Sumire-Collie says, "Okay, has everyone found their character sheets okay? Dobie, did you want to spoof a scene or set a vista or anything?"
Yari-Walt says, "All set."
Sumire-Collie is ready too. Ian, Dobie? Say when. ;)
Jion-Ian says, "Iku yo."
Sumire-Collie grins. "I'll take it that was a yes? ;)"
BESMGM says, "The time..."
Jion-Ian says, "Something like that."
Sumire-Collie says, "Cool. Then hit it when you're ready, Dobie. ;)"
----- I go out of the darkness
Onto a road of darkness
Lit only by the far off
Moon on the edge of the mountains.
--- Izumi
It is autumn, and the chill of approaching winter is in the air. Jion, Sumire and Yari have been riding through the encroaching gloom of evening across the edge of lands of the Fukinagashi, following the winding road to the village of the Amaya, in the forest of the valley below... the moon is rising. Sumire reckons it is only another hour or two to the village of the Amaya, a family whose loyalties her father had been courting. Just a few more hills, and then the descent into the valley.
As Sumire rides ahead on Toukon, she hears shouting and screaming in the distance ahead.
Sumire smiles at her walking companions, "Only about another hour or two to Amaya, and it is mostly downhill. We can rest there for the night." She pats Toukon's muscular shoulder, and the sturdy war horse snorts, stretching his head out, his ears pricking. She hears it too, her head coming up suddenly.
Sumire says, "side note to the GM -- Sumire wouldn't leave her companions behind, Dobie. Bad tactics, and rude to boot. ;)"
Yari keeps a sharp watch on the road ahead, and occasionally glances back the way they've come. Sumire's father expects him to make sure she's all right... he grimaces inside as the shouting rises ahead. Oh, no. She'll want to charge in to the rescue, and the kami alone know what this is...
Sumire-Collie nods, "Got it."
Jion sighs quietly. "That sound becomes more common every night... Sumire?"
Sumire nods to Jion, already stringing her bow, "I hear it, Jion-san." She nudges the pony with a heel, and it trots lightly ahead a short bit as she nocks an arrow, so she's point.
Sumire-Collie says, "Should I roll for more data, GM? She's got Heightened awareness.
BESMGM says, "Go ahead."
Sumire-Collie says, "What do I roll, please? How many dice?"
BESMGM says, "Roll 2d6."
Yari unlimbers his spear as he follows Sumire forward. He looks in Jion's direction. "Your pardon, Jion-sama, but you have heard this sound often?"
Sumire rolls 2d6 for 6
Jion begins to jog ahead after Sumire. "All too often, I'm afraid. Hayaku."
BESMGM says, "To be clearer, HA gives you a bonus to any roll involving awareness, at -2 bonus per level. I usually find that adding it to the relevant Stat is the same, and easier to remember, and roll under that. Clear?"
Sumire-Collie says, "So... I roll 2d6 for a 6. I then add the Mind stat, giving me a 12. Then, since it's HA, I subtract 2, giving me a 10. Is that how it goes? What am I comparing this 10 to?"
Sumire-Collie says, "Oh! So I add 2 to the mind stat, making it 12, and have to roll under that, which I did with a 6?"
BESMGM says, "No, no... HA is not a skill, it is an attribute. Attributes affect rolls, or do something spiffy. Let me step you though it again."
Sumire-Collie says, "No, wait. Mind is 6, +2 is 8, so a 2d6 roll of 6 is under that."
BESMGM says, "Exactly. You got it the second time."
Sumire-Collie says, "Okay, good. So what's different if it's a skill?"
BESMGM says, "If it's a skill, like... your archery... you do a Skill Check like so: Stat + Skill, roll under that, with any applicable modifiers due to your action or situational penalties or bonuses."
Sumire-Collie says, "So... the stat would be Body, added to the skill Archery, and then roll 2d6 under that?
Yari-Walt says, "And for consistency, we should treat Heightened Awareness as a +2 skill for observations...."
Sumire-Collie says, "Dobie, still there?"
BESMGM says, "Oops. Bad example on my part. Combat Skills add to the CV... Better example would be your Performing Arts. Soul (or Mind depending) + Skill = your target number"
Sumire-Collie says, "Okay... I think I got it, then. So... Okay, I'm with you. So... she rolled 2 under on her HA. What does she perceive, please?"
BESMGM says, "Combat skills you add to your CV or DCV as appropriate. Clear?"
Sumire-Collie nods.
Yari-Walt nods. "Got that."
Coming up over the hill, Sumire beholds a chaotic scene. A band of bandits, by their ragtag garb and gear, are scattering from the forests, fleeing in terrified rout across the hill, towards a road that takes them north -- by comparison, the small group of companions of the road are heading east. The horse-riders are not waiting for their running companions, but spurring on their mounts...
Sumire blinks, studying the scene with a bit of confusion even as she's careful not to skyline herself. "I... am not sure what this is... something is scattering bandits!"
One of the riders she spots is half-slumped over his mount. A comrade wheels near and tries to guide the horse toward the rest of the fleeing band... the rider of the spooked horse slides off bonelessly, and the other rider doesn't even stop.
Sumire looks for the source of the bandits' panic.
She thinks she catches dim shapes moving at the edge of the forest... village samurai, perhaps.
Sumire shades her eyes, trying to make out what's moving at the forest's edge. She's never seen bandits flee in such terror.
Jion says, "The provincial government couldn't possibly have enough men to spare to hunt mere bandits, not with the Army of the West so close..."
Sumire nods silently to Jion's words, still trying to make things out.
Yari strides over to Sumire's mount and observes. "If it's the local warriors, Sumire-sama, might I suggest we try not to look like bandits?" He readies his spear once he's on the ground. And if it's something else, then best we're not running ourselves...
The bandits continue to flee. Whatever Sumire thought she saw at the edges of the forest seems to have faded away. Perhaps coming closer would help... it is approaching twilight.
Sumire frowns quietly, watching... then looks to see where her companions are. "Approaching with confidence would seem indicated, yes." She leaves her dai-kyu strung, but puts the arrow away, gathering up her reins in one hand, "Let us do so. The village may need assistance."
Yari nods and shoulders his spear again, ready to continue.
Sumire waits until Jion is with them, then walks Toukon slowly down the hill, carefully not outpacing her companions. She studies the forest intently as they approach, riding with confidently loose reins.
Jion walks alongside Sumire, eyes on the treeline. He resists the impulse to reach for his blade; something feels wrong here, but he keeps his own counsel about it.
The forest has a heavy, anticipatory air. As the group goes down the path closer to the forest, they pass the fallen bodies of several of the bandits. Some appear to have died by sword, other by some stranger source... their faces unrecognizable beneath the savage lacerations covering them.
Jion pauses to kneel down near one of the corpses. "That's strange... I don't recognize the sword hand that did this."
Yari keeps watch, with his spear ready, while Jion checks the bodies. "I don't think that was caused by a human weapon, Jion-sama."
Sumire exclaims softly under her breath, and when Jion kneels next to a corpse she wheels the pony light-footedly so her near side is towards the forest, covering the samurai. Her eyes search the treeline puzzledly.
The trees gaze back at her silently. Toukon snorts and shies a bit.
Jion frowns. "Baka. Come here, see. This is the mark of a blade. But... look, the bones are broken, not cut. Either the school is very crude... or this is a very savage attacker. These other wounds... look as if some animal fell upon them."
It is dead silent, except for the faintly receding sounds of the bandits.
Jion finds stranger things still in the wounds of his attackers... dirt, thorns.
Sumire sways easily with Toukon's shy, then pats the pony's shoulder absently, "Steady, Toukon-kun... don't forget training, pretty boy..." She spares a rather unhappy glance at the bodies, "Like... like something very strong hit them, then, Jion-san?"
Jion squints a bit in the darkness. "What... is this? Bara? There are thorns in this wound... and earth. Too deeply to be from running..."
Sumire gives Jion a puzzled glance, "A... a forest kami, perhaps? But... then what of the village of Amaya?" She takes a slow breath, then says steadily, "We... need to go check the village... see if anyone is left alive."
Jion stands and takes a step closer to the treeline, and sucks in his breath sharply at what he finds near the side of the road -- a man whose legs appeared to have been crushed, as if giant hands twined together and mingled bone and flesh. "Ah! Doerai...."
Jion says, "This one's legs are crushed..."
Yari swallows and moves to stand between Sumire and the corpse. "He looks like something wrung him out like a wet rag."
Sumire's head turns sharply, her free hand already reaching for arrows... then she realizes Jion's speaking of the dead, and not of an approaching foe. She just shakes her head slowly, "We can not help here. Come... let us go check the village, please."
Yari nods and moves back to flank Sumire. "Hai, mistress."
Jion takes a step back. "Susamajii... just awful. Yes, we should not stay here."
Sumire nudges her pony forward as soon as everyone is back on the road, and the small cavalcade continues... although they are rather more quietly wary and tense now.
Sumire talks quietly as they walk, "So... do either of you know anything about kami?"
The forest closes in around them, swallowing the sounds of their conversation and the dying light of day. Up ahead, they spot a man leaning against one of the trees, as if resting...
Jion's hand closes around the grip of his blade.
Sumire rolls 2d6 for 5
Jion rolls 2d6 for 8
Sumire-Collie made her's by 1.
Yari-Walt doesn't think so... "Unless Forest Survival includes it...
Yari rolls 2d6 for 2
Yari-Walt made his by at least 6... :)
Sumire and Yari know that nature spirits and other supernatural creatures can be quite terrifying and savage when disturbed, but that it would make no sense for a nature spirit to be here, as they usually lair in places remote to human populations.
Sumire-Collie nudges Yari -- you say it, you got it by more. ;)
Yari shrugs. "Only a little, mistress. A kami could do this if disturbed, but they rarely lair this close to human villages. I don't know what could have brought it here, if that is what it is."
Jion says, "We are not alone here."
Sumire murmurs quietly, "Thank you, Yari-san... yes, I see now, Jion, thank you." She's silent for about 3 of Toukon's steps -- then she says, "Well. Let us remember we are Fukinagashi." She straightens slightly and continues to head towards the stranger.
Jion-Ian says, "You don't strictly have to call him that. It depends on how close to him you feel."
Sumire-Collie says, "What's good evening in Japanese, Ian? Do you know?"
Yari-Walt grins. "And I don't think you have to -san me...:) I'm peasant stock, after all."
Jion-Ian says, "Konban wa."
Sumire-Collie says, "Yah, but what does one call a trusted family servitor? There must be something?"
Jion-Ian says, "-san is appropriate for that situation."
Sumire calls out to the stranger, as they approach, "Konban wa! Are you recently from Amaya?"
Sumire-Collie nods, "Thanks, Ian."
Sumire-Collie thinks it's sort of like Mr. -anyone can use it to be courteous?
The stranger shivers and straightens up. In his right hand is a rusting sword thick with blood. His breath comes out of him in one long ghostly exhalation, like water. "Tanin..." His eyes are sightless and dark, like a blind man's.
Sumire rolls 2d6 for 10
Jion rolls 2d6 for 6
Jion-Ian got his exactly.
Sumire-Collie says, "Well, if it's against soul + HA, I made it by 2. Did I do that right?"
Yari rolls 2d6 for 6
BESMGM says, "If you took your Soul, added 2 (for 1 level of HA) and rolled under that, yes."
Yari-Walt makes his exactly with HA.
Sumire-Collie nods, "Yep! Good. Made it by 2 then. ;)"
Yari-Walt and misses without HA.
All three feel the shiver in the air, the faint chill that seems to emanate from the stranger, who has risen completely to his feet and is tottering towards them. Each step is surer than the last... and from the forest around them, they can hear echoing whispers and snaps of branches. With a sudden, sick start, Sumire recognizes the man, Hirozaki, a wandering 'tinker' and sword arm. He had come to her father once, asking for help against the bandits.
Sumire starts slightly, her eyes widening at the sounds from the forest. One hand falls to her quiver and she says sharply, "Hirozaki-san, what have you done?!"
Jion pauses where he is, hand on the grip of his blade. "Shiryo..." He calms himself and just watches the approach of the creature.
Yari sets himself to defend. Or, what have you become?
Jion knows this man is not his match...
Sumire-Collie says, "Hey, wait! Could y'all actually DO those, for the cambot, so we can see how they're done? At least the stats parts? ;)"
Sumire-Collie says, "Also, if Aura of Command would help snap this guy out of whatever trance he appears to be in, Sumire'd like to do that, please? ;)
"Do not disturb this place; your blood will water the earth if you attempt to pass..."
Hirozaki is walking directly towards the three. Jion studies him, and knows that he could best this man in a fight (yes, he is better than the stranger is). Yet there is something strange about him that gives him pause.
Sumire frowns, "Hirozaki, we are not tanin -- we are not strangers to you. You spoke to my father, the Fukinagashi, asking for help against bandits. I am here. Let us pass."
BESMGM says, "Go ahead."
Sumire rolls 2d6 for 5
Sumire-Collie umms... "Soul + stat is 10, so I made it by 5. ;)"
Sumire-Collie is concentrating on Hirozaki. ;)
He hesitates and shudders. There's something like recognition in his eyes, but then there's a wet squeezing noise, and Sumire realizes with horror that what she thought was dirt on his clothes is actually long thin twigs twined and grown around him... and cutting into his graying skin. Blood drips from one arm, and he takes another halting step forward.
"Sumire? Please... flee this place..."
Sumire whispers in horror, "Hirozaki? What have you..." -pragmatism takes over, "How do we free you from this?"
His arm comes up with the sword. "Kill me... you cannot pass." His voice is thick and dry, and it takes visible effort to say even that much. The forest stirs around them, and with a sharp crack, a skeletal figure literally topples out of one of the nearby trees (about twenty feet away) to the ground, its bones covered in vines and thorns. Slowly it rises to its feet and its eyeless skull grins at them. It too holds a rusted and nicked blade.
Sumire takes a deep breath, then says grimly, "We will pray for your soul, Hirozaki-san. Yari, Jion, please cover each other." With a sharp, "Hai!" she charges the pony directly towards the doomed man, nocking and drawing an arrow.
Jion's eyes widen, and he draws his sword as the remains rise to life. The blade sings softly. I draw my sword in the name of Sejuro Kurogane. The sword raised in his name is raised for the people of the world. Master... I pray this is right decision.
Jion rolls 1d6+7 for 13
Sumire rolls 1d6 for 5
BESMGM says, "The vines are not connected to the ground, no"
Sumire-Collie says, "What's the base CV?"
BESMGM says, "Er, your combat value... in this case 6"
Sumire rolls 1d6+6 for 11
Sumire-Collie says, "Thanks! ;)"
BESMGM says, "Attack Combat Value that is... on your sheet after Soul"
Yari rolls 1d6+6 for 9
BESMGM says, "Jion goes first."
Sumire-Collie says, "So... Jion, me, Yari, yes?"
BESMGM rolls 1d6 for 4
BESMGM rolls 1d6 for 3
Yari-Walt says, "And wherever the things come in..."
BESMGM says, "Jion, Sumire, Yari and Hiro, dead thing."
Jion-Ian says, "Close and attack."
Jion-Ian says, "Just checking on some stuff. ACV plus three for Melee Attack, and... shit, I've forgotten Combat Mastery?"
Sumire-Collie says, "If necessary you can do massive damage too, I think?"
BESMGM says, "Attack what? Hiro or dead thing? Everyone has a +1 penalty due to the poor lighting... CM should be added in, since it's a permanent mod"
Jion-Ian says, "Okay, +1 for CM, yes? Also, I have Blind Fighting, does the lighting still matter?"
BESMGM says, "Lighting doesn't matter if you have BF, yes, +1 for CM, I checked.. let me know if you're using any other of your kensei abilities"
Jion-Ian says, "We're going to go with Precise Stroke for this one."
Yari-Walt has a horrible feeling that we'd be better off using fire against these things...
BESMGM says, "Ok, so you have only a +1 penalty for making a targeted shot if you so choose."
BESMGM says, "You could disarm him, slice off his head, whatever."
Jion-Ian says, "Okay, called shot on the sword. As I recall, Massive Damage won't affect this roll, yes?"
Sumire-Collie says, "It gives you 5 pts more damage, Ian. Didn't I put that on the character sheet?"
Jion-Ian says, "I should know this stuff already, but it's been awhile :P Okay, I'm gonna get on with this."
Sumire-Collie says, "Go for it! ;)"
Jion rolls 1d6+10 for 12
BESMGM says, "Ah. I see I should review How to Attack. Only Initiative is 1d6. Your ACV + Skill with any mods, is what you need to roll under."
Sumire-Collie says, "And roll 2d6?"
Jion-Ian says, "Grh. I knew that. No, I did. Really. Honest."
Jion rolls 2d6 for 10
BESMGM says, "So Jion, 7 (ACV) + Sword Skill is what you need to roll under on 2d6 , with a +1 penalty for targeted shot."
BESMGM says, "EVERY roll in the game, save initiative, is on 2d6"
Jion-Ian says, "Got it exactly. I should be rolling below eleven for CM, I believe?"
Sumire-Collie hms. "So... any 'penalties' you have you subtract from your die roll, OR add to your ACV + skill number?"
BESMGM says, "No. I checked your figures... someone added CM in for you."
Jion-Ian says, "So they did. I missed."
BESMGM says, "No. The easiest way to think about it is to just reduce your pre-roll total by that amount. That way it stays all subtraction. So, 7+ACV -1 (for targeted shot) = his target number."
BESMGM says, "So, Jion has a 7 + 3 (sword) skill = 10 -1 (targeted shot), he needed to roll below a 9. He missed."
Sumire-Collie hms again. "So for me it'd be... ACV 6 + 2 levels in gun bunny + uh... 2 levels in archery... where do things like ranged attack and defense come in?"
BESMGM says, "No... Gun Bunny is an attribute -- special tricks you can do. Look at the description for the particular special ones you have... lightning draw and steady hand. steady hand would help if you were trying to fire while in full motion or doing something crazy... neither would help here..."
Sumire-Collie says, "Nah, she's on the pony, so... does that negate any potential penalties for firing from horseback?"
Yari-Walt thinks hanging around here with these plant-vampires is crazy enough...
BESMGM says, "So for Sumire, it'd be ACV 6 + 2 (archery) -1 due to lighting = 7 or less. Steady Hand does negate any potential penalties for firing from horseback, yes."
Sumire-Collie says, "Okay, let's get this rolling. ACV + archery + riding - gun bunny (steady hand) + ranged attack?
Sumire-Collie says, "Where do our attack/defense skills come in?"
BESMGM says, "Archery IS your attack skill :) Or do you mean something else?"
Sumire-Collie arghs, and is beginning to understand why people seem to LOATH combat so much on line... if we're not all focused and together, it takes for EVER! ;-p
BESMGM chuckles amusedly and says nothing.
Yari-Walt thinks it helps if we all know the system, too...:)
BESMGM says, "You think?"
Sumire-Collie ahs! "I understand now re attacks. Careful, Dobie, or I'll make you run Hero again. Okay, can she use riding and gun bunny to get any bonuses, or do they even each other out?"
Jion-Ian says, "Less chat and more mechanics, eh?"
Jion swings at Hirozaki and misses wide... (Sumire gets to go, range is too short to charge him, so no bonuses)
Sumire rolls 2d6 for 11
BESMGM says, "It was coming, dear."
The arrow goes wide. (Yari)
Yari-Walt asks, "How far am I from the nearest creature?"
Sumire-Collie, "Hold on. What's this about range? Dobie, please don't add things. I specifically said we were well back. She called out to him /because/ they were well back. And by implication, are you saying charging gives bonuses? Is this a house rule?"
BESMGM says, "Yes, you are well back - but you're in a dense forest and you don't have a lot of freedom of movement. Hiro approached, and I assumed Jion moved up to engage him. What I meant is that Steady Hand is meant for situations where you're facing penalties due to movement. SH is about mitigating penalties, not giving bonuses."
Sumire-Collie blinks, "What happened to the damn PATH?!
Yari-Walt suspects that the path is our ONLY movement option.. and only back, at that...
BESMGM says, "You're on the path... but you're on a pony. Yes, Walt, my point."
Sumire-Collie sighs, and had an extremely different visual, sorry. Horses do not run through forests (unless they're in a blind panic and the riders want to be wiped off on branches), and within the forest we couldn't have seen the bandits' horses fleeing... ergo I assumed a broader field of view. I'll fix that in edit.
Sumire-Collie says, "Okay. How wide is this narrow strip of cleared path, please? If it's going to effectively destroy my character's mobility, I'd like to know precisely what she has to work with.
BESMGM says, "Whoa... no, no... you guys didn't start in the forest. The views I described to you were you guys on the hills looking down at the forest. At the forest edge -- i.e. back out in the open brush and hills, was where you guys spotted the bandits fleeing. You went down the path, noted the bandits, and proceeded into the forest. and yes, the horses that you all saw were in blind panic."
BESMGM says, "Is everyone clear on the visual now? The only thing you've seen in the forest is Hiro and dead thing."
Jion-Ian says, "That's fine. Let's move on."
Sumire-Collie nods. "Sumire's just going to stand the pony then. Not much point to trying to use her mobility if it'll get her killed on a branch."
BESMGM says, "It's about 8' across."
Sumire-Collie says, "Yari, your turn."
Yari-Walt is ... ah, good. A narrow road, not a path, and if Sumire's staying back, then I'll be staying there to cover her...
Sumire-Collie nods to Walt, "She can't perform as a horse archer in this environment unfortunately. She's just an archer."
Yari sets himself at Toukon's shoulder, his spear ready to attack or defend if the creatures move closer - but for now just waiting.
Yari-Walt shrugs. "She can, but why should she bother? She's fine where she is."
Sumire-Collie says, "Certainly. She then loses her ability to defend, and since she's lightly armored and only does 5 pts per arrow, she'd be toast."
BESMGM says, "Now Hiro goes, engaging Jion."
BESMGM rolls 2d6 for 9
Hirozaki swings clumsily at Jion, bits of moss flaking off his rusted sword.
The dead thing continues to walk through the trees towards the path. It will emerge near Hirozaki, in front of Jion, next round.
Sumire rolls 1d6+6 for 11
Jion rolls 1d6+7 for 8
Yari rolls 1d6+6 for 11
BESMGM rolls 1d6 for 5
BESMGM rolls 1d6 for 3
Sumire rolls 2d6 for 4
BESMGM says, "Sumire and Yari, Jion, Hiro, dead thing"
Sumire fires another arrow at Hiro, this time striking.
Sumire-Collie says, "Arrows do 5 pts apiece."
Sumire-Collie hms. Pity there's not a skill for firing twice a round. Yari, your turn.
BESMGM says, "Weapons do damage + ACV"
BESMGM says, "There's an attribute for it. You can still do it without it, just at a penalty."
Sumire-Collie ahs, "Then it's 11 pts of damage."
Yari's eyes narrow at the clumsiness of the things, and he moves forward to attack the skeletal creature.
Hiro gasps and his head droops for a second, then comes back up, eyes still ghostly dark.
BESMGM says, "Since you're back with Sumire, and she's well back, it will take you a round of movement to move up to where Jion is."
Yari-Walt. "Oh, fooey. I thought they'd moved up a bit. Can I save the roll?"
BESMGM says, "Sure, why not. No... they'd have to pass Jion. :)"
Sumire-Collie looks puzzled, "It didn't take Jion an action, did it?"
Jion-Ian says, "The skeleton is farther away than Hiro. He'd have to pass me and Hiro and go beyond, to meet the deadhead."
Sumire-Collie nods.
BESMGM says, "Go ahead, Jion"
Jion-Ian says, "I think in the interests of ending this quickly, I'm going to apply my Special Weapon Attack."
BESMGM says, "Which is?"
Jion-Ian says, "For brevity's sake, check the sheet, it's filed under Mugetsu, just under Attributes."
BESMGM says, "Ok, you get a -1 bonus for Accuracy... what are you doing? (the only other special attribute I note is Penetrating."
Jion-Ian says, "By doing, you mean a description of the move? As pertains to the game, I'm not doing anything but attacking."
BESMGM says, "Ok. Then just roll."
Jion rolls 2d6 for 9
BESMGM rolls 2d6 for 4
Hiro hits Jion for 15
Sumire-Collie looks confused, "Hang on... Hiro can only defend right now, not attack, right?"
BESMGM says, "Jion, make a defense roll now?"
BESMGM says, "i.e. you only take the damage if you fail a dodge, my bad."
Jion rolls 2d6 for 8
Jion-Ian says, "Hit."
BESMGM says, "He can still attack, but since he tried to dodge the arrow, all attacks this round are at a -2 bonus... the pile-on factor."
BESMGM says, "Deduct armor from that damage, don't forget."
Sumire-Collie says, "Hold on, please. Ian was the one attacking. When being attacked, all you can do is defend, right? And then Hiro can attack back... AFTER Ian's finished attacking and Hiro's finished defending?"
BESMGM says, "Yes, that's right. Ian, did Jion hit with his attack? I jumped the gun, sorry. When you roll for the attack, immediately tell me if you hit."
Jion-Ian says, "Yes, that was a solid hit; I waited because I assumed you had something planned here."
Sumire-Collie apologizes, but has just been informed by Bob & Lou that dinner is at 8:00pm here. I'm going to have to withdraw at that time, I'm sorry.
BESMGM says, "Oh. Sorry. I didn't realized you'd hit. Ok, so damage?"
Jion-Ian says, "21."
Hiro staggers and drops, his blood pooling on the dirt of the path. Eagerly, tendrils of brush reach out to embrace him.
Jion executes the Mugetsu, his master's secret technique. Using it against a helpless victim doesn't make him feel any better about it; but later for that. He flicks the blood from his blade and waits for the skeleton to approach.
The dead thing steps out onto the path.
Yari rolls 1d6+6 for 7
Jion rolls 1d6+7 for 13
Sumire-Collie coughs quietly, "Dobie... did you see my previous query?"
Sumire rolls 1d6+6 for 12
BESMGM says, "No. What was it?"
Sumire-Collie restates, "Who's next? The skeleton? Shall we finish this round of combat, then stop?"
Sumire-Collie has to leave at 8 here? That's in... 8 minutes?
Jion-Ian says, "If the skeleton doesn't drop this round, Collie, Jion will send Sumire back. We'll finish the combat and I'll log it for you."
Sumire-Collie says, "Is that okay with you guys? I'd like that, if you two don't mind, but I don't want you to do it if you don't want to?"
BESMGM says, "That's fine."
Jion-Ian says, "Walt can leave too if he likes. I don't mind ending the combat alone."
Sumire-Collie looks inquiringly at Walt?
Yari-Walt nods. "Not a problem. You're in the back of the group, so you can just watch for other bad guys while we deal with this one.
Sumire-Collie nods, "Okay, that's cool then. Thanks, all, for your patience. Um... since it's beginning of a new initiative, I think I'll step out here, so as to not leave in mid round."
BESMGM says, "So... Collie leaves at 8, Walt and Ian finish skeleton and full stop."
BESMGM says, "If Jion doesn't object, I don't object to you two swapping turns - he could simply hold for you anyhow."
Jion-Ian has no problem there.
Sumire-Collie waves to all and must dash. Thanks again, guys.
Sumire falls asleep.
BESMGM says, "Sorry this was so slow folks, I think as we get the hang of it, it'll get a lot faster."
BESMGM says, "I guess that was a no. Ok... Jion go."
Jion-Ian says, "Since this is for the purposes of examining game mechanics, for the log's sake I'm going to try something new; I'm going to use Chambara Master and the Mugetsu attack."
BESMGM says, "Ok, if you succeed you get +5 damage + your Acrobatics level."
Jion-Ian says, "That'll be 27 total. Let's see."
Jion rolls 2d6 for 10
Jion-Ian says, "With the Accuracy bonus, that is a hit."
Jion drives the creature back, and lops off its off arm.
Jion lands lightly after striking the thing, steadying himself. "Yari! Strike it now!"
Yari drives forward, the spear stabbing into the heart of the thing.
BESMGM rolls 2d6 for 8
BESMGM realizes I forgot to roll for the defense of skeleton thingy... Jion would have hit anyhow."
Yari-Walt says, "And that's spear plus 6 for ACV plus 5 for focussed damage, if I read things correctly..."
BESMGM rolls 2d6 for 4
BESMGM says, "That's right, Walt."
BESMGM says, "You hit."
Jion-Ian says, "Walt lacks a book, Dobie, you'll have to fill him in on what a spear's damage score is."
BESMGM says, "Spear is 5, so 16. It drops."
However... it is still moving, slowly, trying to get up. Plant tendrils writhe around the shattered bones.
(Log stopped Mon Oct 8 1901 08:05 PM by "Jion" at "Soundstage 6" OOC)
(Listing Complete OOC)