[Day 4, LM, EVENT] The Liberation of Otomo Gorobei, Part III: The Sentry

[Cearnach]

Daintily wiping a bead of sweat from his mighty brow with a silk handkerchief, Otomo Gorobei breathes a sigh of relief. Assisted by noble friends, he has eluded both snitch and duty. But judging by the grim look etched on Miya Retsu’s face, they aren’t out of the woods yet. Indeed, Irie raises her hand for them to stop just before the turn into the main corridor leading to the door exiting the Imperial Apartments. There would be a guard there, of course, and that guard would report to one of two people: either Seppun Sadako, who may have left standing orders to keep him trapped in his quarters to help Seppun Tomaru’s claim, or, worse, Otomo Tooru, whose partisan affiliation with Otomo Keihime makes him a sworn enemy of Gorobei and all who know him to be the rightful heir! What Gorobei would not give to strike down that treacherous snake, that obsequious lickspittle, that supine dog!

But such thoughts are for the future; for now, it falls to another supporter of Gorobei to resolve this issue. May their celestial rewards be manifold!

A: Look! A Distraction!
The guard may be a Seppun, and he may be conscientious, but he is still a human, and therefore an animal that runs on instinct. What can a man trained to look do but look when prompted? Make a Tn 20 Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness roll to use his training against him, getting him to look away so the Imperial Trio can slip by.

Advantages: Benten's Blessing
Disadvantages: Can't Lie,

B: Manufacturing Confrontation.
A warrior’s honor must be defended as much as any door. Insult the guard, making either a TN 15 Lore: Bushido/Awareness or a TN 20 Lore: Imperial Families/Awareness roll to make it stick. You (or your champion) will need to fight a duel to first blood with this guard tomorrow morning!

Disadvantages: Fukurokujin's Curse

C: New Orders from the Boss. You’re Relieved.
So, look, sometimes guards are gullible. Make an Acting (disguise)/Awareness check at TN 25, to impersonate Seppun Sadako and order the guard elsewhere. Won’t he be surprised to learn Seppun-ue was in her office the whole time! Obviously, there are consequences for getting caught impersonating an Imperial Daimyo, so try not to get caught!

Disadvantages: Can't Lie

[Soshi Eiji]

(Placeholder)

Choosing Option A Distraction: 40 vs 20. Pass

[Soshi Eiji]

Otomo Gorobe had not impressed Eiji on their meeting. Perhaps it WAS better to keep him stuffed in a tiny little room lined with paperwork.

But that did not appeal to Eiji's sense of right and wrong. If the man was a hero or a fool, he should have the opportunity to prove himself such before everyone.

And so when his aid was requested with this little plot, he agreed.

When it was his turn, Eiji spent a few moments jogging in place out of sight to give himself the right amount of breathing hard and a little sweat before running up to the Seppun.

"Ah...Seppun-sama...thank goodness..you're here. I think I saw...someone who fit the description....of the intruders who broke into the Cran clan delegation. They went running...that way!" he added pointing with urgency away from the direction the trio would be coming. "Hurry!"

Choosing Option A Distraction: 40 vs 20. Pass

With the guard distracted, the way was clear.

Perhaps I *should* volunteer to help with the Crane's play proposal. That was GOOD.