Oriental Adventures (Restart)

[The_Shaman]

((I think it's "Wee" like the rather happy and slightly incoherent sound kids make. It could be just wishful thinking on Nintendo's part...Though if Cyrus disappears for several weeks or more in late November, it might be that they are astute judges of character ;) )

Vrishma

My, my, everyone is on edge today, I say, he muses, clicking his tongue with mock reproach. At least in her case I can think of a reason for the foul mood. Several, even. he cackles quietly. Little? Alas, no respect for their elders, those younglings, no respect at all. Worry not; I meant no offense to your rank or skills - I simply inquired as to where they lay, I did.

Badger, eh? The stray dogs always gets the mean looks in the kennel - much more so when wolves attack... I should get to see the house, definitely I should. The household spirits are bound to have noticed something.

[Cyrus112]

((Oh, you can expect a full report both on the Wiimote (*sigh*) and the new Zelda. I'm sure i'll be ranting off and on about it for many, many weeks))

The same guard speaks up, teeth clenched.

"You keep that tone up samurai, and I will do more than tell the magistrate about your vain concerns. I don't do things because you say I need to. I don't say anything because I don't wish to involve myself in the vain, stupid, and arbitrary world of Rokugan nobility. The magistrate is waiting inside."

As he finishes, he and another guard stop outside of an impressively sized house and turn around to assume guard type positions in front of the house.

[androgial]

ikeira


As ikeira walks past everyone without stopping he pats the gaurd on the arm. "A smart man you are."

[Ozzy_G]

Masaya looks annoyed again, and walks into the house. Once inside, out of sight of the guards, he turns and smiles at Ikiera. He whispers Phew, I was worried there, but it looks like we're fine. I don't think we need to worry, but you should be on your guard just in case. He shoots a dark glance at Vrishma. And if you do all get arrested, don't blame me.

[The_Shaman]

Vrishma

Vrishma enters the house and once safely out of sight (and hearing, as he hopes) breaks into a large grin. Of course, oh most benevolent and fair maaster, he drawls with exaggerated politeness, then continues quietly. I hope you won't try to remake this charade in front of the magistrate, indeed I do. My people may be lithe in body, but we do not like to bend our backs in spirit, no we don't. Now, annoying the guardsman may be of some merit, but why would you claim that the deaths were caused by demons, I must ask? It's known we come from the shadowlands - if there be evil here, the folk will think we brought it.

[Ozzy_G]

Masaya whispers Firstly, people don't know where we were, secondly, with claw and teeth marks in the middle of village, and no-one hearing a thing, it has to be demons. Saying it's bandits is ridiculous, it will make them think we have something to hide. But anyway, it's irrelevant, we are going to be fine, as long as we don't come across as suspicious. So you're gonna have to play along with my ruse. The magistrate doesn't suspect us, if he did those guards would be escorting us to see him, but if you act strangely...Masaya gives a shrug. Well, I tried to keep you guys out of it, but your pride made you come. So if I'm wrong, and the magistrate does arrest us, then don't blame me. Masaya sighs. Look, stop obsessing over your pride, and I'll keep us alive.
(Just something for you guys to think about: pride and honour are the hallmarks of a Samurai, the things most important to him. And Samurai do not lie. So this is a rather strange attitude for a Samurai to take, don't you think?)

[The_Shaman]

Vrishma

T'is a bad thing to say, Vrishma sighs, but people sometimes go out of their way not to accept what they don't want to accept, they do. To this town we are like stray wolves, anything strange and uncommon will likely be linked to us. The more uncommon the culprit, the more people will think of what else has been amiss, they will. Rumors there will be that it was a monster, oh yes, but the fewer people believe it, the better, I say.

He straightens up, and continues in a calm voice,We've told the gate guards where we come from... and they are not statues, always to keep secrets. Should they be honest men, their leader will know as much as they do. As the tricked crow said, looking back maybe I should have kept my beak shut - but we are strange a sight, and lax is the guardsman that would not question us. If you are confident your play will hold with him, I will grit my teeth - but if we all were summoned, then we all were considered of import, it seems to me. A stone that kills a rabbit will only enrage a tiger, my elders often said. If all is well, though, I would we inspect the house, I would... alone, if possible. This murder would incense the spirits, more so if demons spilled the family's blood, I say. They may have much to tell.

((While Vrishma gave Masaya a curious look while he was talking, it's hard to determine if it's due to his knowledge of Rokugani society or because he is usually very animated when talking or being talked to))

[Ozzy_G]

Well, it's past now. We'll see what the magistrate wants, then decide what to do. If we get a positive reaction, then maybe we can get him to help you, to ask the people to leave the house while you inspect it, or something. Just remember, a spoiled noble and his servants are less likely to be involved in anything dodgy than a mysterious band of adventurers.
Masaya gestures up the hall. Well, shall we go and see him?

[The_Shaman]

Vrishma

The Vanara cackles and says quietly. Like a fox, a she-wolf, an owl and a lizard, we are. Good luck! Then he adds, louder If you can pass us as a spoiled noble and his traveling companions, Masaya, I would suggest you change your career while there's time, I would. That good with the sword no one can be, i say.

Anyway, yes - it would not do to keep the lord waiting. Yet I'd still prefer "retainers" over "lazy servants," thank you very much. he adds, busying himself with his robe as he tries to make it look more presentable (as in: less worn and dusty).

[Ozzy_G]

Masaya grins. How about lazy retainers? I spent some time at court, if there's one thing that identifies spoiled nobles it's talking about how lazy the peasantry is. Don't take it to heart. In the arts of deception, pride has to take second place.

(Now that's not something you'd expect a Samurai to say.)

[Cyrus112]

Inside, one of the servants points you in the direction of the magistrate. Inside a large study, the magistrate is behind his very big, heavy wooden desk, looking over papers, a tired look in his eye. He looks up and sees you all standing there.

"Ah good. As usual, Toshi brought you here quickly. Have a seat. Now, you all saw that gruesome scene out in the square. I'm looking in to all the new arrivals to town over the past few days, and your group arrived only yesterday, if my reports are correct. Would you all care to explain what you've been up to in the past twenty four hours?"

While his tone isn't menacing or angry, it's firm and serious. From what you can tell, he means you no harm as of right now.

[Ozzy_G]

Masaya gives a bow, slightly deeper than the magistrate's position warrants.
Of course, your excellency. I am Bayushi Masaya, son of Lord Bayushi Otunga. I and my retainers, he gestures at Vrishma and Ikiera, are looking for the sage Genki, and we came here to seek information as to his whereabouts. We came through the main gate, and stayed at the inn from outside which your guards found us, the whole evening and night. There, we hired this woman, he says, gesturing at Masumi to work as a bodyguard, as we intended to leave soon, and we'll need protection from bandits. This can be corroborated by the innkeeper.

[Cyrus112]

The magistrate gives each of you a penetrating gaze, and doesn't speak for a long while.

"And your whereabouts yesterday evening to this morning? And why are you seeking out Genki?"

[Ozzy_G]

We were in bed, at the inn. Again, the innkeeper can vouch for us. We came down to eat this morning, and heard the commotion outside. We went to see the bodies, and then your guards collected us. As to Genki, my lord wants his advice on stopping a curse or something. We are going to try and find him, and bring him back to my lord. My retainers have already told your gate-guards about this, when we entered the town.
Masaya keeps his robed arms folded in front of his stomach, the arms of his kimono completely covering his arms. His face gives away nothing - as he is wearing his Scorpion mask. That's why the Scorpion wear them!

[Rapscallion]

The young coutier fop

A young husky man looking all of 16 will enter the room, his fine yellow silk robes flowing down to the floor. His hair is perfectly pulled back in a ponytail and slicked down. A faint whiff of lotus blossoms follows his movements, which are light and quick. He will proceed to fan himself as he speaks.

"Magistrate, there are no more, " Looks over the party disapprovingly or in surprise as if he did not expect them."Candidates for reviewtoday. Oh wise and omniscient one"
He bows deftly and heads for the door.

[androgial]

ikeira

ikeira makes a casual move during the discusion and ends up blocking one of the doors out by coincidence.

(moving day approaches fast. will return to online status on 22 or 23 oct hopefully)

[Cyrus112]

The magistrate looks down at a piece of parchment.

"Mm, I received the report from the gate guards. They seemed to be suspicious that your party was carrying a form of the plague. However, you all look perfectly healthy to me, and if the story checks out with the innkeeper at the...Graceful Crane, I believe?...then you will be free to go about your business. That is all. Oh, if you plan on going to the murder scene to comfort spirits, take my son along. He is young and headstrong, but skilled with a blade, should any sort of need arise."

This last part of the magistrate's sentence, while pleasant, carries all of the air of a command expected to be followed.

[tonberryking]

Masumi seems curious at the golden dressed youth and wonders if he's the son in question, however a more prominent, more crucial question enters her thoughts and she puts it forth to the magistrate.

"HOW good with a blade, if I may ask? Could he use a new sensei?

[Rapscallion]

The young man will fan furiously and almost laughs as he walks out and dissapears into the house.

The young man in traveling clothes of well make a white hitatare with red haori and hakama. Underneath the Hakama will be in a gleaming brass adorned breastplate wiith a rose wood Naginata in the other hand that is gleaming in the light. Wood of the Naganata and his geta are of the same wood.
Also he no longer smells of lotus blossoms and his stance is much more direct and forcefull as if a sword had slid out it's sheath.


"Hello good citizens, I am Chion Itou and I am tasked to assist in these gruesome matters. Masaya-san what is your wish in how to proceed. Greeting loyal retainers of Masaya-san." He will beam at the party as if he had just won a race."

[Cyrus112]

The magistrate looks at the youth and then back at the assembled party, voice slightly stern.

"One can always learn more. One who thinks he has mastered all has mastered nothing at all. If you feel the need to instruct, by all means, go ahead. He is, however, very competent at what he does." He finished with a note of pride in his voice, the sternness dropping away.

"I won't keep you any longer. If you have any questions, by all means ask. Otherwise, you have some work ahead of you. Nothing good can come of dragging your heels."

[Ozzy_G]

Masaya gives a warm smile.
Of course, we would love to have your son to help us. We will proceed now to the scene, and my shaman will see what he can deduce. Thankyou for your time, your excellency.
He bows, and then backs out of the room.
Come along, my retainers.

[The_Shaman]

Vrishma

And the young foal joined the four. Yeeees, maaaster, Vrishma nods, drawling his response, and bows to the magistrate before going up. Welcome, young sir, he nods to Itou ((Are we keeping with the tradition of family names going first?)), and turns back to the magistrate And may the spirits' blessing fall upon your house, my lord. he adds with a calm expression.

He bows again and leaves the room in the same manner Masaya did. Once outside, he chuckles quietly. Another one joins our merry team, I say! If it continues, we will have a veritable army with us, we will.

[Rapscallion]

Chion
((OOC Then I should have Itou Chion, Itou is the last name and Chion is the first.))

Chion will raise one eyebrow at the speaking Shamen
"Oh it very good to meet you sir, so how long have you been a shamen in the service of Lord Masaya ?He will also turn to Masumi while tying a yellow banner with a rampant unicorn on it to the head of the rosewood naginata just under the blade."Lady , I have trained well by my past sensi's but if you see a problem with my form just let me know." Chion smiles and turns his gaze bacik to Masaya

"Masya-san how do we lift this curse or find Genki the Sagacious"

Chion will continue walking with the group and carry the naginata over one shoulder so that the banner drapes over his head.

[tonberryking]

Masumi for some reason doesn't seem impressed nor does she seem to keep up the humor from earlier about being a retainer to Bayushi... Her nose seems to wrinkle very slightly at the scent of the almost foppish (to her bare bones, salt of the earth way of style, anyway) behavior of the newcommer and she mentally seems to write him off as having 'too much to unlearn' if she were to pass on her own style...

...However most importantly she feels a growing sense of discomfort in where this s going...

[Ozzy_G]

(It is Lord Bayushi, not Lord Masaya, he is Bayushi Masaya: Bayushi is the family name, Masaya is his given name.)
We will be looking for a man named Nobutada, who should be coming back to town today. He should be able to lead us to the old temple in the mountains where Genki was last seen.
Masumi-san, perhaps you will entertain our new companion with a discussion of sword-fighting, while I talk to Ikiera and Vrishma about some things.He gestures Ikiera and Vrishma away from the other two.

[The_Shaman]

Vrishma

((Is there a good online spellchecker? English is not my native language and I'm kinda bad when it comes to quick typing, so I've had to redo a lot of posts...))

Vrishma's demeanor has changed somewhat after they get out of the room, and the aura of subservience is gone - from what the others can tell, as the Vanara is either impeccably polite or brazenly ignorant, sometimes about the same thing. Certainly, he says, picking up his pack and weapons where he left them before entering the room By the way, why do humans carry weapons when they see their hosts? A host should be able to provide for their guest's security, should they not? he asks Masaya as he puts the basket-like pack back on his shoulders.

[Rapscallion]

Chion

(Right Lord Bayushi thanks)

"Yes Lord Bayushi as you wish, but shouldn't we look for this person you seek *sigh*." half nod to the lord and turns to Masumi. He will stand straight up and drop the blunt end of the naginata down to the earth.
" It is Lord Bayushi will that we speak of sword-fighting while he consults with his two other advisors. I prefer a good curved sword as it mimics the motions of the naginata and confuses my adversary, which gives me the advantage. The katana is wonderfully crafted sword but I do not have the correct respect for it nor place of birth to wield it properly." Chion will rub his temple slightly and close his eyes as he talks to the female samurai as he does not expect a response.

[Cyrus112]

The magistrate speaks up before Masaya leaves the room.

"If that scoundrel is coming back into town, he will most likely be found at the inn you stayed in last night."

[The_Shaman]

Vrishma

Vrishma tilts his head a little to the left as he ponders upon the magistrate's words. This Nobutada doesn't sound like a very trustworthy fellow, indeed he doesn't... Everyone seems to imply him a rogue. Then again, probably everyone thinks me an overgrown tree-crawler kin...

As they go some distance away from Chion and Masumi, he turns towards Masaya again with a brief So?

[Ozzy_G]

Masaya drops his voice to a barely audible whisper. He says to Vrishma and Ikiera Keep the voice down, I don't want that kid to hear us. Right, we've got some serious problems. First of all, I know it's my fault, I told him you were my retainers, but what was I supposed to say, that we're the remnants of Kyo's army and we ourselves are cursed? This was the least suspicious thing. You'll just have to grimace and bear it, I'll tell him I like to do my own cleaning and stuff so you don't have to do any servant work.
Secondly, I don't trust Masumi. She's hiding something, why did she leave her clan?
The third problem is this guy who's going to be guiding us, everyone seems to think he's untrustworthy, we'll have to be on our guard. DO either of you have any spells which could be useful to kkep him trustworthy.