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[thatkid]

Oshaberi & Kenage
"You have not heard about the sun-blossom?" the man asks, taking another sip of tea before continuing, "Here, things are never as they seem. I have heard that the owner is a former ron-"
He pauses as Kenage approaches the table, simply looking to Oshaberi for a response to the man's question.

(Oshaberi 39=12
Kenage 97=16)
Neither of you recognize each other.

Hori & Ted
"Akahoshi-san," one of the other samurai replies to the newer arrival, recognizing the symbols on his robes, "I will fight on my brother's behalf."

Just then, Hori rushes forward and attacks! (43660566=16) The Moretsu samurai he is charging staggers back, trusting his armor to protect him. Of course, Hori is more than able to circumvent that, due to his school's unique training...
(942511(19) The samurai is struck, his armor hardly protecting him from the blow (19-5=14 wounds) as Hori slices into his abdomen.

Initiative Order (Rolls in Acronym, Stance, Weapons, Armor, Wound State in italics)
Hori Attack Stance, Katana, Light (20), Healthy (0)
Moretsu-Ted's Opponent Tiebreaker: 640(10) Center Stance, Katana, Light (20), Healthy (0)
Ted Tiebreaker: 6843(8) Attack Stance, Katana, Ashigaru (24), Healthy (0)
Moretsu-Hori's Opponent Attack Stance, Katana, Light (20), Hurt (14)

Asane
You approach the crowd by the market place, just as the ring of steel against steel fills the air and the collective lets out a gasp. Approaching, you catch sight of what would appear to be two samurai, a ronin and a clanned samurai (judging by the markings on his armor and clothes) engaged in a skirmish with two other samurai - likely the bodyguards of the magistrate, a sickly man who observes from an ornate norimoro, occasionally conversing with a third bodyguard as he watches. Behind the norimoro, a dozen or more peasant soldiers, armed with pole-arms of some sort, are gathered alongside the rest of the magistrate's entourage.

(22=4 To recognize Hori
56=11 To recognize Ted
50=15 To recognize Hori's Opponent
14=5 To recognize Ted's Opponent)
You don't recognize any of the combatants, but you know that both the bodyguards are from the Moretsu family and the Ryoshun Clan, and that Ted is a member of the Akahoshi family and the Genki clan. Hori is pretty obviously a ronin.

Shizume
You give the barman 1 bu, leaving you with 2 Koku and 4 Bu. You then set out to try and gather information on the mustering forces, ostensibly by wandering the street asking people. (076=23) You quickly learn that there is currently a draft taking place, and that the local blacksmiths have been working overtime to create weapons and armor for the soldiers. Those who are drafted are being sent to train in a nearby port city, which is only a train ride and a bu away.
Sadly, the train has been stalled for the time being. Something about there being a problem with the tracks.

[Doomblade187]

"Yes, feel free to join us."

((To the guy I was talking to:)) "So, you were saying? I'm new to the area."

[adwarf]

Find out what is wrong with the tracks, and see if I can't find any hint of a resistance group against the Ryoshun Shogunate

[Lillipad]

-He continues attacking-

[Kadzar]

"Ah, thank you. But before we drink together, let us not be strangers. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Morestu Kenage."

[Mr. Dwarfinton]

"It is good you fight on your brother's behalf Morestsu-san, may we both fight honorably." Ted said, fumbling as he took his hand off of his wakizashi and drew his katana. "Hopefully we will turn out to be worthy opponents for each other in this duel." He bowed at his foe as he prepared to engage the samurai's brother in a formal Iaijutsu duel, using the Elegant Hare technique to attack when it was his turn to strike.

[King_of_the_weasels]

Isaac sat with his umbrella across his lap.  His body guard, Pierce, sat across from him.  Between them was a table, and upon that table a cup, and in that cup an impostor.  He had said nothing when he was given this green abomination.  He just let it sit, grow cold in it's porcelain prison.  Rattling as the train chugged on, as if trying to escape.

Every once in a while someone would pass by his compartment's door.  Pierce's eyes would shoot and watch as they passed on their merry way, no one has tried to enter since the tea trolley.  Isaac himself only stared blankly through the dirt stained window, taking in the scenery as best as he could.  Suddenly the train began to slow then the screech to a stop in a small village, Isaac tapped his fingers upon his umbrella as he waited, watching people poor out of the train and into the streets.  Eventually a conductor came to his door, explaining that the train was stopped, and that the continued trip to the Capitol was to be delayed.  Isaac simply nodded as he grabbed his bag and followed Pierce out onto the dirt roads of Sumeru.

Find accommodations, good accommodations.

[thatkid]

Hori & Ted
(658545=14) Hori drives forward, pressing the attack on the executioner. But his attack is easily parried!

(69730(17)=26) The Moretsu Bodyguard assumes the center stance, assessing Ted's skill as he prepares for his moment to strike.

(7860(16)9=34) Ted assumes the center stance, assessing the Moretsu Bodyguard's skill. He learns that the bodyguard has 3 ranks in Iaijutsu. He also feels confident that he will be better able to focus than his opponent, due to this assessment.

(9273=16/2=8) The Moretsu Bodyguard doesn't even bother to strike back, giving ground to Hori as he retreats, entering into a defensive stance!

Initiative Order (Stance, Weapons, Armor, Wound State in italics)
Hori Attack Stance, Katana, Light (20), Healthy (0)
Moretsu-Ted's Opponent Center Stance, Katana, Light (20), Healthy (0)
Ted Center Stance, Katana, Ashigaru (24), Healthy (0) +1k1 on Focus Roll
Moretsu-Hori's Opponent Full Defense Stance, Katana, Light (28), Hurt (14)

Asane & Hayato
You continue to witness the above. If you ask any of the gathered crowd, those not so absorbed in the fight so as to have lost their presence of mind will inform you that the Moretsu Bodyguards were challenged to a duel by the other samurai over a dispute regarding a peasant's execution. If you look closely, you will see that the peasant in question is still kneeling in the middle of the skirmish, apparently too terrified to risk getting up and having his head chopped off by someone's attack.

Kenage & Oshaberi
"I am Ken'Ichi," the man replies, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Kenage-san. As I was saying, the tea here is of a special blend. It has a strong flavor, and comes from the mainland."

Shizume
(59=9)

(589=22) This is Ryoshun territory, the magistrate is the grandnephew of the Shogun's uncle. The people seem relatively content with their rule, though they do think the Magistrate and his son can be cruel at times, but there is no resistance group you can find.
Further, you can't imagine why the train is stalled. It would seem that the problem just began today. Something about the tracks, apparently.

Isaac
(87880(12)7=27) After asking around a bit, you learn of two inns which you could stay at. The Sun Blossom Inn, which is a tad run-down but doubles as a rather pleasant tea room and restaurant, and The Luck Dragon, a rather posh hotel situated on the side of the marketplace opposite The Sun Blossom. You also learn of an apparent skirmish between samurai taking place in the market-place, a spectacle which has drawn quite a crowd.

[Lillipad]

Hori noticed the samurai who was now standing beside him. The presence of this man in his fight was infuriating. Hori challenged the samurai like anyone with honor would. This man broke that honor by joining. He was determined to end it before this late starter could interfere any further.
-He goes for the kill, the back of the executioner's neck-

[Doomblade187]

"I didn't know they imported items from the mainland here. Anyway, you were saying that the owner is a former ronin, right?"

Talk a bit more, and order a cup of tea.

[Kadzar]

"The owner of this tea shop is a ronin!?" Kenage shows more than a bit of fear in his eyes.

[King_of_the_weasels]

Head to the Luck Dragon.

[thatkid]

Oshaberi & Kenage
Ken'Ichi shoots Oshaberi a meaningful glance, before setting his tea down. "There are rumors of such, Kenage-san. I am certain they are just that."

He smiles, motioning over a waitress. Before she arrives, he asks, "But I live here, and you are both travelers. It is you who should be telling the story. What brings you to Sumeru?"

Isaac
The Luck Dragon is a rather large place, perhaps three stories or so in height, and most certainly one of the few buildings in Sumeru with a concrete foundation. You are informed that a room for the night for both yourself and your companion (Pierce) will be about 3 Bu. (33687=15) You can't for the life of you remember the exchange rates, though, so you don't know if that's a fair price.

Hori & Ted
Seeing that his opponent is on the ropes, Hori attempts to circle the man and finish this once and for all! (29820(16)9=25) And even the Moretsu Bodyguard's defensive stance isn't enough to fully protect him from the coming onslaught! (254930(13)=22|22-5=19 wounds) Grievously wounding the Bodyguard and nearly severing his head from his neck!
The Executioner crumples to the ground, dead. Hori gains 1 exp.

(Moretsu 79123=16 vs Ted 1910(17)1=27) The two duelists focus on the task at hand. Ted is confident that he will strike first (and gets a free raise in doing so).

Ted rushes forward, slicing out! (32799=25) Slicing through the Moretsu Bodyguard's armor! (0(15)11710(13)=28|28-5=23 wounds) Severing the Moretsu Bodyguard's arm at the elbow!
The bodyguard's arm and katana fly through the air, with the katana landing sticking up a few feet away.
Ted's opponent crumples to his knees, unable to finish the duel without a weapon. Ted gains 1 exp.

Initiative Order (Stance, Weapons, Armor, Wound State in italics)
Hori Attack Stance, Katana, Light (20), Healthy (0) - 1 Exp Gained this Round
Moretsu-Ted's Opponent Defense Stance, None, Light (24), Grievously Wounded (23) - Missing Right Arm
Ted Attack Stance, Katana, Ashigaru (25), Healthy (0) - 1 Exp Gained this Round
Moretsu-Hori's Opponent Dead

Hayato & Asane & Other Onlookers
The Magistrate and the assembled crowd both let out a unified, shocked gasp as the quick, nearly simultaneous defeat of the two bodyguards by the two unidentified Samurai. The Magistrate begins to stammer something to his last bodyguard, or perhaps the entourage of peasant soldiers that accompany him, but you can't make it out.

[Digital Hellhound]

Hayato blinked hard. The ronin had struck down their opponents - the first collapsed on the ground and the second bleeding out fast. This was no business of his - but they seemed half-mad, attacking the samurai bodyguards wildly and without reason, and had not even given them a chance to yield. They could attack the Magistrate if he did not interfere.

He grasped Katsu's reins and pushed into the crowd, the stunned peasants moving slowly out of the horse's way. He moved to the edge of the crowd and challenged the madmen.

'Halt! You have acted without honor and spilt the blood of loyal samurai. I speak with the authority of the Shogunate. Submit yourself to punishment immediately or be gone from this place.'

Hayato rides through the crowd and challenges the fighters

[Kadzar]

"The reason I am in Sumeru isn't much of a story. Not too long ago, my sensei informed me that one of his former students, a dignitary in the Ryoshun court, had sent a request for a new assistant, and my sensei had chosen me! I was quite excited because, even though this isn't in any way a prestigious or well-paying position, it's going to lead to bigger and brighter things. So yesterday I finally boarded the train to the capitol, and then today it turns out that, either due to a problem with the train or the tracks or some combination of both, a short stop in Sumeru is now going to last all day, and they don't plan to depart until tomorrow.

"Like I said, it's not much of a story. If you want a real story, I can tell you about the time we replaced our sensei's bed with a goat."