite off her ofuda, the intrepid soft whisper carried on the wind, towards the one bandit that is fleeing, as she sought to send him into a sleep.&nbsp; <br><br>( I subtracted 2 dice from my roll, since he is physically exerting himself as per the spell.) 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>28-02-2008, 10:44:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi also runs in silence, holding her katana low as she lunges after the bandit.&nbsp; <br><br>(Stamina and athlethics, 3k3 = 27)<br><br>While Emi might not be as quick as the two Scorpions, like any Crab she has great endurance and she tirelessly pursues the fleeing bandit, eager to run him down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 15:02:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The last bandit inside the crematorium collapses to the ground as Hashimoto strikes him with his blade, falling heavily against one of the work tables with a sickening crack. You do not need to examine the bandit closely to tell that he is dead. However, at least a couple of the others are still alive, judging by their moans of pain, and there are still those that fled.<br><br>Outside, the bandits have scattered, and can be seen running in different directions, through the eta village, and perhaps back towards the city itself. Either way they seem to be hoping to lose any pursuit that follows them. Emi and Akane can both be seen chasing after a pair of the bandits, and a flash of blue and white announces Doji-sans intent to do the same. "I'll see you back at the inn after we run these dogs to ground." he shouts. <br><br>Hanzo's shot flies true, striking the trailing bandit squarely in the leg. The bandit screams and falls to the ground, clutching the shaft. At the same time, Meiwha finishes her prayer to kami. The kami whisper their words of sleep to the fleeing bandit, who staggers, stumbling and falling against one of the houses. He rises back to his hands and knees, shaking his head, then collapses slowly to the ground.<br><br>Emi and Akane. At some unseen signal your two bandits turn and run away from each other, crashing into the buildings either side of the street. Shouts and screams mark their rude entrance. What do you do next?<br><br>- - -<br><br>Current situation:<br>Bandits in the crematorium neutralised (dead or down)<br>2 fleeing bandits down, 1 asleep, 1 badly wounded.<br>3 bandits being chased.<br>1 bandit vanishing into the night. Hanzo, since you have you bow out you can try a shot a shot, but the failing light will make it a tricky one. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 17:19:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Success as the kami of air would impart the bliss of sleep upon one of the fleeing bandits.&nbsp; Meiwha would do a quick calculation and realize that the others were now out of range, with each step leading them in flight.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she would quickly look to motion to one of her compatriots and point out the sleeping&nbsp; bandit now.&nbsp; (that would be the one closes to her.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>04-03-2008, 20:11:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wasting no time, Akane glances at Emi and motions towards the other bandit. Hopefully, no words are needed to convey the idea that she wants her to chase that one while she goes after this one. Without missing a beat, she dives into the house that bandit fled into. Naturally, she's on the defensive in case there's more bandits in here. but that just reenforces the idea that this bandit knows something.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 02:08:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would chase the Bandit down, but Meiwha was here, so he'd take aim at the fleeing bandit, notching another flesh cutter he'd try to drop the last bandit, to keep him from escaping.&nbsp; "Meiwha, could you get the Thunder Guard?"&nbsp; Hanzo would ask as he readied and fired off an arrow at the fleeing bandit, hopefull it'd find it's mark.&nbsp; They had a couple crippled and a knocked out bandit, so this was just to keep him from getting away.<br><br><br><br>(Attack roll 42 with 1 raise with 32 damage)<br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 4 dice<br>Comment: Arrow attack last void point spent 1 raise<br>Result: 8, 10, 9, 9, 1, <br>Total: 36<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 36to the total<br>Comment: Arrow attack last void point spent 1 raise explode<br>Result: 6, <br>Total: 42<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 36to the total<br>Comment: Arrow attack Damage rolle<br>Result: 10, 6, 10, 5, 8, <br>Total: 64 (-36 didn't edit the roller right)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice, adding 28to the total<br>Comment: Arrow attack Damage roll explode<br>Result: 1, 3, <br>Total: 32
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 02:25:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi hesitates for the briefest second.&nbsp; If she continues her pursuit, she risks being drawn alone into an ambush.&nbsp; Or exposing the vulnerable Scorpion courtier to the same.&nbsp; However, as Akane plunges after her own target, Emi decides she can do no less.<br><br>Hida Emi bursts into the building after the bandit she was chasing, continuing to run him down in the hopes of capturing him alive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 07:44:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Meiwha, could you get the Thunder Guard?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>She would nod to this in yes.&nbsp; As she would point out to Hanzo the one now felled by the kami of air into a sleep.&nbsp; As she then turned and would move to fetch the Thunder Guard.&nbsp; As she would then order a messenger to head back to the city and bring the Thunder Guard back to the village.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>05-03-2008, 10:02:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would walk over towards the downed bandit that Meiwha had subdued and would scowl low at the bandit.&nbsp; He would take some of the sash from around the culprits waist and go to lash his arms together for when he woke up their would be much to answer for.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 00:12:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzos arrow flies straight and true in the darkening sky, the running bandit throwing up his arms with a scream as it strikes home in his back. The bandit staggers on a few more paces before dropping, face down, in the mud.<br><br>The one felled by the whispers of the kami groans as Hashimoto binds him, groggily shaking his head to clear it. Before he can come fully to his senses, he is securely bound. Not far away lies the other, an arrow sticking out of his leg. He stares at the magistrates with fear.<br><br>Emi, the bandit you follow has crashed into a geisha house. The woman, mostly old and unattractive, scream in fear as the pair of you run through. The bandit surges up the stairs, his breath sounding loud to you in the confines of the corridor. At the top of the stairs he surprises one of the women, thrusting her down the stairs at you. Do you choose to try catching (strength/athletics) or avoiding (agility / athletics) her?<br><br>Akane, the bandit was indeed waiting with the hope of surprising you when you followed, but your precaution paid off, his swing missing you by inches. Inside, the two of you face off again.<br><br>"Let me go, samurai." he snarls, spitting on the ground near your feet. "Or I'll end your pain now. Before this night is over, this city will hear the echo of a thousand screams."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 00:23:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Let me go, samurai, or I'll end your pain now. Before this night is over, this city will hear the echo of a thousand screams."</em><br><br>Akane laughs, all while never taking her eyes off of the bandit. "I was hired to do a job. You, apparently, are involved in why I was summoned here. And, also, it seems I have you trapped. So, surrender now, and I can see to it that one of those screams that you say will echo through the city tonight will not be your own."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 00:24:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bandit sneers, spitting again and leaps forward to attack.<br><br>Roll initiative please.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 00:51:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the bandit sneers, she steps back, spinning on one heel. She half-expected this outcome. Her goal is to have the bandit's blade bury itself into the door jam, and not her, while she sets up for a counter-attack.<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initiative<br>Result: 9, 1, 9, 4, 8,<br>Total: 26<br><br>Full Defense Option (The Shadow Has No Mask feature, always considered on Full Defense)<br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Full Defense<br>Result: 4, 7, 7, 2, 5, 6,<br>Total: 20<br><br>Total TN to be hit: 41
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 01:00:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo takes up his swords and shoudler's his bow as he goes with Hashimoto to collect their live bandits and even the ones that might be near dead, but still alive.&nbsp; he is careful to grab them by their shirts to carry/drag them over next to the one that is bound.<br><br>He would make sure to tell each bandit he approached the following.&nbsp; "Do not test me, it is late, I wished to be relaxing now and there are plenty others to question if you do now cooperate."&nbsp; As he was dragging or carrying them back&nbsp; to the semi growing pile.&nbsp; If he doubted the Bandits alive, he wouldn't bother touching them as that was an Eta's job.&nbsp; He just wanted to collect the living bandits to be questioned.<br><br>"You'd think they'd have the courtesy to either do this before we relaxed for the night or in the morning after we'd rested."&nbsp; he'd say off handedly to Hashimoto, as a bit of a joke.&nbsp; "I'm sure we could arrange them to be beaten and taken before the Eta questioners at a time more convient for all."&nbsp; Hanzo would clean his blade on a cloth while he waited for the return of the other magistrates.<br><br><br>(Just because I've yet to get to make this roll even in my table top games.&nbsp; Ettiquite sincerity to make sure they know I'm not bluffing)<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 4d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Ettiqute Sincerity roll<br>Result: 8, 9, 1, 7, <br>Total: 17
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 01:02:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bandit at least appears to have some weapons training, because his first strike comes in the traditional priests robe cut, intended to slice her from right waist to left shoulder. However, her own skill proves superior, dodging back from the bandits strike.<br><br>Round 2: Akane still has initiative.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>06-03-2008, 05:25:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi crashes through the geisha house, hot on the bandit's heels.&nbsp; As soon as she got hold of him, she would beat him twice as savagely just for his cowardly flight!&nbsp; She pounded up the stairs after him when he toss a woman down the stairs towards her.<br><br>The only thing to do was follow the Crab way.&nbsp; Emi reached out and caught the tumbling woman (Strength 18), bracing herself and hoping her size and armour would be enough to hold even.<br><br>Provided she doesn't lose her footing, she then shoves the geisha aside and resumes her pursuit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-03-2008, 22:28:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi's strength is indeed enough to catch the eta woman before she tumbles down the stairs. She races up the stairs after the almost collision, following the bandits trail out onto the roof of the building. The bandit does not appear to be on the roof though.<br><br>Perception / Investigation check please.<br><br>Meanwhile, back near the Crematorium, the surviving bandits have been dragged together, eta having been summoned to fetch the corpses of those who died. Most of them are quite badly hurt ... not in immediate danger of dying, but likely it will be several days before they could rise from a sick bed. They are still capable of talking, and seeing what has happened to their companions, they waste no time in telling what they know in an attempt to gain clemancy for their actions (or at least the hope of a quick death).<br><br>Most of them know little more than they were hired to do a job, but the one with the arrow in his leg is made of sterner stuff. Through his pain gritted teeth he says "If you swear to let me go, I will tell you everything I know."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>07-03-2008, 23:01:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would nod as he grunted lightly"a pity really i was hoping that they would die quickly."&nbsp; He said as he would look down with hate in his eyes towards the bandit"and a pity as well that we need one of them to live to explain their actions of why they wish to violate the sacred burial of the dead."&nbsp; He said as he waited for the bandit to make the wrong move so he could unleash his anger upon him once more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 01:42:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Ah, so he DOES know what he's doing, and he DOES know something. I'm going to have to bring this guy in.</em> Taking advantage of her position, she drops her guard, inviting a high cut. In fact, she WanTS him to try a high cut... so she can dip under his guard, and plant a slice along his belly.<br><br>((Taking an attack.<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: attack roll<br>Result: 10, 7, 9, 6, 2, 5,<br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Exploding 10<br>Result: 6,<br>Total: 6<br><br>Total: 35<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage<br>Result: 8, 2, 9, 6, 2, 9,<br>Total: 18))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 02:31:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now here was the crux of the problem.&nbsp; If Meiwha had know a hint of her fellow emerald magistrates abilities.&nbsp; Instead of thinking her to be a courtier.&nbsp; She would have a plan formulated with this last bandit.&nbsp; That offers up to tell all he has with being let go.&nbsp; &nbsp;But then a ninja does not tell what they are.&nbsp; So for now her idea&nbsp; will remain untapped.&nbsp; As she looked to the remaining bandit alive.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 02:36:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Running up past the geisha, Emi races out onto the roof of the building, her katana held low and dangerous, her blood pointing as she thought to corner the cowardly scum.<br><br>The cowardly scum, however, was not immediately visible on the rooftop.&nbsp; Emi's eyes darted around as she tried to figure out where he had gone.&nbsp; (Perception, 12)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 10:23:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You've commited crimes in Scorpion lands.&nbsp; Unless you have information regarding a high crime, we can't make those sort of deals.&nbsp; What we can interject on is limited.&nbsp; Unless you can give us something that makes your a person we need to question we'll have to turn you over to the Scorpion Thunder Guard and their Eta Questioners, which I'm sure will be sympathetic to your plight after you harmed one of their own."&nbsp; Hanzo would comment leaning against a wall as he looked to the one made of sterner stuff.&nbsp; Most of what he said was true, the could probably throw weight to take control of the investigation to make sure deals, but he personally would have to get some information to even begin to make such deals.&nbsp; <br><br>He doubted even these bandits wanted to be questioned by the Eta.&nbsp; They were called in when people were resistant to doing the honorable thing and tell samurai things samurai needed to know.&nbsp; The ends justified the means for the Eta questioners and Hanzo was always happen that he was never infront of the eta questioners.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 12:25:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi - There is no sign of the bandit, but a quick check on the roof shows the other buildings are perhaps close enough to jump to. It would seem the bandit has jumped to one of them, or perhaps dropped down the side of this one. In either case, he cannot be seen. What does catch your eye though is a small scroll, caught by the wind and blowing slowly towards the roof edge near you.<br><br><br>Hanzo - Your threats cause the bandits face to pale, and he licks his lips nervously. "I knew we shouldn't have taken this job." he mutters, perhaps to himself. He raises his head to look at you. "I think something is bad, very bad, is going to happen here tonight. I just want out of the city, that's all. Let me go, and I'll tell you what I know."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 18:43:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would look back to the bandit as he answered Hanzo.&nbsp; &nbsp;Now curious to hear what the bandit has to say.&nbsp; With the dire prediction of what or something to happen within the city this night.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 20:46:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi snarls in disgust and anger, storming over to the edge of the building.&nbsp; She can't see the fleeing rogue.&nbsp; Could it be possible to dog gave her the slip?&nbsp; With a savage curse, Emi slams her katana back into its saya, muttering in anger.&nbsp; However, as she looks around the building, a small scroll catches her eyes.<br><br>Frowning pensively, Emi walks over to the scroll and scoops it up curiously, wondering what a scroll would be doing on the roof of a geisha house.&nbsp; Could this be something the bandit dropped in his panicked flight?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 21:50:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No promises are going to be made if the information isn't worth while or it doesn't pan out.&nbsp; Your going to have to spill and trust that we're more honorable then you."&nbsp; Hanzo would say looking at the bandit.&nbsp; They were honorable samurai and while he might not be let go, they could take steps to make his punishment lessened provided his information proved useful.<br><br>He'd motion for Hashimoto to come closer, nothing against Meiwha, but he knew she usually saw the best in people and he wanted someone to help see if the bandit was lieing.&nbsp; If he didn't begin talking he'd call the crane in to see if she could persuade him to speak, but he'd have to pass his and Hashimoto's suspcions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 22:36:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would move up to Hanzo and whisper softly in his ear.&nbsp; &nbsp;When he&nbsp; seemed more intent on apparently dispatching the bandit. In search of if he&nbsp; told the truth or not.&nbsp; &nbsp;Now the courtiers they are said to know how to gleam the truth of an individual.&nbsp; &nbsp; However,&nbsp; Meiwha has a plan.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Whisperd softly to Hanzo; <em><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">Gather what you may of what he has to say.&nbsp; But he is to be released.&nbsp; No questions asked. I will tell you why soon."</span></em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>08-03-2008, 23:42:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would perk a brow as he looked to Meiwha as she spoke with Hanzo in his ear.&nbsp; He would look towards the two of them as he didnt catch everything, even with an ability to read lips.&nbsp; He was too busy keeping an eye on the bandit"i suggest you start spilling information before i start spilling blood."&nbsp; He said as he sheathed his sword waiting with his arms crossed over his chest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-03-2008, 04:00:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi - It's too dark on the roof to make out what is written on the scroll, but by descending into the building you came up through you can read it. There is a list of items on it, which sound similar to the ones described by the Crane merchant back at the inn. As you read, you see it gives the names and house address of the three Cranes, along with three other addresses you do not recognise. The Cranes address has been circled.<br><br><br>The bandit stares from one to another as you speak, wilting under your glares. He jerkily nods agreement, and speaks. "We were hired to find the Crane and steal their swords. The man that hired us, he was scared. Very scared, though he tried to hide it. He wanted the swords bad. I ... I think he muttered something about one of them being awakened. I just had a bad feeling about it all. I should have listened to my gut and left."<br><br>((OOC - Just in case you're not aware, in Rokugan, a magic item is one whose spirit has been awakened))<br><br><br>Akane, your strike slices into the bandit, who screams in pain. He staggers under the blow, but does not fall, instead striking back at you. You turn his strike with your own blade, letting it pass harmlessly aside. Round 3, you still have initiative.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>09-03-2008, 08:20:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In high rokugani Meiwha addresses Hashimoto;&nbsp; <em>"If he does not answer you, cut off his manhood."</em><br><br>Of course being Asahina,&nbsp; she did not really mean this. However, she needed to see if the bandit understood high rokugani.&nbsp; An it had to be something that would visibly garner an reaction if he did.<br><br>She thou would go to stay Hashimoto's hand if for chance the bandit remains stubborn.&nbsp; Or blatantly lies to them.&nbsp; Causing the harsh measure of judgment to be handed out.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>10-03-2008, 06:20:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi descends back into the building, unrolling the scroll and reading it.&nbsp; Emi gives a muttered curse.&nbsp; The list's purpose seems obvious to her and the other addresses bear immediate investigation.&nbsp; This clue will be important, she thinks.<br><br>But, as Emi cannot divide herself four ways, she'll need the help of the other magistrates to do this.&nbsp; <br><br>Emi hurries over towards where she last saw Akane, to catch up with the Scorpion courtier and see if she had in turn caught up with the bandit she was in pursuit of.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>10-03-2008, 08:31:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;"Could you check to see if the swords are still with the bodies?"&nbsp; He'd ask looking to Meiwha.&nbsp; If they weren't he'd be more then a little annoyed with the bandits, if they were he'd be still a little annoyed they weren't gathered to send to the family, but then that was his custom, might not be everyones.<br><br>"Do you know everyone you are working with and Where were you supposed to take the swords after you stole them?" &nbsp; Hanzo asked looking at the bandit, as long as he kept talking and his information panned out his lifespan would increase.&nbsp; Depending on his utlitity he might even get to leave early.&nbsp; But that depends on Meiwha's plan.<br><br>He looked around, really wishing the other scorpion was back, Akane and Hashimoto in the same spot would make asking this question much easier.&nbsp; Since he'll only have to ask once.&nbsp; He looked around, moving so he could see into the crematorium and keep the bandits in view, he doubted they'd try anything with Hashimoto nearby, but he didn't want to take a risk.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>10-03-2008, 08:45:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would look with horror at Hanzo-san.&nbsp; How could he suggest she touch a dead body.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was unclean.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>10-03-2008, 09:17:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You can see the swords without touching the bodies."&nbsp; he'd say looking at Meiwha.&nbsp; "If the person who is hiring them is right then we need to make absolutely sure it makes it back to the family.&nbsp; You know most of all those are not given lightly."&nbsp; He'd say, hoping she'd go just look, even if she doesn't touch the bodies.&nbsp; Just a visual look so he won't have to stray far from the bandits.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>10-03-2008, 09:31:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Reluctantly she would go and take a look at the dead bodies.&nbsp; Of course she would not touch any one of them.&nbsp; As she would look over the bodies.&nbsp; Looking to see if any still had their swords.&nbsp; Of course she realized that Hanzo-san was meaning their ancestral&nbsp; daisho.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-03-2008, 01:06:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha&nbsp; -The bandit does not appear to speak High Rokugani, as your threats brings no reaction from him. A cursory glance at the bodies shows no sign of their swords. One of the eta who brough the bodies here still lives, and in answer to your questions, tells you that there were no swords brought here.<br><br>Hanzo - Another of the eta comes up to you, head lowered. "Sama, we found this on that one." He points back towards one of the bandits who appears to have died from his wounds. "He said something about Silence .. I think it was a name .. and he had this on him." He hands over a pouch bearing the Crab mon, and containing 10 koku.<br><br>((OOC&nbsp; - Emi, I'm holding off on having you join Akane, as she'd likely have a few rounds against the bandit before you arrived))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>11-03-2008, 02:44:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would look to Meiwha as she rattled off something in high tongue.&nbsp; He didnt understand it either himself but he would smirk a little acting like he did as he looked on"why certainly he doesnt need his clothing does he?"&nbsp; He said as he looked to the bandit"nobody said anything about you leaving here clothed thou i think if we let you live for your information its the least embarrassment that we could show you for honor."&nbsp; He said as he looked to the Bandit his eyes narrowing some as he kept his hand ready on the blade if he should feel the need to badmouth him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>11-03-2008, 02:52:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would after looking over the dead.&nbsp; No swords are seen.&nbsp; She shake her head to you Hanzo, that nothing was found.&nbsp; As she moved back to you, Hashimoto and the wounded bandit.<br><br>She would approach Hashimoto.&nbsp; The bandit had not reacted to her comment earlier. <br><br>High rokugani; <em>"Can you follow another Hashimoto-san?"</em>&nbsp; She still ask in a soft voice, not letting her words carry.&nbsp; As she would query the question if could trail someone.&nbsp; &nbsp;Of course implied, without being seen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>11-03-2008, 03:06:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would perk a brow back towards Meiwha as he didnt understand a word that she was saying in high rokugani,&nbsp; he was bluffing with what she had said earlier as he made up his own thought of what she had said before.&nbsp; He would look to Hanzo to see if he understood what Meiwha said.<br><br>(im not sure if my character knows the language as i dont know if thats a given with him being a magistrate or not? ill edit when i know for sure if he does or doesnt, before he was just bluffing to make sure that the enemy stays honest)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>11-03-2008, 03:08:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A smirk. "You should have given yourself up when you had the chance. You are obviously outclassed." Still blocking the bandit's exit, she spins, bringing her sword up and in front of her, trying to literally 'dis-arm' the poor bandit.<br><br>((Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: Attack Roll<br>Result: 5, 8, 5, 9, 10, 10,<br>Total: 32<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Exploding 10s<br>Result: 5, 8,<br>Total: 13<br><br>Total attack roll: 45<br><br>Roll Result: Akane rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage<br>Result: 9, 4, 4, 8, 6, 7,<br>Total: 17))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>11-03-2008, 08:22:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo walked over to the pair of them, having seen the look Hashimoto gave him.&nbsp; He had a feleing she was going to ask the same thing he was going to ask.<br><br>"She wants to know how adept you are at moving with Stealth.&nbsp; I was goign to wait for Akane to return to ask you both the same question."&nbsp; he'd whisper, keeping his abck to the bandits so they couldn't read his lips.&nbsp; He'd have to get some people together to find out what happened with the swords and where they were, since if bandits were sent hee, if any got away they'd go looking for the location of the swords.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-03-2008, 01:01:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akanes sword slices through the bandits guard, burying deep into his body. He collapses to the ground, blood pouring from his mouth. Though still alive, he is very badly hurt, and as you watch he seems to lose consiousness. Only the slight rise and fall of his chest shows any sign that he still lives.<br><br>Now that you have a chance to look him over, he seems somewhat better dressed than the others, and there is a pouch tied to his obi. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>13-03-2008, 19:50:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane nods to herself, taking out a cloth to wipe the blood off the sword. She examines the bandit visually while she does this, both for signs of life and to see if he's faking. After kicking his sword away from him, she examines him more thoroughly, especially the pouch tied to his obi. She has the pouch open and viewing the contents when Emi enters.<br><br>"Ah, Emi-san. Did you catch your target?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-03-2008, 20:01:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The pouch bears the mon of the Crab, and contains 5 koku.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>14-03-2008, 03:37:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi strides into the room where Akane, the so called courtier, has apparently killed her opponent.&nbsp; Hida Emi can't quite keep the expression of surprise off her face.&nbsp; She hadn't thought that Akane would have any talent with kenjutsu -- in fact, Emi thought the Soshi was along as Akane's yojimbo.&nbsp; However, it seemed like the Scorpion had some surprises.<br><br>Well, that was a lesson.&nbsp; Emi was wise to remember the advice her Sensei had given her before she had left to take up her post as an Emerald Magistrates.&nbsp; Things were rarely as they seemed and a wise Crab must never make assumptions or underestimate those around her.<br><br>Emi frowned, crossing her arms across her chest.&nbsp; "No," she said sourly.&nbsp; "He threw a citizen at me and used the delay to escape.&nbsp; However, I seized this."&nbsp; <br><br>Emi held up the small scroll she had recovered.&nbsp; "It is a list of names and places and a list of items.&nbsp; If I had to surmise, I would believe that this is the list of what the bandits are looking to steal along with who has them and where."<br><br>"What did you find?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>14-03-2008, 10:43:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane holds up the pouch. "A pouch, with the Crab mon, and 5 koku. Either one of your kinsmen made an error and paid this bandit in a way that can be traced back to him, or someone's trying to set up the Crab, in case he gets caught. Either way, we can ask him when he recovers from his wounds." As she heads towards the door, she pauses, leaning close.<br><br>"And don't be too surprised. I am samurai, after all, and he was a common bandit. Of course one trained in kenjutsu will defeat a common thug swinging a sward around." A brief smile, and a quick wink, is all that Akane has to do to get her point across. She's covering, smoothing out the Face, so they both end up on top.<br><br>At the door, she whistles for an eta, and instructs him to take the unconscious form of the bandit leader back to the crematorium with them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>14-03-2008, 16:18:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi gave a small shrug.&nbsp; Of course, one trained in kenjutsu would defeat a bandit.&nbsp; And of course, almost no courtiers were ever trained in kenjutsu.&nbsp; Even those that were would have squawked at looting a fallen foe.&nbsp; But none of that bore pointing out, as the Scorpion wouldn't give her a straight answer one way or the other.<br><br>Instead, Emi decided to focus on the important things.&nbsp; "The mon of the Crab?" she said sternly, leaning in to examine the pouch when Akane held it up.&nbsp; After a moment, Emi made a small sound of annoyance.&nbsp; She looked at the bandit, then resolved herself to ask a few questions of any Yasuki in town when she got a chance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-03-2008, 16:58:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A pair of the eta that been on the street when you stepped out bow deeply, then scurry inside, emerging carrying the body of the fallen bandit. They follow your directions, carrying him to where the others are gathered at the Crematorium, then quickly leave again when they are dismissed. A small crowd of eta has gathered at the building, partly to seek information on their own kin who had been attending when the bandits attacked, partly to deal with the various dead and badly injured bandits.<br><br>A small detachment of the Thunder Guard, summoned from the city itself has also arrived, the gunso marching past the eta towards you to seek answers to why they have been brought here.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>15-03-2008, 03:26:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would shrug to both Hanzo and Meiwha as he stood there"i would imagine that i am very qualified for sneaking about but i will do my best."&nbsp; He said as he looked down to their captive"now what to do with you."&nbsp; He said as he narrowed his eyes lightly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>15-03-2008, 04:46:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now all that remained was to have the bandit escaped.&nbsp; So he may be followed.&nbsp; Through now might not be the time.&nbsp; As the gunzo and his troop have come.&nbsp; Meiwha would think to herself.&nbsp; &nbsp;For the bandit must truly think he has escaped and gotten away.&nbsp; For this plan to work.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>16-03-2008, 15:57:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Samurai." The call from the Thunder Guard gunso breaks into your conversation as he enters the crematorium and looks around, the scene making him frown slightly. "What is going on here? I was told something about bandits?" He walks forwards, several&nbsp; more Thunder Guards filing in behind him. Outside, you can catch glimpses of a few more. "Who is in charge here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>16-03-2008, 19:28:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"These Bandits attacked the Crematorium seeking the swords of the fallen Crane.&nbsp; One of them made reference to this night being on of a Thousand screams if it has any more significance to you.&nbsp; These bandits need to be questioned and guards need to be sent to protect the swords and the other crane Merchant."&nbsp; Hanzo would say, realizing in hindsight asking Meiwha to look for the swords might not have been completely nessicary as he didn't think Samurai would let them walk off with the swords to go to a Crematorium, they would have to be returned to the family if any existed.&nbsp; Which meant they'd most likely be with the other crane ready to head home in the morning.<br><br>"Also Silence was mentioned, an Eta over heard it and it sounded like he had been saying a name.&nbsp; He had a purse with a Crab Mon on it."&nbsp; Hanzo would add as he remembered the Eta.&nbsp; "OUr fellow magistrates went to dispatch the fleeing bandits and should return in a few moments."&nbsp; He'd say in the event they had learned something more.&nbsp; Shouldn't slow the gunso in ordering guards to protect the last crane and the swords.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 00:03:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She would for now remain silent.&nbsp; Quietly observing, as Hanzo spoke with the gunso of the thunder guard.&nbsp; Her thoughts on the claim, 'the night would be one of a thousand screams'.&nbsp; &nbsp; It smelled of maho, blood magic.&nbsp; &nbsp;That which is forbidden.&nbsp; &nbsp;So then why the tie to her clansmen.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 03:24:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We will take these bandits to the headquarters of the Thunder Guard." replied the gunso. "From what you say, we will have them questioned, and then they can be punished in a few days."<br><br>"I do not know the name Silence, but we shall check our records. It may be this name is known. As for guards, I do not believe the Crane would appreciate Thunder Guards showing up without good cause. I have seen Kakita swordsmanship, and have no wish to make them think we think they cannot protect themselves. Besides, with the festival tonight, every guard will be on the streets. The Crab Caves can be a bad place at the best of times, but tonight, with sake flowing like water, we'll need to be more attentive than ever. Perhaps that was what your bandit meant by a thousand screams. There will be plenty of trouble tonight, drunken peasants brawling and such."<br><br>The gunso does not appear particularly worried by any of this.<br><br>((Akane and Emi would return about this point))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 06:48:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The swords,&nbsp; what swords were carried.&nbsp; Were they the blood swords,&nbsp; crafted by her family.&nbsp; &nbsp;Yes, such is the case.&nbsp; It is thus the vow and strict adherence to a pacifist outlook.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Meiwha also would note the casual non concern the Gunzo tool.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>18-03-2008, 01:42:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After her exchange with Akane, Hida Emi decided that there was little she could pry from the practiced Scorpion courtier.&nbsp; However, the others might have gathered more information from the prisoner.<br><br>Thus, Emi walked back to the group, her hand massaging the hilt of her katana as she tried to decide what to do next.&nbsp; She was given pause as she saw a detachment of the Thunder Guard there.&nbsp; Her first reaction was one of mild annoyance.&nbsp; She didn't want any help from the local guards, prefering to work independently of the cunning Scorpions.&nbsp; However, she supposed there was no help for it.&nbsp; After all, Ryoko Owari was their city.<br><br>Emi rejoined the others, turning to the Mirumoto bushi.&nbsp; "We recovered a list which might be the bandits next targets," Emi said bluntly and tersely.&nbsp; "What did you discover?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>18-03-2008, 01:57:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would stand there watching as the others came back and talked with the thunderguards.&nbsp; He himself would tip his hat down over his eyes and resheath his sword as it was no longer needed.&nbsp; But the problem he was having was if meiwha had a plan the thunderguard couldnt be around, and the bandit think he was actually getting away.&nbsp; Hashimoto would turn his back slightly as he looked over his shoulder at the bandit then away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>21-03-2008, 07:29:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would show the pouch to the Emi.&nbsp; "One of the bandits said that tonight would be a night of a thousand screams. And one of the eta heard one of the dieing ones saying Silence"&nbsp; He'd say to the Crab, his self control keeping him from giving the Gunso a cutting comment about thinking it would be something to be brushed off after the oni incident.<br><br>He'd look back to the bandit that had spoken earlier.&nbsp; "You've got some questions to answer still.&nbsp; Where were you supposed to take the swords after you stole them?"&nbsp; He'd ask the bandit again as he turned his full attention to him.&nbsp; The Thunder guards just took a nose dive in his mind, he would most likely be calling them in to handle their lgiht work from now on, but nothing more.&nbsp; He had hoped they'd be assets, but he was getting the feeling they wouldn't.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>21-03-2008, 22:08:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi would give a small nod of affirmation as she received the news.&nbsp; So, another one of these scum had a pouch with her Clan's mon.&nbsp; That made her anger seethe and boil.&nbsp; To falsely replicate another Clan's mon was the greatest of insults and Emi internally vowed she would hunt down and punish the perpetrators of this vile mockery of the Crab Clan's solemn dignity.&nbsp; <br><br>Of course, she wasn't the sort to make extravagant processes.&nbsp; Nor was she particularly impressed by the bandit's lurid threat that tonight would be a night of a thousand screams.&nbsp; That was poetic gibberish and hyperbole.&nbsp; Emi had a real world to deal with.<br><br>"Then the Thunder Guard should take this one into custody and torture him until he talks," Emi suggested flatly, with no sympathy for the bandits who had maligned her Clan.&nbsp; "Meanwhile, we must visit the addresses and the people on this list.&nbsp; Hopefully, we can catch up with the bandits before they do more damage, or at least catch their trail while its still hot." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>22-03-2008, 01:42:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just as Hashimoto was deducing on the plan she had.&nbsp; So was the Asahina of the Crane.&nbsp; As Meiwha would step closer to Hashimoto.&nbsp; &nbsp;So she is right next to the Scorpion.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Her gaze sweep around from bandit to the gunzo and other thunder guard.&nbsp; Then to Hanzo, before drawing to Akane and Emi as they now returned from the chase of the other fleeing bandits.&nbsp; &nbsp;No doubt they have been dispatched.&nbsp; Or else the Crab would not have returned. The dour yet persevering Crabs, would have it no other way.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>22-03-2008, 23:48:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimotos hands were tied he didnt have a way of getting the bandit away without the thunder guard suspecting that he was in league with the bandit itself.&nbsp; It would seem that meiwha's plan would have to wait for another time as now wouldnt be a good time at all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 02:15:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The gunso had by this time wandered out to speak to the others of the Thunder Guard patrol, and had not heard the discussions of the two returned magistrates. After a few more moments he returns, gesturing for the eta following him to lift the wounded bandits. <br><br>"These will be taken to the prison. If they have anything more useful, we will get it out of them, and they will be sentenced in the next few days." He glanced down at the mostly injured bandits, and snorted. "Assuming they survive that long."<br><br>He gives the magistrates a polite bow. "You have done the city a fine service tonight in helping rid us of these troublemakers. You should go now and enjoy the festival." With that he turns and starts to oversee the removal of the bandits.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 09:38:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Except for him."&nbsp; Hanzo would say after a slight bow in return, pointing out the bandit who he was still waiting on an answer from.&nbsp; "He is going to have to come with us, we have an arrangment and he is going to be assisting us in our business here."&nbsp; He'd say.&nbsp; He wasn't one of the near dead bandits, so he might believe himself to have escaped later on and in the mean time they'd have their lacky to answer some questions.<br><br>Hanzo would hoist the bandit to his feet as he'd look to Meiwha."Could you heal his wounds so we can travel more easily?"&nbsp; He'd ask, not really waiting on the gunso's even acknowledgement to what he'd said, because it wasn't as if he was asking permission or negociating, it was a simple change to what was already said and one that he doubted would be meet with much resistence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 16:07:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The gunso looks at you, then at the bandit, weighing things in his mind. "Very well, magistrate-san. If he is still alive when you are done with him, he can be dropped off with the rest." With that, he starts moving the procession of Thunder Guards, eta and wounded bandits away towards the city.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 19:36:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha grasps what Hanzo is doing. As she reaches into her satchel and pulls out the ofuda for path of inner peace.&nbsp; As she would go about calling on the water kami to heal the bandit.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>(since out of combat, still need to roll or just assumed she heals the bandit?)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 20:25:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC - Just roll to see how much it heals him. Call raises and make the roll.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>25-03-2008, 07:06:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				First reading,&nbsp; an she could not entice the water kami to heal.&nbsp; However, with persistent.&nbsp; &nbsp;The second attempt she would call upon the water kami.<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 4d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Path to inner peace<br>Result: 8, 9, 7, 9,<br>Total: 18 Versus TN: 15 Success<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10<br>Comment: Path to inner peace points healed<br>Result: 6,<br>Total: 6<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 00:32:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would stand there watching Meiwha doing her magic upon the bandit.&nbsp; He stood there his hand on the handle of his sword, just itching to slice into someone that moved the wrong way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 01:42:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The kami seem to feel the hostility directed towards the bandit, and give their aid only grudgingly. However, the wound in his leg now appears healed, and though weak, he will be capable of walking and talking. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 03:08:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi gave a grunt as the others seemed bound and determined to bring the worthless eta bandit along with them.&nbsp; To her, it made no sense.&nbsp; Why burden themselves down with someone who would turn on them as soon as they ran into his comrades?&nbsp; Better to give him over to the the Thunder Guard for execution.&nbsp; However, she felt that arguing with the Crane shugenja would be all but pointless.<br><br>"We should visit the addresses on this list," Emi repeats, thinking that tracking down the marauding bandits should be a high priority.&nbsp; "I suggest we start with this one, post haste."<br><br>Emi looked at the scrap of paper, reading off the address marked with the mon of her own Clan, eager to get answers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 08:11:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then lets you and I go to that address.&nbsp; Meiwha why don't you fill Akane in on the fine details and then the three of you can sort out your end of things then check out one of the other addresses."&nbsp; Hanzo would say looking from Emi to everyone else.&nbsp; He was avoiding saying anything about what Meiwha had planned, but Hashimoto would know and since they had the Eta bandit they could handle things without the thunder guard around while he and the Crab headed off to begin tracking down the addresses.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 09:02:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Would walk with Akane-san, out of earshot of others.&nbsp; As she would keep her voice soft and low.&nbsp; While also keeping her head slightly bowed. So as if no one could read her lips.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br><em>"We plan to let the bandit escape.&nbsp; So Soshi-san may follow him.&nbsp; To gain location of bandits hide out and perhaps leaders.&nbsp; I then will call upon the spirits of air to ease drop on them with the known locations.&nbsp; So we can perhaps find out who is behind pulling the bandits strings."</em><br><br>Now of course she thinks you a courtier. As you in truth are the best to follow the bandit unseen.&nbsp; But Meiwha does not realize this. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 20:09:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane smiles, and keeps her voice low as well. "Actually, Meiwha-san, I think I may be able to follow them more effectively. After all, there are times in court when it is better that no one knows you are present. I will follow the 'escaped' bandit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 21:59:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha is sort of surprised that you want to do this.&nbsp; It is commendable in her eyes.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, she does not realize that you are much more suited to do such.&nbsp; &nbsp;So she suggests the following to you.<br><br><em>"Akane-san that would be good.&nbsp; The two of you Shoshi-san and yourself.&nbsp; This would ensure the task is accomplished.&nbsp; &nbsp;You truly are a heroine of the empire."</em><br><br>Like any other Crane, she knew how to turn on the flattery when needed.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 23:54:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would look on waiting as the Thunderguard left and the other magistrates talked about heading towards the other address. Hashimoto nodded hearing what Meiwha and Akane said in silence though his ability to read lips as he took out one of the small cutting knives from his armor that was always kept on him for cutting skins off the animals he would hunt on long trips.&nbsp; He would make it so the knife actually slipped from the sheath itself falling point down next to the fingers of the bandit.&nbsp; Hashimoto thou kept a cool and calm face about him as he simply walked away not exactly hearing the tink of metal as it stuck itself into the ground.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>27-03-2008, 23:05:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a moment's hesitation, Emi considers the wisdom of splitting the group.&nbsp; Well, she supposes they'll cover more ground and more rapidly.&nbsp; And with any luck, the other group won't get killed.&nbsp; <br><br>"Very well," Emi says brusquely, looking back at the sheet and thinking for a moment.&nbsp; "There are four addresses.&nbsp; Mirumoto-san and I will take two.&nbsp; The rest of you, try these two addresses.&nbsp; Afterwards, we'll meet back at the inn?"<br><br>Emi reads the two Scorpions and the Crane shugenja the address marked by the Crane mon and the Scorpion mon, thinking that makes good sense.&nbsp; That leaves her and the Dragon clan Magistrate to investigate the two addresses marked by the Crab mon and the Unicorn mon respectively.<br><br>"Let's go, Mirumoto-san."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>27-03-2008, 23:13:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane smiles at the shugenja. She's heard enough flattery to know when someone's laying it on, but still, if feels good. When Emi indicates investigating the addresses, she nods.<br><br>"Hai! The prisoner should still be here when we get back."<br><br>She slides near Shoshi, whispering in a low voice.<br><br>"You might want to accompany Meiwha-san. I can handle myself against common bandits, but the shugenja may need help."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>28-03-2008, 08:34:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo follows Emi towards the city to seek out the address.&nbsp; He was hoping they'd be able to take a moments rest soon, he felt disconnected with that inner peace he felt when he donned his swords, he wanted to meditate, but he doesn't think now is the time to spend an hour sitting.<br><br>Once they were a good ways away from the thunder guards and the rest of the magistrates.&nbsp; "They are going to follow the bandit when he thinks he has escaped.&nbsp; See if we can strike at the heart of this matter."&nbsp; He'd say with a very low voice and a glance towards Emi.&nbsp; "Maybe we'll make it to the festival after all."&nbsp; He'd continue, not seriously wanting to attend.&nbsp; While not the standard technique it did seem the right move, hunting them down on every available avenue.&nbsp; <br><br>Emi and Hanzo couldn't walk through the city without being noticed, so they were rather obvious in their search, letting the bandits see them walking while the scorpions found their base let the two of them know where to strike.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-03-2008, 02:47:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The remaining bandit waits quietly til the Thunder Guard and the other magistrates had left before slowly climbing to his feet, pain still etching his features. He licks his lips nervously, bowing quickly, then turns and leaves by the rear door of the building. He does not appear to care if he is being followed or not, as he makes no apparent effort to watch behind him, making trailing him almost an effortless process.<br><br>He walks from the building, through the graveyard and out past the edge of the eta village, before turning south. From his path he appears to be heading towards the river where it flows out of the city to the Floating World. From the brief you had on the city, you do not recall any boats that travel from this side of the river to the island though. After a few minutes walk, the bandit has passed the island, and is continuing on downriver.<br><br>- - - <br><br>Hanzo and Emi leave the eta village, reaching the gates to the city in time to see the Thunder Guard heading on with their prisoners. On the streets, lamplighters are going about their duty, though with the festival it seems there are more, and more ornate, lanterns sprouting on the buildings themselves.<br><br>Ahead, you see a figure you think you recognise. As he draws nearer, it is indeed the Crane magistrate, Oruku, and you can see blood on his kimono.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>29-03-2008, 05:35:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While the bandit doesn't seem to care if he's followed, Akane still takes pains to make sure she's undetected. It is, after all, a matter of professional pride. Besides, he may be trying to lure any followers into relaxing their guard for an ambush.<br><br>When the bandit slows down near the island, Akane still stays hidden, while scanning the island. She makes a mental note to check out the island later, and stays on her target.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>29-03-2008, 05:39:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"They mean to let the bandit get away?!" Emi says with surprise and some anger.&nbsp; Typical Scorpion and Crane tricks.&nbsp; She'd be much happier with the bandit going towards a humiliating public execution and the magistrates doing their job through honorable investigation.&nbsp; Well, it was too late to do anything about the bandit now.&nbsp; If worst comes to worst, she supposes she can track him down later.<br><br>Now, the most important thing is to reach the Crab address and clear her Clan.&nbsp; And helping out the Unicorns, often allies of her Clan, can't hurt either.<br><br>Suddenly, the Crane magistrate reappears, with blood on his tunic.&nbsp; Emi lifts her hand to hail the man.&nbsp; "Doji-san," she calls out.&nbsp; "Are you hurt?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>30-03-2008, 18:24:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane ... you watch as the bandit passes the lights of the floating world with barely even a glance. Despite his wounds, he is setting a fair pace, and seems determined to get as far from the city as possible. If he is meeting up with accomplices, it does not appear to be within the city, as you know there is no other way across the river for several days travel. It is possible they might have a camp in Shinomen Mori, but the forest is at least a couple of days travel, and everyone is aware of it's reputation.<br><br>- - - <br><br>Doji-san looks around at the shout, then raises his hand in acknowledgement and walks over to you. "No, the blood is not mine. I managed to corner the bandit down by the docks, not too far from here. He refused to surrender, but I was able to get some information out of him before he died." <br><br>"Apparently they had been hired to seek out my kinsmen, kill them, and steal their belongings. When they found out what happened at the inn, they simply went to where the eta had taken the bodies, to steal from them there. I cannot think why their belongings would be of such interest to anyone."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>31-03-2008, 10:26:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"They mean to track him, see if we can find the rest of the bandits before they cause more trouble."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as they made their way&nbsp; to the city proper.&nbsp; He'd be quiet once they saw the Doji Magistrate, since he didn't want to share this information with anyone.&nbsp; If it bore fruit, great, otherwise he was sure the scorpion's would insure the man didn't cause any further issue.<br><br>"Good to see you are unscathed.&nbsp; We captured the majority of the remaining bandits."&nbsp; Hanzo would say, to let the other magistrate know they didn't get to flee into the night, that they ran them down and dragged them back for justice.&nbsp; He didn't want to talk too much about it infront of the Thunder Guard, nor did he want to just invite the Crane along on this part of their investigation, Emi-san found the list of locations and he was going to let her decide if she wished to tell anyone else about it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>01-04-2008, 06:20:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After hearing out the Crane magistrate, Emi gave a small nod of acknowledgment.&nbsp; If the Crane had been forced to kill the bandit, how had he managed to get the information out of him first?&nbsp; Well, it wasn't that important and certainly Emi had knowledge that she didn't wish to share with the Crane.<br><br>Speaking of which, she didn't really want the Crane coming along for this portion of their investigation.&nbsp; "Thank you, Doji-san," she replied gravely.&nbsp; "You should rejoin the Thunder Guard and make sure that your kinsmen were not looted of anything important."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>01-04-2008, 07:41:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Disturbed by things.&nbsp; The&nbsp; crane shugenja would return to the inn.&nbsp; Wanting time to herself.&nbsp; As she would also in the private of her room. Send a message born upon the wind by the kami spirits of air.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she would send word to the heads of her clan.&nbsp; Of the goings on within the city. Inform them of the deaths.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-04-2008, 02:47:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I do not believe many of their belongings would have been taken to the crematorium." he replied. "I believe that they would have been taken to the Crane consulate. Doji Tsumetsu is hatamoto, and in charge of Crane affairs within this city. I believe Doji Juzo, the merchant you saved, was going there to make a report to Doji-sama."<br><br>His eyes move past you as something catches his attention. "Asahina-san." he calls out, bowing politely as the shukenja comes into view. He turns briefly back to the two magistrates, bowing again. "I will not keep you further." With that he crosses over to Asahina-san, speaking quietly to her once he has come closer. "I trust you are well, Asahina-san, and that the bandits did not cause you too much trouble?"<br><br>((OOC - If you want to blow off Doji-san and head on back to the inn, that's fine, and we can go on from there. Given the timing, I figure you'd cross his path, and he would want to make sure you were ok))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>02-04-2008, 08:14:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"No they did not Doji-san." </em><br><br>Meiwha would respond back as she is approached and spoken to.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"Please walk with me, I am returning to the inn.&nbsp; I wish to speak, and such would afford a measure of privacy."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-04-2008, 02:20:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Of course, Asahina-san, it would be my pleasure." Dojii-san replied, falling into step beside her. "I must confess, I am troubled by this incident. What could the bandits have hoped to gain from the possessions of our kin?"<br><br><br>Meanwhile, outside the city, the lone bandit has continued walking alongside the river. After covering perhaps a mile or so, his pace gradually slowing, he sinks to the ground with a loud moan, rubbing at the wound that was inflicted on him. As Akane watches, he props himself up against a rock, drawing his clothing around him for warmth, and settles down, apparently preparing to sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>04-04-2008, 06:39:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Thank you most humbly.&nbsp; Did you know the former emerald magistrate that had come.&nbsp; The first one that came to conduct investigations?"</em><br><br>It is something that had not been address.&nbsp; As Meiwha would lead into the conversation with that question.&nbsp; As the two of them headed back towards the inn.&nbsp; <br><br>While she pondered his first words also.&nbsp; The possessions that the bandits or who was behind them. Why did they want of Crane possessions.<br><br><em>"The answer perhaps is not hard. As to why they want of gear and items of our family.&nbsp; As a Crab is known for their steadfast nature of like a rock.&nbsp; Or the Scorpion that moves in shadows but strikes with a lightning sting.&nbsp; &nbsp;We are well known for are beauty but also of our artisans.&nbsp; What work would be worth more to sell upon the black market?"</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-04-2008, 23:57:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I met him a few times of course," replied Doji-san, "Though we did not work together very much. I assisted him with a few minor tasks, but nothing worth mentioning really. He sought my advice on certain personages within the city when he first arrived, but as he came to fins his feet he called upon me less."<br><br>At Meiwhas sugestion of simple gain being at the root of the bandits behaviour, he slowly shook his head. "It is possible, but I do not think it likely. If they fought, then their clothing would likely be ruined, and who would wish that? Perhaps some deeds for merchant goods would be of value, but such would have to be quickly sold on before we could be involved." He shook his head again, obviously deep in thought. "It would have to be something small and valuable, something they had on them then."<br><br>He turned to look at her. "Did your questioning of the other bandits reveal anything?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 01:50:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Took the response in stride.&nbsp; As she&nbsp; weighed what you said.&nbsp; Countering her suggestion, with likely reasoning to the contrary.&nbsp; However, she notes it does not rule out what she has suggested as a possibility. <br><br><em>"For now yes, Doji-san.&nbsp; The information gathered so far, even from the bandits.&nbsp; Is only one thread of the evidence tha is unfolding. Thou I would venture that these bandits.&nbsp; Have another pulling their strings.&nbsp; Someone skilled in masterminding such things."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 07:05:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo looked to Emi-san and motioned onward towards the city.&nbsp; "We've still got people to check out before we can call it a night."&nbsp; He'd say as he'd head off into the city, hoping she'd still join him.&nbsp; He'd have to explain a bit further about why the bandit was being released, and he figured the scroprion following him wouldn't allow him to cause further issue in their country, after all, loyalty was the Scorpion's virtue and to leave such a man unchecked would not be inline with their clan.&nbsp; Having him as a lackey or informant to call in later might, but he knew that some how when the night was over the bandit would cease to be an issue, either by being sent on to greet his ancestors or by being given a new job.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 21:28:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just when the bandit thought he was safe, and started to drift off into sleep, there comes the sound of a twig snapping, from the direction of the city. Sitting bolt upright, all he hears is the normal sounds of the night. Must have been his nerves.<br><br>There! There's another one, followed by a shadowy form. Getting up to investigate, he finds that the 'form' was just a bush, easy to mistake in the dark for a crouching figure. He settles down again to go to sleep...<br><br>...and discovers the point of a sword to his throat. The woman holding the sword appeared to materialize out of the inky night. She's wearing the dark clothing of the <em>shinobi</em> (what the ignorant may call the ninja), and her face is covered in a black mask.<br><br>"No rest for the wicked," Akane intones. "This is a Night of a Thousand Screams. And, if you do not provide me with the information I want, yours will be the first."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 23:14:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san nodded as he walked along beside Meiwha. "It is possible that someone else has ordered the bandits to do this. That still does not bring us any closer to discovering what it is that they wanted. Whatever belongings they would have had on them would most likely have been taken to our consulate. Doji Tsumetsu is hatamoto, and in charge of our people and Crane clan affairs here."<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>The bandit gives a half startled gasp, his feet slipping out from under him, and dropping him heavily to the ground, elicting another gasp, this one of pain from his wounded leg. His eyes are wide and fixed upon the blade that hovers in front of him.<br><br>"I .. I ..." he stammers out. "I'll tell you whatever I know. Please ..." his voice trails off as he tries to see who it is that holds the blade.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>09-04-2008, 02:07:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>'Of course Doji-san."</em><br><br>Meiwha would respond back. As they arrived at the inn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-04-2008, 00:14:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Without knowing the city, and with the crowds that are beginning to fill it, it takes you some time to find the address of the Crab merchant. It is tucked away, not quite in an alleyway, but not on the main street either. The shop itself appears rather poor in comparison to the others around it, and a wooden sign proclaiming 'Antiques, Artifacts and Oddies' swings slowly in the faint breeze. <br><br>As you get closer, you can see that the door is slightly ajar, and from inside you can see faint flickering lights. Closer still, and you hear noises from inside ... scuffling and chittering, and a loud bang as something seems to be knocked over.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>11-04-2008, 22:09:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would draw his swords, assuming a defensive posture as he'd move in through the front door, expecting to find a fight going on, but he didn't want to be caught off guard and have a bandit do a lucky shot.&nbsp; He is fairly certain Emi will be following him in armed given that she sees what he sees and he is walking in armed.&nbsp; He tries to take the lead in through the door, in the hopes that the bandits will fail to strike him and leave themselves open for Emi-san to come in and strike the first blood.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-04-2008, 22:22:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the dimness of the shop, but inside you see not the bandits you expected, but more of the minor oni that had been at the inn. Five of them are busy ransacking the place, furniture lying strewn around, and as you watch one upends a cash box, sending several koku worth of small coins across the floor.<br><br>One overbalances on the shelf it is on, dropping shelf and self onto some of the others, who screech in annoyance as they busily tear apart some sacks, scattering small items across the floor. <br><br>The last drags a chipped white mask out from under a rug, and screeches, drawing the attention of the others. Engrossed in their searching, they don't seem to have noticed you.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>12-04-2008, 10:46:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Following Hanzo into the building, Hida Emi also readies herself in a defensive stance, just in case they are walking into an ambush.&nbsp; When she sees the mass of minor oni, she slowly resheathes her katana and unlimbers her tetsubo. <br><br>Emi understands the odds of success against five oni are slim, but she isn't afraid of death.&nbsp; Hopefully, if the Dragon runs fast enough, he'll be able to summon reinforcements before the Oni sweep out into the city at large.&nbsp; Silently Emi lowers her tetsubo's hilt into her hands to defend herself, wondering which oni to strike first, wondering what it is that the five beasts have found.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>18-04-2008, 07:31:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo moved at the two nearest minor oni, intending on cutting them down quickly so Emi could get a clear path to the one who seeme dot have found something, since she was better equiped to kill the Oni.&nbsp; <br><br>(iniative 18)<br>(both attacks are at a 36 with two raises, 1 for movement, 1 for extra damage.&nbsp; Damage is 12 on one oni and 16 on another oni)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: First attack roll 2 raises<br>Result: 8, 5, 8, 2, 6, 3, 4, 7, <br>Total: 36<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Second attack roll 2 raises<br>Result: 3, 7, 9, 1, 7, 6, 4, 2, <br>Total: 36<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: First damage roll 1 raise to damage<br>Result: 1, 3, 2, 5, 7, <br>Total: 12<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Sedondlplllllldamage roll 1 raise to damage<br>Result: 5, 4, 9, 2, 7, <br>Total: 16<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: iniative<br>Result: 2, 7, 1, 3, 10, <br>Total: 17<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 17to the total<br>Comment: iniative<br>Result: 1, <br>Total: 18
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>20-04-2008, 05:29:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the Dragon springs forward to open the way, Hida Emi grunts and brushes past him, her heavy tetsubo in hand.&nbsp; She moves towards the Oni that seems to have found something.&nbsp; Hopefully, it's the one from earlier.&nbsp; She still has unfinished business with that one.<br><br>Raising her tetsubo she swings it down in a whistling arc on the Oni with all her might.<br><br>(Switching to Full attack.&nbsp; Attack Roll, 19.&nbsp; Damage Roll + 2 raises from full attack, 4k3 + 1k0 large + 1k1 raises = 25.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-04-2008, 01:09:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Oni are scattered by the furious assault, the first two spinning off across the shop floor, screeching in pain. The one that seemed to have found something had begun to turn when the tetsubo came down squarely on it, smashing it lifeless to the floor. Its legs stuck out rigidly for a moment before it collapsed, already beginning to dissolve as the ones at the inn had.<br><br>With another chorus of screeches the minor oni throw themselves forwards, either to engage you, or to regain whatever it was the dead one found.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Back at the inn, much of the evidence of the earlier attack has been cleaned up. The innkeeper, on seeing your return swiftly brings tea and saki on a tray, again loudly offering his thanks for all that you did earlier.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>In the wilds beyond the city the surviving bandit offers no new stories. He only fearfully repeats the same as he did earlier, once more saying he only wanted to escape from the city.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>24-04-2008, 01:42:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would keep his cool and a balanced stance as he'd shift slightly, striking twice at fresh oni, trying to spread the damage around, cripple them enough he'd cease to have anything to worry about.&nbsp; "Guess we get to keep busy tonight."&nbsp; He'd say towards Emi-san as the Mirumoto steel would flash through the air towards the minor oni.<br><br>(Tides of battle, new initative 18)<br>(Attack 1 40 with 1 raise, 10 damage)<br>(Attack 2 42 with 1 raise 18 damage)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack 1 with 1 raise<br>Result: 6, 3, 4, 6, 2, 10, 6, 5, <br>Total: 35<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 35to the total<br>Comment: Attack 1 explosions<br>Result: 5, <br>Total: 40<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack 1 with 1 raise<br>Result: 5, 7, 10, 2, 6, 1, 7, 7, <br>Total: 38<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 38to the total<br>Comment: Attack 2 explosions<br>Result: 4, <br>Total: 42<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Dammage attack 1 1 raise<br>Result: 4, 2, 6, 1, 4, <br>Total: 10<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Dammage attack 2 1 raise<br>Result: 9, 6, 5, 9, 9, <br>Total: 18<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 18to the total<br>Comment: Tides of battle<br>Result: 1, <br>Total: 19<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>24-04-2008, 02:13:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Initiative, 5k3 + 1k1 tides of battle.&nbsp; <br>Roll Result: Elayne rolled: 6d10, keeping 4 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment:<br>Result: 4, 15, 12, 8, 3, 17,<br>Total: 52)<br><br>Emi was surprised when the oni she struck collapsed like a marionette who's strings had been cut.&nbsp; She had half expected these monsters to be as resilient and durable as the one she'd faced at the inn.&nbsp; Well, she wasn't about to complain after all.<br><br>Dropping back into her regular stance, Emi chose an Oni to attack.&nbsp; Unlike the Mirumoto, the Hida bushi fought to kill.&nbsp; She picked whatever Oni seemed to be the most wounded by the Mirumoto's previous blows and lashed out with her tetsubo.<br><br>(Attack roll, 14.&nbsp; Damage, 29)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>24-04-2008, 02:38:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane re-enters the city, in somewhat of a fowl mood. The bandit didn't offer anything new, nor would he reveal anyone else he was working for or with. She left him for the animals to gnaw over. In her mind, one less bandit in the world is a good thing.<br><br>Now, to meet up with the others. She knew that they were investigating the addresses that they found, but didn't know which ones they were, or what order they were going in. Instead, she opted to head back to the inn. besides, if she was lucky, she might even be able to look around the crane's room and possibly see what this fuss was about.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-04-2008, 22:13:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzos blades lashed out, both biting into the previously unwounded oni podlings, easily avoiding their raking claws in return. Emis tetsubo came down, crushing another of the skittering creatures beneath it. The last one slashed at Emi's leg, but only managed to tear her kimono slightly.<br><br>- - - - - <br><br>As Akane moves back through the city, the numbers of people on the streets seems to be growing. A handfull seem to be drunk, and are singing badly. The few thunder guard around do not seem to be doing anything but watching them to ensure they cause no trouble.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>26-04-2008, 04:47:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Tides of battle, 8)<br><br>Emi felt a rush of exhilaration as she smashed down another of the accursed Oni.&nbsp; This must have been how her grandmother felt in her final battle against Fu Leng's dark hordes.&nbsp; Feeling the exultant rush of battle, Emi spun and lashed her tetsubo out against the Oni who had attacked her, hoping to crush it as she had crushed the others.<br><br>(Attack roll 8, damage roll 19)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>26-04-2008, 07:29:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Drinks saki, as it is useless being a shugenja.&nbsp; &nbsp;An watch the festivities going on out side through a window.&nbsp; As the workers of the inn finish up with cleaning up the remments of the fight. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 00:54:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi's tetsubo smashes down onto the floor of the shop, narrowly missing the skittering oni spawn. Her blow drives it back though, and it screetches in frustration, spindly limbs reaching for whatever the other one found.<br><br>- - - - - <br><br>Back at the inn, Doji-san finishes his saki, and then rises. "I should return to our consolate, and inform Doji-sam as to what has passed. The merchant may know more than what he has said of this as well. Would you be so kind as to join me, Asahina-san? Doji-sama will probably wish to speak with you as well."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>28-04-2008, 04:59:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would nod as she finished her drink.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"No I do not mind Doji-san.&nbsp; Shall we then, at your discretion take our leave then."</em><br><br>She would respond back with as she set down her cup onto the table.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-04-2008, 00:06:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Oruku leads you to Doji Tsumetsus manor house, talking as he goes, pointing out the Dragon Gate that passes you into the noble quarter of the city. The house itself is large, with wooden stairs leading up onto a walkway that surrounds the house.<br><br>The courtyard is well manicured, cut by a winding path that leads to a small bridge, with a stream running beneath it that reflects the stars and occasional skyrocket above the city. The sprawling wooden house is small for the area, but obviously the best maintained in the neighbourhood.<br><br>As you approach the house you find yourself yawning, contagiously, as it seems all are equally tired. Strange, as the fight with the bandits was little challenge, and the night is still young.<br><br>As you get closer, something strikes you as odd. There are no guards at the door ... and the door seems to lie open.<br><br>((OOC - Standard perception check please.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>29-04-2008, 02:32:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Heading with the other.&nbsp; Asahina Meiwha would follow slightly behind. As she took in the festively that is now underway in the city.&nbsp; One that she would be active in if home.&nbsp; However, her duty as a emerald magistrate has precluded her from such.&nbsp; Thou she is curious, as she looks for the local Shugenja in working.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br><br>(is that me, the perception roll?&nbsp; &nbsp;And does my investigation merit in this perception roll?)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>29-04-2008, 07:09:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo took one step towards Emi-san to ensure that if by chance she missed the oni a second time, he'd be in position to cleave it in two while he focused his attention on the other two, focusing his attention as he swung down hard, intending on cleaving the two minor oni where they stood, letting the crab ger a second shot to smite the vile bastard that narrowly escaped her tetsubo's destruction.<br><br>(Two attacks both with two raises)<br>( 1 attack 48 with 23 damage)<br>(2 attack 39 with 21 damage)<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, overroll at 10, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack 1 two raises<br>Result: 8, 4, 8, 6, 6, 19, 5, 1, <br>Total: 48<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, overroll at 10, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack 2 two raises<br>Result: 5, 3, 8, 3, 4, 2, 13, 6, <br>Total: 39<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Damage 1 two raises<br>Result: 9, 2, 5, 9, 2, <br>Total: 23<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Damage 2 two raises<br>Result: 9, 3, 9, 3, 1, <br>Total: 21<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-04-2008, 22:34:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo's blades slashed through the already wounded podlings, scattering them across the room. One rolled onto it's back, legs curling in like an insect, the other crashed into the wall, and tried to drag itself back to its feet, hissing and snarling.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>30-04-2008, 05:47:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The perception roll for Meiwha.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Perception<br>Result: 2, 3, 1, 1, 6,<br>Total: 9<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>01-05-2008, 05:17:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would make his way with Meiwha along towards their destination.&nbsp; When they came to the place where the meeting was to be held he too would take a look around.<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: perception check<br>Result: 5, 5, 3, 4, 4, 6, <br>Total: 11<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>02-05-2008, 07:58:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi sensed the Dragon clan bushi engaging the two Oni spawn behind her.&nbsp; Reasonably assured that her back was guarded, the Hida warrior decided to quickly finish the one before her.&nbsp; Lofting her tetsubo high, she made a short lunge forward, aiming to smash the oni in one fell swoop.<br><br>(Full attack, using both raises to lower the oni's TN to be hit.&nbsp; Attack roll, 15.&nbsp; Damage roll, 25.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-05-2008, 18:04:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The teesubo smashes down on the small creature, which frantic throws itself aside. It left its move just that fraction of a second too long, and is smashed like the last. Already most of the others have begun to dissolve into the foul smelling black ooze you saw earlier, bar one that is trying to slowly drag its broken body across the floor towards the remains of the first one you slew.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>In the garden Doji Oruku holds up a hand, the other falling to the hilt of his katana. His eyes narrow as he looks around then he points to a small ornamental bush near the door. Following his motion, you can see what looks like an arm in Crane blue protruding from behind cover. Oruku draws his blade and sprints towards the doorway.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>03-05-2008, 19:47:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo takes a step towards the last oni and takes no chances, swingin twice to try and cut the little bastard to pieces.&nbsp; He'd prefer for it to be dead with over kill then still be allowed to befoul the earth.&nbsp; "Find that mask before something else swoops in."&nbsp; he'd say to Emi-san as he began slicing, just because it is most likely something dealing with the shadowlands and either her ot the Shugenja will be the best suited to identify it.<br><br><br>(two attacks with 1 raise each, both at 39, 15 and 21 damage)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, overroll at 10, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack 1 raise<br>Result: 2, 3, 11, 5, 3, 7, 9, 3, <br>Total: 39<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, overroll at 10, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack 1 raise<br>Result: 5, 8, 1, 7, 9, 7, 6, 8, <br>Total: 39<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Damage 1 raise<br>Result: 7, 1, 6, 2, 8, <br>Total: 15<br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Damage 1 raise<br>Result: 4, 9, 12, 4, 5, <br>Total: 21<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-05-2008, 02:12:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the last of the foul spawn dead, quiet falls once more within the shop, the sounds of night revelry coming from the streets outside. The thing the oni spawn had seemed so keen to claim is a chipped porcelain mask. What could they have wanted with such a thing?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>05-05-2008, 04:06:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sudden start and drawing of his katana.&nbsp; Caught Meiwha by surprise.&nbsp; She is a few steps back in reacting.&nbsp; As she turns towards the direction that Doji-san now sprints towards.<br><br>(initiatives?}
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>05-05-2008, 06:13:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi feels the weight of her tetsubo crash through the oni.&nbsp; She spins to find another one of the vile creatures, but finds them all destroyed.&nbsp; Normally she prefers to fight with her katana, but smashing oni spawn with her war club is viscerally exciting.&nbsp; She pauses for a moment, then shakes off her tetsubo in a quick flick to clean off the stain of the oni's blood. <br><br>Then Emi walks over to the mask.&nbsp; She sets the tip of her tetsubo against the ground and hunkers down next to the mask, holding her hilt of her club against her shoulder as she peers at the mask curiously, without touching it.<br><br>"Sometimes, Shadowlands artifacts can taint those who bear them," she announces, reaching into her armour to rummage about for her stick of jade.&nbsp; "Best not to touch it."<br><br>Emi peers at the mask for a moment, hoping some memory is sparked about what the nature of the mask is.&nbsp; If she can't think of anything, she pokes it with the finger of jade to make sure it isn't corrupted.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-05-2008, 14:56:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san pauses by the downed guard, looking around before crouching beside the man. He rolls him over, quickly looking him over, and his brows furrow. He places a hand by the guards mouth, then grasps his shoulder and gives him a shake. He then turns towards the magistrates. "There is no blood. I cannot see any injury. I would say he is only asleep, but he will not wake." He shakes the guard again to illustrate this point.<br><br>- - - - - <br><br>Emi, intelligence / shadowlands lore to see if you've ever heard of anything like this mask. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>06-05-2008, 00:38:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(22)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-05-2008, 01:15:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Info PMed
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>06-05-2008, 03:28:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would move quietly and quickly along with the others.&nbsp; His eyes narrowed as he took a look around the area and hmmed lightly.&nbsp; He would stand at ready incase something were to happen right now.&nbsp; Thou in his mind he was silently thinking that maybe magic was at play here for the cause of the guards sudden sleepyness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>06-05-2008, 03:51:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo made his way over to Emi's side as he cleaned his swords of the vile blood.&nbsp; He had them resheathed as he squatted near her.&nbsp; "Do you recognize this, or do we need to get more assistance in indentifying it?"&nbsp; hed as as he looked around to find a bag or something that it could be slipped into and a table leg to carry it if they needed to transport it if she finds it to be a danger just to carry.&nbsp; He didn't want to leave it here, and unless they could just destroy it they'd have to take some precautions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>07-05-2008, 18:58:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi gave a small huff of acknowledgement, then shook her head slightly.&nbsp; "I'm no Kuni.&nbsp; But I think this is the sort of mask that necromancers use to create zombies," she replies to the Dragon Bushi.<br><br>"Best not to try to destroy it ourselves, it might release the evil inside it.&nbsp; We should take it to that Crane priestess to have her bless and exorcise it.&nbsp; Best not to touch it though," Emi advised, slipping her tetsubo back into the loop it rested on.&nbsp; "There are other addresses we should check out, in case there's mischief going on there as well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>07-05-2008, 19:15:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He grabbed the table leg to shuffle it into the bag and begin tieing it off as he murmered a prayer to the Kami's.&nbsp; It wasn't like his words carried the weight of a Shugenja, but when you're dealing with this sort of vile device, everything helps.<br><br>"Then lets go quickly, I have the sinking feeling this will be a common occurance at the other addresses."&nbsp; he said as he sheathed his swords and tied the bag to the table leg, so he could carry it without touching it or even having it on his person. He made sure to carry it in his off hand, and drew his wakasahi quickly to slice the end of the leg to a point, so if needed he could spike it into the ground to draw both of his swords.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-05-2008, 00:35:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Perception/Investigation check before you head out please.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>08-05-2008, 02:07:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Precption plus investigation<br>Result: 5, 4, 3, 9, 2, <br>Total: 14
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>10-05-2008, 19:25:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(24)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-05-2008, 20:34:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				PM sent<br><br>- - - -<br><br>At the Crane household, small noises can be heard inside. Doji-san looks up from the sleeping guard as he hears them, looking towards you with a questioning expression, dropping his hand to the hilt of his sword.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>10-05-2008, 20:47:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she begins to rise, Emi dusts off her kimono, checking her armour for scratches.&nbsp; Then she gives one final look around the building.&nbsp; After a moment, something suddenly occurs to her.<br><br>Pulling her dark hair back from her eyes, she walks over to one of the floorboards, that seems somehow loose.&nbsp; She stares at it for a moment, then slowly draws her katana, looking to slip her katana between the floorboards and pry it loose without getting to close, just in case.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-05-2008, 20:51:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The board easily lifts up, revealing a partially filled space under the floor. Inside it she can see a small iron box and two sets of rolled scrolls. There would be enough room for the mask as well, but little more than that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>10-05-2008, 20:52:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would hear Emi-san messing with something, so he'd stand and draw his swords, keeping an eye out, in the event something occures, assuming a defensive posture. &nbsp;It could be nothing, but you did not survive this long in Rokugan if you were not careful when the situation demanded of it.<br><br>He'd glance at the iron box and scrolls.&nbsp; "All sorts of surprises in this house."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>10-05-2008, 21:00:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi grunts in affirmation.&nbsp; "So it would seem," she says, looking over the scrolls to see what they were.<br><br>Then she sets the iron box down next to her, examining it to see if she could detect a trap or a lock, or fathom what might be inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-05-2008, 21:06:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One set of scrolls contains business accounts, a dry list of items and figures. The second appears to be a personal journal. <br>The box rattles as you move it. There seems to be something inside it. Only a simple latch keeps it closed. Perhaps secrecy was meant to protect it, rather than a lock.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>10-05-2008, 22:28:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I opt for having the Shugenja present when we open this, she might be able to setup something to prevent whatever is inside their from running away.&nbsp; And given the nature of the mask I don't think this is going to be a puppy."&nbsp; Hanzo would comment after the iron box rattles.&nbsp; He was having mixed feeligns about carrying all this around where the might run back itno the things that are looking for it, but then he doesn't want to leave it with Meiwha until his sword is there to protect her.&nbsp; He'd look for some shredded cloth to tie around the box to secure it from accidently opening.&nbsp; If he had a lock and chain he'd use that, but this will have to do.<br><br>"We should hurry to the next address, I'm betting on a similar situation."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>12-05-2008, 06:36:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg598439#msg598439">Quote from: HairyHeretic on 10-05-2008, 20:34:47</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">PM sent<br><br>- - - -<br><br>At the Crane household, small noises can be heard inside. Doji-san looks up from the sleeping guard as he hears them, looking towards you with a questioning expression, dropping his hand to the hilt of his sword.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Would look to Doji-san with a returned questioning look.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>What noises did she and him hear.&nbsp; Shuffling noises, of something heavy moving.&nbsp; Or just light patter of something.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>12-05-2008, 22:48:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto stood his ground behind Meiwha as he kept his eyes peeled for anything suspicious happening around them.&nbsp; He didnt trust the fact that the guards were knocked out, thou that meant that someone wasnt here for death to be dealt, they wanted something from inside the place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-05-2008, 00:56:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The noises inside were a sort of scraping and scuffling .. perhaps some moving things around and searching. Doji-san stepped forwards into the hallway, hand on the hilt of his katana, ready to draw. As he advances down the entrance corridor, you see him raise his free hand to his mouth to try and stiffle a yawn. <br><br>Abruptly his head comes up, looking somewhere deeper into the house. "Hey! You!" he snaps, the effect somewhat spoiled by the yawn that overtakes him. You see a figure dart across the corridor in front of you, pausing in the light just long enough for you to recognise the unmistakable appearance of a Dragon ise zumi (tattooed monk). He turns and runs deeper into the house. <br><br>Doji-san staggers after him, but collapses after only a few steps, and begins to snore lightly.<br><br>((Willpower checks please))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>13-05-2008, 09:42:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning as Doji-san did so.&nbsp; His actions suddenly very strange.&nbsp; His katana drawing out, as he stifles a yawn.&nbsp; Calls out then, before collapsing to the ground asleep.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: willpower<br>Result: 3, 7, 9,<br>Total: 19</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>(Pending other action, to this role then)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>14-05-2008, 03:51:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In good Crab fashion, Emi gave a snort of acknowledgement as she rose and slid her katana back into her sheath.&nbsp; "Let's move on to the next address then," she said.<br><br>She reached into her obi for the scrap of parchment with the addresses.&nbsp; Reading them over, she picked the one marked with the Unicorn mon.&nbsp; "This one seems to be the closest, let's go to this one next," she said, reading the address aloud.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>16-05-2008, 01:41:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto was right on Meiwha's heels as he wondered what the hell was going on here.&nbsp; First the guards and now the Dojo was having trouble staying away.&nbsp; He would pull out his katana and wait to see what was going on inside of the house.<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: willpower<br>Result: 4, 4, <br>Total: 8
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>17-05-2008, 03:31:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Both Meiwha and Hashimoto barely manage a few steps of their own before they feel themselves sinking likewise to the ground. Whatever magic hangs in the air seems powerful indeed, as sleep reaches out to claim you.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>You awake again to the sounds of loud clanging from inside the house. You are not sure how long the spell held you .. a few minutes? Half the night? For now you have no way to tell. Ahead you see Doji-san also beginning to stir.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Elsewhere in the city, the other magistrates have made their way to the address marked on the scroll, aided by directions asked of those on the streets for the festival. Outside you see a pair of Thunder Guard, apparently keeping back the curious passers by, while raised voices can be heard inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>17-05-2008, 08:37:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Groggy from the effects of sleep, wrought by a powerful enchantment.&nbsp; Of bound air kami, on what ever Doji-san had triggered.&nbsp; Meiwha would rise slowly to her knees.&nbsp; &nbsp;Blinking out the effects of sleep that still wrestled over her.&nbsp; As her vision began to focus.&nbsp; An the ill effects of spell are wearing off.&nbsp; She could see Doji-san, a few paces ahead of her.&nbsp; &nbsp;Also raising up to his feet in the manor.<br><br>How long had she been out, or they.&nbsp; A few minutes, hours.&nbsp; &nbsp;Right now she did not know.&nbsp; But then she hears the sounds of night festive.&nbsp; <br><br>She look to Doji-san.<br><br><em>"How long have we been out?"</em><br><br>As she rises to her feet then.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>17-05-2008, 10:37:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would walk towards the Thunder Guards, keeping the the tabel leg with the bag close enough to keep an eye on it and far enough away he wouldn't accidently touch it.&nbsp; "What is going on?&nbsp; We have to speak with the occupants of this house."&nbsp; He'd say looking to them.&nbsp; He didn't consider himself even really the logical voice of the group, but truth be told, Emi-san would be in a much better position to do the quiet dangerous crab then he would being the quiet Dragon.&nbsp; Dragon being quiet makes them look like monks, Crab being quiet can be mistaken for them readying to crack your skull with a tetsubo.&nbsp; Still, it was nice to be approaching the guards, both of them standing a full head over them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>17-05-2008, 23:06:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto didnt have a prayer as he was still slumbering before Meiwha and the others were wide awake.&nbsp; He would groan a little bit and put his katana back in its sheath.&nbsp; Standing up he scowled a bit more as he was pissed to be caught so flat footed by the foul unfair magic that had been wrothed upon them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>18-05-2008, 04:33:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the disturbance from the address up ahead, Emi strode up to the two guards out front, coming alongside Hanzo.&nbsp; Since the Dragon seemed comfortable doing the talking, Emi contented herself to look past the two guards, eager to get involved in whatever was going on in the house.<br><br>She crossed her arms across her chest, brow crinkling in thought.&nbsp; Then she turned her gaze on the guards, glowering at them silently, waiting for them to explain themselves or move aside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-05-2008, 15:07:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From inside the Crane house come loud noises, bangings and crashings. Through the doorway ahead you catch sight of the scurrying form of a minor oni, the same as the ones you dealt with at the inn an hour ago. It does not appear to have noticed you, intent on whatever it is doing in the room beyond. Doji-san is also rising groggily to his feet, but freezes when he sees the beast pass, drawing his katana with the speed the Crane are noted for.<br><br>- - - - - <br><br>The two guards look you both over, a little surprised at pair, then one shakes his head. "You should come back in the morning Dragon-san. There has been a robbery, and Shinjo-sama will not be much in the mood for talking to anyone for hours yet. Whatever goods he has for you, you can collect then."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>18-05-2008, 21:33:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Oni, Doji-san!</em><br><br>Once what she saw registered in her mind.&nbsp; Asahina Meiwha would call out a warning.&nbsp; As she also is reaching for one of her ofudas. That is if she still has them.&nbsp; Not sure what has transpired while they were rendered unconscious. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: initiative<br>Result: 10, 10, 4, 1, 3,<br>Total: 24<br><br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice, adding 24to the total<br>Comment: initiative exploding 10s<br>Result: 5, 7,<br>Total: 36<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The ofuda is of the earth kami to be unleashed.&nbsp; With the blessings of a Jade strike.&nbsp; At the minor Oni.&nbsp; <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Jade Strike<br>Result: 6, 7, 7, 7, 6,<br>Total: 21 Versus TN: 15 Success<br><br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Jade Strike damage<br>Result: 5, 5, 3,<br>Total: 13<br><br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>18-05-2008, 21:49:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Our Business can not wait, and we're not here to pick-up goods.&nbsp; Excuse us."&nbsp; He'd say as he'd go to walk past the Thunderguard to see what was stolen, making sure in his movements that his emerald orb designating him an Emerald magistrate could be seen, so he wouldn't have to explain further.&nbsp; He was pretty sure Emi-san would follow him into the house without any prodding.&nbsp; After the only use they have function is to collect bandits for them and haul them off the jail, the utility of the Thunderguard are in question in Hanzo's mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>19-05-2008, 00:48:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mriwha's jade strike catches the minor oni by surprise, smashing into it's flank and sending it screeching across the floor and out of sight. From inside come the sound of claws on wood .. it would seem there are more of them there. ((Initiatives for everyone please))<br><br>&nbsp;- - - - -<br><br>Whatever the Thunder Guard was about to say, the sight of the jade orb of an Imperial Magistrate changes his tone. He visably straightens and makes a small bow. "Hai, Magistrate-sama." You pass him by, and enter the building, the voices inside becoming clearer.<br><br>"... don' understand, Dokiu-san. My fathers shipments for the festival were in these crates, and look at them now! They ruined! How can we take these to the festival?" The two men both wear the mon of the Unicorn clan, the Shinjo family if this is who the Thunder Guard outside spoke off, the smaller and finer dressed of the two gesturing animatedly around him.<br><br>The place is indeed a mess. Boxes have been overturned, ans what look like huge claw marks mar others. Fireworks and costume pieces are strewn over every surface. The Unicorn doing all the talking continues in the same vein to his companion, even as you approach.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>19-05-2008, 03:38:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto was still the last one up to his feet as he drew his sword and scowled towards the abominations that sought to find the scorpions sting for their intrusion.&nbsp; He grunted as he brought his sword up on a defensive position as he waited for the coming tide of battle.<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 8d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: initiative<br>Result: 7, 6, 7, 8, 5, 7, 2, 3, <br>Total: 22<br><br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: full defense<br>Result: 1, 1, 10, 9, 2, 10, <br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 1, 6, <br>Total: 7<br><br>TN= 29+7+23 = 59&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Those with lower Init + 5 = 64
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>20-05-2008, 03:32:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would walk into the room with the aruging Unicorn making his way towards them, his eyes flickering across the destruction around the room.&nbsp; "My fellow Magistrate and I need to have words with the both of you.&nbsp; It can not wait."&nbsp; He'd say looking to the Unicorn, he was sure Emi-san would know what was going on and would understand why they had to speak with them.&nbsp; "Dokiu-san why don't you speak with Emi-san here, and I will speak with you."<br><br>He figured he could talk with the son and try to determine what was in the crates and look for any deception and Emi-san could handle the man who owned the building, and look to see if he bore any markings that might tie him to the shadowlands, since she'd be able to see it easier then he.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-05-2008, 19:51:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The son in question is an older man .. you would guess in his 40s, if not older, wearing a very fine kimono. This is likely to be the Shinjo-sama that the guards mentioned, and indeed his words confirm that. He draws himself up and looks at you, his gaze taking in your appearance as well as your wrods. "I am Shinjo Sanefusa." he says. "Who are you, and what do you want?"<br><br>((OOC - Hanzo, I'm assuming you haven't shown your Imperial Magistrates insignia yet))<br><br>The other Unicorn steps to one side with Hida-san, bowing politely. "I am Shinjo Dokiu, magistrate of the Unicorn clan." He is a thin, pale looking man, somewhat at odds with the normal Unicorn appearance. It would seem he does not get out in the sun much.<br><br>((OOC - I need Meiwhas initiative for the fight before I continue that. She got the first shot in free.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 18:06:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Quote<br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: initiative<br>Result: 10, 10, 4, 1, 3,<br>Total: 24<br><br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice, adding 24to the total<br>Comment: initiative exploding 10s<br>Result: 5, 7,<br>Total: 36</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>I had rolled that already in above post.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>22-05-2008, 00:47:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Oops. My bad then. You're faster than the Oni, so let me know what you want to do.))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>22-05-2008, 09:02:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doing a half move, to get to the door way.&nbsp; The emerald magistrate Asahina Meiwha.&nbsp; &nbsp;Is already reading from another ofuda.&nbsp; This one invoking the kami of air.&nbsp; As she seeks to render the oni incapacitated.&nbsp; &nbsp;For the gunzo of the house and guards to come, with wind born slumber.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Windbourne Slumber<br>Result: 6, 6, 5, 1, 3,<br>Total: 17 Versus TN: 15 Success<br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>23-05-2008, 19:11:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg613606#msg613606">Quote from: HairyHeretic on 20-05-2008, 19:51:30</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The son in question is an older man .. you would guess in his 40s, if not older, wearing a very fine kimono. This is likely to be the Shinjo-sama that the guards mentioned, and indeed his words confirm that. He draws himself up and looks at you, his gaze taking in your appearance as well as your wrods. "I am Shinjo Sanefusa." he says. "Who are you, and what do you want?"<br><br>((OOC - Hanzo, I'm assuming you haven't shown your Imperial Magistrates insignia yet))<br><br>The other Unicorn steps to one side with Hida-san, bowing politely. "I am Shinjo Dokiu, magistrate of the Unicorn clan." He is a thin, pale looking man, somewhat at odds with the normal Unicorn appearance. It would seem he does not get out in the sun much.<br><br>((OOC - I need Meiwhas initiative for the fight before I continue that. She got the first shot in free.))<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"I am Mirumoto Hanzo and this is Hida Emi.&nbsp; We are Emerald Magistrates and have need to speak with the two of you."&nbsp; He made sure not to give away too much while they were together.&nbsp; A few cursory glances could be enough to align a story between them if they wished to decieve and the whole point of seperating them was so that each of their words would stand alone and potentially they'd testify to two different things and let them know that they need to find the truth here.&nbsp; Them both being oblivious would complicate things for them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>24-05-2008, 00:58:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi stepped towards the smaller Unicorn magistrate, standing perhaps a touch closer than protocol dictacted.&nbsp; She loomed over him, folding her arms across her armoured chest as she looked down on the Unicorn.<br><br>"Shinjo," she said in a low, hard voice.&nbsp; "What in the name of Jigoku is going on here?"&nbsp; She stared at the man, noting his paleness, wondering if he was tainted.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-05-2008, 12:59:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shinjo-sama shows a touch of surprise when you identify yourselves as Emerald magistrates, but then nods. "Hmm. Yes, I suppose I can see why you would be here then. I am surprised that the Thunder Guard sought outside assistance so soon." He looks around the room, throwing an arm wide for emphasis. "What is going to be done about this? My fathers stock is ruined ... we cannot use it for the Festival now, and we'll probably have to burn it all, and maybe the warehouse too. What is the Governer going to do? This is her responsibility, dealing with this. Or has she delegated to you? Are you the ones who will handle this?"<br><br><br>Shinjo-san leads Emi slightly away from the other pair, to give them some small measure of privacy to speak, though his masters carrying voice makes that a polite fiction at best. "Hida-san, I cannot tell you very much. We were summoned by the Thunder Guard because the warehouse had been broken into. I had just started to question the guard ..." he points towards a peasent who is standing very quietly by one wall, doing his best to be unobtrusive "When Shinjo-sama arrived and began taking charge."<br><br>Looking around you can see that the warehouse has been quite thoroughly ransacked, and not by a normal hand. In the floor are claw marks, large and small both. Pools of clear ooze dot the floor, and you can see it matting straw and cloth both. There is also a thick pool of a black tar like substance, which you seem to be becoming very familiar with this night.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>The smaller oni seems to decide it does not like these odds, and turns to run deeper into the house, scuttling as fast as its little legs will carry it. Unfortunately, thanks to Meiwhas spell, that is nowhere near as fast as it is used to, and it staggers almost drunkenly away from you, disappearing through the doorway.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>24-05-2008, 18:32:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The other scrapping, draws Asahina Meiwha's attention now.&nbsp; As she will go defensive.&nbsp; And begin to reach and pull out another ofuda of Jade strike. To once again call upon the kami of the earth to do her bidding. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10, adding 36to the total<br>Comment: Tides of battle<br>Result: 9,<br>Total: 45<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Defensive target number<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 7d10, keeping 2 dice, adding 15to the total<br>Comment: Rank 5 mastery defensive declaring full defense<br>Result: 3, 8, 1, 4, 4, 5, 3,<br>Total: 28<br><span style="font-family: Verdana;" class="bbc_font"></span></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>25-05-2008, 05:30:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg619650#msg619650">Quote from: HairyHeretic on 24-05-2008, 12:59:49</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Shinjo-sama shows a touch of surprise when you identify yourselves as Emerald magistrates, but then nods. "Hmm. Yes, I suppose I can see why you would be here then. I am surprised that the Thunder Guard sought outside assistance so soon." He looks around the room, throwing an arm wide for emphasis. "What is going to be done about this? My fathers stock is ruined ... we cannot use it for the Festival now, and we'll probably have to burn it all, and maybe the warehouse too. What is the Governer going to do? This is her responsibility, dealing with this. Or has she delegated to you? Are you the ones who will handle this?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"Your misfortune has crossed paths with one of our investigations.&nbsp; I need to know the nature of your father's stock and just what had been stored here exactly.&nbsp; The ones who did this destruction would not have been doing it for destruction sake alone, or they would have just burned the building.&nbsp; They would have to be searching for something and I need to know what could have cause them to rip through your father's stock to find it."&nbsp; Hanzo would say looking at the son.&nbsp; He hoped he wouldn't have to push harder to get the son to answer the question, he hated it when he'd ask questions and people would just keep pushing their own agenda.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>25-05-2008, 07:18:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would move to persue the fleeing Oni on his own as he left Doji and Meiwha alone.&nbsp; He would figure out first which way the Oni went before deciding how to attack the beast.&nbsp; He wanted to get this done and over with and figure out what it was they were after here.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 16:34:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Hashimoto and Doji-san move into the next room, they see a pair of small oni ransacking the room. One is busy shredding pillows with its claws, filling the air with feathers. The second has lifted what appears to be a maid from the floor and is looking underneath her. It then drops the young woman to the ground, its claws shredding her kimono and stomach both, as it seems to be peering inside her now. Beside you Doji-san makes a noise of disgust and anger.<br><br>Beyond them you can see the scurrying one heading for a set of stairs, whilst another drags a wakazashi across the floor. At the top of the stairs you see three more of the foul creatures splitting up, and hear what sounds like womens screams.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>27-05-2008, 02:31:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto was not pleased one bit as he made his way into the room with a growl.&nbsp; He would draw out his katana and bring it down upon one of the smaller oni's that was searching the young girls insides.&nbsp; He would come down slashing at the creature with the full weight of his blade against the strike.<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: attack<br>Result: 5, 1, 10, 4, 8, 10, <br>Total: 31<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 7, 2, <br>Total: 9<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Damage Roll<br>Result: 4, 7, 5, 8, 2, 4, <br>Total: 15<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>28-05-2008, 00:45:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-sans blade comes down a heartbeat after your own, the two of you pinning the vile creature to the floor. Its legs flail momentarily and then it lies still. The other sees the demise of its companion and throws itself at Doji-san, who avoids it with almost contemptuous ease.<br><br>The already wounded one continues to clamber up the stairs, and the one dragging the wakazashi appears to increase its efforts to drag its treasure up there as well.<br><br>- - - - - <br><br>"Our stock was festival goods." replies Shinjo-sama. "Masks, streamers, costumes, some fireworks I think. There should be an inventory around here, if that hasn't been destroyed as well." he adds, bitterly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>28-05-2008, 04:49:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What style of masks, do you remember? Any flat, all white masks?"&nbsp; He'd ask looking at Shinjo.&nbsp; He did his best to convey a serious manner as he asked the question.&nbsp; "And where was themajority fo the damage, all of it was probably not destroyed, so what was destroyed is important."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>29-05-2008, 23:19:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi gave a short, sharp sound of disapproval as she saw the oozing black tar and claw marks within.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Wait," she said brusquely to the Shinjo magistrate, then stalked back to her Dragon counterpart.<br><br>"Mirumoto-san," Emi said, drawing up alongside the big Dragon and leaning to speak quietly in a whisper to him, shielding her mouth with her hand.&nbsp; "This warehouse has been sacked by Oni.&nbsp; There is one more address on the listen, a Scorpion address I think.&nbsp; I think one of us should stay here to finish up and the other should go there immediately, in case the oni are there as we speak."<br><br>Emi impatiently offered the Mirumoto the scrap of parchments that the addresses were scrawled on.&nbsp; It was obvious her preference was to leave the investigative work to the Dragon while she went to the Scorpion warehouse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>29-05-2008, 23:44:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Grab two Thunder guard on your way over, just so you have some back-up in collecting the pieces."&nbsp; He'd say as he took the parchment.&nbsp; He obviously didn't doubt her ability to cleave the oni to pieces, just didn't want her to not have some back-up.&nbsp; "PLus you'll have someone to run back to get me if the big ugly one is about, we both owe him some payback.&nbsp; Fight well, send them back to the vile pits."&nbsp; He'd say as he'd go back towards the Unicorn.<br><br>"Alright, I need to know what specficly was destroyed and anything that seems to be missing.&nbsp; This is of the utmost importance so I expect cooperation and expect it quickly. "&nbsp; He'd look to the two men.&nbsp; "Because we are going to find the creatures responsible and recover what was taken and I need to know exactly what that might be."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>31-05-2008, 08:36:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi nodded brusquely, then turned to speed off towards the last location, a Scorpion location.&nbsp; She waved curtly for a pair of the Thunder Guards to follow her, even though she didn't really trust the Scorpions to watch her back.<br><br>Hopefully, if she did encounter the oni, she'd only have to face the beast and not the beast and the Scorpions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 02:13:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Outside the warehouse the two Thunderguard exchanged glances, and one jogged after Emi, leaving the second behind. After a few moments he caught up to her, falling into step beside her. "Yes, Magistrate-sama, is there something you need?"<br><br>- - - -<br><br>Back inside the warehouse, Hanzo catches a look of annoyance on the face of Shinjo-sama. "There were flat, white masks, yes. They're a common enough site at festival, as people dress up like spirits of past ancestors. As for what was destroyed, you only need look." He gestured across the room, the movement of his hand covering much of the warehouse. Indeed it seems the damage is quite widespread. "All the shipment was destroyed, and a few of the other things stored in here. What is to be done about this?"<br><br>Abruptly he turns towards the peasent standing by the edge of the warehouse. "You! Come here and tell the magistrate what you saw."<br><br>The peasent scurries over, bowing his head, bobbing in obvious anxiety. "Forgive me sama" he says, risking a glance upwards. "I did not see anything .. not truely. I heard the noises, and came to investigate. I thought it was robbers. When I got here .." he trails off, licking his lips. "I only saw something huge and terrible leap away. I did not see it clearly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 04:22:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would withdraw his blade from the creature as he took and ran towards the stairs and up them, he needed to see what the hell these creatures were after.&nbsp; He needed to know what they wanted and take it away from them.&nbsp; But most of all the Soshi Scorpion wanted a fight, and damn it he was going to get it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 04:29:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Green, a little shorter then myself and looked like something Fu Leng coughed up? &nbsp;Yes I know what did this. &nbsp;What I also know is if it is that then they were looking for something particular because we stopped their bretheren earlier tonight at another address. &nbsp;since there is more then just your shipment, what else was stored here. &nbsp;Because they are either doing a city ransack and just hit this place because it is a warehouse or they are seeking otu specfic items, some of which we stopped them from getting and we need to find out what it could be. &nbsp;So lets go through what was here besides your shipment." &nbsp;Hanzo would say, continuign to ignore the questions of what would be done about this, because until he knows if the belongings in here belonged to Shinjo he isn't going to be specfic, since if they don;'t then he is victum of circumstance, if they do he is trafficing in Maho artifacts.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 05:44:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi gives the Thunder Guard accompanying her a stern look, then informs him, "I have reason to believe there is a pattern to these attacks and that another location may be next.&nbsp; We are going there to investigate.&nbsp; Keep up!"<br><br>Emi jogged towards the Scorpion location at a solid, ground eating pace, moving quickly as she could without tiring herself out in case there were oni there at the last location.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 09:14:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg625230#msg625230">Quote from: HairyHeretic on 28-05-2008, 00:45:49</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Doji-sans blade comes down a heartbeat after your own, the two of you pinning the vile creature to the floor. Its legs flail momentarily and then it lies still. The other sees the demise of its companion and throws itself at Doji-san, who avoids it with almost contemptuous ease.<br><br>The already wounded one continues to clamber up the stairs, and the one dragging the wakazashi appears to increase its efforts to drag its treasure up there as well.<br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Acting quickly, Meiwha would again draw her ofuda of Jade Strike.&nbsp; As she begin reading it.&nbsp; Calling on once again on the kami of earth.&nbsp; As she aimed to take out the one fleeing up the stairs. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Jade Strike<br>Result: 4, 1, 9, 1, 2,<br>Total: 15 Versus TN: 15 Success<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10<br>Comment: Jade Strike damage<br>Result: 10,<br>Total: 10<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10, adding 10to the total<br>Comment: Jade Strike damage exploding ten<br>Result: 3,<br>Total: 13<br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-06-2008, 02:28:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the warehouse, the guard shakes his briefly at the description. "No sama .. taller." He raises his hand as high as he can reach, indicating something at least 7 feet tall, which could be the larger oni you encountered at the start of the evening. "I do not know what else was stored here, sama."<br><br>Shinjo-sama steps in at this point with a grunt. "There is nothing here that could not be found elsewhere in the city .... though naturally our quality is better. There was also a small ammount of spices from the far northwest, and some barrels of saki that would be going back to Unicorn lands. I can have my factors produce a detailed list for you in the morning."<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Emi, new come to the city you do not know exactly where this Scorpion warehouse is, so it is fortunate you have one of the Thunder Guard with you. Even so, it takes some 20 minutes to navigate through the increasingly busy streets to the place. The warehouse itself is near the river, and the crowds that throng the streets are absent here. You can see a pair of guards on the door, and the sound of muffled voices comes from inside. Though scruffy looking, the guards appear to at least know how to hold their spears.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>At the Crane consulate, a thin jade beams streaks through the air, connecting with the already staggering minor oni, which screeches in pain and collapses to the ground, dead or dying. From upstairs come assorted noises .. the screching of more of the minor oni, a fainter, deeper bellowing, and what sounds like women screaming in fear or pain.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>08-06-2008, 03:30:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto was already on his way up the stairs and trying to determine the cause of the problem.&nbsp; His blade had already tasted oni flesh and he was going to add more taint upon its edge before he was finished.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>08-06-2008, 09:17:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the scream of a woman upstairs.&nbsp; Along with the scuffling scrapping noises.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meiwha after aiming true with her jade strike.&nbsp; Will bolt towards the stairs.&nbsp; As the smaller oni falls in apparent death.&nbsp; Bounding up the stairs then.<br><br>(Not sure how far it is, but consider this my whole turn with getting up the stairs.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-06-2008, 15:10:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the top of the stairs is a hallway, with several doors on either side. From one of the nearest you can hear the terrified shrieking, and the wall opposite the door is splattered with what looks like splashes of paint, pieces of crockery and clothing. One of the small oni is just outside the door, apparently trying to get in, but a barrage of household items is keeping it at bay. Two others dash between two of the rooms, one apparently trying to strike another with what looks like a table leg.<br><br>At the end of the hallway you see the little one with the wakisazhi disappear into another room, bouncing off the doorway in its haste to get through.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>09-06-2008, 01:48:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto looked around as he steadied his blade and went after the one trying to get into the room.&nbsp; He would snarl a little as he stepped forward and swiped at the creature with his blade.<br><br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: attack<br>Result: 7, 6, 3, 3, 1, 6, <br>Total: 22<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: damage<br>Result: 3, 9, 2, 6, 8, 6, <br>Total: 17<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>09-06-2008, 10:37:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once again, she would incite from the ofuda of Jade strike.&nbsp; &nbsp; As she pulls it out again.&nbsp; &nbsp;An then lets a bolt of jade lash out and strike the smaler one trying to get into who ever is in the room. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwa rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 36to the total<br>Comment: Tides of battle roll for this rd.<br>Result: 1,<br>Total: 37<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwa rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Jade strike<br>Result: 3, 1, 7, 7, 3,<br>Total: 17 Versus TN: 15 Success<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwa rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Jade strike damage roll<br>Result: 3,<br>Total: 3<br><br><br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-06-2008, 23:42:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Two katanas and a thin jade beam strike the little oni almost at once. Its legs flail for a moment before it collapses to the floor. Darting a look into the room you see three young women dressed in Crane colours, and an older woman, perhaps a servant or nanny of some kind, huddled behind dressing screens, flinging improvised missiles at whatever appears in the doorway.<br><br>The floor is covered with broken crockery, half painted masks, spilled paints, shredded costumes, and what appears to be a broken paper-mache Dragons head. They seem quite hysterical, as you duck back to avoid being splashed by a jar of bright blue paint and a wooden hairbrush.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>10-06-2008, 01:45:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would take and sheath his sword as he went and pushed the door aside and slipped in.&nbsp; "Stop!" was all he would say as he went on the defensive should they start to go hysterical again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>10-06-2008, 02:28:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Alright, I will be by in the morning to pick it up.&nbsp; I am going to do a walk through and catch up with my counterpart in our inspection."&nbsp; He'd say before giving them a slight bow and to begin walking through the place, searching for a similar compartment to the one they found in the last house, or some other side storage compartment where something could have been hidden.&nbsp; He wasn't sure if this was an intentional strike, or a broad sweep, so he wanted to look the place over.<br><br>(investigation check 22, originally kept too many on my roll so corrected it)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Precpetion investigation<br>Result: 1, 8, 10, 8, 5, <br>Total: 18<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 18 to the total<br>Comment: Precpetion investigation exploded die<br>Result: 4, <br>Total: 22
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-06-2008, 01:28:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				On seeing Hashimoto the women seem to sag with relief. Trembling arms point down the hallway, in the direction the one carrying the wakazashi went. One, more resilient than the others steps forwards, and whispers. "There is a huge oni there. We saw it through the door, and hid here. It's still there, we heard it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>12-06-2008, 03:50:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would turn as he smirked a little bit walking his way down towards the hallway as he called back to the others. "This way there is a bigger threat yet to come," he said as he walked his way slowly down the corridor that the girls pointed to, almost foolishly but never the less fearlessly.&nbsp; His hand steady upon his blade as he went to investigate.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>16-06-2008, 22:51:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				This room appears to be master bedroom, perhaps the personal chamber of Doji Tsumetsu himself. In the centre of the room stands the massive form of the oni that you faced at the Inn of the Orange Blossom. It is holding the smaller oni, the one you saw carrying the wakazahsi in moments before. <br><br>At its feet lie scattered party favours, with many of the white masks that festival goers paint, now broken and ruined. The oni seems to have been searching through these masks when the little one arrived. Holding the smaller oni, it runs its tongue along the the length of the blade, then roars with frustration and snaps it in two.<br><br>The larger oni roars at the smaller one, which shrieks in fear, then in pain as the larger one starts to squeeze. It is at this moment it spots you, and instead hurls the smaller oni directly at you. It then leaps directly upwards and out of your line of sight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>17-06-2008, 00:42:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would steady himself as he went to raise up his blade at the incoming oni as he growled low in his throat.&nbsp; He wanted at that larger oni but he would have to do away with this smaller one first. <br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: attack<br>Result: 5, 4, 4, 10, 4, 9, <br>Total: 27<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 2, <br>Total: 2<br><br>Total TN=29<br><br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: damage<br>Result: 5, 5, 10, 10, 3, 10, <br>Total: 20<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 7, 9, 7, <br>Total: 23<br><br>Total TN= 43<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>17-06-2008, 20:57:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo finished his search of the warehouse as he looked at the address.&nbsp; "Compensation will have to come from the Scorpion Clan."&nbsp; He'd say in response to the earlier question.&nbsp; As he made his way out of the warehouse he'd check the address again as he'd begin jogging towards the address, grabbing a thunderguard to show him the way if he needed, but he'd be hurrying to get to the location.&nbsp; If the Oni had attacked there was something in this city that it needed, which meant it was important they got it first.&nbsp; &nbsp; He still kept the chair leg with the Maho artifacts close by, in the event the city of lies contained adept theives who think it wise to take something from a magistrate.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>17-06-2008, 22:57:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The city was almost as confusing as a rat warren -- Which she supposed shouldn't be surprising, given that it was held by the Clan of Secrets.&nbsp; Still, with the help of the Thunder Guardsman, Emi was able to reach the Scorpion warehouse.&nbsp; It was guarded by two men, ronin or perhaps upjumped ashigaru by the looks of them.&nbsp; <br><br>After a split seconds thought, Emi decided to take direct action rather than risk missing an opportunity to stop a crime in progress.&nbsp; She pulled the token of an Emerald Magistrate out from where it hung within her armour, letting it hang outside where it would be clearly visible.&nbsp; She bulled forwards towards the two guards, her face stern as she bellowed at them, "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?", her hand on the hilt of her katana for emphasis.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 00:46:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo, the Thunder Guard falls in beside you, after a brief hesitation. You instruct him to lead you to the address, and he nods, setting off at a jog.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Emi, the two guards jerk upright as you bellow at them. They exchange quick glances before one replies to you. "Nothing is going on here, Crab-san." It seems obvious he had a more biting remark in mind, but spotting the Thunder Guard trailing along in your wake has tempered his tongue. It seems he does not recognise what your insigna means though.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Hashimoto, your katana bites deep into the flying oni spawn, sending it flying into the wall of the corridor beside you. It struggles back to its feet, attempting to swipe at you with its claws, a feeble attempt after the damage you have done to it.<br><br>From behind you hear a kiai as Doji-san engages another.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 09:16:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Foul beast, your end is near," He said as he drew his sword up for a crushing blow attempt as he put forth all of his muscle behind this strike to end it here and now hopefully so he could catch up to the bigger problem at hand.&nbsp; <br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: attack<br>Result: 9, 8, 6, 4, 6, 10, <br>Total: 30<br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 6, <br>Total: 6<br><br>TN= 36<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 6d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: damage<br>Result: 1, 3, 1, 6, 2, 3, <br>Total: 9<br>(crapola!)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>21-06-2008, 14:32:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though not a clean blow, it is enough to drop the spawn, given how much you had hurt it already. From behind you hear the sounds of Doji-san fighting as well. Do you wish to turn and assist him, or see where the large oni went?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>22-06-2008, 04:59:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would turn looking to see how the Doji was doing on his own.&nbsp; He would make an attempt to get in clear by him and close enough to make a true strike at the creature. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>22-06-2008, 13:32:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At Doji-sans feet lie the remains of one of the oni spawn, and two others shriek and snap at his ankles, unable to get past his guard. As you watch, his katana slices two legs off another, sending it sprawling awkwardly to the ground. He darts a quick look at you and returns his attention to his opponents. "These are no challenge." he says. "Where did the big one go?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>23-06-2008, 05:28:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would turn on his heels and head towards the master bedroom where the mask lay scattered all over the floor.&nbsp; He would grunt a little working his way to get up through the roof and after the beast.&nbsp; "This way," he would say as he started moving quickly to pick up the pace a little and catch their prey.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-06-2008, 01:26:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto, you arrive on the roof just in time to see the oni bounding away from a nearby roof, sailing perhaps twenty or twenty five feet to land with a crunch on the next roof. In moments it is leaping again, its great bounds carrying it away far faster than you can persue it. As you watch it's path, a movement at the ground catches your eye ... a figure hiding in the shadows across the street, also watching the oni.<br><br>Apparently noticing you, he bows, then turns and heads up the alleyway behind him. As he passes through an errant shaft of moonlight, you are able to get a reasonable look at him. He wears a simple vest and pants, and even at this distance you can make out his shaved head, and the forms of several tattoos upon his body. Across his back is what appears to be a sheathed katana in a blue saya.<br><br>An ise zumi with a sword?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>27-06-2008, 21:19:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would see this as he hmmed to himself.&nbsp; He would turn and look towards the Doji if he should come up to the rooftop as well.&nbsp; The target was way out of range to follow and well down to the ground for him to go after from the rooftops at the moment.&nbsp; "Seems we have troubles from the Dragon clans own shamans," he would say to the Doji once he was up on the rooftop.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>28-06-2008, 16:25:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Scorpion smirked at her and didn't even seem to recognize the sign of an Emerald Magistrate.&nbsp; That incensed Emi as she strode forward, closing with the two guardsmen as if she planned to strangle the pair of them with her own two hands.<br><br>"I am an Emerald Magistrate, fools, personal representative of the Son of Heaven himself!&nbsp; I mean to see what is going on in that warehouse myself, right now, in the name of Hantei.&nbsp; If you are not traitors to Rokugan, stand aside now or prepare to write your death haikus!"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-06-2008, 19:29:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura, you have only today arrived in the City of Ryoko Owari, and find the preparations for the Festival the focus of everyones attention. With nothing constructive likely to be available before tomorrow, or perhaps even the day after, you set out to enjoy the festival. Unfortunately your unfamiliarity with the city has found you away from the main streets, even though you were sure that last turn should have taken you back to one of the main thoroughfairs.<br><br>A shout from just ahead draws your attention, and a strange sight greets your gaze. What is obviously a Crab bushi, with one of the city's Thunder Guards in tow is shouting at a pair of warehouse guards. You hear her identify herself as an Emerald Magistrate, which is also unusual enough. <br><br>- - - -<br><br>Emi, the guards are taken aback by your outburst, but open the door, muttering apologies. Inside, you can see crates scattered about, but little else. Many of the crates are open, or labeled, and you can see some contain party favours, some masks, and more common things such as silks, rice, beans and grains.<br><br>The building itself is constructed of study oak beams, and a set of shaky looking stairs lead up&nbsp; to a second floor.<br><br>From behind you comes a shout. "Magistrates! Kill them, or we're all dead." A handfull of scruffy looking men boil up from behind the crates and hurl themselves towards you.<br><br>- - - -<br><br>Initiative please.<br><br>Yukimura, you're close enough to hear this shout. It sounds clearly like an assault on an Imperial servant, and hence an insult to the Law and the Son of Heaven both.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>04-07-2008, 18:58:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi strides through the opened doors and into the warehouse, fighting the urge to smirk.&nbsp; Cranes and Scorpions can say what they wish about etiquette; the Path a Crab walks still gets results.&nbsp; Settling her face into her typical mask of stern resolve she looks around the warehouse briskly.<br><br>Suddenly, she hears a shout behind her and spins, seeing bandits rushing forth.&nbsp; Emi feels a surge of excitement -- Finally, an enemy she can face with her grandmother's sword in hand and defeat for the honor of the Imperial Hantei and the Crab Clan.&nbsp; She draws swiftly draws her katana, settling it into her palms.&nbsp; Emi flicks a glance over to the Thunder Guardsman and the two warehouse guards, wondering who's side the treacherous Scorpions will be on this fight.<br><br>She decides it better be hers -- Otherwise, she's likely to die with honor this fight.&nbsp; Well, death is the way of a Samurai and she has no choice but to succeed or die in the attempt.<br><br>"FIGHT THEM, YOU FOOLS!" Emi roars assuming a defensive stance as she prepares for the clash of steel.<br><br>(Initiative roll, 10 + 9, 7 = 26)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>06-07-2008, 11:05:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura was a young Scorpion Bushi who wandered the streets, trying to find his orientation. Clad in crimson armor, he wore a mask with golden lines and a helmet. He walked with a calm pace, one hand casually resting on the grip of his katana as he took in his surroundings. 'Great only just arrived and already lost my way' he thought.<br><br>What he heard and saw next surprised him greatly.<br>This was unexpected... .<br>Crab men and women were a brutish bunch but the female Crab seemed in the right. She was a representative of the Emperor and the law. The choice to make was obvious as he drew his katana and accelerated into a jog, heading towards the immineny battle... .<br><br>(Initiative Roll - 32 (5D10) +11 (reroll 2 D10's)=43)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>08-07-2008, 22:55:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Flicking a glance over her shoulder, Emi snarls a curse.&nbsp; Her worries are realized and the so called guards are indeed in league with the bandits.&nbsp; Well, there's no choice but to face her fate like a Crab and trust her armour to protect her from her enemies!<br><br>Emi decides she needs to cut down the two guards at the door to open the option of retreating or at least using the doors as a chokepoint to prevent getting surrounded.&nbsp; Thus, she decides to rapidly move towards one of the two traitors, driving towards him with her katana.<br><br>(Attack roll, 14. Damage roll, 20)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-07-2008, 23:45:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi, from the corner of your eye you see the lone thunder guard move past you, a determined look on his face. As your weapon smashes into the first of the treacherous warehouse guards you hear the ringing of steel from behind you. It would seem the thunder guard has placed himself to guard your back while you deal with these rabble.<br><br>Your blow drives one staggering backwards, gasping in pain. The second thrusts a poor looking spear at you, which glances away, turned by your armour. From behind you heard a scream of pain, followed almost instantly by a second, and the thuds of a pair of bodies falling.<br><br>- - - -<br><br>Yukimura, you can act last in this round, as you had to move in, but first in the next. From your vantage point you can see the thunderguard dash into the doorway of the warehouse, the Crab magistrate turning to engage the door guards. She sends one stumbling back from a heavy blow, and from behind her come scream of pain. <br><br>You're in position to engage either of the warehouse door guards, or try to move past her to see what is happening with the thunder guard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>09-07-2008, 20:00:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura joined the Crab Magistrate and engaged one of the warehouse guards.<br>He had no clear view of what was going on, so assumed it best to use a bit of caution. The nearby foe was the greatest threat, so the young Scorpion bushi engaged him first.<br>Bayushi Yukimua took in one of his stances and lashed out at the one before him, a clean strike with his blade.<br><br>(attack roll 6k3: 22, Damage roll 5k2: 18)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-07-2008, 01:58:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi, as you strike down the first of the dishonorable guards, you see the second reeling away from the stroke of a katana held by another Scorpion samurai. Both are wounded, but not yet down.<br><br>Yukimura, from the position you've moved to you can see past the Crab and just in through the doors of the warehouse. A figure wearing what you can recognise as a Thunder Guard uniform lies crumpled on the floor, another body just beyond him. Advancing over the two fallen come three more men, peasants from their general appearance, bearing a variety of crude weapons. <br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Hashimoto, you are indeed joined a moment later by Doji-san, but when you look down the ise zumi has disappeared into the night. From below, you can hear raised voices. It would seem the rest of the household is now awakening.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>13-07-2008, 07:49:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would tilt his head a little as he looked to Doji-san "What do you make of the Dragon ise zumi with a sword strapped to his back as being?"&nbsp; He asked as he stood there on the roof resheathing his katana as he scowled into the night wanting to catch up to the culprit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-07-2008, 12:39:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I know little of the ise zumi." replied Doji-san, and you hear a slight note of caution enter his voice. "Only what I have heard in stories, since I have never met one. I understand they are rare enough in Dragon lands, and almost unheard of outside them. I have also heard they have a rather ... unique ... way of looking at the world."<br><br>He looks over the edge of the building, down into the street below. "No monk would wield a sword, but if any were to carry one for another purpose, I think that would be an ise zumi."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>13-07-2008, 16:33:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura took in what happened but quickly turned his attention back to his wounded foe. He wanted to finish him of before their enemies were reinforced. The young Scorpion Bushi rose up his blade and lashed diagonally at his foe, one hand holding the blade, his left supporting the end. He did not speak to the female Crab just yet, there would be time for talk later.<br><br>(6k3: 22, 5k2: 16)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-07-2008, 19:08:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimuras strike is true, and his target crumples to the ground, either dead or greviously hurt. Either way, he will take no further part in the fight.<br><br>Emi, you're up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>14-07-2008, 00:42:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Honorless goblin loving vermin!" Emi snarls curses and imprecations as yet another Scorpion joins the fray from behind her.&nbsp; This is turning into a very bad night.&nbsp; Yet from behind her, she can feel more of the bandits pressing close and she has no idea where her Thunder Guard ally is at this point.&nbsp; She has no choice but to take the risk of turning and hoping that the one she marked is too badly hurt to try to jump her from behind.<br><br>Emi whirls, Katana in hand.&nbsp; Oh, that's where her Thunder Guard went.&nbsp; Damn.&nbsp; Well, it's like her sensei always said.&nbsp; If you can't think of anything else to do, hit something.<br><br>"HIDA!" Emi screams ferociously, swinging her katana in a two handed grip at one of the thugs inside the warehouse.<br><br>(Attack roll, 23.&nbsp; Damage roll, 21)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-07-2008, 01:20:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The leading bandit now gets a very precise lesson in just why the Crab have the reputation they do, as Emi's katana bites deep into him. He staggers, halfway through his own strike, but the shock and pain from his wound rob it of all accuracy and power. As he staggers away from the blow he gets in the way of his compatriots, just enough that their own blows either just miss Emi, or slide off her armour.<br><br>The one at her rear seems to have decided he has had enough, as you can hear his footsteps race, or at least stagger, away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>14-07-2008, 06:46:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would shake his head as he looked around the area"well its gone now and too dark to track him and the oni."&nbsp; He said as he went to move past him and head into the building and back down to check for survivors.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>14-07-2008, 10:00:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura who now stands behind Emi speaks "I'll rejoin you in a moment Crab-sama" he said cooly as he pursued the wounded Bandit.<br>He moved closer to lash out at the fleeing wounded bandit closest to him. The crimsonclad Scorpion Bushi performed a typical Bayushi strike at the man's back, his upper face concealed by a red and golden mask.<br><br>(Attack Roll 6k3: 21, Damage Roll 5k2: 18)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>15-07-2008, 06:43:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi barely acknowledges or notices the Scorpion's words behind her.&nbsp; After all, the middle of a fight to the death isn't really the time to make acquaintances.&nbsp; It's enough to know that the Scorpion bushi doesn't seem to be immediately threatening her as she faces off with the three bandits left inside the warehouse.<br><br>Sizing up the trio of villains in front of her, Emi notes the wide wound from her cut on the one in the middle.&nbsp; That'll hamper him somewhat.&nbsp; Hida Bushi learn on the Wall that when facing superior numbers, sometimes it's more important to cripple many than kill one.&nbsp; Emi switches her gaze to the one on the left, a previously unwounded bandit and lunges towards him, aiming to cleave him with the curve of her grandmother's blade.<br><br>(Attack roll, 30.&nbsp; Damage roll, 33)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>15-07-2008, 12:08:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Two strikes and two more of the bandits are crumpled to the ground. The remaining two lash out at Emi, but their blades are stopped by study Crab armour.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>15-07-2008, 22:34:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finishing of the wounded bandit, Yukimura allowed himself a small smile and than turned around, eager to finish things.<br>Quickly he headed towards Emi and attacked the Bandit closest to him with another strike of his katana. The man was closest and therefore he aimed at him. The Crab seemed most capable, by the time he dealt with this one, he was pretty sure she would have finished of her opponent with relative easy.<br>He tried to remain as calm as possible, who knew what troubles awaited him after disposing of these miscreants? He had to remain on guard. Besides he knew little of the situation let alone this woman.<br><br>(Attack Roll 6k3: 25, Damage Roll 5k2: 19)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>16-07-2008, 04:44:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Scorpion bushi steps back into the fray, evening the odds.&nbsp; Emi faces the remaining bandit, sword in fist.&nbsp; She presses closer to the bandit and roars to the dog, "Surrender!&nbsp; Drop your weapon or I'll cut you down where you stand!"<br><br>Holding her katana at the ready, Emi pauses for a brief second to allow the bandit a chance to surrender, but holds herself poised to try to knock him down or disarm him if he tries to run or attack.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>16-07-2008, 12:16:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Before the bandit has a chance to reply, a pair of arrows cut through the doorway, embedding themselves harmlessly in the street. It would seem that there are yet more bandits to deal with. His mouth purses in a line and he throws himself forwards, blade first.<br><br>The second takes advantage of the distraction to stab his spear into Yukimura. ((14 damage))<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Meanwhile, back at the house of the Crane ...<br><br>Doji-san leads you back down inside, where you find an authoritative figure has arrived, and is calming the women. Judging by the guards around him, this could well be Doji Tsumetsu himself. As you arrive, the women are telling of your bravery in confronting the various oni.<br><br>The guard you recognise from the front door steps forward, and asks for permission to commit seppuku, since he failed in&nbsp; his duty, and has brought dishonour on himself.<br><br>Tsumetsu shakes his head at this request. "Iie, Naigotai-san. Evil maho was at fault here." As he says this, the servants mutter amongst themselves, and make signs to the Fortunes to protect them.<br><br>Tsumetsu catches sight of you, and steps forwards, looking you all over. "You have defended my house, and protected the lives of my children. I owe you a reward for such valour. Please accept the hospitality of my home, and allow me to present you with a small token."<br><br>He motions to one of the servants and whispers something to her. She nods and scurries off, returning a few moments later with a small satchel, intricately stitched with the mon of the Crane.<br><br>He turns to address Hashimoto. "Please accept this on behalf of your group." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>16-07-2008, 16:12:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The tall Crab female could hear a groan as Yuki's foe hits target and draw blood.<br>The young Scorpion, though of decent stature by Rokugani standards stood in stark contrast with the Crab's physique.<br>"Vile bastards!" Bayushi Yukimura hissed as he lashed out once more. He needed to kill this one than find cover or engage the archers. He lashed out at his enemy eager to draw blood, Yuki had a cruel streak and vengeance for the wound would sooth the pain... .<br>"Crab-sama... let's finish this quickly before the enemy gets an opportunity to take us out from afar".<br><br>(Attack Roll 6k3: 27, Damage Roll 5k2: 12) 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 01:12:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto stands there looking at the gift and then towards the Doji himself.&nbsp; He would eye the prize a little as he stood with his hands at his side and examining what lay within the contents of said satchel without touching it yet.&nbsp; <br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 4d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: awarenessettiquette roll<br>Result: 9, 10, 3, 2, <br>Total: 22<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 1, <br>Total: 1<br>Total TN= 23
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 05:41:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would shake his head in turn and reply back simply "I was doing what i would do in the face of evil incarnate nothing more."&nbsp; He said as he kept his hands folded across his chest as he looked on watching the Doji.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 12:08:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"None the less," replied Doji-sama, "You faced it, and defeated it, and such valour deserves to be recognised. Please accept this as a show of our gratitude and admiration."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 18:15:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cursing as archers join the fray, Emi decides she has no choice but to cut this bandit down and take cover before she gets feathered in the back.&nbsp; She lunges towards the foolish bandit with her katana.<br><br>(Attack roll, 18.&nbsp; Damage roll, 24)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 19:39:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura downs the wounded bandit with another swipe of his katana, then sees Emi deliver a punishing blow to the last one, sending him staggering backwards. The bandit cries out again, then pitches forwards with an arrow jutting from between his shoulderblades, a second one slamming into the wooden door frame near you.<br><br>With all the bandits outside down or dead, you have time to gather your breath and decide what to do next, though obviously those still inside need to be dealt with.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 21:36:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura's calm gaze moved towards the female Crab.<br>"Well now things are calm... for a moment" he said "Mind informing me of what hornet's nest i got myself into Crab-sama?" he asked. His hand held the hilt of his blade tightly. He was wounded but standing and like a true Scorpion, his voice betrayed no emotion or weakness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 23:36:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I was only doing what i was born to do and that was to fight against the evil incarnate where it lies."&nbsp; He said as he stood there looking to Doji and refusing to take the offered gift right at this moment.&nbsp; "I do not deserve such gratitude for doing what i would do anyways for anybody."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-07-2008, 00:08:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The way of the samurai is duty." replied Doji-sama, nodding, "But one should always be recognised for excelling in ones duty, and going beyond what is expected. Please accept this in our recognition of that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>18-07-2008, 00:20:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would take and look to the gift that he was offering before finally holding out his hand and taking the gift.&nbsp; He would bow to Doji-san and go to step back and wait for further instructions, as he didnt know where the other magistrates were at, at the moment. "Thank you Doji-san, I will hold this gift in the highest honor," he said as he stood there looking inside the satchel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-07-2008, 00:34:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-sama smiles and nods. "Then let me show you what each is." He opens the satchel to reveal a number of small items. "These are tsangusuri ... minor nemurami, created by our cousins within the Asahina." He smiles towards Asahina-san, and lifts the first out, a small black wooden fan.<br><br>"When you hold this fan, and ask the kami within to help you, any who listen to you will hear the whispers of what you have done tonight, and must recognise your honour and glory, and pay heed to your words."<br><br>The second is a small key. "No door will bar you from completing your duty, the kami within will open any door, no matter how it has been sealed."<br><br>The third is a small pear. "The kami within here will purge any poison from one system, and undo some of the harm that has been done to the eaters body."<br><br>The last is a jade statuette of Lady Sun. "Lady Sun has given her blessing to this. Call on it, and her radiance will shine forth. Three times you may ask her blessing, the others will work only the once."<br><br>He pauses, holding the statue and looking at you. "It is said that such is the blessing on this, that it can even restore a lost soul to Amaterasu's grace."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>18-07-2008, 07:22:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would listen to this and nod his head as he took the items from the satchel and went to place them in his own.&nbsp; "It is an honor to recieve such gifts from you Doji-san."&nbsp; He said as he made a formal bow and then stood up straight "But i have to get back to my group and find out where they are at the moment and if there is some leads to this mystery surrounding the recent Oni attacks."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-07-2008, 12:38:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Doji-sama opens his mouth to reply, another figure enters the room, a much older man. Doji-sama turns as he enters, giving him a bow, as do the rest of the Crane present, and then turns to look at you again. "This is my father, Doji Ukidanu."<br><br>The old man walks slowly over and makes a polite nod to everyone, then breaks out in a wide, toothless grin. He looks directly as Hashimoto as he speaks. "Do you play Go?" he asks in a croaking voice. "I play go. I will play with you."<br><br>Ukidanu totters off to a small table nearby, somehow untouched by the oni spawn as they ravaged the house, and begins to set up a Go board, all the time muttering happily to himself.<br><br>Doji Tsumetsu turns to one of the servants and gestures for her to leave. "Fetch tea for our guests."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>19-07-2008, 08:35:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(grumbles as his go skills arent up to par)<br><br><br>Hashimoto would blink slightly and bow towards the eldar Doji-sama as he kept his face rather neutral of course "I will play you in a game of Go."&nbsp; He said plainly thou he didnt want to let it be known that he didnt have a clue as to what he was doing in the game.&nbsp; It had been years it seemed since he had played Go at all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 06:46:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi stepped to the side of the door as the last bandit dropped, gripping her katana's hilt tightly, feeling the sweat that dampened the silk wrapped around the hilt.&nbsp; She made a traditional flick of the sword, flicking off the blood that had annointed it.&nbsp; She hoped her grandmother would be happy with how Emi had acquitted herself.<br><br>Then she turned to face the Scorpion who had come to her aid.&nbsp; Well, if it wasn't the help that she would have chosen for herself, it was the help that her karma had chosen for her.&nbsp; Nothing to be done about it but take her place on the Wall and go about her duty.<br><br>"Bandits and filth," Emi spat tersely to the Scorpion.&nbsp; "Someone with them is using maho, too."<br><br>Although the bandits who had immediately attacked her had been dealt with, there were still archers inside.&nbsp; Indeed an arrow had pierced the Scorpion who had come to her aid.&nbsp; But that could not be a reason why she stopped now -- This warehouse held within it the key to cracking the mystery of the oni, she felt it in her bones!&nbsp; Those archers had to be dealt with, before they unleashed the horrors of Fu Leng on the innocent (such as they were) Scorpions of the city.<br><br>"I mean to go in there and cut down those archers before they flee, or worse escape with whatever it is they are trying to accomplish.&nbsp; If you are wounded, take a message to the other magistrates with me and tell them I have found a hive of bandits.&nbsp; If not, stay behind me.&nbsp; We'll see how those arrows fair against Crab steel."<br><br>With that, Emi readied herself, popping her head forward to peep into the warehouse, hoping to get a clue where the archers were and quickly pulling her head back before they feathered her.&nbsp; She'd have no choice but to charge the scum, hoping her armour would hold true as she got close enough to cut them down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 09:15:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once he was seated he would go into a game of Go with the elder of the Crane clan.&nbsp; <br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: go roll<br>Result: 9, 1, 10, <br>Total: 20<br><br>Roll Result: Dragoondawg25 rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: exploding tens<br>Result: 4, <br>Total: 4<br><br>TN=24
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 11:46:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Bayushi Yukimura does not flee from his duties, just because of a minor wound" he said as he positioned himself behind the brutish female. The woman really was a Crab. But at the least she was efficient. <br>He held his blade low and slightly behind her, back of the shoulder against the wall.<br>"And i'm certainly not abandoning a fellow warrior doing her duty" he said calmly. His darkbrown gaze moved towards the inside of the warehouse. <br>He nodded at Emi "Feel free to take the lead though" he said. For a moment there was a flicker of amusement in his voice and his lips formed into the tiniest of smiles, before his expression, partially hidden by his mask, turned back to normal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 12:37:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Two arrows whistle through the air past Emi to strike into the street, but just after she had withdrawn her head again. Her quick look has shown her that there is a rickety looking stairway which leads up to a walkway that runs around the inside of the building. The two archers are in front of a doorway on this upper level. As you stuck your head in, both were glancing back behind them, and the look on their faces is ... surprising. They look terrified.<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Hashimoto, it has been a while since you played a game of go, but the strategy soon comes back to you. For all the old man's appearance, he does seem to know the game well though. It does take him a while to choose the placement of his stones, allowing you to listen as the others talk over tea.<br><br>Tsumetsu has had a low table brought it, and set nearby, and a little time passes in the polite formalities of Crane behaviour. Eventually he moves on to something you would consider of substance. "I had been called away." he explains. "Actually Oraku, I was looking for you. It seemed a job more for a magistrate than a hatamoto, but since you were not around, the duty fell to me. One of the Unicorn warehouses in the Merchant Quarter was attacked, and all their trade stock destroyed. Since we had a shipment of silks coming, they let me know about it." He gives his head a shake. "It's a strange day when criminals destroy valuable goods, and make off with party favours for the Bon Festival."<br><br>"Festival items?" replies Oruku. "That is strange." <br><br>"What is stranger still," says Tsumetsu, setting down his tea, "is that we cannot tell what they took. They went to the effort of breaking in to the warehouse, ransacking it and breaking open all the crates, but seem to have taken nothing." He frowns. "Of course, I am sure that once the Unicorn have completed their inventory they will find something missing. It would make no sense otherwise."<br><br>At the go board, the old man chuckles happily and places another stone.<br><br>As Tsumetsu explains further, you realise the break in must have happened about the time you encountered the bandits yourself, at the eta village.<br><br>Outside, you begin to hear 'hiss' and dull 'crump' noises. With a moments thought you realise that people are beginning to send fireworks up into the night sky, in celebration of the Festival. You know people will now be gathering in the streets, torches held high, celebrating their ancestors.<br><br>Tsumetsu tells you that the a grand parade has been arranged for the hour of the Goat (2am to 4am), that will follow the perimeter road through the city to the Temple of the Sun Goddess herself. "The high point is when the great globe at the Temple will be lit by Amaterasu's own fire, bringing Her blessings to all of Ryoko Owari. It is a grand moment, and more than merely symbolic. It is said that if the globe is not lit, Lady Sun will look on the city with disfavour, and there would be many misfortunes in the coming year." He leans back in his chair, taking a sip of tea. <br><br>Hashimoto, you get the feeling that something strange is going on. The old man seems to pass over several of what you would consider perfectly good placements in order to place his stones elsewhere. As you watch, you see an opportunity for victory. There is a stylised move called "the Tattooed Friend", which relies on your opponent outsmarting himself. Indeed, as you play it, this is just what happens, and the old man laughs with glee, bowing to you and conceding the game.<br><br>"You are a good player." he says. "We play again, later .. yes later, not now. Too much for samurai to do this night. But since you win, you should have a prize." He begins to pat his kimono and obi, and out of one sleeve he produces a thin statuette, shaped like an hourglass. One of the bulbs has broken, and most of the sand appears to have run out of it.<br><br>"Found this outside." he explains. "You won it, you keep it. Can't lie around sleeping all night though, too much to do." As he drops the hourglass into your hand you feel a wave of tiredness steal over you, and your jaw clenches to prevent a yawn coming out. After a moment the sensation fades though.&nbsp; The old man bows again, and walks off, singing something to himself.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 22:44:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would blink slightly as he looked to the hourglass and tried his hardest not to yawn from the sheer tiredness that waved over him.&nbsp; What manner of trickery is this he wondered as he sat there looking over the item before placing it in his satchel and out of his hands.&nbsp; He would stand up and tilt his head lightly as he bowed to those present.&nbsp; "I think it would be best if i was to go to the temple and see the globe itself being lit," he said thou keeping to himself that his intentions were to see if he could catch the thieves who stole from the warehouse in the city.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 22:45:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo comes running up towards the address Emi was supposed to checking out, in time to see her popping her head in and the arrows flying into the street. &nbsp;"How many?" Hanzo would ask as he took position up beside the doorway, drawing his swords as he tried to stay out of the line of fire. &nbsp;He was hoping for a low number. &nbsp;A couple archers wouldn't be a huge issue, but if there were four or five archers fighting their way in wouldn't be much of an option.<br><br>Hanzo would nod to the scorpion, if there was a fight to be had, he'd get introductions to the scoprion afterwards, right now it seems they've found the bandits they are chasing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 23:39:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is indeed worth seeing." said Tsumetsu, "but it will not be lit for many hours yet. You still have most of the night to enjoy the rest of the Festival."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>21-07-2008, 00:40:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would nod to this as he hmmed lightly.&nbsp; "Then I need to return to the other magistrates and see what has transpired while I was away."&nbsp; He said as he went to stand up and go to head out of the Doji's House of the Crane Clan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>21-07-2008, 00:52:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji Oruku makes his goodbyes as well, and accompanies yourself and Meiwha outside. "Where to now?" he asks.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>22-07-2008, 06:42:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Dogs," Emi curses as she jerks her head back, arrows whistling past her nose.&nbsp; Two archers in an elevated position up a stairway that looked like it had been built by a mujina.&nbsp; Well, no one said being a Crab was easy.&nbsp; <br><br>Just at that moment, her fellow magistrate Hanzo ran up.&nbsp; An experienced warrior, Hanzo didn't hesitate to take up a ready position.<br><br>"Two that I can see," Emi said in a terse, low voice.&nbsp; "Maybe more.&nbsp; No sign of maho yet, but with our luck, I wouldn't count it out."<br><br>Setting her both of her hands on the hilt of her katana, Emi holds it straight up and down before her, bowing her head as she whispers a quick prayer to Bishamon.&nbsp; Then Emi opens her eyes and says to her two companions, "Be ready."<br><br>Taking a quick calming breath, Emi readies herself.&nbsp; Then she flings herself around the corner and into the warehouse, running full out towards the narrow staircase with a full throated shout, "FOR THE HANTEI!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>22-07-2008, 09:30:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Scorpion nodded lightly at Hanzo, maintaining his position.<br>Suddenly as Emi rushed forth, the young warrior began to move behind the impetuous Crab female.<br>Whatever her subtlety, it must seem an intimidating sight for the fools inside, when the Crab came rushing in.<br>Yukimura didn't roar or yell, instead he just followed her, weary to react to unexpected events.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>23-07-2008, 03:52:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo follows suit, taking up a defensive posture as he followed the scorpion and Emi-san. The Crab was definatly the one to do a battle cry, unnerve the enemy and make them a few inches shorter.&nbsp; Hanzo prefered other tactics, and in this case, with his swords drawn and able to see the archers, nothing was more distrubing to an archer to be able to aim all they like none of their arrows being able to hit the target.<br><br>Bringing up the rear, the other two would hit the targets first, so all he could do is ensure that no matter what the archers did, he was standing when he reached them to cut the pair in two if they managed to fell Emi or the scoprion.<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 33to the total<br>Comment: Total defense<br>Result: 8, 6, 8, 7, 2, 2, 1, <br>Total: 62<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>23-07-2008, 08:43:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The two bandits give a visible start as Emi charges them, screaming. Both loose their shafts at her, one skipping off her armour to vanish somewhere in the darkness of the warehouse, the other sinking into her flesh.<br><br>However, that is all they are able to be before she reaches them.<br><br>((8 damage to Emi))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>24-07-2008, 00:00:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would tilt his head a little as he walked out of the house and looked down the streets.&nbsp; "Well I would say that i need to head back into the city and find where my comrades are hiding out, if they are out and about at all."&nbsp; He said to himself as he checked his satchel and everything to make sure it was all tied down.&nbsp; "How about we head back to the Inn, maybe someone is there to tell me where they went," he said more so to himself then anybody else.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-07-2008, 01:36:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Doji magistrate nodded, looking at Hashimoto with a considering expression. "I spoke quietly with Doji-sama while you were playing go. The Unicorn warehouse that was broken in to, that is one of the merchants that Doji Juzo and his two companions had dealings with. I do not think this was simple coincidence, do you?"<br><br>He turned to glance out over the darkening city. "I wonder what may have happened at the others they traded with, the Crab and Scorpion?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>25-07-2008, 11:58:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would tilt his head slightly as he stood there wondering what was going on.&nbsp; He would take and hmm a little bit as he looked to the darkening city himself.&nbsp; "Maybe we should go and see if infact it is a pattern and check the Crab warehouse first then my own clansmans."&nbsp; He said as he stormed off towards the city to head to the Crab warehouse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>26-07-2008, 00:30:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san nodded, and led off through the city. The streets are becoming progressively more packed, as people begin to get into the spirit of the Festival, and occasional fireworks sparkle in the night sky. With Doji-sans knowledge of the city, it does not take long to reach the address of the Crab. <br><br>As you draw close, you see the door is standing slightly open. Doji-san nods towards it, and advances with his hand on the hilt of his katana, ready for an iaijutsu draw. He steps in through the door, looks around and seems to relax somewhat. "I believe someone has been here before us." he says, moving aside to let you enter, or look.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>29-07-2008, 16:17:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi bit off a snarl of pain as an arrow found a weak spot in her thick Crab armour, feeling her own blood starting to trickle inside her armour.&nbsp; Well, she had been wounded before and like all Crabs, she knew how to keep fighting through the pain and injury.<br><br>She rushed up towards the two scum, swinging her katana in a savage cut aimed to cut down the man who wounded her.<br><br>(Attack roll, 14, Damage roll, 21)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-07-2008, 19:38:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pushing through the pain, Emi's strike was true, biting deep into the arm of the bandit who had shot her. The man stumbled back, definitely hurt, both bandits drawing large knives from their belts as she was too close for bows now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>30-07-2008, 22:14:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would tilt his head a little as he looked around wondering to himself what was going on.&nbsp; He would slowly go and push the door open on the crab warehouse and slowly enter inside.&nbsp; His hand upon his sword as he narrowed his eyes waiting and listening for anything out of the ordinary. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>31-07-2008, 01:59:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It is quite apparent something has happened here, as the place is a shambles, with furniture overturned and furnishings destroyed. Small coins are scattered across the floor, and you can see several patches of a black, tarry looking substance.<br><br>There is a hole in the floor where one of the floorboards has been raised, though you cannot tell what lies there from where you stand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>31-07-2008, 16:33:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would take and walk slowly into the room as he looked around.&nbsp; His first indication would be to check the tarry substance upon the ground as he looked it over to see if he could distinguish what it was.&nbsp; All the while he would point out to Doji" what was in that hole in the ground, was it out enemys escape and entrance or a holding place for something?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>31-07-2008, 21:32:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hole in the floor seems to be a small hideaway, for something valuable. It is certainly not deep enough even for a child, let alone an adult. The tarry substance you recall, the remains of Oni spawn .. you saw it earlier this evening, back at the inn. Someone has killed several of them here.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>31-07-2008, 23:43:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura moved fast and and came to the aid of the Crab. Attacking the foe next to Emi's direct opponent, he lashed out low.<br>With some luck this mess would be done and over quickly and then he'd get some answers... maybe.<br>The Crimson Bushi didn't really expect this duo to be a lot of trouble, but best not to underestimate them... or whatever may lie ahead.<br><br>(Attack Roll 6k3: 23, Damage Roll 5k2: 13) 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>01-08-2008, 00:45:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimuras katana bit into his opponents leg, scoring a deep gash along the hip. The bandit cried out in pain, lashing out with his knife, though he overestimated his reach, and the knife passed harmlessly in front of the samurai. The second bandit had equally little success in trying to hit Emi.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>02-08-2008, 10:46:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would move closer and begin investigating the hole for clues.&nbsp; "Well whom ever was here took something but i dont know if it was the spawn or one of ours that took the item from its hiding place."&nbsp; He would say as he moved closer and inspected the hole.&nbsp; All the while he wondered if some tracks were left by any escapees.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-08-2008, 14:09:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimuras blade bit into the second bandit, elicting a cry of pain. The man is wounded, but not down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-08-2008, 21:56:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unfortunately there are too few tracks inside the building and too many outside to know who it was that was in this building earlier. Your attempt to track those responsible proves too much of a challenge for your present skills.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>06-08-2008, 02:52:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo moved in between the two bandits, slipping between his commrads to get a clear shot at the two bandits and struck twice at them, letting dragon steel sing for a moment as he tried to mop up the work begun by those before him.&nbsp; The Dragon continued his silent approach to fighting, just a stone faced giant weaving his way into battle.&nbsp; Were they less honorable, he is fairly positive Emi and himself would make quiet the scary pair, given the near head they had on everyone they met.<br><br><br>(attack rolls&nbsp; 45 for 20 damage)<br>(Attack rolls 33 for 33 damage)<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack with 2 raises<br>Result: 2, 2, 9, 9, 6, 9, 10, 1, <br>Total: 44<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 44to the total<br>Comment: Attack with 2 raises exploded<br>Result: 1, <br>Total: 45<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack with 2 raises<br>Result: 1, 3, 5, 4, 10, 1, 3, 6, <br>Total: 32<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 32to the total<br>Comment: Attack with 2 raises exploded<br>Result: 1, <br>Total: 33<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage<br>Result: 6, 6, 7, 7, 6, 1, 2, <br>Total: 20<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage<br>Result: 3, 5, 10, 5, 8, 10, 9, <br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice, adding 29to the total<br>Comment: Damage exploded<br>Result: 3, 1, <br>Total: 33
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-08-2008, 03:03:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The niten style of the Dragon is truely awesome to behold. It also happens to be the last thing the two bandits will ever see. Both crumple to the ground, one toppling from the stairs to crash into some crates below. The other staggers back to fall just outside a door that leads somewhere deeper into the warehouse.<br><br>Perception/Notice roll for the three here please. Perception/Investigation if you don't have notice as an emphasis, flat Perception otherwise.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>06-08-2008, 06:13:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Flat perception, no exploding 10s, result 25)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>06-08-2008, 07:19:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Precpinvestigation<br>Result: 1, 2, 5, 3, 1, <br>Total: 10<br><br>(kill things... sure.&nbsp; See... nope)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>07-08-2008, 20:35:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto woudl grunt in frustration as he tilted his head a little bit.&nbsp; Taking and walking back to the little cubbyhole where an item was taken from the warehouse.&nbsp; "Do you have any idea what was kept in this hidden slot?"&nbsp; He asked Doji-san.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-08-2008, 01:20:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I regret I do not." replied Doji-san. "People will often hide things of value in such a place. Normally I would say money or the like ..." his hand gestured towards the coins that littered the floor, "But that does not seem to have been a concern here. Very strange."<br><br>- - - - -<br><br>Emi, your sharp ears pick up the scuffing of sandals on wood from nearby. Someone is waiting behind that door in ambush for you.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>10-08-2008, 04:22:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the sounds of leather sandals rasping on wood, Hida Emi quickly holds up a fist, signalling for a halt and attention.&nbsp; She raises a finger to her lips, to ask for quiet, then she points to her ear and then to the door, to let her Dragon Comrade know she has heard someone behind the door.<br><br>Of course, knowing a criminal is nearby, Emi feels honor bound to face and crush the honorless dog in a fashion worthy of the Crab Clan.&nbsp; She begins to walk towards the door, as if she planned on walking into the ambush, her heavy armour jingling.&nbsp; She recalls her sensei's lesson; A Crab excels by travelling the path others refuse to walk.&nbsp; With that lesson in mind, Emi looks at the walls, wondering if they are just thin and flimsy bamboo that she could burst through or stick her katana through.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-08-2008, 10:26:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The exterior walls of the warehouse you noticed were heavy and solid wood. The interior .. it's hard to tell in this gloom, the warehouse not being very well lit. It looks like wood .. perhaps lighter wooden slats, and heavier support beams? Probably not enough to stand up to a tetsubo .. or an angry crab. Getting a sufficient run up to burst through could be tricky though, since the walkway is narrow. Charging up the stairs might be an option, but that staircase was rather unsteady.<br><br>((If you want to try bursting through a wall, it will be a strength/athletics check to do so. The TN will be lower if you use the stairs for a run up, but that will require an agility/athletics check to keep your balance first))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>10-08-2008, 14:47:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Roll: 5K2=18 - (percep2+invest3))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-08-2008, 19:49:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura also hears sounds of movement just beyond.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>13-08-2008, 19:27:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having heard the noise at the same time as Emi did, Yuki had already moved to a halt.<br>He seemed content to let Emi take lead it seemed.<br>The big female bushi was ideal to take the brunt of any imminent conflict.<br>The young Scorpion moved cautiously, if need be, he would spring to the aid of the Crab, but for now he would let her lead. After all she seemed competent enough, it was unlikely she'd mess things up... probably.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>13-08-2008, 22:27:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would tilt his head slightly as he looked around the warehouse looking for some sort of clue that he could use to understand what it was the bandits were after, or whomever had taken a liking to stealing valuable objects of power.&nbsp; He would scratch his chin a little bit as he thought deeply.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-08-2008, 23:37:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san looked around the debris in the room, before returning to stand beside the two magistrates. Asahina-san was also looking around, but seemed disinclined to pick through the debris.<br><br>"Whatever was taken," said Doji-san, "Cannot have been very large. It must be valuable though, to be hidden away, and presumably taken in preference to the money. I think there must be four or five koku here. Whoever searched this place, they must be in a hurry, otherwise they would have taken the money to make it look like a simple robbery. What do you think?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>14-08-2008, 23:57:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo nods and waits, for all he knows Emi-san heard fifteen people and while he wasn't afraid to die in the line of duty, he'd prefer to succeed in the line of duty.&nbsp; So he'd wait, following her lead, but assuming a defensive posture, they could be waiting in ambush or readying themselves to charge through the door at them, so Hanzo wasn't going to sit idle, he'd remain ready for battle.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>15-08-2008, 10:48:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would shake his head a little bit as he looked to Doji-san and would walk about the hole in the ground a little bit.&nbsp; "It seems to me that there is something more here then mere items of value, what would the Crab be keeping in their warehouse that they wouldnt want others knowing about?"&nbsp; He said as he scowled slightly looking for any clues as to what had been taken.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>15-08-2008, 19:46:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Weighing her options carefully, Emi decided to attempt to run up the stairs, a course she was more certain of.&nbsp; Drawing a breath, she dashed forward, attempting to keep her balance in her heavy armour.<br><br>(Roll, 16)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>15-08-2008, 20:17:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Thats fine on the athletics. Roll the second check now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>17-08-2008, 13:44:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san gave a small shrug as he looked at Hashimoto. "I do not know. There could be any number of things an honest man might wish to keep hidden ... and ten times as many a dishonest one would want to keep from the light of Lady Sun. At the moment we simply do not know. Whatever it was, it was far more valuable than the coins on the ground."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 20:14:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(23)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 21:27:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Emi crashes into and through the wall, the thin wood proving no match for the strength of the Crab. She slams bodily into one of the unseen assailants, sending him stumbling into the second, and he ends up face down on the floor. The remaining bandits are taken completely by surprise.<br><br>((1 free action for Emi, then initiative rolls for everyone. There are 3 bandits. One is face down on the floor, the other two were positioned to ambush anyone coming through the doorway. There is a door and a Crab sized hole in the wall, so everyone can move to engage in the first round.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>24-08-2008, 08:25:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura had slowed down letting the Crab rampage forth. To his amusement she managed to rush up the stairs and ram through the wall. As Emi faced of against the assaillants, Yuki picks up pace to follow her, jogging up the stairs and accelerating at the top, ready to rush through the hole she made.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>24-08-2008, 22:55:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi crashes through the thin wood of the wall with a ferocious kiai, barrelling into something soft that tumbles away on the other side.&nbsp; Whirling, her eyes hot with fury, Emi rounds on the two bandits that remain standing. <br><br>Screaming wrathfully, she lunges towards one of the bandits, her katana flashing out as she seeks to cut her way through the bandit scum.<br><br>(Attack roll, 23.&nbsp; Damage roll, 59)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-08-2008, 23:08:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				And such is the power of her blow the bandit is literally cut in two, the classic priests robe cut, spliting him from right hip to left shoulder. The two pieces of the bandit slide apart and fall to the ground, elicting screams of fear from the other two.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 02:03:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would shrug his shoulders as he looked to Doji-san "Come, I wish to return to my comrades and see what they might have dug up elsewhere."&nbsp; He said as he turned towards the door to walk out of the place.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>25-08-2008, 23:00:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hai, Soshi-san." replied the Crane, falling into place a half step behind. Asahina-san took a moment or two longer to look around before following the two others out. <br><br>"Where to next, Soshi-san?" she asked
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 10:28:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would scratch his chin as he walked out of the warehouse and hmmed lightly.&nbsp; "Well the next logical step would be to go to the other clan warehouse that we mentioned," he said as he would go and make his way down the road heading towards the next clans warehouse within the city.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>28-08-2008, 21:50:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura joined Emi, entering through the hole she had made, more cautiously than the Crab had, in case there were archers or some other threat he had to instantly react to.<br>One was sliced up thoroughly by the Hida.<br>Yuki moved forth, accelerating now that he had gauged the situation. He decided it was best to finish up quickly.<br>This mess had taken enough of his time. And he wouldn't mind having that explanation he desired so much.<br>He launched an attack on the bandit closest to him. His blade moving with a powerful diagonal downward force.<br><br>(Attack Roll 6k3: 24, Damage Roll 5k2: 19)<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>01-09-2008, 01:34:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It does not take too long to reach the warehouse of the Unicorn. At the doors, a nervous looking man in peasent clothing is talking animatedly to a pair of Thunder Guards. You can see other figures moving around inside the building, but can't tell from here who they are, or what they're doing.<br><br>As you reach them, one of the guards notices your arrival and steps forwards to block your path. "Is there something I can help you with, samurai-sans?" he asks, his eyes flicking across the mixed group.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>02-09-2008, 05:50:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Initiative, 17)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>02-09-2008, 16:41:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Initiative: 19)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-09-2008, 01:57:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				And since Lord Anubis seems to be away at present, I'll NPC him. Initiative 15. He will be moving through the doorway to attack the first of the bandits. Emi, declare action, then Yukimura.<br><br>Yukimura to act first, then Emi, finally Hanzo. I'll act with the bandits at their initiative.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>04-09-2008, 06:46:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would look to the Thunder Guard as he bowed his head slightly and perked a brow in response to the question.&nbsp; "I wish to enter the warehouse and see the wares inside are still intact."&nbsp; He said as he would look to the Thunder Guard in the eyes waiting for a sign that things would go down hill from here.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-09-2008, 23:58:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Now is not a good time Soshi-san." said the guardsman, giving a slightly odd glance at the two Cranes. "I am afraid if you had goods in there they are likely ruined. The Unicorn had some .. trouble .. earlier. I believe that almost all their stock is destroyed, or at least unsellable."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 21:40:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That would be per the reason I am here, for I am doing an investigation of the problem," Hashimoto would say as he looked the guardsman right in the eyes.&nbsp; He would wait to see if the guard would let him pass or if he would need to find another route into the warehouse himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-09-2008, 21:58:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The guard looks a little surprised at this turn of events, glancing at his colleague who is still talking to the peasent. "Under whose authority?" he replies. "The Thunder Guard are attending to this matter."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>08-09-2008, 04:42:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would perk a brow as he looked to the Thunder Guard a moment as he narrowed his eyes slightly.&nbsp; "Then the matter is not being handled properly for another warehouse has been ransacked of something secret and the Thunder Guard was not there to aid," he said matter of factly.&nbsp; "This warehouse has not been attacked and raided yet?" he questioned the Guard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>08-09-2008, 06:35:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo follows after Emi, moving to strike the nearest bandi to the hole in the wall not prone on the ground.&nbsp; With the Crab's destruction of the wall, they would very likely catch the bandit's off guard and it'd give them the moment to hopefully cut them down before they can retailiate.<br><br>Initaitve 10<br><br>attack roll 43 (two raises)<br>damage roll 31<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initative<br>Result: 1, 7, 4, 4, 7, <br>Total: 18<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Attack a bandit 2 raises<br>Result: 2, 10, 3, 7, 1, 8, 1, 3, <br>Total: 35<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 35to the total<br>Comment: Attack a bandit 2 raises exploding dice<br>Result: 8, <br>Total: 43<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage 2 raises<br>Result: 8, 5, 8, 8, 1, 10, 7, <br>Total: 26<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 26to the total<br>Comment: Damage 2 raises exploding<br>Result: 5, <br>Total: 31
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-09-2008, 00:12:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The guard visible bristled at Hashimoto's tone and comment. "What has or has not happened is no concern of yours." he replied. "Be about your business, or go and enjoy the festival."<br><br>From beside you Doji-san clears his throat, and turns to face you, drawing the Thunder Guards attention. "Do you wish me to intervene here, Soshi-sama?" You can see both guards attention drawn by this honorific, and a slight look of wariness appear on the closer guards face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>09-09-2008, 05:43:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Continuing her furious assault, Emi lunges forward towards the nearest standing bandit, aiming to cut him down rapidly.<br><br>(Attack, 15.&nbsp; Damage, 27)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>09-09-2008, 06:59:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would simply nod his head slowly as he turned back towards the Guard and narrowed his eyes upon him.&nbsp; It was enough for the man to go forth with a swipe of his sword at the person for even taking a tone with him.&nbsp; Granted this person was also a high ranked officer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>09-09-2008, 19:25:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yukimura didn't leave Emi on her own and moved to intercept the bandit that was closest by. <br>He lashed out, one handed this time with his katana, making a sideways slash towards what he hoped would be a serious weakness in the bandit's defences.<br><br><br>(attack roll 6k3: 21, Damage roll 5k2: 17)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-09-2008, 01:27:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Under the blades of the magistrates the two bandits fall, cut down almost instantly. A quick look around shows the room to be perhaps the office of the warehouse. There is a low table, and three half eaten bowls of rice stand on it. To the right is a single door, under which comes a bright light.<br><br>- - - -<br><br>Doji-san nods in response, and turns back to the Thunder Gaurds, producing his own magistrates symbol, which causes their eyes to widen somewhat. "You should count yourselves fortunate. Soshi-sama is an Emerald Magistrate, and hence his word is the law."<br><br>Before he can continue, both guards have dropped into deep bows. "Please forgive me." says the first, nod raising his head yet. "I did not know, Soshi-sama. Do you wish our assistance with anything?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>13-09-2008, 04:04:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would perk a brow as he looked down upon the sniveling guards and shook his head slowly.&nbsp; "You should do wise to recognize your superior by mere presence from now on," he said as he would look to them a moment and then towards the warehouse "Now tell me what is going on in there?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-09-2008, 00:05:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, Soshi-sama." replied the lead guard, straightening up to look at the magistrates party. "The warehouse was ... attacked .. some time ago." He looks around to ensure that there is some degree of privacy before continuing. "From the description given to us by the watchman, it was an Oni. It broke in, smashed open many crates, and then left again. Much of the stock in the warehouse has been ruined, but the Unicorns say as best they can tell, nothing has been taken."<br><br>He took a moment to look around at the magistrates. "If I saw this done by men, I would say they were looking for something, and perhaps could not find it. With an Oni, I do not know if this was to some other purpose."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>14-09-2008, 22:26:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would shake his head as he looked on "And where did the Oni disappear towards?" he asked in a low tone as he looked the guard straight in the eyes.&nbsp; He scowled lightly to the thought that another attack on another warehouse and they were no further along then when they started.&nbsp; Hashimoto would go to move past the guards and go to inspect the warehouse himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-09-2008, 13:14:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"According to this one .." the Guard gestured in the direction of the peasent behind him, "He saw it smash its way out and jump away over the rooftops. He did not see what way it went, and we had not been summoned at that point. I am sorry, Soshi-sama, but we do not know where it went. We have passed word back, and all the Thunder Guard are to be alerted of it's presence."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>20-09-2008, 22:51:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would narrow his eyes in the lack of effort that the guards seemed to possess.&nbsp; He would scowl slightly and then look him in the eyes once more.&nbsp; "Well the crab warehouse was ransacked as well but something more vaulable then money was taken,"&nbsp; he said as he then asked.&nbsp; "What was taken from here?" Hashimoto would inquire.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>21-09-2008, 01:03:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"As far as the Unicorn have been able to determine, nothing." replied the Guardsman. "But the stock in there has been thoroughly disrupted. It may be that something will turn up missing, but for now they are saying there is nothing taken." <br><br>He laid a slight emphasis on saying.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>21-09-2008, 18:46:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would nod slowly thou visibly pissed off beyond words it seemed.&nbsp; He would look to the guard as he asked "and what of the stock in this warehouse, what was taken from here?" he said as he looked from the guard to the warehouse and back again.&nbsp; He would scowl slightly as the leads he was following were turning up dry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>21-09-2008, 19:14:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The guard looks slightly puzzled by this line of continued questioning. "Nothing was taken, that we know off. The Unicorn are saying that their stock has been ruined by this ... attack ... but that nothing has been removed from the warehouse."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>21-09-2008, 20:42:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would grunt lightly as he looked to the warehouse and then towards Doji-san.&nbsp; He would then turn about without another word and looked to Doji "Come Doji-san lets leave and make our way towards where my companions were last headed," he said as he looked back at the guards.&nbsp; &nbsp;He had nothing to go on here and seeing as how no trails were hot in this area he would try one last place, The Scorpions Warehouse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>21-09-2008, 21:47:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A slight figure in the black and crimson of the Scorpion clan slowly makes her way down the street. Within moments, Akane spots Hashimoto, and hurries towards him and Doji-san.<br><br>"Soshi-sama! There you are!" A few moments later, and Akane is by his side. "Forgive me, it took some time to find you again. The bandit knew nothing." She turns to Doji-san, nodding in acknowledgment. "Please, what has happened in my absence?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>23-09-2008, 21:51:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg804063#msg804063">Quote from: HairyHeretic on 12-09-2008, 01:27:34</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Under the blades of the magistrates the two bandits fall, cut down almost instantly. A quick look around shows the room to be perhaps the office of the warehouse. There is a low table, and three half eaten bowls of rice stand on it. To the right is a single door, under which comes a bright light.<br><br>- - - -<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Hanzo moved quickly to the door, bringing up his sword, he moved to push the door open since the Maho item they had already found, he didn't want to give who ever was in there a chance to finish whatever evil they might be summoning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>26-09-2008, 03:48:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The encounter had been quick.&nbsp; Asahina-san did not need to react.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her compatriots took care of it.&nbsp; Of course, her devote pacifism in the face of death.&nbsp; Caused her in action.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she had precluded in quick judgment that a call to the air kami, for a wind bourne slumber was not needed in this situation.&nbsp; <br><br>Though she would like to study the maho item.&nbsp; The thought flashed across.&nbsp; Filed away for later, when they retired for the evening.&nbsp; As she looked to the others, ready to follow. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>27-09-2008, 01:07:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Hanzo pushes against the door, it refuses to move. It would appear to be locked.<br><br>&lt;Strength check if you want to try breaking it down. The table could perhaps be used as a ram, weilded by 1 or 2 of the samurai.&gt;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>28-09-2008, 22:57:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would look to Doji-san to explain to Akane about the events that have traspired as of late.&nbsp; It was plain to see that Hashimoto would not be bothered with explaining himself.&nbsp; He was fuming at the moment and didnt want to talk to anybody about anything. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>29-09-2008, 20:08:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane nods. She's used to the fact that Hashimoto was somewhat taciturn, but perceptive enough to know that something was bothering him. However, she's not one to pry, at least so obviously. "So, what's our next move?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>30-09-2008, 19:44:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san nodded in response Hashimotos glance, falling into step with Akane. "At the Crane consulate, we found the guards asleep at their posts." he said. "It must have been the actions of the kami, for I cannot see any samurai willingly doing such." He broke off, clearing his throat before continuing. <br><br>"Inside, whatever affected the household also affected our own group. When we came to, we heard noises from further in. It turned out to be an Oni. I believe the same one you encountered earlier this evening. It appeared to be searching for something, but fled rather than face us."<br><br>"From there, we went to the warehouse of the Unicorn. It would see the Oni has been there also. From the accounts we gathered, it ransacked the warehouse, but took nothing. Most puzzling behaviour for an Oni."<br><br>"I believe we are now to continue on to the Scorpion warehouse." He cast a look towards to Hashimoto, in case he had any further comments.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>03-10-2008, 20:52:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would nod his head as he looked back towards the others and then continued onward towards that of their own warehouse.&nbsp; "I have a feeling that ours was not saved from this robbery as well," he said more so to himself then anybody else as he tightened his grip on his sword and continued on towards the warehouse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>04-10-2008, 03:11:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina-san would follow closely behind.&nbsp; Thoughts traveling over the various clues found.&nbsp; The attacks and robberies that have happened.&nbsp; Like a good game, the enigmas of this mystery would begin to weave together in a tapestry.&nbsp; Through it seemed the Fortunes,&nbsp; did not favor at times their group.&nbsp; &nbsp;For despite having beaten and destroyed numerous oni and defeated outlaws.&nbsp; &nbsp;It seemed they were always one step behind.&nbsp; &nbsp;In order to gain a equal footing.&nbsp; They were going to need to become one step ahead in this game.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-10-2008, 19:44:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It does not take Doji-san long to lead you through the streets to the warehouse. Ahead, you can see a few people standing around, pointing and talking. As you get closer, you can see why. There is a figure lying in the road, apparently dead, and what looks like another just inside the warehouse, from what you can see. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>05-10-2008, 16:26:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Emi San, you and I with the table, see if we can knock the door down?" He'd ask as he sheathed his swords and walked over to pick up part of the table to use as a battering ram.&nbsp; He figured she'd be all for it and in truth they should probably hurry if that light was still going, and even faster if it wasn't.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>05-10-2008, 20:50:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding briskly, Emi moved to the other side of the table, grabbing her end as they prepared to batter down the door.&nbsp; "Ich!&nbsp; Ni!&nbsp; SAN!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>06-10-2008, 00:13:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto being as he was would not take and look over the body, no he would go to turn and rush straight into the maw of hell itself.&nbsp; He would have his hand on the hilt of his sword and make haste towards the warehouse without delay.&nbsp; He was not in the mood to be caught holding the bags anymore. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>06-10-2008, 19:46:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane frowns, hand on the hilt of her sword as well. She would take a look at the body, if only to see if it was samurai or commoner, Scorpion or other. She would follow Hashimoto, not rushing into battle, but ready to provide support, should he need it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-10-2008, 20:10:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The first body appears to be a heimin, roughly dressed in drab clothing. At the door of the warehouse lies a Thunder Guard and several more dead heimin, also roughly dressed. There are a number of weapons scattered around, spears and knives, and several arrows stuck in the ground, walls and at least one of the bodies.<br><br>From upstairs at the back of the building you can hear a raised voice. It seems to be coming from beyond a door. ((Flat perception check to see if you can tell who or what it is))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>06-10-2008, 21:58:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Asahina Meiwa rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Perception<br>Result: 2, 7,<br>Total: 9
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 00:27:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: Akane rolled: 2d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Perception<br>Result: 1, 3,<br>Total: 3
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 01:34:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo rushes forward with Emi-san, not letting out a war cry of any type as he'd barrel on towards the door.&nbsp; Hopefully Emi-san and he'd be enough to slam the door down.&nbsp; He didn't have the same destructive power she had, but he had sheer cold determination. If they did crash through the door, he'd push the table away from him once they were inside an draw his swords.&nbsp; Hopefully Emi-san would do the same, so she wouldn't suddenly be left holding the bag.<br><br>"Toss it on the other side of the door."&nbsp; He'd say as they ran forward with the table, in a low serious tone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 01:58:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Strength / Athletics roll from those trying to break down the door please.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 02:03:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 2d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Strength and Athletics<br>Result: 5, 10, <br>Total: 15<br><br>(stupid not being trained... could have exploded if I was.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 01:13:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(hashimoto would not do the roll as his arrogance is taking him straight into the battle without thinking.&nbsp; As per one of his flaws......DOH!)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 01:29:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whatever words are being spoken, they are too muffled to make out clearly, though you can tell there is some urgency in their sharp sounds. Hashimoto runs up the stairs, spoting another pair of bodies as he does so. At the top of the stairs is a half ajar door, and a hole punched in the wall, big enough to step through without ducking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>08-10-2008, 03:44:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Strength roll, 18)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-10-2008, 23:09:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The door shudders a moment under the impact before slamming inwards. Inside you can see a rectangular room, divided in two by a series of iron bars that stretch the width of the room, with a gate at their centre. The room is quite brightly lit, but you can only see a pair of small candles on the low table within. Most of the light seems to be coming from under a door that lies on the far side of the bars, on the wall furthest from you.<br><br>You would surmise the gated area is where valuable merchandise would be kept, as there are a number of large boxes and crates on that side. There is also another roughly dressed man, with a small han kyu bow which is pointed right at the door. From behind one of the larger crates he looses an arrow, which through luck or skill flies straight into Hanzo. The expression on the man's face is one of abject terror.<br><br>((17 points of damage ..&nbsp; ouch))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 00:20:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the whistle of the arrow, Emi drops her side of the table and grasps the hilt of the katana.&nbsp; She slipped back behind the doorway, using it for cover as she roared into the room, "Surrender or die!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 01:43:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You IDIOT!" Hanzo would yell as he slipped for some cover to avoid the guy shooting the arrows, making sure there isn't a clear shot no matter how lucky he might be.<br><br>"You just shot an Emerald Magistrate.&nbsp; You had better be a paniced guard, otherwise your a corpse."&nbsp; He'd shout as he sheathed his swords and drew up his bow.&nbsp; He was hoping for the former, because if it wasn't he would make that guy the latter.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 02:35:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				You can see his mouth repeating the title 'Emerald Magistrate', and he lowers the bow. "Your word." he calls out. "Give me your word, let me .. let my brother and I go, let us leave the city, and I'll tell you all I know. Please, there isn't much time. We can't .. but, but maybe you can stop it." Panic clearly shows on his face. Something has him terrified.<br><br>"We're just bandits. We didn't know what he was doing, what he was planning, with the candles, and the blood. Please!"<br><br>((those coming up the stairs are now close enough to make out the voices of their colleagues, and assuming they've continued on they'll hear the conversation from this point))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 04:28:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina-san, would be the last to move through.&nbsp; She believes strongly in non violence.&nbsp; Pacifist, as is the dictate of her family.&nbsp; &nbsp;So when the arrow fires, and the others before her converse with the two.&nbsp; A decision is made, an action is required.&nbsp; That would perhaps save further blood shed from happening.&nbsp; And protect the two fools that try to negotiate fleeing the city.<br><br>Reaching into her satchel she would pull out the ofuda for caling upon the kami's of air.&nbsp; As she will once again call upon windbourne slumber.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>10-10-2008, 22:50:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would take and move to the door that was ajar and look inside to see what was going on.&nbsp; Right now all he was concerned about was how many enemies there were and if they had recieved a grevious wound yet by his blade or not.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 05:50:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>After my first piece of business was concluded in the city, I had the second more important issue to attend to. It was a week until the Festival of Bon and during this week I commenced my second obligation to Kitsuki-sama, extending my stay to enjoy this most famous festival which in Ryoko Owari I am told is truly spectacular. I thus spent my days touring the merchant quarter and the docks to get an idea of the way the place was operating with regard to ships arriving and cargo disposal. I also visited some Dragon <em>samurai</em> in the city as well as spending some time with the other students of the <em>bushi</em> school after hours, visiting their homes and the tea houses and going on interesting walks around the city.<br><br>Of which I have discovered a number. Most interesting this city is turning out to be.<br><br>Tonight though, was Bon, festival of festivals, a great celebration of life and our ancestors who have gone on before us and who still watch and sometimes guide… and sometimes nag… us… <em>though not you grandmother, in your case your advice is always most welcome…</em> from their place of rest. I had arranged to meet with three or four of the other students at the hour of <em>Togashi</em> because the final procession to the Temple of the Sun Goddess they told me was at the hour of… <em>that person</em>… Why do we name an hour of the day after <em>him</em>? I have never understood it…<br><br>But until I met up with my friends I chose to experience the night life and proceeded to walk the streets sampling some of the street vendors foods (but declining their <em>sake</em>) and watching the fireworks. This too presented opportunities to observe the merchants at work, some of them, apparently diligent - though in all sincerity I doubted it - working late into the evening bartering and haggling over deals.<br><br>I wore my <em>daisho</em> of course but not my armour. I walked the alleys and gardens in a comfortable black <em>gi</em> and brick red <em>hakama</em> and sandals, I even left my straw hat at my lodging-house since the night looked to be dry.<br><br>I was walking along one narrow thoroughfare between lines of tall wooden warehouses when a sudden movement to my right caught my eye. Down a side alley three figures were moving rapidly away from me. A woman and two men. I saw the outline of <em>daisho</em> silhouetted at the runner's hips. <em>Samurai</em>, and in a hurry. I stopped and watched them. They reached the doorway of a warehouse off this side alley and looked at something lying in the street, an abandoned bundle of clothing it seemed. Then they ran into the warehouse.<br><br>I turned down the pathway, my right hand resting on my <em>katana</em>, moving at a fast walk. Reaching the bundle of rags I was shocked to see it was a person. I placed my bare hand a tiny space from the mouth but felt no breath. There was a good deal of blood in the dirt around the fallen man who looked like one of the peasant guards the merchants hired to watch their warehouses after dark sometimes.<br><br>I looked in the doorway and a shocking sight met my eyes in the gloom beyond. Several further bodies, one or two brutally slain and arrows in woodwork and floor. I pulled an arrow from the doorpost by my head and examined it. It was of cheap construction, no <em>samurai</em> would shame himself with such poor quality weapons.<br><br>Above me was a rickety stair and through a doorway at the head of that came the sound of excited voices.<br><br>(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk137/HaibaneR/KitsukiAkano06_Edit.jpg)<br><br>With head bowed I spoke a short prayer seeking protection and courage then with a <em>shing!</em> sound I drew my blade from it's <em>saya</em> and moved rapidly up the wooden steps.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>13-10-2008, 21:01:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane follows Hashimoto, close enough to assist if a battle breaks out, yet far enough behind to not hinder the bushi. Due to dramatic necessity, she hears the soft <em>snickt</em> of Akano's blade being drawn, and the footsteps up the stairs. She quickly yet lightly touches Hashimoto's shoulder. Their eyes lock, then hers flickers towards the stairs. The message, silent as it was, is clear. <em>Continue on. I'll investigate the stairs.</em><br><br>Akano is met in&nbsp; the stairway by a samurai wearing a jet black and blood red kimono, the Scorpion mon visible on the shoulder and a drawn katana. Unlike most Scorpions, she is not wearing a visible mask.<br><br>"Who are you," she whispers. "State your business." She's not threatening the samurai, more as curious.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>13-10-2008, 22:10:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>Halfway up the rickety staircase I saw movement in the doorway and a moment later a <em>samurai-ko</em> stood at the top of the stairs. I paused, my <em>katana</em> lowered into one of the known non-threatening positions. She spoke.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Who are you. State your business."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> <em>A Scorpion. I see. Tread carefully.</em> <strong>"Kitsuki Akano. <em>Ryu Shizoku</em>. The body in the street alerted me. What is the trouble here?"</strong><br><br>I had seen enough brawls and other incidents over warehouses in the last two to three weeks to tell me that some of the trading done here was anything but legal. What I did not want was to become embroiled in a common argument between <em>samurai</em> patrons of two warring merchants. The debris of battle inside the doorway indicated the ruffians guarding this warehouse had been no match for the three samurai I had seen rush in. It was rare to see three at once hurling retribution to such an extent on a corrupt businessman. I recalled the red crested helmet also among the bodies. Time to try and find out if this was an honourable <em>samurai-ko</em> before me or of otherwise intent.<br><br><strong>"Are you acting with the Thunder Guard or against them?"</strong><br><br>I glanced down between the slatted stair treads and noted a body crumpled behind a packing case, a broken bow at his side. I also noted a slow rolling in my gut at the downward perspective and quickly looked up again.<br><br><hr>[<em>Ryu Shizoku</em> = Dragon Clan] 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 00:18:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwa rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: initiative<br>Result: 7, 6, 6, 9, 8,<br>Total: 17</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Asahina Meiwa having declared pulling out her ofuda of wind bourne slumber.&nbsp; Would in her action step in the door way.&nbsp; As she would site and cast, calling upon the kami of air.&nbsp; To put the archer and companion of his to sleep.&nbsp; <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwa rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Windbourne slumber<br>Result: 5, 2, 6, 8, 10,<br>Total: 18 Versus TN: 15 Success<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The crane shugenja would recite the ritual words calling upon the kami of air.&nbsp; &nbsp;So this stand off shall end with out further violence.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 02:30:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina-san can only see the one bandit .. perhaps the second is behind the far door. At any rate, the kami respond to her call, soothing that one at least, who collapses on the ground behind the crates that he was sheltering behind, his last words a murmuring "No .. no.. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 19:49:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>"Kitsuki Akano. <em>Ryu Shizoku</em>. The body in the street alerted me. What is the trouble here? Are you acting with the Thunder Guard or against them?"</strong><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The Scorpion looks over the new arrival. <em>Is she with the bandits?</em> After a moment, she slightly lowers her blade.<br><br>"Shosuro Akane, Emerald Magistrate. There have been reports of bandit activity within the city, and this was one of the warehouses that was mentioned as a target."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 22:23:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>The unmasked Scorpion before me lowered her own <em>katana</em>.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Shosuro Akane, Emerald Magistrate. There have been reports of bandit activity within the city, and this was one of the warehouses that was mentioned as a target."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I raised an eyebrow at this news.<br><br><strong>"Emerald Magistrate? In that case…"</strong> I sheathed my blade and made a very low bow, as low as the wobbling staircase would allow. I rose up again, <strong>"My respects <em>Bugyo-sama</em>."</strong> The sounds of fighting had somewhat abated above and behind the <em>samurai-ko</em> in the room beyond the doorway and - I now noted - beyond a large hole smashed in the wood-panelled wall. I raised my eyebrow further at that. I hardly felt this was the time and place for lengthy introductions, however.<br><br>I nodded my head again, <strong>"This is a curious encounter. I am a Courtier, though I am presently in the city on Clan business. While persuasive words may not be of great use tonight, my <em>katana</em> and my wits I place at your service, if I may be of any help, Shosuro-sama."</strong><br><br><hr>[<em>Bugyo</em> = Magistrate]
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 22:42:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>"While persuasive words may not be of great use tonight, my <em>katana</em> and my wits I place at your service, if I may be of any help, Shosuro-sama."</strong><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The Scorpion pauses a moment, before lowering her own <em>katana.</em> "Any spare sword arms would be appreciated, Kitsuki-san." She glances back up the stairs, seeing the last bandit fall to the gentle urgings of Meiwa's request of the kami. "I believe we will have need of it soon."<br><br><hr>[Forgive me if I used the wrong honorific there. Let me know, and I'll edit this message with the correct one.]
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 23:01:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Any spare sword arms would be appreciated, Kitsuki-san. I believe we will have need of it soon."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> <strong>"In that case, magistrate, you have mine. I saw three of you enter, though that down there,"</strong> with an inclination of my head I indicated the scene of slaughter below us inside the warehouse door, <strong>"Inclines me to think you may have more numbers? How many are you? And if three <em>samurai</em> are required, how many are your foes?"</strong> As I spoke I ascended the stairs, keeping my blade sheathed, but my hand on it's hilt. I still only had her word to go on, though her demeanor seemed truthful enough.<br><br><em>I wonder if I will have time to attend the celebrations with my friends now?</em><br><br>At the top of the stairs was yet another body, a peasant again with a bow nearby. By the position of the two archers, the angle of the arrows embedded in wall and floor and the cluster of bodies within the doorway I had begun to form a clearer mental picture of how the fight had gone. However the worry was that the three <em>samurai</em> I had seen run in certainly had not killed the man in the street, nor, in all probability these either. I therefore concluded Shosuro-sama was with more than two others. If four or more swordsmen were needed how big <em>was</em> this problem?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 23:28:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would do that and move along and alone without anybody to back him up.&nbsp; He was bound and determined to get to the bottom of this even if he had to do some reckless acts to get the job done.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>15-10-2008, 01:33:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the bandit archer asleep there seems no immediate threat, unless you count the strange glow eminating from under the far door. Unfortunately it, and the archer, are on the other side of those bars. Given all that has transpired, you would doubt the gate that leads through would be unlocked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>22-10-2008, 21:01:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane sighs, looking over the new arrival.<br><br>"What I am about to tell you, you must not repeat, at least not right away. It appears that we have <em>maho</em> and <em>oni</em> to deal with. We have three other Magistrates working on this. Come, we have work to do."<br><br>She shifts slightly, slipping back up the stairs, keeping one eye on the new arrival. She wasn't sure how the courier would react to such news, and she wasn't above chasing her down to insure her silence in this matter, but she hoped she didn't have to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>23-10-2008, 00:30:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"What I am about to tell you, you must not repeat, at least not right away. It appears that we have <em>maho</em> and <em>oni</em> to deal with. We have three other Magistrates working on this. Come, we have work to do."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> The Scorpion backed across the narrow wooden landing towards the doorway, indicating I should follow, though her body language indicated a slight mistrust still.<br><br><em><span class="bbc_u">Maho</span>? <span class="bbc_u">Oni?</span> I see.</em> I nodded deferentially to the <em>samurai-ko</em>, <strong>"Do not doubt me. I have given my word. I am a Dragon. Our clan may seem perfidious and confusing to some, distant and cold. But before I am Dragon, I am <em>samurai</em>. You have my word, Shosuro-sama."</strong><br><br>Truth be told I was glad to be off that staircase...<br><br>The woman led me up the steps and through the door adjacent to a spectacularly shattered hole in the wall that looked like a Unicorn horse archer had galloped through it. Glancing at the damage and the timbers <em>inside</em> the room beyond I was glad that the thing that made the hole had <em>entered</em> this room and not <em>exited</em>. That indicated it was someone alongside Shosuro-sama.<br><br>Following the Scorpion through the room which had the appearance of an outer office or guard room, I encountered another smashed down door before us. Stepping through this opening I found myself in what looked to be one of the secure shipping rooms with a cordoned off area behind bars usually used to contain bonded goods that await the payment of taxes before they can be trans-shipped onwards. Within this room were five more samurai, a female <em>bushi</em> obviously a Crab from the style of her armour and weaponry, a person who looked like a lady merchant, another pair of Scorpion <em>bushi</em> - males and... to my great surprise a Dragon. Another Dragon, here in this forsaken city.<br><br>Wonders will never cease.<br><br>Heads turned as I entered. I looked around meeting gazes and nodded deferentially once more, <strong>"Forgive me, I will explain myself when we have a more opportune time."</strong> I glanced within the secure area to see another body. I waited to see what the Magistrates would do.<br><br>Six Emerald Magistrates. I could not recall the last time I had seen <em>six</em> magistrates in one room outside of Otosan-Uchi. Shosuro Hyobu would need to tread carefully now. Most carefully.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elayne</strong> on <strong>26-10-2008, 05:27:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hida Emi makes a small non-verbal sound of acknowledgement as her fellow magistrates appear.&nbsp; It could be interpreted as either a greeting or a general sound of displeasure.&nbsp; It seemed like they were gathering quite a retinue.&nbsp; Well, that might have reprecussions later, but for now, she and the others would have to keep their minds focused on the tasks at hand -- first and foremost, thwarting whatever the oni and the maho users planned for the Festival outside.<br><br>Holding her katana in a ready position, Emi slipped into the room, looking around warily.&nbsp; It seemed like the Asahina's prayers had worked the wonders that could be expected of a shugenja.&nbsp; The bandit who had previously been shooting arrows at them was now asleep.&nbsp; On the wrong side of the bars, but perhaps that could be changed.<br><br>Emi paused to make sure the room was clear and safe.&nbsp; Upon verifying that, she would stalk into the room to investigate, particularly to see if she could open or force the barred gate and get to the sleeping bandit to capture him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>26-10-2008, 07:00:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo heads into the room, sheathing his swords and gripping the arrow that stuck into his body and just pulled it free with a silent look of annoyance.&nbsp; He wasn't really annoyed at the other magistrates, because they came into a situation they didn't know the whole of.&nbsp; But the stupid bandit barracaded themselves by a Maho user and shot people who might be coming to stop the guy.&nbsp; Stupid idiot.<br><br>Hanzo would walk right up to the gate to see how the hinges were affixed, or if it was a gate that slide up.&nbsp; If it slide up then they needed to break the chain and force it up, if it had hinges they could just pry the thing off and get moving.<br><br>"Spread out, see if you can find something to force this door open.&nbsp; One that we're looking for is on the other side."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as he checked out the hinges.&nbsp; He'd have more greetings when they dealt with the one on the otherside of the gate, but right now the large dragon felt time was of the essence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>26-10-2008, 07:15:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwa would after taking the point in the doorway for that brief time. To deliver the spell, that is carried by the kami of air.&nbsp; &nbsp;Does neutralizing the archer.&nbsp; &nbsp;That was holding them at bay.&nbsp; Would step aside, as the others moved forward.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Hanzo-san would go directly to the gate.&nbsp; Looking for a way.&nbsp; Turning to the rest of them.&nbsp; Telling them to fan out.&nbsp; Look for something to open it.&nbsp; <br><br>However, the crane shugenja had other thoughts.&nbsp; So far they have encountered the presences of oni.&nbsp; Just about every where.&nbsp; And if it is one thing that can invoke her to violence, it is this.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she reaches into her satchel, for she felt soon she need to call upon the kami of earth. As she also steps into the room.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>26-10-2008, 22:35:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>As the other <em>samurai</em> moved into the room and began to examine the barred doorway it struck me that the key would be in the posession of one of the people who had arranged this defensive cordon. For that is what it looked like to me - the guards on the door, the group of men downstairs, the archers upstairs and now the men in this room and the room behind me.<br><br>The person who had locked the door was possibly in the room beyond... though he might conceivably be right here.<br><br>I knelt and began searching the dead, checking in their clothing. I avoided contact with their flesh where possible, but in search of evidence Kitsuki Minamoto had once said to me, <em>"Evidence is everywhere. If you baulk at searching bodies you may miss the one small thing that justice brings."</em><br><br>I made no suggestion that we should do this, I merely did so, it might attract the attention of another and that way we could search more quickly. The key might also have been in the remains of the table or desk, or in a cupboard. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>28-10-2008, 19:03:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The searching turns up a few small coins and personal trinkets, but nothing of any seeming importance. There is no key to be found either.<br><br>An examination of the gate shows that the lock and hinges both appear quite sturdy. It may be possible to break down, but it will require some effort.<br><br>((If you want to try breaking it down, let me know who is making the attempt, and how you are doing it, along with anything you want to try to use to help))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-11-2008, 14:25:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the various searching is going on, Doji-san asks "Was anything found at the other addresses on the list? We encountered the Oni again at the Crane consulate, but again it fled rather than face us. It seemed to be searching for something there. We observed it examining a sword. It escaped through the roof, and we followed. From up there, we saw something rather unusual." His eyes dart momentarily towards the newest member of the group. <br><br>"It was an ise-zumi, with what appeared to be a sword strapped to his back. We think he waited til we saw him, then left. We would not have been able to reach the ground quickly enough to intercept him. After we drove the Oni off, Doji Tsumetsu-sama was kind enough to gift us with a number of small tsangusuri."<br><br>He stops abruptly, then turns to Hashimoto. "The key tsangusuri." he says. "Doji-sama said that that key would open any lock. Should we use it here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>02-11-2008, 21:00:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The words of Doji-san.&nbsp; Would cause Asahina Meiwha to look up and over towards Hashimoto-san.&nbsp; Tossing the scorpion a questioning look.&nbsp; &nbsp;Why he had not produced the tsangusuri.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she clutched the ofuda of earth, to call upon the earth kami for a jade strike.&nbsp; For the expectant encounter with the oni again.&nbsp; <br><br>However, the look is one of distrust.&nbsp; Is he serving the imperial court and the emerald magistrate.&nbsp; Or is he serving another.&nbsp; Most notably his own clan.&nbsp; And what of the other.&nbsp; Her gaze flip towards the new comer.&nbsp; Then towards Shosuro-san.&nbsp; Why were they always a step behind. And why is it always that the one leading them is a scorpion.&nbsp; &nbsp;Was it just circumstance, or was something more sinister at play within the magistrates.<br>&nbsp;<br>She will have to tell Hanzo-san her thoughts.&nbsp; The one person she trusted the most within the group.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>07-11-2008, 10:34:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The young Bayushi had remained mostly silent, following Emi in.<br>He had not spoken since the initial skirmish in which he had partaken.<br>The crimsonclad bushi looked around, doing his best to move as stealthily as he could.<br>Stealth was part of the basic training of most Scorpion bushi and one that he had always found most useful.<br>As the magistrates began to investigate, Bayushi Yukimura took in the room to the fullest, to see if he could detect anything odd. <br>Moving to the gate, the Scorpion moved his hands over the lock than stepped back. His upper face concealed by his mask.<br>"Brute force may be required" he suddenlly said.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-11-2008, 16:59:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo has already suggested a brute force approach, but as yet no one has stepped up to try it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>10-11-2008, 21:18:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would simply wait and listen to what was going on around him.&nbsp; He wanted to target the enemy but didnt know whom to trust at the moment besides himself.&nbsp; He would take and glance towards Meiwha a moment before looking back towards the task at hand.&nbsp; His hand ever ready on his swords hilt.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>10-11-2008, 21:40:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo proceeds to look through the room quickly, looking for a heavy tool/hammer of some sort to knock the pin out of the hinges to make opening the doors possible or maybe something to pry the pin out of the hinge.&nbsp; At which time he heard the other person speak to Hashimoto about a key that'd open any lock.<br><br>"Bring it over here and lets get through here. WHat we're looking for might be on the other side of that door now hurry."&nbsp; Hanzo would say looking back to Hashimoto.&nbsp; He was trying to move with a sense of urgency since, as helpful as Asahina had been attempting to be, she knocked out the guy who was going to be opening the gate and telling them information they needed to know.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>10-11-2008, 22:29:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				And thus they will be able with the one that slept.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is only asleep not knocked senseless or dead.&nbsp; Of which would have been the case if she had not stepped in.&nbsp; The majority or the rest of the magistrates.&nbsp; &nbsp;Seem to want to kill first then wonder who they were going to ask questions of.&nbsp; <br><br>Speaking up then, she state the obvious.&nbsp; <em>"Perhaps the one I have rendered asleep should be woken up.&nbsp; After all he is not dead nor knocked senseless,&nbsp; perhaps such a thing has not occurred with other penchant."</em><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-11-2008, 22:34:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As if summoned by Asahina-san's very words, the fallen bandit began to stir, groaning as he started to wake up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>12-11-2008, 21:17:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto would look to Hanzo and then towards Meiwha as he went and reached into his satchel for that of this Key that everybody was talking about.&nbsp; He wondered himself if he even had such an item anymore.&nbsp; Thou he did remember the Doji-sama giving him some items as a sign of peace for helping to rid of the Oni.&nbsp; Maybe one of those was this elusive key.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 00:13:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A moment or two's searching produces the small, finely carved key. "That is it." said Doji-san, gesturing towards it. "I believe if you touch it to the lock, it will open it for us."<br><br>He glanced at the still groggy bandit who was attempting to roll over and come back to his hands and knees. He seemed unable to full shake off the effects of the kami.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 22:56:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>I stood up from the body I was searching and looked at the Crane. I knew him slightly from having been to the consulate once before during my stay to take tea with a party of Dragon invited there under the leadership of Jotomon-san. It had been a large and formal gathering and I was unsure if the magistrate would even remember me.<br><br><em>Doji Oruku-san, that is his name. I remember now. Crane magistrate to the city. One of the few people I have met here that I feel I can trust.</em><br><br><strong>"Doji Oruku-san, <em>konbanwa. Atashi wa Kitsuki Akano wa.</em>"</strong> I bowed to him, <strong>"An <em>Ise-zumi</em>, you said, running away with a stolen sword from the Crane consulate? This was earlier this evening - I understood the Emerald Magistrates were conducting an investigation into banditry or corrupt trading. But now, twice <em>oni</em> have been mentioned."</strong><br><br>I smiled at the magistrate, <strong>"I would not place any weight behind the fact you saw an <em>Ise-zumi</em>. If an <em>Ise-zumi</em> does not wish to be seen, you will not see him. The fact that you did see him, indicates he wished to be observed, thus his simple presence is a device to confuse you. He is not acting for the Dragon but for the master who paid him to be seen."</strong><br><br><strong>"No <em>Ise-zumi</em> would wield a blade. He was carrying it for another,"</strong> I added as my thoughts tumbled into place. <br><br>I caught the slight glance from the lady I had assumed to be a merchant but the <em>ofuda</em> she held led me to think she was <em>shugenja</em>. Her eyes lacked openness and contained the clouded cast of mistrust. <em>A group of Emerald Magistrates who do not share full trust? Very unusual.</em><br><br>I nodded to her with a calm open expression on my face and abandoning my search stepped closer to her, taking up a stance from which I could defend myself and her.<br><br><strong>"You may think me naïve,"</strong> I said to her calmly, but looking to my front, <strong>"Joining a cause that is unknown to me. Though I am beside you nonetheless."</strong><br><br>One of the other <em>bushi</em> produced a key. Now it appeared we may be getting somewhere.<br><br><hr>[<em>Konbanwa. Atashi wa Kitsuki Akano wa.</em> - Good evening. I am Akano Kitsuki.]
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 23:02:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san returned Akanos greeting with a polite bow of his own. "I did not say the sword was stolen, only that he had one." he said, raising one finger to correct her. "And from what little I know of the Ise zumi, much of what we saw was strange."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 23:30:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>I nodded back at the Crane magistrate in deference at his minor correction. <strong>"It merely struck me as so unusual; an Ise zumi carrying a <em>katana</em>. Only <em>samurai</em> may carry <em>katana</em>. The <em>daisho</em>, as you will know better than I, is the symbol of the noble class. For lesser social classes to bear them is a crime punishable by summary execution should a noble witness it. Hence my conclusion."</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 23:38:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Of course." replied Doji-san. "But leaving aside a monks place in the celestial order, he did not actually wear the daisho. He only seemed to be carrying a katana, as he would any other item. It is, as you say, most puzzling."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>15-11-2008, 19:24:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the small key was pressed against the lock plate of the door there was an audible click, and the door swung slightly open. Inside, the bandit was still groggily trying to regain his feet, and no threat to armed and ready samurai.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>16-11-2008, 22:27:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would move throught he door quickly. "Someone hold him and don't let any harm come to him.&nbsp; We may need information from him."&nbsp; He'd Express as he'd head towards the door on the other side that the light had been coming out form underneath.&nbsp; He'd push the door to try and open it, and if it was locked, as the last one was he'd look to see if he could make short work of the lock with his Katana, seeking expedience over propriety at this point.&nbsp; He doubted they'd catch the Maho user here at this point, but they might get lucky, or with the fellow dragon find some clues to help them find the user.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>16-11-2008, 22:45:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Someone hold him and don't let any harm come to him.&nbsp;We may need information from him."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> <strong>"I will do it,</strong> I said, leaving the <em>shugenja</em> with a nod and passing quickly through the barred doorway behind the tall Dragon <em>bushi</em>.<br><br>Moving to one side I kicked the bow away from the archer and pushed him over onto his back with my shoe, my <em>katana</em> point at this throat. I stood to the side of him but facing the door to which the other Dragon moved, keeping him in view.<br><br><strong>"Do not move. Do not talk. Do not <em>think</em>,"</strong> I glared at the archer fiercely.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>16-11-2008, 23:39:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The archer on the ground managed to focus on the katana at his throat, and lay back, apparently unwilling to test Kitsuki-sans threat. "Please." he mutters, eyes starting to regain their wakefullness again. "Please. You don't ... don't understand."<br><br>The door to the next room is, perhaps surprisingly, unlocked, and opens easily to your touch. Other than a tremendous circle of candles and two men, the room is completely empty. One man sits in the center of the candles, muttering to himself and drooling slightly, as if he has little idea what he’s saying anymore. His head is newly shaved, and his robes are fouled with dirt. <br><br>Small bowls of blood stand at the base of each candle and as the wax drips down, the blood slowly overflows onto the floor. The second looks up at you cautiously from where he is sat on some crates, but makes no move towards the katana that sits sheathed in his lap.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>16-11-2008, 23:42:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A nod is given by the exotic white haired beauty to the new comer, that is of the Dragon clan.&nbsp; &nbsp;The white hair, a trade mark of the Crane clan.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Eyes of Asahina Meiwha would riveted to Hanzo-san.&nbsp; As he moved towards the other door.&nbsp; Traveling now to the light source emanating from underneath.<br><br>The ofuda pulled out, clutched tighter.&nbsp; The quickening&nbsp; of anticipation as she shifts a bit.&nbsp; Would a practitioner of maho be on the other side.&nbsp; Or would a oni itself be on the other side.&nbsp; If so, she was prepared with calling upon the kami of earth. <br><br>Yet is not the case.&nbsp; As they are greeted with the sight of;<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The door to the next room is, perhaps surprisingly, unlocked, and opens easily to your touch. Other than a tremendous circle of candles and two men, the room is completely empty. One man sits in the center of the candles, muttering to himself and drooling slightly, as if he has little idea what he’s saying anymore. His head is newly shaved, and his robes are fouled with dirt.<br><br>Small bowls of blood stand at the base of each candle and as the wax drips down, the blood slowly overflows onto the floor. The second looks up at you cautiously from where he is sat on some crates, but makes no move towards the katana that sits sheathed in his lap.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>17-11-2008, 21:49:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>I glanced up and caught a quick glimpse through the doorway where the Dragon stood. It was merely a brief look but it was enough. <em>Maho</em>. Then the man on the floor spoke.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Please. You don't ... don't understand."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I moved my sword point back a few inches from his throat. <strong>"You have something you wish to say?"</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragoondawg25</strong> on <strong>17-11-2008, 22:19:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hashimoto made his way towards the next room with Hanzo-san.&nbsp; His blade in its sheath for now as he waited to see what lay in store for them in the next room.&nbsp; He had forgotten about the gifts that the Doji-sama had given him in his satchel.&nbsp; Maybe he was losing his edge and needed more training to keep his mind sharp.&nbsp; Otherwise he would get wreckless.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>19-11-2008, 01:02:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg944645#msg944645">Quote from: Haibane on 17-11-2008, 21:49:58</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">I moved my sword point back a few inches from his throat. <strong>"You have something you wish to say?"</strong><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The bandits voice had dropped to little more than a whisper. "Please. The oni. You have to .. have to kill it .. before it's too late." His eyes darted to the other room, where the sounds of muttered speech could be heard coming from the figure amidst the candles. His eyes rose to lock with Kitsuki-sans, tongue darting out to moisten his lips. Before he can say whatever he was going to the seated bandit speaks.<br><br>“I don’t know who you are, strangers, but you look like Magistrates.” He says the word as if it were a curse, and wipes his mouth with the back of one sweaty hand. “If you’re smart, you’ll take one look at Chizaro-san and flee." His hand gestures towards the kneeling figure in front of you.<br><br>"Go on, turn your backs and run. This city is going to be gone by morning, so there will be no one to tell the tale to your Lords." His voice sounds ragged, defeated, as if he has no hope of survival.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>19-11-2008, 20:00:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane has been hanging back until now. Here, she steps forward, taking in the gruesome scene.<br><br>"Do not spill any blood here," she warns. "I do not know about <em>maho,</em> but I believe that the spilling of blood would only make things worse. Snuff those candles."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>22-11-2008, 14:09:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san nods and steps forwards carefully. He squats down near the circle, keeping his distance from the spilled blood, and reaches a hand out towards the candles. An inch or so from them he stops, with a puzzled expression flitting across his face. His hand moves left and right, up and down, but no closer to the candles themselves. <br><br>‘You won't even hurt it. Fools.” the bandit snarls, pointing at the old man. ‘Would you believe that he is only as old as I am?” He turns to you, and smiles. “He’s been aging since dusk. Since he called that ... thing.<br><br>“You want to know about the Oni? I was here when he cast that circle. Just after the three men came to visit him this afternoon.” He shrugs, ‘What matters is that he gave his name to it. Do you know what that does to you?”<br><br>After a pause, he continues. ‘I few days ago - three, maybe four - some of our men attacked a caravan. What they brought back was rich. Money, silks, and some crates of things for the festival. Costumes, mostly, and masks. Really expensive masks. So my boss, Chizaro,” he indicates the man chanting in the circle, “sold the things to three of his best buyers: a Crane, a Unicorn and a Crab.”<br><br>“Then, today, some men came to visit Chizaro. Said they knew about the caravan. They wanted the masks. Just one box. One specific box. Out of ten boxes of porcelain masks, they just wanted one. Nothing else. I don’t know why, but they were serious about it. When we didn’t have them, they shut themselves in here with Chizaro and stayed a long time. They looked like normal guys - one of them was really big, not muscular, just heavy.” He spits on the ground, and continues, "Then I saw their wrists. One of them had a big, black moon, branded right here.” He lifts his arm and points at his inner wrist.<br><br>“Moon Cultists - worshippers of Lord Moon. You don’t mess with their kind. Things get ugly real fast, when you’re dealing with the kind of people who want to put out the Sun herself.” He looks around uneasily,<br><br>“Chizaro said they were going to kill him. He had to get the masks back, and soon. But there was no way we could do it. Not in one night. That was when he used the spell ...”<br><br>((Anyone with Shukenja Lore or Shadowlands Lore can give me a roll here))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>22-11-2008, 14:54:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Please. The oni. You have to .. have to kill it .. before it's too late."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I nodded at the frightened man. I looked around me, calling for some rope. One of the Magistrates had some and threw me a length. I bound the archer's wrists and ankles.<br><br><strong>"Wait here,"</strong> I said to him with a wink, and rose.<br><br>Going over to the doorway to the room with the <em>maho</em> caster I listened to what the man was saying.<br><br><strong>"This is not my province but there seems to be power defending the circle, we need a greater power to break in. We need powerful good <em>kami</em> I think, or a blessed item that has awoken."</strong><br><br>I looked at the others, especially the <em>shugenja</em>.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>23-11-2008, 22:14:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Clutching the ofuda of&nbsp; earth.&nbsp; Asahina Meiwa would give a slight frown, as she drew on her memory of instruction.&nbsp; <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwa rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Roll on the acene with the circle.<br>Result: 4, 2, 4,<br>Total: 10<br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Recalling upon her learnings&nbsp; As she took in the scene and the sense of macabre that pervaded it.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she take a few steps closer herself, during her observation.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>23-11-2008, 23:08:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Do you know where the men went, or where they said to deliver the masks?"&nbsp; Hanzo asked looking at the bandit.&nbsp; He was keeping very still as he spoke.&nbsp; Bandits were a lovely bunch.&nbsp; Stupid enough to do something to get them in trouble and then stupid enough to make the whole matter worse instead of fessing up to their crime and finding people to deal with it properly.<br><br>"Also,which spell did he use? And don't just say an oni summoning spell."&nbsp; He didn't know exactly how Maho worked, but he seriously doubted there was some generic summon a random oni and hope for the worst spell.&nbsp; His thoughts were they had to be specfic and if they knew more about the oni then they could better hunt and kill the oni.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>23-11-2008, 23:59:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bandit shook his head. "I never heard what arrangements were made. Or even if any were. They were shut up in the back room with Chizaro-san there. Maybe he told them who the masks were sold to. All he told me was they were going to kill him if he couldn't get the masks back. Thats when he summoned that thing. I don't know what the spell was. I don't have anything to do with maho. I didn't know he did either, the fool."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 12:04:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>I listened intently to the conversation while studying the room and what was in it. I stepped in, sheathing my <em>katana</em> and went around outside the circle ending near Doji-san. I looked carefully at the candles, the bowls, the irregularity of the circle and the man called Chizaro-san. He was not <em>shugenja</em> that much was plain, or if he was, he was out of his depth.<br><br><strong>"This <em>maho</em> was cast by an amateur. All the layout of the circle, the preparations, the story we are being told. This was not planned, it was done quickly, badly, and perhaps by the wrong person."</strong> I looked at Chizaro-san and knew I was looking at a man already dead. I felt no anger towards him, merely sadness, <em>poor fool.</em><br><br><strong>"I have had teaching about this."</strong> I pointed all round the circle. <strong>"When the candles are lit, there is no simple way to break down the barrier they create. But Chizaro-san has given his name to the <em>oni</em> he has summoned, so he has given his life. I think when the <em>oni</em> is destroyed, he will die. In addition the <em>oni</em> will want the person who named it, so if the circle is broken, the <em>oni</em> will come, enter and devour the caster."</strong><br><br>I looked from Doji-san to the tall Dragon who seemed to be the leader of this group, and then to the slender Crane <em>shugenja</em>. <strong>"Once the <em>oni</em> has a name, it will become <em>far</em> more powerful and the city will perhaps suffer terribly."</strong><br><br><strong>"That is all my knowledge of lore can tell me here. The rest is my opinion."</strong><br><br><strong>"The <em>oni</em> must be destroyed while the circle is still unbroken. We need to find it or entice it here. We need to find the three cultists. If the <em>oni</em> has been summoned by Chizaro-san to find the porcelain masks then my belief is it will return here when it has them, or take them to the cultists."</strong><br><br><strong>"The task will be easier if we can lure the <em>oni</em> and the three men here."</strong><br><br>I turned to Doji-san, <strong>"<em>Bugyo-sama</em>, you know this city. Can you add anything?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-11-2008, 23:22:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san frowned, looking at the seated bandit, and stood up. "I regret I cannot add to your demonstrated knowledge of maho." he said. "But I agree with your assessment. We must find this oni and destroy it before it returns here." He looked at candles for a moment. "I would guess that those will last until perhaps dawn."<br><br>The bandit grunts something that might be an affirmative, and nods.<br><br>Doji-san turns to look at the rest of you. "Do we have any other information that might indicate where it has gone? Was anything found at the other address?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>01-12-2008, 01:00:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo took that moment to sheath his swords completely and take the secured tabel leg and bundle from his backpack and unfold the bundle of rags to show the Mask they took from the oni spawn.<br><br>"Emi and I have garunteed they will eventually come looking for me.&nbsp; Now it's just a matter of finding the other masks and making sure they know where to find the final mask.&nbsp; It'll come."&nbsp; Hanzo said.&nbsp; Looking to those more experianced in Maho then himself.&nbsp; He would have brought it up earlier, but there was more pressing issues.&nbsp; Now it was the most important issue and one the rest of the magistrates should know.<br><br>Anyone looking on can see Hanzo takes precautions not to actually touch the bundle and from the looks of the leg used to transport it before, probably didn't want to let it closer to him then he had to.&nbsp; It was just too important to trust to anyone outside this group and Hanzo decided to shoulder any possible bad outcome from being near it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>01-12-2008, 20:21:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane sheaths her own katana and squats to examine the mask. "Hopefully they will need all the masks for their plan."<br><br>She stands up, and turns to face a wall, before quickly removing her obi, motioning for Meiwa to join her. Within moments, she's removed her kimono and under-kimono, before shrugging back into her kimono. She turns back to the group as she finishes dressing.<br><br>"Here. I will sacrifice this," she says, offering the under-kimono. "It's pure silk, and it might help guard against the <em>maho</em> of the mask.<br><br>"Now, we need a plan to track down the rest of the masks."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-12-2008, 16:33:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"How do you propose we do that?" asked Doji-san. "We have no clue as to where these cultists may be, or what their purpose for these masks is. There is also the matter of the oni running loose. Do we have any other information that might indicate where we should search for these threats?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>06-12-2008, 20:57:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>I stared at the mask that the Dragon revealed and a thought came to me.<br><br><strong>"The cultists wanted one box of masks, but that is not to say that every mask in that box was important. It is possible that there was just one mask that was significant."</strong><br><br>I looked from the Dragon to Doji-san and then to the <em>shugenja</em> and back to Shosuro-san.<br><br><strong>"If we have the one mask the cultists need, they will come to us."</strong><br><br><strong>"I am only surmising however, but if there are many masks in that box they can use, then our task is hopeless, which is why I feel somehow that <em>that</em> one is special. It was found in a merchant's shop, you say? Was there anything significant in that shop?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>06-12-2008, 22:31:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Drawing her hands in under her obi as for a moment of thoughtfulness in reflection.&nbsp; Bright blue eyes that hinted of the ebb of life, as water flowed.&nbsp; Asahina Meiwha gaze traveled over the mask produced.&nbsp; Again the retraction of proper protocol.&nbsp; &nbsp;Of bringing something to attention.&nbsp; She had no time to study our investigate on the mask. Such case by one sworn to protect her, held such information from her the shugenja.&nbsp; &nbsp;For that matter, he had from the beginning failed to protect.&nbsp; It was his lack of response, that when the first oni attack occurred in the inn.&nbsp; That she had been hurt.&nbsp; He had failed to come to her aid.&nbsp; Again it was his belittlement of her spell of aid in rendering the bandit asleep.&nbsp; <br><br>It dawns on her, she had been blinded.&nbsp; But the traitor has been right amongst them and closes to her. It is the one that has been acting as the leader.&nbsp; She would have to write a report, have it dispatched upon the wind, by the kami of air.&nbsp; To the Emerald Magistrate himself.&nbsp; Her dragon is a traitor to the throne.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>09-12-2008, 01:39:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would put the mask carefully into the silk as he'd then fish out the iron box containing the scrolls and the ledger.<br><br>"These were found as well, though we didn't have a chance to look them over as we tried to hurry to the various addresses we had." Hanzo would say as he set the iron box on a nearby table and opened it so the rest of the magitrates could see the scrolls and set the ledger down beside it.&nbsp; He hadn't gotten the chance to look at them before now and since the entirety of their group was present, not allowed them to have the most eyes on the items, and possibly someone with a greater expertise could look it over.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-12-2008, 01:56:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The iron box is, surprisingly, not locked, and when opened reveals a large number of silver and copper coins. At a guess you say perhaps 20 koku worth.<br><br>The first set of scrolls is a business ledger, a list of transactions, goods, prices and the other details of commerce that samurai have little to do with.<br><br>The second set of scrolls is more interesting, and seems to be a personal journal. Looking through it, it appears to have daily entries stretching back perhaps a full year. Reasoning that the most recent entries would be of most interest to you, examination of them shows frequent mention of a young geisha named Suruko. Suruko works at the House of Water Lilies, on Teardrop Island, and seems to be a dear friend as well as his favorite geisha. He speaks highly of her and seems perhaps to be in love with her. The last entry, scribbled hastily, reads:<br><br>"There is no time to waste, and I must hurry. Time is running short, and the Oni will be here any minute to kill me. I've heard of his rampages across the town, and the only one left is me. Ikyoto is bringing the sword - my last hope! - and now I go to my dark fate. Suruko, Suruko, I have to see you, just one more time, before I die . . ."<br><br>Doji-san explains. "I know of this House. It is a smaller one, on Teardrop Island. The Floating World lies to the south of the city, just out past the walls. It is where samurai can go to put aside duty for a short time. There is good food, pleasent company, saki ..." his mouth twists for a moment .. "And unfortunately opium also. If the oni is hunting this merchant, then perhaps it will follow him there."<br><br>He shakes his head. "That will not be good. Weapons are forbidden on the island. All swords must be left at Swords Polished, at the dock. There are some Thunder Guard there at least, but I do not know how usefull they will be."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 10:09:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br><strong>"Then we should go to Teardrop Island. And quickly."</strong><br><br>I looked all around the room, waiting to see if my suggestion had support.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 15:16:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The non irrelevant shugenja of the Crane would nod.&nbsp; Ready to tag along to be as always a background piece that did nothing.&nbsp; As Asahina Meiwa would give a nod of agreement to Kitsuki Akano.&nbsp; Not that it mattered if she agreed or not.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-12-2008, 14:26:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With no dissenting voices raised, the group leaves the warehouse, intent on going to Teardrop Island. As soon as you leave the warehouse though, movement in the shadows draws your gaze. A single figure steps into the light, nodding as he sees you have seen him. He wears little in the way of clothing ... a simple back vest and loose hakama trousers. Much more noticeable is his shaved head, and intricate tattoos, and what may be the hilt of a sword poking over one shoulder.<br><br>As you watch, he walks slowly backwards onto the dock that extends out into the Bay of Drowned Honour, gesturing to you. His voice is little more than a whisper, but it carries clearly to you. "As the Tao says: When the work is done, wait, wait, bide. Abide, and we will speak. Patience brings knowledge."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>18-12-2008, 15:12:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>An <em>Ise zumi</em> bearing a <em>katana</em> over his shoulder. Doji-san had told me of this, the magistrates had met this man before. But the <em>Ise zumi</em> appeared to be leading us, whether for good or ill was unknowable.<br><br>Without addressing any of the group in particular I said in general, <strong>"Is this the person you saw before? If so he is walking backwards along a dock. Unless he has a clever trick at his disposal, we shall have the opportunity to speak with him soon."</strong><br><br>I walked out cautiously onto the wooden jetty after the retreating figure in black, attempting to keep him in sight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>18-12-2008, 21:53:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the group heads out of hte warehouse, Hanzo would rebundle the journel and scrolls as their usage was done and he would step over towards Meiwha holding them out for her to keep.&nbsp; Who held onto them was not absolutely important, but this did tread more into her area than his own and now that the danger was fully known, he'd be dead long before she would if they found the danger so it was safer with her.<br><br>Were he to know her thoughts there would be much discussion before they continued forth, if only because he lost her confidence, but he didn't and she still held his.<br><br>"These are safer with you."&nbsp; He'd say as he held them out towards her.&nbsp; Whether she accepted them or not, hopefully would, Hanzo would fall back in step along side her, where he had before their parting.&nbsp; It'd been required to part ways to explore quickly, now that they weren't seperate he was going to continue to watch over her as best he could.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>18-12-2008, 22:31:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wordlessly she take the bundle that contained the journal and scrolls.&nbsp; &nbsp;A slight nod given in response.&nbsp; Yet no words are forthcoming in reply.&nbsp; <br><br>Would slip the bundle into her satchel then.&nbsp; Then would give a glance to the rest.&nbsp; Waiting for the way to be shown.&nbsp; &nbsp;For she had no clue to where Teardrop island is located.&nbsp; <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>23-12-2008, 13:28:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the edge of the dock the grinning monk comes to a halt, hopping easily onto one of the low poles that ships are tied to, and makes a motion for you to stop. In the light of the lantern that illuminates the end of the dock you can see a swirl of tattoos covering his chest, shoulders and arms. Most of them you cannot make out, but you can see a very well worked monkey and bat.<br><br>"“Now I will tell you what you wish, if you wish. Nothing is as it seems, you know. Nothing at all.” The strange man points at his chest and says, “Ikyoto."<br><br>Doji-san takes another step or two forwards and the monk rises up, shaking his head, and turning, taking a stance as if to dive into the bay. When he steps back to rejoin the rest of you the monk smiles, settling back to his own previous position.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>01-01-2009, 11:09:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane takes one step forward, just so that she has the monk's attention. She then bows to the monk, a bow of respect.<br><br>"It is generous of you to offer your information, Ikyoto-san. I suppose that you know much of what we must face. About the oni stalking the city, and the sword you carry. Please, what do you know of the oni?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>01-01-2009, 21:47:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ise zumi turns towards Akane and cocks his head to the side. After a few moments, he speaks.<br><br>"A name is the power of becoming something you are not. While you wait, your enemy practices."<br><br>You will have heard before that it is the tendancy of ise zumi to speak in riddles.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>02-01-2009, 08:04:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>For now the petite shugenja of the Crane clan, remained quiet.&nbsp; &nbsp;Not out of indifference, rather in deep concentration.&nbsp; &nbsp;The riddle speak of the monk.&nbsp; &nbsp;Disconcerting in delivery of his information being given.&nbsp; &nbsp;Drawing closer to him.&nbsp; As the others also gathered around.&nbsp; With the Scorpion courtier stepping up and bowing&nbsp; in engaging the monk to speak more.&nbsp; <br><br>A look down at the scrolls.&nbsp; &nbsp;The ones just recently passed to her.&nbsp; &nbsp;Perhaps, they would hold insight to revealing all with a clear mind of vision.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>02-01-2009, 13:47:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"A name is the power of becoming something you are not. While you wait, your enemy practices."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> As usual, a riddle. I thought about this, and as I did so moved closer to both the Dragon <em>Bushi</em>, Miromoto-san and the striking Crane <em>shugenja</em>. I spoke in a low tone but strongly so they both could hear me. <strong>"The obvious part of that is taking a name and becoming powerful - that refers to the <em>oni </em> and the poor fellow who had given it his name. The <em>oni</em> has become something it was not - powerful - by virtue of receiving a name."</strong><br><br><strong>"As to the second part, that is less clear. All I can understand from it is that while we waste time, our enemy grows stronger. I think we know this already."</strong><br><br><strong>"Ise-zumi-san,"</strong> I raised my voice and stepped up beside Shosuro-san, bowing to the monk who stood a little teasingly atop his mooring post, <strong>"We know the <em>oni</em> or the one who summoned it, seeks a certain mask, or masks. ...Why?... But I have heard that other objects were ransacked from houses. <em>Katana</em>, for example."</strong> My eyes flicked to the sword across his back, then back to his eyes, <strong>"If the masks are sought by the people these magistrates seek, why does the <em>oni</em> take swords also?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-01-2009, 16:04:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ise zumi smiles at the questions. "The sword? Ah, the Blade of Secrets. If you can bear it's burden, you can find it's might. With courage, buy victory. With blood, buy peace. With death, buy life. The price of greatness is paid by the great, but all then benefit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>02-01-2009, 16:34:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>I smiled at the Monk, <strong>"You have told me what it is, which is not what I asked. Though I am grateful for your answer,"</strong> I bowed again, there was no need to upset him, <strong>"I asked why does the <em>oni</em> seek it? Not for himself, that much is clear, for he is powerful enough without man's steel in his claws. What I am asking is - 'who is behind the <em>oni</em>?' Who pulls the strings to this unusual <em>kabuki</em> theatre tonight?"</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-01-2009, 16:45:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The answers to many questions hide in plain sight. But not all of them." He glances back towards the warehouse, then returns his gaze to you.<br><br>Doji-san follows his gaze, then quietly speaks. "Perhaps we have overlooked something in there. I will search thoroughly and see what else can be found." He turns and walks back inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>05-01-2009, 20:40:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A brief nod to Doji-san as he turns to examine the warehouse again, then back to the monk. "You have told us much, in your own way, and for that, we are grateful. Now, what of this mask, or masks, that the <em>oni</em> seeks. What can you tell us about that?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-01-2009, 01:13:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The way of the Tao is of questions." replied the monk. "Answers must be found for oneself."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>06-01-2009, 04:51:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>While the others continued to speak.&nbsp; She would take a moment to look at the scroll.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she begin to see what is on it.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-01-2009, 01:38:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwhas examination of the two sets of scrolls reveals only what had already been discovered.<br><br>The first set of scrolls is a business ledger, a list of transactions, goods, prices and the other details of commerce that samurai have little to do with.<br><br>The second set of scrolls is more interesting, and seems to be a personal journal. Looking through it, it appears to have daily entries stretching back perhaps a full year. Reasoning that the most recent entries would be of most interest to you, examination of them shows frequent mention of a young geisha named Suruko. Suruko works at the House of Water Lilies, on Teardrop Island, and seems to be a dear friend as well as his favorite geisha. He speaks highly of her and seems perhaps to be in love with her. The last entry, scribbled hastily, reads:<br><br>"There is no time to waste, and I must hurry. Time is running short, and the Oni will be here any minute to kill me. I've heard of his rampages across the town, and the only one left is me. Ikyoto is bringing the sword - my last hope! - and now I go to my dark fate. Suruko, Suruko, I have to see you, just one more time, before I die . . ."<br><br>Perhaps a closer examination, in better conditions, would reveal more. At the moment she cannot see anything else there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>07-01-2009, 06:23:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br><em>"I suggest we also in post haste pay a visit to House of Water Lilies, their is a young geisha there by the name of Suruko.&nbsp; It seems he was fond of her.&nbsp; He may have given her something.&nbsp; That could help us.&nbsp; &nbsp;It be a good place to place such.&nbsp; A geisha would honor and keep such in complete confidence." </em><br><br>She look around at the others, then to see what they thought.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>07-01-2009, 22:33:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>The Crane <em>shugenja</em> spoke of a <em>geisha</em> at the House of Water Lilies on the island. I nodded to her, <strong>"Then let us go hence. Ikyoto-san,"</strong> I bowed to the <em>ise zumi</em>, <strong>"If you are half as good a guide as you are forthcoming with helpful information, I beg of you to lead us there at once."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-01-2009, 23:47:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Before he replies, Doji-san returns from the warehouse bearing a mask and piece of wood. "I found more of these at the rear." he says, holding up the mask. "There were several boxes, and they look to have been recently searched. Each box bore this mark." <br><br>In his other hand is a piece of thin wood, presumably broken off one of the boxes. It bears a blurred Lion mon and a strange Kabuki mask design. "I do not recognise this mark, but it would presumably belong to some merchant, or perhaps travelling players of some kind."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>11-01-2009, 20:24:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I do not recognise this mark, but it would presumably belong to some merchant, or perhaps travelling players of some kind."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I looked at Doji-san, <strong>"Would they not need to be an extremely numerous band of travelling players in order to require <em>ten boxes</em> of masks? Theatrical masks are of distinct design and function, though it is not my area of skill, but surely only a few distinct masks are used in theatre? It struck me that the masks might be more casual festival wear, in which case the stamp on the boxes could belong to the merchant who purchased them or he who manufactured them."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-01-2009, 20:43:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Indeed." replied the Crane, smiling. "I would believe it to be a merchants mark myself. I only mentioned it so as to not overlook another possibility, no matter how small it would be. No doubt masks take wear and tear in performances, and a supply of plain masks would easily allow the replacement of whichever required it."<br><br>"As you surmise, it is more likely they are merchants goods, bound for the festival."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>12-01-2009, 23:14:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo had remaned mostly silent during the exchanges, more because he was contemplating other things and others seemed apt to the task of inquiring with the Izumi.&nbsp; "Then some of us should check with the bureaucrats and guilds that the merchants must deal with.&nbsp; One of them will know of this merchant as well as where he could be found.&nbsp; In the event that teardrop island does not provide us with everything we need.&nbsp; Also, if the Oni is present on the island, it'll be easier to have allies bring weapons we can trust to deal with the Oni."&nbsp; He knew Shugenja had the ability to send messages to one another, hopefully Meiwha would have it as well, since that is what would be required to make the last part of the plan work.<br><br>Hanzo knew that the fact that swords couldn't be brought onto the island was most likely custom and respect, however it would end immedately if the Oni went rampaging and he'd like someone to be able to bring reinforcements if the Thunder Guard proved as useful as they have been tonight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>13-01-2009, 13:50:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Then some of us should check with the bureaucrats and guilds that the merchants must deal with. One of them will know of this merchant as well as where he could be found. In the event that teardrop island does not provide us with everything we need. Also, if the Oni is present on the island, it'll be easier to have allies bring weapons we can trust to deal with the Oni."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I turned to the speaker. <strong>"Forgive me if I speak out of place, for I am merely new here, but should we not all go in force to the island at once? Some of us should investigate the merchant's marks, I agree. But later, not now. If our quarry intends mischief at the island and a fight breaks out, all of us will be required there."</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>13-01-2009, 15:49:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>The crane shugenja would nod in agreement to the proposed plan of discourse.&nbsp; Through the words of Hanzo-san brings an idea to her.&nbsp; For when they reach the island.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"Then we shall go.&nbsp; We have much to cover, time is of essences.&nbsp; We must act in post haste.&nbsp; For we must ascertain which is the path that leads to the truth and the ones that we input in erroneous deduction.&nbsp; So we may close this matter and secure the safety of the empire and this city." </em><br><br>The first things first, get to the island.&nbsp; &nbsp;Second, something she should have done in the first place.&nbsp; She needed to commune with the Kami of air.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>13-01-2009, 21:13:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If nothing else, I can wait with our swords, and bring them should the <em>oni</em> reveal itself on the island." In truth, she would use her skills to keep pace with the rest of the magistrates, and arrive fortuitously should she <em>oni</em> indeed be there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>15-01-2009, 01:38:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san nodded. "Then I will show you the quickest way to the island. Do you wish to ask the monk to accompany us?" He gestured towards the dock, then frowned. "Where is he?" The spot where the monk had been now sits empty. "Did he say anything of use? Is he going to the island as well?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>10-02-2009, 02:03:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>We all boarded a boat and were taken across the water. As we approached the island I studied the landing place and wharf carefully. It did indeed seem that the dock gave access only to this one entrance, the place we had been told we must leave our weapons.<br><br>As our boat was about to dock I turned to the others, <strong>"We should decide a plan, how we are to approach this person when we find him. Does anyone have any suggestions?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>10-02-2009, 02:40:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>Meiwha's eyes surveyed the docks that the boat ferry up to.&nbsp; &nbsp;As if searching, seeking answers.&nbsp; &nbsp;If the very gaze would reveal those answers.&nbsp; &nbsp;A glance to the others when Akano speaks.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"The House of Water Lilies.&nbsp; &nbsp;We can talk to the geisha Suruko.&nbsp; It is a starting point." </em><br><br>Perhaps it is not the correct starting point.&nbsp; But that did not matter.&nbsp; For it would give structure, and in such a step.&nbsp; An once steps are formulated.&nbsp; Then it would lead to the right step.&nbsp; Otherwise the prospect was continued running around blindly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>10-02-2009, 20:09:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane glances around as Akano and Meiwha speak. "I agree. Speak with the geisha, then try to track down this merchant. As was stated before, he may have entrusted her with something that may be vital to stopping this <em>oni.</em>"<br><br>As the ship approaches the dock, she lays out a large piece of cloth, removing her own weapons and carefully wrapping them. "Since time is essential right now, I can take our weapons while you find Suruko." She makes no move to take her companion's weapons, instead letting them offer them to her themselves. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-02-2009, 20:33:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The journey through the city took a short time, the Crane able to lead you through the back streets and thus avoid the worst of the crowds. Passing from the merchants quarter into the nobles, the harried looking Thunder Guard waved you through after Doji-san made the introductions. <br><br>Moving towards the river, he stopped to point out a section of street. "It was here that your predecessor was ambushed and slain. The Thunder Guard spoke with those nearby, but no one good give them any leads. You should speak with them when you have the time. I know that the Governer was most distraught to have an honoured Magistrate killed in her city. Her son leads the Thunder Guard, so I expect he will also wish to see those responsible punished."<br><br>The way to the docks was a single small gate in the city wall, small enough that only a single person could pass through at a time. Down on the bank of the river, a single small dock extended out into the water, and the lights of Teardrop Island could be seen sparkling in the distance. <br><br>- - - -<br><br>As Akane began to remove her weapons, the Crane cleared his throat politely and spoke again. "The reason for weapons being left at Swords Polished is so that drunken samurai are not a threat to those around them. We do not come to lose ourselves, but on the business of the Emperor's Law, and with the threat of an Oni, I think that perhaps Gate could be convinced to set the traditions of the island aside for this."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>12-03-2009, 20:28:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo nods at this.&nbsp; Given the number of times they have been attacked recently and the recent arrow wound to his shoulder, he more then apt to the idea of keeping his swords on him.&nbsp; "Given what happened to the last Emerald Magistrate they will have a harder time asking us to lay down our swords."&nbsp; He'd comment, realizing how quickly that could turn on someone if they did. decided to push the issue.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>13-03-2009, 20:41:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane pauses, thinking on this line of reasoning, then nods. She puts her swords back on her hip, and turns back to the Crane.<br><br>"Very well. Our first duty will be interviewing Suruko-san. We'll present our Magistrate credentials, saying that this is in the course of an investigation. We'll proceed from there."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>13-03-2009, 21:51:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKE AKANO<br><br>I nodded. <strong>"It is agreed. Let us proceed."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 03:14:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meiwha would also step forward.&nbsp; &nbsp;She had no weapons to begin with.&nbsp; So did not have to fret over whether or not she should carry them or not.&nbsp; <br><br>Through she is a pacifist.&nbsp; As most of her family is.&nbsp; &nbsp;She would have to caution that her fellow magistrates should keep their weapons.&nbsp; For they are in search of uncovering a plot that has been littered with Oni.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>17-03-2009, 19:13:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ferry gently docks against a long, well maintained strip of wooden planking, leading to the entrance of an imposing building. At either<br>side of the dock, three burly guards wait to aid the ferryman, and escort you into the building.<br><br>Inside, you are greeted by Gate, the keeper of Swords Polished. “Welcome, noble samurai!” He smiles with a polite bow. He is a tremendously large man, with bulging muscles and a tough glint in his eye. “I’m sure you are tired from your journey across the river. Welcome, on this night of the Bon Festival, to the most beautiful place in Ryoko Owari!" <br><br>"Please, allow me to take your weapons, so that they may be brightly polished in the name of your ancestors.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>17-03-2009, 20:16:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane returns the bow. "We appreciate the offer, but we are here on official business." She produces her badge of office, presenting it to Gate. "We wish to interview one of the geisha in the course of an investigation we're doing. As there may be some serious opposition to our investigation, we would prefer to retain our weapons."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>18-03-2009, 21:23:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKE AKANO<br><br>I was not a Magistrate, merely a... helper... here, so my status might cause difficulties with this line of debating. For now I hung back, watching the Swords Polished man carefully. Someone of that physique had to be a soldier - or a travelling showman!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>18-03-2009, 23:07:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwa<br><br>Meiwa, having stepped forward.&nbsp; Would move past the guards.&nbsp; She had no weapons.&nbsp; &nbsp;She cast a glance down the street.&nbsp; Then would turn to the guard.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"Excuse me, please the most direct route to the house of Water lillies?"</em><br><br>She would ask of the guard.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>18-03-2009, 23:52:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"As my fellow magistrates have said, we're on business and in a bit of a hurry.&nbsp; Please allow us and our assistant to pass and give us directions to the Geisha house."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as he approached the man.&nbsp; He was similarly being polite, but he was still either a head taller then the man, or the first who could look him in the eyes.&nbsp; Either way, it tended to make people more agreeable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 00:28:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gates eyes widen as he takes in the jade orb of an Imperial Magistrate. You can see a flicker of something pass across his face, a shade too fast to tell what. "Hai, Magistrate sama." he replies. "I'm afraid my duty does not permit me to leave this place, but the building of the Thunder Guard is right next to ours." His hand gestures out the door and to the right. "I am sure the Gunso there would be only too glad to assist you in your duties."<br><br>As Meiwa spoke his eyes flicked to her, her scroll case, and back up. He seemed quite aware of what that meant. "That house is about halfway down the island." replied Gate, again pointing. "It lies on the east side, near the waters edge, across from the House of Foreign Stories."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 01:11:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwa<br><br><em>"Thank you, your help is greatly appreciated."</em><br><br>She would give a genial smile and slight bow.&nbsp; Through she did not need to.&nbsp; &nbsp;It often helped with those under in station. To show a sense of gentility towards.&nbsp; &nbsp; In not assuming in arrogance and holding that up one's position and status. <br><br>With the quick bow, Meiwa looks to the others.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 19:06:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thank you."&nbsp; Hanzo would say with a nod to the man as he'd make a motion for Akano to follow.&nbsp; She had been hanging back and he wasn't sure how much of it she'd have heard.&nbsp; Hanzo would walk up long side Meiwha.<br><br>"Were you able to catch the look on Gate's face?&nbsp; I couldn't tell what but I thought I saw something."&nbsp; Hanzo would ask quietly as they walked.&nbsp; Given they were in the city of lies, for all he knows that sword polisher is a Scoprion agent in disguise.&nbsp; Hopefully Meiwha was able to see what he could now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 20:43:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A polite bow. "Thank you, Gate-san." Once past, she calls to the others.<br><br>"I will check in with the Thunder Guard. Go on ahead, I will meet you at the House of Water Lillis." She hangs back just a moment, to quietly whisper to Akano.<br><br>"Gate was hiding something. I'm going to keep an eye on him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>19-03-2009, 21:47:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKE AKANO<br><br>The evening had been so busy and so... exciting and so much had happened. I felt rather overcome by it all. I still had not had many minutes to talk with my new companions though we had had the opportunity to exchange names and greetings on our walk between the warehouse and the boat dock.<br><br>Murimoto San seemed to be the leader of the group and between him and Asahina San I detected a certain... connection. When the lady Shugenja went on ahead and Murimoto San made it plain he would accompany her that left Shosuro San and I together.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I will check in with the Thunder Guard. Go on ahead, I will meet you at the House of Water Lillies."<br><br>"Gate was hiding something. I'm going to keep an eye on him."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I fell in beside her as she walked down the narrow street, <strong>"Ex-Military, I would think. Though perhaps he is just startled by a group of Magistrates appearing unannounced at his door. I would be, if I were an ordinary city worker."</strong><br><br><strong>"Shosuro San, if I may be so bold as to suggest this. I have been living in the city some two weeks now. The Thunder Guard are not... how can I say this delicately... <em>unbiased</em>. Do not rely on them, I think."</strong> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>20-03-2009, 01:46:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwa<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg1730841#msg1730841">Quote from: LordAnubis on 19-03-2009, 19:06:57</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Thank you."&nbsp; Hanzo would say with a nod to the man as he'd make a motion for Akano to follow.&nbsp; She had been hanging back and he wasn't sure how much of it she'd have heard.&nbsp; Hanzo would walk up long side Meiwha.<br><br>"Were you able to catch the look on Gate's face?&nbsp; I couldn't tell what but I thought I saw something."&nbsp; Hanzo would ask quietly as they walked.&nbsp; Given they were in the city of lies, for all he knows that sword polisher is a Scoprion agent in disguise.&nbsp; Hopefully Meiwha was able to see what he could now.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>A nod is given, she had caught the look.&nbsp; However, she is a bit in the mists with what it meant.&nbsp; &nbsp;Softly she would respond back to Hanzo-san.&nbsp; &nbsp;So as not to have her words carry beyond.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br><em>"Yes, through what it meant.&nbsp; Is something that I have not fathom yet, Hanzo-san."</em><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>20-03-2009, 03:23:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If we get a moments pause, I'd like to speak with you."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as he kept his eyes forward, watching for anything to come.&nbsp; Given the last time she spoke his name in public she used kun instead of san, this moment when none would hear did give Hanzo a moment of pause.&nbsp; He has been preforming his higher job this night, but he has a second job he hasn't be preforming as well lately, a fact quickly being realized.<br><br>"When we do reach the Geisha house, I think you'll have more success with the lady then I."&nbsp; She was the more elliquiet speaker and given they need the geisha's willing cooperation as opposed to the force cooperation under the penalty of laws, he didn't think he was the one for this job.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>20-03-2009, 04:40:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwa<br><br><em>"Of course Hanzo-san."</em>&nbsp; Meiwa would respond back.&nbsp; &nbsp;As Hanzo wanted to have a word with her.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>And yes even she realized she had not used kun.&nbsp; She was hurt,&nbsp; back at the ware house.&nbsp; &nbsp;When you had doubted her ability to all on the kami.&nbsp; &nbsp; She was not a warrior that fought with the blade.&nbsp; She fought though her wits and aid of the kami.&nbsp; Going after the darkness,&nbsp; and the horrors that were not of the natural order.&nbsp; <br><br>Plus the fact things have moved a such a fast pace.&nbsp; She cannot remember the last time any of them had rested.&nbsp; &nbsp;Rushing one encounter to the next.&nbsp; Barely anytime to gather oneself and reflect.&nbsp; Well get laid she would really mean.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>20-03-2009, 22:20:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shosuro Akane<br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg1731173#msg1731173">Quote from: Haibane on 19-03-2009, 21:47:10</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>"Ex-Military, I would think. Though perhaps he is just startled by a group of Magistrates appearing unannounced at his door. I would be, if I were an ordinary city worker."</strong><br><br><strong>"Shosuro San, if I may be so bold as to suggest this. I have been living in the city some two weeks now. The Thunder Guard are not... how can I say this delicately... <em>unbiased</em>. Do not rely on them, I think."</strong><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Akane nods, still facing forward. "Agreed. But there was something... more. A quick flash of something that vanished before it could be acknowledged.<br><br>"As for the Thunder Guard... I will take it under advisement. Perhaps I will simply keep an eye on Gate."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>20-03-2009, 22:31:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKE AKANO<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Agreed. But there was something... more. A quick flash of something that vanished before it could be acknowledged.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> <strong>"Yes, that is what I was referring to. His reaction. I am merely surmising, Magistrate-sama."</strong><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"As for the Thunder Guard... I will take it under advisement. Perhaps I will simply keep an eye on Gate."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I felt the woman's coldness or dissatisfaction with my presence. Also there was something... unwelcoming about her.<br><br>(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq131/renmei_2008/KitsukiAkano01_Avatar.jpg)<br><br><strong>"I shall take my leave and catch up with the others, if you wish."</strong> Bowing and withdrawing two steps back I made to leave and walk down the alley after the others of our party, who were still visible among the crowd a few yards away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>23-03-2009, 01:04:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Perhaps what you saw was only his shock of seeing Imperial Magistrates. Such high ranking servants of the Emperor are not common, nor are they dispatched without cause. Or perhaps it was something more after all.<br><br>The main road on the island leads away from you, towards the House you wish. The barracks of the Thunder Guard on the island lies beside you. Even if they are not the most reliable, they may be useful to have along. Certainly if there is any trouble they will be summoned anyway.<br><br>((Do you wish to stop off at the Thunder Guards, or continue to the House on your own?))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>23-03-2009, 21:19:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg1734167#msg1734167">Quote from: Haibane on 20-03-2009, 22:31:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>"I shall take my leave and catch up with the others, if you wish."</strong> Bowing and withdrawing two steps back I made to leave and walk down the alley after the others of our party, who were still visible among the crowd a few yards away.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Akane sighs inwardly, before rejoining the rest. She is too used to working alone, in the shadows. For obvious reasons, she can't openly display her training, and so she has to act accordingly.<br><br>Still, taking what Akano said under advisement, she keeps an eye on Gate and the Thunder Guard barracks.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>24-03-2009, 02:59:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo made no motion to head towards the thunder gaurd barracks, thus far they seem only useful for collecting prisoner's after the fact and unable to provide any real aid.<br><br>"Should be getting close to the Geisha house, hopefully we will not be too long."&nbsp; Said for two reasons, the first being because the more time they spend in the house the more time the Oni has, which would seem obvious to everyone else.&nbsp; The second being the weakness both he and Meiwha share.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-03-2009, 03:09:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Indeed, it only takes a few minutes walk to reach the House in question. Along the way you can hear sounds of revelry from the other houses, and see an occasional samurai the worse for the effects of sake, or perhaps opium. Doji-san expresses his opinion of these with a pointed sniff and an expression of not quite disgust.<br><br>As you approach the House of the Water Lilies, a plump Oka-san, her ornate robes patterned with lilies, comes out to greet you. “Good evening, honored guests. I am Bashiko, the owner of this proud house. Ah, such honorable visitors. Please, come inside. Would you like sake? Perhaps some hostesses to serve you on this festival night?” She smiles warmly, and her eyes twinkle.<br><br>She leads you through the sliding doors and into a large common room. A maiden is playing a stringed biwa, and her voice echoes merrily through the corridors of the large house. While there are several men and women in the outer chamber, all talking quietly or listening to the singer.<br><br>Doji-san glances around at them, then speaks in a voice meant for your ears only. "I do not see Whisper here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>24-03-2009, 12:11:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKE AKANO<br><br>After our short, and somewhat puzzling exchange near the Swords Polished gateway, Shosuro-san and I rejoined the main group of magistrates just in time to be welcomed into the House of the Water Lilies.<br><br>Doji-san spoke, saying the Geisha we had come to interview was not in the main room.<br><br><strong>"We should state our business and request her presence for an interview."</strong> I suggested to him. And to the man who seemed to lead our group, Murimoto-san.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>24-03-2009, 21:27:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"True, but no need to alarm everyone needlessly." Akane steps forward when we reach the common room.<br><br>"Bashoki-san, it is indeed an honor. Please, we came at the suggestion of another. Perhaps you could convince Suruko to host us? She was highly recommended to us." None of which, technically, is a lie. (Should I roll a Sincerity check?)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-03-2009, 23:17:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Nah, its ok))<br><br>Bashoki-san smiles, but shakes her head,a regretful expression on her face. "I am afraid Suruko is with another honoured guest of our house at the moment, but all the girls are equally lovely, and talented in similar ways. I am sure they could entertain you and your companions in whatever way you wished."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>24-03-2009, 23:58:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>Mewiha would frown, they did not have time for this.&nbsp; They had been a step behind the whole time.&nbsp; If this geisha had information that could be useful.&nbsp; Then they should not wait.&nbsp; So she would interject here.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she pulls out her seal of a emerald magistrate.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"I suggest you fetch her now.&nbsp; Before I shall order this house closed."</em><br><br>The white hair crane beauty would suddenly become forceful.&nbsp; As she would do it in a condescending tone.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she cracked a whip with her posture and demeanor.&nbsp; &nbsp;Oni were running free in this city.&nbsp; &nbsp;And&nbsp; her companions wanted to play games of nicety.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>25-03-2009, 00:07:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the symbol of Imperial authority displayed before her, the polite smile all but oozes off her face. She licks her lips uncertainly, and stammers out "B..b..but my house is clean, I pay my taxes."<br><br>Doji-san steps forwards, attracting her attention. "We have no issue with your house." The <em>yet</em> at the end of the sentence is left unspoken, but it easily drops into the silence. "We wish to speak with Suruko. You will take us to her now."<br><br>The madam nods shakily and turns, leading you through the house and upstairs. Doji-san takes the opportunity to speak softly when you have left the main room behind. "Please forgive me if I overstep, but I felt it better our business be discussed in private, rather than where other ears could hear it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>25-03-2009, 01:14:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br><em>"Your incite and wisdom is most appreciated, Doji-san."</em><br><br>Meiwha would reply softly to him.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she took no offense.&nbsp; While also seeing the wisdom of his action in speaking up.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she followed with him and the others the house mother of the house. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>25-03-2009, 02:18:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKE AKANO<br><br><strong><em>"Should have stated our business plainly and up front..."</em></strong> I muttered quietly to myself before casting a long careful look around the room, examining the patrons and the staff, noting their positions and states of inebriation.<br><br><strong>"With your leave, Magistrate-sama's I will remain in the main room and watch the front entrance. No-one will leave."</strong><br><br>I took a position by the entryway and placed a hand on my saka.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>25-03-2009, 18:48:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo stayed quiet through the exchange.&nbsp; As far as his speaking was concerned he'd asked Meiwha to step forward, since she was the better recieved between the two of them, so he left this in the hands of those more socially inclined.<br><br>"Careful." Hanzo would say to Akano as she stepped away.&nbsp; The Kitsuke was doing them a service to watch the front door and prevent anyone from leaving, but she was also stepping into the line of fire should anyone come here who was seeking them out, and he didn't want this good dead to be punished should it hit the fan.&nbsp; He'd be listening carefully for any sounds of trouble back in this room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>27-03-2009, 03:01:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bashoki stops in front of one door, and gestures towards it, still very nervous. At a curt gesture from Doji-san she turns and scurries away, not wanting to be any closer to trouble than she has to.<br><br>Doji-san slides the door open and steps in, glancing around with his hand set on the hilt of his katana, clearly prepared to make an iaijutsu draw, should it prove necessary. After a moment he removes hand and steps aside, allowing the rest of you to see the scene within. <br><br>Kneeling on the floor inside is a pretty geisha, and beside her stands a middle aged man, presumably the merchant Whisper. He clearly looks nervous.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>27-03-2009, 05:17:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>The crane shugenja would step in to the room.&nbsp; Along side her clan member Doji.&nbsp; &nbsp; Her gaze taking in the scene before her of the geisha and her client.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;A few moments are given.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she let the silence influence the opening of her questions to come.&nbsp; &nbsp; Then finally she would engage with a very simple first question.&nbsp; One that should be answered.&nbsp; Either with a yes or no.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"You are&nbsp; Suruko?"</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>28-03-2009, 14:46:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The two figures exchanged a quick glance before the geisha answered. "Hai, Crane-sama, I am Suruko." She regarded with her head slightly lowered, almost unwilling to meet your gaze, though through fear or geisha training you could not say.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>28-03-2009, 15:14:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>The crane shugenja would give a slight nod to the response.&nbsp; Which answered her question posed.&nbsp; Yet her posture and demeanor continued to be held in a regal pose.&nbsp; &nbsp;Yet with a sinister guile that lay behind the seemingly perfection of beauty that she claimed in her heritage of being a crane. <br><br>Like a inquisitor that was laying down the hammer.&nbsp; The crane would again speak.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"I see and your companion, his name?&nbsp; But before you answer, know that the weight of suspicion falls heavy upon you Saruko.&nbsp; For trafficking in blood maho, for dealing with such that should not be.&nbsp; In calling up and unleashing Oni within the city.&nbsp; And finally for being a possible moon cultist.&nbsp; So answer wisely and with truth.&nbsp; For I would know of one called Chizaro?"</em><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>28-03-2009, 17:43:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At your words the geisha goes pale, even beneath her makeup, and her mouth drops open. "I .. I know nothing of these things." she stammers out. "Please, I am only a geisha, not .. not .. what you have said."<br><br>Her head turns to the man beside her. "Tell them .. tell them I know nothing of such things."<br><br>((Anyone who wants to can make a normal sincerity check to see if they believe her))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>29-03-2009, 01:00:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Mewha rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Sincerity check perception 2 investigation 3<br>Result: 7, 6, 1, 9, 5,<br>Total: 16</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-03-2009, 20:42:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She appears to be telling the truth.<br><br>"It is not her you want." said Whisper, his voice low and trembling. "I am the one it is after. I swear though, I didn't know. I only wanted to make enough .." He pauses, licking his lips nervously then starts again.<br><br>“It all began last evening. With the festival coming, I was preparing my shop - buying items which would make a profit. I'm a merchant, just a merchant." He sighs nervously. “I followed the Cranes to the warehouse district.&nbsp; I knew they had contacts, and I wanted in on the deal. I just wanted to make a little koku, for ...” his voice trails off, and he looks at Suruko for a moment.<br><br>“I was going to buy her contract, you see.” He looks down at the floor. “The masks which the Scorpions sold me seemed of tremendous quality - they didn't know what they had! I was going to make a fortune. And I did. But then, the Oni came. I heard about it when it attacked Doji Juzo. I thought it was coincidence. But then the Unicorns, and Sanefusa’s warehouse ... now I’m the only one left. The only one who bought those cursed masks. Have you seen them? Worth ten times the price I paid for them. Ten times, and I only got<br>three when I sold them again ... but you know how Crabs can bargain."<br><br>“I know a little about Oni, from my days in the Hida lands, and I knew the sword that Daidoji Anitano had brought back from the Shadowlands was enchanted. It may be the only thing in the city which can kill the Oni. ”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>29-03-2009, 21:31:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>"You are then Chizaro?"<em></em><br><br>The emerald magistrate, a crane shugenja would ask then of the merchant.&nbsp; As she took in his words.&nbsp; Already her mind working, they would need to take this merchant into custody.&nbsp; &nbsp;With the one factor, for his protection and the city's.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Of course if it is reasoned that he would be next in the target line of the Oni unleashed.&nbsp; &nbsp;He would be the bait that would lure.&nbsp; <br><br>She would also note the love he held for the geisha.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is not lost on her, his mentioning of purchasing Saruko's contract.&nbsp; &nbsp;As his greed and need for koku had led him to this predicament. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-03-2009, 22:40:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What?" asked Whisper, puzzlement on his face. "No, no I'm not. The Scorpion I bought the masks off, his name is Chizaro."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 07:25:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I would have hoped you'd have thought to do yourself a favor and tell us who you sold the mask to and where we could find him without us asking.&nbsp; Given, your opinion of the oni coming after you next, if we have the mask, then the oni will be focused on us instead."&nbsp; Hanzo would interject from behind Meiwha.&nbsp; He did want her to do most of the talking, but a question wasn't asked and he&nbsp; would have thought the merchant would have been most ready to tell us the information.<br><br>After saying that Hanzo would step along side Meihwa to whisper in her ear.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 0.7em;" class="bbc_size"><em>"The man in the warehouse was named Chizaro."</em> </span>&nbsp; The murmor was very low, wanting to make sure she knew that bit of information in the event she missed it before, but also, didn't want to undermine her position in speaking with the Merchant.<br><br>After saying his bit to Meiwha he would step back and let Meiwha continue the talking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>31-03-2009, 01:00:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And what of the sword of the noble Daidoji itself?" asked Doji-san, his question turning the white faced merchant away from Hanzo. The merchant gave a slight nod, reaching down to the tatami mats to bring the sword out from behind some pillows.<br><br>He extended it out, both hands on the saya. "The masks .. um .. yes, yes, the masks. Those I sold to ..." His voice breaks off as the sword in his hands begins to glow, a soft blue light that quickly intensifies. His face turns towards Asahina-san, the obvious source of knowledge of the kami and such things.<br><br>Before he can speak again, to voice the obvious question, from downstairs comes a tremendous crash, overlaid with a rumbling snarl.<br><br>- - - -<br><br>Downstairs, the source of the noise is easily seen ... the oni from earlier crashing through one of the outer walls of the house, trampling a pair of servants beneath it, and sending those downstairs screaming for the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>31-03-2009, 02:10:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br><em>"Doji-san the sword, take it.&nbsp; &nbsp;Oni!"</em><br><br>The glow of the sword, along with the crash downstairs.&nbsp; Plus the snarl that accompanies the crashing sound downstairs.&nbsp; Would have Meiwha come to the logical conclusion.&nbsp; The oni has come.&nbsp; While she spoke in response.&nbsp; Her left hand reaching into her satchel.&nbsp; As she would begin to pull out a ofuda of Jade earth.<br><br>Initiative<br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Mewha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Initiative<br>Result: 9, 6, 3, 5, 9,<br>Total: 24</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>While she would go defensive, at first also. (which is immediate 5 ranks def)<br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Mewha rolled: 7d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Defensive<br>Result: 8, 5, 6, 3, 9, 10, 3,<br>Total: 19<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Mewha rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 19to the total<br>Comment: Defensive exploding ten<br>Result: 4,<br>Total: 23<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>31-03-2009, 02:12:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				KITSUKI AKANO<br><br>One minute I was standing in the house's entryway, carefully observing the patrons, some of whom seemed a little nervous at a group of Magistrates entering the premises. However I did my duty and forbade any to leave at this time.<br><br>The next minute a frightful crash came with no warning whatsoever and to one side of me I saw a wall collapse and two servants vanish under a cloud of broken fragments, dust and… huge feet…?!<br><br>My eyes went wide in surprise but reaction was instantaneous. Drawing my <em>katana</em> in one quick smooth motion I called and signaled with a hand gesture to everyone in the room.<br><br><strong>"Do not fear! Do not panic! Leave the building. This way, this way. This door here. Quickly! Anyone who has a weapon and wishes to stand, get behind me."</strong><br><br>I took up a full defensive stance to one side of the entrance, allowing the patrons and servants to flee, and watched the creature, awaiting it's onslaught.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>01-04-2009, 22:02:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shosuro Akane<br><br>Akane was content to let the others take the lead. She tried being subtle, but apparently, that didn't work out to well. Her reaction to the glow was curiosity. With the crash and screams downstairs, she mutters one work.<br><br>"Akano."<br><br>In a heartbeat, her blade is out, and she's rushing down the stairs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-04-2009, 00:12:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Downstairs, panic reigned supreme, with those in the common area of the house all but trampling Akano in their urge to get out. The Oni's roars seemed to shake the entire building, but its gaze was fixed on the upstairs, and it seemed ... indifferent ... to the panicing people nearby. In moments the place was empty, leaving only a single grim faced samurai standing beside Akane. He was unarmed, but had taken a ju jitsu stance.<br><br>The oni snarled, reaching behind onto its back and dropping a pair of pods onto the ground that unfolded spindly legs and began to move towards Akane and her companion. It's flank secured, the oni bounded up the stairs, intent on something deeper into the house.<br><br>((Initiative checks please.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>02-04-2009, 00:49:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo was closer to the door then Meiwha, and now he was even happier of this.&nbsp; He drew his swords as he went out the door, intending on leading the move down the hall, intending on keeping himself between Meiwha and the Oni.&nbsp; Right now, he was really missing the Crab...<br><br><br><br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 9to the total<br>Comment: Initative<br>Result: 3, 5, 4, 6, 5, <br>Total: 25
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>03-04-2009, 20:49:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(HH, don't you mean Akano?&nbsp; :D)<br><br>Shosuro Akane<br><br>The Scorpion 'courtier' reaches the top of the stairs, seeing the resulting chaos. Just in time to see the <em>oni</em> secure it's flank with it's micro pods, and head straight for her. She grips her blade in front of her, prepared to weather it's attacks and delay it just long enough for her fellow Magistrates to assist. And, hopefully, bring the sword to bear against this Shadowlands creature.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Lanzlo rolled: 5d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: Akane Initiative<br>Result: 1, 10, 1, 1, 10,<br>Total: 20<br><br>Explosions:<br>Roll Result: Lanzlo rolled: 2d10<br>Comment: Akane Initiative<br>Result: 9, 1,<br>Total: 10<br><br>Total: 30<br><br>Full Defensive posture.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-04-2009, 00:25:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=12404.msg1764834#msg1764834">Quote from: Lanzlo on 03-04-2009, 20:49:30</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">(HH, don't you mean Akano?&nbsp; :D)<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Her too&nbsp; :P
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-04-2009, 15:22:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akano's blade slashes down, but the oni spawn skitters aside, slashing at her legs in passing. Her own swing seems to have interupted it's attack, as its claws come up short.<br><br>The second leaps through the air, crashing into the samurai beside Akane in a mass of flailing claws. Blood splashes through the air, coating the tatami mats nearby as the two crash to the ground, the samurai screaming in pain, though still managing to drive the wakazashi into the spawn that was disemboweling him.<br><br>((Current situation, Akano and her spawn untouched, one spawn wounded, one samurai down))<br><br>Upstairs the samurai reflexes proved faster than that of the oni.<br><br>((Declare actions and make rolls please.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>10-04-2009, 21:50:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane stands in the middle of the stairs going upwards. She is not a front line bushi, and she knows this, but right now, she's the only thing standing between the <em>oni</em> and the merchant. And they need the sword to defeat it. Raising her blade before her, she stares down the Shadowlands creature.<br><br>"You shall not pass."<br><br>Despite having the height advantage, she is on uneven ground. Still, her training and instincts combine to allow her to take advantage of the narrow causeway, effectively bottle necking the creature until her companions arrive.<br><br>Roll Result: Lanzlo rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Full Defense<br>Result: 2, 5, 1, 19, 2, 9,<br>Total: 33<br><br>Total TN to be hit: 51
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>12-04-2009, 23:14:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The oni roars in frustration as Akane's nimble foot- and bladework prevent it from even coming close to landing a blow. The walls of the House are no so fortunate, and are now badly rent in the corridor. From somewhere along its path of rampage you can hear the crackling of flames, and smell the first hints of smoke in the air.<br><br>You can level a charge of arson against the oni on top of everything else :)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>20-04-2009, 22:44:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo uses his size to take up the width of the hallway as he advances downstairs just ahead of Meiwha.&nbsp; Being that much larger then most of Rokugan, he was confident in his ability to force any of the oni spawn to have to go through him before they could reach Meiwha.&nbsp; Now, lets see any of them hit him.<br><br>New TN. (76) (good luck oni)<br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, adding 33to the total<br>Comment: Full defense<br>Result: 2, 3, 5, 5, 10, 9, <br>Total: 57<br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 57to the total<br>Comment: Full defense explosion<br>Result: 10, <br>Total: 67<br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 67to the total<br>Comment: Full defense explosion x2<br>Result: 9, <br>Total: 76<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-04-2009, 22:48:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From behind you, the room with the merchant, Doji-san appears, a blue glowing katana held in his hand. "I cannot strike past you against it." he says after a moment.<br><br>"If this blade is the key to defeating this spawn of Jigoku, either I need to get past you, or one of you must wield it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>21-04-2009, 05:04:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Initiative;<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 24to the total<br>Comment: tide of battle<br>Result: 2,<br>Total: 26<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Meiwha with the ofuda of jade strike out.&nbsp; Will remain full defensive, as she follows in move behind Hanzo down the stairs.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 7d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Comment: full defensive<br>Result: 6, 2, 10, 1, 9, 4, 6,<br>Total: 19<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 19to the total<br>Comment: exploding ten<br>Result: 1,<br>Total: 20<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>24-04-2009, 03:42:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Pass me the sword then, and I'll keep him ahead of us.&nbsp; Grab the bow from my back. if you don't have one already."&nbsp; Figure if he can keep them behind him then the oni will have to deal with the Dragon.<br><br>Once he has the magic sword and sheathed his own, he'd continue to advance on the oni in full defense.\<br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 7d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 33to the total<br>Comment: Full defense <br>Result: 7, 9, 3, 8, 4, 3, 9, <br>Total: 66
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>24-04-2009, 22:24:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane glances behind her, seeing the other magistrates approaching down the stairs. A quick nod to Hanzo-san, and she slips to the side, secure in the knowledge that the Dragon will handle the oni. Right now, their assistant Akano is in trouble with two-to-one odds against her. She aims to even those odds, and perhaps tip them to their favor.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Heading to one of the minor 'pod oni' to strike at it from behind. Declaring two raises for damage.<br><br>Roll Result: Lanzlo rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, overroll at 10, adding 3to the total<br>Comment: Attack roll<br>Result: 17, 3, 1, 2, 2, 6,<br>Total: 29<br><br>Roll Result: Lanzlo rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Damage roll<br>Result: 5, 5, 3, 7, 3, 18, 1,<br>Total: 30<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-05-2009, 17:52:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taking the oni from behind and by surprise, Akano's strike is true, and buries deeply in the tiny creatures body. It screeches in pain and flings itself away from the samurai, skittering towards the open door.<br><br>Beside you the wounded samurai and the other oni spawn are locked in their struggle, with neither able to seem to gain the upper hand.<br><br>Up the stairs the oni lashes out with blows that would tear a samurais head from their shoulders. As it is, they only succeed in tearing gaping holes in the walls, unable to land upon the Dragon. In frustration the oni reaches over its shoulders, and draws something out with a sucking sound. It flings it over the samurai, towards the room where the merchant and geisha cowered. <br><br>It hit the ground with a wet splat, tiny legs unfolding. Another oni spawn was now loose behind them.<br><br>((New round actions please))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>04-05-2009, 04:55:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 26to the total<br>Comment: tide of battle<br>Result: 5,<br>Total: 31</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Asahina Meiwha in her action would recite off the ofuda.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she called upon the Kami of earth.&nbsp; As she unleash jade strike at the oni.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 5d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Jade strike<br>Result: 8, 9, 7, 1, 3,<br>Total: 24 Versus TN: 15 Success<br><br>Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 3d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage<br>Result: 7, 4, 2,<br>Total: 13<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>05-05-2009, 00:14:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo slipped from the full defensive posture as he made two quick strikes towards the raging Oni.&nbsp; Hopefully armed with a sword that would end this foul beasts existance Hanzo put forth to test the power of his training.<br><br><br>(Firt attack 47 TN&nbsp; second attack 44 TN both two raises everything to damage.)<br><br>Full Result: Hanzo rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: First attack 2 raises<br>Result: 4, 4, 2, 9, 8, 10, 4, 3, <br>Total: 38<br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 38to the total<br>Comment: First attack 2 raises explosions<br>Result: 9, <br>Total: 47<br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Second attack 2 raises<br>Result: 3, 8, 7, 7, 8, 1, 10, 9, <br>Total: 42<br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 42to the total<br>Comment: Second attack 2 raises explosions<br>Result: 2, <br>Total: 44<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-05-2009, 00:35:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Both hit, roll damage. Are you adding 2k0 from the raises, or 1k1? ))<br><br>From downstairs, a man crashes through the remains of the door. He takes only a moment to take in the situation before launching himself toward the Oni, barehanded, and screaming a kiai shout. The man is dressed in plain black and grey silk robes, woven with the mon of the Crab.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>05-05-2009, 00:40:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(1k1, need to kill this thing)<br><br>(22 and then 36 damage 58 damage total)<br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage 1<br>Result: 4, 2, 1, 1, 8, 5, 9, <br>Total: 22<br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage 1 (meant damage 2)<br>Result: 3, 8, 4, 4, 10, 6, 1, <br>Total: 24<br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 24to the total<br>Comment: Damage 2 explosions<br>Result: 10, <br>Total: 34<br><br>Roll Result: Hanzo rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 34to the total<br>Comment: Damage 2 explosionsx2<br>Result: 2, <br>Total: 36<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-05-2009, 00:59:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The oni staggered under the impact of the sword strokes, and the emerald energies which then wracked its frame. It's screech was a mixture of pain and surprise, and you can feel the shock it experienced at the bite of the sword. Its clawed limbs flailed in an effort to drive the dragon back, one landing a solid hit ((18 points of damage)).<br><br>Then the dark clad figure from below leaped towards its back, driving a kick into its spine. You don't know if it had any effect on the onis tough hide, but it seems to have drawn the creatures attention at least.<br><br>Meantime Doji-san cut down the skittering minor oni with a single iaijutsu strike.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>05-05-2009, 21:46:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After having flipped down off the balcony, Akane finds herself on the other side of the minor oni. She glances up briefly, meeting eyes with Akano, before swinging her Clan Blade down in a deadly arc towards the quivering blasphemy between them.<br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Attacking the oni, two raises for damage.<br><br>Roll Result: Lanzlo rolled: 6d10, keeping 3 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Attack roll<br>Result: 13, 2, 9, 20, 6, 3,<br>Total: 42<br><br>Roll Result: Lanzlo rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Attack Roll Explosion<br>Result: 8,<br>Total: 8<br>Total: 50<br><br>Roll Result: Lanzlo rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice, overroll at 10<br>Comment: Damage roll<br>Result: 6, 3, 5, 3, 1, 7, 9,<br>Total: 22<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-05-2009, 22:15:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Downstairs, the two samurai make quick work of the injured spawn, though not before it carves a nasty gash into Akano's leg ((13 damage)).<br><br>Beside you comes a screech of triumph, and you turn to see the last oni spawn wrenching the head from the samurai who had stayed to fight it. The spawn itself does not look in much better condition.<br><br>((new round I believe))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>06-05-2009, 06:09:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Initiative<br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10, adding 31to the total<br>Comment: tide of battle<br>Result: 1,<br>Total: 32</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Asahina Meiwha would reach into her satchel to pull out her ofuda of path to inner peace.&nbsp; &nbsp;As her gaze swept over the others to see if anyone had been hurt.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>17-05-2009, 23:08:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				No one upstairs seems to have been hurt. There is definitely blood downstairs, though whose it is could be hard to tell from here.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>18-05-2009, 01:59:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwa<br><br><em>"Anyone hurt?"</em>&nbsp; The Crane shugenja would call out.&nbsp; &nbsp;A bit of commonsense,&nbsp; that would facilitate her looking and for the hurt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;An if one is beyond calling back in return.&nbsp; Hopefully another is nearby and can call for them.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>28-05-2009, 02:23:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo keeps guarded for now, keeping himself between Meiwha and the larger oni.&nbsp; He'd take deep breathes as he came in for his next set of strikes, his wounds meaning there would be a rest after this if they are expected to continue to any place other then the grave as he'd take two quick strikes on the oni, keeping his pacing as he tries to cripple the oni, even this foul beast has limits.<br><br>As it was, the dragon was not going to be able to keep engaging the beast much longer, one of them would have to drop, and the blood on the wall from the blow would show this fact to those around him.<br><br>(Two attacks 2 raises on each 41 would deal 23 damage, no way a 14 hit realized I'm sporting a +15 Tn from my injuries.)<br><br><br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 4 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: First attack 2 raises<br>Result: 2, 1, 10, 7, 2, 7, 7, 9, <br>Total: 40<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 40to the total<br>Comment: First attack 2 raises explosions<br>Result: 1, <br>Total: 41<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 8d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 7to the total<br>Comment: Second attack 2 raises<br>Result: 7, 6, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 7, <br>Total: 14<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 7d10, keeping 3 dice<br>Comment: Damage<br>Result: 1, 2, 5, 8, 5, 4, 10, <br>Total: 23<br><br>Roll Result: LordAnubis rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice, adding 23to the total<br>Comment: Damage explosions<br>Result: 3, <br>Total: 26<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>28-05-2009, 21:49:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The blue glowing blade in Hanzo's hand seemed as eager as he was to see the foul spawn of Jigoku dealt with. As the Oni drew back for another powerful attack, the Dragon moved in, the blade quivering in his hand, and drove deep into the Onis flesh. The beast howled in agony, its clawed arms shreding the walls around it, then it fell backwards, sliding off the blade to crash to the floor.<br><br>The abrupt quietening of the battle was broken by the crackling of flames. "Hurry." called the newcomer, waving an arm. "The fire is spreading quickly. Get everyone out."<br><br>((OOC - Meiwa, I made a mistake earlier. Hanzo has been injured upstairs, you'd be able to see that. It doesn't seem to have hurt his fighting skills though))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>30-05-2009, 05:24:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>Meiwha would catch that Hanzo-san was hurt.&nbsp; He had been wounded in fighting the oni.&nbsp; Moving quickly to him.&nbsp; She would begin reciting of the ofuda, calling on the element of water. As she would cast path to inner peace upon her kumi.&nbsp; She her kumi, she could not stay mad at him forever.&nbsp; &nbsp;Especially seeing him hurt.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 4d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Path to inner peace.<br>Result: 9, 2, 6, 8,<br>Total: 17 Versus TN: 15 Success</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10, keeping 1 dice<br>Comment: Healed points.<br>Result: 1,<br>Total: 1</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>(pop pop and fizzle)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>30-05-2009, 10:21:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((It does a minimum of your Water, so at least its a couple more points. You can also try a Medicine roll, if you have that. Outside though))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>02-06-2009, 21:01:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would move the rest of the way down the stairs so Meiwha could escape outside. "Hurry outside, I'll be just a moment."&nbsp; Hanzo would say as he pulls himself the last few feet over the quickly swipe at the oni's head, wanting to cleave it free and kick it towards the fire.&nbsp; His lack of Shadowlands knowledge prevented him from knowing sure signs something was dead, but he figured decapitation and burning of the head was a good way to be sure when you were in doubt.<br><br>After this, Hanzo would look towards the door and the people between him and it, and try to help out anyone who was having difficulties.&nbsp; Granted he was amoung them, but one didn't just run to save your own life when there were others who needed help too.<br><br>(Crippled 3 of 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0 void left&nbsp; &nbsp;So I remember while we play.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>02-06-2009, 21:43:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>Meiwha would look to you and give a shake of her head no.&nbsp; That she was not leaving just yet.<br><br><em>"I am not leaving until the others are out.&nbsp; Someone might need my assistance."</em><br><br>What she meant in that, is she was not leaving until you were out of the burning establishment.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>03-06-2009, 19:36:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the <em>onis</em> dead, Akane has sheathed her sword, and is now working on helping the living patrons out of the burning building. She pauses a moment, picking up the wakazashi that Akano gave the other samurai, and hands it to her.<br><br>"You might need this later. Come on, let's get these people out of here."<br><br>A brief smile, and the Scorpion returns to helping people escape.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-06-2009, 20:26:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With Doji-san bringing up the rear, and ensuring the merchant and geisha do not get lost in the confusion, the samurai make their way outside. Anyone who was not engaged against the oni has already evacuated, if not outright fled. The events of the last few minutes have drawn some attention, with the frantic cries for water to prevent the fires in the house from spreading.<br><br>In the distance a handfull of Thunder Guard can be seen running towards you all. By the light of the burning building you can catch a breath, take stock of injuries, and perhaps see who this latest stranger to appear is.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>03-06-2009, 21:04:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would move away from the flaming building to find a relatively safe place to sit while still remaining close to the scene.&nbsp; He avoiding letting out a groan as he sat down, because he was in no condition to continue fighting, even if the state of the oni said otherwise.&nbsp; Once Hanzo was seated he'd look to the merchant.<br><br>"While my friends here are far better at speaking I did want to ask a recapping question.&nbsp; You bought masks from Chizaro and sold them to crab merchants, all so that you could buy the contract to this lovely Geisha.&nbsp; Please explain to me why when you realized all that has transpired you felt it was a good idea to go to the Geisha house where no one else would be armed and the Oni could still come instead of seeking out the Emerald Magistrates that were coming to your city?"<br><br>Admittedly Hanzo does come off a bit more snapping then normal, between the wounds and general exhaustion from running all over this city tonight he was not as calm as normal.&nbsp; The crane's sword lays across his lap as he takes the cloth he uses to clean his sword to wipe the oni's foul blood from the blade.&nbsp; Hanzo knew he needed to deliver this to the family of the fallen Samurai or to his lord, but with this city he wouldn't be trusting the blade outside the magistrates right now, even capable people are dropping to thieves blades.&nbsp; And there are still more Maho users to be found.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>04-06-2009, 01:39:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>The Crane shugenja would keep an observant eye on Hanzo.&nbsp; &nbsp; Perhaps rushed or not quite focus in the rush.&nbsp; Her call upon the kami of water.&nbsp; Had been flawed,&nbsp; she had only barely helped accelerate the healing of his.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>One thing she did know, he would push himself beyond reason.&nbsp; &nbsp; Especially since the city is ripe with what seems to be maho users within its walls.&nbsp; &nbsp;Running loose and causing havoc within.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>So for now Meiwha would sit quiet.&nbsp; As in addition.&nbsp; &nbsp;The day and night of being in constant motion.&nbsp; &nbsp;The calling upon the kami and the battles that have been waged.&nbsp; Has also left her a bit lethargy.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-06-2009, 02:05:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Masks?" comes a voice from nearby, cutting off the merchant before he had a chance to more than open his mouth. It is the samurai who lept into the fight with the oni. Now that you have a bit more time to examine him, he seems a plain looking man in black and grey robes, perhaps around 30 years of age. “My name is Meishozo Nisei. I’m a Witch Hunter, trained by the Kuni. I found traces of that beast back at the warehouse district, and I’ve been tracking it ever since.” <br><br>He glances around at the gathering crowds and a flicker of perhaps annoyance crosses his face. He steps in and lowers his voice. "Maho." he says. "Is there somewhere we may speak privately?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>05-06-2009, 22:11:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akane nods. "Perhaps there is. That battle took a toll on us." She glances around, then to the others.<br><br>"Back to the warehouse. We can talk on the boat back. This night isn't over yet."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-06-2009, 22:29:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((OOC - Moving a few yards away, near the edge of the island would be enough to insurace privacy enough to speak. You just have a lot people running around here at present, at least til the Thunder Guard .. or someone else .. restores order and/or takes charge of the situation))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>06-06-2009, 06:27:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo rises from where he sat slowly, carrying the magic sword slightly cradled in his arm, as the sword was not his to sheath, he would carry it until he could find a suitable wrap to take it back to the crane's family.<br><br>"Lets go back to the warehouse, with the events unfolding as such we should secure the other man."&nbsp; Hanzo said as he walked towards the boat slowly.&nbsp; Because if what they did released him, he might be inclined to bolt.&nbsp; And Hanzo wanted very much to get someplace they could stop.<br><br>"Someone... swifter, should inform the Thunder Guard they may want to take proper steps to dispose of the headless corpse."&nbsp; He'd say with a glance to Akane.&nbsp; Hanzo wasn't moving quickly, and letting the thunder guard know they need to contact someone to dispose of the Oni would just be a good turn, since the shock of it could cause some ripples they could better avoid with a slight notion.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-06-2009, 14:26:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Disposing of the corpse would not likely be an issue, as despite the attempts of those nearby, the House is burning down. The efforts of those around now are in preventing the flames spreading further, and in that they seem to be having more success. <br><br>With the crackling flames to muffle his words, the witch hunter quickly explains what has brought him here. “A caravan was robbed in the mountains some distance from the city, where a cult of Moon worshippers masquerading as an acting troupe had been found. We thought we had killed all the cultists, but then we found out about the caravan. Before I caught up with it, it was raided, and all<br>the contents stolen."<br><br>“It seems that these cultists were more of a threat than they had seemed. They were producing maho items - porcelain masks - to be sent to someone in Ryoko Owari. I followed the trail of the stolen items to Ryoko Owari, but I wasn’t the only one. It seems that some of the Moon Cult members here have found out about the masks, too. Three men, one overweight, and all dressed in grey and brown kimonos with no mon."<br><br>“I don’t know what the Moon Cult wants with the masks, but I can guess. And if I’m right, this city could be in serious trouble. The masks can be used to create zombies, and those will spread plague, taint, terror and who knows what else. We need to find them.”<br><br>Doji-san clears his throat to attract your attention, and gestures towards the sword. "With your permission Mirumoto-sama, I will return this to Doji Tsumetsu-sama." He glances over his shoulder at the two prisoners, being watched over by the Dragon samurai-ko. "What do you wish done with the merchant and the geisha? He at least should prove of some further use, though I do not believe she knows anything."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>08-06-2009, 18:54:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo would reliquish the sword to the Doji before his response.&nbsp; Hanzo would speak lowly so the mechant and the geisha could not hear. "After we secure the man at the warehouse, we are going to need to hold up for the night at least to discuss our next action and trying to find these cultists.&nbsp; Both men and the Geisha will need to be kept around.&nbsp; She may not know much on the matters, but keeping her on hand insures no one picks her up to try and keep this man from talking about anything he might know."<br><br>Hanzo would glance to the other magistrates to see if they agreed with his view on things.&nbsp; This was more a judgement call then obviously the right choice, so he wanted to make sure their views were inline with his.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>08-06-2009, 23:51:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span class="bbc_u">Asahina Meiwha</span><br><br>Meiwha herself rising up to stand.&nbsp; &nbsp;Would nod agreement to what is said.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a wise move suggested in keeping the geisha on hand.&nbsp; &nbsp;For she could be used as a tool to keep this merchant from cooperating.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is plain to see, he was in love with the merchant.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-06-2009, 00:08:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doji-san nods in agreement. "He said, I believe, that he had sold the masks on again to a Crab. That would seem the next link in the chain to investigate. If he has more of these masks, they should be retrieved as quickly as possible, and determine if the Crab is simply another greedy merchant, or knows more of these than is wise."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 04:11:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hanzo nods and heads towards the boat.&nbsp; "Once we have the merchants in custody I will need to take a few moments to compose myself if we are to continue tonight."&nbsp; Given that under any other circumstance people would be telling Hanzo to take a day or so beds rest to recover, hopefully an hour would be acceptable.&nbsp; It give them a chance to recover the connection to the void and hopefully give Meiwha a chance to heal him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 19:34:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Asahina Meiwha<br><br>With Hanzo still injured.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meiwha would pull out the ofuda of water, with the path of inner peace upon.&nbsp; And once again she would call upon the kami of water, as she read it.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 4d10, keeping 2 dice<br>Against Difficulty: 15<br>Comment: Path to inner peace.<br>Result: 7, 8, 5, 8,<br>Total: 16 Versus TN: 15 Success<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Roll Result: Asahina Meiwha rolled: 1d10<br>Comment: Healed points.<br>Result: 7,<br>Total: 7</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>As she would attempt to heal Hanzo more fully.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 00:38:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mirumoto-san." comes the voice of the Witch hunter. "Might I offer my small skill in medicine." He glanced around at the others. "For all of you, naturally. Such wounds, honourably received as they are, should not be allowed to fester. I do not know how much experience you have in dealing with oni, but it is possible for honourable samurai to become tainted, if they have been wounded by such creatures."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LordAnubis</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 23:18:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Your aid in what Meiwha-san began is most appreciated.." Hanzo would say as they boarded the boat to head back to the city proper and more importantly the warehouse.&nbsp; Hanzo knew Meiwha had been healing him, but it seemed that the Kuni may have been on to something, or his wounds were worse then he imagined.<br><br>He'd sit beside Meiwha and the with hunter for the ride over, letting out quiet grunts as the witchhunter worked the pressure points to aid healing and put his bones back in proper allignment. (Healed 17 wounds, got it from hairy)<br><br>"After we secure Chizaro and these two, we need to turn to searching for this moon cult.&nbsp; We have at least one of the masks they are searching for and I'm quiet sure our merchant here will be able to quickly tell us who bought the masks from him.&nbsp; We need to find them first and see how many of the masks they have recovered."&nbsp; Hanzo was putting forth the fact that the moon cult most likely have already recovered masks, and now it is about first limiting their access to the masks and then dealing with what they have captured.<br><br><br>"Meishozo-san, since you are Kuni trained, do you think that you and Meiwha-san would be able to destroy these masks if we were to find them?&nbsp; To prevent the moon cultists, or anyone else, from being able to retake them?"&nbsp; Hanzo would ask as he'd set his hand down beside meiwha's.&nbsp; He had full faith in her ability to destroy the masks, once she knew what to expect.&nbsp; He just didn't think she had extensively studied the Shadowlands artifacts like the witchhunter might have.&nbsp; <br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elven Sex Goddess</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 01:30:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span class="bbc_u">Asahina Meiwha</span><br><br>A simple nod of yes would be given by Meiwha.&nbsp; &nbsp; Through she is certain they will be able to.&nbsp; &nbsp;She would wait and see, before she spoke such.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 00:58:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meishozo-san rubs his chin in thought, before nodding slowly. "I think so. Were I back home, I would say yes, with certainty." He pauses to look at Asahina-san. "I mean no disrespect for your talents, but dealing with such as these is neither quick nor simple." He gives a small grunt. "At any rate, we shall cross that bridge when we arrive at it."<br><br><br>"Magistrate-samas." comes the voice of Whisper from the rear of the boat. "Please, you must believe I knew nothing of these things. I thought only of the money, and buying Surukos contract. I would never deal with ..." his voice drops away, seemingly unwilling to even say the word maho aloud.<br><br>"The masks I had, yes, I sold them on. It was to Kuni Ryo. I will give you his address."<br><br>"Kuni Ryo was accused of dealing in stolen property last year." said Doji-san from the rear of the boat. "Nothing was ever proven though."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>03-07-2009, 10:22:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then it is time to pay Kuni Ryu a visit. And the quicker we do, the less time the Moon Cult has to work their evil."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [L5R] The City of Lies - Act 1 - The Night of a Thousand Screams</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>05-07-2009, 00:52:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That sounds prudent." replies Meishozo-san. "How may I be of most assistance to you?"<br><br>The boat continued to rock its way slowly against the current, heading for the small gate that would lead back into the noble quarter of the city.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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