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The Wolf Eyes of the Mitsumine

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daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#1: Jun 17th 2015 at 5:49:38 PM

The town of Satsuma, in the northern realm of Kitauchi, ruled for centuries by the Mitsumine clan, may not be one of the greatest cities of the nation, but for the area it was the best and biggest to be found.

Nestled among a few low mountains, with a river cutting it neatly in half into the New district to the West and Old district to the East, it was a hub of trade and culture for the west of the realm... and under the supervision of the Lord Blue Oak, Arakashi Sanada it had in subtle ways declared its allegiance to the young wolf of the Mitsumine. While both Watari, the biggest military power of the west and Kamikawa, the home of the Wolf's Den where Hiroshi and Takeshi currently dwell and region of origin of the ancient Mitsumine were the most obvious centers of support for the young heir in the area, Satsuma provided both coin and produce that passed through the city and then to the area in general. There was a grim mood in the whole realm... at least for those in the know of the tensions between the new heir and the branch family in the capital. It had been a few seasons since the young wolf had come of age to rule... and yet he had not ascended to the throne in the Capital. Envoys had come and gone to both camps... and to those who could read the signs, many movements were being made in the shadows.

One of them would be, naturally, the reason why you all are in Satsuma. You had come or were called from all around the realm.. come to pledge your service to the Heir of the Mitsumine. All possessing incredible talents and capabilities... and after a a month or so of contact and investigations, you were finally called to this city. Communications with the wolves had implied that you may be needed for something special... to join a group dealing with a mystery and threats beyond the capability of common soldiers. Matters for the which, your skills were more than welcome.

You were told to gather in the Wisteria... a teahouse in Old Satsuma, a place of tradition and refinement. There you were to enter and tell the hostess you have traveled far to taste their red bean treats under the beautiful wisterias. There, guided by the mature beauty, you'll be lead down a few winding corridors into an isolated garden under a wisteria tree... where tea and treats will be served at an outdoor table and there you'll meet, again or for the first time, your new allies... a meeting to finally get to know what you may be able to do for the Mitsumine.

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#2: Jun 17th 2015 at 6:26:10 PM

The young woman called by some Sen was the first to arrive, coming down out of the forests that swaddled the Wolf Clan's proud mountains to the city. Autumn was beginning, which left the flowering wisteria sadly bare; still, Sen felt content as she sat beneath the tree, looking up at the dappling sun through the leaves as breezes carrying the scents and smells of teas and cooking food made the branches sway.

It's been fun.
Taco Since: Jan, 2001
#3: Jun 17th 2015 at 7:37:36 PM

The armored figure that entered the tea shop declined to remove his backpack, or any part of his ornate armor. He joked that he was actually some sort of ancient monster, that he was the armor! As always, that got them off his back and loosened the atmosphere enough to get him through the door. He didn't need to eat or drink to survive, and as a result he'd been to places like this many times, or anywhere else people came for food and drink that primarily just tasted good.

With all his supplies, however, Ryu Miaalden couldn't afford to dawdle and disrupt everyone else's enjoyment, what with his clanking and chingling. He said what he needed to say, and hustled into the backroom. Bag down in a corner, ass down at the table—the Wolf guy knew he was coming, knew what he was, and therefore made sure this seat could support him. Good man. Ryu raised a hand and nodded at the other person there, then faltered and stood up, taking the time to bow fully to her.

"Ma'am." He said courteously, "Guess we're early. Ryu Miaalden. Nice to meet you." He extended a hand.

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#4: Jun 17th 2015 at 10:21:44 PM

Sen didn't react at first, instead just watching the tree and the sky. When a leaf was shaken from a branch and drifted down toward the table, she followed it with her eyes, her gaze seemingly naturally settling on the armored figure. "Sen," she said, her voice a little bit scratchy. She bowed, but didn't return the hand. "Are you a foreigner, Miaalden-san?" She stumbled a little bit on the name, but it didn't seem to bother her.

Perception check to tell that Ryu isn't an actual person.

It's been fun.
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#5: Jun 17th 2015 at 11:35:44 PM

Taura ducked under the doorframe as the guide led her from the building to the garden, and sighed that they were meeting at a teahouse. Personally, she preferred locales that served hard beverages to harder patrons. Still, it seemed as though things would be interesting, at the very least.

Between the small, unassuming girl and what seemed to be a lumbering man in armor, it was obvious what got her attention. "Not often that I'm not the tallest in the room," she said as she approached. "They say it takes a strong man to wear armor like that. I think it's easier to tell a man's strength by how firm his grip is."

She let out a hearty chuckle as she grabbed his outstretched hand, a loud slap coming from her thumb hitting his as the handshake took shape. She flexed her biceps as she shook - a special handshake technique known by those with sufficient muscles for it.

edited 17th Jun '15 11:36:03 PM by nman

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#6: Jun 18th 2015 at 3:51:23 PM

Perception Check by Sen = 1d20 = 8

It is not apparent to Sen that Ryu is not a living humanoid, even when shaking his hand. For all she knows he's just wearing heavy armor.

Taco Since: Jan, 2001
#7: Jun 18th 2015 at 4:06:32 PM

Ryu retracted his hand. He'd be sweating if he could. They suspected something? Perhaps feared him? He stood up and nodded.

"Nice to meet you, Sen. I'm not a foreigner, but my adoptive father was. Is. A Green Knight, from a land he never cared to talk much about. Kind of a strange kind of man, too, a kind of lizard-man. Said his people were bred for war by dragons, but not of any kind this land had seen." He shrugged. "He's also a storyteller and a lover of tall tales, so most of what he said about that was probably untrue. Though hey..." He approached the horned woman; more muscle, looked like. "Maybe he was telling the truth!" He slapped her hand in his with a thunderous clang, meeting her raw strength with his practiced athletic expertise. "It's not just how much you can lift though, ma'am. It's all in how you lift, and how good you look doing it! Ryu Miaalden, nice to meet you."

Maybe some contested Athletics checks between Ryu and Taura to give them first impressions?

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#8: Jun 18th 2015 at 6:40:40 PM

Athletics check, Ryu 1d20+9 = 23, Taura 1d20+6= 17

Ryu's handshake was definitely carrying more strength than Taura... though the Minotaur would realize that the two had roughly the same Strength, it was Ryu's technique and training which gave his demonstration such a great kick in performance.

nman Since: Mar, 2010
#9: Jun 18th 2015 at 8:22:17 PM

"Impressive," Taura said. "I'm going to have say I look better at it than you, though. You're so covered up head-to-toe in your shieldsuit that no one can see you. No way to tell what you're doing yourself and what your metal's doing for you. Your armor may be hard, but my abs are harder, and I never have to worry about losing them."

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#10: Jun 18th 2015 at 9:18:42 PM

"That's a fine way to make friends," Sen commented, twirling a leaf by the stem between two fingers. "Can I convince you two to enjoy some tea with me before we start discussing business? It's such a nice day out." She didn't move from her impromptu seat in the roots of the wisteria tree, her sandaled feet resting on the stone walk underneath the table.

It's been fun.
Taco Since: Jan, 2001
#11: Jun 19th 2015 at 6:28:51 PM

"It's all in force of personality, though!" Ryu declared, taking a seat once again. "And yes, you may cite a 'shieldsuit,' the truth of the matter is that I couldn't bear to part with this armor. It cuts an imposing figure on a battlefield and makes me a symbol in a fight. Useful for inspiring others." He snagged himself a teacup. "And I would love to partake. Flavorful food such as this is one of my passions."

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#12: Jun 19th 2015 at 7:41:16 PM

Teahouse Corridors

Elsewhere in the Wisteria, a quiet young man dressed in dark clothes approached the hostess, but bearing a different message from the previous arrivals:

"The season is not right for wisteria, but the autumn colours are in full splendour. When the guests are ready, our host would invite them for a viewing."

The guide from the Mitsumine had arrived.

edited 19th Jun '15 7:42:17 PM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#13: Jun 20th 2015 at 1:45:07 AM

"Suit yourself," Taura said to Ryu as she, too, sat down. "I prefer having my eyes able to look right into someone's soul.

She grabbed another tea cup and looked at it. "I hope they serve us something harder than watered leaves if this discussion goes on long," she added, taking a large gulp to down the cup in one go. "And if you want to make friends, you can start with your name, girl."

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#14: Jun 20th 2015 at 1:54:52 AM

"They are where you would expect them, okiaku-san... You'll do well to meet them. My girls are keeping eyes that nobody interrupts you" says the hostess with a subtle smile before she moves again into her work.

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#15: Jun 20th 2015 at 5:00:25 AM

Teahouse Corridors

"Our host would expect no less. Thank you." The guide nodded slightly, satisfied, and slipped quietly down the passageway to the garden... and stopped just short of the entrance, hearing the three voices from within.

He decided to let them continue talking. Even if they were potential hires, a little extra caution never hurt.

Stealth check to remain unnoticed, and general Perception or Investigation check (where applicable) to gain information on the three - if using Passive rolls, it's a +5 bonus to either of the latter due to Observant.

edited 20th Jun '15 7:02:45 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#16: Jun 20th 2015 at 12:39:49 PM

No need for Stealth as nobody has even a point of perception within the room! You can hear every word said within the room and the relative position and actions of those within as revealed by sounds as subtle as the shifting in their seats.

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#17: Jun 20th 2015 at 1:45:10 PM

"Please, call me Sen," Sen replied, lifting the teapot to pour more of the hot, bitter green tea into Taura's cup. "I serve my lord the master of the forest, and at his request I am here to serve the wolf pup of the Mitsumine." She hefted the kettle questioningly toward Ryu. "Miaalden-san?"

It's been fun.
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#18: Jun 20th 2015 at 2:09:41 PM

"Sen, short name," Taura said, downing the cup the other woman had just poured her. She reached for one of the treats on the table. "Powerful meaning behind it, too. So far I can tell one of those fits you, you'll just have to prove yourself for the other." She stood up and stretched her arms up, then cracked her knuckles. "And the old wolves have got something coming to them if they thin I've traveled far to taste nothing but their red bean treats under this wisteria. That may be a fine way to treat strangers, but not someone of my status. Or you lot, even. I'm going to find our hostess and inform her of that."

She marched off with great purpose, looking for the hostess who had taken them to the garden, intending to ask her if she could serve any sake or other hard beverages while they waited under the tree.

Please give me a penalty or disadvantage to perception since she is very focused on finding something to drink right now.

edited 20th Jun '15 2:11:28 PM by nman

Taco Since: Jan, 2001
#19: Jun 20th 2015 at 2:21:35 PM

"Please, call me Ryu." Ryu said, nodding at Sen's teapot and holding the cup up to her. "Never really got the hang of honorifics. Dad'd call me 'kid,' 'boy,' or 'brother,' and all the monks at the monastery I trained at just called me 'Ryu.' I'd prefer if I had none here too."

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#20: Jun 20th 2015 at 4:43:49 PM

Teahouse Corridors

The minotaur's intent was clear, and Kuroko knew he had to intervene before she lost interest - or caused a scene. So as Taura stormed out of the garden, he stepped out of the shadows and into her path.

"One moment, miss. There is no need to bother the hostess. Our lord invites you to a viewing of the autumn colours."

edited 7th Jul '15 6:49:39 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#21: Jun 20th 2015 at 4:54:26 PM

Teahouse Corridors
Taura ground to a halt and peered down at the odd fellow. "I've already seen the colors of Autumn," she said. "The greens and the purples, very nice, very artistic, my commendations to the gardener.... But at the moment I am more interested in seeing the choko and tokkuri which our host has failed to present us with. We can avoid bothering the hostess if you'd show me to the kitchen, so I may retrieve them myself."

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#22: Jun 20th 2015 at 5:34:34 PM

Teahouse Corridors

Sake, eh? Evidently, the minotaur had a fondness for drink. The guide lowered his voice. "The wisteria is bare, and orange and gold are the colours of the season. And you would not travel across half the country for desserts, as tempting as they might be. If it is sake and work that you seek, then, you will find both at the viewing, and my lord - our true host - would gladly share them with you."

edited 20th Jun '15 5:38:24 PM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#23: Jun 20th 2015 at 6:22:43 PM

Teahouse Corridors
"I was just out there - he wasn't," Taura said to the guide, starting to walk away in search of the kitchen or the hostess. "While he keeps us waiting, I will simply procure what should have been served to his guests beforehand."

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#24: Jun 20th 2015 at 6:53:14 PM

Sen watched Taura go curiously, sipping from her cup without a word. After the minotaur had left, she turned back to Ryu. "Ryu, then," she said finally. "Written the usual way, I assume?" Her thin index finger flicked in the air between them, sketching 竜, the kanji for dragon.

It's been fun.
Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#25: Jun 20th 2015 at 7:11:57 PM

Teahouse Corridors

There was no stopping the minotaur, Kuroko realised, and stepped aside. "The hostess should be at the front of the teahouse, then, and you can get your sake from her. We will leave when you are done, for my lord waits elsewhere." His fine sake would be wasted on the likes of you, anyway.


Teahouse Garden

With that, he slipped into the garden, in view of the other two, and extended the same greeting he'd offered Taura with a slight bow. "Apologies for the interruption. When you are ready to depart, my lord would invite you to a viewing of the autumn colours."

edited 7th Jul '15 6:49:29 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.

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