Oriental Adventures, Rokugan

Attention was bad. Attention drew people about. People…talked.

Tae's flaws had her sputtering in a corner like a scared child, she needed to be slapped back into reality. Perhaps a purpose, that or a reason to have a backbone could be used as well. For now the fear of drawing more attention by the news of a death motivated her mind into cooperation. "T-tub." She motioned at her wet hair indicating that what the man was saying was indeed true. The air in the room hung about her, seeming to smother her all at once with its sudden weight. The feeling had her heart pumping, her breaths ragged and panicked still. "H-h-he…startled me is all."

Her knuckles were white by now, the clothing that they clutched at made them look even more so. Black was always her favorite color as a child. It reminded her of the night and the darkness it brought.

In the darkness, you can't see the true horrors that hide in wait.

Right now, Tae's whole mind seemed to be 'alight' though, she was scared. Scared that she would lose herself. Scared that she would be found.
Scared.…that she would never feel safe.
 
Rhyodotsu heard the scream from up beyond the stairs, seeing Japik bolting near immediately, leaping over tables in his rush, dragging Roppu behind him before finally letting go of the chain. Figuring that Japik could handle himself, forgetting that he wouldn't be able to communicate at all, he knelt to Roppu. "Are you ok?" He asked, making sure that Roppu wasn't seriously injured in Japik's haste.

------------
Endo snapped his fingers, the answer finally coming to him. A fox hengeyokai! Suddenly everything made sense, from the large size of the fox, to his ability to speak to them. Hearing the haiku, he nodded silently, knowing that ones such as him weren't trusted by most of the populace. Even though he wasn't a shapeshifter, he could still understand being distrusted by most people.

Suddenly, a scream echoed from an inn down the road from the cafe. Looking over to where the scream eminated from, he turned to the fox and Yue. "Should we go investigate?"
 
The scream managed to startle Ryoko out of her drunken slumber! She bolted up right and instantly reached for her halberd except--it wasn't there! She ended up grabbing--thin air?! And just when she realized her halberd was gone, the headache hit and she groaned.

"Uhh ..." What had happened? Where was she? And how did she get here? And where in the Kami was her halberd?! She massaged her temples and willed the pain to pass. She needed to get to her feet first, find her way out, and then maybe she'd discover the answers to her questions.

Ryoko moved slowly, oh so slowly, to her feet and then had to lean against the wall for a couple of minutes. She took deep breaths. Then one step after another, she made her way out. Her head was still throbbing but at least she could focus now. Hand still on the wall, she began making her way up the steps.

***
Yue turned in the direction the scream had come. Oh dear, what could have happened?! She looked back at Endo and when he suggested they investigate she nodded firmly. If anyone was hurt or needed comforting, she was certain they could at least check to make sure things turned for the better.

The shaman stood, hand clasped to her chest and reached for her staff. She turned to the young boy who had brought their food and smiled. "This one thanks you for the most wondrous meal and wishes to apologize for this hasty exit. May your ancestors and the spirits smile proudly upon you." She gave a deep bow and then followed Endo.
 
Kiyoshi looked into Tokito's face, but his head turned sudden;y as Tae spoke and The spy found the hand on his shirt loosening, then letting go all together. Kiyoshi sheathed his weapon. His a look at Tokito he pulled a blanket from the bed and handed it to Tae before helping her up. She was hesitant but accepted his hand but seemed hesitant he move away from the corner. Kiyoshi let go of her hand and hearing footsteps in the doorway turned to see Ryoko entering the room, he looked away from her then back again. "Samurai Ryoko..... he began before trailing off and walking to meet her at the door standing a little distance away as if waiting for her to speak.

Tokito stared at Ryoko, looking more afraid than ever. He edged closer to Tae and whispered. "You are in danger. The woman over there is a sorceress. She has a hengeyokai bent to her will. She also appears to have a hold over your escort. It is not safe for you."
 
Ryoko groaned as she leaned against the doorway. Maybe she shouldn't have gotten up here so fast. Her head was beginning to throb again. She was barely able to register the fact there was some naked girl standing there, surrounded by three men. Two of whom should have been familiar to her but she wasn't paying attention to.

... Had she walked into an orgy?

"Samurai Ryoko....."

Ryoko blinked and lifted her head. That voice! "Samurai Kiyoshi!" She cleared her throat. What was he doing here?! She winced when her head throbbed painfully again. She'd moved her head too fast. "I ... interrupting ... something?" It had been a mistake to leave her halberd--wherever she had left it. She could have used the comfortable weight of it in her hand, used it for support without seeming weak in front of people.
 
Tokito Gestured to Japic calling him over. "Honored gaijin samurai." he began, with a quick bow, "The Lion and the unicorn are dangerous, the girl needs your protection." he spoke quietly then seeing his look of non-comprehension moved so that the fighter' large body hid him from view to all except him and Tae. He quickly pointed over Japik's shoulder at Ryoko and Kiyoshi and then made a quick stabbing gesture against his pal and pointed at Tae. Then he placed a finger against Japik's chest and then crossed his arms much like that of a guard looking tough. He waited while Japik though then pulled at his own shirt, with has the same colour as Ryoko's and moved his finger in a circle to indicate he was referring to the colour then pointed at the pair again then moved his hands much like a summoner casing a spell and then quickly pointed a Kiyoshi and rolled his eyes in his head and made a submissive bow. Hoping that Japik got that Ryoko and Kiyoshe were after Tae and that Kiyoshi was under Ryoko's magic and that Japik should protect Tae, Tokito swallowed. This was not a good night, if he make it out alive he would change disguises and run.... run as fast as he could.... but he couldn't reave the stranded scorpion here either.

"There was a scream. That Unicorn pulled the girl from her bathtub because she had fallen asleep, she woke up." he looked at the,m but Japik's frame blocked their view. The warrior heard the scream and came to investigate I assume." he was talking so that there wouldn't be silence, so that he would be distracted, so that he didn't have to look at her, he was buying time as well as seeing is Ryoko even remembered.
 
"HURK!" The ratkin made a retching sound as she'd suddenly yanked by her neck by a dashing Japik, loosing her balance and slamming onto the ground, begin drug a few inches before the gaijin-samurai let go. In her anger, he yells out a short and very rude sentence in her own native Nezumi tongue after him, biting her lower lip to silence her simmering rage.

She looks with a sigh at Rhyo, giving him a nod (and a glare - she was supposed to be a -slave-, after all... though she figured a samurai could be caring to whoever they darn well pleased).

She disliked that.

Still, she made her way onto her own two feet under her own power, even if offered a hand up. Dusting herself off, he lifted her own chains and walked after Japik, frowning slightly at his back and looking around towards the room. She could infer a few things on her own - the cowering female was the one who screamed, though with all the yelling and stuff, doesn't look like anyone was going to help her. The ratkin slipped through the mass of larger bodies, kneeling down in front of Tae. Roppu's obviously female form stared at Tae for a few moments... eyes narrowing.

"Hey. Quit-quit whining-ng. You're dre-dressed like a n-noble, act like-like it. Wish I could-could." She says, in plain Rokugani - fearless in front of the group - confident that Japik would defend her if something happened. "Or do-do all human females have-have to act like this? Must-must be horrible." Reaching a clawed hand forward to forcibly poke at her shoulder, nervous at the action - her tail twitching to show her nervousness.
 
[BG=#000099]Just when Japik was about to make a very unpleasant decision, Roppu's arrival gave him a more palatble option. He gave a sharp whistle and spoke gruffly in heavily accented Rokugani. "All." He jerked his thumb sharply out the door. "Out." Then he signed a quick message to Roppu. As soon as they are gone, find out from her what happened.[/bg]
 
"Oh." Ryoko was studying Kiyoshi, long and hard. "I ... I want to apologize," she said. She was aware of the commotion going on nearby but what she had to say was more important. She honestly didn't remember apologizing before this or having met Kiyoshi and more importantly, having kissed him. It was all a blank to her and would probably remain so until a future date.

"I was ... rash and ... and rude. You apologized. I just ... I just don't like people intimidating me." She rubbed her temples again. "Okay. Now I have to find my halberd and get something to eat," she muttered out loud. "Hope the girl feels better." She shuffled out the door and back into the eating room where she found a table and sat.

"Some buns and some meat please. And a bowl of soup," she told the man. As she waited, she finally found her halberd lying on the floor under the table she was at. She lifted it up and placed it against the bench beside her.
 
Tokito hesitated, he didn't want to leave the room. But as logic took hold he saw that Tae, seemingly lost and alone in enemy lands was most likely doing a similar job as himself. Her cry of fear most likely a ruse to get everyones sympathy and protection. And it had worked, even on him. "Well played." he whispered. "Well played." Pushing off of the wall and moved out the door, pushing past the others and headed downstairs to get himself a room. "So many secrets for such a small town.... so much opotunity for one who knows them."

Kiyoshi hung his head. half relieved, half disappointed. He stepped out into the passage and to the door next door. It had been a long day, and he hadn't gotten anywhere. Fresh start tomorrow, Ryoko, the girl, everyone would be left behind. Nothing would stop him. As for the 'Monk' he would have to be out of the city before the next sunset. Sittiing on the floor he set his bag on the floor next to himself and took out his calligraphy brush, ink and paper. With a little ink in a shallow wooden bowl he dipped the end of the brush and with slow careful stokes wrote a single character.... "Duty" he whispered inspecting his work. Thats what he needed to remember tomorrow, duty. Packing everything away he stripped himself and began washing, no bath for him, just a scrub, and once had finished, bed.
 
The first crash shook the town a good deal. Then came a scream, and a good deal of running. A siren called, and a great deal ear-shattering crashes could be heard. The screams of the people were clear.

Bandits. Though bandits never attacked here... the Lion were too fierce. Even scarier, these bandits had siege weaponry. They wantonly attacked the town from range - and they had shattered the nearby stronghold as their first blow against the Brick Village.

Those that go outside can see that the bandits do not go near the town. They launch their catapult rocks at the town... and with loud cracks of thunder, those warriors who attempt to rush towards them fall. No arrows. It seemed like all these bandits were doing were pointing blunt black spears at them. Some sort of sorcery!

Ever-organized, the Lion warriors of the villager lock their shields, acting as a grand barrier to protect the village - though they fall, as if attacked through their wooden shields. Other honorable warriors fall while pushing women and children out of the way, shielding them with their own bodies. Many charge towards the bandits, heedless of their own fate.

The fires started somehow. All within the course of a minute - everyone was under siege... and the Brick Village was being evacuated.

To those that can make a DC 10 Knowledge: History check or a DC 15 Intelligence check my look at the spoiler. Remember that you can't use a History check untrained! Your characters cannot come up with this assumption without making the check.
Bandits are never this organized, nor do they have siege weapons. These are not bandits.

To roll the dice, post as normal. Near the 'Edit' button is a new option: Roll Dice. You need to enter "History" or "Intelligence" in the description, "1" in the left box, "20" in the right box. It'll roll for you.

Also, those who make a DC 20 Knowledge: Geography can access this information.
The spear-like weapons the "bandits" are using are called Thunderwands, used by people of a land far to the west, past the desert. They launch metal balls at a target using black-powder and a tube. It is known to be very lethal.
 
"SOME OF A THRICE CURSED NEZUMI!!!" Kiyoshi woke up, why did they always attack at night? Cloths, armour, Daisho. He was dressed and ready for combat tucking Tae's dagger safely away. He ran out the door of his room and threw open the door to Tae's room. "Tae, the village is under attack, come with me quickly." before Tae could answer he was back in his room and had his bag on his back. "Get Ryoko, we'll drive back the dogs doing this." he took her and and placed the dagger into it. You go with the civilians." he bolted down the stairs and into the dining rook. "RYOKO!" he called out then headed for the door. "SAMURAI RYOKO!"

Tokito was slumped over a table, hand still on the clay cup. "Hmmf?" he mumbled.. then sat up... screams, crashing, headache. He stood unsteadily and looked around.... "Whats ... oohhh." through the open windo defnatly w fires burned, he saw a warrior fall for no aparent reason... "Time to be leaving... time to be leaving..."
 
As soon as the first crash was heard, Kuroma dashed outside to see what was happening. First he saw the seige weapons, then he saw the men and women falling dead for no reason. "How did bandits get ahold of seige weapons and magic of this calibur?"Kuroma thought to himself. Then the logical answer came to him. These were not bandits. Bandits were bandits because they were unable to organize this well, and that also resulted in a certain level of poverty, which would prevent them from obtaining seige weapons. No, bandits these were not. More likely some private army of some foreign nation. Was the gaijin he had met earlier a spy working for them? Kuroma decided it would be best to keep an eye on the gaijin, just in case. Not wishing to draw any attention or spells towards himself, Kuroma ducked behind a corver, in clear view of the entrance to the inn, so that he could watch for the gaijin, and stay relatively hidden from the invaders at the same time.
 
Roppu was shaken out of her thoughts near-instantly, the fur along her back standing on end. She 'sensed' danger a few seconds before it hit, courtesy of the guardian spirits... though still not soon enough to prevent the strike. Gazing out the window, she has just enough time to see a hole appear in a Lion Bushi's head before slumping to the ground. Covering her mouth with both hands in shock, an effort to hold back the frightened scream.

Turning on her heel, heedless of anyone's thoughts at the moment, she had two priorities: Her safety, and Japik's. Grabbing his hands, she tugged at him to go with her out the door. "Flee, flee!" She repeats, shaken by her home being attacked and the sight of the falling bushi out front. He couldn't speak Rokugani, so she hoped she got the picture.
 
Ryoko was enjoying her meal and trying to nurse her headache. That is, until all hell broke loose and people were dying outside. Others were being urged away. There was absolute chaos!

Ryoko actually paused in mid-bite when Kiyoshi came running down. She grabbed her halberd--but not before popping in the piece of meat into her mouth and taking a drink of water! She jumped up. Headache or not, she was ready to cleave some bandits into two!

It was about time they had some action!

***
Yue met them as they were rushing outside! She quickly blocked the door and held up her arms to either side of her. "Please, friends! This one does not think this is a wise decision!"

She had never seen the Unicorn woman or the Lion samurai now rushing down to fight these foes but she could not let them leave. Not when people were being killed left and right! The Lion samurai outside now fighting the bandits and protecting people as they evacuated did not need more bodies to worry of!

"Forgive this one's impudence but this one believes we should flee now. Flee while we can. It is unwise to face an enemy one knows nothing of!" She just hoped they would listen to reason but if not ... She looked at the fox hengeyokai. Surely he would be able to help!
 
Kiyoshi, weapons drawn faced the stranger. "They are an enemy, thats all that needs to be know. I have a duty to the people of this village... " he was champing at the bit to charge up the hill. "They are spilling lion blood I need to do something. Do you realy want me to run from an enemy?"

Tokito looked around... the sorceress and the Lion where in the doorway. A chilling thought struck him. "She did this." he whispered. "That bitch has brought her forces to kill us all." he ran upstairs and towards Tae's room skidding to a halt outside. "We need to get out of here... come quickly.."
 
Ryoko lifted that halberd up against her shoulder and eyed the woman in front of them. She was awfully tall and beautiful. She couldn't be human. She was distracted by Kiyoshi's words and nodded. "Yeah, what he said. We can't just stand here and let them all die. So move out of the way, woman. We have people to protect."

***
Yue shook her head. "No, please!" How could she make them understand that to go out there was to die and their deaths would be in vain? "If you truly wish to help them, you must flee and avenge their deaths. This one begs you not to leave, O honored samurai. Please listen to this humble shaman."
 
Kiyoshi's knuckles whitened. He gripped his swords so hard they shook. "Look outside. My people are dieing. If you don't step aside I'll and let me do my duty of protecting them I'll cut you down." A stone from the bandit's siege engine flattened the residence across the street from them, flames spreading from the shattered stove filling the street with flickering light. The fire reflected in Kiyoshi's eyes. "Help then flee if you wish, but I must stand with my fellows."
 
"I believe I have heard enough." Rising to a standing position, shifting from the form of the muscular, feral fox to that of the hybrid human-fox, he slid behind Kiyoshi. Reaching his red-furred arms around the man in an attempted sleeper hold... getting his arms around the man with a serious look. "I should have guessed you be of unsound mind. To be so verbally abusive to those that simply try to help you."

"I guess a Lion only understands force. I'll see you later." With that, the fox flexes his grip, finishing the hold as strong as Bei was, it'd still take a bit of time to take him down. bBei understood that this might not have been the best course of action to take... but he wasn't going to let this go down like he imagined it to be. "Stand with those who need assistance. Renga Murai is lost."
 
Kiyoshi's words took Ryoko by surprise. She understood where he was coming from--but to threaten a spirit folk shaman! Bei shifting into his hybrid form and grabbing Kiyoshi in a sleeper hold happened so fast, it took her a moment to register what was happening.

Ryoko looked over at the shaman, standing there with her hand clasped to the necklace she wore. "Forgive ... the samurai, Lady Shaman. He meant no disrespect and ..." Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of Kiyoshi again and realized--he didn't have his helmet! Her hand went to her side. And she didn't have her satchel!

"I have to get my satchel!" She raced away and back down the stairs. She found her satchel on the floor and didn't notice the helmet beside it until she picked it up! She slipped the satchel over her shoulder and picked up Kiyoshi's helmet!

"I never kissed a man before ..."

Ryoko's eyes widened. By the Kami ...?!

***
Yue watched the Unicorn samurai disappear and was about to go after here when she turned back to Bei and Kiyoshi. Her eyes were sad. Why did things have to be this way?

"Forgive me ..." she murmured. She clasped both hands together in front of her and quickly gave a deep bow, making a prayer to the spirits and ancestors.
 
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