L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: HairyHeretic on 30-10-2017, 04:15:54</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>30-10-2017, 04:15:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The characters are yoriki in service of Seppun Hirohide, a respected Emerald Magistrate and member of the Imperial families. Hirohide is a stern but fair man who expects devoted service but holds himself to lofty standards of behavior as well. He is known to have worked on several complex murder cases in the past, including some related to the practice of mahō.<br><br>As the story begins, everyone is in a small town named Ishikawa Mura in the northern Crab territories. Hirohide was notified of a murder that occurred two weeks ago at the local travelers’ inn, and he immediately traveled to the site with the characters. A customer at the inn, a Crab samurai named Hida Kayo, was found dead in his room, collapsed in a pool of his own blood.<br><br>Hirohide-sama has just spoken to the local headman of the village in private and has returned to give his yoriki their orders. <br><br>“The initial reports were correct: there has been a murder here. Hida Kayo, last of a proud line of Crab warriors, was killed as he stayed at this inn two weeks ago. It took that long for the headman’s messenger to find us."<br><br>“The headman and I believe the culprit to be a woman named Michiru, a mahō-tsukai who has escaped the Emperor’s justice in the past. Michiru has fled north to the lands of the Scorpion Clan, but she had an accomplice, a rōnin named Keinosuke. He fled south in the direction of the Kaiu Wall. I will go after Michiru and bring her to justice, but you must follow Keinosuke’s trail and bring him back here, then wait for further instructions.”<br><br>“I have not had time to review the crime scene here and interrogate the witnesses, so you must do so for me. Our duty requires us to be thorough. As he has a two-week lead, it will not be speed that brings this rōnin to justice, but cunning.”<br><br>He looked around to see if anyone had questions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>30-10-2017, 15:31:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://pre01.deviantart.net/993d/th/pre/f/2012/195/c/a/legend_of_the_five_rings_female_samurai_by_phantom_cz-d579ozg.jpg)<br><div align="center">Doji Shizuka (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=277531.msg13637264#msg13637264)</div></div>Doji Shizuka was properly seated as Hirohide-same returned, and she listened in attentive silence as he gave the explanations and instructions.&nbsp; <br><br>When it came time for questions, she drew her fan, a simple and practiced gesture.&nbsp; The slats of the fan was made of gold, and upon either side of the silk was painted the ancestor for whom she had been given her name.&nbsp; Upon one side, ancestor Shizuka was smiling and beckoning, and upon the other, she was turned away, with a fan of her own held up almost as if for protection.<br><br>The golden slats were indented with different markings on either side, allowing Shizuka to know which way the fan faced at any given time, and which way she held the fan demonstrated her intentions without speaking a word.&nbsp; Most commonly, the two sides meant affirmation or denial.&nbsp; Were she to reveal the Shizuka looking away - Iie-Shizuka - and fan herself, it meant that she had no questions and was ready to be dismissed.<br><br>As she began to open the fan, Iie-Shizuka was on the side facing Hirohide-sama, and it appeared as though she would do exactly that.&nbsp; Yet she stopped before fully extending the fan.&nbsp; "There is strength in numbers," she said, her voice one of working through a quandary.&nbsp; "Having committed a crime, one would expect criminal and accomplice to remain together, at each other's side to evade pursuit for as long as possible.&nbsp; Yet the two travel in opposite directions."<br><br>She had no answer, yet it was a puzzle.&nbsp; Most often, a puzzle meant that things were not as they appeared, offering the insight for which she'd stood out at Doji Diplomat School.&nbsp; Allowing possibilities and guesses to whisper in her mind and for others to offer ideas of their own, she fanned herself with Iie-Shizuka to show that she had no further questions for Hirohide-sama and was ready to be dismissed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>30-10-2017, 20:19:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/valkyrieprofile/images/7/79/Suo.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20080320202252)</div> Hida Kenshin showed no emotion when he learned of the death of someone from his clan--his family, even--as doing so might violate some aspect of his pilgrimage. The group had had enough time together to know that the Ronin that traveled with them was rather fond of hunting and slaying monsters, and was familiar enough with the Shadowlands that they might have some hints about his heritage... but not his exact reason for bearing no family or clan markings on anything he bore. Even his heirloom was actually devoid of family and clan markings; it simply had the jade inlaid in it.<br><br>And to date, he had never used it to take a human life. To do so would be to profane the Trollkiller; a weapon meant for monster-killing, and never the taking of human life. Though as Hirohide-Sama spoke, he wondered if it might not be a fitting tool to put an end to the life of this Michiru.<br><br>...But, it seemed, they would be splitting up. "We are to take Keinosuke alive, then?" The Zanbato clattered against his red lacquered armor; both items were Wargear, and it made the Ronin stand out like a sore thumb. People might be used to samurai walking around with their daisho, but this was... what Kenshin had on was excessive. <br><br>"If they've split up, they might be reuniting at some point in the future; if they haven't already." He said to Shizuka. "The larger the group, the easier it is to follow. A single person can disappear where two would be noticed."<br><br>"Has the Crab clan been informed of the murder?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-11-2017, 16:41:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Had a single Crab magistrate arrived to investigate this matter, and found the two gone in two different directions, they would only be able to persue one." Herohide replied to Shizuke. "Splitting up gives them a better chance of evading justice, as Hida-san has also said." Turning to the Crab, he added "Alive is preferable, but justice must be done. The life of an honourable samurai is not to be wasted, and I would not exchange his for one of yours. I dispatched as message onwards concerning Hida-san. I expect by now his family will be aware of the murder, but if not, they will be once the messenger arrives."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-11-2017, 17:15:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://pre01.deviantart.net/993d/th/pre/f/2012/195/c/a/legend_of_the_five_rings_female_samurai_by_phantom_cz-d579ozg.jpg)<br><div align="center">Doji Shizuka (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=277531.msg13637264#msg13637264)</div></div>Doji Shizuka responded to the explanations of both Kenshin and Herohide with a soft and appreciative inclining of her head.&nbsp; If they were planning on regrouping and left in opposite directions, most likely they would regroup in the West or the East, something to remember and consider.<br><br>Or, if they did split up, perhaps the matter was simple - if lacking the virtue of Duty and Loyalty.&nbsp; An honorable samurai would never abandon their charge, yet the same might not be so for a ronin and a mahō-tsukai.&nbsp; It almost seemed preferable to her that the ronin actually had some reason for going to the Wall and abandoning Michiru, horrible as such a reason might be.<br><br>However, at this point, it was merely staring into the Void, simple guesswork.&nbsp; The gentle fanning with Iie-Shizuka showed that she had no further questions.&nbsp; The witnesses to the murder would have much more actual information.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Velatha</strong> on <strong>06-11-2017, 18:46:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://images-cdn.fantasyflightgames.com/filer_public/2c/67/2c673b1c-5c5e-41b4-83e4-3cb3608d7a29/l5r-crane.jpg)</div>Asahina Ryoko stood one step behind and to the left of Doji Shizuka as the nature of their current mission was explained to them.&nbsp; Her arms rested seemingly casually at her sides, though she was constantly aware of her surroundings and ready to defend herself or her charge.&nbsp; A grimace crossed her face as the discussion turned to murder.&nbsp; &nbsp;The idea of simply killing another in cold blood left a sour taste in Ryoko's mouth, however she was not terribly surprised to hear that a member of the Scorpion was the suspected culprit.<br><br>Listening carefully to what was said around her, she eventually spoke up.&nbsp; "If you mean to travel alone, please be very careful.&nbsp; We may know of one ally of this woman Michiru, however she may have others scattered about.&nbsp; Words of warning travel fast."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-11-2017, 02:09:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shizuke nodded at Ryoko's words. "Rest assured,&nbsp; I have no intention of underestimating her. Now, since there seem to be no other questions, we both have our duty to attend to. I will leave you to your investigations of the murder scene."<br><br>With a final nod he turns and walks out of the inn, and shortly thereafter can be heard hoofbeats as he rides off, leaving his yoriki to their own tasks. The innkeeper is still hovering nearby, clearly uncomfortable in light of what has happened, but unwilling to leave before he is clearly dismissed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>09-11-2017, 13:06:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/valkyrieprofile/images/7/79/Suo.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20080320202252)</div> Though he felt somewhat naked outside his armor--maybe that was the Crab in him?--and especially ill-at-ease without Torōrukirā nearby, without his ancestor's comforting spirit to guide him should ill befall them, he knew that the peasants here would not react well to someone trotting around in full wargear, and that it would make his work difficult.<br><br>Looking at the others, he would turn his attention to the inn-keeper. "We may be here for a time, and I and the others will need rooms to store some of our excess gear. On the road is different, but here in civilization, of course... I do not wish to create unneeded strife." He spoke as he took the helmet off his head, and held it in his off-hand. "Would you be so kind as to provide lodgings, and ensure our belongings are not tampered with during our stay? Of course, you will be adequately compensated for your assistance. We would then like to see the room where the murder was committed--assuming you have not touched anything there yet." <br><br>And yes, Kenshin just went and took full control of the situation the moment Shizuke-Sama had left them. If he'd ever left them to their own devices before, then the rest of the group will have seen this before. Even though he was Ronin, and so should be lower than any of the others, he just went and did things like this; improper, definitely. They of course don't know, can't know, that he will one day return to the Crab... just that he's Ronin, and probably shouldn't be doing this.<br><br>But he does it. He just has to be doing something. Never stop, never rest; go, go, go! Do, do, do! That was pretty much his work ethic, his life motto. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>09-11-2017, 23:28:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://pre01.deviantart.net/993d/th/pre/f/2012/195/c/a/legend_of_the_five_rings_female_samurai_by_phantom_cz-d579ozg.jpg)<br><div align="center">Doji Shizuka (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=277531.msg13637264#msg13637264)</div></div>Shizuka addressed Hirohide-sama's departure with a proper bow, then turned her attention to the innkeeper.&nbsp; The Crab samurai stepped forward first, but the Crab Clan rarely knew the most proper&nbsp; and civilized courses of action, and she saw no need to draw attention to this fact, possibly worrying and confusing the innkeeper further.&nbsp; Besides, removing his helmet was at least an attempt at civilized society.<br><br>She simply waited, and added, "And please assemble the witnesses for questioning," when Kenshin-san was finished speaking.<br><br>Although she wasn't entirely convinced that they would be staying for longer than it took to investigate the area and question the witnesses, Kenshin-san had already demonstrated a degree of intelligence, and he might well have picked up on something already.&nbsp; Perhaps it was nothing more than preparation, being ready on the off chance that the situation took longer than expected.&nbsp; Either way, she was content not to comment on the matter.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-11-2017, 02:48:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, magistrate-sama. There are only myself and the samurai of the Dragon clan." The innkeeper bustles off, bowing repeatedly as he backs away. After a couple of minutes he returns, leading a leaning looking samurai-ko with a shaven head and a faint smile on her lips. She wears typical Dragon colours, green and gold, her kimono bearing the mon of the Mirumoto.<br><br>"Do you wish to see the room now, or later?" the innkeeper asks, gesturing upstairs. "The body has already been taken away and cremated. I do not know any more of that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-11-2017, 18:09:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://pre01.deviantart.net/993d/th/pre/f/2012/195/c/a/legend_of_the_five_rings_female_samurai_by_phantom_cz-d579ozg.jpg)<br><div align="center">Doji Shizuka (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=277531.msg13637264#msg13637264)</div></div>Shizuka gave the innkeeper a bow of acceptance, not so far as she might bow to another samurai, but perhaps a bit more than a samurai might ordinarily provide to an innkeeper.&nbsp; The incoming Mirumoto samurai received a full bow as was proper.<br><br>Although her samurai's visage was firm and devoid of expression, the brief flicker of her eyes showed that her intellect was still strong, taking in the situation and considering matters.&nbsp; She had some experience with the Dragon clan and their unconventional wisdom, and while she didn't always follow the trail of reasoning that led to a particular conclusion, she couldn't help but be impressed the few times she'd understood the logic.<br><br>Hearing that the body had always been removed was a relief.&nbsp; Hopefully the blood had been cleaned from the room as well.&nbsp; However, it would still be necessary to enter the room in order to provide a proper description.&nbsp; Knowing that a mere innkeeper wouldn't understand the fan language, she simply nodded.&nbsp; "Yes, please."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Empyrean</strong> on <strong>13-11-2017, 00:49:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/l5r/images/6/6f/Isawa_Mitsuko_2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100316134310)<br><br>Isawa Tsukihime had listened attentively when Hirohide-sama gave his instructions. A maho-tsukai was indeed dangerous. She did not doubt that Hirohide-sama could handle himself, but she could not help but feel that it would be better if he had gone after the ronin and they had confronted the maho-tsukai. The benefit of numbers and the blessings of the kami would be more than a match for a filthy maho-tsukai.<br><br>She stood and bowed politely to the Dragon samuai-ko. "Greetings, Mirumoto-san. Have you had rice today?" Their ronin friend had already taken charge of arranging the lodgings and Shizuka-san was handling the innkeeper. After waiting for and hearing any response the Mirumoto might make, she would add "I would like to commune with the kami in the room and see if they can tell us anything more about the murder itself or our suspects."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>13-11-2017, 18:42:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He watched the inn-keeper retreat for the moment, and turned to regard his companions. His countenance was... grim. He should be neutral, but the thing is,<em> 'grim' is his neutral. </em> He always looks like he's been sucking on a lemon.&nbsp; When the dragon samurai-ko and the inn-keeper returned, he took a moment; sized up the woman warrior. He looked at her wear on her armor, the weapons she carried, the build of her muscles, her stance; even her voice, the way she conducted herself. He was trying to gauge her over-all strength and skill based on these small details. <br><br>As part of his Musha Sugyo, it was typical for him to seek out people to have non-lethal duels with; to hone his skills. But for now, after what would likely be a very tense moment for her (he is wearing three pieces of Wargear after all--the Zanbato, tetsubo, and lacquer armor), he would bow. There are no markings on any of his equipment, so right away, the Dragon Samurai-ko should know he is Ronin... though the jade-inlaid Zanbato and Finger of Jade around his neck might give some indications or say a lot about where he's been or perhaps where he's going.<br><br>"Konichiwa." He said gruffly. The bow is stiff, not because he is being insincere, but because <em>lacquered metal armor makes elegant movements difficult.</em> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>18-11-2017, 23:26:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The innkeeper led the way through to the room where the crime had taken place. The door shudders and jerks in its frame as you open it and step into the sparsely furnished guest room. Inside, the stench of death fills your nostrils. The low bed is untouched, but the small table that once sat in the room’s center has been knocked into a corner. Dried, rusty blood splatters the mats that cover the floor and outlines the silhouette of a prone body. Streaks and prints indicate that someone may have walked through the blood while it was still wet.<br><br>&nbsp;* * * * <br><br>"Konichiwa." the Dragon replies, giving a polite bow in return. "How may I be of service to the magistrates?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>21-11-2017, 20:25:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://pre01.deviantart.net/993d/th/pre/f/2012/195/c/a/legend_of_the_five_rings_female_samurai_by_phantom_cz-d579ozg.jpg)<br><div align="center">Doji Shizuka (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=277531.msg13637264#msg13637264)</div></div>Shizuka had barely entered the room before the strong stink got to her, aggravating the mild but repetitive cough that existed so egregiously contrary to her namesake of silence.&nbsp; She took the briefest moment to glance around the room and understand its situation as much as possible with simple glances, but wasn't about to stick around.<br><br>Instead, she moved back to speak to the Dragon samurai-ko.&nbsp; "Please enlighten us, Mirumoto-san: what information do you have for us?"&nbsp; The cough was faint and slowly fading; in a few minutes, she'd be fine once again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>25-11-2017, 03:12:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Regretfully I do not have much that might be of use." the Dragon replied. "I was in my own room, but I could hear sounds from the room where the murder happened. Talk, laughter, toasts being made, and calls for more saki to be brought. The last thing was an odd sound. I didn't realise what it was, but heard the door being slammed. Afterwards I thought it might have been a cry of some kind." She shrugged her shoulders before continuing. "I was in my blankets by then, it was late. By the time I had roused and dressed, gotten my swords, the room stood empty, except for Hida-san."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: L5R - A Ronin's Path (Game thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>26-11-2017, 08:55:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://pre01.deviantart.net/993d/th/pre/f/2012/195/c/a/legend_of_the_five_rings_female_samurai_by_phantom_cz-d579ozg.jpg)<br><div align="center">Doji Shizuka (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=277531.msg13637264#msg13637264)</div></div>Toasting, a strange cry, a door slam.&nbsp; It wasn't much to go on, but Hirohide-sama had already determined guilt anyway.<br><br>Still, it was her duty to be as thorough as she could be.&nbsp; "Was the window left open or shut when you went in?" she asked, trying to think of what other questions she might be able to offer.<br><br>Hopefully the others were having more luck.
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>