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Paidi tou Selini rolled 5 10-sided dice:
6, 8, 7, 3, 7
Total: 31 (5-50)
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 Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2018 3:37 am
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Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2018 11:34 pm
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@ Naohiko no Suimingukurabu
As you glance at the stage, you see the stagehands are pretty much set up. You expect that they might begin any minute now.
"I have to say, your request is... unusual," Masuyo would say, with an almost apologetic look on her half-face. "It's not a matter of unwillingness on our parts, Himura-san. But asking one clan to tell you tales of another clan while we are all staying as guests of yet another clan becomes a... thing."
Sharing his sister's sentiment in his voice, Kojiro would speak up. "Maybe it would help us to understand... why us? There's Ikoma who make excellent narrators. Is it because we are actors? You have Crane actors right there, negating the breach of you-know-what," he would say, gesturing towards the stage. "And, as Masuyo said, we are specialists of sorts. We really aren't the best suited to tell you about any old hero ever. Really, that's an Ikoma trait."
Naohiko, they're hesitant because they're worried about offending their Crane hosts, in part that you're in a public venue currently. If you want to make some sort of arrangement, you'll have to give me a courtier roll with your next post.
--------------------
@ Gendo & Kaichiyo:
Kaichiyo, your woman's intuition tells you that Mitsuko is happy, but troubled by something that is preventing her from being quite as joyous as her partner (who, in turn, either did not notice or at least did not show sign of noticing).
"Please, Morito-san. Neither Noboru or myself are as famous as you make it sound," Mitsuko would respond to Denbe, a but flushed though her voice was more nonplussed.
"Not yet, anyways," Noboru would smirk. "Mitsuko's work in particular has earned her some notice, especially from those of higher status." Noboru would smile. Mitsuko would redden and look away.
After listening to Kaichiyo's response, Noboru would respond to her, nodding politely. "Well, I hope you take a liking to this play. It's called Season's Dusk. It's a tale purportedly from one of the earlier Hantei dynasty, about a heimin girl who longed for a life above her station. It was one of Asako Juzaburo's most popular works," Noboru would explain.
"I first saw this play visiting Phoenix lands. However, this troupe in particular does a very good rendition," Mitsuko would follow after collecting herself. "I've seen them perform this same play two other times." Mitsuko's gaze would travel to Setsuna and she would give him a warm smile. Setsuna did not seem to care, as his gaze would remain fixated on Gendo.
As a note, from where you two sit, you are slightly forward from Naohiko. He can more easily see you than either of you see him (you'd have to turn your head fully to your left to see him). Gendo, Izo's lip keeps upturning whenever you happen to look his way, as if he were about to snarl angrily at you. It doesn't help that you're sitting between Kaichiyo (who is closest to the two great clansmen) and Denbe.
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Plainsfox rolled 8 10-sided dice:
10, 6, 5, 1, 1, 10, 3, 7
Total: 43 (8-80)
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Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:32 pm
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Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2018 1:54 pm
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 9:56 pm
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 10:27 pm
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@ Naohiko the proverb:
Kojiro and Masuyo would turn to look at each other, nodding slightly, before both returned their gaze to you. Kojiro smiled broadly, while Masuyo's lips were upturned ever so slightly.
"That sounds amicable," Kojiro would say.
"We actually intend to do a performance for Doji Kioko. We haven't had the chance yet, since she's been spending most of her free time with the Lion," Masuyo explained flatly.
"It might not be bad to have another daimyo's daughter view it-
- minor, or otherwise."
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@ Kaichiyo & Gendo:
"Oh, it's not like that," Noboru would start to respond to Kaichiyo. "It's really-"
"Noboru!" Mitsuko would snap, turning to face him and glaring at him. He would put his hands up defensively, before she would turn back to face Kaichiyo, smiling politely. "What he means to say is, you'll see soon enough." Though she would stop, hers and everyone else's gaze catching Gendo scooching closer to Kaichiyo.
The conversation would halt and there would be a long, awkward pause.
...
...
...
...
...
...
Suddenly, there would be a loud bang of a taiko drum, to indicate the start of the play!
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 10:51 pm
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ACT 1
The story would start out with a young girl, Suki, portrayed as very demure and attractive, living an otherwise ordinary life. She's come of age, and some male, otherwise goofy side characters seem to vie for her affections. Her father figure is absent, but you see her mother and two elder sisters, all of which pale to the Suki's integrity.
The premise of the first act soon makes itself apparent. The Emperor's eldest son has too come of age, and is touring the Empire. The village is one stop along the tour, and everyone is getting ready for the event. Efforts to prepare the village is organized by local Phoenix samurai, though the outfits are intentionally dated and exaggerated to the point where it is not insulting.
The day comes and the procession makes its way through the center of town. Suki's mother and sisters forbid her from watching and leave to do so themselves. Despite their warnings, Suki spots a woman from her window; this individual, who's hidden from view, beckons her outside. Trying to follow her, Suki finds herself at the parade, just in time to see the prince's palanquin. Though hidden from the audience's eyes, the silhouette of the prince can be seen turning and seeing Suki, their gazes meeting. It is obvious that she has fallen in love with him at first sight. It is implied he feels the same way.
As the procession continues on, several dolled-up Phoenix women have taken note of Suki, and it seems like they plan to do something about this unexpected rival. |
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Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2018 12:20 pm
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ACT 2
The scene opens with several imperials imploring the prince, off-stage, to disregard the peasant woman he saw. They inform him that he must continue his tour and they cannot idle. Soon, one of the Phoenix women from before can be seen nearby, bowing to the imperial aides and assuring that the matter will be resolved.
The scene changes to Suki's home. Apparently discovered that she had left the house, Suki's mother berates her and confines her to her bedroom. Staring out the window, Suki notices and laments the coming early winter. The hour grows late as she stares outside, and she decides to extinguish her lantern's light and retire to bed. However, after falling asleep, a presence in the dark can be seen. A woman, reaching out a hand towards the sleeping Suki. The stage darkens with a black curtain.
Very quickly though it changes. It is the same village but it is spring. A girl who appears to be Suki is there in the street, but she is clearly a samurai, not a peasant. A young man rides into town; a man of the Miya. A chance encounter, the two meet, and seem to be immediately smitten with one another.
Stagehands quickly adjust the stage. It is summer now, and Phoenix Suki and the Miya man have fallen in love and speak of marriage. During a festival, the two speak of their upcoming union in autumn. The Miya gets called off by several other local Phoenix samurai to share some sake, and Phoenix Suki bids him permission to go enjoy himself. Alone, she bids thanks to the fortunes Benten and Hujokuko, holding her abdomen. She is with child.
Fall hits. The village is under attack by ronin. Phoenix Suki can be seen, dressed in a way that would suggest she is trying to hide her pregnancy. Caught in the street as she tried to escape the unexpected battle, a ronin rushes her, sword drawn. The Miya man jumps in front of the attack, taking the blow before striking down the offender. His wound is mortal, however, and dies in her arms.
Winter is here. Phoenix Suki's father refers to her by name for the first time this act. This woman's name is Tanako, not Suki. He gives her an ultimatum, despite the loss of her lover. Either give up the child for adoption upon its birth since it was conceived out of wedlock, or be disowned from the family and stripped of her status. She sobs.
It is nighttime, still winter. Tanako, no longer pregnant, carries a bundle in her arms. One home still has a light on and it catches Tanako's eye. She approaches the door, setting the bundle down gently before it. She pounds upon the door's frame before fleeing into the darkness. The woman seen before as Suki's mother opens the door, seeing the bundle. She looks around, and does not see anyone. Picking up the bundle, she re-enters her home, the same home that Suki lives in now. Tanako seems happy for a moment, before turning her gaze away. She looks to the forest at the edge of town, and solemnly enters it alone. |
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Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 9:49 pm
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ACT 3
Suki would stare out the window of her room. Soon, her mother entered, and gave her instructions to head to the marketplace to get some things. Asking flatly if she was worried about be embarrassed in front the imperials, her mother responded by informing her that the prince's procession left early in the morning already, and to hurry up before it got dark.
Heading to the marketplace, things would seem gloomy with the painted gray sky. Suki would monologue about the dream she had the other night, and how it felt like she wasn't alone in her room. After picking up the items while she was speaking, she had an idea. She theorized that if it wasn't true, then she wouldn't find her dream mother's grave. Detouring to the village's burial site, she would take solace in the absence of Tanako's grave. She would begin to leave, noting it was getting dark. As she would light a lantern, she'd drop it immediately, and comment on finding her true father's name inscribed. However, her gaze would turn, and a fire would be seen in the distance. Dropping her basket of items, she would take off running home.
Upon arrival, she would see her home in flames, the door ajar. Despite the fact that it starts snowing, people are gathered outside, some to fight the fire, some to gawk. Fighting through the crowd, Suki would step inside, only to back out a few moments later, horrified. Some samurai bushi would spot her, pointing at her and begin to move. Terrified, Suki would flee towards the forest. The bushi would announce that for her planned assassination plot of the prince, she will be brought to justice and take up chase. The Phoenix women from the first act would watch from a distance, and muse that when the prince returned to the village for her, he'd be heartbroken and fall for one o them instead.
The scene changes to the forest. Suki is running, but the samurai are catching up. Despite her fear, she is struck by a sword slash and falls. Standing over her, the samurai claim she will pay for her crimes and move to finish her. Suddenly, someone steps out from behind a tree. It is Tanako, now a Yuki no Onna. Lifting a hand, an emulated icy blast freezes the samurai where they stand, ice-blue tarps covering the actors.
A white sheet is slowly drawn up the prone Suki actress's form by an unseen stagehand, and Tanako mourns her daughter, but tells her that soon, she will rise again and the two will truly be reunited once more, before disappearing from the view off-stage.
Moments later, someone in regal attire rides onto the scene on a faux steed, his face obscured by one of the prop trees. He surveys before dismounting, keeping his head bowed solemnly before walking towards Suki.
"This is my favorite part," Mitsuko would whisper to Kaichiyo. "The actor, Kenkichi, does a fantastic job with the prince's soliloquy. He's a really moving actor."
The prince would reach up, removing his hat, before lifting his head.
Ichi, would looked really bored, would suddenly perk up. "Isn't that...?"
"Oh Fortunes no," Denbe would quietly exclaim, covering his panicked facial expression with both hands.
"Oh, my dearest maiden," Seiichi would say, gesturing towards the snow-covered Suki. "I..." Looking to the side, he whispered loudly offstage, "Line!" He would look off-stage for a few more seconds, before nodding. "I am too late. I knew from the moment our gazes met that..." "Line!" "That our destinies were meant to be one. But..."
Seiichi's face would contort.
"Ah, to hell with this!" Bending over, he would grab and throw off the white sheet that was meant to be Suki's snow-covering. The actress was definitely surprised, but only for the briefest moment, feigning death. "I refuse to give up on you, Suki! And don't ask how I know your name, I just heard some guys saying it while I was backstage is all! I, Hantei Seiichi, am here to give you a new lease on life!" Suki's actress would remain motionless.
"Come on, don't be shy!" Seiichi would say aloud, reaching down and grabbing the actress's sleeved arm and yanking her to her feet with a squeak of surprise. "You see? It was just a flesh wound! You're alive, Suki!" Seiichi would look extremely pleased with himself.
Trying to improvise, the actress would nervously look at the Monkey. "Uh... my prince! You saved me with, ah... your divine spirit as a Hantei! You have my thanks!"
"Don't sweat it. Now, come along. We can live together happily ever after back at my place in Toshi Ranbo. <********> I mean, Otosan Uchi!" Pulling her by her sleeve, the actress stumbled after Seiichi, who mounted the face horse he rode in on. "Hi ho Suburu, away!" The fake horse, apparently on a wheeled platform, would reverse off stage, Suki's actress (who had not yet mounted but who stood on the platform) moving along with it. Looking at the audience, she would give a warm, if not pleading, smile.
The curtains would close. |
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Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:30 pm
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 5:26 pm
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 9:40 pm
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Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 8:56 pm
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@ Naohiko:
The two Scorpion would look lost in thought for a bit, before they both, simultaneously, noticed you looking at them.
"That Toku fellow is rather... indiscriminate," Masuyo would say, somewhat flatly.
"Your Monkey friend could use some lessons," Kojiro would tell Naohiko, somewhat apologetically.
The two would then stand, as if to leave.
What are you doing?
--------------------
@ Gendo & Kaichiyo:
"....."
"....."
"No..." Mitsuko would respond, before turning to face Kaichiyo, pointing an accusing finger at the drawn curtain. "No, that was not Kenkichi! That was a travesty! It was supposed to be a heartfelt soliloquy about the hubris of the bonge had cost the prince his true love and wrought only death and destruction! It was supposed to have deep moral implications and teach the audience that anyone can have worth and merit, and... and..." Flustered, Mitsuko would only huff angrily.
"Mitsuko... darling... it's not that big of a deal..."
Turning to her fiance, Mitsuko's voice would crack. "It was supposed to impress you! It was your favorite play performed by my favorite troupe and... and it was ruined!"
Noboru, who's face was naturally stern, softened in expression. "It's okay. It was still pretty good until the end. I mean... some people still liked it." His glance would turn towards the kabuki-paint-wearing Kuni who's makeup was running because he was... crying?... while clapping enthusiastically. He seemed to be the only one that had his level of enthusiasm.
"Why does nothing ever work out for us?" the Crane would say softly, her brief anger being replaced with melancholy as her gaze turned downward.
"Come on, Mitsuko, let's just go get something to eat," Noboru would say, moving a hand to her shoulder but only barely grazing it. She would slowly nod in agreement, but say nothing more as the two of them would stand.
"Perhaps we should be taking our leave too," Denbe would say, standing from his kneeling position and brushing off the bottom of his kimono. "Izo, come." As Denbe had stood and Izo got a less blocked view of Gendo, his fur would stand on end and he was lowering his head as if to growl, but his ears perked when Denbe spoke, and turned to follow his master. He would briefly turn and give Gendo a dirty look.
"... Ichi-san?" Denbe would ask, when he looked back to Ichi, who had not moved since the play concluded, simply kneeling there staring forward, almost blankly.
"..................................................."
"What's wrong?"
"............................... I don't get it."
Sighing, Denbe would respond, "I'll explain it later."
What are you two doing?
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2018 1:25 am
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The green eyed bushi bowed to the twin Scorpions. "Thank you for your willingness to share your tales with Himura-hime. As for friends, I've yet to meet Toku-san personally I take it that was him on stage?" After gathering their responses, Naohiko would speak. "Himura-hime is up there if you wish to meet her."
If the Scorpions chose not to meet the little princess, Naohiko would say the following, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Bayushi Masuyo-san and it was good to meet you again, Bayushi Kojiro-san. I look forward to hearing your tales."
He would then walk up to the rest of the minor clansmen with or without the Bayushi twins in tow. "Forgive me. I saw an opportunity that I thought I shouldn't pass up." the reddish brown headed Himura would address the gathering. "Oh! You guys are off? It was good meeting you. Ichi-san, is there any way I could arrange to spar with you? Also, Denbe-san, if you need a Kraken for anything, please don't hesitate to call."
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