So, who's going to answer?
[004] A Call to Retribution
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
Is it Daitaro, Zenrin, or Keiso? Or Saiso-the-Ronin?
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
Zenrin says in his calm, rather deep voice, We have come to speak with the daimyo, or his officers. The daimyo will be interested to hear what these men have to say. It pertains the safety and well-being of himself and his clan.
Saizo stands by the prisoners, playing the role of the rough and unkempt ronin bushi. He knows that he must be ready to escape at any time. Either of these men must strongly suspect his real profession. It wouldn't take much for them to expose him to the samurai. How would the samurai react? Likely by seizing him, or killing him outright. If they only seized him, would they show clemency because of his role in revealing the plot? Not likely, he thinks. A ninja is but another eta. And a dangerous one at that. He'll not go inside this place's walls, but instead wait and observe from outside.
Hensujutsu Adjusted BCS 7. Success only needed if someone actively suspects him. [1d20]=17
I suppose eventually there will be a social reaction roll if/when given an audience. We'd want our highest ranked member to speak then.
Saizo stands by the prisoners, playing the role of the rough and unkempt ronin bushi. He knows that he must be ready to escape at any time. Either of these men must strongly suspect his real profession. It wouldn't take much for them to expose him to the samurai. How would the samurai react? Likely by seizing him, or killing him outright. If they only seized him, would they show clemency because of his role in revealing the plot? Not likely, he thinks. A ninja is but another eta. And a dangerous one at that. He'll not go inside this place's walls, but instead wait and observe from outside.
Hensujutsu Adjusted BCS 7. Success only needed if someone actively suspects him. [1d20]=17
I suppose eventually there will be a social reaction roll if/when given an audience. We'd want our highest ranked member to speak then.
PCs
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
Thanks! I just wanted a sense of your approach. I'll move ahead and set up the scene.
"We have come to speak with the daimyo, or his officers. The daimyo will be interested to hear what these men have to say. It pertains the safety and well-being of himself and his clan." Zenrin, receiving some respect for his role straddling both church and ronin, gains entry into the intial courts, the two men bound and gagged for the moment, shuffled forward by Daitaro and Zenrin, Keiso calmly behind. Taka's small steps nonetheless command the lead, as her imperious demeanor and clan insignias make a path forward. Saizo, wisely realizing that he presented himself as ninja in garb to the two Yakuza prisoners, opts to find other occupation outside and not enter the courts. Before you proceed to far, Taka whispers urgently to each of you, "Remember - only the arrest and death of Shosen Makoto will assuage us. He must be arrested and brought here for justice, for his head." She seems fervent and blood-thirsty, not her usual mien, as the moment finally arrives.
As you are stymied in the middle courts, the elder Satake Matayuke appears - his work to ingratiate himself in court and repare the bureaucrats for your arrival pays dividends. There are protestations of the Daimyo's ill health, that you must wait more in line, that your status is insufficient to make such demands, but Matayuke handles them.
In only a few hours, you find yourself, the prisoners still standing between you, in the Daimyo's court. You hold your ground on not speaking to his ministers, even though they impress upon you the importance of their crests as Washima and Tadamasa. Candle luminaries give a soft golden glow as the day shifts towards the evening, and at last a hush falls over all the ministers assembled as the Daimyo himself, Washima Fuhito, makes his way into the room and shuffles to his place of honor. The Daimyo is a man in his late 40s - he should still be in vigorous health, but he is clearly stricken and ill. He stands proudly, hiding the quavering in his limbs, leaning upon his escort - his brother Washima Hidemasa, the Commander of the Citidel.
The Daimyo stands, looking imperiously down upon you, for several long moments. He studies each of you fully, then the two prisoners showing no sign of recognition of them.
"Tell me, why have you demanded audience?" he asks, his voice deep and strong despite his affliction. "Why do you bring bound merchants before me?
"Your eminence," says Taka, stepping forward with a formal bow. "We bring evidence to you for crimes of the man, Shoshen Makoto, crimes against you, your family, and the province. Call for him to come and answer."
A murmur goes through the room. A moment of recognition on the Daimyo's face, followed by a deep frown. It is less than an hour before the Samurai return with Makoto himself, who looks at you with confusion, then with unconstrained rage as he sees the wounded, bound condition of his son.
"Present your charges," intones a Tadamasa minister.
Okay, we'll go through this in ordered fashion, following the rules under 1062.4.
You will present each of your arguments, the facts you believe to be true. A PC will make each arguement and can roleplay that Taka is assisting you ably. You can then roll with her Rhetoric score (BCS 19). Each effect number becomes a modifier to the final status check.
You will present physical evidence and it will count as "Gifts" - these will add a +1 BCS directly to the final status check.
If you wish the prisoners to be ungagged and give confession, you will need to choose which one and then we'll use a status check or a "fear/memory of torture" version of the torture rules to compel them. One of you is the questioner with fear of Taka's presence providing the torture mechanism. This will also provide the Effect number as a modifier.
- Take turns, present an argument, post the Rhetoric roll. Present the gifts. I'll then post the rebuttal and we'll roll the resolution.
You will have a penalty for coming unwashed to the Daimyo's presence.
You will have your score reduced by counter-argument - which will be presented by Shosen Makoto with his own skills.
There will then be the contested Status check to to see the Daimyo's disposition on the case. Satake Motoyuki will stand with you, placing his own reputation upon his neice's words. You will roll the status check with his status as an In-Service Samurai. (I need to figure out what that is, noticing now that its not on his sheet.)
"We have come to speak with the daimyo, or his officers. The daimyo will be interested to hear what these men have to say. It pertains the safety and well-being of himself and his clan." Zenrin, receiving some respect for his role straddling both church and ronin, gains entry into the intial courts, the two men bound and gagged for the moment, shuffled forward by Daitaro and Zenrin, Keiso calmly behind. Taka's small steps nonetheless command the lead, as her imperious demeanor and clan insignias make a path forward. Saizo, wisely realizing that he presented himself as ninja in garb to the two Yakuza prisoners, opts to find other occupation outside and not enter the courts. Before you proceed to far, Taka whispers urgently to each of you, "Remember - only the arrest and death of Shosen Makoto will assuage us. He must be arrested and brought here for justice, for his head." She seems fervent and blood-thirsty, not her usual mien, as the moment finally arrives.
As you are stymied in the middle courts, the elder Satake Matayuke appears - his work to ingratiate himself in court and repare the bureaucrats for your arrival pays dividends. There are protestations of the Daimyo's ill health, that you must wait more in line, that your status is insufficient to make such demands, but Matayuke handles them.
In only a few hours, you find yourself, the prisoners still standing between you, in the Daimyo's court. You hold your ground on not speaking to his ministers, even though they impress upon you the importance of their crests as Washima and Tadamasa. Candle luminaries give a soft golden glow as the day shifts towards the evening, and at last a hush falls over all the ministers assembled as the Daimyo himself, Washima Fuhito, makes his way into the room and shuffles to his place of honor. The Daimyo is a man in his late 40s - he should still be in vigorous health, but he is clearly stricken and ill. He stands proudly, hiding the quavering in his limbs, leaning upon his escort - his brother Washima Hidemasa, the Commander of the Citidel.
- Washima Fuhito.JPG (30.78 KiB) Viewed 780 times
"Tell me, why have you demanded audience?" he asks, his voice deep and strong despite his affliction. "Why do you bring bound merchants before me?
"Your eminence," says Taka, stepping forward with a formal bow. "We bring evidence to you for crimes of the man, Shoshen Makoto, crimes against you, your family, and the province. Call for him to come and answer."
A murmur goes through the room. A moment of recognition on the Daimyo's face, followed by a deep frown. It is less than an hour before the Samurai return with Makoto himself, who looks at you with confusion, then with unconstrained rage as he sees the wounded, bound condition of his son.
"Present your charges," intones a Tadamasa minister.
Okay, we'll go through this in ordered fashion, following the rules under 1062.4.
You will present each of your arguments, the facts you believe to be true. A PC will make each arguement and can roleplay that Taka is assisting you ably. You can then roll with her Rhetoric score (BCS 19). Each effect number becomes a modifier to the final status check.
You will present physical evidence and it will count as "Gifts" - these will add a +1 BCS directly to the final status check.
If you wish the prisoners to be ungagged and give confession, you will need to choose which one and then we'll use a status check or a "fear/memory of torture" version of the torture rules to compel them. One of you is the questioner with fear of Taka's presence providing the torture mechanism. This will also provide the Effect number as a modifier.
- Take turns, present an argument, post the Rhetoric roll. Present the gifts. I'll then post the rebuttal and we'll roll the resolution.
You will have a penalty for coming unwashed to the Daimyo's presence.
You will have your score reduced by counter-argument - which will be presented by Shosen Makoto with his own skills.
There will then be the contested Status check to to see the Daimyo's disposition on the case. Satake Motoyuki will stand with you, placing his own reputation upon his neice's words. You will roll the status check with his status as an In-Service Samurai. (I need to figure out what that is, noticing now that its not on his sheet.)
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
Zenrin bows to the daimyo. He then asks that the yakuza guard be ungagged and presents him to the daimyo. Tono-sama,* this man is a yakuza. He was accompanying that man as a guard for a shipment of arms and armor. That man is Makoto Shosen's son. He was taking the arms from Shosen's compound to a hidden camp in the mountains. In that hidden camp are bushi gathering for a plot of rebellion against you and your clan. Isn't that so, yakuza guard? Speak the truth. He casts a meaningful glance to Taka, to remind the man of her fearsome and horrific powers.
After the man answers, Taka bows and says, Tono-sama. You may wonder who we are, and why we involved ourselves in this matter. To speak directly, it is a matter of each person being called to retribution. Each of us here lost a family member to Shosen's greed. Through his son-- that man-- he sent our family members to their deaths. They went to recover something of value to Shosen, and died fighting against overwhelming odds. Shosen knew of those odds, and casually sent our unknowing family members into it. He personally had everything to gain upon their success, and nothing to lose upon their deaths. For his greed and uncaring callousness, we sought retribution. And while doing so, we learned of the plot of violent overthrow of Tono-sama and his clan. Should Tono-sama deliver justice and separate Shosen's head for his treason, we will be satisfied.
Taka's Rhetoric roll (if I'm doing this right). [1d20]=4
Note that neither Zenrin or Taka mentioned that Shosen is actually a yakuza oya-bun. Taka left that for a third witness to reveal and further strengthen the case. And they both left ungagging the merchant's son as a device for someone else to use.
*Tono-sama - How people address a daimyo. I learned that from watching samurai movies.
After the man answers, Taka bows and says, Tono-sama. You may wonder who we are, and why we involved ourselves in this matter. To speak directly, it is a matter of each person being called to retribution. Each of us here lost a family member to Shosen's greed. Through his son-- that man-- he sent our family members to their deaths. They went to recover something of value to Shosen, and died fighting against overwhelming odds. Shosen knew of those odds, and casually sent our unknowing family members into it. He personally had everything to gain upon their success, and nothing to lose upon their deaths. For his greed and uncaring callousness, we sought retribution. And while doing so, we learned of the plot of violent overthrow of Tono-sama and his clan. Should Tono-sama deliver justice and separate Shosen's head for his treason, we will be satisfied.
Taka's Rhetoric roll (if I'm doing this right). [1d20]=4
Note that neither Zenrin or Taka mentioned that Shosen is actually a yakuza oya-bun. Taka left that for a third witness to reveal and further strengthen the case. And they both left ungagging the merchant's son as a device for someone else to use.
*Tono-sama - How people address a daimyo. I learned that from watching samurai movies.
PCs
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
Okay, i read Torture again. We assume Taka's fear is a success. Then it is just a Will ST to find if they tell the truth. That's simple enough.
Yakuza Will ST (BCS 3) [1d20]=15
The Yakuza confesses that he is such, breaking down and weeping. He works for Makoto, was transporting arms, and the camp has been hidden in the mountains for several months. He does not know the grand designs of his Oyabun, being low in rank himself. He pointedly doesn't make any eye contact with either father or son.
Yakuza Will ST (BCS 3) [1d20]=15
The Yakuza confesses that he is such, breaking down and weeping. He works for Makoto, was transporting arms, and the camp has been hidden in the mountains for several months. He does not know the grand designs of his Oyabun, being low in rank himself. He pointedly doesn't make any eye contact with either father or son.
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
I'm assuming if it made sense for Keiso to speak he would go last. I think his angle would be that he observed the confession when the son and yakuza were captured and offers his confirmation of truth as a Buddhist priest. But I'm not totally sure of the cultural norms here...
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
Sounds like good story - go for it. Don't stress on culture norms too much.
I don't know that Turlton is back so we are out Daitaro and Taka. That means the presentation is only you two as religious types - just alternate between Zenrin and Keiso with virtual help from Taka and Motoyuki as NPCs now. (Or, feel free to RP Motoyuki as the "noble advisor/uncle" type for the scene as well.)
Don't stress on culture norms too much. I don't know that Turlton is back so we are out Daitaro and Taka. That means the presentation is only you two as religious types - just alternate between Zenrin and Keiso with virtual help from Taka and Motoyuki as NPCs now. (Or, feel free to RP Motoyuki as the "noble advisor/uncle" type for the scene as well.)
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
I'm not often very good at dialog, so I'll summarize this time...
Keiso will introduce himself as a Buddhist priest and share his observations of the confession (leaving out the ambush, what matters here is the character of the men). He will attest that the men were troubled in spirit but must answer to the Daimyo for their actions (I think I'm making sense here...).
Umm, that should help...
Keiso will introduce himself as a Buddhist priest and share his observations of the confession (leaving out the ambush, what matters here is the character of the men). He will attest that the men were troubled in spirit but must answer to the Daimyo for their actions (I think I'm making sense here...).
Umm, that should help...
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
The Daimyo frowns and ministers whisper as you lay out a very solid case.
The son sent your family members to their deaths, the guard admits to being yakuza. The weapons were indeed for a hidden war camp. The details of the confession are relayed by the honorable words of the priest.
Taka whispers to you that you must implicate Makoto himself for it to lead to his death.
Next round for Zenrin?
The son sent your family members to their deaths, the guard admits to being yakuza. The weapons were indeed for a hidden war camp. The details of the confession are relayed by the honorable words of the priest.
Taka whispers to you that you must implicate Makoto himself for it to lead to his death.
Next round for Zenrin?
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
The advisor Motoyuki says, Tono-sama. We have heard the confession of these men's hireling. He indicates Makoto and his son. The words of a hired yakuza criminal, yes, but confirmed by these several Imperial subjects. They implicate these men in treason and plotting violence against their daimyo, the Emperor's authorized governor of Hida province. As tono-sama owes loyalty and obedience to the Emperor, these men owe loyalty and obedience to their daimyo. Betraying that duty is a sin against the laws of Heaven. But for such laws requiring loyalty and obedience, there would be no order in the world. There would be chaos and anarchy, leaving the Emperor's subjects subject to the threats and violence of thugs and brigands. He pointedly looks at the captive yakuza.
Such crimes are punishable as a matter of course by death. By public crucifixion beside a riverbed as a common criminal. But, Tono-sama, I will recommend a more merciful and less shameful death if this man Makoto will truthfully answer these questions.
First, who are the leaders of the rebels? What do they seek to gain from their treachery?
Second, what is your connection to the yakuza?
Third, what do you seek to gain from arming and supporting the traitors?
Speak truthfully, because doing so is your only hope of dying a dog's death. Perhaps your daimyo will even choose to spare the son. For arguably, he was fulfilling his filial duty and acting on the commands of the father. As wicked as those commands and resulting deeds have been.
Zenrin stands listening, unmoving, head lowered. He thinks of his younger brother Toshizo, who naively accepted a doomed quest from these callous, selfish, uncaring men. And died trying to perform it, at the age of 16 springs. He chants the Diamond Sutra in his mind to remind it of transcending the cares, emotions, baseness, and ignorance of the world.
Such crimes are punishable as a matter of course by death. By public crucifixion beside a riverbed as a common criminal. But, Tono-sama, I will recommend a more merciful and less shameful death if this man Makoto will truthfully answer these questions.
First, who are the leaders of the rebels? What do they seek to gain from their treachery?
Second, what is your connection to the yakuza?
Third, what do you seek to gain from arming and supporting the traitors?
Speak truthfully, because doing so is your only hope of dying a dog's death. Perhaps your daimyo will even choose to spare the son. For arguably, he was fulfilling his filial duty and acting on the commands of the father. As wicked as those commands and resulting deeds have been.
Zenrin stands listening, unmoving, head lowered. He thinks of his younger brother Toshizo, who naively accepted a doomed quest from these callous, selfish, uncaring men. And died trying to perform it, at the age of 16 springs. He chants the Diamond Sutra in his mind to remind it of transcending the cares, emotions, baseness, and ignorance of the world.
PCs
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
Shoshen Kogatoro Will ST [1d20]=12
Shosen Kogatoro, bound on the floor, looks from the face of his father to the imperious Taka, and back. He just heard his hired man testify against him. He looks to his father, to Taka, and back. Then again to Taka, and he breaks.
He looks steadfastly at the floor as he speaks, his words coming in a rush. He now avoids looking at Taka or his father. "It is true, I worked as a merchant to carry goods and meet the needs of the camp in the mountains. I met the kin of these who accuse us, and I sent them on a mission to recovery my sister's dowry from bandits who stole it before it could reach her and I, causing our family dishonor. I thought them more prepared, more capable, than they were. They led my best servant to his death as well so that we all suffered."
He looks up, not at his father or Taka, but pleadingly to the Daimyo. "The leader of the bushi of this camp is Tsuzawa Hoshii, betrothed of my sister. It is for her sake that I aided him. With her dowery stolen by bandits in the lawlessness of the land, we dishonor if it could not be recovered. It is less dishonor that I hired the ronin of these families than it would be to have no dowry for my sister. Weapons for his cause were all we could do once it was unrecovered."
Taka's Rhetoric aiding [1d20]=12
A murmur goes through the ministers.
Kogatoro's eyes cast back to the floor. "I am but a merchant, Daimyo-sama. The son of Tsuzawa is a very honorable match for my sister. Forgive us this. It is not my place to question or say what such an honorable family intends with a camp of warriors in the mountains."
Shosen Kogatoro, bound on the floor, looks from the face of his father to the imperious Taka, and back. He just heard his hired man testify against him. He looks to his father, to Taka, and back. Then again to Taka, and he breaks.
He looks steadfastly at the floor as he speaks, his words coming in a rush. He now avoids looking at Taka or his father. "It is true, I worked as a merchant to carry goods and meet the needs of the camp in the mountains. I met the kin of these who accuse us, and I sent them on a mission to recovery my sister's dowry from bandits who stole it before it could reach her and I, causing our family dishonor. I thought them more prepared, more capable, than they were. They led my best servant to his death as well so that we all suffered."
He looks up, not at his father or Taka, but pleadingly to the Daimyo. "The leader of the bushi of this camp is Tsuzawa Hoshii, betrothed of my sister. It is for her sake that I aided him. With her dowery stolen by bandits in the lawlessness of the land, we dishonor if it could not be recovered. It is less dishonor that I hired the ronin of these families than it would be to have no dowry for my sister. Weapons for his cause were all we could do once it was unrecovered."
Taka's Rhetoric aiding [1d20]=12
A murmur goes through the ministers.
Kogatoro's eyes cast back to the floor. "I am but a merchant, Daimyo-sama. The son of Tsuzawa is a very honorable match for my sister. Forgive us this. It is not my place to question or say what such an honorable family intends with a camp of warriors in the mountains."
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
OOC: The Social Roll Process
"The son disassembles, Tono-sama," says Satake Taka, snapping open her fan and taking several dainty steps forward. "His own man implicates him as a Yakuza. But what he says of the betrothal to Tsuzawa Hoshii is true. He carried this letter on him going to the honorable Hidotoke Kiyomaru." She passes the letter in question to a minister who looks it over and in turn passes it to the Daimyo.
Satake Motoyuki's venerable voice provides the closing argument. "My niece, Tono-sama, is passionate about the death of her brother, and this investigation into the villianous Shoshen family brings justice to his murder, rather than a blood feud upon this callow Shosen family. We place this evidence before you for your judgment."
Shoshen Makoto scoffs, dismissive at the accusations. "Tono-sama, this is base slander. I am a faithful citizen, no more than a father making arrangements for his beautiful daughters. This is fanciful! You know that I am a businessman and no more."
...but his words fall on deaf ears. "Hai!" The Daimyo speaks and Makoto is silenced. "It has been five years since you came before me, and your manners have not improved. Do not speak to me of your loyalty to your family; I am told of your wife's untimely demise." He leans upon a cane, but straightens himself imperiously. "I know loyalty when I see it. I will hear no more. Hidemasa, see it done." He turns and addresses his brother, Commander of the Citidel and strong and handsome.
Makoto's eyes go wide as Hidemasa steps off the raised dais, two other samurai strengthening their grip on the Oyabun's arms. Hidemasa stands before Makoto stone-faced, not saying a word. Then in one smooth motion, he draws his katana from its scabbard and slices across the Heimin's throat. He wipes the blade with its special cloth as Makoto gurgles, then collapses to his knees, then to the floor.
Well done!
Narrate your own endings for this scene. You then are put up in housing for a month here in Takayama (for four weeks of downtime training, go ahead and spec that out) before you are all summoned back for another need (i.e. the next chapter).
"But the defamation of this sallow criminal upon such an honorable family does not stand in my eyes, Tono-sama. The young Hoshii, and his honorable father, is known to many counselors of this chamber and it is unlikely he has considered a betrothal without a great web of lies from these dishonorable yakuza. We are also saving the honorable Hidotake from binding himself to these base criminals." She becomes more fervent as she states her final request. "The only option for such a base man, Tono-sama, rising to degrade honorable families, to encourage overthrow of you and your own rule, is death. He must be executed here and now." The intensity in her voice is unnerving... a chill goes down your spine and you are uncomfortable.The first letter as being from Shoshen Makoto to Hidetoke Kiyomaru, a request form a worried father, requesting divination regarding his younger daughter - Shoshen Ari - and her imminent marriage to the samurai Tsuzawa Hoshii, for whom he suspects some turmoil and wishes sorcerous protection.
Satake Motoyuki's venerable voice provides the closing argument. "My niece, Tono-sama, is passionate about the death of her brother, and this investigation into the villianous Shoshen family brings justice to his murder, rather than a blood feud upon this callow Shosen family. We place this evidence before you for your judgment."
Shoshen Makoto scoffs, dismissive at the accusations. "Tono-sama, this is base slander. I am a faithful citizen, no more than a father making arrangements for his beautiful daughters. This is fanciful! You know that I am a businessman and no more."
...but his words fall on deaf ears. "Hai!" The Daimyo speaks and Makoto is silenced. "It has been five years since you came before me, and your manners have not improved. Do not speak to me of your loyalty to your family; I am told of your wife's untimely demise." He leans upon a cane, but straightens himself imperiously. "I know loyalty when I see it. I will hear no more. Hidemasa, see it done." He turns and addresses his brother, Commander of the Citidel and strong and handsome.
Makoto's eyes go wide as Hidemasa steps off the raised dais, two other samurai strengthening their grip on the Oyabun's arms. Hidemasa stands before Makoto stone-faced, not saying a word. Then in one smooth motion, he draws his katana from its scabbard and slices across the Heimin's throat. He wipes the blade with its special cloth as Makoto gurgles, then collapses to his knees, then to the floor.
Well done!
Narrate your own endings for this scene. You then are put up in housing for a month here in Takayama (for four weeks of downtime training, go ahead and spec that out) before you are all summoned back for another need (i.e. the next chapter).
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
Sohei warrior-monk Zenrin thinks, "Truly, as the Buddha perceived, desire leads to unhappiness and discontent. The yakuza merchant, already wealthy, desired more wealth and power. Which led him to greater crimes, and in the end, his violent death. And the deaths of our kinsmen. And the death of a man by my hands. Which I must fully meditate on and seek a cleansing under the way of the merciful and compassionate Buddha."
Ninja Saizo hears of the outcome. He takes brush to paper and writes in the katakana phonetic script. It has the date and only four words spelled out in the Mist clan's dialect: Done. At the location. And a distinctive brush strokes mark, to identify the sender. In the guise of an impoverished ronin, he pays the fee for the letter to be carried in the mail to a distant town. Where a carpenter or blacksmith will pick it up and take it to a peasant farmer or woodcutter. Who will quite swiftly deliver it to the Mist clan elders in their hidden village.
Mainly for RP purposes, Zenrin will spend his month training in Meditation. (He's already pretty powerful as a bushi, but he's a pretty poor Pious Layman Buddhist monk.
Saizo will spend his month training in Silent Kill. His BCS in that is currently a pretty sad 4.
Are their teachers for either available locally? I don't know that the chars have the coin to pay, though. We didn't manage any loot from this adventure. But we could go back and try to loot the submerged armaments wagon. I mistakenly thought that suiei still was needed to swim at all. But all characters can swim, based on averaging three Attribute saving throws. Or there's always the option of affordable training with no teacher.
Ninja Saizo hears of the outcome. He takes brush to paper and writes in the katakana phonetic script. It has the date and only four words spelled out in the Mist clan's dialect: Done. At the location. And a distinctive brush strokes mark, to identify the sender. In the guise of an impoverished ronin, he pays the fee for the letter to be carried in the mail to a distant town. Where a carpenter or blacksmith will pick it up and take it to a peasant farmer or woodcutter. Who will quite swiftly deliver it to the Mist clan elders in their hidden village.
Mainly for RP purposes, Zenrin will spend his month training in Meditation. (He's already pretty powerful as a bushi, but he's a pretty poor Pious Layman Buddhist monk.
Saizo will spend his month training in Silent Kill. His BCS in that is currently a pretty sad 4.
Are their teachers for either available locally? I don't know that the chars have the coin to pay, though. We didn't manage any loot from this adventure. But we could go back and try to loot the submerged armaments wagon. I mistakenly thought that suiei still was needed to swim at all. But all characters can swim, based on averaging three Attribute saving throws. Or there's always the option of affordable training with no teacher.
PCs
Re: [004] A Call to Retribution
The justice is swift and final - Shoshen Makoto's head rolls on the floor. The Daimyo's brother and Commander of the Citidel, Washima Hidemasa takes charge and begins issuing orders as the Daimyo proudly exits the chamber with his four personal bodyguards, endeavoring to not visibly rely on his cane more than a man in his late 40s should. At Hidemasa's command, the prisoners Kogatoro and his yakuza guard and roughly hustled away and lieutenants are sent to muster half the Citadel's bushi immediately. By dawn, a thousand men will go under his command to the hidden mountain camp and address the issue of treason occuring there. Justice shall be swift and complete.
The characters, haven brought this weighty issue and evidence to justice before the Daimyo, are interdicted by Washima Kumpei, an elderly scholar and advisor to the Daimyo. Appearing in his late 60s with wrinkles and thinned, grayed hair, he commands great respect for his learning and wisdom as the Daimyo's chief advisor. He smiles and offers a respectful half-bow first to Satake Motoyuki, then to the Buddhists Taisho and Zenrin. You feel another chill of apprehension as you realize Satake Taka is already gone from the chamber. Kumpei speaks - "My condolences for your losses, and the Daimyo's gratitude for your dilligence in this matter. It is no small weight that you have carried to ensure truth and honor. I convey to you the sincere appreciation of the Daimyo." He motions to two ministers who step up to join him. "The Daimyo will be honored by your continued stay here in the Citadel, where you may have the summer to grieve and rest after your labors in his service." Mentioning the 'ronin,' Saizo, who is in the yards, he has the ministers take note to offer him lodgings and meals as well.
You are first taken to the baths, the ministers pointedly trying to not comment on your unwashed and bloodied condition, then you are each offered new Good Clothing appropriate to your station, fresh and clean and fitted by a seamstress. You are each provided with a private room, accomodations appropriate for honored guests, and shown where to take your meals together as a group, separated by paper walls from other guests of the Daimyo. The month of Uzuki now passed, you think how you wish to spend the month of Satsuki, when the rice seedlings are planted, among these fine accomodations.
Over the next week, word spreads quickly of Makoto's treachery, of the show of strength and justice by the Daimyo, at the war camp found and dealt with by the Citidel and Hidemasa. The flames of discontent among the populace of Takayama are quelled as confidence in the Daimyo is restored, knowledge of the yakuza's intentional agitation now causing the inverse reaction.
In the weeks to follow, the businesses of Makoto are quietly dismantled and disbursed, other merchants and 'merchants' assuming control of what once was his. Kogatoro is not spoken of again, nor his two sisters who aspired to higher station through their father's arranged marriages. Tsuzawa Hoshii is slain at the war camp, and dishonor falls upon the Tsuzawa family name... the last strike against the once-proud family. They lose their last lands near Takayama, with whispers that they are quietly leaving the entire Hida province in disgrace. Gossips speculate what the Daimyo of Etchu province may wish in taking them in, especially if Washima Fuhito remains in a weakened position.
This concludes this chapter - you can continue with your downtime roleplay in [005] A Month of the Daimyo's Grace.
The characters, haven brought this weighty issue and evidence to justice before the Daimyo, are interdicted by Washima Kumpei, an elderly scholar and advisor to the Daimyo. Appearing in his late 60s with wrinkles and thinned, grayed hair, he commands great respect for his learning and wisdom as the Daimyo's chief advisor. He smiles and offers a respectful half-bow first to Satake Motoyuki, then to the Buddhists Taisho and Zenrin. You feel another chill of apprehension as you realize Satake Taka is already gone from the chamber. Kumpei speaks - "My condolences for your losses, and the Daimyo's gratitude for your dilligence in this matter. It is no small weight that you have carried to ensure truth and honor. I convey to you the sincere appreciation of the Daimyo." He motions to two ministers who step up to join him. "The Daimyo will be honored by your continued stay here in the Citadel, where you may have the summer to grieve and rest after your labors in his service." Mentioning the 'ronin,' Saizo, who is in the yards, he has the ministers take note to offer him lodgings and meals as well.
You are first taken to the baths, the ministers pointedly trying to not comment on your unwashed and bloodied condition, then you are each offered new Good Clothing appropriate to your station, fresh and clean and fitted by a seamstress. You are each provided with a private room, accomodations appropriate for honored guests, and shown where to take your meals together as a group, separated by paper walls from other guests of the Daimyo. The month of Uzuki now passed, you think how you wish to spend the month of Satsuki, when the rice seedlings are planted, among these fine accomodations.
Over the next week, word spreads quickly of Makoto's treachery, of the show of strength and justice by the Daimyo, at the war camp found and dealt with by the Citidel and Hidemasa. The flames of discontent among the populace of Takayama are quelled as confidence in the Daimyo is restored, knowledge of the yakuza's intentional agitation now causing the inverse reaction.
In the weeks to follow, the businesses of Makoto are quietly dismantled and disbursed, other merchants and 'merchants' assuming control of what once was his. Kogatoro is not spoken of again, nor his two sisters who aspired to higher station through their father's arranged marriages. Tsuzawa Hoshii is slain at the war camp, and dishonor falls upon the Tsuzawa family name... the last strike against the once-proud family. They lose their last lands near Takayama, with whispers that they are quietly leaving the entire Hida province in disgrace. Gossips speculate what the Daimyo of Etchu province may wish in taking them in, especially if Washima Fuhito remains in a weakened position.
This concludes this chapter - you can continue with your downtime roleplay in [005] A Month of the Daimyo's Grace.