The New Winds

Tanshin approaches and kneels before the collective sensei. After speaking the oaths, and performing the ceremony with Asako Himeya, Tanshin prepares to reveal his new name. He speaks in a loud, clear voice, pausing after each statemernt: "A Samurai's successes are a tribute to his daimyo and sensei...

Tanshin winced as shards of stone were plucked from his flesh. He inspects several holes in his robes caused by Sasailo's sharp rocks. Ugh... I'm running out of clothing.

He nods to the healer. "I hope it is worth it. You must have seen several championships before. How does this one compare?"

Tanshin grunts as the rocks shoot from the ground, narrowly missing important aspects of his anatomy. When all clears, he bows to Saisako deeply. "You have been an admirable opponent, Saisako-san. Your strengths speak highly of your family and teachers. Your future endeavors will greatly bring honou...

Tanshin calls upon his honor to fan the flames of the kami around him. The fiery bird appears again, and circles Tanshin feverishly as his chants grow louder, almost frenetic. With each circle, it grows in size until the heat of the fire kami can be felt by the bystanders, some of whom duck for cove...

Tanshin was about to ask again that Sasaiko withdraw when she began to focus her energies. So be it. Breaking out my roll: Spellcasting: Fire Ring 5k5, Affinity 1k0, School Rank 1k0, Spellcraft@5 1k0 = 8k5 Additions: Won Assessment 1k1, Center Stance 1k1+4, Void Point 1k1, Honor 5k0 = 8k3+4 Total: 1...

Sasaiko senses that Tanshin's soul burns brightly with 4 Void Points remaining. He lets his senses dance over Sasaiko's body as he notes her skills: D7 EE Assess +1VP +2R : 9d10ro1o10k4 59 Tanshin senses the vibrance of her soul, and her connection to the Earth. - Please provide Earth Ring, Void Rin...

Tanshin sighed and stepped to the mark.
"May Earth provide us the fortitude to accept what we are about to receive."

D7 EE Initiative: 3d10o10k2 14

Tanshin rose to face Sasaiko, but he did not take his mark.

"You appear unsettled Sasaiko-san. There is no need to stress yourself further. Withdraw. See to the needs of Saburo-tan."

Tanshin arrived to the appointed dueling location a few minutes early. He knelt with his back to the position of the opposing duelist. There, he waited.

Tanshin found relief in Saburo's recovery, however his words cut.

Tanshin retreated to a quieter area of the dojo to meditate for what was to come.

D7 LA Meditation TN 20: 7d10o10k4 30

Tanshin did not expect Saburo to fall so easily. He was frozen in place as Saburo collapsed in a smoldering heap. He was barely aware of the crowd. He could hear the strident calls of the judge, but he scarcely heard what was being said. He took a step to approach and offer help, but Sasaiko was alr...

Ooc: I am still unfamiliar with the nuances, if there is a way damage can be reduced, please describe them, or point me to a rules regefence

Tanshin pulled back both his arms as the fiery bird swooped behind him. He brought his hands forward mimicking the beat of wings as the bird streaked from just above his head towards Saburo! D7 LA Strike TN 15 +1FR (Focus) : 10d10ro1o10k5+5 44 Edit: No Free Raise for winning Focus.. can re-roll if G...

OOC - No worries, I've just sent a treasured pet to the void. I wasn't ready to deal with this yet. Tanshin felt a pang of fear as he bagan calling the kami to him. He hadn't been able to sense Saburo's abilities as he should have. Still, witnessing his previous duel provided decent insight. He chan...

Meh, Assessment.

D7 LA Assessment +2R TN 25: 8d10ro1o10k3 18

Tanshin casually took his place and bowed to the judge and his opponent.

"I hope you find strength in emptiness, cousin."

D7 LA Initiative: 3d10o10k2 16

Tanshin grinned.

"Toritaka Saburo does have a certain ring to it."

Tanshin shrugged.

"It would be ashame if you were to be paired next round."

"I had occasion to speak with Hazrat-san at the Shrine to the Fortunes. We had a small conversation regaridng the approach to the kami. It was a pleasant experience. I wish him well. "

Tanshin slipped a bu into his hand and showed it to Saburo. "I think he will win."

Tanshin quietly hoped for the young Kitsu to best Zashi, though he felt that Zashi was the better of the two. He was shocked as the two unleashed their spells nearly simultaneously. Hearing the judge call a tie felt disappointing, while at the same time, he felt a small bit of relief that he would n...