Daidoji Ryu wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 30, 2025 10:29 pm

Snip

Cearnach wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 30, 2025 10:18 pm

Snip

Matsu Masumi wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 30, 2025 12:16 am

Snip

Our heroes rush to the docks as the hunt for the funny looking fellow nears its conclusion!

Will the fiendish villain escape? Or will Rokugani justice prevail?

At long last, it seemed like an important question could be answered: What needs grappling?!

The docks are muggy in the early afternoon. Boats are loaded and unloaded by the stevedores working constantly. Most of the clans came up the river to Kyuden Ikoma, so each has a kobune, but there are scores of merchant boats as well. The harbormaster's office is off to the right. The warehouses stretch down the bank some distance beyond that.

People teem the dockyards, going about their business. Merchants, stevedores, boatmen, wholesalers, and the rest. A sea of possibilities.

"Watch your backs, both of you. There's no telling what we may be walking into."

The crowds were dense and busy but Ryu had given them their first target, the Tortoise kobune. Sae headed straight for it, cutting like a knife through the crowd. If their target wasn't there they would simply keep widening the net.

Ryu took up his usual position at his cousin's shoulder.

The Tortoise kobune is well-manned at all times. Guards in Tortoise mons stand at the gangway.

"Good afternoon, Magistrate-sama. Can we help you?"

Cearnach wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 31, 2025 2:04 am

The Tortoise kobune is well-manned at all times. Guards in Tortoise mons stand at the gangway.

"Good afternoon, Magistrate-sama. Can we help you?"

"Good day minna-san." Sae nods at them politely.

"I have an urgent meeting with a samurai here. He didn't leave his name, but his appearance was quite distinctive. Bug eyes and crooked teeth, quite talkative and loud."

While the Crane's tone is mild she keeps an eye out to see if the description leads to any signs of recognition among those present.

It certainly does not seem to. Both Tortoise look slightly confused. "I'm sorry, Magistrate-sama, but that doesn't really ring a...wait! There was a guy. Merchant type. He's been down here once or twice. Real odd-looking, like you describe. Thin little mustache. Hangs out with the Mantis, I think."

If there were three options hovering over Masumi's head, she would choose Doubt! It was far too easy to blame it on the Mantis... even if she would equally suspect them of misdeeds.

---

Any... Investigation roll?

Sure. Investigation/Perception. TN 20.

Masumi crossed her arms, certain that there was something not adding up!

---

D11 EA: Press X to Doubt (Investigation / Perception) TN 20 | 6k3 ⇒ 29 (TN: 20)

You feel like your instincts are correct, they tacked on the Mantis part. But the bit about seeing the guy down here every so often has the ring of truth.

Masumi cleared her throat. "You are standing in the presence of Emerald Magistrate Daidoji Sae, Heir to the illustrious House Miyahara, the Guardian of the River, the Sword of the Empress. She is the bridge between the north and south, lover and honor. All divides in the Empire have been swept beside because of her." She adjusted her kimono a bit before taking a step forward. "Please do not sully your testimony in her presence. We wish for only the facts about this individual we have inquired about. Since her time is precious, we will not issue another warning."

Sae experiences a swell pride and embarrassment in equal measure, but does gently rest a hand on her sword and give the guards a 'the truth please, without embellishments' look.

Ryu just stood there, his expression bland. Goodness, sometimes it really was helpful to have a Lion around.

The Tortoise look at each other. "So he comes down here every now and then. Look around."

Well, that was enough of an invitation. Ryu would begin looking around, although he'd also keep a careful eye on the Tortoise. They were a suspicious acting bunch...

[To facilitate this going forward, go ahead and roll when you feel you are doing things that might require a roll to be successful. In this case, an Investigation (Search)/Perception check at TN 20 will turn up the next witness]

Ryu's gaze was sharp as he looked around...

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D11EA Searching, VP spent | 8k3 ⇒ 32 (TN: 20)
(sorry, from this side of the screen it's not obvious; I was expecting we'd just have a scene transition next or something, not a roll)

[That wasn't meant to be a disparagement, but I do take your point. These kinds of scenes are hard to get done in this format.]

Indeed, the Daidoji's keen eyes caught sight of...the culprit!!




He is trying to discreetly get away from the docks, but an Emerald Magistrate has a way of parting crowds. Soon, he is looking up at the team, sweating.